Boating Seminars to Start January 16

The Marblehead Sail & Power Squadron will teach three hot boating topics this January at the Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant Street, starting at 6:45 pm.  These 2-hour seminars are the first in a new series developed by the United States Power Squadrons, as part the new USPS University program. The program was designed to deliver short, focused seminars on topics relevant to today’s boating public in addition to the traditional public boating courses for which the Power Squadrons are well known.  

Special!  Sign up for all three January seminars (Using VHF Radio, Onboard Weather Forecasting, and Using GPS) and receive a $10 discount ($85 instead of $95).

Using VHF Radio Seminar
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 6:45 PM
Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant Street, Marblehead MA

In “Using VHF Radio”, students will learn the basics of marine radio (VHF) and how Digital Selective Calling (DSC) technology can automate distress calls to the U.S. Coast Guard.   Students will receive a DSC simulator and a waterproof guide Using VHF. This course has completed.

Onboard Weather Forecasting Seminar
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 6:45 PM
Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant Street, Marblehead MA

In “Onboard Weather Forecasting”, students will how simple instruments and visual observations can give the boater the weather edge needed for safe boating.  Subjects will include weather systems, and what changes in clouds, wind, temperature and pressure suggest.  Students will receive An On Board Weather Forecasting waterproof guide and 63-page Fundamentals of Weather booklet. This course has completed.

Using GPS Seminar
Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 6:45 PM
Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant Street, Marblehead MA

In “Using GPS”, students will learn GPS principles and by the end of the evening, how to store waypoints in a GPS, activate them for navigation, and combine them into a safe route. Students will receive a Using GPS waterproof quick guide plus tips on choosing a GPS.  This course has completed.

Preparing for Spring Launch
Monday, March 26, 2007 @ 7:00-9:00 PM
Boston Yacht Club (Yardarm bldg.), Marblehead, MA

Learn how to ready your boat for the season, and also spot problems that may have occurred over the winter. Find out which maintenance tasks are best done ashore and which ones always pay big dividends on the water in summer. They'll be plenty of time for questions and the format will encourage student interaction. This course has completed.

Instructor: Rob Owen
Fee: $5.00

Introduction to Digital Charting
Tuesday, March 27, 7:00 – 8:45 PM
Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., Marblehead MA

Get a free copy of Maptech’s Chart Navigator Training CD and learn how easy it is to use electronic charts to plan your boating trips. You will learn waypoint navigation, route planning, range and bearing measurement and transferring route information to a GPS. Each student will receive handouts plus a CD which includes the Chart Navigator software, over 65 practice charts, and a user guide. A brief review of other electronic charts and navigation software sources will be provided. Guests are welcome. Fees are payable at the door. This course has completed.

Instructor: Brian Schanning, JN
Fee: Members $5, Guests $10

Anchoring is a basic boating skill that can make day trips or extended cruising safer and more interesting. At the suggestion of MSPS and Boston Yacht Club member Skip Whittaker, AP, our two groups are combining talents to offer a joint classroom and on-the-water Anchoring Seminar, on June 4 and 5. It will be open to BYC and MSPS members only. This course has completed.

During the classroom session on June 4, students will review anchoring system equipment choices, basic anchoring and retrieval techniques, and what to do in more complex conditions of current, wind and sea state. The following evening on June 5, students will have the opportunity to put this knowledge to use on the water in actual anchoring exercises, on board MSPS/BYC member sail and power boats.

Enrollment is limited to 12-16 students and course materials will include a waterproof Captain’s Quick Guide on Anchoring, by Peter Nielsen.

Instructor: Brian Schanning, JN. Classroom: 7-9pm, June 4, BYC Yardarm; fee: $15. On-water: 6-9pm, June 5; no fee.