On behalf of the Everett Sail and Power Squadron, I would like to welcome you to our organization.  Everett Sail and Power Squadron is a chapter of the United States Power Squadrons® (USPS), which is the largest fraternal boating organization in the world.  We are an education and community service based group who likes to have fun by doing things on or near the water.  Our members can choose to participate in any one, several, or all of a lot of interesting activities.  

Chartered some sixty one years ago, in 1948, we have come a long way!  I became Commander on April of this year, but have been involved in boating most of my life.  Most of my sea experience is from cruising the waters off southern Florida, but having lived here for twelve years, I have found the waters of Puget Sound and vicinity offer much more in the way of interesting sailing, exciting destinations and challenging seamanship. 

My goals for this year are simple:  To have fun, to retain our current members and to seek out interesting new members.  My theme for this year is to Sail the Seven “C”s.

Camaraderie: This is simply having fun.  We regularly get together once a month for regular meetings with usually a potluck dinner, as well as once a month for an activity, which can be a weekend rendezvous or an evening at an area restaurant. Over the summer, some of our members get together and take week

long cruises or more.  We also have get-togethers with our District group (there are 17 squadrons in the District all over Washington State) as well as the National organization. The one thing our group knows how to do is have a good time!

Cooperation:  We regularly interface with other groups, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Homeland Security (FEMA), Adopt-A-Street and other community organizations, performing free Vessel Safety Checks and assisting in Emergency Communications programs.

Community Service and Community Education:  We teach public boating courses locally to adults and children and are a means for the public of obtaining the Washington State Boat Operators Certification Card. 

Continuing Education:  Our members can expand their education by taking our USPS member courses, which cover such advanced subjects as Seamanship, two Piloting courses and two Navigation courses.  We also offer elective courses in Engine Maintenance, Sailing, Marine Electrical and Electronics, Instructor Development, Weather and Cruise Planning.  Naturally, these courses are all voluntary to our members.

Cooperative Charting:  We are going to participate in the Adopt-A-Chart this year, in which we maintain responsibility for the accuracy of all data on the Everett Harbor chart. 

Command and Leadership: As I have said, all participation is voluntary.  But if one gets involved even somewhat, in the organization, they are exposed to leadership training, formally and by example.  We have some of the finest instructors in the area in our organization.  We incorporate people from all walks of life, owning virtually any type of boat… or no boat at all.  We even have an RV club, within our group, for some of us who have passed on from boating to RVing or who have both.

I take a lot of pride in heading our group this year.  I value my time and energy and I cannot find a better organization to be involved with.  Please read our Newsletter, The Pike Pole and get a real feel for what goes on, our activities and our mission.  Come to one of our general meetings and experience our warm, open group for yourself and consider joining us.

Steven M. Shapiro

Commander