Holiday Boat Parade Sat., 3 December

Transcription

1 N E W S Volume 68, Number 9 of PALM BEACH SAIL & POWER SQUADRON, inc. District 8, USPS NOVEMBER 2011 November s Dinner Meeting will Feature: D/Lt AL FURTADO, SN discussing fire prevention and demonstrate the use of fire extinguishers using the new USPS Laser Fire Extinguisher and along with a conventional AB fire extinguisher. Everyone participating will have the opportunity to interact with this interesting equipment and be able to put out their own fires. Join us for a night of fun and excitement. Tuesday, 8 November at the EVERGRENE CLUB 2775 Evergrene Parkway, PBG (Between Hood Road and Donald Ross Road, west of Alt A1A) See page 2 for reservation information and menu selections. USE YOUR BOAT Take it to our Tie-Up Saturday, 17 December Downtown West Palm Beach Exchange Gifts. If you would like to receive a gift bring one to exchange. Suggest $10 maximum. (1 gift per person) Come by boat or drive your car Holiday Boat Parade Sat., 3 December See the Boat Parade from aboard the MAJESTIC PRINCESS See the parade & the decorated homes along the way. $ 50 per person Includes heavy hors d oeuvres with Cash bar Call Lt/C Rick Wood for details and Jeanne Kirsch for reservations Invite your family & friends to join you for this fascinating evening. Boarding time: 5:30 (PROMPT!) Location: Riviera Beach Marina Return: 9:30 (approximately) We invite all District 8 squadron members to join us for this event. Send your Christmas or Hanukkah Greetings to your squadron friends via the December AFTERDECK. For examples, see pages 6 & 7 of December 2010 issue. Supply your own art or have us design it for you. Send your request for space, your message and your check made out to PBS&PS for $25 (by Nov10th) to Bill Eldridge, Editor. (for info: wce99@comcast.net) December s Dinner Meeting will feature our Holiday Party Tuesday, 13 December at the Evergrene Club Hold this date! Details will be posted in December s Afterdeck News

2 DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, 8 November at the EVERGRENE CLUB (See front cover) 6:00 pm Cocktails (cash bar) 7:00 pm Dinner: N.E. Clam Chowder, Salad, Choice of one of the following entrees: Port Tenderloin w/apple infused demi glaze Flounder Francaise Roast Turkey w/stuffing, gravy & cranberries Choice of dessert: Chef s Choice or Fruit Cup For Reservation information contact: Lt Jeanne Kirch, AP at jwhuntkirch@aol.com by Thursday, 3 November Cost: $30 per person (Cash Bar) Please pay by CHECK ONLY, written to: Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron and present at the door Reservations are a MUST. Once you have made a reservation you are responsible for the cost of the dinner. If you need to cancel call Jeanne and she ll cancel your reservation if she can!! DRESS: Uniform G or appropriate attire. P/R/C Bill Eldridge, SN, Received 50 years Membership Plaque during D8 Fall Conference 24 September Chief Cdr representative, R/C Howard Yoas, SN, awards Eldridge with 50 year plaque and pin. At left are Kathy and Bill at his Boating Course Graduation Dinner/Dance at International Inn, Washington, DC. January (Bill was 28 yrs old) Photo is cropped from graduating class group photo. About 100 students were in that class and the local squadron (Potomac River PS) had over 1100 members at that time. Bill joined Potomac River Power Squadron in January 1963 and was awarded his 50 year status in September 2011 (plaque is dated June 2011). In real math that s 48½ years. This was brought to the attention of the national officers and they stated, Over the years membership accounting had changed fiscal calendar years twice and now members do and will receive their 50th anniversary acknowledgment approximately 1½ years early it would cost too much to correct the software so congratulations, you ve earned it! Bill s comment upon receiving the plaques was, Maybe they re afraid we won t be around at that time to get the award. In the meantime, Bill will keep the plaque in a drawer until January 2013 and then bring it out and hang it on his den wall after all 50 years is 50 years not 48½! AFTERDECK S PRODUCTION EDITOR P/R/C Bill Eldridge, SN wce99@comcast.net 1030 SUGAR SANDS BLVD., #173 SINGER ISLAND, FL EDITORIAL & TECHNICAL ADVISOR P/C Hans Heynau, SN haheynau@att.net Squadron Photographer D/Lt Art Dodd, SN artdodd52@att.net ADVERTISING P/C Ken MacPherson, AP D/C Gary Ferguson, JN P/C Dick Hofmann, P DISTRIBUTION & MAILING P/C Barbara Reommele, JN DATABASE MANAGER (Mailing Labels) Lt Cheryl Eisenhardt cheryleisenhardt@comcast.net BRIDGE OFFICERS & BOARD of DIRECTORS COMMANDER Cdr Joyce Newman, S jannpb@aol.com EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lt/C Richard Wood, JN rcwood@comcast.net EDUCATIONAL OFFICER P/C Rose Moskowitz, JN rosie_cheekz45@yahoo.com ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Lt/C Bryan Moskowitz, JN brm1@lycos.com SECRETARY Lt/C Clifford Scholz, P cliffscholz@aol.com TREASURER Lt/C Roberta Stephens, P steplee@bellsouth.net MEMBERS at LARGE Lt Thomas Collins, N Lt Art Dodd, SN Lt Thomas Rowan, S P/C Hank Resch, AP PALM BEACH SAIL & POWER SQUADRON Headquarters Building 1125 Old Dixie Hwy #13 Lake Park, FL (561) www. palmbeachsps.org N E W Afterdeck News is published monthly (except July & August) by the Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron. Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or revise submitted articles. Editor requests articles be submitted directly to him by the 10th of the preceding month. The Afterdeck News and the Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron are not responsible in any way for mishaps from the use of any product or services mentioned or advertised herein. Roster and any other personal information is not to be reproduced or otherwise used for commercial purposes. PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 2011

3 From the Commander: Joyce Newman, S Our squadron has a strong and committed bridge, board of directors, certified instructors, committees in the Executive, Administrative, Secretary, and Treasurer s departments. Also strong are other committee volunteers, and members that work behind the scenes. And let s not forget D/8 and USPS for all their support. Our America s Boating Course (ABC) is doing well. As of 4 October we have 108 graduates to date this year compared to 76 in More educated boaters on the water. The ABC course is one of our best ways to recruit new members. We are now offering a free six-month trial membership to students that pass the ABC3 exam. Let us all work together to help our squadron grow and fulfill its mission. Our Vessel Safety Check examiners, Lt John Worssam, P, Lt Ed Hoover, AP, and P/R/C Bill Eldridge, SN, so far this year have completed 62 VSC s. Thanks to our Vessel Safety Check examiners who provide the public boat owners with free vessel checks to help them become safer boaters. This civic activity provides substantial benefits to the boating public. Our squadron has a successful Public Relations and Marketing program for recruiting new members and promoting safe boating. We setup booths at public events such as National Marina Day, West Marine s grand opening in Tequesta & North Palm Beach, Palm Beach boat show, an event at Jonathan Dickinson Park Fire Fest. We hand out America s Boating Course free coupons, to attend the course. Our telephone committee follows up and schedules the individuals for the course. Other Squadron handouts, including a flyer, Your USPS Membership has Benefits are handed to the public at these events. There is not enough space to mention all the programs our squadron does in promoting safe boating while having fun. Our social activities are many and provide fun for our members both on land and water. These include: rendezvous, tie-ups at West Palm Beach pier, lunch bunch every Thursday, and dinner meetings with speakers every month (except July & August). We have chartered the Majestic Princess Yacht for the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, 3 Dec. Guests and all squadrons in D/8 are invited to participate. Cost per person is $50 which includes hors doeuvres and cash bar. The yacht will fly the D/8 squadrons burgees. Board by 5:30 and return around 9:30 pm. A Halloween party with costumes was at Duffy s on 24 Oct. Our annual Wild/Wet/Dry land rendezvous at Jensen Beach on May will be a lot of fun. Squadron social activities enrich our lives and make for lifetime friendships. Thanks to P/C Hans Heynau, SN, and Webmaster Lt Steven Survis, S, supervisors of our squadron website lots of safe boating information, pictures of our squadron activities, links to District & USPS websites and more, is available to members and the public. At the USPS Governing Board a workshop was held presenting how the social media can help the squadrons get their message out to the public. D/Lt Art Dodd, SN, has put our squadron on Face Book. USPS SailAngle is another social network or communication tool for squadrons and the public is welcome to visit. The social media seems to be the future way to communicate to the public safe boating education. At the Governing Board in North Carolina, 9 members attended and we had 3 delegates. It was my pleasure to meet Ken Forster from NOAA, Cooperative Charting. Lt Scott Clinton, SN, submits reports to NOAA on the omissions or errors found on the charts of our waterways such as new or missing navigation markers. Nineteen members attended the D/8 Conference with 12 delegates. Governing Board meetings or District Conferences are a good way to meet squadron members from other districts and learn what they are doing to promote safe boating. My visit to the museum at United States Power Squadrons headquarters contained so much history of USPS, which was organized in The Charles F. Chapman area enticed me to stay longer, but it was time to go. It takes a team! Sometime change is necessary for continuing success. Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron has it! Joyce Home of the Squadron s Thursday Lunch Bunch U.S. Highway One OAKBROOK SHOPPING CENTER Palm Beach Gardens (561) Fax (561) NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 3

4 From the SEO... Lt/C Rose Moskowitz, JN I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all the members of Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron. I have been a member of USPS for 10 years and have served in various capacities prior to moving to Florida: on the bridge, for the district, as instructor (Seamanship, Cruise Planning, Basic Boating), and as planner/coordinator of fundraising and social activities. I look forward to serving on PBS&PS Bridge as your SEO and will work to ensure that the educational goals of the organization are met. We are living in challenging times as all organizations struggle to provide important services to its members while trying to meet the needs of the membership. The Bridge will be introducing new and hopefully motivating programs and courses; we will modify some of how we offer educational opportunities and how we embrace new members. Change and acceptance of change may be difficult, but it becomes a necessary component if we are to maintain our organization and continue to grow and ensure safe boating on our waters. I look forward to working with all of you as I seek your knowledge and expertise so that we may continue the successful legacy of our predecessors. Great news and congratulations to: Tom Collins, N for passing Weather & receiving the Educational Proficiency Award. Congrats also to: Phil Bouckaert, AP for receiving honorable mention for the Chapman Excellence in Teaching Award; to Ed Hoover, AP for Educational Proficiency; to Rick Wood, JN First Place in Teaching Aids D8; and Congratulations to Richard McClain, SN Educational Achievement Award Full Certificate (See June Afterdeck, Pg 4). Great job all!!! ABC Courses are offered every month, on the first weekend of the month. Tell your friends and neighbors have them call Bill Eldridge for complete details. Seamanship started 17 October, with P/C John Luciano, AP, teaching. Advanced Piloting started 10 October, with Lt Scott Clinton, SN, teaching. Junior Navigation started 12 October, with P/C Darryl Aubrey, SN, teaching. If interested in taking Navigation call P/C Darryl Aubrey, SN, for details. Seminars: A series of seminars will begin on Saturday, 12 November starting with Using GPS and Using VHF/DSC Radio taught by John Litwinka, S. Call and sign up we will be offering the two seminars with a pizza and soda break. Watch for announcements of other interesting seminars. We will be starting a new On the Water Training program in February look for further details in the coming weeks. Any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to call my cell: (845) Underwater Hull Cleaning Zincs & Props Installed Recovery of Lost Articles Moorings Installed (561) CAPT. ZACH STAGGS Professional Diver-Owner/Operator Your Road Service at Sea FREE TOWING FOR MEMBERS Unlimited FREE Towing FREE Battery Jumps FREE Dock to Dock Towing FREE Covered Ungroundings FREE Fuel Drops FREE Prop Disentanglements FREE Bahamas Area Coverage Automatic Membership in our Advantage Club Network FREE Navigational Assistance & Much More All for Only $ per year $10 Discount to Power Squadron Members SeaTow Services of the Palm Beaches, Inc or VHF Channel 16 SQUADRON BOOSTERS Virginia Albrecht $300 (6/07) Darryl Aubrey $790 (7/10) Angie & LeRoy Batchelor $150 (5/08) Diane & Richard Clarke $700 (12/08) Kathy & Bill Eldridge $1300 (1/10) Gary Ferguson $1400 (9/09) Diane & Richard Gordon $50 (6/07) Myra & Herb Hoffstein $1000 (7/10) Phyllis & Dick Hofmann $1403 (1/10) Sandy & Rod Landsman $100 (3/09) Margi Lehnertz $100 (8/11) Elsie & Paul Madsen $100 (9/08) Bob Malone $175 (4/08) Abby & Ken MacPherson $300 (5/09) Donna & Les McWhorter $100 (2/06) Joyce Newman $200 (1/10) Jim Palmer $200 (5/07) Barbara Roemmele $500 (9/07) Larry Rudner $30 (9/09) Estelle & Ray Rutkowski $100 (3/11) Cliff Scholz $100 (4/08) Roberta Stephens $500 (9/09) Nancy Sweeney $500 (9/10) Dorice & Harvie Walford $450 (8/11) LaVonne White $300 (5/11) $ = Total Contributions. (0/00) date of most recent contribution. Become a Booster by Calling Treasurer Lt/C Roberta Stephens, P at PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 2011 Congratulations to Tom Collins, N, for earning the National Educational Proficiency Award by passing Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, plus 3 elective courses. Tom has gone beyond that level and passed Junior Navigation and Navigation well on his way to completing his certificate and becoming a Senior Navigator. Seminars Scheduled... Using GPS and Using VHF/DSC Radio Both will be held on Saturday, 12 November Call instructor John Litwinka, S For details & registration

5 America s Boating Course Donna Speciale, Gary Bradford and James Massinello with instructor, Bill Flanders. Next ABC Sessions will be 5-6 November and then 3-4 December and 7-8 January WEATHER CLASS Class of October John McIntosh Stephen Baker ADVANCED PILOTING Class Instructor, Hal Leahy, AP Lisa & Steve Survis Missing in photo are: Dan & Barbara Witt Instructor, Scott Clinton, SN; Tom Rowan and Charles Giambalvo Do-It-Yourself Boat Yards Hauling to 150 Tons & 26 foot Beam 1124 AVENUE C 1602 No. 2ND STREET RIVIERA BEACH FL FT PIERCE FL Fax: Fax: cbbwrb@bellsouth.net cbbwfp@bellsouth.net HOME FOR YOUR BOAT Private, protected, secure boat slips, to 60, in the heart of Jonathan s Landing, Jupiter Close access to ICW & Atlantic Very competitive rates Details call James at Bristol Management, , or James@Bristolmanagement.com ANCHORAGE MARINA JONATHAN S LANDING Since 1962 ICE AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERATION WATERMAKERS Custom Built Rods Expert Rod & Reel Repairs AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER FOR AMBASSADOR & GARCIA REELS sheltered docks for rent OPEN 7 DAYS 631 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach (561) Fax (561) Sales, Service, Installations Fax: joer@beardmarine.com 1748 Australian Ave.#8, Riviera Beach, FL MARINER MARINE Sales Service GRADY-WHITE 1429 U.S. 1 RIVIERA BEACH, FL (561) FAX (561) We keep em running David E. Post President A Mechanic On Wheels, Inc. We Come to You NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 5

6 District Commander Gary Ferguson, JN Chief s Rep Rear Commander Howard Yoas, SN & Mary Pierpont D/C Ferguson, JN, led an informative and FUN weekend with national Chief Commander s representative R/C Howard Yoas, SN, answering questions and taking notes. Approximately 200 members & guests attended the seminars & social events. District 8 includes 15 squadrons located from Sebastian Inlet to Key West. RIVIERA BEACH MUNICIPAL MARINA A Friendly, Clean & Safe Marina WET SLIPS FUEL DOCK SHOWERS LAUNDRY SHIP S STORE FISHING & DIVE CHARTERS Visit the TIKI WATERFRONT SEA GRILL For a wide variety of Seafood & other Specialties They also Feature a LIVE BAND 200 EAST 13 TH STREET, RIVIERA BEACH, FL Fax: VHF CHANNEL 16 RIVIERA BEACH The Best Waterfront City in Which to Live, Work & Play PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 2011

7 Friday night FUN Saturday night FORMAL but FUN District conferences are NOT all business (see opposite page). There is the lighter side including hospitality suites, Friday evening s Homecoming Ball and Saturday evening s elegant Dinner/ Dance. (D/8 photos by Art Dodd, SN) 3 of Our members earned Co-Operative Charting Honors Cdr Newman Scott Clinton R/C Yoas P/C Hank Resch P/C Les McWhorter D/C Ferguson Scott Clinton coordinated our cooperative charting effort which produced important chart updates. The endeavor also earned Scott, Hank Resch and Les McWhorter NOAA s Cooperative Charting Honor Roll status. EVERYDAY A FRESH CATCH OF THE GOOD LIFE. A world of its own, blessed with sun, sand and waves. A special place full of Southern charm and Florida fun. In the center of all this lies the island resort that puts you in the best waters anywhere. Hutchinson Island is about more than just fantastic fishing; it s about this place, this lifestyle, even this frame of mind. RIVIERA BEACH 2230 Broadway (US 1) Riviera Beach, FL Monday thru Friday 7:30 to 6:00 Saturday: 7:30 to 5:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 3:00 Fort Lauderdale 311 SW 24th St. (S.R. 84) Ft Lauderdale, FL Monday thru Saturday: 7:30 to 7:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 5:00 Pompano Beach 750 E. Sample Road Pompano Beach, FL Monday thru Friday 7:30 to 7:00 Saturday: 7:30 to 5:00; Sunday: 9:00 to 5:00 HUTCHINSON ISLAND FLORIDA RESORT 2007 Marriott International, Inc. 18-hole executive golf course, fitness center, pools, tennis, and private beach. Ocean Club Memberships offer total access plus 15% off food and beverage. Perfectly situated for your meeting or special event. Discounted group rates available. World-class marina and deep-sea fishing. Fine dining at the Baha Grill and relaxation at our tiki bars. Extended stays welcome. Call or visit NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 7

8 Homestead Boats By Lt Mike Stern, Squadron Law Officer T H E L A W Following a rough divorce up north a man sails his sailboat to Florida, docks the boat, and thereafter lives on the boat. He registers the dock address as his primary residence on his driver s license and in other government registrations. The man wants to know if his boat is protected as a Florida homestead similar to protection afforded mobile homes. Protection of boats under Florida's homestead laws has been dealt with from time to time by different bankruptcy court judges. The issue is whether the boat in question is more like a "house" situated on real property or is more like a "boat" used for transportation. The consensus ruling is that boats used as a primary residence are protected if they are docked permanently & are not navigable. If a boat is in condition to travel by water the courts have held that it is not a permanent residence eligible for homestead protection. It makes no difference if the boat is a "houseboat," or if it powered by motor or wind. So what constitutes navigable? For example, if the motor was broken and the boat could move on the water, in my opinion the boat would not be eligible for homestead protection, as opposed to a boat whose engine was removed, or a sailboat without a mast. However, I could also understand a judge ruling that a boat with a broken engine did not qualify because it could be repaired. A boat that could not travel under its own power would be eligible for homestead protection. Thus Homestead boats will be evaluated on the specific facts of each situation. Geek Stuff of the Month What s this tinyurl stuff? Did you notice these somewhat odd internet links in the Commander s message and/or Mike Stern s Anchorages, Anchoring defined article? What s that all about (or is it just some new SPAM link? (grin) What it actually is, is an attempt by your Afterdeck editorial staff to keep up with one of the modern techniques for simplifying your life (and trying to aid the accuracy of typing in some of those terribly long internet addresses). Tinyurl is a free service that allows us to take advantage of a shorthand (lookup table like) notation for those long, dyslexic-like link transcriptions. Have you ever tried to copy and paste, or type in, one of those long links sent to you in an that spills over onto a second line in the that usually ends up in an error message? Grrrrr! The tinyurl way allows us to have a link via tinyurl.com (simple to remember and type) that only is only about seven (7) letters or numbers long. Just open your web (internet) browser and, in the Address space near the top, type in the tinyurl.com/******* address (******* shows where you would type in the special, unique, part of the link address for the item we re tying to provide to you). Then tap the Enter key and your browser should take you directly to the site in question. If you d like to try it here, type in the following: This is the shortened special link we got for the following: courses.htm. This is the squadron s web page with a listing of not only our course descriptions, but the dates, times, instructors, etc. Check it out (the tinyurls version so you can see how it works to easily get you the same page as the much longer link typing would get you (if you typed it in correctly, or copied and pasted it correctly). This approach has been written up as being a preferred approach in the Palm Beach Post s TECHNOBUDDY column (Bill Husted) in the Sunday edition. In fact, you can use this approach yourself for sending a long link to someone you know that may have difficulty (from your past experience) in getting the long ones typed in correctly. Copy the address (from your browser Address bar) and go to the web page to paste it into the appropriate blank box, click on the button to the right of the blank labeled Make TinyURL! The tinyurl web page has a more detailed explanation of the conversion process. It s FREE and the tinyurl they give you never expires, so your friends can use it again & again in the future. They ll also know you are a Cool person who helps them out with their link typing frustrations! In your on-line Afterdeck you probably won t have to copy and paste the link, just click on the link in the.pdf (the file you are reading the Afterdeck from). If you have a designated default browser, after clicking on the link in the Afterdeck article, your browser should automatically open and display the linked page. Last month, your Editor put in both the long version and the tinyurl version of the various links. After you ve tried the tinyurl version of things for a while, see how you like it and drop him a note to share your thoughts on your preference for the future. Constructive comments and suggestions for future articles are always welcome. You can send the note to editor@palmbeachsps.org. If you d like to see other, occasional Geek Stuff of the Month articles (trying to relate technology hardware or software to our squadron undertakings), drop a note to pbsps_tech@palmbeachsps.org with your thoughts on what you might like to see addressed in possible future musings. BARNACLE BUSTERS UNDERWATER BOAT CLEANING & REPAIR ZINC INSTALLATIONS PROPELLER CHANGES NEW/USED PROPELLER SALES (561) Call for Low Monthly Rates STAIN BUSTERS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING BOAT HOME BUSINESS TILE & WOOD FLOORS EXPERT STAIN REMOVAL & SPOT DYEING (561) $10 OFF FIRST CARPET CLEANING LICENSED BONDED INSURED PBS&PS MEMBER LICENSED AND INSURED Riverside Drive, Palm Beach Gardens LOU DANIELLO, JR. PRESIDENT PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 2011

9 BoatUS Foundation Kids Life Jacket Loaner Program Submitted by P/R/C Bob Malone, SN "Everyone got a life jacket?" It's a simple question boat owners often ask when heading out on the water. However, for younger guests who require the right-sized life jacket that answer isn't always "yes." There may be only adult-size life jackets on board, kids may have simply outgrown their life jacket, or perhaps some younger guests joined the outing at the last minute. To help get kids in right-sized life jackets, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety's Kid's Life Jacket Loaner Program now offers over 530 locations across the country - marinas, boat clubs, waterfront businesses and even fire houses - where kid's life jackets in various sizes (up to 90 pounds) can be borrowed at no cost for the afternoon, day or weekend. Over 40 new loaner locations have been added this year. "Kids wearing an adult life vest provides a false sense of security because they can easily slip out once they hit the water," said BoatUS Foundation Program Manager Alanna Keating. "It's better to make a pit stop at one of our loaner locations and grab one that fits. All you have to do is sign it out and return it when you are done. It's that simple." To find a location near you, go to Across the country the program on average loans out over 90,000 life jackets each year, and at least 3 children's lives have been saved since it began in 97. For more information on the program or the life jacket laws in your state, please visit The program is largely funded by the half-million members of Boat Owners Association of The United States. About the BoatUS Foundation: The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the halfmillion members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to WEATHER OR NOT- A Basic Primer Submitted by P/C Les McWhorter, P As part-time boaters, most of us are not a-tuned to the signs around us and over our heads. Three major areas we should learn to read are: Wind, Clouds and Thunderstorms. The following may be of help to refer to as a primer as we cruise on the ICW or coastal ocean. WIND: Speed vs pressure: A 5 mph breeze pushes with.1 psf [pounds per square foot] of force. A 20 mph wind has a force of 1.6 psf. Wind Speed and Visual Sea Conditions: As all Squadron members know, the wind speed chart is called The Beaufort Scale. There are 13 levels on the scale from '0' to '12'. We will mention the first five [if they are any higher, you and your boat should be tucked safely in the harbor with a glass of your favorite grog! 0 = less than 1 mph; calm, seas like a mirror 1 = 1 to 3 mph; light air, ripples like scales, no foam 2 = 4 to 7 mph; light breeze, small wavelets, not breaking 3 = 8 to 12 mph; gentle breeze, large wavelets, scattered whitecaps 4 = 13 to 18 mph; moderate, small waves - 4 ft. 5 = 19 to 24 mph; fresh, moderate waves, 6 ft., many whitecaps, some spray 6 or above = "stay in port"! Veering and Backing: Face the wind; it is veering if changing direction to your right. If the wind is moving 'clock-wise', it is a 'high pressure area' and that means improving weather. A 'backing wind' is 'counter-clock-wise'; i.e. moving to your left and that means it is bringing stormy weather. Remember this rhyme: "A veering wind will clear the sky; a backing wind says storms are nigh". DIRECTION: A west wind brings fair, dry weather to eastern shores. West winds prevail in North America, but can be reversed by areas of low pressure. These low pressure areas bring east winds with clouds, a drop in air pressure and a rise in humidity to eastern shores. When winds from the north and south encounter prevailing westerlies, or each other, colliding air masses can trigger havoc & precipitation. CLOUDS: High clouds that are wispy and white mean fine weather. Low clouds mean current weather remains or a change is soon to come. Dark and dense; a change is immediate, usually for the worse. Lowering or gathering clouds usually bring wet weather. Lifting or dispersing clouds bring improvement. The darker color is more dangerous. Flat clouds bring stable air. Lumpy, rounded clouds live in unstable air. Watch the movement; stand with your back to the wind and look up. If high altitude clouds are moving left to right, often the weather will worsen, from right to left, it should improve. If moving away from you, things may stay the same. Smooth sailing.... Key West Boats Contender Albemarle G-3 Aluminum Marine Store Boat Accessories Fishing Tackle Clothing NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 9

10 To have your vessel inspected and earn the safety decal, call one of our certified inspectors: JOHN WORSSAM Bob Malone s 24 ft BoNanDo earned the 2011 safety check decal. ED HOOVER BILL ELDRIDGE A West Marine certificate for 10% off of any Safety Equipment purchase is available to inspection participants. Palm Harbor Marina John L. Smundin Manager (561) (800) A North Flagler Drive Fax: West Palm Beach, FL Amy F. Carbone Broker 2655 No. Ocean Dr., Suite 300 Singer Island, FL Fax Cell Member P B S & P S. DAN CARBONE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2655 NO. OCEAN DRIVE SUITE 300 SINGER ISLAND, FL Office: (561) FAX (561) LICENSED IN FLORIDA & NEW YORK Member Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 2011

11 Alan Rosensweig Caroline & Steven Harless Welcome NEW MEMBERS Ronnie Babin GIFT IDEA!!! Good Looking Shirts! by CASKEY MONOGRAMS & EMBROIDERY Our Squadron Flags on Shirts, Hats, Jackets, Bags or Your Item Phone: Fax: LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE NORTH PALM BEACH (N.E. corner of Lighthouse Drive Bridge) Member: Palm Beach Sail & Power Squadron 255 E. 22nd Court at NEW PORT COVE MARINA Riviera Beach, FL Phone: Fax: NOVEMBER 2011 PAGE 11

12 Boating Is Fun, We ll Show You How Sail and Power Boating PALM BEACH SAIL & POWER SQUADRON A Unit of UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS SQUADRON CALENDAR NOV Lunch Bunch. Every Thursday 11:30 am at Duffy s, Rt 1 at PGA Blvd. 1 Tues Bridge/Board meeting. 7 pm HQ 5 Sat/Sun ABC (Public Boating Course) at HQ 8 Tues Dinner Meeting, Evergrene Club DEC Lunch Bunch. Every Thursday 11:30 am at Duffy s, Rt 1 at PGA Blvd. 3 Sat/Sun ABC (Public Boating Course) at HQ 6 Tues Bridge/Board meeting. 7 pm HQ 13 Tues Dinner Meeting, Evergrene Club 17 Sat Tie-Up, West Palm Beach downtown pier 1125 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY, #13 LAKE PARK, FL CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BEACH FL PERMIT NO. 91 See pages 6 & 7. Dr Michele Williams Guest speaker at October s Dinner Meeting Fish Tales Nina Washawanny Tofino, BC (West coast of Vancouver Island) JULY 2011 Tyee Salmon White King 32 lb