hi THE NEPTUNE LOG Volume 2015-6 No.1 The Neptune Log Summer 2015 Official Communication of the Neptune Sail and Power Squadron, Chartered 1938 A unit of the Unite d States Power Squ adron s CELEBRATING OUR 77 TH YEAR CATCHING UP! IN THIS ISSUE Catching Up! by Editor Neptune Summer Events The warm days of summer continue, and our weekly raft ups take place at the mark in Lloyd Harbor. Call up if you do not have a ride! Join us soon Fall and Winter Education We have a great schedule of classes for everyone this fall. With regular ABC classes supplemented by advanced classes for Seamanship and Advanced Piloting and an Elective course on Weather, there is a course for everyone. Sign up now! Rendezvous East- Mattituck long weekend. Next year there will be a new location, please let me know your preferences. Check out the pictures in this edition Back in the USA Your commander has been absent these shores for the last 5 months completing a sabbatical by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. Back now, I will be sharing my trip with you in installments starting with preparing for the trip this issue. I have been lax in publishing the Log during this trip and we catch up with introductions to the new bridge that was sworn in at the Change of Watch meeting all the way back in March. Commander s Corner Page 2 Neptune Officers 2015-6 Page 3 2015-6 Committees Page 4 Good and Welfare Page 4 Education Department Page 5 Crossing the Atlantic, Part 1 Page 8 Rendezvous East Pictures Page 9 Summer Raft Up Fun Page 10 Transom Boosters Page 12 Neptune News & Calendar Page 13 The biggest event of the summer took place at Strong s Waterclub and Marina in Mattituck on the north shore of Long Island. Several of our members attended and enjoyed a full program of events over a Neptune Sail and Power Squadron, a unit of the US Power Squadrons, has served the town of Huntington, Long Island, NY, for the past 76 years
United States Power Squadrons Commander s Corner by Cdr. Andrew Whiteley, JN Friendship and Fun Wow, what a year. It does not seem like it, but the time has flown by since I was installed as commander in March 2014. Some things have changed, some not. This year, I am struggling to get finished with my N course (it was JN last year), but the big change has been my decision made last year to take a sabbatical and do some serious boating. I spent 3 months last winter away from the dreadful NY weather sailing to and cruising in the Bahamas. What a place. Beautiful islands, fantastic people, warm climate, and a bunch of challenges for us boaters, both skipper and crew members. I am proud to say that my training at USPS has held me in good stead. The navigation courses were relevant every day on the water, and I had to call on many others, such as engine maintenance, electronic communications and weather. Happily I was able to apply and teach my crew, a daily challenge to bring sailors new to blue water up to speed, and be safe on board. The greater test was sailing across the Atlantic leaving Portsmouth VA on May 12 th arriving in Lagos, Portugal on June 26 th. I will be recounting the trip in my articles in future editions of the Log. As I said last year, the lifeblood of Neptune is its current and future active members. This year we will be putting particular emphasis on looking to recruit new active squadron members through our training program and our activities, particularly on the water. Our active Neptunites are driving this effort. We are approaching this like a marketing campaign. First of all we are defining our marketplace for new prospective members particularly Empty Nesters, Boating families particularly with older children who must complete ABC and experienced boaters who want to upgrade their boat or increase their ambitions on the water, such as boating to farther away locations. We will be establishing outreach communications programs and advertising to local people who fit the bill, and then adapt our website to appeal to these groups using the new style that is being adopted by our National organization. The most important challenge though is to mobilize our members to provide excellent first contact with the squadron, to both recruit boaters to classes, and also encourage them to join the organization. This is a hard task, addressing prospective new members who already have many calls on their time in work and in their leisure time. All of this effort was started during my absence on my trip to Europe. I am confident and thankful to our executive and bridge members who shoulder this effort on behalf of the squadron. Thank you again for supporting and entrusting me as your Commander... Thank You to Last Year s Bridge A big thank you to last year s bridge, officers and advisors. I love this picture of us all at the change of watch. The token gifts cannot repay all the hard work you have put on to pushing our squadron forward. Thank you! 2 P age
Neptune Sail and Power Squadron Your 2015-6 Bridge: Education Officer Lt/C Vince Gerretz, JN, presented by D/E/O Tom Peltier, SN. Ass t Secretary - P/C Pat Tufo, SN, presented by P/C Gloria Hall, AP. The new bridge was introduced at our recent 77 th Change of Watch. Commander Cdr Andrew Whiteley, JN, presented by D/C Ann Peltier, SN. Ass t Education Officer- 1 st /Lt Brian Mangan, AP, presented by Cdr Andrew Whiteley, JN. Treasurer Lt/C Sue Beck, AP presented by P/C Sally Couluris, AP Executive Officer P/D/C Ron Friedmann, AP, presented P/D/C Barry Rush, SN. Secretary Lt/C Patricia A.Tufo, S, presented by P/C Pat Tufo, SN Assistant Treasurer 1 st /Lt Laura Aupperle, P, presented by P/C Phillip Quarles, SN. Administrative Officer Lt/C Gene Sicard, P, presented by P/D/C Ron Friedmann, AP. 3 P age
United States Power Squadrons Your Executive, Nominating, Audit and Rules Committees for 2015 to 2016 Committees Sworn In: Executive Board 4 P age Year Elected (5 yr term) Lt Donald LaGreco, AP 2011 Harry Lowenthal, AP 2014 P/Lt/C Bill Hall, S 2014 Flag/Lt Carol Grodoski, S 2015 Marie Thayer 2015 P/1st/Lt Mel Adler, AP 2015 P/C Stephanie Quarles, SN 2015 Nominating Committee Year Elected (3 yr term) P/C Gloria Hall, AP 2013 Lt Jerry Angst, JN 2013 Lt Kenneth Mealey, P 2014 P/C Sally Couluris, AP 2015 P/C Stephanie Quarles, SN 2015 Auditors Year Elected (2 yr. term) P/C Sally Couluris, AP 2015 Don LaGreco, AP 2015 Rules Committee Year Elected (3 yr term) P/D/C Ron Friedmann, AP 2012 Cdr Andrew Whiteley, JN 2013 Appointed Committees: Finance & Budget Committee Treas. Lt/C Sue Beck, AP Treasurer is Automatic Lt/C Vince Gerretz, JN SEO is Automatic Year Elected (3 yr Rotating) 1stL/C Laura Aupperle, P 2014 Cdr Andrew Whiteley, JN Good and Welfare Guest Our squadron is nothing but for its members. The work of Good and Welfare is now supported by P/C Pat Tufo, SN following the passing of Sharon Burke who dedicated so much time to this position. P/Lt/C Sharon Burke, S Sadly, Sharon pass away this year after a long illness. The squadron has regrettably lost a long time active member and contributor to our work and fun. Most recently Sharon was Secretary for a number of years, and meticulously prepared the minutes of the meetings from her recordings made during the long gatherings. Sharon is also fondly remembered as a fantastic squadron host at on the water and off the water events with her late husband. A number of our members attended the wake and passed on the squadrons condolences. P/Lt/C Paul Couluris, SN It is with sadness that we also have to remember Paul Couluris, SN who passed earlier this year. Paul joined Neptune on retirement, and became a fully active member, taking all classes to achieve the USPS full certificate. Paul took on the hardest job in the squadron, Education Officer, and was famous for teaching his classes, and attending the final passing out from all classes taught under his watch in his Uniform. Paul was not just a boater, but a US air force flyer too, and used his experience of world travel to bring his teaching to life for his students. Paul was active in the squadron for over 23 years, teaching his Weather class just last year. The Squadron and many members of District 3 attended his wake. We conducted a United States Power Squadron Service during the wake in which we gave thanks to his great life of adventure and service. Paul forever remains in our memories.
Neptune Sail and Power Squadron Education Department by Lt/C Vincent Gerretz, JN As summer ends, Neptune members are once again shifting their primary focus from enjoying their boats and the camaraderie of time on the water with family and friends to furthering their education prior to the next boating season. Numerous members benefitted this summer from courses taken this past year. In addition to a number of Americas Boating Course (ABC) sessions, members completed JN, Marine Electrical Systems, Engine Maintenance and Electronic Navigation. We have an ambitious slate of ABC, Advanced and Elective courses planned for the coming Fall, Winter and Spring. ABC sessions will be offered most months throughout the year. Seamanship, Piloting, Advance Piloting and Junior Navigator are on the calendar along with Weather and Cruising & Cruise Planning. America s Boating Course (ABC) Course Schedule We will be commencing further classes this fall to continue our commitment to basic boat safety training. Our next ABC classes are listed below, click on the url, or read the QR code on your mobile phone to connect to the relevant reservation page. Upcoming Classes ABC 4 - Two Hour Monday Classes starting September 14 th http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin- nat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?c- 14934 2 - Four Hour Saturday Classes starting November 7 th 2015 http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin- nat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?c- 16193 ABC 2 - Four Hour Saturday Classes starting starting January 9 th 2016 http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin- nat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?c- 16194 ABC 2 - Four Hour Saturday Classes starting October 3th 2015 http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin- nat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?c- 16192 5 P age
United States Power Squadrons Advanced Classes Seamanship Start Date: October 19 th 2015 at 7.00-9.00pm Location: Britannia Yachting Center The Seamanship course is the next step after completing America s Boating Course, 3rd Edition (ABC3), taking the knowledge and skills learned there and expanding and extending them with this newly updated edition. Make Seamanship the first step into building boating confidence and competence for safe and fun on-the-water adventures. Seamanship presents material applicable to both power and sail, covering such topics as the construction and functioning of a boat, the skipper s responsibilities, preparing the boat for use, handling and maneuvering a vessel under various conditions in close quarters and on the open water, rules of the road, anchoring, emergencies, and marlinespike/basic knots. The Appendices cover boating into the waters of Canada and Mexico, the effects of weather on the boater s health, and general information on obtaining a US Coast Guard captain s 6 Page license. It is suggested that Seamanship be scheduled over nine two-hour class sessions, one session for each chapter and one session for the proctored test. Advanced Piloting Start Date: October 7 th 2015 at 7.00-9.00pm Location: Britannia Yachting Center Advanced Piloting is the second in the sequence of USPS courses on navigation. It continues to build coastal and inland navigation skill, allowing the student to take on more challenging conditions unfamiliar waters, limited visibility, and extended cruises. GPS is embraced as a primary navigation tool while adding radar, chartplotters, and other electronic navigation tools. As with Piloting, the course includes many in-class exercises, advancing the student s skills through hands-on practice and learning. Ten classes of two hours each normally are scheduled for presentation of this course. In addition the students have seven days to complete the open book exam. Topics covered include: Review of skills learned in Piloting Advanced positioning techniques such as advancing a line of position Other electronics: radar, depth sounders, autopilots, chartplotters, laptop computer software, etc. Hazard avoidance techniques using electronics (e.g., keep out zones in GPS) Collision avoidance using radar and GPS Working with tides: clearances, depth, effects of current Piloting with wind and currents The Seaman s Eye simple skills for checking that one is on course Sign up on line at: http://www.usps.org/cgi-binnat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?l-13190 http://www.usps.org/cgi-binnat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?l-13190 Junior Navigation Start Date: January 11 th 2015 at 7.00-9.00pm Location: Britannia Yachting Center
Neptune Sail and Power Squadron Elective Classes Weather Start Date: October 6 th 2015, 7.00-9.00pm Location: Britannia Yachting Center a set of three Daily Weather Maps - learning aids with a compete explanation of map symbols designed to develop weather map reading and analysis skills; and NOAA s Sky Watcher Chart - a reference to assist in identifying cloud types helpful indicators of approaching weather. The Weather Course is designed to be conducted over ten two-hour sessions including time for review and the multiple choice closed book exam, but each instructor will determine the pace of the course. Sign up on line at: http://www.usps.org/cgi-bin- nat/eddept/800/getregform.cgi?l- 13191 On the Water Training All members have the opportunity to gain on the water experience and training at a discounted rate. Details: Practical on the Water ($250 non-member; $225 member) Saturday 26 September 2015 Boat Operator Certification ($60). Sunday, 27 September 2015. The safety and comfort of those who venture out-on-the water have always been weather dependent. In this course students will become keener observers of the weather, but weather observations only have meaning in the context of the basic principles of meteorology the science of the atmosphere. The course focuses on how weather systems form, behave, move, and interact with one another and reflects the availability of all sorts of weather reports and forecasts on the Internet. Wx2012 is a general weather course benefiting those sitting in their living rooms, as much as those standing behind the helm. Each student receives: a Weather Manual - USPS Weather - an explanatory text with full color photographs and drawings covering weather in the United States and its coastal and inland waters; 7 Page Enrollment is limited at this venue. Lunch will be included. Seminar Registration will be on line prior to 15 September 2015 to ensure shipment of materials before the date of the event. On the Water Event details: September 26, 2015 Register now 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. East Rockaway Yacht Club 115 Althouse Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518 To request information about any class or request a class, email: BoatEd.NeptuneUSPS@gmail.com
United States Power Squadrons Crossing the Atlantic- Getting Prepared Portsmouth, VA Azores By: Cdr Andrew Whiteley, JN I have been fortunate to be able to pursue a life dream this year. Sailing across the Atlantic skippering my own boat. This started to develop in my mind as I continued my education with United States Power Squadrons over the last 2 years. I kicked off my initiative in earnest last year in the spring after meeting a number of experienced skippers. The first decision I made was that I was not going to attempt this crossing alone. Many first time skippers will either participate as a crew member before setting off themselves, or spend several years planning every detail of the trip. I attended my first meeting with the World Cruising Club at the Annapolis Boat Show in March of 2014, and was certain I would cross in 2015 just one year later. The World Cruising Club organizes annual long distance cruises, originally for crossing East to West, however now running many options for the long distance sailor. By sailing with a flotilla, I benefitted from a structured approach to equipping a boat with safety equipment, and a social group with the same goal in mind to cross with, that after leaving port are not necessarily seen, but always there. A big plus! I therefore signed up for ARC Europe, which defined my start date of May 9 th 2015 and approximate waypoints to 8 P age arrive in Portugal by June 23 rd. You can follow my eventual track at: http://www.worldcruising.com/arc_euro pe/eventfleetviewer.aspx During this process, I was acquiring a boat for the trip. My criteria were: Bermuda Find a boat that would be ready to go across the Atlantic without major refit, and with most equipment in place, that would fit my budget 3 cabin, 2 head, 40 to 45 feet LOA Less than 15 years old I was certainly not in the market for a BMW of the Ocean, like a Hylas or Oyster, more like a Ford or Chevy. My choice was a Beneteau 423. With a length overall of 43 ft, and waterline of 38ft, it would get me above 8 knots. Beneteau s have solid hulls and survey well. I found just the model, a French built Oceanis, Class A cross ocean model that had already done a crossing and so had almost all required equipment on board in Charleston, SC. After a couple of trips south to survey and test sail the vessel a reasonable deal was done and I could plan to go sailing! Bearing in mind the crossing, I also needed to complete some urgent maintenance items before heading south for the winter. The Charleston Boat Yard was commissioned to pull the boat to: Re-paint the hull with hard paint. Drop the rudder and re-set the bearings Replaced the cutlass bearing and fit a folding prop Fix a new US VHF radio Fit a new 6 man emergency raft I also had a list of vital safety items: Lagos, Portugal The Route across the Atlantic as displayed on my isailor App on an Apple ipad Air. Note the breadcrumb showing the actual route taken over the ocean by Blea Tarn. Register for an international MMSI and get the EPIRB reprogrammed Program the radio with MMSI Source a data plan for the satellite phone, and create a ships email/grib system for use at sea We set sail 4 weeks after acquiring the boat on December 27 th!
Neptune Sail and Power Squadron Rendezvous East 2015 Mattituck! By Laura Aupperle, P The destination for Rendezvous East was once again Mattituck on the North Fork of Long Island at Strong s Marina. We had 34 boats on the dock and 200 District members and family in attendance, the 2015 Rendezvous was a great event. To fulfil our obligations, several Neptune members took on a tremendous amount of work. On Friday: Sue brought the water bottles, soda, paper goods, chips, salsa and avocado dips and set out the food for cocktail hour. Laura brought the cooler with ice, chips, paper goods, and set out the food for cocktail hour. Brian helped unload my car into a wagon and brought it to the tent while I parked my van. Jerry took the extra water bottles that didn't fit in the cooler for safe keeping on his boat for use on Saturday. Ron was Neptune's bar tender! Don helped clean up after. On Saturday at the lunch: Laura, Sue, Don, and Ron set up the tables with table cloths, napkins and plates to serve the pizza on, unfortunately nobody remembered to bring the Neptune banner, so Sue put up paper signs. Laura called Michelangelo's to confirm the pizza order, gave driving directions and ask for a receipt. When the pizza came Laura gave a check to pay for them which also included the tip. Janice, Brian, Ron, Jerry, Mel, Tammie-Jo, and Laura carried the 20 pizza pies to our tables under the tent. Ron, Jerry, Mel and Tammie-Jo, served the double cut slices to the multitude. We had one plain 9 P age pie and one pepperoni pie left over. Jerry and Mel cleaned up our tables after. A great time was had by all! Editor: I am exhausted just reading this!
United States Power Squadrons Ships Store Get your Neptune shirts and hats soon! Contact us for your order! 10 P age
Neptune Sail and Power Squadron Commanders Raft Up Labor Day 2015 A fantastic un-official end to Summer as Neptune members assembled on the squadron buoy to enjoy the Huntington Music Festival along with about a thousand boats anchored in Lloyd Harbor. 11 P age
United States Power Squadrons Transom Boosters Introducing an opportunity to display your pride and joy. Acknowledge your crew, call out your favorite location. Your boat, family, pets: everything welcome THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Pat Patty & Florence Midnight Blue Max & Tamara Fielding Born to be Wild Ron Friedmann On Line IV Barry & Shirley Rush Rush Hour Phil & Stephanie Quarles Stephanie Q Sally Couluris Don and Jan Mona Lisa III Dave & Florence Martin No Sail Andrew & Angela Whiteley Rose of York Blea Tarn Jerry & Dolores Angst Moonlight Express Bill & Gloria Hall Jim & Carol Athena Brian and Janice Mangan Reel Freedom Arthur & Terri Miller Tantantara Gene & Terry Sicard Seacard II Tammie Jo Olson Jim & Christine Dickson Wet Seal Sue Beck Laura Aupperle 12 P age Carol-Ann & Ken Mealey Pi-Seas Craig &Laura Lowenthal Clad Clan Dan & Val Tufo Katmandu Jean Wolschlager MiGenie Joan & Harry Lowenthal Morning Star Morris & Judy Stoler Foolish Pleasure Vince Gerretz Woodwind Mel & Louise Adler Good 2 Go Peter and Jennifer Foster Forteetoo Thank you to Sue Beck for all the help in assembling our list of donors! To add your booster ad, please send $15 (payable to Neptune Sail and Power Squadron) to Sue Beck or Laura Aupperle. Mystery Picture Answer: Eaton s Neck at sunset!
Neptune Sail and Power Squadron Neptune News and Calendar Calendar The next General Meeting for all members will be held at Northport Yacht Club on September 17th. Dinner starts at 19:00, with the meeting commencing 20:00. Please contact Marie Thayer for dinner reservations. Congratulations from the Squadron! We are pleased to recognize these recent Squadron achievements: Senior Members We are proud to recognize the following members who have completed 5 years of merit marks for the squadron: Ken Mealey Tony Pozun Shirley Rush Elective Classes Congratulations to those that passed the recent elective classes: Electronic Navigation Brian Mangan Janice Mangan Angela Whiteley Marine Electrical Systems Brian Mangan Angela Whiteley The 2 electronic based courses are some of the toughest that we do in USPS, and I know that there will be some further passes in the future from these classes! Month Day Activity September 14 ABC Training course commences, Britannia Yachting Center 17 Neptune General Meeting, Northport Yacht Club October 1 Executive Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 3 ABC course commences, St Paul s Methodist Church 6 Weather Training Course commences, Britannia Yachting Center 7 Advance Piloting Course commences, Britannia Yachting Center 15 Neptune General Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 16 District 3 Council Meeting, Melville Marriott 19 Seamanship Course commences, Britannia Yachting Center November 5 Executive Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 7 ABC course commences, St Paul s Methodist Church 19 Neptune General Meeting and Thanksgiving Dinner, Northport Yacht Club 21 District 3 Fall Conference, Melville Marriott December 3 Executive Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 2016 January 7 Executive Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 9 ABC Course Commences, St Paul s 11 Junior Navigation Course commences, Britannia Yachting Center 12 Cruise Planning Course commences, Britannia Yachting Center 13 Piloting Course commences, Britannia Yachting Center TBD Breakfast on the Beach, Crab Meadow Beach 21 Neptune General Meeting, Northport Yacht Club TBD District 3 Orientation Meeting February 4 Executive Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 14-21 USPS National Meeting, Orlando, FL 18 Neptune Annual Meeting, Northport Yacht Club 20 District 3 Council Meeting, Melville Marriott March TBD Executive Dinner, TBD 11-13 District 3 Spring Conference/COW 17 Neptune Change of Watch, Northport Yacht Club 13 P age
United States Power Squadrons Dreaming of Summer! We all want to dream of summer! Can You Recognize this Local View? See Page 10 for the answer The Neptune Log is published quarterly for the members and supporters of the Neptune Sail and Power Squadron. Special thanks are offered to the following members, without whose efforts, this Log would not be possible: Nina P. Anastasio Laura Aupperle Sue Beck Sally Couluris Vince Gerretz Brian Mangan Gene Sicard Andrew Whiteley The Neptune Log Name Address Neptune Sail and Power Squadron PO Box 639 Huntington, NY 11743 neptuneao@gmail.com 14 P age