Fall On The Water 2010

Denis and I had the pleasure and privilege to participate in the "On the Water Practical" this year, aboard Sea Horse IV under the competent skippering of Captain Sebastian Anderson. Unfortunately, Admiral Francine was under the weather and was not able to join us. Once again I had the tremendous satisfaction of witnessing first hand how these practical hands-on sessions consolidate the learning for students and promote seamanship and comradeship between Squadron members and students.

The students on Sea Horse IV diligently navigated the perilous waters of Port Moody Arm, negotiated the narrows by Admiralty Point, weaved us through the dangers of Belcarra Bay and set us on course for a yummy lunch at Bedwell Bay. Captain Anderson received his orders from our eager navigators and, by ignoring and/or correcting a few directions :-), skillfully set us on a safe course free of "obstructions"!

The very wet weather did not damped the spirits of Captain and crew, and under the direction of Rod Bourke, our infamous Prawnstar Cruisemaster, and the "I Have Big Feet" Dave Burrell, we rafted to the other boats without any scratches. It was time to relax, socialize, enjoy the food and visit all the boats. Sea Horse IV put on the party music (best boat music ever!) and we enjoyed some great food and great company. Students visited all the boats and hopefully made new friends. Not even the sunshine could get some students out of Admiral Arlene and past Cruisemaster Fantastico Tony's Boy N' Sea!  Was it the boat? or was it the wine? :-)

I would be remiss if I wouldn't mention the start of the event with Steven Van Gaalen's amazing demonstration of boating fire safety and protection at the Marina. Having a chance to use a fire extinguisher without setting one's boat on fire absolutely rocks!

I would like to finish this short article by thanking all the skippers who kindly volunteer their boats to ensure that PMPSS students learn the underpinnings of boating safety and become the pinnacles of safe boating out on the water.... Just remember, if you ever run aground, the first thing to do is: lower the PMPSS burgee!

Cheers,
Rosario

Photos Courtesy of: Rosario Passos