Updated 25-Mar-2012

About MSPS

Marblehead Sail & Power Squadron (MSPS) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to making boating safer and more fun through education, community programs, and the knowledge and experience of our members. We are one of 450 squadrons comprising the U. S. Power Squadrons® and are part of District 18. Check out the map at the bottom of this page showing the areas our members hail from.

If you would like to find out about benefits of membership, visit our membership page. Or if you would like to contact an officer or chair, visit our leadership page.  

Membership - All Volunteers

Our 200+ members live in Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Melrose, Middleton, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Reading, Revere, Salem, and Swampscott.  We even have members in Florida and New Hampshire! Those who have the MOST FUN are those who give back by getting involved.

Several members, teams, and committees contribute to the success of MSPS. There are endless opportunities to get involved. 

The membership takes its direction from our Executive Committee (ExCom). The ExCom consists of a Bridge - Commander, Executive Officer, Educational Officer, Administrative Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer - three Members at Large, and the Immediate Past Commander.  The ExCom meets on the 2nd Tuesday to discuss policy, management, and finances. Future events and programs are often "born" at these meetings.  Members are encouraged to attend and participate.

History in a Nutshell

On April 1, 1940, we were given our charter and began with Commander Clarence N. Collins. (Click here for a list of all past commanders.)  On July 14, 2000, members voted to change our name to Marblehead Sail & Power Squadron to encourage more sail boaters to join the organization.

About Titles, Ranks, and Grades

You may see some member names adorned with titles, ranks or grades. What's that all about?

The USPS evolved from people involved in maritime; so we inherited some maritime and nautical traditions. For example, we give senior officers (“Bridge Officers”) naval titles and ranks (Commanding Officer; Executive Officer, etc.) that are the equivalent to President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer in other organizations.

We also customarily acknowledge our members' highest Advanced Grade Course completed by showing the course name abbreviation after their name (S for Seamanship; P for Piloting; AP for Advanced Piloting; JN for Junior Navigator; N for Navigator).

While we adopt these formalities in written materials, you will find the social and working relationships among all of us are informal, casual and friendly.

Membership Area

This map, courtesy GoogleMaps, shows the area that our members hail from -- Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Melrose, Middleton, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Reading, Revere, Salem, and Swampscott.