Friday Harbor Power Squadron becomes largest in the Northwest, launches boating education program focused on local knowledge

The Friday Harbor Power Squadron shares an update about the growth of their organization and a new education program that focuses on the unique challenges of boating in the San Juan Islands.

It is rare when a local organization from an island of only 7,000 residents can outperform similar groups from large cities like Seattle and Tacoma. The non-profit Friday Harbor Power Squadron, also known as America’s Boating Club of the San Juan Islands, has just become the largest, and fastest growing, boating education organization in the Pacific Northwest.

Not resting on its laurels, ABCSJI has announced a new series of seminars, webinars, workshops and on-the-water training programs aimed at helping local and visiting boaters confidently enjoy our local waters and marine environment. Whether you just got your boater’s card or are a long-term boater; whether you have a kayak, sailboat, fishing skiff, or cruiser; there will be some knowledge you can use to better appreciate and treasure our unique island environment.

Led by nationally recognized boating educator Ann Einboden and other island experts, all content in the program is focused our unique environment here in the San Juan Islands. The first session of the program, Cruising the San Juans (Part I), will be held on Monday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. as a Zoom webinar and subsequently available as a recording.

Participants of all boating skill levels will learn about our unique navigational challenges, dazzling parks and secret gunkholes, local fishing, and wildlife appreciation opportunities. You can sharpen your knowledge of the latest marine electronics, learn how to best handle and maintain your boat, prepare for long distance cruising, and confidently respond to safety hazards to your boat and crew.

The program is modular, allowing experienced power and sail boaters to polish specific skills and new boaters to develop a complete set of competencies to enjoy the water. Ten modules, one to two hours in duration, are already available or planned in two series — one focused on knowledge and skills development, and the other on maximizing the enjoyment of your time on the water.

Confidence Series

• Boat Handling: on-the-water boat control, anchoring and docking practice
• Family Safety: proper preparation, risk avoidance and responses to hazardous situations
• Marine Electronics: local use of chart plotters, radar, AIS, VHF communications
• Marine Maintenance: guidance from local service providers on maintaining your boat
• Cruising the San Juans (Part 1): weather, current, hazards

Enjoyment Series

• Cruising the San Juans (Part 2): sample itineraries and spots to savor
• Crossing Borders: what you need to know to boat in Canada and beyond
• Northwest Cruising: preparing for trips into Canada and Alaska
• San Juan Marine Ecosystems: learn from experts on local creatures, large and small
• San Juan Islands Fishing and Crabbing: local tips for fishing success

You can participate in these programs individually for a small fee or get full access for free as a member of the America’s Boating Club of the San Juan Islands. Family membership is only $150 per year. Membership also includes the mentoring and support of other experienced boaters as well as participation in cruises and social events.

To register for any of these programs or to join, visit abcsji.org and follow the instructions provided there. Questions can be sent to [email protected].

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