Inside This Issue. At the Helm

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1 Vol. 39 No. 2 Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron October 2012 Inside This Issue BSPS & USPS Calendars Live on the Lake Holiday Party SAVE THE DATE! Upcoming Courses Martha s Vineyard Rendezvous BSPS Hosting D Fall Conference Techsoup Offerings September Rendezvous Education News Boating Safety August Picnic Notes At the Helm Summer is behind us, it s officially fall. How can that be? I feel like the boat was just launched and now the haul-out date sadly approaches. So many places we have traveled this summer and so many more places that we have yet to see. I hope you have all had some time to enjoy the endless run of good weather this year. Again this year, we have been able to apply knowledge from our courses into our boating adventures. Information from Engine Maintenance helped prevent a Hydro Locking incident with our generator. The Anchoring Seminar made sure that we set a good hook when a massive thunderhead took a bearing on us, never mind the tornado warning we sat out in Port Jefferson, NY. John Holden and his gang are in full swing for the fall and winter courses. Give him a call and brush up on some the skills being taught. The Social calendar has been very full with our Spring Rendezvous, Live on the Lake, the Summer Picnic, and we just finished the Fall Rendezvous. Next up is the Holiday Party on December 9 th which is always a big hit. Be on the look-out for the details and sign up promptly. I think it is now time to get out of this chair and put on a sweater, jeans, and sneakers. I ll find a new quiet path in the woods, let the sun warm my back and soak in the early days of fall foliage. Hope to see you around the bend. Cdr Kevin J. Dinan, AP

2 October 2012 Page 2 BERKSHIRE SAIL and POWER SQUADRON 172 Mountain Drive PITTSFIELD, MA Website: - OFFICERS: BSPS & USPS CALENDARS Commander Kevin J. Dinan, AP Housatonic Street Lenox, MA, kjdinan@aol.com Executive Officer Cynthia F. Dinan, AP Educational Officer John C. Holden, JN Administrative Officer Open Ass t Admin Officers Paula Dailey Theresa Rumph Darla Tinney Secretary G. Bruce Rumph, AP Treasurer Frederick A. Mason, SN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Ass't Educational Officer Robert D. Bardwell III Paul L. Bouchard, S Janet C. Bryan, S Linda D. Caesar, P Beverly Gilbert, S GENERAL COMMITTEES: Auditing Rules Carl E. Filios, JN Richard E. Gore, Jr., AP Michael S. Steele Edward A. Tinney David L. Trudeau, JN Peter J. Charpentier, S (Chair) Thomas A. Gilbert, S (2 yr) Robert D. Bardwell III (3 yr) Leo O. Robillard, SN (Chair) Paula Dailey, P (2 yr) Linda D. Caesar, P (3 yr) Nominating Committee for 2013: P/C G. Richard Stidger, SN (Chair) Richard E. Gore, Jr., AP (2 yr) Open (3 yr) Berkshire Log Editor P/C G. Richard Stidger, SN Mountain Drive, Pittsfield, MA rich.stidger@verizon.net The opinions expressed in "The Log" by the Editorial Staff or Contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron or those of the United States Power Squadron. BSPS Info Line Do you know that we have an informational telephone line? Call to learn details of upcoming events. Refer your boating buddies for information on upcoming on Public Boating classes and VSC inspections. View, Download, and Print this issue and all back issues of the Berkshire Log In at: October - ABC 3, Conte Community School, 7:00-9:00pm, underway on Mondays October D2 Fall Conference, Tarrytown, NY October 31 - Bridge & Executive Board Meeting, Jimmy s Restaurant, 7:00pm November (Tuesdays) - Navigation, First United Methodist Church, 6:45-8:45pm, Call John Holden for the date classes will resume November 28 - Bridge & Executive Board Meeting, Jimmy s Restaurant, 7:00pm December 9 - Holiday Party, Greenoch Country Club, Lee, MA, 2:00pm January Piloting, First United Methodist Church, 6:45-8:45pm, Date TBD Spring Seamanship, Watch for Details Summer On the Water Training, dates TBA Fall Marine Electronics for Navigation, new course, TBA November Fall D2 Conference, hosted by Berkshire, Location and details TBA LIVE ON THE LAKE Onota Boat Livery once again provided Berkshire Sail & Power with boats for an evening with music and conversations. Tom and Paula Dailey made sure everyone was more than comfortable for a delightful get together. We used a Pot Luck style of snacks, and it was so good! Squadron members moved from one boat to another enjoying snacks and engaging in all kinds of conversations. A great night was enjoyed by all in attendance despite the weather being a little short of perfect. We weathered the evening just fine and people just didn t want to leave. Conversation continued after the music had ended and included an extended stay back at the dock for more discussions as the night fell upon us. This is an easy event for most of us to attend as it is so local. Mark your calendars for next year and come out on the lake with us. Capt Kev

3 August October Page 3 Holiday Christmas Party SAVE THE DATE Sunday December 9th 2pm Greenoch Country Club 220 West Park Street Lee, Massachusetts Watch for Details in November Upcoming Courses Navigation: Tuesdays, currently in progress 6:45-8:45pm, First United Methodist Church, Call John Holden for the date that classes will resume ABC 3: Mondays, In progress - 7-9pm Conte Community School Seamanship and Piloting: Starting in early :45-8:45pm, First United Methodist Church, dates TBA On the Water Training: Summer 2013, details will be announced Marine Electronics for Navigation: Fall 2013, new course, details TBA

4 October 2012 Page SPRING This year it was off to the Cape and Martha s Vineyard for the Spring Rendezvous. Berkshire Sail and Power Squadron members came by Land and Sea to enjoy a wonderful weekend. We had a great turnout including five boats and eighteen people. Carol and Rich Stidger aboard Sybaris left from Dutch Harbor and Shenanigans with Cindy and Kevin Dinan left from Bristol and met up just outside of Newport. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful sail to Cuttyhunk where Frank and Tena Debaggis aboard their new vessel, Mistress, were already happily anchored along with their son, Frankie and two of their friends. Rick and Sue Gore were also planning to join us at Cuttyhunk, but a problem with a broken brake line on the trailer from a bad launch ramp delayed their trip for a day. After a visit from the Cuttyhunk Raw Bar, for clams, oysters and chowder, we planned the following day s run to Martha s Vineyard. The current wasn t with us to sail up Vineyard Sound so it was agreed that we would ride the current up Buzzard s Bay, through Woods Hole, and then make a quick hop over to Vineyard Haven. We arrived at Vineyard midafternoon and the Gores aboard Happy Daze were waiting for us after a successful trip from Falmouth as well as Susan Darcy with Maria and Leo Robillard who took the ferry over bright and early that morning. It was at this point in the trip that the second little mishap occurred. Captain Our first look at Mistress under full sail Kev lost his Tully Hat overboard in a gust of wind as he was dropping the anchor. Fortunately, we didn t have to endure Kevin s pouting over his missing hat as it was rescued by Team Debaggis who executed a perfect hat overboard drill! John Holden made a one day sail to the Vineyard with his crew from Warwick, R.I. and joined the party Friday evening rafting up with Shenanigans. The entire group found their way to the town park to have gigantic lobster rolls for all those who love lobster and Shenanigans leaving Cuttyhunk pizza for those who weren t so much in love with lobster. Dessert was Red Velvet Birthday Cake in celebration of Leo s 81 st Birthday!! On Saturday, boat inspections took place and folks spent time exploring the island. Touring the island by foot and bus, shopping, ice cream stops, lunch complete with adult beverages, and yet more shopping and ice cream were enjoyed. Saturday evening the group invaded Oak Bluffs for a delightful dinner, a stroll through the Martha s Vineyard Methodist Campground to see the Ginger Bread Houses, and make a very necessary stop at Back Door Donuts. Oh, did I mention we did fit one more ice cream in before heading home? People were still filled Sunday when they woke up for more exploring and ice cream stops. That evening the weather tried to slow us down to no avail Maria, Susan and Leo provided a wonderful evening cocktail party at their motel. The infamous Tully Hat rescue by Mistress (Continued on page 5)

5 October 2012 Page 5 RENDEZVOUS As the weekend came to a close, John and his crew left Sunday to head for Cuttyhunk to enjoy a two day sail back to Warwick. The Stidger s stayed in the Vineyard a little longer with plans of family time for the July 4 th holiday. Maria, Susan and Leo were scheduled on an early morning ferry heading back to the mainland. The Dinan s headed back to Woods Hole and toward the Cape Cod Canal making way toward Provincetown. We waved bye to Frank and Tena who, I believe, were going into a slight depression as they were coming to the reality that their 3-month adventure sailing Mistress home from Mississippi was drawing to a close. They certainly win the BSPS award for sailing the furthest to any Rendezvous in squadron history! The Gores decided to extend their trip and join the Dinans for the journey to Provincetown. However, I should clarify that Happy Daze may have extended their vacation but their speedy trip was not so extended from Shenanigan s prospective. They left several hours after Shenanigans Leo s Red Velvet Birthday Cake departure, passing us by just on the north of Woods Hole. They stopped for lunch at Onset and passed us OMG! It s a Boston Crème Back Door Donut Still Warm!! again before we entered the Cape Cod Canal. We won t mention the fact that Shenanigan s was dropping anchor in P-Town at dusk and the passengers on Happy Daze had enjoyed a relaxing afternoon, a lovely dinner and were quite happy themselves when they came to make sure all was well and wish us a good night. But no worries on Shenanigans Capt. Kev cooked a fantastic pork dinner underway on the grill complete with baked potatoes, applesauce and my favorite wine. It was just delicious! Squadron Rendezvous and boating activities always make for wonderful memories. We are already in the process of planning for the 2013 Spring Rendezvous which will be held at Block Island. Start thinking about it too and plan to join us for a boatload of fun! Lt/C Cindy Dinan, AP Happy Daze passing through Woods Hole Sybaris anchored at Vineyard Haven

6 October 2012 Page 6 Berkshire Squadron to Host 2013 Fall D2 Conference District 2 has asked for a squadron to volunteer to host the Fall 2013 Fall Conference. Concluding discussions over the last several bridge meetings, we have accepted the challenge. P/C G. Richard Stidger, SN is the overall event chair and sub-committees will be established to plan the day s events. A search is currently underway to find a location for this event and to plan the meals, activities, and entertainment. We have most of the key chairpersons from the last Spring Conference in 2010, and they have agreed to take lead positions for this Fall Conference. We will need members to help with both the planning now and on the weekend of the event. As with all events, many members willing to do a small piece of the work will make the conference a huge success. Please consider calling Rich Stidger ( ) and offering a small amount of your time and talent. Details of this district event will be announced after our initial planning is complete. Stay tuned. P/C G. Richard Stidger, SN Techsoup Offerings Techsoup is our partner for technology donations to nonprofit organizations like us. Through our partnership we are able to purchase popular software titles from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, and many others. From these companies we have access to operating systems, office productivity suites, security software, accounting software, as well as graphic design and production applications. Additionally we can purchase computer hardware, routers, cameras, and other equipment that can be used to support our squadron activities. These software products and hardware are available to us for a small fraction of their normal retail street price. Currently Techsoup is promoting Symantec anti-virus and security software such as Norton Anti-Virus and Norton 360. Also available are software backup programs to protect your data in the event of a hardware malfunction or a virus attack. There are even some free software programs that may fill a special application for you. We are able to order almost any software program at any time. Order restrictions that were once in place are now relaxed. So if you have a new personal computer, either a Windows system or a Mac, or if you just need to upgrade to the latest version of a program that you already own, all you need to do is to contact me (Rich Stidger or to rich.stidger@verizon.net). I will give you all the information so that you can find the software products you need. I will process your order and your software and registration keys will be delivered to you usually within a couple of weeks. P/C G. Richard Stidger, SN

7 October 2012 Page 7 Education News SEPTEMBER RENDEZVOUS For two years in a row Narragansett Bay has flexed its muscles reminding this group of Berkshire Boaters who is boss. This year we selected Bristol (again) as a destination as last year Hurricane Irene played havoc with our Bristol rendezvous plans. Yes, this is a little selfish as this is our home port but what the heck - we know some great places to eat! Rick and Sue Gore were the first to arrive on Thursday evening as they arrived from the eastern part of the state after completing some business prior to our event. Tom and Paula Dailey arrived Friday afternoon bringing their vessel to a perfect stop at the dock. With the arrival of Bruce and Theresa Rumph we had the makings of a party. Frank and Tena DeBaggis met us in town at a favorite waterfront grill. We sat directly on the water and enjoyed a most delightful sunset with some of our best friends. An unexpected arrival late in the evening was the view of Rich and Carol Stidger motoring past the restaurant. They were just coming home at the end of a 6 week trip to Maine! Saturday morning s weather started out gusty but reasonable. That turned out to be the best part of the day. As the day progressed it just went downhill, a storm was blowing in from our unprotected side and by early afternoon the launch service shut down due to wind and wave height. This presented a challenge for our dinner plans as it left the Stidger s, Rumph s, and the Dinan s stranded on their boats that were out at moorings. The Dailey and Gore boats were on a dock that was bouncing in 4 foot waves. All afternoon and into the evening everyone made the best of it. Sunday we woke to a fine morning and folks went into town for a bit to eat before, sadly, it was time to go home. The sun is rapidly setting on another boating season. As we prepare our boats for the winter consider sharpening your mental tools in preparation for a safer and more enjoyable season next summer. Piloting will be run early in 2013 (Jan-Feb start). If you have plans to go offshore, even a mile out to fish or explore, Piloting is a must. It s a great way to master the Navigation skills you learned in Basic Boating. Seamanship is also being considered for Spring I expect to be making a lot of calls in the New Year to line up students. The fall term of Basic Boating (ABC 3) is underway with 9 students, (wonderful turnout) and will conclude on November 19. I invite you to attend any class (I learn something every time, even after several years teaching). Especially consider attending on the exam night. This is our best recruiting opportunity and a chance to meet enthusiastic new boaters. Regretfully Marine Electronics for Navigation (formerly ME 103) will not be ready this Spring as anticipated, but it should be on track for next fall. We have several old ME 103 books that are available for self study. Please contact me if you are interested and I will verify with National HQ that you can challenge the course and take the exam. In closing I m optimistic that On The-Water Training will be ready next summer. OTW is an excellent addition to what I believe to be the best Boating Education Series available anywhere. Lt/C John C Holden, JN Educational Officer All in all we still had a good time and it is the company that makes a great time; thanks for all who attended! Cdr Kevin J. Dinan, AP

8 October 2012 Page 8 Taken from U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center Notes on the August Picnic: Day Terrific weather one of the best days of the summer not hot nor cold with sun and lake water warm enough to swim. Sunset absolutely perfect followed by a slice of moon. Place Couldn t be better Food - Steak, Chicken, Corn on the Cob and the most scrumptious assortment of appetizers, salads, side dishes and desserts. Drinks Plenty of everything. The Company could have been a little better if YOU could have been there! There was lots of laughter and conversation with old friends and new friends and more than enough to eat. When the date of next year s picnic is announced, definitely put it on YOUR calendar you ll really will enjoy it. Although the group was small we had the best time thanks to our great cooks Kevin, Frank and Bob and helpers, Rick and Leo. The kitchen crew was absolutely phenomenal thank you Maria, Tena, Diane, and Theresa. What can I say except THANK YOU ALL! You made the picnic a wonderful time for all! R/C Susan L. Darcy, JN