Do NOT miss the 2009 PIG WAR which will
be held at Roche Harbor - July 10 to 12.
Click here for more information.

EMAIL A PICTURE OF YOUR BOAT TO THE SQUADRON WEBMASTER FOR THE "MEMBERS' BOATS" PAGE

Focus on EXCELLENCE . . . a continuing mission.

The Friday Harbor Power Squadron has come a long way since its initial charter in 1978. We have passed through many wonderful commanders and bridges. Through the years, however, there has always been only one mission…that being to reach out to people to make them better and safer boaters through education. Informed and confident boat handling, and on the water demeanor, is a family commitment that makes boating not only safer for everyone aboard but more enjoyable.

This year, qualified squadron instructors will teach approximately six courses, including several one-day seminars, to meet our educational goals. We will continue to reach out to our youth by promoting their participation in one of the America’s Boating Course offerings which satisfies the Washington State Mandatory Boating Safety Education Law. We will further promote safety through vessel safety checks with a goal this year set at 150. The “Kids Don’t Float” displays have been well received and used at the Port of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. An additional display is currently under consideration for Cape San Juan. Of course, what better way to begin our summer cruising season than by participating in the public “flare shoot” as part of Boating Safety Week, May 16-22. This gives everyone a chance to practice lighting and shooting off flares along with a lesson in using a fire extinguisher with the hope that we never have to do this in the real world.

Along with becoming a safer boater, an additional focus is to have fun. With this squadron’s membership growth up 28% last year, we believe one contributing factor, besides the course offerings, is our camaraderie. This has been gained through the introduction of “pocket cruises” in which ALL squadron members (with or without boats) can comfortably participate. The Oct., Nov. Jan., Feb. and Mar. monthly potluck dinner meeting programs with interesting speakers on marine related subjects, are rewarding and educational and have become very popular. The Dec. holiday party, meeting and live auction, is fun and lucrative for the squadron. The spring and fall picnic meetings (which may be a “pocket cruise”) round out the year as the last meeting before the summer cruising season and the first meeting following the summer. Let’s not forget our annual “Pig War” in July with our Canadian sister squadron, Brentwood Bay Power Squadron. For twenty-one years, FHPS and BBPS have “fought” this vicious war over a game of bocce ball and Frisbee golf with each year, only the pig being the real loser. New friendships and strategies develop throughout the event with each country’s national ensign and squadron burgee flying proudly. A beautiful (or not so beautiful) “pig” trophy is the coveted prize..

In closing, I encourage you all to feel a commitment to this wonderful organization and enjoy the benefits of membership through participation. So. . . let’s have fun this year and become better boaters by taking some courses together!

Get involved... Enjoy boating more!