Evening star., 1940-10-23
Senate Bill Paves
Wayfor War Service
Old. T.. Yachtsmen
50 Boots Enrolled in
) FIotiIIas Formed Here
Since Lost November

Introduction of a bill in the Sen
ate authorizing formation Of new
Coast Guard Reserve and Coast
Guard Auxiliary of boat owners will
pave the way for more than 80
Washington yachtrnen now enrolled
in the existing Coast Guard Reserve
a voluntary. non-military organi-
zation-to lend their experience and
their vessels to the Government in
time of war.
A total of SO pleasure craft, rang
ing from a 24-foot converted life
boat to an 80-foot seagoing yacht,
have been enrolled in the three
f1otillas formed here since last No
vember. records at Coast Guard
headquarters here reveal.
More than 3,l00 yachtment in $50
f1otillas throughout the United
States have joined the Reserve since
its formation little more than year
ago and have been assisting the
Coast Guard in its many peacetime
duties.
While the measure proposed in
the Senate would repeal the Coast
Guard Reserve Act of 1889, under
which reservists have been operat-
ing, the new measure would simply
change the name of the present
reserve to auxiliary and continue its
functions. With passage of the
act. the way would be open for
yachtmen to lend their services to
the Coast Guard during war, at
which time the Guard becomes a
part Of and operates under the
Navy Department.
Fourth Flotilla Planned.
! Plans are now under way for
formation of fourth flotilla here
with prospective reservlsts recruited
from the Potomac River Sailing
Association, a local group of nearly
100 sailing enthusiasts. A meeting
of association members to discuss
organization is scheduled early next
week. according to Judge Prentice
E. Edrington. association con1mo-
dore
Robin Hood, captain of the Wash
ington division of the reserve which
includes territory along the west
ern shore of Chesapeake Bay from
the Severn River to the Potomac
River. reports plans also are pro-
jected for reserve fotillas in the
West River area, Galesville. Md,
and at Solomons Island. Md,
The Washington division. he ex-
planned, is one of six units compris-
ing the Norfolk district, which in
cludes all boating centers in North
Carolina. Virginia. Maryland and
the District of Columbia.
A number of the 81 local Reserv-
lists, Capt. Hood said. have enrolled
in correspondence school courses
sponsored by the Coast Guard In
stitute at New London, Conn. Sue
cessful passing of the examinations
will give Reservists ratings of navi-
gator. senior navigator and master
navigator.
Advanced Courses Contemplated.
Coast Guard plans include OPEN
ing of other advanced courses in
use OIL Small IillllCS d1lc oCPlli
charges and the operation of large
guns.
During the past summer practical
instructions were held in seaman
ship, navigation, aids to navigation
and ship routine and customs.
Washington's first fotilla-No. Q
was formed last November and now
has a membership of 18 men and II
boats. The largest craft in this
/ group is 60-foot bridge-deck
cruiser. william H. Weigering, an
attorney for local bank, is its act
ing commander.
Flotilla No. II was organized in
March and has as its commander
Herbert M. Campbell. local real
estate dealer. There are Al men,
bers with a complement Of % boats,
the largest 70-foot cruiser.
In April, Flotilla No. l3 was
formed with Walter E. Blount, re-
tired engineer and attorney, as its
head. Sixteen Reservists and l6
yachts make up this division, which
boasts an S0-foot yacht as its flag
ship.