Read all about it …!
Our Squadron Newsletter is published regularly – a collection of news an articles about happenings and events. Many thanks to all the contributors and Allan Bombard, Editor
Ship’s Mail – Winter 2026. Vol 78 No 2
You to can sail
You’re never to old to start sailboat cruising
What this short Youtube video about getting into the lifetime sport of sailing at any age.
You can do this!
Looking for a way to connect with fellow boaters…?
Do you enjoy boating and the water?
Are you looking for a way to learn more?
Do you want to buy a boat and need to learn about boats and boating?
Do you want to learn how to sail?
Do you want to learn about your boar mechanical and electrical sytems?
Do you want to share cameraderie with fellow boaters?
All this and more – look into the San Diego Sail and Power Squadron – America’s Boating Club San Diego.
Join your local squadron (local chapter)
Official Notice: District 28 & District 13 Merger
At the National Governing Board meeting this past Saturday, a
motion was officially adopted to dissolve District 28. Effective
February 18th, all squadrons from D28 will be formally
transferred into District 13.
Expanding Our Community outreach much further, it is exciting to
officially welcome the following squadrons into our combined
district 13 family:
Balboa Sail and Power Squadron
San Diego Sail and Power Squadron
San Luis Rey Sail and Power Squadron
Event Update: San Diego Change of Watch
With this merger, the upcoming Change of Watch (COW) in San Diego
will be a combined celebration. This will be a historic event as
we bring our members together for the first time under District
13. On Friday night we will have a D28 retirement celebration
added to the agenda already posted in the LeadLine.
here is a link to the meeting:
https://www.youtube.com/live/m
Stay tuned for further updates.
Cdr. Shawn Goit, SN-ON
D13 Executive Officer
760-468-6212
America’s Boating Club Change of Watch Districts 13 (28) Saturday March 14, 2026
America’s Boating Club®San Diego
(San Diego Sail and Power Squadron)
Cordially invites you to the
Districts 13 (28) Change of Watch & SDSPS GMM
Saturday, March 14th, 2026
8:00am – 9:00pm
At Southwestern Yacht Club, 2702 Qualtrough St., San Diego, CA 92106
Also: Friday March 13th Social Event 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm; Mimi’s Restaurant – Mission Valley; Appetizers Provided; No-Host bar and dinner menu.
Purpose of the Meeting: To conduct an election of District officers for the year 2026; to hear reports of outgoing officers and committee chairs, and to accomplish such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Guest Speaker planned.
Join us Saturday for a Complementary Continental Breakfast of Coffee, Muffins, Pastries, & Fruit. Lunch around noon for $10pp, and a finale no host cocktails by 6:00 PM. With a silent auction and Dinner will be served at 6:30pm.The Business Meeting, including election and installation of officers will begin at 7:15.
Entrée choices:
Portobello Caprese, Toasted Focaccia, Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Balsamic, Lettice-$30
Jidori Airline Chicken Breast, Red Potatoes, Bacon, Spinach, Tarragon Cream Sauce– $52
Pan Roasted Salmon, Tomato Risotto, Haricot Very, Lemon Beurre Blanc – $71
Price includes Salad, meal, dessert, coffee, tea or water, service charge, and sales tax.
Checks to SDSPS or cash will be accepted upon arrival, or use the QR code below.
RSVP is required for dinner. Please reply with your MENU CHOICE as soon as possible, but No Later Than March 4th. Reply to [email protected] or text 858-883-3735 to leave your menu choice(s) for each person. Also we will need a head count for lunch.
Ship’s Mail – Winter 2026. Vol 78 No 1
Read all about it …!
Our Squadron Newsletter is published regularly – a collection of news an articles about happenings and events. Mnay thanks to all the contributors and Allan Bombard, Editor
Open Newsletter as flip magazine
Open Newsletter as PDF and can download
Free Vessel Safety Checks
Vessel Safety Checks are suspended until further notice. We hope to be able to offer them early in the new year.
ABC-San Diego (San Diego Sail and Power Squadron) is happy to provide free Vessel Safety Checks for boat owners.
What is a Vessel Safety Check? A qualified Club member will meet with you, come aboard your vessel and go through a checklist with you to see if you have appropriate safety gear aboard. The list will include all the gear required by the US Coast Guard for vessels of your size and type. Plus, additional gear generally regarded as important by experienced boaters will be recommended.
This service is completely Voluntary. It is a service we provide to help boaters ensure the safety of their vessel, crew, and guests.
You might earn a VSC Safety Decal. If you meet the high standards of the check, you will be issued a sticker that may be placed upon your vessel. This sticker tells your fellow boaters, the US Coast Guard, and law enforcement authorities that you have all the requisite safety equipment aboard. Many boaters desire to have a current version of this seal of a well found vessel proudly displayed on their boats.
The VSC Check usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
The results are not reported to anyone other than yourself. There is no harm or penalty if you do not pass. You will be given the checklist to help you acquire whatever may be missing. At your request, examiners are usually happy to return at some later date to repeat the check, so you may be able to earn the VSC decal by passing then.
It is possible that having a current VSC decal might help you avoid being boarded by the Coast Guard, as they will see that you have the appropriate safety gear aboard. If you are boarded, you may hand them a copy of your ABC/USPS checklist saving them and you time. You might also submit the passed checklist form to your insurance company, demonstrating you maintain your vessel in a safe condition.
There is no charge for this service.
All you have to do is request the service and agree upon a time. The link is below.
Contact a Vessel Examiner
To schedule an examination, send an email to [email protected] with your name, phone number, type of vessel and where it’s located – or contact one of the following:
P/C Bob Gibbs, JN-IN -> [email protected]
P/C Shaun McArdle, AP -> email
Lt Mike Philbrook, AP -> email
Jon Coats -> email
R/C Allan Bombard, SN-ON-> email
Lt/C Alice Kulikowski-> email
An examiner will contact you to arrange a time and place. Examiners are prohibited from going out to a vessel anchored or on a mooring; boats may be examined dockside or at a residence.
All of these items are currently required by state and federal laws and, if missing or non-operating, can result in a citation if your vessel is inspected by the Coast Guard.
Boat Handling Course
Boat Handling Class
Starts Friday February 6, 2026, 6:30–8:30 PM SOUTHWESTERN YACHT CLUB 2702 Qualtrough Street, San Diego CA 92106 Cost: $105 for Books and Materials Boat Handling is an 8-week course which meets on Friday evenings and is intended for recreational boaters who want to learn more about skilled boat handling in a variety of situations. This course covers (1) Rules of the Road: A Practical Approach, (2) Confidence in Docking and Undocking: Slow-Speed Maneuvering, (3) Boating with Confidence: Handling Your Boat Underway, (4) Anchoring with Assurance: Don’t Get Carried Away, (5) Emergencies on Board: Preparation for Handling Common Problems, and (6) Knots and Line Handling: The Knots You Need to Know. Optional On the Water Training As a follow-up to the Boat Handling class, the Squadron offers an optional on-the-water training session that gives students practical, hands-on experience with all topics covered in the course. This session takes place on a Saturday, with location and time to be announced. The fee for this class is $50.00. Registration and First Class Friday, February 6th at 6:30 PM Register at the First Class Or scan the Q R Code Questions? Email: [email protected]2025 Member Merit Mark Awards
2025 Member Merit Mark Awards
Congratulations to seventeen America’s Boating Club® San Diego members who were awarded Merit Marks in 2025 by Chief Commander Ralph Bernard., AP.
This award acknowledges their significant contributions to the success of their squadron and district.
Merit marks are earned at the rate of not more than one per year. A member’s efforts must be worthwhile and reasonably substantial to receive the award — a minimum of 12+ hours – and all the work the member does throughout the year is considered. Recognition is given to those who teach classes, proctor in our boating courses, serve on the bridge or on squadron committees, perform civic services and participate in activities such as vessel safety checks, community parades, and boat shows, or assist the squadron leadership in countless ways.
Upon earning 25 merit marks, a member is granted “Life Member” status and thereafter has the option of being exempt from paying national dues.
We greatly appreciate the substantial efforts of the following San Diego members:
Steven G Bakalis — 46
John D Bass — 13
Jean-Jacques Bellier — 3
Edward C Bowler — 19
Claudia J Bowler — 19
Jonathan R Coats — 3
Richard T Cross — 36
Robert Gibbs — 20
Allan T Bombard – 19
Carole Hallock — 16
Alice Kulikowski – 6
Duane 0 Leathers – 51
Shaun McArdle — 42
Gerald S Murphy, Jr — 3
Peter Oberg — 3
Luis F Sepulveda —2
Paula J Vance – 17
Article by R/C Allan T Bombard, SN-ON Assistant National Secretary
Change of Watch and General Membership Meeting
America’s Boating Club® San Diego
(San Diego Sail and Power Squadron)
Cordially invites you to our Annual
Change of Watch and General Membership Meeting
Saturday, January 10th, 2026
6:00 – 9:00pm
At Southwestern Yacht Club, 2702 Qualtrough St., San Diego, CA 92106
All members and their guests are welcome!
Dress code appropriate for Change of Watch,
Bridge and Executive Committee should wear Uniform A.
Purpose of the Meeting: To conduct an election of officers for the year 2026; to consider and vote upon the 2026-2027 Budget and Meeting Schedules proposed for adoption by the ABCSD-SDSPS Executive Committee; to hear reports of outgoing officers and committee chairs, and to accomplish such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Join us for no host cocktails by 6:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 6:30.The Business Meeting, including election and installation of officers will begin at 7:15.
Entrée choices:
Flat Iron Steak. Potato-Bacon hash, wilted spinach, Chimichurri– $46
Jidori Chicken Breast, Roasted carrot-ginger puree, Bok Choy, pea tendrils – $40
Grilled Cauliflower Steak (vegan), Quinoa, Basil pesto, tomato prosciutto– $25
Price includes meal, dessert, coffee, tea or water, service charge, and sales tax. Red & White Wine will be available for dinner through a generous donor.
Checks to SDSPS or cash accepted upon arrival.
RSVP is required for dinner. Please reply with your MENU CHOICE as soon as possible, but No Later Than December 31st ! Reply to [email protected] or text 858-883-3735 to leave your menu choice(s) for each person.
Walk-ins for the meeting are always welcome. There is no meal choice for walk ins. Meeting begins at 7:10 PM.