United States Power Squadrons Ventura Sail and Power Squadron

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1 United States Power Squadrons Ventura Sail and Power Squadron Volume 60 January 2017 Number 1 record number of members and guests. As always the white elephant gift game was one of the highlights of the evening. We honored Robert Hamilton's 50 year membership and Rick Metheny's excellence in teaching award from District 13 Cdr Robyn Miller, AP Commander s Corner As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank all the bridge members, executive committee members, course instructors and students, cruise director and participants, social event coordinators and participants, and facilities hosting our courses and events, including Ventura Yacht Club, Ventura Harbor Port District, Channel Islands Yacht Club, La Petit Cafe, Santa Barbara Harbor, Avalon Harbor, USCG and USCG Auxiliary. The squadron holiday party at La Petit Cafe in December was attended by a January 9 January 14 February 4 March 13 Coming Events VSPS Executive Committee Meeting Mariposa VYC VSPS Annual Meeting Channel Islands Yacht Club VSPS Change of Watch Ventura Yacht Club District 13 Spring Cruise & Change of Watch Long Beach to Avalon to Ensenada and return

2 Lt/C Steve Johnston, P Executive Officer January Birthdays 1-Jan Gary Ohst Hello everyone. The holidays are upon us! Many members assisted in preparing Jan & Deb's boat for the Ventura Harbor parade of lights. Alas, the first night there was a howling wind and the parade was cancelled. But the next night was perfect and the floats were beautiful. 1-Jan 5-Jan 7-Jan 10-Jan Marvin E. Stevens Doug M. Montgomery Don Roy C. Gilbert Eigenhuis Jr. Many of you enjoyed the food and gift exchange at the holiday party. This is just a quick update on the "worth" of some of the gifts. The pack of scratch offs that flew through many hands, fetched $19.00 when they got scratched off. The Garmin GPS, a veteran of several gift exchanges is still worth 35 bucks on EBay. The cheese melting Racelete, goes for $69.00 on several websites. So save those treasures and return them to our party next year or keep them. 20-Jan 24-Jan 28-Jan 29-Jan Mary B. Beck Howard H. Wang Greta Varien Richard G. Heller Enjoy the season and we ll start a new USPS year of fun, education and being on the water.

3 Lt/C Doug Montgomery Administrative Officer Fire Extinguishers should be on board most vessels. The size and type required varies depending on the vessel. Federal requirements for extinguishers are the minimum, but its O.K. to exceed the number or size as required for your vessel. All extinguishers in marine use must have Coast Guard approval numbers or "MARINE TYPE USCG, a label listing from Underwriters Laboratory ( U L ) and have a rating of 5- B;C or higher. Example: Class A fires: can be smothered to stop the oxygen. Class B fires: if possible secure the source of flammable liquid, have the portable extinguisher ready to discharge. Class C fires: you need to secure the energy at the breaker or switch, then follow up with the portable fire extinguisher as needed. Larger vessels can have fixed fire suppression systems with gas types Halon and carbon dioxide, these are found in engine and machinery spaces. These systems require training to operate. Hand carried portables of Halon and carbon dioxide can be found in areas with electronics as well. The extinguishers must be secured in mounting brackets. Rating of the types of fire is as follows: Class A is a fire of wood, rags, paper etc. - anything that leaves behind ash. Class B fires are from a liquid such as gasoline, oil, diesel - no ash. Class C is electrical. To have a fire you need three components, picture a triangle with the bottom side labeled as Fuel - one side labeled Heat - and one side labeled Oxygen. To stop a fire one side of the triangle must be broken.

4 Lt/C Pat Metheny, AP Education Officer 2016 has ended on a very high note! All the students taking the final exam and completing the charting part of the exam have passed with flying colors! Congratulations to: Lorna Londborg, Robert (Bob) Barker, Ed Insand, Anita Insand, Kathi Motram (who is on her way to crew on a very large wooden sailboat across oceans), Brent Kerr, Charles (Chas) Cloud, Dennis Doman, Levi Crawford, Peggy Bennett and Timothy Storey. Thanks to Instructor, Rick Metheny, for his time, patience and commitment to providing boaters with skills that add to their own safety and enjoyment in the water. Happy New Year to all. We will see you at the Annual Meeting. Richard Metheny District Award for Excellence in Teaching Robert Hamilton The 50 Year Award for his time in the Power Squadron.

5 Kiss wins Best non-profit in the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights. Kiss is owned by VSPS members Jan Lawson and Debbie Braun-Lawson. The theme this year was National Parks and Kiss and Ventura Yacht Club s tender Leo Robbins were decorated together to represent the Everglades. To say that it is a lot of work is an understatement. Last year when the theme was announced, Jan formulated her plan. Supplies are stockpiled. Each flamingo is a 4x8 sheet of plywood. The eyeballs and grass along the bottom are on chicken-wire frames that were built for the occasion. Supports have to be erected for the higher elements (see Santa WAY above the deck?) Rope lights of various colors are bought in professional-size reels. Several generators and miles of electrical cord are needed. Also the whole boat has to be shrouded in black cloth. The to-do list is huge! Next you find volunteers (Jan s are both Power Squadron and Ventura Yacht Club members). She serves the best diet-free lunches for the several weeks it takes. Jan on ground under a flamingo - Alan Howell, Sheri Green, Elizabeth Howell, Jan and Gary Wolfe

6 Leo Robbins (VYC) wins Show Stopper Award Months before the parade the work begins. The designs are drawn onto the plywood. Many are sawn out then each needs to be painted. Hundreds of holes are drilled wherever the rope lights must go. Zip-ties are used to place the lights. This necessitates a person on each side of the panel to thread the ties back and forth. There is a whole toolbox filled with the various connectors because they not only connect to each other but each needs an electrical supply. For example the flamingos have two legs (duh). One is stationary and the second, built at an angle, can be switched on and off. This gives the illusion that they are walking. A separate circuit is needed for each of these. The eyes in the swamp grass blink on and off. All of this is possible through the genius of Debbie who uses computer magic to time everything to music. I forgot to mention that mondospeakers are needed. Everything must be installed on the boat very securely without damaging the boat. The captain must be able to see; crew must be able to maneuver around. If you are lucky the weather will cooperate this year it didn t. There were gale-force winds the first night and the parade was cancelled possibly a first. The second night, thankfully, was beautiful. This would have been a lot of work and expense for nothing. But we re not through. Sunday morning everything has to be dismantled and taken over to Jan & Debbie s huge storage locker. Maybe in some future year you will see a green alligator. We could put a Santa hat on him. I forgot to tell you his jaw actually mechanically (no computer magic here) moves up and down. Thanks Jan and Debbie. Not from those who participated, but from the whole community.

7 Julie Winn and Karl Esrason aboard s/v Sky Blue Eyes Hello friends in the squadron! After years of dreaming and planning, we set out on our adventure at the end of October. We participated in the Baja Ha-Ha, which gave us the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, not only on the Ha-Ha, but as we cruise south as well. We are continually amazed by the camaraderie of our fellow cruisers; everyone goes out of their way to help each other. The people of Mexico have also been a delight, and they love to help us with our Spanish! Stops so far have included San Diego, Turtle Bay, Bahia Santa Maria, Cabo San Lucas, Los Frailes, Mazatlan, San Blas, Chacala, and we are currently in La Cruz. Some passages have been rougher than expected, but we absolutely love this life. We can t express how grateful we are for the preparation provided by the many squadron courses we took in addition to the advice given by multiple squadron members.

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9 VENTURA SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & APPETIZER CONTEST Saturday, 14 January to 1400 Social Event: The VSPS "world class" APPETIZER contest...so pull out your cookbook and make a great appetizer to enter in the contest and share with attendees. Members will enjoy and vote on the entries and prizes will be awarded to the winners. The winning recipe will be published in the February Helm. Soft drinks will be provided. Business Event: 2017 Annual Business Meeting will give you, the members of VSPS, the opportunity to applaud the accomplishments of our squadron as led by the current officers and their committee members. You will also elect the officers and have the chance to volunteer your support for the coming year. Place: Restaurant) Channel Islands Yacht Club, 1400 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard (past the Whale s Tail Cost: No cost. Adult drinks can be purchased. Altogether it s a great way to share an early 2017 squadron event with friends while taking care of required squadron business.

10 Holiday Dinner

11 And a good time was had by all.

12 Reports of Officers: Lt/C Carolyn Cahn, S Secretary Ventura Sail and Power Squadron Executive Committee Meeting Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura CA December 5, 2016 Attendees: Preliminary Minutes Called to order at Cdr Robyn Miller, P 2. Admin Officer Lt/C Doug Montgomery 3. Exe Officer Lt/C Steve Johnston, P 4. SEO Lt/C Pat Metheny, AP 5. Secretary Lt/C Carolyn Cahn, S 6. Lt Dan Cahn, JN 7. Janet Shultz, S 8. Lt Don Shultz, SN 9. 1 st Lt Debbie Braun-Lawson, AP 10. Chris Stine 11. Lorna Londborg A quorum was present. Lt/C Pat Metheny, AP led the Pledge of Allegiance SEO Lt/C Pat Metheny, AP discussed the educational issues covered at the District 13 Conference and announced that our squadron won all of the education awards. Marine Communications course is completed. Alan Gosselin will teach the Engine Maintenance course. The next ABC class is schedule to begin February 7 and there is already of list of interested students. Admin Officer Lt/C Doug Montgomery reported on the outstanding turnout to the recent Holiday Party. Forty-five members and guests attended and all agreed that the food and restaurant were outstanding. Chris Stine will send thank you cards to Erin Quinn, Ann Wolfe and Brenda Montgomery for their work in planning the event. Secretary Lt/C Carolyn Cahn, S provided minutes for last meeting and the minutes were accepted. Plans for the roster for the coming year were discussed. It was moved and approved that funds would be spent for a paper roster and an electronic version would also be ed to members. Executive Officer Lt/C Steve Johnston, P noted that the Holiday Party was a living example of the USPS slogan Come for the Boating Education stay for the Friends. Steve also discussed the pros and cons of his experience with online education.

13 Completed Business/Activities/Classes The November Cruise to Avalon was very successful with four boats attending and many fun-filled activities. Gary Bright was commended for his initiative and work in planning the cruise. Candidates for the 2017 elected positions have been published in the Helm and voting will take place at the Annual meeting. Ongoing Business/Activities/Classes Lt Dan Cahn discussed the options for an educational aide to be purchased with the money donated to honor PC Hal Wilder. It was moved and approved that the squadron would purchase a white board and make magnetic backed boats, lights and day shapes for use in the ABC and Seamanship courses. Janet and Don Shultz will coordinate the review and selection of photos and other items to archive from the old scrapbooks in the storage shed. Future Business/Activities/Classes The Annual meeting will be held 14 January PM at the Channel Islands Yacht Club. Robyn Miller and Lorna Londborg will coordinate the event. The Change of Watch dinner will be held 4 February 2017 at the Ventura Yacht Club. Debbie Braun-Lawson will coordinate the event. The next District 13 Spring Conference will be a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico on March Several squadron members are attending. Pat Metheny discussed the need for line to use for knot tying instruction in the ABC class. A motion to purchase this material was moved and approved. The next Executive meeting will be rescheduled to 9 Jan 2017 onboard the Mariposa. Open Comments Lt Don Shultz requested that members send him photos of squadron activities to use on our website. Adjourned at Call for Volunteers! Several USPS national committees are looking for volunteers with these technical skills: graphic design, desk-top publishing, technical editing, proofreading, marketing and social media. We need volunteers who have expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (In- Design, Illustrator, PhotoShop), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher) and CorelDRAW. Boating expertise is not required. This is a great opportunity to learn while sharing your technical skills to help USPS develop products and services that benefit squadrons and the boating public. Committee chairs will work with you to ensure assignments are clear and respect your time availability. Contact: Nominating Committee chairman, R/C Bill Selden V, AP, bill@cpdean.com,

14 Power Squadron and Boat US Team Up Looking for a gift that doesn t require batteries, won t ever break and fits perfectly? Give your favorite boaters the gift of knowledge! This holiday season our specialized online boating courses make the perfect gift! Avoid the lines at the mall and the hassle of gift-wrapping this year with gift certificates for our online seminars. Plus, buy any gift certificate and you ll get a code for 25% off a course for yourself! Our Courses All About Marine Radio Master your VHF radio skills and learn how to get the most out of this crucial piece of boating equipment. Modern Marine Navigation Learn the basics of plotting, reading charts, identifying ATONs and using them to find your way on the water. How to Use GPS New to electronics on your boat or uncomfortable with operating the electronics you have? We can help! Weather for Boaters The leaves are turning, and so is the weather. Be prepared for any change in conditions with this course! Planning Your Cruise This seminar will give you all the basic knowledge & skills necessary to prepare for your first voyage. Learn to Sail Jump start or refresh your sailing skills with interactive lessons from America's #1 Sailing School.

15 2016 Bridge (2017 after Change of Watch) Commander Cdr Robyn Miller, AP Executive Officer Lt/C Steve Johnston, P Administrative Officer Lt/C Doug Montgomery SEO Lt/C Pat Metheny, AP Treasurer Lt/C Kim Morris Secretary Lt/C Carolyn Cahn, S The Helm Editor Lt. Sheri Green, JN (805) Mariposa.miller@gmail.com (805) Cheesehead1@gmail.com (310) Vinorn2000@yahoo.com (805) rmetheny@aol.com (805) kim@vhb.com (805) dccahn@roadrunner.com (661) sheridan713@gmail.com Contacts for Local Mariners 24-Hour Emergency Telephone Numbers US Coast Guard Search & Rescue(805) Channel Islands Harbor Patrol (805) Ventura Harbor Patrol. (805) Port Hueneme (805) Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol (805) Harbormasters Administrative Channel Islands (805) Channel Islands Harbor Patrol (805) Ventura Port District (805) Port Hueneme Public Affairs (805) Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol (805) National Weather Service Oxnard... (805) Web site:

16 Ventura Sail & Power Squadron Lt. Sheridan Green, JN, Editor 1755 Spinnaker Drive Ventura, CA Address Correction Requested January 2017