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Findlay Sail & Power Squadron
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About Us |
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FSPS is part of the United States Power Squadrons (USPS). Organized in 1914, USPS is a non-profit, educational group, dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. The three primary objectives of USPS are; community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members. USPS squadrons have educated more than 3 million boaters to date. Successfully completing a USPS boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states. The FSPS got its start when Dr. J. L. Murphy, of Fostoria, bought a new 27-foot boat in the summer of 1940. He, along with John Gutknecht and Frank Young, decided to go to the Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. They made it to Tobermory and asked directions from one of the local boaters. He asked them to get out their chart, and was quite surprised when they said they had none. "How did you get up here?" he asked. They replied that they had used a road map. Because that friendly boater was from the Toledo Power Squadron, arrangements were made for Toledo to teach a boating class in Fostoria in the fall of 1940. Thirteen students passed the course. Those thirteen were the charter members of the Fostoria squadron in 1941. FSPS members, in a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, conduct courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners. This informs boat owners of whether or not their boat would pass an inspection by US Coast Guard. Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections. The squadron offers members-only courses such as: Seamanship, Piloting, Plotting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and more. |
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