Boating Courses for Spring 2020

Wide Range of Boating Courses Scheduled for Spring 2020

A number of squadrons in the local area are offering various boating courses during the Spring of 2020. The courses include Marine Navigation, Engine Maintenance, Electronic Navigation, Marine Electrical Systems, and the Safe Boating Course. Click here to see a complete list.

Greenwich One-Day Safe Boating Courses for Spring 2020

Once again, the Greenwich Squadron will be offering two Safe Boating Courses in the Spring. This class qualifies you for your Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate and also enables you to obtain the PWC/”Jet Ski” certificate. Emphasizing boating safety, topics include:  life jackets;  fire extinguishers; distress signals; operator responsibilities; boating regulations; fueling; boating courtesy; basic rules of navigation; buoys; sound signals; navigation lights, shapes, and sounds; boat registration; and environmental considerations. Our course is offered in conjunction with the Greenwich Marine Police.

The one-day course will be offered twice: First on Saturday April 18 and again on Saturday May 2. Both courses will be held at the Greenwich Police Station. For more details, contact Andy Cummings at GreenwichSquadron@gmail.com.

Wine Tasting with Sea Chanteys

Wednesday, November 20, 7 pm
Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club
9 Grass Island, Greenwich, CT

Join us as the sommelier from Old Greenwich Wine Merchants guides us through a tasting of fine (yet affordable) wines and answers all of our questions on grape varietals, vineyards, and terroirs. Our members will also qualify for special wine discounts — just in me for the holidays.

Sea Chanteys

As a special treat, Sean and Deirdre Murtha of Norwalk, CT, will present a program of sea chanteys and songs of the sea, evoking the everyday lives of sailors, whalers and fishermen from the days of sail. Chanteys, which were sailors’ work songs, are infectiously rhythmic and have simple repeating choruses — perfect for singing along. As sailors were the first world travelers, their songs reflect a wide variety of cultures, rich in feeling and historical interest. Sean and Deirdre accompany themselves on authentic instruments of the time, including banjo, mandolin, fiddle and bones. From lively rhythms to plaintive melodies, from touching ballads to infectious singalongs, they bring the music of an older time into today.

There is no charge for this event, but please RSVP to GreenwichSquadron@gmail.com
to ensure we have a glass for you

Photos from the Holiday Party

Approximately 100 people attended the Squadron’s Holiday Party at Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club this year. Click here to see some photos of the attendees.

Check Out the Latest Issue of Our Newsletter!

The Spring/Summer 2018 issue of our newsletter has just been published with pictures from our recent Change of Watch dinner plus much more.

Click here to read the newsletter and be sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming events.

Come to Our Change of Watch

Friday, March 16 at 7pm
The Squadron will once again hold its Annual Meeting/Change of Watch on March 16. This year District Educational Officer Karl Wagner, JN will preside over the event.

 

European Boaters Vs. Americans: Wed. Feb. 21

Vive la Difference!

Capt. Eric Knott discusses the difference between boaters in the US & Europe at the Club’s February meeting. 

Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club
9 Grass Island Road, Greenwich, CT
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 pm

All USPS and GBYC members and friends are welcome
Usual light refreshments will be served

The Presenter:

A commercial fisherman going to sea with his father, in 1973 Eric was awarded his Master’s Certificate of Competence in 1986 and sailed in that position out of northern European ports until 1994 when he joined a nautical training school as senior instructor and operating manager of 12 sea-going training vessels working throughout Europe. During this time, he consulted for law firms, the police and insurance companies, investigating maritime accidents in Europe and the US. In 2003 he moved to the USA and joined Landfall Navigation to run the developing Marine Training Center. He gained his US master’s license and now has the distinction of being licensed under both US and UK authorities. In 2006, he joined the safety department of Moran Towing and is responsible for safety audits and inspections of ship assist tugs.  In his spare time, he fishes from his own boat, a 23′ Steigercraft Little Bear or with his grandson, Peter in his 13′ center console Reel Fun who, if asked why he pumps out after rain replies, “Bilge levels should be kept to a minimum.” Eric has been appointed by the Governor of Connecticut as Harbor Master for Stamford Harbor. 

The Topic:

Differences between recreational boaters in the U.S. and in Northern Europe, e.g.:

• The people, the same … but different
• The boats, they look the same but …
• The weather (a favorite subject for conversation especially in England)
• The mind-set (of the people)

So we have a very serious boater addressing a very fun topic!

 

Upcoming Education Courses

Once again, our squadron has combined with other neighboring squadrons to offer an impressive list of USPS education courses. These included our advanced courses as well as the introductory ABC boating safety course. Click one of the links below to see the schedules.

ABC Boating Safety Course Schedule

Advanced Courses Schedule