A Brief History of the United States Power Squadrons
When motorized yachts became more common in the early 1900’s, a small group of members of Yacht Clubs around Boston and New York City believed an organization should be formed to promote the teaching of boating skills to the owners of these “power” boats. This led to the formation in 1914 of what became the United States Power Squadrons (“USPS” or “Power Squadron”). In fact, in 1917, the then Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, asked the group to provide nautical training to individuals in the even the United States became involved in the War in Europe (which, of course occurred later in 1917). The Power Squadrons grew into a national organization which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2014. The organization has been focused on competent and safe boating by teaching a broad list of boating skills through classroom study, seminars, and recently, on-the-water instruction. Thousands of USA boaters have taken the Power Squadron’s America’s Boating Class to improve their boating knowledge and/or earn certification for state boating licenses. Another public service performed by the USPS is to perform voluntary vessel safety checks which earns a vessel passing the US Coast Guard requirements a decal issued by the Coast Guard valid for one year. In fact, there is sometimes confusion between the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron. While both organizations teach safe boating courses, can perform vessel safety checks, and members of both are volunteers, USPS is not a governmental body where as the Auxiliary falls under the Coast Guard and has on the water patrol and rescue capabilities.

A Brief History of Penfield Sail and Power Squadron
The Housatonic River Power Squadron covered the Long Island Sound towns of Fairfield, Bridgeport and Stratford, but in 1969 had grown so large that several members, mostly based in Fairfield, split from Housatonic River and formed a new squadron named after the Penfield Reef and Lighthouse. Penfield grew and maintained a friendly and cooperative coexistence with Housatonic River. Both Squadrons hit their peak membership and activity levels in the 80’s and 90’s. Both Squadrons became smaller and less active in 2000’s and in 2011, Housatonic merged into Penfield so the three towns were again under one roof. While many Squadrons have experienced declining membership, the Fairfield County Long Island Sound squadrons have opened their classes and activities to each other’s members. Penfield enjoys good relations with the Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk and Westport squadrons. We are eager to welcome both new and experienced boaters to our group. While many of our members have stopped actively boating, they still enjoy the social aspects of the Squadron and many simply want to support an organization that is dedicated to the teaching and practice of safe boating.

Recent developments
Most Power Squadrons changed their names to, for example, Penfield “Sail” and Power Squadron about 25 years ago to dispel the notion that only power boaters were welcome, when in fact many squadrons have a equal number of sailors and motor boaters. More recently, as the popularity of paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) and personal watercraft (jet skis) has increased, USPS has adopted a more generic “go to market” name of “America’s Boating Club” to capture a broader cross section of the boating community. Some squadrons choose rebrand themselves, as for example, America’s Boating Club of Greenwich, others, like Penfield have continued to use the Sail and Power Squadron name. Of course, it takes more than a name change to help volunteer organizations, such as the Power Squadrons, regrow their membership which has declined over the last 15 years. For our organization, our goal is to increase our membership and number of people taking our classes by making membership and classes more in line with our changing environment and competition for how we spend our leisure time. To that end we are broadening our reach through technology advances for classes, meetings, social activity and most of all, boating.

• America's Boating Channel - Safe Boating Videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmericasBoatingChannel
  America's Boating Club - Free Boating App - https://americasboatingclub.org/app
  View a List of  Power Squadron Boating Classes - https://americasboatingclub.org/learn/type-of-boating/all/all-courses
  View the CT DEEP Safe Boaters Guide - https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/Boating/boating_guide/boaterguidepdf.pdf  
   Learn what certificates are required to operate a boat in CT waters p.12;  Required Safety Equipment p.17; Rules for Young Boaters p.26; Jet Ski rules p.26'-28;Rules for waterskiing and tubing p.26 - 27; Paddlecraft Rules p.37; check out our ad p67
• USPS ad in CT safe boating guide p. 67