Welcome to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Sail & Power Squadron Blog posting on late-breaking important news events, latest member & public boating education courses offered, and special activities of interest to both our members and non-member website visitors.

By Robert Burns

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – After a tragic weekend on the waters of Southeast Volusia, the local Power Squadron is beseeching mariners to boat safely.  They kicked-off the summer boating season with “National Safe Boating Week,” a period of time specifically designed to shift people’s mind into ‘high gear’ when it comes to water safety.

The City of New Smyrna Beach issued a proclamation declaring the entire week, an important one on the waters of southeast Volusia.  Signed by Mayor Adam Barringer, the document was presented to the New Smyrna Beach Power Squadron, “I sincerely urge all boaters and boating organizations to consider this occasion as a special opportunity to renew their determination to use courtesy and common sense afloat at all times,” quoted the Mayor.  He requested all boaters ‘take stock’ of their boating habits and procedures, and to correct or eliminate those which may be unsafe.

Even before this past weekend’s fatal crash, the Mayor urged all boaters to take requisite safety training from either, the National Power Squadron, the U.S. Coast Guard and/or the American Red Cross.  All of those organizations offer the latest updates on safety regulations and procedures in this region.

With key officers of the squadron nodding their approval, the Mayor removed all doubt as to what boaters should be doing not only this week, but all the time. The Mayor requested caution, “in respect to the rights of other boats and to avoid trouble-making, property damaging wakes and washes, and to pledge to continue the spirit of safe boating week through the entire boating season.” ]]> http://ponceinletsquadron.org/wordpress/?feed=rss2&p=116 0 http://ponceinletsquadron.org/wordpress/?p=112 http://ponceinletsquadron.org/wordpress/?p=112#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:52:46 +0000 admin http://ponceinletsquadron.org/wordpress/?p=112 May 1, 2010 – The Ponce de Leon Inlet Sail and Power Squadron in cooperation with the Marine Discovery Center is proud to present Paddle Smart. This 2 hour seminar will be held on May 1, 2010 at the New Smyrna Boat and Ski Club at 9:00 and will be followed by an on water experience at the Marine Discovery Center. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment.

The seminar kit includes several handouts:

•   attendee workbook for note-taking and reference
• “The Complete Sea Kayaker’s Handbook” by Shelly Johnson (msrp $18.95)

There is no charge for the instruction, however, there is a $35 fee for the materials provided.  Preregistration is required for this seminar.  Class will be limited to 20 students.  To preregister for Paddle Smart please call our Educational Officer, Will Benny at 386.426.8426.

We can do better?

The big race is 15 May at Titusville’s Sandpoint before the picnic. We need a new boat and help getting materials and in actually building it. This requires thinking, constructing, and painting the finished product. It can be fun, rewarding, and you get to vote for the person who has the honor of paddling the boat. Call me and let me know that you are willing to take part in this endeavor. P/C Paul E. Reichert, AP, Executive Officer. 

We might also need to replace our previous marine design engineer, P/C Don Woods, AP

1. For Seamanship (3) Handheld VHF Radios
2. For Piloting (3) Handheld GPS
3. For Advanced Piloting (3) Sets of Navigational Software
4. For JN (1) Chart Plotter
5. For Weather (3) Barometers
6. For Marine Electrical Systems (3) Multi-meters
7. For Engine Maintenance (3) Multi-meters

So if your interest has been sparked, contact me to get the course started. Lt/C Will Benny, SN – Squadron Education Officer,  email me.

***IMPORTANT ***

- tentatively scheduled -

October 28, 2009 – With our inaugural ABC3 class behind us, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Sail and Power Squadron is proud to present the America’s Boating Course Version 3 (ABC3) to the public. The course content has been developed in conjunction with state boating agencies responsible for boater education and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the U. S. Coast Guard.

We are excited about this newly updated, in-depth boating safety course. The graphics are state-of-the-art. Along with the 244 page course manual you get the companion CD, with video clips and audio narration. All 5 chapters of the manual are packed full of information that will help you to become a safe and educated boater.

ABC3 is designed to be taught in four sessions with an optional two sessions for those who wish to learn the basics of navigation (chapter 5). This includes how GPS works, chart basics, plotting on a chart, the mariner’s compass, steering a course, digital charts, and using chart navigator.

Tentatively set up with Dayton Beach State College (portable classroom #110) New Smyrna Beach.

So gives a call and we will get you started on a Safe Boating Cruise.

Please email me if you need more information and/or if you plan to attend.
See you there, P/C Bill Myers, SN – CLBB

UPDATE:  Paul Yeaton, P and I are currently working to put on another Paddle Smart Seminar on October 17, 2009.

L/C Will Benny, SN