Spring 2010 On The Water Practical

Wow what a success!!

With everything from organizing to implementing and so much in between, Our “On the Water Practical” was an outstanding success again this year.

With a little liquid sunshine in the air, the morning started off with 20 students full of egger anticipation all huddled under the new overhang of the remodeled restaurant at Reed Point Marina .

Modeling his Armani rain gear, Steve van Gaalen “stood out” in the drizzle to get us all fired up with his well prepared and expertly presented Fire Extinguisher demonstration. Steve offered us a ton of information that soon extinguished any doubt that fire extinguishers are an essential component for all vessels. The students were given an opportunity to experience firsthand how to manage and extinguish an actual fire. Well done Steve!

As the last fire was put out, almost on cue, the liquid sunshine reseeded and soon gave way to an excellent dry day with even the odd bit of blue sky peeking through by the afternoon. Jeanette (Kristi) Gordon promised a great weather day, and true to her “promise” she delivered. Thanks Jeanette!

And they were off! The students, flanked by proctors, skippers and crew slipped onto their assigned vessels to make some practical use of their newly acquired navigation knowledge. From all reports everyone learned that it is one thing to be book smart, it is quite another to actually put into practice and turn book knowledge into skill.

After all the skippers had safely transited the treacherous waters of Bedwell Bay, Dave Burrell, our raft master, (Big Booty) took charge at the docks of the Vancouver Water Ski Club to orchestrate the landing of the PMPSS's beautiful fleet of motor vessels. What a conductor! Well done Dave.

Buoy, were we hungry! As good luck would have it (or is that just good planning) we were all treated to an appetizing lunch. Many thanks to Yvonne and her crew for organizing a very satisfying meal! Well done crew. Oh ya… and to our chef… “Ata-buoy” Dennis. The burgers and tube steaks were perfect.

After much socializing, a stimulating message from our Commander (Chris Gordon) and a great group photo, it was time to cast off and say goodbye to an excellent experience of “On the Water Training”.

On behalf of the training department, our heartfelt appreciation goes out to each of the students who were able to participate. We look forward to having each of you being regular participating members of our Port Moody Power and Sail Squadron. To our on deck proctors who stood ready to help each student, we say a grateful, thank you. Without Sarah, Brodie, Wayne, Mike, Lawrence, Glen, Lori, Neil and Sheryl, the students may still be out on the water. We want to extend a very special thank you to our skippers for making a significant contribution by offering their vessels to the students for this outing. Without you we would be doing our “On the Land Practical Training” (is that overstating the obvious) Thanks to Robin and Chris (Merlin), Geoff ( Sea of No Cares ), Barry (Konaki), Paul ( Caliente), Tony and Arlene (Boy N Sea)!!

Lynn 's Butler

Photos Courtesy of: Bruce Leavitt