Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron
By Lisa Beers

Lake Lanier boating fun doesn’t end Labor Day

Labor Day marks the end of boating season in the minds of many boaters, but not for the members of the Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron. September brings relief from the scorching heat of summer and means a less crowded lake and crisp refreshing air out on the water. The ASPS has many recreational and educational events planned for September, keeping our members busy as we start looking toward fall.

Our fall education class session begins September 13 and will feature courses in seamanship, advanced piloting, navigation, and marine electronics. These classes are for members only, and are the reason that many people join our organization. The education available through our squadron present opportunities to learn more about your vessel and how to get the most enjoyment out of boating. These courses not only enrich the minds of students, they instill confidence that allows you to feel prepared and ready to embark on more on-the-water adventures than you may think possible. Please visit our website www.atlantasboatingclub.com for more details on our classes and other benefits of membership.

Speaking of adventure, our Tennessee River Cruise is coming up in late September. This five-day cruise is planned and enjoyed by our members, and offers a unique opportunity for recreation, exploration, and camaraderie. If you’ve never skippered your boat through a lock, it’s fun to learn how. Our members make it look easy and help others learn how.

If you’d like to come and meet our members and hear entertaining stories of adventurous cruising, join us at our next general membership meeting on September 16. Our speakers will be Roy and Mary Stegall who are ASPS members who sold their house and car, stored furniture and set out to live on a sailboat. They will share stories of what it is like living on a boat full time and the details of the cruising life. Visit our website for details on this meeting and to contact us about attending as a guest.

You’re also welcome to stop by our next raft-up planned for September 18. The theme for this event is Bluegrass and our boats will raft-up and enjoy food, friendship and music out on our beautiful lake.

We recently added a terrific resource to our website, “The Basics of Coastal Cruising.” This PDF report was created by members and is a brief but very informative guide to coastal cruising that is sure to help you plan your next coastal adventure. It discusses the basics of coastal cruising, tides and tidal currents, charts and plotting courses, radio operations, anchoring in coastal waters, cruising etiquette, docking with pilings, weather, and more. Check it out in the “ASPS News” section of our website.

We’d also like to encourage everyone to participate in this year’s 22nd Annual Lake Lanier Shore Sweep on Saturday, Sept. 25. This event is not sponsored by the ASPS, but is a great way for all of us who love the lake to do our part to keep it clean and beautiful. Please mark this date on your calendar and participate! Last year more than 28 tons of trash were removed thanks to volunteers from all over North Georgia turning out to do their part in taking care of our lake.

Fall is a terrific time to visit our meetings and activities and get involved in the education available through the ASPS. Visit www.atlantasboatingclub.com to find out what we are up to and how you can get involved!

The Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron is Atlanta’s boating club for everyone. You do not have to own a boat or have experience to join. Safe boating is fun boating. Call today and come visit the next meeting. Help make Lanier a safer place for everyone. Telephone: 404-262-7288/Email: usps-atlanta@comcast.net or on the local website www.atlantasboatingclub.com.