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Water Ways Ray Pendleton |
Sail & Power Squadron
has its dayIt's always something special when people are recognized for their accomplishments, and so it was for some 100 avid recreational boaters in Hawaii on Oct. 9.
That was when Gov. Linda Lingle signed a proclamation honoring Hawaii's members of the United States Power Squadron by declaring it Honolulu Sail & Power Squadron Day.
"The Honolulu Sail & Power Squadron, with its home port at the Waikiki Yacht Club, welcomes our community with its many educational services on the water and in the classroom," the proclamation read, in part.
"Therefore, I, Linda Lingle, ... recognize the outstanding contributions of the Honolulu Sail & Power Squadron for their continued promotion of safe and enjoyable recreational boating," it added.
Naturally, such proclamations can't begin to itemize all of the contributions the Squadron has made to the boating community since its inception here in 1961, or those its parent organization has made since its founding nearly 90 years ago at the New York Yacht Club.
For those unfamiliar with the Squadron, the organization has more than 60,000 members in some 450 squadrons in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Japan.
The organization is probably best known for the hundreds of public boating courses it offers nationally to approximately 40,000 men, women and youngsters each year.
Surprising to some, boat ownership is not a requirement of membership and Squadron member-owned vessels include sail, power, personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes and inflatables.
The organization believes its longevity stems from its members' sincere belief that boating is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends while providing an escape from everyday stress and hectic lifestyles.
To enhance the experience, local squadrons try to provide opportunities for their more serious and adventuresome members to enjoy, such as group cruises, rendezvous, sailing races and navigation contests.
They also offer a large number of advanced boating courses on piloting, navigation, sailing, weather, cruise planning, engine maintenance, marine electronics and more.
And, as boat owners are responsible for the safety of their own vessel and their passengers, the Squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary began a joint effort three years ago conducting courtesy boat examinations.
These examinations merely verify the presence and operable condition of safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
Boats that meet the safety requirements receive a Vessel Safety Check decal that may be displayed onboard.
There are no penalties for not successfully completing a Vessel Safety Check, still the program may, nonetheless, prevent many boating accidents by making boat owners aware of potential safety hazards.
Additionally, the Squadron provides its members with benefits that go beyond boating education, camaraderie and civic service opportunities. They enjoy special insurance, towing and marine store discounts, branded credit cards and discounted travel opportunities as well.
So, while the Squadron's goal has always been to promote public boating safety, produce exceptional boating courses and provide opportunities for camaraderie among its members, it now can point to its own special day in Hawaii -- Oct. 9, 2003.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Ray Pendleton is a free-lance writer based in Honolulu.
His column runs Saturdays in the Star-Bulletin.
He can be reached by e-mail at raypendleton@mac.com.
