United States Power Squadrons. Nansemond River Power Squadron * District 5. Come For the Boating Education...Stay For the Friends!

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1 United States Power Squadrons Cdr Frank Brown AP-IN Nansemond River Power Squadron * District 5 Come For the Boating Education...Stay For the Friends! SM Making way... Thanks to all who participated in our Clean the Bay Day a great opportunity for our squadron to be recognized throughout the community. A nice day and calm waters made the work go much easier. Our next Cruise is in conjunction with the D5 Summer Council Rendezvous. To find out what you can do to help us provide a top-notch show, contact Lt/C Grace Brown P and she ll fill you in and get you in contact with whomever can use your commitment. Welcome to our newest member, Mike Gambacorta, who joined at our June meeting. He keeps his 42 Cruiser, Gamby Spirit II, at Gatling Pointe Yacht Club. Mike is a retired Captain, USN and has boated more than just for his job. We look forward to his membership. Still a good time to ask your friends, neighbors and/or fellow boaters to visit us and see what we have to offer them. The summer activities on the water include being on the lookout for opportunities to share safe boating habits with our friends. I recently saw a new boater trying to dock his boat at GPYC and his wife positioned herself on the bow, legs dangling over, ready to try to stop the boat from hitting the pylon. She was lucky the first time and I took the opportunity to identify that the pylon would win if she were to try to stop the boat with her hands or feet. Don t be afraid to share boating safety, every where you go. The CG sent out an announcement that Law Enforcement personnel will be on the alert during the 4th of July weekend, although I doubt they will stop on 2 July but continue thru the 4th. We always see more Blue Lights on the Pagan River by Smithfield s location for their annual fireworks display and they are plenty busy after the fireworks are over. Be careful but enjoy the holiday. We are looking into an agreement with the folks reconstructing Bennett s Creek Marina where we would be able to call their new facility home. Lt Jeff Horne, PC Drex Bradshaw AP and PC Lin Hanbury AP are Contents: serving on an appointed committee to look into this change of venue. They will have a report for us at our next Bridge meeting and we ll bring forth the specifics once your Bridge has reviewed the report. Could be a nice Win-Win for us and for the Marina. Hope to see you at our 11 July meeting at George s Steakhouse. Have a wonderful & reflective 4th of July holiday. Be safe out there on the water. frank.brown915@gmail.com, cell Executive Officer s Report... 2 Administrative Officer s Report... 2 Education Officer s Report... 3 VSC Scorecard... 3 Clean the Bay Day... 4 USPS News Blast Info... 4 Membership... 5 Members Corner... 5 Boating Cartoon... 5 HarborFest & NRPS Pics... 5 Beach Music Cruise in Pics... 6 & 7 Safety Officer s Report... 8 Members Benefits... 8 D5 Summer Rendezvous Registration... 9

2 Executive Officer s Report Lt/C Bob Wallace SN Hurricane season is here, hope everybody is prepared and keeping a watchful eye on the weather conditions. Right now we are preparing to make our trip across the Bay, I do not think it will be a great boating day but I am confident it will be a safe one. I will let everyone know how it was in the next newsletter. Saturday,3 June was Clean The Bay Day sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Of course Nansemond River was well represented as well as the Sea Scouts. Our members volunteered and collected plenty of trash, well most folks collected thrash, some of us had a difficult time finding any because we were on the water. Those in attendance from the squadron were P/C Lin Hanbury AP and wife Lt Cheryl Hanbury, Lt/C H.J. South S and wife Lt Mary South, CDR Brown AP and wife Lt/C Grace Brown P, and Lt/C Robert Wallace SN. This was a great opportunity to get out on the water and assist in cleaning the Bay. I had a great time on Lin Hanburys' skiff, just cruising around looking for trash and soaking up the sun. We did not find much, just an old plastic bucket and an old plastic bottle. H.J. offered to give us some of his trash, he collected a bunch, but we declined his offer. It was a fun day for all of us. HarborFest turned out to be an impromptu cruise. There were plenty of libations and food for all. Fletcher Beadles AP P/C was at his usual berth on D dock. For those that are not aware Fletcher has attended every Harbor Fest since its inception, quite an accomplishment. The fireworks were fantastic, they seem to get better every year, and worthy of note was the breeze. Our location was spared any ash or debris; the breeze carried it away from us. Our CDR., Frank Brown, conducted plenty of vessel inspections at Harbor Fest. I do not know how he finds time but he manages. He is well on the way to reaching 200. bbwall@verizon.net, cell Administrative Officer s Report Lt/C Butch Baxter P On 9-11 June the 41 st annual HarborFest was held, all that cruised or went to by land (An informal cruise/ day tripper) to Tidewater Yacht had a good time and enjoyed good weather. The remnants of Tropical storm Cindy stayed to our West and North, so as not to wreck our second cruise of the year. A few hiccups with some, but eight boats made the trip over to the Oyster Farm Marina in Cape Charles along with some landlubbers. A big thank you goes out to the OD s and all that helped in the organization of the activities. A special thanks to P/C Jack Eure JN and his wife Mary Ann for the dinner location Saturday night at their place in Cape Charles. It was a great together and camaraderie for all. July, we look forward to the D 5 Rendezvous July at Tidewater Yacht. Currently we have 14 vessels signed up. Looking forward to August, our cruise will be to Blue Water Yachting Center in Hampton. Eight vessels are signed up, but we need an OD. I would like to have an OD volunteer sign up for this cruise at our July meeting or before. Status report on our oldest member of NRPS, the MAR- SUE; she is still on the hard at Virginia Boat & Yacht. I thought I was ready to start replacing some bottom planks on the Portside, but encountered numerous more questionable frames/ribs at the floor timbers. I currently am cutting the bad to replace with the good. It requires selective deconstruction and fabricating numerous pieces to make the repairs, sort of like making a puzzle for each frame. Sorry she is missing these cruises. In the coming months we will need to start thinking about our annual auction. If you have any ideas or changes you would like to see, please present them to the Bridge. thebaxters@mar-sue.com, cell Be safe and happy boating! Capt BB Page 2

3 Educational Officer s Report Lt/C H.J. South S Squadron has for us and start a new plan for taking some additional training.. Nansemond River Power Squadron s Vessel Safety Check SCORECARD Our Goal for VSC s Conducted as of 23 May Summer is here and we are back on the water. Seeing some of the things other boaters are doing can make one think they really need a class! With that same mind set, the same thing could be said about all of us boaters at some time or another, so that s my lead in to this month s article. Most of the folks in the Squadron have taken classes over the years to achieve their goals and then stopped. Take a little time to look at the list of all the training that the Power Classes Available *SEAMANSHIP (S), PILOT (P), ADVANCED PILOT (AP), JUNIOR NAVIGATOR (JN), NAVIGATOR (N) Elective Courses Available *CRUISE PLANNING, ENGINE MAINTENANCE, INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT, MARINE ELECTRON- ICS, SAIL, WEATHER Members of NRPS can continue their boating education through a number of seminars, each lasting 2 hours in length. Most seminars are offered in a classroom format. Some are more hands-on and are done in the field (or on the water.) Seminars Available ADVANCED POWERBOAT HANDLING ANCHORING BASIC COASTAL NAVIGATION BASIC WEATHER AND FORECASTING BOAT HANDLING UNDER POWER BOATING ON RIVERS, LOCKS AND LAKES EMERGENCIES ON BOARD FUEL AND BOATING HOW TO USE A CHART KNOTS, BENDS, and HITCHES FOR MARINERS MARINE RADAR MARINER S COMPASS MASTERING THE RULES OF THE ROAD PADDLE SMART PARTNER in COMMAND SAIL, TRIM AND RIG TRAINING TIDES AND CURRENTS TRAILERING YOUR BOAT USING GPS USING VHF & DSC MARINE RADIO As I wrote last month, I would highly recommend taking some time to watch the safe boating videos that were produced last year by the United States Power Squadrons. They can be accessed through the USPS digital media library at uspsdml.org There is a variety of other educational information at this site and is certainly worth looking at. Please share this resource with other boaters, particularly less experienced boaters, that you know. If you have an area where you would like instruction, please give me a call. Your input is always welcome and appreciated. I can be reached by at hjsouth@outlook.com or by phone at (757) We are currently at 54% of goal...and every 4 exams will add another percentage point to our total! Not an examiner yourself and need you boat (or a friend!) examined? Just call P/C Larry Rountree AP at and he ll connect you with a VSC examiner! Page 3

4 Nansemond River Power Squadron Giving Back.Participating in the Clean the Bay Day at Bennett s Creek! Nine of our NRPS members showed up bright and early on Sat. 4 June to help in the Clean the Bay Effort...and by land and by water, trash pickup was the task of the day! From discarded plastic bottles and cans to cigarette butts to old boxes, buckets and bags were filled from 0900 till 1200 hours on that warm June day as our crew and others from different organization in Suffolk, picked up debris from the water, the high marshland and even the parking lot of Benner s Creek Park! The City of Suffolk was ready for all the worker bees, with trash picker-uppers and bags, and cold water! And the Sea Scout Troop that we are connecting with was there with their leader as well. Noteworthy Info from USPS News Blast 2017 Wash down and clean your boat at the launch ramp Boaters need to clean their boats when and where they come out of the water. Remove all pieces of plants such as hydrilla and other aquatic weeds. To slow the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, your wash down should include the parts of engines and motors where these critters move in and hide. They multiply rapidly and will totally plug intake water pipes. Richard Daybell Celestial Tools V5.6.1 An update to Celestial Tools is available on the Offshore Navigation Committee s Software and Tools web page. V includes bug fixes and feature enhancements. Stan Klein Read more: Offshore Navigation Committee s Software and Tools web page Page 4

5 Membership.. By Lt Mary South, Membership Chair Have you ever considered joining the United States Power Squadrons? There are many great reasons for joining and now is a great time! Whether it s safe boating, social interaction, or community service, USPS has something for you. One great reason for joining is to learn how to safely operate your boat. It doesn t matter if you own a kayak, personal watercraft, fishing boat, large cruiser, or sailboat. There are classes and help available to teach you everything you need to know about safe boating. Our certified instructors are qualified to teach you how to boat, from the basics to a Senior Navigator. USPS provides opportunities to enjoy boating activities as a group, as well as land based fun. You don t have to own a boat to join! Social events, interesting meetings, potluck functions, etc. are all included. There are also many opportunities out there for community service events. Nansemond River Power Squadron recently participated in Clean the Bay Day. For a membership application, visit and follow the Member/Application link on the left hand side of the page. Come for the Boating Education Stay for the Friends! SM July Birthdays Jack Leach AP Joyce Bradshaw S Bill Kelly AP Dennis Farris Lt Mary South Lt/C HJ South S P/ Lin Hanbury AP P/C Gary Kirts AP 8 July 13 July 17 July 24 July 25 July 25 July 26 July 30 July You ve been on our boat all weekend, eating, drinking and hanging out. Then it suddenly occurred to us...we have no have no idea who you are! Norfolk s HarborFest Weekend and NRPS was there! Though not a regularly scheduled cruise this year, we had 6 boats in attendance for the weekend at Tidewater Yacht for the big Norfolk Celebration! And, as usual, we had a small but plentiful dock party with great appetizers and fireworks fun on Saturday night! 1stLt Carl Smith SN was working Friday and Saturday, giving tours aboard Nauticus The Virginia. It was a beautiful weekend on both sides of the Elizabeth River. Page 5

6 Beach Music Cruise Oyster Farm Marina at Cape Charles VA * June Page 6

7 Beach Music Cruise Oyster Farm Marina at Cape Charles VA * June JulyApril Page 7

8 Safety Officer s Report Lt Susan Faurot S IF YOU ARE CAUGHT If you are boating and find yourself in a thunderstorm, have each person put on a life jacket. Next pinpoint your exact location before the storm arrives. Heavy rain will reduce visibility. Reduce your boats speed and keep a sharp lookout for other boats and obstructions. Secure all hatches and ports and secure all loose gear. Proceed to the nearest safe harbor. Once the storm hits, try to take the first and heaviest gusts of wind on your bow, not abeam. Heading into the wind is the most seaworthy positions for most small boats. Approach waves at a 45 degree angle, this will keep your propeller under water. It also reduces pounding and provides a safer more comfortable ride. Stay low in the boat don t make yourself the tallest target. Keep away from all metal objects including the wheel. Lightening doesn t have to strike the boat directly for strong electrical charges to be aboard. If it strikes the water near your boat, it may affect the metal parts of your boat. Should your hair stand up lighting is near. Lower all antennas and unplug electronics if at all possible. You can lessen the danger of a lighting strike by staying off the water during storms. You can also install a grounding system to your boat which may provide lightening a path to reach ground (water) without causing damage to you or your boat. There are two thought of adding a grounding system some believe it will attract lightening while others say it provides a safe ground. Prevention is the key! Always check the marine forecast, your radar app on your cell phone and look at the sky to determine if storm clouds are rising most frequently from the west indicating a low front. In the summer leave early as most thunderstorms build in the afternoon. 1. Red sky at night, sailor s delight. 2. Red sky in the morning sailors take warning. 3. Clouds to port, the sailing day is short. 4. A rainbow in the morning gives you fair warning. 5. Dolphins in wake, ocean s calm as lake. 6. When halo rings the moon or sun, rains approaching on the run. cdrsfolly@aol.com, cell USPS Member Benefits Information Provided By Lt Cheryl Hanbury This month we re going to look at some goods and services discounts offered to members. 1. Because you re a member of USPS, you now have access to exclusive members only discounts at Office Depot/OfficeMax. Save on your printing, cleaning and furniture needs. Shop online or in stores. Up to 80% off preferred products 93,000 products discounted below retail pricing Free next-day delivery on online orders over $50 (excludes furniture) Exclusive low printing costs Visit for more info. 2. As a USPS member, you re entitled to a special offer and 10% off LifeLock Identity Theft Protection. LifeLock is the industry-leader in identity theft protection and uses the industry s most advanced alert system. Various plans are available. The Standard plan offers: Up to $25,000 stolen funds reimbursement U.S.-Based Restoration Team SSN and Credit Alerts Lost Wallet Protection and Address Change Verification Black Market Website Surveillance LifeLock Privacy Monitor Credit Monitoring: Three Bureaus Visit or call 800-LIFELOCK and mention promo code USPS. Page 8

9 2017 District 5 Council and Summer Rendezvous * Portsmouth VA HOTEL: MARINA: The Renaissance Hotel, all waterfront rooms Tidewater Yacht Marina 425 Water Street, Portsmouth, VA Crawford Parkway, Portsmouth VA Rendezvous Room Rate: $145 plus taxes Mile Marker Zero, on the Elizabeth River Phone: / Toll-free $1.30 per foot plus electricity provide Code DUS (D5 USPS) Ask for USPS special rate Page 9

10 Place Nansemond River Power Squadron Stamp 900 Gatling Pointe Parkway Smithfield, Virginia Here NRPS 2017 Calendar of Upcoming Events (There will be no regularly scheduled bridge Meeting as the first Tuesday in July is th 4th!) 11 July 1800 hrs General Meeting George s Steakhouse Holland Rd, Suffolk V July D5 Summer Council & Rendezvous (NRPS and VBSPS Squadrons Hosts Tidewater Yacht Marina Portsmouth VA Publisher s Statement Bridge Officers Commander Executive Officer Administrative Officer Education Officer Asst Education Officer Secretary Treasurer Safety Officer Cdr Frank Brown AP-IN Lt/C Bob Wallace SN Lt/C Butch Baxter P Lt/C HJ South S 1st/Lt Carl Smith SN Lt/C Grace Brown P Lt/C Mary Fisher AP Lt Susan Faurot S THE NANSEMOND LIGHT newsletter is published monthly. Deadline is the 25th day of each month for the following month s issue and we welcome articles & photographs of interest to our members.. THE NANSEMOND LIGHT published for the members & member families of the Nansemond River Power Squadron (NRPS), District 5 of the United States Power Squadrons. Publisher: Cdr Frank Brown AP-IN Editor: Lt/C Grace Brown, P Contributing Photographers: P/C Art Aikin, SN Lt Mary South Page 10