Our first quarterly training session for 2023 was “KNOT or not” The session, held February 21 at the Clubhouse included information on knot tying, safety features and safe operation of vessels.
The room was full. Members recognized this was an opportunity Knot to be missed. (sorry)
Fleet Captain Otis Gilyard kicked off the meeting with an introduction of the first presenter, Don Roman. Many members already knew Don. He is a Power Squadron inspector who inspected several of our boats last year. He has many decades of boating under his belt, including sailing to Hawaii and back.
Don acknowledged most members should already know the basic safety rules. He did, however, talk about changes in labeling of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). He also talked about regulations for fire extinguishers and engine cutoff switches.
Electrical systems were also discussed. Members were reminded that two of the problems most often found during vessel inspections were navigation lights that don’t work and batteries that aren’t secured or have uncovered terminals.
Boaters were also urged to steer clear of lithium ion batteries. They are not only pricey, they can be dangerous.
Participants were given a copy of the checklist for Vessel Safety Inspections. Click here to see a copy.
The second presenter was our own Barry Kipnis. Barry has been boating for 56 years, half sail and half power.
Barry provided instruction on a wide variety of knots and how each could best be used.
Instruction included the ever-popular bowline, complete with that rabbit around the tree explanation. There was also the clove hitch, the sheet bend, cleat hitch, half hitch and more.
Watching members work on the knots was the most fun of the evening!
By the time the knot tying was complete, everyone was ready for a quick break. Many folks chose to refuel with one of the delicious Hummingbird cupcakes, courtesy of our Pam Gilyard and Pammycakes & Co.
The third speaker of the evening was Captain Jack Jones, owner of Captain My Captain yacht relocation and delivery service. He’s been a Master Captain for more than 25 years and has been a USCG approved instructor for 16 plus years
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Captain Jack talked about staying safe on the water. He mentioned the importance of having a Float Plan and making sure someone knows when you are going to be on the water and when you expect to return.
He recommends a Passenger Briefing so everyone onboard knows the location of safety equipment and feels empowered to tell the captain if they see something amiss on the boat.
Boaters were also urged to know the mechanics of their vessel and have a tool kit onboard for minor repairs.
The session ended with discussion of some of the Rules and Laws of boating, including lighting requirements, right of way and wakes.
Thanks to Fleet Captain Otis Gilyard for arranging this session and to the presenters for sharing their knowledge.