Category: Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron

What is USPS?

Organized in 1914, USPS is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has nearly 35,000 members organized into over 400 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America’s largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.

What are the activities of USPS?

Each squadron’s activities involve the three primary objectives of USPS: community service, continuing education, and enjoying the friendship and camaraderie of our fellow members
What community and civic services does USPS perform?
Local squadrons offer boating safety courses on a regular basis to boaters in our communities. These courses are open to the public and there is no age limit for participants. USPS squadrons have offered these courses for over half a century and have educated more than 3 million boaters to date. Successfully completing a USPS boating safety course meets the educational requirements for boat operation in all states.
In a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, squadron members conduct courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners.
Our members also help the National Ocean Service keep our nautical charts accurate by reporting chart corrections, and our local squadrons participate in many other community improvement projects.

What educational courses are available to USPS members ?

Every squadron offers many carefully planned courses in subjects like Seamanship, Piloting, Plotting and Position Finding, Celestial Navigation, Cruise Planning, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Sailing, and much more. These courses are taught by experienced member instructors, and members who complete them are recognized.

What social activities do members enjoy?

Participating both on-the-water and off with fellow members who are skilled in boating is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. On-the-water activities include cruises, rendezvous, sail races, navigation contests and even fishing derbies. Activities ashore include meetings with marine programs, parties, dinner-dances, picnics and field trips
P/R/C Frank Clayton, SN
Founding TLS&PS Commander

COMMUNITY RAFT-UP … AHOY, ALL SLV BOATERS & CREW!

  The first Community Raft-Up of the season is this Sunday, April17,commencing on or about 1400. (That is 2 p.m. for you land-lovers.) We will drop anchor in the national forest in the small bay up Little River, taking the west fork near the Long Cane Launch Ramp. Approximate GPS coordinates: N33 55′ 40″, W82 24′ 30″.  Look for the Squadron Flag. For those not versed in GPS, or not comfortable navigating under the Huguenot […] 

Boat Parade July 4th

Boat Parade – Beach Party – Kids Games & Prizes – Kayak Rodeo – Oh My! The Thurmond Lake Sail & Power Squadron is back to host the Independence Day Celebration at Thurmond Lake near McCormick. It’s Bigger & Better…Again !! This 4th of July, on Saturday, will be the Annual Independence Day Boat Parade. Gathering at the Dorn Boating Facility at 10am, boats will pass the judges stand starting at 10:30. We then make […] 

Power Squadron Golf Group

On Wednesday 15 October twelve Power Squadron members ventured out to Monticello Golf course to play a scramble competition.  The foursomes consisted of Russ Griffith, Gary Shafer, Larry Yeaster and Lynn Yeaster in group one; Doug Chailfour, Brian gore, Gail gore and Pat O’Neill in Group two and Jerry Basch, Marianne Chalifour, Chuck Cook and Ellen Cook in group three.  The results show that the competition was fierce.  Group one scored a 40; group two […] 

Mystery Margarita Beach Party

Mystery Margarita Beach Party in August & What Else Have You Missed! People say how they love attending our events. Unless you are a member you have been missing out on the majority of the fun such as:   Jan. – Dinner at Tara with guest speaker Feb. – Picnic at Hickory Knob, Dinner at the River Grill with guest speaker & Magic Show Mar. – Spring Conference,, Buoy Inspections, Dinner meeting April – Picnic […] 

“BEGINNERS BOATING COURSE”

THURMOND LAKE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON WILL BE TEACHING THE “BEGINNERS BOATING COURSE” – STARTING October 15th! The “beginners boating class” known as America’s Boating Course (ABC) will give you the knowledge you need to make you a competent and safe skipper! America’s Boating Course covers all aspects of boating: boat handling, docking, right of way, anchoring, aids to navigation, required equipment, state laws, boating emergencies and more. This four day course is taught by […] 

THE THURMOND LAKE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON

THE THURMOND LAKE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON WILL BE TEACHING THE “BEGINNERS BOATING COURSE” – STARTING July 24! The “beginners boating class” known as America’s Boating Course (ABC) will give you the knowledge you need to make you a competent and safe skipper! America’s Boating Course covers all aspects of boating: boat handling, docking, right of way, anchoring, aids to navigation, required equipment, state laws, boating emergencies and more. This four day course is taught […]