Chicago Sail and Power Squadron

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:22:00 +0000

Free NOAA charts

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/BookletChart.html

NOAA has a product, booklet charts, that are free and downloadable. NOAA's new official BookletCharts cover the 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline and the Great Lakes. The BookletCharts contain most of the information found on NOAA's full-scale nautical charts, but it is presented as reduced-scale.

Coast Survey has now moved the BookletCharts from experimental stage into official production. Nearly a thousand newly updated BookletCharts are available free on the Web.

While BookletCharts are great for recreational use, they do not fulfill chart carriage requirements for regulated commercial vessels under Titles 33 and 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Please pass these on to anyone who might benefit from the information.

title nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

description...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:01:00 +0000

Boat Beacon for iPhone and Android

Marine AIS Navigation on your iPhone or Android Smartphone.
Boat Beacon was designed and developed by Pocket Mariner’s sea-faring CEO after a near miss at sea – the app provides an affordable and reliable AIS-based collision detection system for iPhone and iPad or Android smartphones and tablets. For the full background to Boat Beacon, read The Skipper’s Story – How Boat Beacon Came to Be
Boat Beacon is available now in the App Store for iPhone and iPad and in the Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets.

More Info

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:29:00 +0000

death, again
We sailed Anarchy in this race, but knew nothing of the tragedy that unfolded in the middle of a windless, fairly clear night. We are horrified to think of what actually happened...

Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) officials learned late Saturday that three sailors in their Newport to Ensenada offshore race had died in an apparent collision with a large vessel several miles off the coast near the border.
The 37-foot Aegean was reduced to debris that looked "like it had gone through a blender," a searcher said Sunday after the boat apparently collided with a larger vessel, killing three sailors and leaving a fourth missing. The U.S. Coast Guard, the Mexican navy and civilian vessels scoured the waters off the shore of both countries for the missing sailor before suspending their search Sunday evening. It was California's second deadly accident this month involving an ocean race.
MORE....

“Don’t Mess with GPS!"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:18:00 +0000

February 24, 2012

Dear BoatU.S. Member:

Last summer boaters sent a clear message to the Federal Communications Commission – “Don’t Mess with GPS!" As you may remember, a private company, LightSquared, received preliminary FCC approval to offer a new cellular broadband service. Tests showed this service could significantly interfere with GPS signals.

Thanks to over 18,000 boaters who submitted comments, along with many other GPS users, the FCC required additional testing in the fall. (Thank you all for your help!) Last week, these tests revealed that the LightSquared’s network would interfere with GPS and that there are no practical fixes. As a result, the FCC has proposed to withdraw LightSquared's approval.(http://www.gps.gov/news/2012/02/lightsquared/)

The FCC has a new comment period (open to March 1) asking for the public’s opinion. Even if you wrote last summer, please take a few minutes now and write the FCC asking them to protect the GPS signal by saying “No” to LightSquared’s current proposal. Given this company’s tenacity over the last year, we want to make sure that boaters’ needs are remembered as the FCC makes their final decision.

Important points to make:

How do you use GPS in your life – on the water, on land, or in the air?
What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable?
Wireless broadband service is important, but it should not come at the expense of GPS.
All the studies show that LightSquared’s proposed network would cause interference and that there are no remedies.
Tell FCC that you rely on them to protect the integrity of the GPS signal and that you support their recommendation to stop LightSquared’s current proposal

You can submit comments directly to the FCC through their online comment form. (We regret we can’t streamline this process for you, but it is important enough we’re still asking for your help.) Here’s how:

Click on this link for the FCC’s Electronic Comments Filing System (ECFS): http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list
Select “Proceeding Number 11-109.” It should be near the top of the list.
In the designated boxes, enter your name and mailing address.
In the box that says “Type in or paste your brief comments,” do so. Click “Continue”.
A review page will load listing all of the information entered. If correct, click “Confirm.”
If you have any trouble, you may contact the FCC ECFS Helpdesk at 202-418-0193 or email at ecfshelp@fcc.gov

Thank you for taking action to protect the integrity of the GPS system.

Margaret Podlich

President, BoatU.S.

GovtAffairs@BoatUS.com

703-461-2878 x8363

For an update on this and other government affairs topics please visit BoatUS.com/gov

Jackson Park Yacht Club is hosting a US Sailing Sanctioned Safety at Sea Seminar on April 15, 2012.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Jackson Park Yacht Club is hosting a US Sailing Sanctioned Safety at Sea Seminar on April 15, 2012. Moderated by Ron Trassbach. There still are seats available.
Please go to www.jacksonparkyachtclub.org for information and forms for registration. [Scroll down, click on the link to get a form to print and mail in with your check.]
Questions can be directed to jpycevents@gmail.com or you can contact Janet Hansen @ 773-233-5520 (this is also her work phone, so please leave a message!).

This certification is strongly recommended for the Chicago to Mackinac Race.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:35:00 +0000

Department of Energy: E15 causes “severe damage” to marine engines

Last 5 stories in News

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FYBA names executive director - October 25, 2011

New Chicago Fire Boat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:25:00 +0000

New Chicago Fire Boat

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Boating Industry Webinar

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:34:00 +0000

Boating Industry Webinar

2 die when sailboat capsizes during Mackinac race: 'A hell of a night'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:16:00 +0000

2 die when sailboat capsizes during Mackinac race: 'A hell of a night'

The Future of Reliable GPS Service is in question

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:05:00 +0000

July 12, 2011 Dear BoatU.S. Member, As a result of a new proposal to use radio bandwidth right next to the existing GPS service, the future reliability of the GPS system across the United States is now in question. We encourage you to contact the FCC during a short 30-day public comment period, to help them understand the public’s need for continued, reliable GPS signals for safe navigation on boats, in cars, and for so many other daily uses. CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION Background: Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave conditional approval to a private company, LightSquared, to begin a nationwide broadband service adjacent to the radio spectrum used for GPS. After concerns from user groups (including BoatU.S.), the FCC required significant testing and a report for potential conflicts with aviation, cellular, navigation, and four other GPS uses before this proposal could move forward. In that June 30th report the navigation sub-team concluded “that all phases of the LightSquared deployment plan will result in widespread harmful interference to GPS signals and service and that mitigation is not possible.” For more information: www.BoatUS.com/gov In 2010 the US Coast Guard shut down Loran, leaving mariners using electronic navigation to rely solely on GPS. Now, this fast-moving threat to GPS could pull the plug on our ability to safel navigate within the U.S. Public comments on LightSquared’s proposal will be taken until Saturday, July 30, 2011. Following that, the FCC will make a determination on what this private company can do with this vital public resource. We ask that you take a minute today, as a boater and a citizen, to request that the FCC reject the proposed LightSquared plan to deploy a private nationwide broadband service that can cripple the nation’s GPS systems. Because it is not easy to find your way through the FCC’s comment web forms, we suggest you follow the link below. Our software will help you easily construct a letter, which will be electronically delivered to your Members of Congress and BoatU.S. We will then print your letter and hand deliver it to the FCC before they close on Friday, July 29th. CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION If you have any additional questions, please contact BoatU.S. Government Affairs at Govtaffairs@BoatUS.com Thank you for being a BoatU.S. Member! Margaret Podlich Vice President, BoatU.S. Government Affairs Govtaffairs@BoatUS.com 703-461-2878 x8363 DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. If you prefer not to receive BoatU.S. Government Affairs Alert emails go to http://www.boatus.com/gov/unsub.asp or use the link at the bottom of this message.

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here.

Raising Lakes Huron, Michigan costly

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:20:00 +0000

Associated Press TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Artificially raising water levels in Lakes Huron and Michigan to compensate for drop-offs caused by human tinkering is technologically feasible but would take decades to achieve and could cost more than $200 million, according to a report prepared for a U.S.-Canadian advisory panel. More...

WATERCRAFT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:12:00 +0000

WATERCRAFT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking boaters to report how they operate and maintain their boats as a part of determining new recreational watercraft management practices. The deadline for comments is June 2.

"Management Practices would be methods, techniques, or tools which could mitigate any environmental impact of normal discharges into our waters,"
said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. "They will vary according to boat type and what that vessel could potentially discharge. For example, the EPA is looking at engine maintenance and could create a management practice that requires the use of a bilge sock to soak up oil in your engine compartment. Of course, this couldn't apply to a rowboat. But it's important to understand they are looking at all recreational watercraft."

To hear boaters' concerns and suggestions, the EPA has set up two ways to
communicate: Boaters can be heard at the agency's alternative weekly online webinars that started March 21 and end April 25; or Boaters can e-mail the EPA directly at CleanBoatingAct-HQ@EPA.GOV until June 2. -- Read on:
http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=2735713

Courtesy of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt.

Editorial- Saving boating

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:40:00 +0000

We each approach problems differently.   Plumbers will grab a pipe wrench and plumbers putty first.   Electricians will grab electrical tape and wire.   Carpenters will grab hammer and nails, and so on.   It is hard for us to see outside and get some distance from the problem. Our club members are aging and compounded with rising fuel and maintenance costs, both power and sail members have been hit hard.

If we were to take a survey and ask each member how many hours they actually spent on the water, cruising or racing, last year, I'm sure the numbers would be a whole lot smaller than the year before.   A survey would be a good thing to do by the way.   Not only does the CS&PS have declining numbers, but the actual time spent on the water is also declining I believe, from my observations.   Boating is in serious trouble.

In my opinion we are not alone in this mess, yacht clubs have been hit hard too, and they are actively out there trying to get membership, cutting prices, offering incentives and making their programs more member friendly.   US Sailing's solution is, like the carpenter, using what they know and are good at, racing, to bring new life into boating.   This next Americas Cup Campaign, has similar goals, is just beginning with the promise of many more hours of TV Coverage, new exciting venues and lots of action with the AC45 Catamarans. But sailboat racers are boaters.   They need the skills that we should be teaching, the basic tools and advanced tools of boat handling and navigation all play a roll in getting around the buoys and to the next waypoint and port.   And there are other opportunities that we should look at to encourage safer boating.   Boat maintenance, upgrading electronics, safety at sea, vest selection for inshore and offshore racers and so on are all things we can provide.

I think, my opinion, it is time to get more deeply involved in Sailing, both racing and cruising from both a social and educational perspective. And perhaps personally members should take a careful look at how much or little they actually know about sailing, sailboat handling, and sailboat performance. We are the experts, we take and teach the courses to make boating fun and safe. I believe we should take a moment and look at what we were doing in the past, reevaluate what we did, what worked, what didn't and come to an agreement about how we can do better going forward.

I attended several seminars this winter and spring sponsored by various groups including the Waukegan Sail and Power Squadron, Waukegan Yacht Club, Chicago Yacht Club, and the Tartan T-10Fleet.. There was a full house at each of these events.   Membership committees were out in full force at each of these events talking up their club.   Actively looking to sign up new members.

The new meeting location is a great location for Chicago boaters to meet.   Seminars on interesting topics to Sail Boaters, both race and cruise would really attract a good crowd. We need something/someone to drive our membership and educational programs and maintain our long standing record of excellent service to the boating community.

Please feel free to post your comments here or email them to me directly.

Sincerely,

Thomas King, AP
Sailor

Sailors: Tactics Seminar, Saturday Feb. 19, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:27:00 +0000

DIY Skills Classes at Strictly Sail. Signup Now.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:07:00 +0000

Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Here's the classes we'll be offering.

America's Boating Course (ABC) is our basic boating course and will begin at College of Lake County on Thursday, January 27 from 7-9pm. Classes finish up March 24. You can register at the College of Lake County IL web site, the class is CREC 23 - Boating Safety.

Marine Electrical System begins Wednesday February 9 from 7-9pm.

Marine Electrical Systems (MES) covers the practice of wiring your boat, including boat electrical wiring practices and diagrams, direct and alternating current power, galvanic and stray current corrosion, and lightning protection. Troubleshooting is emphasized throughout, so students should feel comfortable performing even tricky wiring tasks after passing this course. This is usually an 8 week class.

Seamanship start Thursday March 31 from 7-9pm.

Seamanship builds on the basics of recreational boating presented in the ABC course, Seamanship adds foundational information for continuing boater education. The course contents should facilitate knowledge development for increased safe operation of recreational boats and provide the basis for completion of USCG licensing examination. Emphasis within the course has been placed on higher level boating skills, rules of the road, and marlinespike. This is usually an 8 week class.

Piloting start Thursday March 31 from 7-9pm.

Piloting is the first of the navigational classes focusing on techniques for piloting a boat in coastal and inland conditions. The course emphasizes planning and checking along with the use of GPS for determining position, and introduces digital charting along with traditional charting, compass and dead reckoning skills. Plotting, labeling, use of the compass, aids to navigation and a host of related topics are included in this all-new approach to coastal and inland piloting. This is usually an 8 week class.

Thanks for taking the time to read about our classes.

Cdr. Mike Ludtke N
Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron
815-575-0809

First Aid, CPR and AED class

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:41:00 +0000

I'm the SEO for Fox Valley Sail & Power Squadron and I would like to ask you to invite your members to a First Aid, CPR and AED class we're sponsoring in co-operation with Lyf Savers. The class is on Saturday February 12 and 26 from 9:00 AM to noon each day at Cabelas in Hoffman Estates, IL. The cost is $50.00. Each participant will have their own practice mannequin. Please help me spread the word about this class; it's a great skill for a boater to have.

Hope to see you and your members there,

Don Prettyman
sqldataman@hotmail.com

Merry Christmas to All

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 19:37:00 +0000

United States Power Squadrons National

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:24:00 +0000

The Government and Partner Relations Committee has been working on revised USPS Lobbying Policy and Procedures. The following information has been posted in the File Cabinet of the Government and Partner Relations group of SailAngle. You can access the files by following the link. It is not necessary to log in to or be a member of SailAngle to access these files. In an effort to provide the widest dissemination possible, this information is also available on the USPS Government and Partner Relations Committee website. Please share these links with all interested USPS members.
SailAngle Links: Lobbying Policy Letter: http://www.sailangle.com/uploads/group/files/2121/7f0fbebf077a_lobbying%20policy%20letter.doc
Implementation of Lobbying Policy: http://www.sailangle.com/uploads/group/files/2121/67292a7515b0_implementation%20of%20lobbying%20polic.doc
Lobbying Policy Plan of Action: http://www.sailangle.com/uploads/group/files/2121/7a26d2aa4e98_lobbying%20policy%20implementation%20p.doc
USPS Government and Partner Relations Committee Website Link: Lobbying Policy: http://www.usps.org/national/govprcom/lobby_guide_f.htm

UPDATE: E15 decision excludes marine engines

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:51:00 +0000

UPDATE: E15 decision excludes marine engines
by Nina P. Anastasio

The Environmental Protection Agency today waived a limitation on selling fuel that is more than 10 percent ethanol for model-year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. The waiver applies to fuel that contains as much as 15 percent ethanol, known as E15. The decision excludes marine engines and other non-road engines, such as those on snowmobiles, lawn and garden equipment, and other small gasoline-powered engines. "Thorough testing has now shown that E15 does not harm emissions-control equipment in newer cars and light trucks," EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson said in a statement. "Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles, this administration takes those steps." A decision on the use of E15 in model-year 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made after the EPA receives the results of additional testing that is expected to be completed in November. However, no waiver will be granted this year for E15 use in model-year 2000 and older cars and light trucks - or in any motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines - because there are no test data to support such a waiver.

Additionally, steps are being taken to help consumers easily identify the correct fuel for their vehicles and equipment. The EPA is proposing E15 pump-labeling requirements, including a requirement that the fuel industry specify the ethanol content of gasoline sold to retailers. An E15 petition was submitted in March 2009 to EPA by Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers. In April 2009, EPA sought public comment on the petition and received about 78,000 comments. The petition was submitted under a Clean Air Act provision that allows the EPA to waive the act's prohibition against the sale of a significantly altered fuel if the petitioner shows that the new fuel will not cause or contribute to the failure of the engine parts that ensure compliance with the act's emissions limits. Soundings Trade Only will update this story after the EPA's 1:30 p.m. press conference on the issue.

Send us your pics.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:39:00 +0000

New Crew Members.

This is my daughter Lisa, her twins Sophia and Ethan, and a very proud grandpa aboard the Garrett/Farr 40 racing Yacht, Waka Waka. Everybody had a great time. Photo credit belongs to son-in-law Ed.

Chicago Lock Closure

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:49:00 +0000

Subj: CYA - Closure of Chicago Locks for Maintenance

Good Evening Everyone:

It has been brought to our attention and confirmed by the Army Corps of Engineers, that the Chicago Locks will be closed for maintenance from November 1, 2010 to April 15, 2011, Those of you who were planning to use the locks after October 31 may need to review your plans. Be sure to advise your friends and dock partners.

Richard F. Lauric, Commodore, Chicago Yachting Association

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:35:00 +0000

Protect Your Right to Fish!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:56:00 +0000

Chicago Sail and Power Squadron

Free NOAA charts

title nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

“Don’t Mess with GPS!"

Jackson Park Yacht Club is hosting a US Sailing Sanctioned Safety at Sea Seminar on April 15, 2012.

Department of Energy: E15 causes “severe damage” to marine engines

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New Chicago Fire Boat

New Chicago Fire Boat

Boating Industry Webinar

2 die when sailboat capsizes during Mackinac race: 'A hell of a night'

The Future of Reliable GPS Service is in question

Raising Lakes Huron, Michigan costly

WATERCRAFT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Editorial- Saving boating

Sailors: Tactics Seminar, Saturday Feb. 19, 2011

DIY Skills Classes at Strictly Sail. Signup Now.

Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron

First Aid, CPR and AED class

Merry Christmas to All

United States Power Squadrons National

UPDATE: E15 decision excludes marine engines

Send us your pics.

Chicago Lock Closure

Protect Your Right to Fish!!!!