57th Annual Change of Watch

The Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron celebrated its 57th annual Change of Watch on February 21, 2010 at the Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta. The yearly Change of Watch marks the official swearing in of newly elected Bridge Officers, formally installs the new Executive and Standing Committees, and allows the Squadron an opportunity to recognize outstanding service within its membership. This year the ASPS was also privileged to welcome special guests Commodore Mary Larsen, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s national liaison officer for America’s Waterway Watch, and Tom Beacham, Commodore of Barefoot Sailing Club.

Each year the Nominating Committee diligently works to identify qualified and interested members to serve the squadron as Bridge Officers and Executive Committee members. The Nominating Committee presents their choices to the membership, and voting takes place during the Annual Meeting in January.  Those chosen will lead the ASPS during the upcoming year in the squadron’s ongoing efforts to serve our local boating community by offering basic and advanced boating classes, providing free Vessel Safety Checks to the public, and offering fun and fellowship to members through social events on and off the water. The ASPS believes that boating is safe, smart and fun, and our officers and committees provide the vision and leadership that guides our service, events and activities each year.

The Bridge Officers for 2010 are:     Commander Kevin Schoonover, Executive Officer  Lisa Herndon, Education Officer Patricia Price, Administrative Officer Douglas Watson; Secretary Barbara Tyson, and Treasurer Margaret Haas.

The United States Power Squadron was formed in 1914 and is a private, non-profit educational and social organization. The USPS has no formal association with the military or government agency. The goal of the USPS is to help make boating safer and more enjoyable, and there are over 450 squadrons across the country and in US territories.

The Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron was founded on July 16, 1953 with twenty-one charter members. ASPS is part of the USPS District 17, the “Dixie District,” which covers the inland areas of Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia. The ASPS chose to have “Sail” officially added to its name in recognition of the large number of sailing enthusiasts among the membership.
ASPS offers educational boating classes and seminars to the public periodically throughout the year. Vessel Safety Checks are also conducted upon request, for free, to the public. This service checks key marine safety equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and is compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. The examiner is also able to discuss the purposes and uses of the equipment with the boat owner. These VSC are voluntary and no reports are made to any state or federal organizations; they are solely for the benefit and education of local boat owners. Boats having passed the VSC are also subject to receiving discounted rates on insurance with most insurance companies.

The squadron offers membership to individuals and families with an interest in recreational boating, and has members of all ages with sailboats, cruisers, bass boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, and many other types of vessels. Boat ownership is not required, and many members do not own a vessel of their own. Advanced boating classes are available to members, as well as camaraderie with other local boaters through on the lake raft-ups and cruises on waterways around the Southeast.

The ASPS welcomes you to find out more about classes, schedule a Vessel Safety Check, or discover the benefits of membership.