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Upcoming Boating Courses
Boating 2/3 Classroom course starting January 24, 2023 FULL
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Maritime Radio Operator Course (Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (Maritime)
Start Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023 (one day 0900-1600)
Start Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023 (one day 0900-1600)
Start Date: Saturday, May 27, 202 (one day 0900-1600)
Address: St. James community Square, 3214 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.
Contact: Peter Bennett
(604) 817-4165
training.radio@vpsboat.org
To ensure that you will receive the course materials before the class, you should register at least two weeks before the class. Registration will not be accepted on the day of the class.
The fees for all courses are $135 for CPS Members, or $150 for non-members
There is also a "no book" option for a second student sharing course material: members $112.50, non-members $125
Please see https://www.cps-ecp.ca/ecommerce/course-calendar/
For the self-study course:
https://www.cps-ecp.ca/ecommerce/course-calendar/?cps_show_course_details_id=204&cps_show_class_id=2258
Scroll down to Vancouver
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PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Card) mandatory for alll motorized boats. 25$ discount until March 24th!
https://www.cps-ecp.ca/pcoc-boating-license/
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February Squadron Night. Membership officer Moe organized a story-telling contest to earn some Valentine treats. Everyone had great stories of one of their 'aha' moments of boating. Here Craig, Mark, Don and Dennis regale us.
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Nautical Superstitions
by Mark Mounce
During a recent CPS rendezvous on Bowen Island, while contemplating all things nautical as good Squadron members are wont to do, the conversation drifted to sailors’ superstitions and how many we could recall. I knew a few, but the superstitious regarding bananas on board a vessel surprised me. The sailors of yore were a very superstitious lot and their taboos governing life at sea were driven, I suspect, by a need to explain, and protect themselves, from the mysterious forces of nature they encountered on a daily basis.
So, after much contemplation and research I have compiled my personal Top 10 nautical superstitions. There are many more to choose from.
TATTOOS
What self-respecting sailor’s flesh wasn’t adorned with a tapestry of ink-based symbols? The most popular one being the fouled anchor on the forearm or bicep, Popeye style. This tattoo was also a good luck symbol. It was meant to protect the sailor who fell overboard from drifting too far from the ship. Similarly, a compass rose or Northern Star tattoo was supposed to assist a sailor in finding his way home.
Tattoos of pigs or hens were also considered to be good luck. During a shipwreck they often survived by safely floating away inside their crates, so these creatures were good omens, plus a
welcome addition to the ship’s menu. To maximize this good omen, sailors often had hens, pigs and roosters tattooed on the soles of their feet to symbolically keep themselves afloat.
Many topmen, whose task was to climb miles of rigging to set and douse sails had each of their finger knuckles tattooed with the letters “HOLDFAST.” This practice was an attempt to enlist supernatural intervention should their precarious grip on the ship’s rigging fail.
BANANAS
Bananas were an unwelcome addition on most vessels, but especially fishing boats. They spoiled quickly during voyages in the southern latitudes, necessitating quick passage making, and the perils that go with the need to press on more sail during adverse weather. They also attracted insects including spiders, which were equally undesirable. A rotting cargo of bananas produced ethylene gas in the ships’ holds which not only rotted other fruits and vegetables, but also increased combustibility in the hold, while decreasing the oxygen level. In rare cases rotting bananas can be explosive. Banana peels apparently have a high concentration of hydrogen and are now being considered as a sustainable source for hydrogen fuel. These are the most likely reasons why many banana-laden vessels never completed their transatlantic voyages. Fishers have taken the anti-banana crusade up a notch or two. Many fishers, even today, feel that bananas aboard are bad luck and will prevent fish from biting. Not only bananas, but any banana related products, such as banana-flavoured lip balm or sunscreen are verboten. Reportedly, a potential charter fishing boat guest had the Banana Republic logo on his tee-shirt ripped with a knife before he was allowed to board. Fruit of the Loom underwear was even a target, even though the fruit on its logo doesn’t contain bananas.
WHISTLING
Those who dared to whistle while on board a ship were immediately chastised as this was considered an arrogant challenge to the sea gods to conjure up more wind. Whistling was also discouraged as mutineers used whistling as a form of coded communication amongst themselves. As mutiny was a crime punishable by death, this form of communication was discouraged. On the other hand, if the ship’s cook was heard whistling, this was considered a good thing. It meant he wasn’t surreptitiously stealing the crew’s food. At the present time.
REDHEADS
Speaking as a former redhead, redheaded sailors had a bad rap. They were believed to be cursed, of possessing fiery temperament, and representative of those who would yield to immoral temptations or demonic influences. A potential ginger haired shipmate was a hazard to the ship and crew even while ashore. The only antidote to this curse was to approach the redhead on land and speak to him first before he was able to initiate a conversation. Only then could the curse be lifted. Little wonder that Prince Harry opted not to follow his Dad and grandfather’s career path in the Royal Navy
BAD LUCK WORDS OR GESTURES
A sailor’s wife or lover should never bid her sailor goodbye even with a wave of the hand, as this will ensure he never returns. Verbally wishing a sailor good luck would also cement his fate. Interestingly, this superstition has been adopted by thespians, as “break a leg” is the preferred wish for an actor’s successful performance. Words relating to land-based objects were also taboo. This includes words describing farm animals or structures such as churches in any conversation. Uttering the words “drown” or “shipwreck” was also likely to stifle a lively onboard discussion.
WOMEN AT SEA
Although women did go to sea with their husbands or partners, the practice was generally frowned upon. Women were considered an unwelcome distraction on long voyages. It was even claimed that women made the sea gods angry. However, this did not stop male mariners from referring to a ship as a “she,” or indeed from naming their vessels after women or mythical female goddesses. On the other hand, many historians also claim that male sailors believed that women had special powers over the sea that men didn’t possess. The patron saints of sailors included Minerva and Athena (later named Britannia by the British) perhaps reflects this belief. It was only in the late 18th century when ships began emerging from dockyards with scantily clad or even naked women figureheads carved on their bows. Prior to this, lions, unicorns or other symbols were preferred. The reason given for this practice is that many sailors believed that women portrayed in this manner shamed the (male) sea gods, casing them to calm the seas.
UNLUCKY SAILING DAYS
Most of the unlucky days to begin a voyage are based on religious dogma. Perhaps the most well-known unlucky day to begin a sea voyage is a Friday. The origin of this superstition is that Friday is the day that Jesus Christ was crucified. Setting sail on the first Monday in April is also ill-advised, as this is the day Cain slew Abel, according to the Bible. Another unlucky sailing day that many don’t know is Thursday, the day named after Thor, the Norse God of Thunder and Storms. Beginning a voyage on his special day might annoy him. The luckiest day to sail? Sunday, the Sabbath. As reflected in the old adage, ‘Sunday sail, never fail. Friday sail, ill luck and gale.’
PUTTING ONE’S BEST FOOT FORWARD
This old saying urging one to be thoroughly charming and impressive had its roots as a nautical superstition. Unfortunately for a hapless new crew member, the best foot to first step on board a ship was the right foot only. Stepping on board with the left foot first was considered an omen of bad luck for the remainder of the voyage. This was even worse than being flat-footed. As on land, left-handed people were also considered evil and untrustworthy. If a lefty was observed breaking this rule, to appease Neptune, he would be required to toss his shoes overboard while underway, or have it done for him. This would certainly be an incentive not to get off on the wrong foot
PROPOSING A TOAST AT SEA
The clinking of wine glasses while toasting a momentous event is perfectly acceptable on land, even encouraged. Not so at sea. The sound of clinking glassware resembles the ringing of bells. Church bells. And church bells peal during funerals. So, in superstitious sailor logic, this practice will without doubt bring about a tragic burial at sea. If a ship’s bell is sounded for a specific purpose, such as signalling a change of watch, this is perfectly acceptable. However, during a storm, should the ship’s bell break free from its lashings and accidentally ring out, this is also a portend of an impending death.
EGG SHELLS
One of the more bizarre nautical superstitions is the recommended procedure to avoid the unwelcome presence of witches on board a vessel. The sailors of old believed that witches could sail on pieces of egg shell. To avoid having them sail up to the hull of their ship on such a means of conveyance, and thus clamber aboard, it was mandatory that any egg cracked open and eaten had to have its shell thoroughly crushed before it could be tossed overboard.
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Membership Renewal
A reminder to members to renew your membership before or within 30 days of your expiry date!
In order to renew, you must log into the cps-ecp website. If you have forgotten your password, you can create a new one. If you no longer use the email with which you made your profile, you will need to contact Moe to forward to National. For security reasons, only the member can change their email.
Remember that the ‘head of the household’ renews for the entire household. Lifetime members must still renew at 0.00.
Membership Renewal
- The Member or Family Group can renew their membership in advance of their expiry date.
- The Member or Family Group has 30 days after the expiry date to renew their membership.
- On day 31, the Member or the Family Group become Non-Members and have no access to the Benefits of CPS-ECP Membership.
If it is more than 30 days after their expiry date a former member must reapply for membership using the same process as a new member
Steps to reapply:
- Each member must Login.
- Complete Membership application process.
- Complete payment process
- Each member will receive a new expiry date.
- Historical profile data for a member will be carried forward to new membership.
- Family Groups can be reformed in one year at the next renewal date.
Any questions? Any problems? Ask our membership officer, Moe Forrestal smo-vancouver@cps-ecp.org
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Bowen Island Cruise Friday May 26 to Sunday May 28, 2023
Join your fellow VPSS members for a weekend of fun, conversation and food at the Union Steamship Company Marina at Snug Cove, Bowen Island
If you can’t make it out on Friday, no problem! Come on Saturday.
If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry! Come by ferry; there’s plenty of great accommodation to book.
For those who are coming by boat: Please reserve your space by phoning the Union Steamship Marina at 604-947-0707 and let them know you’re with the Vancouver Power and Sail Squadron.
More details to follow
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PREDICTED LOG RACE!
Will be held on June 10th in Indian Arm
Participate in a family predicted log race and learn more about your boat
New trophies, new event, be the first to get your name on the trophy
Make new friends in the boating community
CPS membership is not required
For more information contact dsteeves@telus.net (604-880-5388)
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Save the Date: June 10th, 2023
Boat for Hope is a one-of-a-kind event that brings kids who have been helped by Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC out for a memorable day on the ‘high seas’. Generous boat owners donate their time and their vessels to take the kids and their families on a pirate adventure through False Creek. The young pirates collect loot bags along the way at various ‘Treasure Stations’ which are sponsored by local businesses. Following their frolicking voyage, they’ll head over to Hastings Mill Park to enjoy a a hearty BBQ along with games & live entertainment. Boat for Hope provides a day of adventure & amusement for over 450 children with special needs and their families allowing them to spend quality time together in a stress free environment.
What are your responsibilities as a Boat for Hope Skipper? Bring your boat (at least 25 ft power boat) and crew to the docks of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club on Saturday, June 10th. They will be there waiting with pint-sized pirates and their families. Once everyone’s boarded, you will take them out on an unforgettable pirate adventure! Most Skippers take part in 2-3 trips each lasting approximately 90 minutes. Skippers will be required to provide life jackets for the adults who will be accompanying the kids. Life jackets for the children will be provided by Mustang Survival
In appreciation of your participation as a Skipper and a Boat for Hope fundraiser, Variety will be providing you with a tax receipt up to $750 for your fuel.
For more information, contact:
James Botham
Boat for Hope Committee https://www.boatforhope.ca/
604-837-2574
james.botham@telus.com
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BRIDGE POSITIONS OPEN! SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!
As previously mentioned. there are several Bridge positions still open
Commander
Executive Officer
Education Officer
Assistant Education Officer
Masthead Editor
Programs Officer
Volunteering can be fun, a great way to meet people and an opportunity to learn new skills.
Please consider volunteering for any of the above-mentioned positions.
Please contact any current Bridge member to let them know that you are interested in keeping Vancouver Squadron strong and vibrant in the years ahead.
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Do you have any Stories?
...that you'd like to share?
If you feel the urge to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, as the case may be), and have a story you'd like to share with fellow members, we'd like to read it!
Funny stories, lesson-learned stories, great cruising stories, you-won't-believe-what-happened stories...
Please send any short masterpieces to pro@vpsboat.org and we'll try to include them in the Masthead when we have space.
Happy writing... and boating!
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Squadron Bridge (2022-2023)
Past Commander Elizabeth Zygmunt
Commander
Member -At-Large: Bill Botham
Executive Officer
Assistant Educational Officer Peter Girling
Assistant Educational Officer (Radio) Peter Bennett
Secretary Charles Tai
Financial Officer Don Mathew
Assistant Financial Officer Les Hausch
Membership Officer Moe Forrestal
Assistant Membership Officer
Programs Officer
Environmental Officer Bill Blancard
Communications Officer
Newsletter Editor
Supply Officer (Regalia) Don Zarowny
Webmaster/IT Officer Peter Bennett
Historian Dennis Steeves
Officer-at-Large
Officer-at-Large
Officer-at-Large
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