• San Diego Sailing & Power Squadron​ - America's Boating Club
For Members

Author: Louis Swanepoel

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Upcomming Classes and Course Reminders

SDSPS courses

There’s a surge of educational opportunities on the horizon, and this is your moment to jump in. Our next round of classes is about to begin, and each one is designed to sharpen your skills, expand your confidence, and elevate your time on the water.

Upcoming Courses

 Marine Navigation – Starting Monday, October 5th, 6:30 PM – Southwestern Yacht Club, 2702 Qualtrough Street, San Diego.

Master the art and science of knowing exactly where you are and where you’re going. This is the foundation of every great mariner.

 Marine Electrical Systems – Starting Thursday, October 8th, 7:00 PM (Registration: 6:30 PM) – Oceanside Yacht Club, 1950 Harbor Dr N, Oceanside.

Take command of the systems that keep your vessel powered, safe, and reliable. Knowledge here isn’t optional—it’s empowering.

 Weather – Starting Friday, October 23rd, 6:30 PM – Southwestern Yacht Club, 2702 Qualtrough Street, San Diego.

Learn to read the sky, anticipate conditions, and make decisions with the confidence of a seasoned skipper.

These classes aren’t just courses—they’re stepping stones to becoming the boater you’ve always wanted to be. Whether you’re new to the Squadron or already a seasoned hand, this is your chance to level up, challenge yourself, and join a community that thrives on learning and leadership.

Let’s make this season one where we grow, improve, and take the helm with purpose. We’re excited to see you in class and even more excited to see what you’ll accomplish next.

Regards,
Steven Bakalis
SEO
San Diego Sail & Power Squadron

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Weather Class

SDSPS Weather Course book

 Weather Class

This is your chance to learn the tools of meteorology needed by the prudent mariner.

Starts Friday, October 23, 2026, 6:30–8:30 PM

2702 Qualtrough Street, San Diego CA 92106

Class meets weekly for 11 sessions.

Cost: $95 for Books and Materials

(Payment by check, cash, Zelle, or Venmo on first day of class.)

 

Registration and First Class

Friday, October 23     at 6:30 PM

Register at the First Class

Early Registration, scan the Q R Code ^

Questions?

Email Cdr Jerry Murphy at gsmurphy@ix.netcom.com

 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

The basic forces that create and influence the weather.

How to read and interpret weather maps and  forecasts.

How to read the sky, clouds, the wind, and the barometer.

Specific threats: lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

An introduction to doing forecasting.

How to acquire electronic weather and forecasting data on your boat.

(We will also discuss how to deal with severe weather at sea.)

 

Please go to www.sdsps.org, for more education courses we offer.

SDSPS Weather Class
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South Bay Sailing Series Results 09/19/2026

South_Bay_Sailing_Series_logo
Saturday was another glorious San Diego day that made for a great race! Thank you to all the captains and crew who participated. The South Bay westerly winds delivered a steady 10-15 knots for our pursuit format, and the shorter legs at all points of sail made for a fun day on the water. Special thanks to Knot Again for resuming the deployment and pick-up duties for the “A” mark. Post-race, Midnight Run and Kraken Up rafted together in Glorietta Bay to enjoy some refreshments, swimming, and speed chess.
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South Bay Sailing Series

South_Bay_Sailing_Series_logo

Calling all Sailing Captains!

• Join the no-stress sailing fun with the South Bay Family Sailing Series!
• Monthly, low-key fun races for cruising sailboats in South Bay San Diego.
• No yacht club membership required, no race committee, no fees, no protests, no attitudes – just friendly boats sailing together.

Reasons to get stoked
• Great excuse to practice sail trim, starts, and boat handling without pressure.
• Any boat, any skill level. If you float, you can race!
• Meet other South Bay cruisers and build a network of skippers and crew.
• Quarterly meetups and annual prizes for first-to-finish and corrected-time.

Come Race With Us
• When: Noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month, with races lasting ~2 hours
• Where: A different course in South Bay San Diego each month
• Entry fee: None
• Requirements: No ratings certificate or club membership needed. Just show up with a safe boat, required safety gear, and a willingness to play nicely with others.
• Contact: Email sbfss@googlegroups.com to get on the list for monthly course info.

Come Sail With Us!

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General Membership Mtg Saturday, Sept 12th, 2026

SDSPS GMM

America’s Boating Club® San Diego

(San Diego Sail and Power Squadron)

Cordially invites you to our Sept

General Membership Mtg

Saturday, Sept 12th, 2026

5:00-8:00 pm

Location;Ted & Claudia Bowler Home

445 Hills Lane Circle

El Cajon, CA 92020

Guest Speakers: Richard and Carole Hallock

“16 Years Sailing Around theWorld”

Join the other boating club members for an evening together.

This will be a catered dinner by Panda Express.  Cost $10.00/person bring your own drinks,(Shaun McArdle “Comfort Case”), and a dessert to share.  Water provided by SDSPS.

BRING A GUEST-Let’s expand our Squadron

Please RSVP your attendance by Sept 10th, 2026,so food can be finalized.

RSVP To PeterObergA@gmail.com or text at 858-883-3735

We need a count of attendees

SDSPS GMM
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Marine Navigation Class

SDSPS Marine Navigation Course Handbook cover
SDSPS Marine Navigation Course Handbook cover

Starts Monday, October 5, 2026, 6:30–8:30 PM

2702 Qualtrough Street, San Diego CA 92106

Cost: $90 for Books and Charts

Questions? Email: Doug Bass dougbass1@gmail.com

Master the essentials of marine navigation to ensure you never get lost. This foundational course covers the basics of safe coastal and inland navigation, blending the use of modern GPS technology with traditional navigation techniques. You’ll learn how to plan and plot safe routes, navigate confidently, and stay on course, even in the event of GPS failure.

 Marine Navigation focuses on practical skills through engaging in-class exercises and hands-on learning and develop practical navigation expertise. The course spans nine sessions of two hours each, providing ample opportunity to apply new skills in a supportive and interactive setting.

 This course also requires the use of a PC or laptop (Mac or PC) to run OpenCPN, an electronic charting program and a plotter and dividers. If you don’t have a plotter and dividers, we will have some to sell in the class.

 Registration and First Class

Monday, October 5th at 6:30 PM

Register at the First Class or

To register early: Click Here

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Results – Saturday January 17, 2026

The race on Saturday was full of surprises. We had a solid turnout of seven boats for the noon start. With almost no wind and a strong outgoing tide, it was a slow start for most. Thankfully the breeze kicked up enough to get the boats moving for an exciting race with many position changes over the course. Race results as follows:
 
2025 Season Awards
Following the race, several captains and crew gathered at Pier 32 for the 2025 Season Awards. Overall places for First to Finish and PHRF are listed below, with additional details attached. In recognition for a highly consistent season and clear lead in PHRF, Windancer was awarded the SBFSS perpetual trophy, proudly displayed at Pier 32 Marina. Thanks to all participants for an exciting season, and congratulations to the winners! Sincere appreciation to Anne for her efforts towards organizing, decorating and baking for this annual event! Shoutouts to Todd for managing the scoring data and Knot Again for placing the highly visible A mark. Looks like we’re set up for success in the 2026 racing year!
 
Rule Seminar on Tuesday
Bob kindly shared the attached flier for a Racing Rules of Sailing seminar happening next week Tuesday at SD Yacht Club from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. This event is free of charge and all are encouraged to attend.
 
Next Race
The next SBFSS race is scheduled for Saturday February 21st. NOR and SIs will be sent out ~1 week prior. Let’s keep the momentum going with another strong turnout!
 
As always, please reach out with any questions, comments or feedback . We look forward to hearing from you!
 
Best,
 
Andrew
SV Kraken Up
805-807-5668