Month: February 2012

White Squall the Movie – Excitement on the High Seas

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There was a small but enthusiastic group of Power Squadron members present for the presentation of the movie ‘White Squall’ at the Parry Sound District Museum last night. You missed a good movie shown on a ‘big screen’. Rent the movie locally if you want to watch a film that combines sailing, the complex relationships that define humans, and lots of action.

An interesting factoid. According to Wikipedia, “a white squall is characterized as a sudden and violent windstorm phenomenon at sea which is not accompanied by the black clouds generally characteristic of a squall. The name refers to the white-capped waves and broken water, its meager warning to any unlucky seaman caught in its path. White squalls are rare at sea, but common on the Great Lakes of North America.” Here’s the link if you want to read more.

Well neither Anne nor I have any plans to cruise the Atlantic after watching this movie. As long as we don’t have to worry about ‘white squalls’ in Parry Sound harbor you can expect to catch us out there from time-to-time this summer.

Here is a link to information about the movie and another to the ill fated brigantine the Albatross. The link provides some interesting thoughts about the cause of the disaster.

Marine Radio Course – Registration Open

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Are you planning to be on the big water around Parry Sound this summer? If yes, you must have a Marine Radio License to use a VHF radio, even if you are using a hand held radio on a kayak.

The Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron will be offering the CPS Marine Radio Course April 16th and 23rd. Successful completion of the course will not only provide you with the information to effectively use your VHF radio, it will provide you with the license to use it.

For boaters in an emergency, a VHF radio can be more valuable than a cell phone. While *16 can reach the Coast Guard, there are parts of Georgian Bay where one cannot get a cell phone signal AND, most importantly, when you make an emergency call on channel 16 on a VHF radio, boaters close to you can hear and respond immediately. Help from the Canadian Coast Guard or a local township fire department can take much longer to reach you and provide immediate help.

The course will consist of two sessions on  April 16th and 23rd from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Attendance at both sessions is necessary to receive your VHF license.

The cost is only $75 per registrant, with a discount for CPS members. The course will be given in Parry Sound.

Book now to ensure a seat. To register and for more information call John Mason at 705-342-1315.

Here is a little more information about this Canadian Power and Sail Squadron  course:

To operate a maritime radio, you need the certificate. It’s the law! The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures, and everyday operating techniques.

You will learn all about the uses of marine radios, choice of frequencies, operation, phonetic alphabet, procedural words and phrases, as well as Digital Selective Calling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, (DSC/GMDSS). All mariners, including recreational boaters, will want to take advantage of the many features and capabilities of this innovative form “automatic” radio.

Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your ROC(M) – a Canadian Federal government issued certificate that allows you to operate a marine VHF radio.