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THE PORTHOLE Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron

District 14

May 2011 VOLUME 49 ISSUE 5

A Unit of United States Power Squadrons® Sail and Power Boating – America’s Boating Club

Building a bridge, new directions, new opportunities Cdr Charles Burke, AP*

I joined USPS in 1995 to enjoy safe boating. Living then in the Boston suburbs, I became a member of the Nobscot Squadron in Natick (District 12), took basic and many elective courses, became an instructor, and

eventually served as the SEO.

Recently, my wife Gail and I moved full time to Cape Cod. Joining CCSPS in January of 2010, I really got involved as an instructor and by participating in many squadron events.

I was glad to accept the position of Commander because I look at CCSPS as a very cooperative and collaborative group. Members and the Bridge do what it takes to be successful. Understanding the power of strong leadership, one of my goals for this year is to have a full Bridge. Currently the squadron needs an Administrative Officer and Secretary. If you, or other members you know, have an interest in serving as part

of a strong team, do contact me. Help me build a Bridge who will help you access all that the USPS has to offer.

Boating is fun, we’ll show you how®

Notice of Meeting

To approve proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron

as provisionally approved by the USPS Committee on Rules

at the regular dinner meeting held 26 May.

According to Article 17 of the squadron bylaws,

notice will be published for two consecutive months

and copies of the bylaws made available for inspection during two general meetings

prior to a vote of the active members:

28 April and 26 May 2011. More on page 5

Our parade crew about to step off for Brewster in Bloom, see pictorial on page 3

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EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Cdr Charles Burke, AP*

Circle this date on your calendar May 2011

26 Squadron Dinner Meeting,

Ardeo Grille, Kings Way, Yarmouth Port

SHOWING COLORS Lt Ed Ruckle, S Remember to support the new initiative of 100% of CCSPS boat owners flying the USPS ensign while underway on Cape waters this season.

Make your visual presence known to other members and to the boating public to start a conversation about our squadron mission of safe boating practices and boating education courses.

Up to 23% member discount at West Marine

CCSPS has teamed with West Marine, Hyannis, to provide quality USPS ensigns to members who show their I.D card at register checkout. Just tell them you would like the discount … and tax exempt pricing.

CCSPS member ensign discount on:

12" x 18"... list $18.69, CCSPS price $14.39 ... 23% off

16" x 24"... list $20.99, CCSPS price $17.09 ... 19% off

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE

Lt/C Mary Lou Walsh, AP

Here’s another good reason to read your Ensign. Hugh Blair-Smith has just received confirmation that his classic 35’ sailboat Mashantam will be featured in an upcoming issue’s ‘Transom Tales’ feature. The Tales feature highlights unusual names on members’ boats and explains their meaning.

Anyone who has knowledge of a CCSPS member who might benefit from a bit of cheering up with cards, calls or visits, or a member who is experiencing an important event, please phone Mary Lou Walsh 508-398-7970 or email mlcwalsh@aol.com

PORTHOLE GUARANTEED DATE

26 May deadline for summer newsletter

Materials received by this ‘guaranteed date’ will appear, but late materials may or may not appear.

2011-2012 DIRECTORY

CAPE COD SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON BRIDGE AND OTHER

Commander – Cdr Charles Burke, AP*

15 Horsefoot Cove Road, West Dennis, MA 02670

508-394-9128 cgburke15@comcast.net

Executive Officer – P/C Position open

Educational Officer – P/C David Atwood, AP*

9 Upton Road, South Yarmouth, MA 02664

508-737-5374 yankeepeddlar@hotmail.com

Administrative Officer – Lt/C Mary Lou Walsh, AP

P.O. Box 14, Dennisport, MA02639

508-398-7970 mlcwalsh@aol.com

Secretary – Position open

Treasurer – Lt/C Evan C. Croft

1753 Old Stage Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668

508-420-9023 caperedhouse@comcast.net

********************************************************************************

Assistant Educational Officer – 1st

Lt Kenneth Molloy, SN

225 Oxford Drive, Cotuit, MA 02635

508-428-3815 Kmacape@verizon.net

The Porthole Editor – Lt Edgar Ruckle, S

17 Bellview Avenue, Bass River, MA 02664

508-394-0286 eruckle1@verizon.net

If you need answers to any questions, please contact one of these officers and they will be happy to help you.

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CCSPS crew sails into Brewster in BloomWayne Richardson (driver), Tony Caputo (boat supplier), Zita Caputo (co-captain),

Charles Burke, Gail Burke (co-captain), Paul Brown, Hal Petersen, Hugh Blair-Smith and Dave Akin

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S.O.S. Suggestion ON Stickers Safety Officers Marc and Garnet Venables Since our Sail and Power Squadron also includes a number of “paddle-type” boats, a few words about their lack of hull number or state registration and the consequences of this seems like a good idea.

While reviewing some of the small boat incidents that have occurred over the past couple of years, we found that many man-hours, with associated costs are spent searching for a possible missing boater after a loose kayak or canoe is found. This theme is repeated more times than seems reasonable, but the search boat(s) go out and the helicopters fly looking for that soul who may be out there, fighting for life.

Search and rescue crews put their own safety on the line for us when we need them, so it seems reasonable that we should make their job easier by using

identification stickers on our paddle craft. If found adrift for whatever reason, a water-proof sticker with owner and contact information can help solve a mystery … is there a paddler out there in distress or not?

The U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary instituted Operation Paddle Smart, one aspect of which is the use of these water-proof stickers. The sticker provides room for the owner’s name and two phone numbers. One suggestion we found was to use a first name and notation such as “kayak # 1” for a degree of privacy while still allowing would-be rescuers to respond appropriately to that empty boat.

Perhaps our vessel inspection process, which includes our paddle vessels, could include distribution of an I.D. sticker like the one available from the Coast Guard, as seen here.

See you out there when it’s a bit warmer.

Article feedback: venables2@juno.com

Editor’s note: Our VSC Examiners now offer this sticker.

WELCOME ABOARD Eighteen new squadron members! P/Stf/C Joan Croft, AP*

All since December 2010! We met Pat Gilmer and Donald Lee as online ABC students who then decided it would be more enjoyable to join the winter America’s Boating Course in Orleans rather than sit at home with only the computer as company for studying. Steven Dillon and his children Hilary and Mitchell are online ABC students. When the two college students return home this summer, they plan to take the proctored exam for certification.

Six new members joined from the Coastal Navigation course. Welcome to Robert Beatty, Scott Kieffer, J. Michael McBride, Timothy Nealon, Kevin Sweeney, and Kathryn Stock. Scott and Denise Traver teamed up to start preparing for their cruising life, Scott taking Coastal Navigation and Denise taking the winter ABC. Chris Harding joined from the winter ABC class. Chester, Chris’s German shorthaired pointer wore a USPS logo bandana made by Mary Lou Walsh for the first four-legged class member and mascot.

We met Thomas Grossman at the CCMTA Boatbuilders Show in February. He is also public affairs officer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary Woods Hole Flotilla and had been a USPS member back in the 1980s … he reinstated his original certificate number. Robert and Peggy Elder joined as part of their five-year plan to take courses, purchase a boat and cruise into retirement. And our newest member is Peg Johnson. Peg is well-known to the parade unit as right-hand parade assistant to Parade Chairman Lee Johnson. With Lee, Peg joins in kayaking rendezvous, dinners and other social and civic occasions. We have always considered her as part of our membership family, and now it’s official!

The Porthole newsletter, received digitally by email, is a great source for finding out what’s going on in the squadron along with the “What’sUp@CCSPS.” You are invited to contact bridge members with questions about how we can help meet your expectations and to join a class, social or civic activity. Contact information is listed in the Roster of Members received with your welcome package and in The Porthole. Also, contact me anytime: Membership Chairman Joan Croft, 508.420.9023 or CapeRedhouse@comcast.net.

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NOTICE OF MEETING 26 May VOTE On proposed bylaws amendments

P/Stf/C Joan Croft, AP*

Following is a summary of the more significant proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron as provisionally approved by the USPS Committee on Rules. General housekeeping revisions and clarifications are not necessarily summarized. In accordance with the bylaws, however, copies of the full text—with highlighted strikethroughs and revisions—will be made available for inspection at two dinner meetings: 28 April and 26 May prior to the 26 May vote of active members. Members who would like to receive the amended bylaws digitally are invited to email a request to Joan Croft at CapeRedhouse@comcast.net.

The purpose of the amendments is to bring our 7 February 2005 bylaws into compliance with the Model Bylaws for Squadrons of USPS through 5 February 2011.

Several significant amendments approved by the USPS Governing Board provided the exigency to update compliance, including but not limited to: (i) the conversion to Headquarters Anniversary Billing (HQAB); and (ii) the conversion of all family member classifications to the active member classification.

Article 2—Objects

In general Amend terminology from “objects” to “objectives” and “yacht” and “yachting” to “boat” and “boating.”

Article 3—Membership

In general Remove references to family member classifications.

3.5 Redefine member eligibility, rights and privileges for an individual who resides with an active member.

3.5.1 Insert new section related to the resignation, termination or death of a primary active member.

3.5.2 Insert new section related to the privileges of active members less than 18 years of age.

3.6 Redefine privileges of apprentice members.

3.6.1 Insert new section providing for apprentice members to become active members at the age of 18.

3.13 Insert new section related to voluntary resignations.

Article 5—Officers and Committees Generally

5.1.11 Insert new section that reads, in part, “*A]ll appointed officers of this squadron shall be active, associate or apprentice members, at least 18 years of age, and in good standing.”

5.4 Reword section to eliminate redundancy and increase the number of directors from five to seven.

Article 7—Dues and Entrance Fees

7.4 Delete obsolete language and insert current anniversary dues billing policy (HQAB).

Article 8—Resignations, Transfers and Reinstatements

8.2 Insert additional section and subsection 8.2.1 to more fully define reinstatement policy.

Article 9—Meetings, Notices and Quorums

9.6.1 Update electronic communication policy for membership notification.

Article 18—Corporate Seal

18.1 Eliminate article providing for a corporate seal. The squadron neither has nor is required by the state to have a seal.

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CALLING ALL PADDLERS Mary Lou Walsh, AP

A few years ago, several paddling rendezvous were popular and well enjoyed. But then our intrepid Head Paddler, Max Sarazin, had to step back from some of his activities and they disappeared

the past 2 years. As the sport grows and gas prices rise, more and more requests are being made to start them again, which we are happy to do. And even better, Max is back on the scene this spring! He has at least 2 trips on the docket – both have been favorites in the past: the Onset Illumination Night Paddle and a trip in the river behind his home followed by a visit to his home and his back yard railroad. We’re also looking for leaders for some other trips to expand the selection for our paddlers, especially in the face of $5 a gallon for fuel. Let’s encourage our members and friends to get outdoors and exercise.

I’m not a paddler (although I’m willing to learn and I’m actually shopping for one currently). So I’m at a distinct disadvantage when trying to plan and schedule

paddling events. I don’t know what might be a good venue or if a venue is better suited to a particular time of day or certain water or tide conditions. This is where we need experienced paddlers to step up. We’re hoping those with some miles under their paddles will suggest favorite routes and the best conditions to try them. Maybe you know of a great marsh for an early morning wildlife-viewing trip. Or a place where there’s a nice little beach to pull out for a midday picnic lunch and swim. Or a spot that has a sunset view. If you know of a spot to suggest, is it dependent on water level or tides? Is it better to have more water to get into hidden inlets? Or is it better at low water to explore tide flats and sand bars? Or is it better to take

advantage of a changing tide’s current? In that case, the date choice will hinge on tide charts, just as we are limited in date choices for Egg Island and Bass River. So you might suggest some date possibilities based on tides.

If you’re willing to volunteer to pick a route and lead that paddle trip, you won’t be alone in the planning and you won’t have to bite off a huge job. I’ll help you with all the organizing and publicity. We want your paddling experience, not general labor. While we’re always looking for help and new faces, this isn’t a ploy to get people involved in more than they want.

To start us off, the Buzzards Bay Squadron is working on a paddling trip and we’re invited to participate. We’re opening trips and events to each other to double our possibilities. Right now, they’re tentatively looking at a trip around Waquoit Bay to Washburn Island in East Falmouth on August 20. But they’re also having trouble getting trip leaders. Much of the organization is already done. But the lack of a leader is why the trip is still tentative. So if anyone has knowledge of that area and would like to make that your trip, they’ll welcome the help and we’ll have an inaugural event on the calendar.

Contact me at 508-398-7970 or MLCWalsh@aol.com

MEMBER BOAT SAFETY CHECK MONTH

Members receive first priority on vessel safety checks this month, so if you have not signed up yet, do so now: just call 508-737-5374

Don’t be seen without your green!

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Change of Watch Dinner Pictorial … three cheers for our new Commander Charles Burke

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USPS AND SEA SCOUTS A natural CCSPS Connection P/C Dave Van Wye

SEA SCOUTS, WHO WE ARE You may recall that our national HQ established a “Memorandum of agreement between Boy Scouts of America and United States Power Squadrons,” available on the web site. Its purpose is to “create a mutually beneficial program that would allow the members of the Sea Scouts to

increase their boating education opportunities and permit the members of the USPS to share their educational expertise and guidance to America’s youth.” Learning about the Sea Scouts is part of this.

Sea Scouting is a division of the Boy Scouts of America with a focus on the sea and boating. It is a co-ed program for young adults 14-20 years old (or 13 and completed 8th grade) and their adult advisors. Each unit in Sea Scouting is called a “Ship.” Each Ship has a local chartering organization such as a church, school, club, or business. Each Ship has a committee, which is composed of registered adult volunteers, an adult “skipper” and assistants, to help with organization.

The primary principle of Sea Scouting is that the crew of the Ship is responsible for the program and especially their boat. Adults are there to teach, assist and advise. The traditional scouting elements and ideals are taught through the activities of the ship. Some members of the

squadron, like me, are already working with the Sea Scouts. Tim Millar is the Skipper and Bob Bach’s son Nate is a mate of Ship 76; Lee Johnson has coordinated scout involvement in parades, and our outstanding education department has taught Sea Scouts in our courses. You can talk to one of our members noted above or visit the USPS website to learn more about the Sea Scouts.

SEA SCOUTS, WHAT WE DO

The USPS has a natural relationship with Sea Scouts. Consider THE SEA PROMISE made by every Sea Scout:

As a Sea Scout I promise to do my best

To guard against water accidents

To know the location and proper use of the

lifesaving devices on every boat I board

To be prepared to render aid to those in need

To seek to preserve the motto of the sea:

Women and Children First

Doesn’t this sound like a lot like the aims we have for safe boating education and community service?

Sea Scouts pursue these aims through learning and fun on the water. The Sea Scout Manual says, “The challenge is being able to take your vessel from

point A to point B, while being ready for whatever you may encounter along the way.” This too sounds like conversations with members of the CCSPS, don’t you think? Interestingly, Sea Scout training and advancement is very much based on the same topics that we teach in many of our courses. For example, to qualify as an “Apprentice” a scout must demonstrate basic knot tying, know boating safety rules, the use of PFDs, the use of the VHF to send a distress call, as well as many other things. The more advanced ranks might even challenge some of our salty members. A Quartermaster, the highest rank, must demonstrate heavy weather precautions taken aboard both power

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or sailing craft and “… draw the international code flags and pennants from memory and give the single –letter meanings of the flags…,” and a Quartermaster elective reads, “As an apprentice member of the United States Power Squadrons complete the Advanced Piloting course.

The Sea Scouts are our natural partners, only they usually start younger than we do. Think what it would mean if we could help sea scouts learn about boating safety so they get to know us and see us as a strong resource and supportive organization. How many of those sea scouts might become future squadron members to help us carry on our boating traditions?

We are fortunate that we have the opportunity to build a relationship with sea scouts. There are several ways a squadron member can become involved. Some direct ways would be to sign up with one of the local ships as a registered volunteer or to become a merit badge counselor registered with

the Cape Cod and Islands Council. Check out the Sea Scouts web site (www.seascout.org) or contact Dick Aiken or Mike Riley at Cape Cod and the Islands Council (www.scoutscapecod.org) to find how and where to register. One thing to keep in mind is that USPS guidelines stipulate that any member participating needs to follow the Sea Scouts and USPS requirements relating to registration, training and water safety to be covered by insurance. The Scout insurance is primary except that it is excess over any insurance of a member relating to the ownership, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle or watercraft.

SEA SCOUTS, HOW CCSPS CAN SUPPORT Sea Scouts have interests and activities that are very similar to the United States Power Squadron. In fact there is a national agreement encouraging our relationship with Sea Scouts. Sea Scouts is a co-educational youth program that offers responsible fun and adventure on the water and instills ethical character, citizenship, service, leadership and the values of the scout oath and law. Members of the Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron are particularly well positioned through knowledge, interest, and proximity to help local Sea Scout ships.

There are three Sea Scout ships on Cape Cod. They are Ship 40 in Falmouth, Ship 76 in Harwich and Ship 72 in Orleans. Tim Millar of our Squadron is Skipper and Nate Bach is Mate of Ship 76 and are a great source of information. Al Beal is the Sea Scout New England Flotilla Commodore (bosun66@aol.com) and is a good source of information on other ships.

Here are some ways that Squadron members can build a relationship with and support the Sea Scouts:

Learn about Sea Scouts. Check out the Sea Scout

(seascout.org) and USPS web sites for

information. Talk to local skippers to find out

more or to visit or assist with scout activities.

Encourage and refer young people you know for

recruitment into the Sea Scouts.

Let Dave Atwood, SEO, know that you would be

available for a brief consultation to share your

knowledge on a subject linked to Sea Scout

advancement. Alternatively, share this with a

local skipper.

Sign up to be a registered scout volunteer so you

are covered by scout insurance, and can

participate in more depth. This involves a $16

fee and taking some on-line courses for safe

swim, safety afloat, and youth protection.

If you become a registered Scouter you can also

become a merit badge counselor for badges

like Motor boating, Small-Boat Sailing,

Canoeing, Scuba Diving, and other badges.

More information on merit badge counseling

opportunities will be provided in the next

installment of this series.

Volunteer to take scouts on your boat if there is

an organized CCSPS activity with sea scouts.

Make a financial contribution to the Cape Cod

and Islands Council, inc.

(www.scoutscapecod.org) Go to “council,”

then either “friends of scouting” > ”donate

now,” or “endowments.”

Meet and greet “Apprentice” members of CCSPS.

Encourage Sea Scout Apprentices to enroll in

USPS advanced courses.

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Provide an opportunity for sea scouts to crew

when you are cruising, consistent with USPS

On-the-Water-Guidelines to provide insurance

protection.

Include Sea Scouts when presenting exhibits and

demonstrations as part of our organized

community outreach programs that promote

boating safety and education.

Other ideas that you think might be mutually

beneficial to the squadron and Sea Scouts.

Doing these types of things will help us share our knowledge and experience with Sea Scouts and develop a foundation for their continued relationship with us, perhaps as members. It will help build lifetime values in young people and serve the aims of the CCSPS, as well as proving rewarding opportunities for members.

SEA SCOUTS, SHARE YOUR CCSPS KNOWLEDGE

One of the ways a member of the Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron can become a supporter of Sea Scouts and represent the squadron in the scouting world is to become a merit badge counselor. Boy Scout merit badge requirements are used in Sea Scout advancement, but only the Eagle Scout

award is worn on Sea Scout uniform. Sea Scouts require full completion of only some of the merit badges that may be related to the expertise of squadron members. The other merit badges provide an opportunity for squadron members to help scouting, in general, and particularly to help young Boy Scouts to become aware of more senior youth in the Sea Scouts and their connection with the squadron. Also, while female Sea Scouts are not actually able to earn Boy Scout Merit Badges, they must “Pass all requirements…”of a number of Merit Badges for Sea Scout rank advancement.

Here are some of the merit badges that have a relationship to the kind of knowledge and expertise that may be of interest to squadron members: Astronomy Canoeing Electronics Fishing Fish and Wildlife Management Lifesaving Motor boating Nature Oceanography Painting Personal Fitness Radio Rowing Safety Scuba Diving Small-Boat Sailing Swimming Water Sports Weather Whitewater To qualify as a merit badge counselor, a person must be 18 years old, be proficient in the subject of the badge, be able to work with Scout-age boys and be registered with the Boy Scouts. To apply, contact the Cape Cod and Islands Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America, phone 508-362-4323.

Working with the Sea Scouts is a great way to extend our squadron’s civic service and to promote the value and benefits of what we do. It is a practical way to share the knowledge of our members. This is an opportunity to make a positive impression that may encourage youths to become future squadron members or apprentices, and may even inspire their parents, teachers, and others to join us now.

Article feedback: seascoutship76@verizon.net

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Cape Summer Launch Gathering

at beautiful Ardeo Grille at Kings Way 81 Kings Circuit, Yarmouth Port, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

26 May 2011

Join old and new CCSPS friends, catch up on boat-splashings, coming events,

and tell us how you will spend your fabulous 2011“Cape Time”!

1800 Splice the Mainbrace /cocktails & appetizers 1845 Dinner

Menu

Caesar Salad

Choice of Entrée

Roast Prime Rib Cranberry Chicken

Baked Haddock Dessert

Chef’s choice, with coffee or tea

=======================================================================

I (we) would like to attend the 26 May 2011 dinner at Ardeo Grille at Kings Way.

Prime Rib ________ @ $25 = _________

Cranberry Chicken ________ @ $25 = _________

Baked Haddock ________ @ $25 = _________

Name(s) _______________________________________Phone: _________

Guest(s) ______________________________________________________

Reservations by 20 May 2011 with check payable to CCSPS.

Mail to: David Atwood, 9 Upton, South Yarmouth, MA 02664 Phone: 508-737-5374

QUICK RSVP RESERVE: Click HERE to reserve and pay at the door

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Calendar of Meetings and Events

May 2011

12 Executive Committee Meeting, Dennis Police Department, 1900

21-27 National Safe Boating Week

26 Squadron Monthly Dinner Meeting (Budget & Audit), Ardeo Grille, Kings Way, Yarmouth Port

TBD Bass River Beach Flare Shoot

26 Porthole guaranteed date

June 2011

02 District 14 Council Meeting, White’s Restaurant, Westport, MA

09 Executive Committee Meeting, Dennis Police Department, 1900

10-12 Oak Bluffs Rendezvous

July 2011

04 Chatham 4th

of July Parade, Chatham, MA

23 Egg Island Beach Day, Hyannis

30 Viking 200 Cardboard Boat Race (CCSPS support/rescue), Sundancers, W. Dennis

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Photo: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers