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THE PORTHOLE Cape Cod Sail and Power Squadron

District 14

Summer 2011 VOLUME 49 ISSUE 6

A Unit of United States Power Squadrons® Sail and Power Boating – America’s Boating Club

CCSPS summer events off to a smokin’ start Cdr Charles Burke, AP*

Progress was made on my first goal as Commander when Ed Ruckle stepped forward to serve as squadron Secretary. Although a relatively new member, Ed received the Distinguished Communicator Award for his work with the Porthole. Thank you, Ed, for taking on this important position!

The recent Bass River Beach Flare Shoot coordinated by Walt Penczar allowed CCSPS members and the public to learn to safely operate various types of flares. The Squadron collaborated with local organizations, such as the fire and police departments, natural resources, and harbormaster, in this educational effort.

CCSPS has a full schedule of on-the-water events this summer I think you will enjoy. The Oak Bluffs Rendezvous is a great opportunity to travel to the island on your boat or by ferry, meet up with members at the harbor, and enjoy a potluck array with your squadron friends. If you enjoy boat-floats and marching with a message, join us July 4th for a parade in Chatham. The Egg Island Beach Day off Great Island in Lewis Bay is a very unique picnic event. The day is

planned by the tides; and the island disappears at the end of our picnic! If you love to laugh, come view the Viking 200 Boat Race at Sundancers’ pier in West Dennis.

So mark your calendars and plan to participate in these events. I especially encourage new members to take part in these outings as opportunities to apply knowledge from recent course work and to meet and have fun with our members. Together we learn more about boats, share tips on operating and maintaining them, and discover new places to cruise in Cape Cod waters.

While enjoying your boat this summer, consider taking courses that may help you get even more out of the experience. I taught the Instructor Development Course in the past and would be glad to teach it again this year. Hope you will join me and teach others to boat safely.

See you on the water…

Boating is fun … we’ll show you how®

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SUNSHINE COMMITTEE

Lt/C Mary Lou Walsh, AP

Our condolences to Doreen Davis on the recent death of her father.

Doris David had minimally-invasive back surgery this past week and is home recovering. Doris is determined to be our Bionic Woman!

Our Apprentice member, Nathaniel Sabatt graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and was commissioned an Ensign on May 27. Nate

joined USPS after taking the summer youth basic boating course (before it was ABC) and completed Seamanship before going off to Annapolis. Nate was among 1,006 midshipmen who tossed their hats in a traditional ceremony at the conclusion of graduation. Congrats to Nate.

Virtual Bulletin Board:

“Free to Good Home” I’m cleaning out bookshelves and have 2 sets of Classics for Young Readers to give away. One set is geared to upper Middle School or Junior High. The other is a bit younger – early middle school or perhaps 4th or 5th graders who are good readers. If you’re looking for reading material for visiting grandchildren, let me know and they’re yours. Otherwise, they’re going to a charity. See my contact information below.

Anyone who has knowledge of a CCSPS member who might benefit from a bit of cheering up with cards, calls or visits, or a member who is experiencing an important event, please phone Mary Lou Walsh 508-398-7970 or email mlcwalsh@aol.com

OUR ONLINE SUPPLY STORE

Colorful squadron burgees are in stock in small 12x18, $23; large 16x24, $30.

Online Logo Clothing: visit the squadron’s online logo clothing supply

store at www.ccsps.org.

Note: For the squadron to receive purchaser credit, online orders are required by the vendor. To avoid shipping charges, write “In-store pick-up” in the order comment section. For members

without Internet access, items may be ordered from Commodore Uniform (800-438-8643).

PORTHOLE GUARANTEED DATE

25 July deadline for August newsletter

Materials received by this ‘guaranteed date’ will appear, but late materials may or may not appear.

2011-2012 DIRECTORY

CAPE COD SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON BRIDGE AND OTHER

Commander – Cdr Charles Burke, AP*

15 Horsefoot Cove Road, West Dennis, MA 02670

508-394-9128 cgburke15@comcast.net

Executive Officer – Lt/C Mary Lou Walsh, AP

P.O. Box 14, Dennisport, MA02639

508-398-7970 mlcwalsh@aol.com

Administrative Officer – Position open

Educational Officer – P/C David Atwood, AP*

9 Upton Road, South Yarmouth, MA 02664

508-737-5374 yankeepeddlar@hotmail.com

Secretary – Lt/C Edgar Ruckle, S

17 Bellview Avenue, Bass River, MA 02664

774-208-8064 eruckle1@verizon.net

Treasurer – Lt/C Evan C. Croft

1753 Old Stage Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668

508-420-9023 caperedhouse@comcast.net

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Assistant Educational Officer – 1st

Lt Kenneth Molloy, SN

225 Oxford Drive, Cotuit, MA 02635

508-428-3815 Kmacape@verizon.net

The Porthole Editor – Lt/C Edgar Ruckle, S

17 Bellview Avenue, Bass River, MA 02664

774-208-8064 eruckle1@verizon.net

If you need answers to any questions, please contact one of these officers and they will be happy to help you.

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CCSPS in a sea of yellowNantucket Daffodil Festival Weekend in early May attracted our flower and puppy-loving team.

Photos by Gail Burke

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S.O.S. Strategies On Safe Paddling Safety Officers Marc and Garnet Venables

WEAR A LIFEJACKET – A life vest will also provide hypothermia protection. White water enthusiasts should include a helmet.

IT’S SAFER TO PADDLE WITH A GROUP – This is more important when learning new skills or navigating unfamiliar waters.

FILE A FLOAT PLAN – Provide someone with the names of all paddlers, the departure and destination points, when you plan to arrive and instruction on when and who to contact if you are overdue.

KNOW THE WATER – Become familiar with the body of water before starting a trip. Consider factors that may change the water conditions like an upstream hydroelectric facility planning to release water. Will you be affected by tides and find yourself trying to paddle on mud or fighting a strong current?

DON’T EXCEED YOUR ABILITY LEVEL - It's important to know your own limitations and those of your paddling partners.

KNOW THE LATEST WEATHER FORECAST - Weather and sea conditions can change surprisingly fast so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on landfall points that you can quickly reach if necessary.

BRING A PHONE OR VHF RADIO – You now have the ability to get weather updates and request help if necessary. Check out the latest dry-bag gear that will keep your electronics dry and tether it to your life vest.

CHOOSE BRIGHT EQUIPMENT COLORS – Standout colors will improve your chances of being seen by other boaters. Practicing defensive maneuvers to avoid traffic that may not see you is much better than assuming that you have the right of way.

WEAR PROPER CLOTHING - Dress for existing and expected conditions. Extreme cold requires wet or dry suits, but in more moderate conditions layered clothing is recommended. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, neck, and ears from the sun and don’t forget your footwear.

CARRY PROPER EQUIPMENT - navigation device, spare paddle, bailer or bilge pump, first aid kit, extra clothing, food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, beverage cooler, etc. should be stowed or tethered to stay with the boat. A bow and stern line that can be reached from the cockpit and extra line can be very valuable, but must be carefully stowed to not interfere with the user’s ability to exit in the event of a capsize.

USE A SPRAY SKIRT – a boats’ wake or unexpected waves can be deterred from swamping your boat.

MAINTAIN PROPER WEIGHT AND BALANCE - Distribute the weight evenly to balance your boat, side to side and front to back and leave unnecessary weight behind. A boat that is riding with its bow high will act like a weather vane to push you off track when paddling into heavy winds.

LEARN HOW TO SELF–RESCUE - You won’t know if you know until you practice this (more than once)!

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SALTY ADVICE NEEDED P/C Hugh Blair-Smith, SN

Do we have any veterans of cruising under sail on the outer coast of Nova Scotia? Lisa Goodwin and I are planning a cruise there this year, probably skipping Yarmouth but ranging from Shelburne to possibly the Bras D’Or Lakes, and would love to hear from anybody with local knowledge of ports, facilities, land transportation to support crew changes, etc. hugh.bs@verizon.net, 617-491-6787 cell or 508-385-3318 land; goodwinstudios@me.com, 508-280-0186.

WELCOME ABOARD Membership Chairman Joan Croft, AP*

As new members join us for terrific summer activities, introduce yourself and welcome them. Boating gives us much in common and much to share.

Diane Burke joined from the America’s Boating Course® spring class. Shortly thereafter, her sister, Suzanne Burke, signed on. They reside in Cummaquid and boat out of Bass River as Freedom Boat Club members. Welcome to the squadron’s loosely named Bass River Flotilla and be sure to join us for the annual Boaters Beach Rendezvous in late summer.

Timothy Silva and his son Jacob also successfully completed ABC this spring. Jacob is a Sea Scout with Ship 76 whose Skipper is squadron member Tim Millar. Jacob’s USPS membership classification is Sea Scout. Over several years the squadron has built upon a natural connection. See the article featured in the May issue of The Porthole, “USPS and Sea Scouts, A natural CCSPS connection” by P/C David Van Wye, SN. The Silva family lives in Marstons Mills and sails from homeport Princes Cove aboard 18-foot Clamity.

The Porthole newsletter received digitally by email is a great source for finding out what’s going on in the squadron as is the website www.ccsps.org. Watch for the newsletter and other timely information sent by email in “WhatsUp@CCSPS.” You are invited to contact bridge members with questions about how we can help you meet your expectations. Contact information is listed in The Porthole and in the Roster of Members that will be in your Welcome Aboard package. Also, contact me anytime: 508.420.9023 or CapeRedhouse@comcast.net.

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to more members at a dinner meeting, class or other activity, and encourage you to continue participating in the spirit of boating is fun…we’ll show you how.

INTRODUCING VIM Very Important Member Program Membership Chairman Joan Croft, AP*

Quoting President Calvin Coolidge, “No person was ever honored for what he received, but for what he gave.” The VIM program honors members who, by that principle, influence others to join USPS.

Here’s how. When our individual good will efforts as squadron ambassadors motivate someone to join, a Very Important Member lapel pin is presented. But there’s a catch: It comes in two pieces. The missing wedge is awarded when the new member renews the following year.

Commander Charles Burke, AP*, awarded VIM pins at the 26 May dinner meeting at Ardeo’s Grille in Yarmouth Port: David Atwood influenced Charles Nolan and Eugene Courtney; Joan Croft influenced Robert and Peggy Elder and Diane Burke; and Edgar Ruckle influenced Douglas Jacoby and Thomas Grossman.

More members will receive VIM pins: Hugh Blair-Smith influenced Timothy Silva; Diane Burke influenced Suzanne Burke; John Fox influenced Steven Dillon; Lee Johnson influenced Peg Johnson; Tim Millar influenced Sea Scout Jacob Silva; and Terry Wilcox and Barbara Garrett-Wilcox influenced John and Carol Hilton.

For the initial recognition, thank our new members. From that point on, the missing wedge is a reminder that as sponsors, we take on the role of mentor by keeping in touch, making them feel welcome, and assisting them to meet and exceed their expectations. Although the success of and camaraderie offered to new members is the best reward, meriting the second VIM pin piece is an example to be emulated. As the saying goes, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

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A FULL SCHEDULE OF SUMMER 2011 EVENTS Lt/C Mary Lou Walsh, AP

Oak Bluffs Rendezvous - 10 June to 12 June

Join us for the first Rendezvous of the season - always a popular event. No boat? No problem! Many more members take the ferry to the Island and

participate anyway. Come for the day, do some sightseeing, participate in the Annual Lighthouse Challenge then enjoy our World-Famous Docktails Party and return in the evening or stay overnight in any of the local lodgings. We have 12 slips reserved together. As in the past, boaters can make and pay for their own reservation online at www.oakbluffsmarina.com or by calling 508-693-4355. Even if you have made a reservation with the Marina, contact Mary Lou to be added to the attendee list.

Chatham July 4th Parade

Watch for specific info from Head Wrangler Lee Johnson.

Sunset Cruise on the Liberté July 14

Enjoy our joint event with BBSPS with a sunset cruise and Potluck Appetizer Party aboard the Liberté sailing from Falmouth Harbor. Fare is reduced to

$27 for our group. Reservations will be made through BBSPS, so watch for specific info elsewhere in this issue and coming soon in a What’s Up mailing.

Egg Island Rendezvous – Saturday, July 23, late morning to early afternoon

Rain date, Sunday July 24. The curious rendezvous that is boat-accessible only. Meet on the small island in Hyannis Outer Harbor that is visible only around low-tide. Once the tide starts to rise,

the island, like Brigadoon, disappears. Low tide that day is at noon, so the island will be dry from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Due to the lack of facilities (including dry land if you hang around too long) this is a “bare bones” gathering, which can be part of the fun

and challenge. Bring everything you need for food, water, utensils, games, etc. – you’ll learn to pack light! Boat to the island or launch your kayak from Hyannis or West Yarmouth.

Viking 200 Cardboard Boat Race, Sat. July 30

On Bass River, CCSPS members serve as judges for the hilarious entries and perform on-the-water safety and retrieval duties. Or better yet, think about building an entry and

showing off your boat design skills. You have plenty of time to construct a winner! (And you’ll have an inside track in the judging )

Lobster Roll Cruise, Sesuit Harbor, Sat., August 13

Last summer, due to loss of our Lobster Bake venues, we tried our first Lobster Roll Cruise out of Sesuit Harbor. Judging from the enthusiastic feedback among the

attendees, we’re going with it again. Great food, a nice boat ride and someone else does all the work! The topside bar was very popular, especially on a gorgeous day, and the lunch downstairs offered huge portions of lobster salad and other entrees.

Grand Illumination in Oak Bluffs, Wednesday, Aug. 17

We have again chartered the Patriot Too for our annual trek to Oak Bluffs for the Campground Association’s Grand Illumination. Check in at Falmouth Marina is at 1745 (5:45PM) and we set sail at 1800 (6PM). We will leave the

island around 2230 (10:30PM). Fare in past years was $17 – should be the same or very close this year. No admission charge for the Illumination event on the island; there is time before the Illumination program for dinner, shopping, wandering. In recent years, more and more people (not just our members) are skipping the packed restaurants and shops, packing picnics and staking out a nice spot on the Tabernacle lawn to eat and watch the festivities.

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Waquoit Bay/Washburn Island Rendezvous, Saturday, August 20

Our 2nd joint event with BBSPS. Waquoit Bay is a well-known and popular paddling venue, so kayakers can take advantage of

the calm water to make a day of it. Washburn Island is easily accessible for boaters, especially if your homeport is west of Hyannis. If you can’t make it by boat and don’t kayak, several BBSPS members are volunteering their boats as shuttles to ferry attendees from the north side of Waquoit Bay near Rt. 28. There is a $10 fee and they provide all food and drinks, so there’s no need to pack lunches, coolers and all the picnic paraphernalia. That especially makes kayaking easy. Reservations will be made through BBSPS, so watch for specific info elsewhere in this issue and coming soon in a What’s Up mailing.

Nantucket Rendezvous, September 9-11

After several years of weather-related cancellations and problems, we won’t stop trying until we have a good weekend! This year, the Rendezvous coincides with the Island Fair, so with more crossed fingers, maybe the weather will cooperate this

year. Like Oak Bluffs there will be a day-tripper contingent arriving by ferry as well as the weekend boaters.

Tivoli Day in Oak Bluffs, Saturday, September 17

(No rain date) A new event for us this year. We’re trying a casual on-your-own get-together similar to our successful Daffodil Festival trip. Tivoli Day is a celebration in

Oak Bluffs that has grown in popularity until it’s now a huge event. Held on the last Saturday of summer, it’s dubbed “Summer’s Last Hurrah”. Circuit Avenue is closed to cars and the restaurants and bars along the road all move tables onto the sidewalks and into the street to form a pedestrian area with outdoor café seating for eating, drinking and watching the strolling entertainers. Stores anxious to empty their summer merchandise prior to closing for the season offer big savings. And the famous West Tisbury Farm Market will operate in Oak Bluffs for the day to feature end-of-season bounty of produce and locally-made goods. As

the date gets closer, we’ll have more info on ferry schedules and discount fares as we did with Daffodil Weekend.

Bass River Rendezvous, Saturday, September 24

Rain date is Sunday, September 25. From the least-accessible rendezvous (Egg Island) to the most accessible! There’s no excuse for anyone to miss this party: it’s free and it can be

reached by boaters, kayakers, walkers and by car. Meet on the beach at the end of West Dennis Public Beach parking lot. The beach is to the left on a point of land locally known as Boater’s Beach or Smuggler’s Beach (although that will probably not show up on any maps and is not to be confused with official Smuggler’s Beach on the Yarmouth side). There is a quiet calm cove sheltered from wind and river currents, so kayaking is a breeze and there is enough depth on the river side for sailboats to anchor. If you’re unsure of the area, the beach entrance gate is alongside the West Dennis Yacht Club at the intersection of Loring Ave. and Lighthouse Rd. The mile-long beach parking lot shows up on some mapping programs as Davis Beach Rd. Partiers begin gathering late morning and the party will continue through the afternoon. High tide that day is at 1043, going out all afternoon, so we won’t run out of beach like we did last year. Bring your own food or contribute to the potluck atmosphere. If you have a small portable grill, it might help to bring it along – there never seems to be enough. In the past, the Town has kept the bathroom buildings open in September. And the quiet cove makes a nice swimming area for people and their dogs.

To save space, contact info is the same for all events. Unless otherwise noted, contact Mary Lou at 508-398-7970 or at MLCWalsh@aol.com to be added to the attendee list. If you are reserving with BBSPS for their events, contact Mary Lou anyway so we can keep track of CCSPS attendance.

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SUMMER’S LAUNCH MAY DINNER

Gail Burke relaxing at Ardeo

Mary Lou Walsh creates a happy summer atmosphere

Commander Burke awaits his special dinner guests

Mary Lou Walsh, Garnet Venables and Gail Burke greeting friends

Walt Penczar introduces speaker Karl Von Hone

Paula Bacon with the Venables

We welcome Greg and Joan Patterson

Paul Brown gives the invocation Ed Ruckle awaits prime rib

Charles Burke conducts the Audit Report and vote

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Past Commander Leyden and Deidre Leyden with Tom Grossman and Dave Atwood are a good audience

Yarmouth Natural Resources Director Karl Von Hone delivers a great presentation

Lt/Cdr Mary Lou Walsh makes a point

John and Carol Hinton with Gail Burke and Joan Croft Bob and Peggy Elder receive new member recognition

Hal Petersen with Gail Burke and Greg Patterson

Ed Ruckle, Joan Croft and Dave Atwood receive their VIM pins

Gail with Evan Croft and Doreen Davis

Nola Cloutier pitches in on table top decor

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EDUCATION NEWS

P/C Dave Atwood, AP*

Spring Course

Seamanship* – Our late-spring course started 2 June at the C-O-MM Fire Station and runs Monday and Thursday evenings to 27 June. The Boat Operator Certification on-the-water skill Powerboat Handling* will be offered at the end of the course. There's still time to participate. If you are interested or know anyone interested in taking the course, please contact Dave Atwood to enroll: 508-737-5374; yankeepeddlar@hotmail.com.

Fall Courses

Boat Electrical Systems* provides information about properties of electricity, electrical power requirements and wiring practices, direct current power, alternating current power, galvanic and stray-current corrosion, lightning protection, and electrical interference.

Sail provides basic skills and knowledge for the novice and experienced sailor, as well as the non-sailor. The course starts with basic sailboat designs and nomenclature, rigging, safety, and sail processes and then tackles the physical aspects of sailing forces and techniques, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship and handling of more difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing.

If you are interested or know anyone interested in taking either of these courses, please contact Dave Atwood to enroll: 508-737-5374; yankeepeddlar@hotmail.com.

* Boat Operator Certification requirement

Marine App of the Month

Wind Meter Use your iPhone to measure wind speed. Wind Meter works by measuring the volume of the wind on your iPhone microphone and converts it into a wind speed reading. To use,

simply point the microphone into the wind and push Get Wind! Wait a few seconds and push Got Wind! The final reading is the average of the period.

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.0 or later, $0.99

Click here

Got Green?

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WWaaqquuooiitt BBaayy -- WWaasshhbbuurrnn IIssllaanndd RReennddeezzvvoouuss Saturday August 20, 2011 - 11am

(Rain date Sunday August 21, 2011)

Menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs w/kraut, Baked Beans, Macaroni, Pasta Salads, Cole Slaw, Little Neck Clams, Watermelon, Cookies, Chips & Dips, Soda & Water all provided

Price $10.00 per person/kids free

Bring a dessert and a chair

The location: We’ll monitor CH 68 if you have questions or problems finding us. Look for the BBSPS sign on the beach. Check both locations.

Please return this section with your payment to: John Russo, 80 Rivers Edge Road, E. Falmouth, MA 02532

Names:__________________________________________________________

Number of adults coming: ___________X $10.00 per person ______________

Contact Number: _____________________ (we will call if canceled due to weather)

Dock pick-up required? Yes or No

Contact these individuals for arrangements: Alan McCoy for shuttle service at 617-943-1253 – samccoy1978@hotmail.com; John Densler for shuttle service at 508-495-2999 jdensler@comcast.net

Liberté Sunset Cruise Sail Aboard this Magnificent 74' Schooner on the Beautiful Waters of Cape Cod

Thursday, July 14, 2011

49 Guests Only - Full Beverage Cash Bar – bring an appetizer to share $27.00 per person (reg. price $35.00)

The Liberté is docked on the west side at the mouth of Falmouth Harbor

227 Clinton Avenue, Falmouth, MA 02536

We will meet at the Falmouth Harbor Patriot Boat Dock between

5:30 PM and 5:45PM the Liberté will leave promptly at 6PM

Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can get an accurate count.

Mail this section with your check made out to BBSPS by July 11th, 2011 to:

Mr. Bill Brosseau – 14 Highland Road – Wareham, MA 02571 Tel: 508-291-4835

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Calendar of Meetings and Events

June 2011

02 District 14 Council Meeting, White’s Restaurant, Westport, MA

09 Executive Committee Meeting, Dennis Police Deparment, 1900

10-12 Oak Bluffs Rendezvous

July 2011

04 Chatham 4th

of July Parade, Chatham, MA

23 Egg Island Beach Day, Hyannis

30 Viking 200 Cardboard Boat Race (CCSPS support/rescue), Sundancers, W. Dennis

August 2011

13 Lobster Cruise, Sesuit, MA

17 Grand Illumination, Oak Bluffs

20 Rendezvous w/ BBSPS – Waquoit Bay

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