We're America's Boating Club®!
America's Boating Club®
Boating is fun - we'll show you how!
Boating is fun - we'll show you how!
We are recreational sail, power, and people-powered boaters from north central Indiana and southwest Michigan. Find out who we are and how we can help you make boating safer and more fun! Check us out on the “What is U.S.P.S.?” page! Questions? Email us at info@sbsps.org.
This Month's Highlights
Commander's Message
Commander Ernie Piotrowski's June/July message has been posted. See it on the From the Helm page.
Next Regular Meeting
Location - TBADate/Time - TBA
Program - TBA
Gone boating for the summer! Our regular meetings will resume in September. Check back for more information on time, place, and program.
For more details as they are announced, see our Next Meeting page.
June/July SpringLine
The June/July edition of the SpringLine has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members).D9 Interlaker
The Spring 2010 edition of the District 9 Interlaker has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members). Members interested in CPR certification will be interested to know that certification will be offered at the Spring 2010 D9 District Conference at a cost of $35.00. Space is limited, so preregistration is strongly recommended. A registration form is in the latest edition of the Interlaker. 19 April 2010 Roster
The 19 Apr 2010 edition of the Roster is the most recent issue of our roster. It has been posted on the Member's Page (access restricted to members).
Cookbooks Still Available!
Looking for that perfect birthday, anniversary, or “just thinking of you” gift? A limited number of our spectacular 50th Anniversary Cookbook are still available. You have seen them, you have read them, you have swooned over the recipes that have been shared among our members for generations. Now, you can have one for yourself and one for a gift. Save money, help your squadron and its projects, and share a memorable kitchen companion. These hard-bound, quality volumes sell for just $18.00, or two for $34.00. For more information call the squadron telephone number, 574-232-2307; or send your check payable to South Bend Sail and Power Squadron to P.O. Box 4255, South Bend, Indiana 46634. Be sure and write "Cookbook" on the check. These make wonderful gifts, and are perfect for birthdays or other special events. Get yours today!Public Boating Classes
Our Spring 2010 public boating classes have been completed. Check our Education Page regularly for updated information about our schedule of public classes and registration information as it becomes available.Boating Tip of the Month
Mark Your Anchor Chain
When you set your anchor, you need to know how much chain and rode you have out in order to get the best out of your anchor and tackle. The rules of thumb for all chain rodes are three feet of chain to one foot of water depth in light conditions and five to one in heavier conditions. For nylon rodes, you need five to one in the light stuff and seven to one in heavy breezes. So, you need to mark your chain and rode so you know how much is out there.For nylon rodes, the best way to mark the line is with tabs, available at most chandleries, that slip into and are made fast through the twisted laid segments of the rode. A tab every 50 feet is probably enough. You may want to use a system of one tab for every 50 feet of rode, two at 100 and three at 150, so you can feel the measurement in the dark. Using a Sharpie to mark the rode is only a very temporary solution.
On chain rodes, you will see some cruisers paint the chain with bright colors every 50 feet or so. But like the Sharpie marks, the paint will be eroded by the windlass and will disappear rapidly. A solution that has worked for us for years is to mark the chain with small wire ties. You can come up with a system that works for you. We put a single small cluster of ties at 50 feet, two clusters at 100, three at 150, four at 200 and five at 250 feet. By attaching more than one, you ensure that you don’t lose the marker and that you can add replacements as the wire ties fall off.
You should always anchor with the right length of scope to be secure and to swing in the apropriate area. Reliable anchor markers will make the job a lot easier.
Courtesy of Cruising Compass and Blue Water Sailing Magazine.
USPS® Exam Waiver
USPS has waived the exam requirement for membership, at the discretion of the local squadron. Bring a prospective member to the next meeting!News Feed from USPS Added
All of the latest news from USPS is available on a news feed that is constantly updated. Keep up with what is going on on a national level. Follow the link to USPS News.Education
Fall schedule of public and member classes to be determined.See the Education page for details.