1 The Squawk Box

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The Squawk Box
Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron, A Unit of the United States Power Squadrons®, District 16
March 2014
Commander’s Corner
Cdr Jean Marie Muenzenberger, AP
The United States Power Squadron initiated
our celebration of 100 years of providing
boating education in January in Jacksonville,
FL. We, the Bremerton Sail and Power
Squadron kicked off local festivities with a
Spaghetti and Meatball feast followed by two rousing rounds of
Squadron Jeopardy. The highlight of the evening was a visit from
Bremerton’s Mayor, Patty Lent. Mayor Lent arrived at 6:30 and
worked her way around the room meeting everyone who attended.
Also attending were two members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary: Division Vice Commander Mike Dunn and his wife Abbey and District Lt
Commander of Diversity, Al Gonzalez and his wife Joanna. Attending
from other D16 Squadrons were Past Squadron Commanders Donna
and Paul Davis, Olympia; Past Squadron Commanders Inez and Marty
Schwartz, Agate Pass; and, D/Lt/C Jim Hardin, who will become D16
Commander on March 22, 2014.
Spaghetti Dinner set-up was provided by Lori/Toni Almacen, Jesse
Daughtry and, Karen/Rick Wikle. Again, this year, Bob Shepard and
Kevin Pisani created delightfully delicious spaghetti sauce and meatballs which we placed over perfectly prepared pasta then served it
with salad, garlic bread and spumoni ice cream. Thanks to everyone
who helped by donating food, and with set-up, serving and clean-up;
because of your efforts the evening was a success.
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Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron
During our March meeting on, Monday, March 24th, we will hold
elections for the 2014-15 year. A completed slate of candidates was
sent to each member and is posted again in this Squawk Box. I encourage everyone to attend our March meeting to vote and to meet
the candidates. The theme for the evening is “Go Green” and for the
food it’s “Irish”… Irish stew, soda bread, beer, Bailey’s, banger’s n’
mash, etc. Could be a tasty evening!
The next event is our Rummage Sale, Friday, March 28th and 29th. If
you have items to donate please bring your items to the Westgate
Fire Station on Rocky Point Rd, Bremerton on Friday. Please call Mary
Bienik if you would like to help or have questions. The sale is,
Saturday, March 29th, from 9am – 3pm.
Take Care—Jean
EVENTS IN FEBRUARY:
March 9th—Daylight Savings Time begins
March 24th - General Meeting (Annual Business Meeting and
Puget Sound Pilots)
See Class Schedule on Page 4
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Executive Officer’s Comments
P/C Kevin Pisani JN
All Vessel Examiners have received their
Vessel Safety Check (VSC) decals and
are anxiously awaiting your call so they
can inspect your vessels. Several examiners have completed VSCs already.
Once again, I head to Seatac airport to get aboard an aircraft.
This time rather than heading east, I’ll be heading south to Peoria,
AZ to watch spring training baseball and take a long motorcycle
ride. When I return, the weather will be warm enough to start
cleaning the green off the boat in preparation for our first rendezvous of the season.
Kevin
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2013-14 Bridge
Education Officer’s Report
P/C Robert F. Anderson, AP
Public Classes for Winter/Spring 2014
Commander:
Cdr Jean Marie Muenzenberger, AP
360.850.8066
[email protected]
Executive Officer: P/C Kevin Pisani, JN
360.479.1085
Advanced & Elective Courses Offered This Winter and
Spring—2014
[email protected]
Education Officer: P/C Robert Anderson, AP
360.876.2874
The first ABC 3 class of the year will be March
15th and 16th, 2014. An additional ABC 3 class
will be held on April 19th and 20th.
[email protected]
Administrative Officer: Lt/C Gary Wade, S
317.626.7440
[email protected]
Secretary:
Vacant
Treasurer:
Lt/C Cynthia Mills, S
360.373.6858
[email protected]
________________________
Squadron Mailing Address
P. O. Box 2274
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Squawk Box Editor: Dale Finholm, AP
360.692.2294
[email protected]
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Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron
The Weather class started on February 5th with twenty
students. Advanced Piloting will be offered starting on April
16th.
Advanced Piloting Description
Advanced Piloting is the second in the sequence of USPS
courses on navigation. It continues to build coastal and inland
navigation skill, allowing the student to take on more challenging conditions – unfamiliar waters, limited visibility, and extended cruises. GPS is embraced as a primary navigation tool while
adding radar, chart plotters, and other electronic navigation
tools. As with Piloting, the course includes many in-class exercises, advancing the student’s skills through hands-on practice
and learning. Ten classes of two hours each normally are
scheduled for presentation of this course. In addition the students have seven days to complete the open book exam. Topics covered include:

Review of skills learned in Piloting
 Advanced positioning techniques such as advancing a line
of position

Other electronics: radar, depth sounders, autopilots, chart
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plotters, laptop computer software, etc.
 Hazard avoidance techniques using electronics (e.g., “keep
out” zones in GPS)

Collision avoidance using radar and GPS

Working with tides: clearances, depth, effects of current

Piloting with wind and currents
 The “Seaman’s Eye” - simple skills for checking that one is on
course
Class will last ten weeks.
Please let me know if you would like to take the advanced piloting class this winter.
Please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call
(360)876-2874.
Administrative Officer’s Report
Lt/C Gary Wade, S
RENDEZVOUS AFTER ACTION REPORT
Nothing to report.
RENDEZVOUS SCHEDULE 2014
April
Where: Brownsville
When: April 25-25 (tentative)
Host: Agate Pass Power Squadron
This is a joint rendezvous with Agate Pass. I still need a volunteer
for this event. You will be our liaison with Agate Pass.
May
Where: Shilshole (Sea Skills)
When: May 9-11
Host: TBD
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Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron
June
Where: Poulsbo
When: Keep checking the D16 website.
Host: TBD
This is our annual D16 rendezvous.
July
Where: Poulsbo/Port Orchard
When: July 3-6
Host: Gary and Jessie
We will raft out the evening of July 3rd in Liberty Bay for the Poulsbo fireworks. Get up the morning of the 4th and head to Port Orchard for the fireworks and then the morning/afternoon of the 5th
we will have a predicted log race.
August
Where: Des Moines
When: August 22-24
Host: Rush and Cheri
September
Where: Andrews Bay (Lake Washington)
When: TBD
Host: TBD
This rendezvous will give everyone a chance to transit the locks,
get some fresh water experience and swing on the hook for a couple of days.
October
Where: Port Orchard
When: October 3-5
Host: Bellevue Power Squadron
Our annual Soup Pot/Murder Mystery and the theme will be the
60’s!!
MEETING SCHEDULE 2014
March 19th – Executive Board
March 24th – Bridge Officer Elections
April 16th – Executive Board
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March 24th
Speaker: Dale has contacted the Puget Sound Pilots organization to
make arrangements for a speaker. I am sure they can provide a
unique insight about the relationships between recreational boats,
commercial traffic and their shared use of the Sound. This is also our
meeting during which we will vote for incoming officers.
Food: Chili Cook Off. There will be sign-up sheet asking for volunteers to bring in a variety of toppings. Place settings provided, you
bring your favorite glass/cup/mug and favorite beverage. We will also need judges!!!
April 21st – Change of Watch!!
Final Thoughts—We have an ambitious rendezvous schedule for
next year and we need everyone to be part of our success and
fun!! Gary
SHIP STORES
P/C Bob Allen
If you’d like a Squadron boarding hat or burgee, just give me a call at
(360)275-6610 or email me at [email protected] most anytime.
Catch me at the March 24th General Meeting.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Jim Mills, Safety Officer
Here's an interesting tid-bit I found on "Commander
Bob's Boating "
Just as sure as the sun rises in the east, there will come a time in
the life of a skipper when it becomes necessary or prudent to render assistance to another boater. Rarely will the occasion be a life
-or-death situation, or of such serious nature as to require
knowledge of lifesaving skills or rescue techniques. But to the
boaters needing your assistance, you may look as good steaming
in their direction as the cavalry looked to the settlers, riding in to
save the fort.
The majority of boaters in trouble are having engine difficulties.
Marine engines, like their owners, get varying degrees of love and
attention. Marine engines used recreationally probably get relatively little owner respect, and therefore are more likely to fail
sometime during some boating season. I'm guessing that most
boat owners spend much more time in the company of their boats
with a can of fiberglass polish and a buffing pad than with the engine owner's manual.
You may order any of the many 100th year anniversary items online from Sooner or later, you're going to chance upon a boat with an overheated engine, out of fuel, or some other disabling condition. If it's
the ship’s store at www.shopusps.org anytime.
a typical boating day, it may be hot, and the skipper and passengers of the distressed vessel (Grandma, the wife and kids, and
FLAG ETIQUETTE
dog) will be anxious for a tow. You can and should assist them, of
P/C Joe Lewis and P/C Bob Allen (Flag Etiquette article is the result of discuscourse, but first you have to make sure you can do so safely.
sions between P/C Lewis and P/C Allen over the years)
This is a time to remind us all to check not only our flags for moisture collection, but also anything else that can mildew or change
color onboard. Empty out those “Dri-Air” containers.
Remember, if you’re flying the flag during the winter months,
make sure that it is lit from dusk until dawn and is in good shape,
showing no wear. March has no priority days for flying the flag.
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Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron
If the vessel in distress is taking on water, request that the
passengers don PFD's, and then transfer them to your
boat. See if there's something you can do to keep the vessel afloat. If you can, radio the Coast Guard or local marine
patrol and tell them what you're up to. Assess the situation,
and take further action appropriate to the conditions. Elections could include marking the location and taking the passengers to shore, or taking the vessel in tow.
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Before you commit to towing any boat, make certain that the
hardware you use for the towlines on your boat and on the
distressed vessel are of adequate strength, through-bolted,
and have a substantial backing plate. Use towlines that are
free of splices, knots and frays, and appropriate length and
size for the boat size and sea conditions. Require that all
passengers on both boats wear PFD's. You may want to
transfer passengers to your boat, or re-arrange passengers
for better trim in the towed boat, depending upon conditions
you assess.
There are some things you can carry on your boat that can be
very important should you come across a distressed boater situation. A first-aid kit and a blanket, a heaving line, lines heavy
enough to double as a towline, and extra life jackets can help you
help them. Communications devices also can make the difference
in more serious incidents, so a cell phone and/or VHF Marine radio is important not only for your own safety, but also when dealing with another vessel in distress.
So if you're out on the water, and are called to a distressed boater
or just happen to run across someone having problems, by all
means render assistance, just as you would want someone to
help you. But don't turn a bad situation into a worse situation.
Help, but help safely!
During the tow, use a relatively low boat speed, and if towing
a sailboat, keep in mind that the displacement hull has
speed limitations beyond that of most planing hulls. Use a
towing "bridle" when possible to distribute the stress on the
lines and boat hardware. Adjust the tow line to put the
towed boat "in step," so that your boat and the towed boat
Final Passage
are taking their respective waves in concert -- when you
are in the trough, so is the towed vessel, and when you are Audrey M. Walker, 86, died in Port Orchard on February 17,
on the crest, so is the towed vessel.
2014. She was born May 28, 1927 in Seattle, the only daughIf you come across a capsized sailboat, don't be too eager
with your "righting" or rescue assistance unless it is apparent that someone in the water is in serious trouble. For one
thing, the sailboat may be part of an organized race event,
and by touching the crew or boat you could disqualify them.
Also, sailors are usually very proficient in righting their vessels, and unless the vessel has "turtled" with the mast
stuck in the mud, it is best to just stand by and let the sailors call the shots. If you are asked to assist, or if you make
an assessment that your intervention is necessary, approach the capsized vessel from downwind, being careful
not to get your boat or propeller involved in the sailboat's
rigging, some of which may be partially submerged. Have
someone attach a line to the mast, as high up as possible,
and with the sailors standing on the keel or dagger board
and simultaneously pulling on the up gunwale, try to slowly
right the boat.
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ter of Hilburt and Eva Hendrickson.
Audrey and her late husband, Earl, were interested in boating
and took a Piloting Course offered by the local Bremerton unit
of the USPS. The following year, in 1958, Mr. Walker joined
the Squadron and Audrey joined the Ensignetts Auxiliary to
the local unit of the USPS. Mr. Walker served as Commander
of the Bremerton Squadron 1962 - 1963 and 1964 - 1965.
Audrey served as President of the Auxiliary. Both Earl and
Audrey continued to serve the Squadron and Auxiliary in
many ways. Audrey was the first publisher of the Squadron
newsletter and originated the membership roster.
Complete obituary has been posted in the Sail Angle File
Cabinet.
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Land Cruise LeMay Auto Museum
Cdr Jean Marie Muenzenberger, AP
On, Saturday, February 22, several members from Bremerton
Sail & Power Squadron joined members from Agate Pass Sail &
Power Squadron for a self-guided tour of the LeMay Auto Museum. America's Car Museum (ACM) contains nearly 350 vehicles
given to them from businesses and private owners. According to
the Guinness Book, by the mid-90's LeMay had collected more
than 3,500 vehicles. As an organization LeMay--ACM is driven to
provide a place where car enthusiasts, educators and collectors
can celebrate their love of vehicles and where the history of the
automobile will be preserved.
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Bremerton Sail and Power Squadron
We spent more than two hours walking through the museum
viewing, first Volkswagen Beatle models-- I never knew there was
such a variety -- and then vehicles of various makes and models. There is a children's activity center in the basement,
a racecar driving simulation game and a large slot-car track for
racing (they provide the cars).
After dinner twelve of us went to Rock the Dock for dinner. The
food was excellent and the conversation relaxed. All in all it was a
very good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
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District 16 Spring Council/Conference Registration Form is
on the next page. Copy the page, complete, and send reservations to P/C Rose Ann
Walker. When filling out the registration form, please check which lunch entrée is
desired.
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Day
Event
Point of Contact
March 2014
1
15 – 16
District 16 Incoming Officers Meeting (Federal Way)
America’s Boating Course (Tremont Fire Station, Port Orchard)
Bob Anderson
21
District 16 Spring Council (Red Lion, Tacoma)
22
District 16 Spring Conference (Red Lion, Tacoma)
19
Executive Committee Meeting (BYC)
Jean Marie Muenzenberger
24
General Meeting (BYC) (Squadron Annual Business Meeting – Election of
Officers)
Gary Wade
16
Executive Committee Meeting (BYC)
Jean Marie Muenzenberger
America’s Boating Course (Tremont Fire Station, Port Orchard)
Bob Anderson
General Meeting (BYC) (Change of Watch)
Jean Marie Muenzenberger
Brownsville Rendezvous with Agate Pass (Safety)
Gary Wade
April 2014
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28
25 - 27
May 2014
3
Quartermaster Harbor VSC’s
Gary Wade
17
District 16 Education Conference (Bellevue)
Hank Willis
21
Executive Committee Meeting (BYC)
Jean Marie Muenzenberger
26
General Meeting (BYC)
Jean Marie Muenzenberger
Bremerton Rendezvous (Memorial Day Weekend/Kitsap Harbor Days)
Rush LaSelle
Safety Booth, Kitsap Harbor Days
Gary Wade
Operations Training
Jean Marie Muenzenberger
30 June 2
31
TBD
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