A unit of United States Power Squadrons ® Sail and Power Boating

Before 1900, most recreational boats were sail-powered; everything relating to recreational boating was geared to sailing. There were a few steam-powered boats, but they required large crews. Shortly after the turn of the century, gasoline-powered craft became available and many boaters bought them: power boating became a popular activity.

Since skills and education all were directed to sailing at that time, power boaters found themselves within a skill and knowledge gap. In 1912, Roger Upton decided to fill that gap by forming an unofficial Power Boat Division of the Boston Yacht Club. A year later, that division became The Power Squadron.

The Power Squadron received considerable media attention. Interest began to spread. During 1913, over 70 power-boat clubs and owners associations met at the New York Yacht Club. At the second meeting of this group, the United States Power Squadrons was officially formed.

Desiring some unique identification, this new group designed the ensign including a fouled anchor, encircled by 13 stars on a red field with 13 vertical, blue and white stripes, as shown here.

To protect the USPS Ensign, Roger Upton applied for and received a United States design patent, number 48,803, issued in April, 1914, which expired in 1928. To permanently protect the flag, however, trademark and copyright registrations, were obtained, both of which have been maintained ever since.

On 6 April 1917, Charles F. Chapman sent a letter to the Navy Department, offering the services of the USPS instructional program to train men for the Naval Coastal Defense. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, formally accepted the offer. Over 5,000 students attended these classes and entered the military. As a result of their USPS training, many earned commissions in the U. S. Navy. During both World War I and World War II, USPS supported the war efforts by training many naval navigators.

Originally, USPS was an all-male organization. Women were eligible to take our courses, but were issued Womans Certificates to show their affiliation with the organization. Then, in 1982, a special meeting of delegates adopted changes to the USPS Constitution and By-Laws to make our membership genderless.

Thus, from, the club-within-a-club beginning of USPS at the start of the 20 th century, evolved the largest private, fraternal, self-supporting, non-profit, non-governmental, and non-military organization of power boaters and sail boaters in the world.

Over the years, USPS has expanded throughout the United States and the Caribbean. We even have a squadron in Tokyo, Japan. Now, you are one of 60,000 members in 450 squadrons. We work, study, and play with members of our neighboring squadrons. Ours and several nearby squadrons have joined together into a district,one of 33 geographically-related districts in USPS.

Our educational courses have been continuously developed, improved, and expanded since USPS early days so they remain current and up-to-date. Each of those courses is available for you to take when and where you choose: with members of your own squadron, members of other squadrons, or independently.

In addition to our educational program, we take cruises together, we perform a host of civic services, and we have all sorts of fun: picnics, parties, etc. Dont miss out on these.

USPS has expanded services for its members over the years. One of the most important enhancements to your membership today is our boat insurance program. Special terms, coverage for older boats, and personal service are just some of the benefits of the USPS Insurance Program. The Membership Enhancement Committee can also provide information on discounts for airline reservations and auto rentals. We have our own USPS credit card for members who enjoy using that convenience.

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