Boat Handling Course
- San Diego Sailing & Power Squadron - America's Boating Club
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 ptob8@aol.com 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.
Parade of lights
America’s Boating Club® San Diego
Cordially invites you to
The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Sunday, 14 December 2025
1718 Shelter Island Drive
San Diego 92106
16:00 – 20:00
(4:00 – 8:00PM)
Contact Lt/C Pete Oberg:ptob8@aol.com, (858) 883-3735)
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert.
Join the other SDSPS members & Guests for an evening at the Parade of Lights.
Hot Dogs, hamburgers, condiments, and water will be provided.
Beer and wine will be allowed (BYOB) but NO GLASS BOTTLES!
Be sure to dress warm & bring chairs/blankets and a small table. Pre-Registration is Required.
Cost is $5 per person.
Just a day to hang out and enjoy the Parade. Bring a potential new member.
Please RSVP your attendance and Potluck Item by December 12, 2025
to Peter Oberg ptob8@aol.com or text a message: 858 883-3735.
Burgers/Dogs served at 4pm, Parade starts at 5:30 pm
Location: East of Tunaman’s Memorial/West of Playground
Set Your GPS to: 1718 Shelter Island Dr. San Diego, CA 92106
Marine Engine Maintenance Course
Marine Engine Maintenance Course
Every Friday from Feb. 21, to May 9, 2025 (8 weeks)
Engine Maintenance gives you information on how engines work and basic maintenance procedures, as well as how to recognize problems.
6:30 – 8:30 PM
SOUTHWESTERN YACHT CLUB
Cost: $70.00 for Books and Materials
Registration and Class Introduction:
Friday, February 21st at 6:30 PM
Contact seo@sdsps.org for more information.
See Calendar
America’s Boating Course January 2025
America’s Boating Course ( Friday August 23 – Saturday August 24)
Date: Friday, August 23, 2024 – Saturday, August 24, 2024
Time: Friday, 6pm – 8:30pm: Saturday 8:30am – 5pm
Place: Southwestern Yacht Club – Directions
Cost: $40 members/$65 nonmembers
Registration: Registration to be posted HERE
Contact: Education Officer – seo@sdsps.org
This course is taught Friday night and all day Saturday and includes
safe boating practices and California boating laws. Passing the test
will qualify you for the California Boater’s Card (required for all 60
years old and younger).
Results – Saturday March 16, 2024
Here are the Results
Boat Handling – Seamanship Seminars (Six weeks)
Date: Monday, June 3, 2024
Time: 6:00pm – 8pm Monday for six weeks
Place: Southwestern Yacht Club – Directions
Cost: Free. Books are $70 (member), $90(non-member)
Registration: Registration HERE
Contact: Education Officer – seo@sdsps.org
Learn how to handle your boat in a variety of situations and become the skipper you want to be. Gain confidence in docking, underway, anchoring, and other seamanship skills.
Our new Boat Handling course is intended for newer recreational boaters who have completed a basic boating class (like America’s Boating Course) and want to gain more knowledge, skill, and confidence to boat safely and have more fun in a variety of situations.
The General Membership Meeting
America’s Boating Club®San Diego
Cordially invites you to
The General Membership Meeting
Sunday, July 9, 2023 2-5 pm
DeAnza Cove
2701 N. Mission Bay Drive at DeAnza Road
Based on available space. Look for us around the perimeter of the parking lot
Time for a summer BBQ!!! Bring your favorite side dish or dessert and join the other SDSPS members for a day on the bay. Hot Dogs, hamburgers, condiments, and water will be provided. Beer and wine will be allowed (BYOB) but NO GLASS BOTTLES!
Be sure to bring chairs and a small table. Pre-Registration is Required!
Members and guests are $5
The activity for this GMM will be NOTHING!
Just a day to hang out with other boating members and catch up.
Please RSVP your attendance and Potluck Item by July 7, 2023
to: Carl Schwartzat carls1199@yahoo.com or leave a message:619 528-9111.
Walk-ins welcome. Bring a potential new member!!