ensign@hq.usps.org Yvonne Hill • Editor • The Ensign magazine

From: "Yvonne Hill" Save Address Reminder Block Sender

To:
Subject: RE: Vero Beach Power Squadron Predicted Log Contest
Date: Monday, May 19, 2008 8:35:22 AM [View Source]

Hi Barbara,

Thanks for submitting your article to The Ensign. We will try to publish it in an upcoming issue.

Sincerely,

Yvonne

Yvonne Hill • Editor • The Ensign magazine

P.O. Box 30423 • Raleigh, NC 27622

888-367-8777 • Fax 888-304-0813

From: barbarascully@bellsouth.net [mailto:barbarascully@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2008 12:31 PM
To: ensign@hq.usps.org
Subject: Vero Beach Power Squadron Predicted Log Contest

Vero Beach Power Squadron Predicted Log Contest by Robert Scully, VBPS PRO

The Vero Beach Power Squadron (VBPS) located in Vero Beach, Florida, holds a Predicted Log Contest every year. Its part of the organizations boating activity in the Indian River, which is part of the Intercostals Waterway, and provides some fun and a challenge to its members.

So this event took place one weekend in March in spite of the weatherman's prediction of showers likely, with thunderstorms after 2 pm, mostly cloudy with a high near 76, east southeast wind around 10 mph with a the chance of precipitation at 70%. The forecast was partially true. The weather was foul, mostly cloudy, it did rain and it was cold, but it wasn't real cold and it didn't rain real hard. It started to clear up as we docked the boat for the day.

There was some boat traffic after all it was Saturday. Some were sailing, so me were fishing, the police were out in their boat watching the No Wake Zone at the Barber Bridge, and of course the VBPS Members were out doing the predicted log contest.

The VBPS gang met at the waters edge of the MacWilliams Boat basin next to the squadron building. We talked for a bit and headed into the building and turned in all the paper work, which equates to our prediction

So we had a Searay (25 foot party boat) that had been reserved for the day from the Freedom Boat Club. Jack Knauss, a member in good standing and avid boater, was our observer. Observers keep score.

We had decided, after careful calculations and some conversation, that the boat speed would be a constant 1600-rpm, which is about 6.5 - 7.5 miles per hour, depending on where you are in the river. Most of you know there is a relationship to vessel speed, which also relates to the current, what time it is in relationship to the tide, whether its going in, or going out or its at a lull. We had talked about the wind factor the prior day, which was a factor in determining vessel speed for the contest. There was NO wind most of this day.

The trip was approximately 20 miles long and took us about 3 plus hours to complete. I heard one boat did the trip in about 50 minutes. First place winner was Captain John Spilman. That means he had the least amount of variance to his predicted log. I was on his boat. There is nothing wrong with being on a winning boat. So if you liked the story and want to get in on the action visit us at www.verobeachps.org and if you are in Vero Beach please stop in.

University Seminar Series

[Edit] Boaters - VBPS - University Seminar Series
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Provided by: USPS

Contributed by: Robert Scully on 4/16/2008

United States Power Squadron (USPS) University Seminar Series by Robert Scully

These will be held in Vero Beach. They are sponsored by the Vero Beach Power Squadron (VBPS), and coordinated by the Education Officer Lt/C (P/C) Daniel A. Thomas, JN.

The seminars are scheduled for evenings from 7pm to 9 pm on Wednesday nights, starting in May, as follows

5/07/08 · Onboard Weather Forecasting
5/14/08 · Using VHF/DSC Marine Radio
5/21/08 · Using GPS
5/28/08 · Boat Handling under Power

The location is the VBPS building at 301 Acacia Road in Vero Beach (next to the Barber bridge at the MacWilliams Boat Basin). The cost per class is $30. There is a discount that will be applied to current VBPS members.

Also note that the class is limited to 20 students and it is on a first come first serve basis.

This text is from USPS. USPS University is here with new programs targeted to a range of boaters and types of boating. The hallmark of this concept is the Seminar Series. These short seminars are targeted to specific topics and needs with a two-hour format, and valuable take-away guides. Each seminar provides credits toward the soon to be released Boat Operator Certification program, and credit toward elective courses.

For more information call 772-231-9543 and leave a message. If you prefer to speak with someone right away you can call Mr. D. Thomas, Educational Officer at 772-978-1701 or Assistant Educational Officer Mr. J. Leitz at 772-465-2232.

If you would like more information on the organization please go to www.verobeachps.org/