Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-02-10


o'clock you'll find some 11O
teen-agers, absorbing from skilled
instructors information on naviga-
ton and plotting fundamentals that
will bring them new skill and
proficiency in their favorite sum-
n1er pastime.
The newly formed Port Clinton
Chapter of the United States Power
Squadrons, organized here in De-
cember with a charter membership
OF IL, sponsors the 13-weeks course
which now has had four highly
successful and instructive sessions.
Among the 11O students last Thurs
day night, survey showed, 20 had
lnboards and % had outboards.
The rest do not own boats at
present, but like most everybody
else in this water-loving area, they
have hopes of acquiring their own
eventually, or they have close affil-
iation with somebody who already
has one.
DR.. George A. Boon, Oak Harbor,
who knows every phase of plotting
essentials with deep familiarity,
acts as Dean for the course and
arranges the schedule of outstand-
ing instructors. George Still, San
duSky Power Squadron, taught the
opening classes. Robert C. Rothert,
Toledo, has been instructor for the
past two classes which stressed
reading and navigation by compass.
When the course ends, there will
be stiff final exam. Successful
students (pasSing grade is 7O are
eligible for invitation to join the
United States Power Squadrons,
and they will receive certificates
showing they have mastered the
navigation elementary course.
There will be dinner and special
graduation" ceremonies.
But the flourishing local Squad
ron won't end its instruction plans
with this course. Already eager
boatsmen have asked to be enrolled
for next years plotting course. For
those who pass this first course,
the Squadron plans new courses in
higher navigation, advanced pilot
ing, weather, and motor mainten-
ance.
Membership in United States
Power SquadronS is limited to men,
But women and teen-agers are per-
mitted to participate in its educa-
tional program if invited to do so,
and there are many family groups
in the local course enrolment
U.S.P.S. is a nationwide organiza-
tion of yachtsmen having a total
membership of over 10000 mem
bers, divided into more than 200
local Chapters, and was originally
Incorporated in 1914.
Objects of the organization are
to establish nigh standard of skill
in the handling and navigation of
small boats, to encourage the
science of navigation, to cooperate
with the agencies of the United
States Government charged with
enforcement of the laws and regu-
lations relating to navigation, and
to stimulate interest in activities
which will tend to the upbuilding
of Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant
Marine.
For the partial furtherance of
these objectives and as public
service, local Squadrons offer the
educational courses to the public
at no charge.
Port Clinton Squadron, whose
charter was granted December,
1855, is headed by Carleton Schwan
as commander, William Schrader of
Elmore as 1t. Commander Both
men, together with DR.. Boon, have
been very active in the Sandusky
Squadron. Other charter members
are Kelly Dunn, Carl Hilker, Ray
Claus, Robert Ernst, DR.. Patrick
Hughes, Neil Shrock, Jack Tibbels,
Gordon Mcneil and John Hagerty
To the hard work, foresight, and
enthusiasm of these men, Port
Clinton can give gratitude for max
ing possible an educational pro-
gram that will add both to enjoy
ment and safety of an area where
the water and boats play an i'm
pOrtant role.