It Floats. Will You?

It Floats. Will You?

For years the messages about wearing your Personal Floatation Device or PFD have been delivered by the boating safety community. “Boat Safe, Boat Smart – Wear It” and “It’s Your Life….Preserve It” are familiar to all of us who enjoy time on the water. So why do we continue to ignore the message, putting ourselves, … Continue reading »

Launch of the CPS 75th Anniversary Flag Relay The Journey Has Begun May 5, 2013 CPS had its beginning with Windsor Power and Sail Squadron in 1938. Three members of the Windsor Yacht Club (WYC) took the Junior Piloting Course at the Detroit Yacht Club with the Detroit Power Squadron in 1937 (WYC Founded in … Continue reading »

How to dock a boat

How to dock a boat

Bringing a boat back to the wharf should be done with great care. Not only is there seldom as much room as the operator would wish, but others will probably stop what they are doing to watch the docking procedure. Preparations Before the boat is brought to the wharf, fenders must be hung over the … Continue reading »

Boating Etiquette

Boating Etiquette

Everyday good manners are only common courtesy, customs are derived from traditions. Lines and fenders should be taken aboard when leaving harbour. Fenders hanging over the side spoil the appearance of any boat underway while trailing lines can foul rudders and props. Always respect the rights of others while underway. Power boaters must take note … Continue reading »

Learn the Ropes

Learn the Ropes

Ropes and lines are an important part of any boat, especially sailboats. They have a multitude of uses and there can never be too many of them on board. Take a moment to learn or refresh your memory on the ins and outs of the following knots. A length of line is of little use … Continue reading »

Spring Checklist

Spring Checklist

Pre-launch checklist The exact details of the jobs to be done before and during spring launch will differ with different vessels. The ones listed below are typical of those required on a small cruising sailboat with an inboard diesel engine, and assume that the boat has been properly laid up in the fall. Restock first … Continue reading »

“First Mate” Responsibilities

“First Mate” Responsibilities

I often get asked by the partners of boat operators what kinds of things they should know so that they can take over in the event of an emergency or just be a knowledgeable helping hand. Here is a review of the primary things that a “First Mate” should know, ranging from boat handling, reading charts, anchoring, calling for assistance, routines … Continue reading »

Digital Government Publications for Boaters

Digital Government Publications for Boaters

Load up your tablet with these free publications from the Government of Canada. Safe Boating Guide – PDF: http://shop.tc.gc.ca/TChtml/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?JServSessionIdrootncras147=2juyyiskz1.pAbMmlaLb3qIr6aInQaImQ4UtxCLbx0Tae–&section=10102&language=US Guide de sécurité nautique – PDF: http://shop.tc.gc.ca/TChtml/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?JServSessionIdrootncras147=2juyyiskz1.pAbMmlaLb3qIr6aInQaImQ4UtxCLbx0Tae–&section=10102&language=US Chart 1, 2012 : Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms – PDF: http://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/chart1-carte1/index-eng.asp CARTE N° 1, 2012 : Signes conventionnels, abréviations et termes – PDF: http://www.charts.gc.ca/publications/chart1-carte1/index-fra.asp Other CHS Publications: http://www.chs-shc.gc.ca/publications/index-eng.asp Publications … Continue reading »

Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons/Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance is 75 years old – Happy Anniversary, CPS-ECP!

Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons/Escadrilles canadiennes de plaisance is 75 years old – Happy Anniversary, CPS-ECP!

CPS-ECP is recognized as the largest organization of its kind in the world, the foremost educational boating authority in Canada, a consultant with Canadian Coast Guard, and an advisor of aids to navigation for the Canadian Hydrographic Service. In 1938, three members of the Windsor Yacht Club crossed the Ambassador Bridge into Detroit, Michigan.  Under … Continue reading »

T’was the Night Before Christmas

T’was the Night Before Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the boats, Not a creature was stirring, of that there’s no doubt. The stockings were hung from the pulpits with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The skippers were nestled all snug in their berths, While memories of sailing days filled them with … Continue reading »