Duluth Power Squadron

History of The Duluth Sail & Power Squadron

The Duluth Power Squadron was incorporated in 1939 with Arthur J Huderle serving as Commander. There were 11 other members in the original Squadron and now we are 240 strong. Duluth has had the guidance of 58 Commanders, four of which were females, over the years. During World War II, many of the Duluth Squadron members served with their boats patrolling the Duluth Harbor, some went on to be Commanders of large Navy vessels.

A burgee was designed to signify the Duluth Squadron members. Our burgee has a blue back ground with a red capitol “D” lying on its side surrounded in a white oval also signifying the Duluth Aerial Bridge. Members are urged to fly our burgee on their boat or hang it on the wall in their home or office if they do not have a boat.

Education is a very important item with the Squadron and each year many classes are taught to enhance each member’s knowledge of Seamanship. Public Boating Classes are offered to the general public several times a year free of charge except for the cost of the text. As a service to the public, this helps the Squadron to maintain our nonprofit status. Once you are a Squadron member, there are many classes available to broaden your knowledge. The Duluth Squadron has won the Prince Henry award for teaching excellence.

Duluth’s newsletter, the “Channel Chatter”, was started to keep members up to date on upcoming and past events. It can also be used to advertise a boat for sale or to share a members boating experience on a cruise. Duluth’s editors have won numerous awards for its “Excellence In Publication”

Our Roster is published annually to list the upcoming events and dates as well as all members, addresses, phone numbers, boat names, LOA, years as members and grades.
This is a valuable tool that is used frequently by members.

Members over the years have worked along with NOAA to verify that the geodetic survey marks are still in place and have reported their condition. Changes along the waterfront and hillside structures that can be used as aids to navigation are also noted. This is another way we are able to keep our nonprofit status.

Our Squadron has an 800-foot dock that is used for many events such as a 4th of July celebration. This includes a meal, boat decorating and a harbor parade before the evening fireworks. The Predicted Log Event is a skills event to see how well a person can predict the speed and time it will take to run a given course using only the tachometers and compass on the boat. Labor Day weekend finds many of the members spending the three days here to relax and enjoy the annual Corn Roast. The dock is a added benefit for Squadron members and you will often see families here with their boat and family members having an evening cookout or spending the weekend watching the wildlife or roasting marshmallows at the bonfire. Many other events also are either started or ended here during the boating season as well as an occasional winter party. A large metal building was build about 5 years ago to provide shelter from Lake Superior and Mother Nature during events. Roll up doors on all sides allow for protection from any direction.

The Duluth Power Squadron membership voted in 2005 to change the name to “The Duluth Sail & Power Squadron” to better reflect our mission as a boating organization that has something to offer all boaters.

Contact the Duluth Sail & Power Squadron

Mailing Address:
Duluth Sail & Power Squadron
Box 161 074
Duluth, MN 55816

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Comments and questions about the website can be directed to:P/C Bob Ouellette, AP

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Page updated January 3 2008