Deception Pass Sail and Power Squadron

Map to Oak Harbor Yacht Club

  The USPS is a private, national, nonprofit, non-governmental and nonmilitary organization of men, women and children who have a common love and appreciation of recreational boating.  There are no barriers to membership on the grounds of race, religion or ethnic origins.  USPS is comprised of more than 50,000 members in over 450 squadrons across the country and in US territories.  Organized in 1914, USPS is the world’s largest boating educational organization.  Our members are boaters, hunters, fishers and sports people of all types, who contribute by promoting safe boating on the water and in the classroom.  Our primary mission is Safe Boating Through Education.  USPS has been honored by four U.S. Presidents for its civic contributions and for educating more than 4 million boaters in the last half century.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JOINING DECEPTION PASS SAIL & POWER SQUADRON

 “Power Squadron” is a carry-over from the power squadron division of the Boston Yacht Club.  The words, “Power Squadron” originally referred to “power boats”.  USPS has broadened the meaning to encompass all boats, whether they are driven by engine, wind or manual power.  In fact, many members are sail boaters, while others just love to paddle around. 

DPSPS got its start as a “Wing” of the Bellingham Squadron.  In 1976, the first meeting was held at the Chiefs’ Club, at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, in Oak Harbor, Washington.  Thereafter, the Squadron met in Anacortes for several years, until there were more members living south of the Deception Pass Bridge.  Most of the original 25 members transferred from the Bellingham Squadron, and their names are on the Charter, which is on display at our meetings. In 2003 we added the word “sail” to our official title to reflect the growing number of sail boaters involved in our club.  DPSPS is part of District 16, which consists of 17 squadrons in the state of Washington.  DPSPS draws membership from primarily Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. Our membership is about 125-130 strong.

   Most of our classes are held at the Oak Harbor branch of Skagit Valley College but if there is enough demand we hold  classes in Anacortes, and Freeland.  Our monthly potluck dinner meetings are held at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

 We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May.  Each meeting will include a social hour, a potluck dinner and usually an informative program or presentation.

It’s about education, not style of boating

 Members are encouraged to contribute time, energy and skills to the objectives of USPS, which include education, safety, fellowship and camaraderie on the water and off.  We work with many other safety organizations to promote safe boating, such as: National Safe Boating Council, the U.S. Coast Guard, USCG Auxiliary, Red Cross and others.  Included in our activities are family fun, picnic rendezvous, dinner meetings, cruises, educational courses, dinghy races, trailerable boat activities, boat shows, and festivals.