The weather being as erratic as the stock market, our planned cruise to Paradise Bar & Grill in Stamford Island was cancelled. We ended up driving to an excellent shish kebab luncheon in Plainview where there was sun on our plates, if not in the skies.

For the next two events, however, we were more fortunate. The Blessing of the Fleet in Manhasset Bay took place in perfect weather, and I was the guest of P/C Stan Bellis, N on his first outing on MariOoch this season. Outside of the fact I had to paddle a little because of a deficient engine, everything went well. I did not count our blessings, but I am sure we had ample for the boating season.

The Rendez-vous at Bar Beach benefited from a perfect weather. Thanks to the numerous trees and spirited breezes, the heat was bearable, and there was enough of everything to please everyone. I just wish more members would join us on these occasions. Not only was this a pleasant barbecue, but it was also a good opportunity to spend some time with members we don’t always see.

By now most of our boats are in the water, and it is sailing season. We have two more events coming up in July. The first is a get-together at the Huntington Yacht Club (8-9 July), organized by Executive Officer Ilene Morris, AP. The next is the District 3 Rendez-vous East at Montauk Yacht Club (14-16 July). There are flyers for both these activities in this issue. You can attend either by boat or by car. I will be in France the month of July, so unfortunately will miss these events, but I hope many squadron members will join with Ilene and "Poki" at Huntington and Montauk.

The VSC program is getting into gear. Lt. Jim Reid, N, our Safety Chairman and a long-time member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, has agreed to chair this new program for us. Members who want to be involved in the VSCP will take a training session, pass a written exam, and inspect five vessels under the watchful eye of Lt. Reid. Then the will be on their own to approach boat owners and operators at local marinas, ramps and yacht clubs, offering this service.

boats and their requirements, and to inform boaters about USPS and our squadron. It may also get more people into our classrooms and eventually into membership in MBPS. So, please contact Jim (516-671-8942) or me to offer your services.

Cardinal Points you will receive.

The treasurer’s books closed on 30 June.

membership. Send your check for

$54.50 * to MBPS treasurer:

Due to inclement weather the people who had signed up for the Cruise/Drive to Paradise Grill in Stamford on 21 May stayed on Long Island and were treated to scrumptious Mediterranean food in Plainview and enjoyed each other's company.

In the Summer of '99 eight members and their families and guests attended the Cruise/Drive to Hungtington Yacht Club for cocktails, dinner & an overnight stay. They were treated with much more than this, when the temperatures went above 100 we all jumped into the pool.

Unfortunately, due to lack of interest, the 2000 Cruise/Drive to Huntington Yacht Club, July 8-9, 2000 has been canceled!

Please plan to make an attempt to attend District 3 Rendezvous East @ Montauk Yacht Club (Fri-Sun 14-16, July, 2000) Manhasset Bay Sail & Power Squadron is hosting a dessert party with coffee, iced tea and cake for all. All helping hands will be greatly appreciated, both in Montauk or if you unable to make the trip, a homemade cake may be delivered to me.

Mark your calendars now and tune up your boats for we have on the calendar 2 events in August.

Inter-District Rendezvous @ Liberty Landing will take place on Fri-Sun 11-13 August.

Come to the North Shore Raft-Up & Poker Run in Oyster Bay, (19-20 Aug. 2000).

We're looking forward to seeing all of you at these events where we can get to know each other on a casual level. And remember to let me know if you plan to attend.

I can be contacted at (516-921-7572) or Poki57@aol.com

On 16 June the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy held their yearly Awards Convocation for the Class of 2000. I had been unanimously selected to represent MBPS at this impressive ceremony.

Midshipman Christopher Kincaid was the recipient of our $200 U.S. Savings Bond. He had proved himself to be "outstanding in the art of seamanship by virtue of his performance in the elective course, Small Vessel Operations".

I spoke with many of the graduating cadets whom I found to be responsible, articulate and in possession of a sense of loyalty to the United States and the principles for which it stands.

When all 3 lights I see ahead,

I turn to STARBOARD and show my RED.

GREEN to GREEN, RED to RED,

Perfect safety - GO AHEAD.

But if to starboard RED appear

It is my duty to keep clear;

To act as judgment says is proper,

PORT or STARBOARD, BACK or STOP her.

And if upon my PORT is seen

A steamer’s STARBOARD light of GREEN,

I hold my course and watch to see

That GREEN to PORT keeps clear of me.

Both in safety and in doubt,

Always keep a good lookout.

In danger with no room to turn,

EASE her, STOP her, GO ASTERN.

Good Luck to All.

Each year, students from all power squadrons have an opportunity to nominate their favorite instructor for the highest achievement award in USPS, the Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching. Help Manhasset Bay Power Squadron say "thank you" to your instructors. The Squadron Educational Officer’s submission is due in the hands of District 3 no later than Friday, 18 August. If you would like to nominate an instructor, drop me a note no later than 31 July.

Reprinted from Small Craft Advisory

In addition, the agency plans to purchase a dozen personal water-craft, probably the new EFI direct injection models from Kawasaki.

On the legislative front, Kempf said a housekeeping measure to bring New York’s vessel equipment requirements in line with federal requirements is in the works. Also, his agency wants to capture some of the fees that now go into the general fund.

However, the "big nut to crack," he said, will be getting the state’s mandatory PWC education program up and running. As of January 1, 2000, New York is requiring education for those ages 18 and 19. Next year, the law extends to those born in 1978 or later. In 2000 it applies to persons born on or after January 1, 1975. By January 1, 2003 the law will pull in anyone born on or after January 1, 1972, and by 2004 everyone must have completed a course, Kempf said.

Randy Brewer has taken over as the Bureau of Marine & Recreational Vehicles education specialist. He will be responsible for the new mandatory PWC educational requirement.

Stuart Timm, long-time member of MBPS, wrote to say "hello". He has purchased a "new (used) sailboat, a 22-foot O’Day centerboard sloop, currently named ‘Karakahl’".

Before his 4-1/2-year-old daughter, Emily, was born, Stuart taught The Boating Course for MBPS. He also provided monthly cartoons and many a laugh for readers of Cardinal Points.

We’re looking forward to the day when Stuart and his family join us on some MBPS day trips and outings.

Excerpted from Seaworthy

1. Warn passengers when the boat will be crossing another boat’s wake. "Hold on. Boat wake," is usually sufficient. This warning is especially important when crew is below and can’t see the approaching wake. The most effective way to avoid getting rocked while cooking dinner below is to anchor well away from busy thoroughfares.
2. Slow the boat down before the wake arrives. Don’t wait until you are in the middle of a wake to pull back on the throttle. The larger the wake (and smaller the boat), the more important it is to lessen the impact of the oncoming wave.
3. Don’t come to a complete stop. With an especially rough wake, you may be tempted to stop the boat to lessen the impact. Don’t! Without adequate headway – at least three to four knots – a wave could shove the bow to the side, and you won’t be able to continue maneuvering toward the wake.
4. Avoid taking a large wake on your beam. Instead, turn into the wake briefly and then come back on course.
5. Rather than crossing an oncoming wake head on, bear off and take the wake at about a 30°-45° angle. This maneuver will allow your boat’s bow to grip the wave longer and helps prevent the bow from being thrown high in the air.
6. When overtaking another boat, cross its wake quickly, rather than ride the waves. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel and stay well away from the other boat’s stern. Remember to signal the other boat before passing and be aware of the wake created by your own boat.

He keeps his boat in Manhasset Bay and wanted to be

closer to the north shore action. Come on you guys at

Capri and Lamotta’s, give John some of that action.

John, along with all the other new members, will be

invited to the squadron’s Welcome New Members

Wine & Cheese party at the Port Washington Yacht

Club on Wednesday, 13 September.

Mark this date on your calendar and join us.