cpscalgary.com

Our 2009-2010 season is fast approaching its close with the May 6 Spring Banquet at the Glenmore Inn.  After that, we scatter to the four winds to indulge in our summer boating pursuits.  Banquet tix are $35 and available from banquet organizers Liz and Carl Johnson and most Bridge members.  Carl’s co-ordinates are (403) 978-3906 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  See our web site’s ‘Social Events’ index tab for banquet details.

For a land locked prairie squadron, our boat training program has been a busy one, with many students completing a wide range of CPS courses.  We’ve even began to develop relationships with other boating groups in the Calgary area resulting in tapping into other boating courses around town.  These courses include Transport Canada’s basic and advanced marine first aid training certification courses.  Another one is Industry Canada’s Ham/SSB basic certification.  SAIT also has one or more boating courses available.  Please check our Calgary Squadron’s web site for these sessions, accessed through the “Training - Non-CPS” index tab.

The one thing the Squadron really needs to be able to fulfill its main mandate of training boaters is … more instructors.  The Bridge hopes that those members who have boating experience who thrive at sharing their knowledge and experiences with others could step up to make the boating world a better place.  Please contact the Calgary Squadron’s Training Officer, Steve Dubec, to discuss this opportunity.  Steve’s co-ordinates are This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The CPS also has an Instructor Development program for bringing new boating teachers up to speed.

CPS national is developing a web based delivery of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card which reportedly will be available later in the year.  A feature of this is that it will adhere to Transport Canada’s requirement of assurance that the on-line student will be the one who is the recipient of the card.

Calgary members have always been keen to get out on the water to apply all their new found boating skills they acquire every winter from the CPS.  They’ve planned many private trips to places near and far, and have already headed out on some of them already.  Cases in point are private trips to Alaska and return, the San Juan Islands, and the Caribbean British Virgin Islands.  These trips are populated with both live-aboard sailing and motor driven vessels.  Boaters interested in these events can contact the organizers for more info, as new boating friends are always welcome.

Our Calgary Squadron web site has been undergoing ongoing improvements.  The new Content Management System has many benefits.   These include:

We always need for content for the Lookout Newsletter.  Articles on the following are invited for submission to our newsletter.  Please forward all articles to the Webmaster at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• book reviews on boating topics
• new technology for boating
• travelogue articles & photos
• general boating photos
• local Calgary boating event announcements (these would go on “Announcement” web page)
• our members boat in the following places so we need articles / info for the following:
  • west coast happenings for recreational boaters
  • Caribbean, Mexico, Central America happenings for recreational boaters
  • Panama Canal news (there’s lots on that) e.g.
    • progress on the new canal there
    • rates for using the canal for a sail boat
  • Great Lakes happenings for recreational boaters
  • Inland BC Interior
• boating safety tips

The results of the member survey taken at the Squadron AGM in March are available on the Squadron web on the “Articles” page.

The September social has been set back a few days into October to allow for those who are still out doing their summer boating to wrap it up before arriving back to Calgary.  Tentatively, we are planning a Sunday afternoon event, on October 3^rd, at a golf club venue.  Mark your calendars.  Keep in touch with the Squadron’s web site on the “Social Events” page.

Don’t miss the April social at Mewata on April 27.  Featured is Rob Dyer of Lee Sails who will give a technical presentation on topics like selecting a sail plan, panel layout, how sail cloth is made, how sails are made, sail features, and alternative sail packages.  The doors open at 7 PM with the program starting at 8.  This month, we are trying an informal pre-social dinner at the nearby Lord Nelson Bar and Grill’s old English style pub, starting at 6PM.  See you there.  :-D