The Sail and Power Squadron, said Jim Olmes, is all about the legacy they leave for boaters. Olmes was sworn in as the new commander of the Marco Island flotilla of the Sail and Power Squadron Wednesday evening, in a ceremony at the Marco Island Yacht Club.
“Luckily, I follow many who have laid a sturdy platform for our continuing success. It is my obligation to continue that legacy,” said Olmes. He spoke glowingly of the vast repository of nautical expertise represented among the organization’s members, and pledged to continue to make that knowledge available to the boating public, and strengthen the squadron with an ongoing program of member education.
“This is a phenomenally talented group of people,” he said. “We have a celestial navigator who is one of the top 20 or 30 in the country. We have the first human on the planet to fly into the eye of a typhoon. I’m a senior navigator, with an advanced degree equivalent to a Ph.D. Passing that body of knowledge on is our mission.”
The Sail and Power Squadron fulfills that mission with boating courses, including the popular ABCs of Boating, and performing Coast Guard safety inspections. In addition to Olmes’ remarks, the group heard from outgoing Commander Steve Moore, a true lame duck with his arm in a cast following shoulder surgery, and District 22 Commander Richard Littrell, visiting from Winter Haven.
“We’re trailer boaters,” said Littrell, explaining how his district, headquartered in Lakeland, manages without blue water close by. After the official change of watch ceremony, couples took to the dance floor, dancing to the sounds of pop duo Greg and Claudia.
Olmes also shared that the squadron’s recent wine tasting and auction raised $15,000 for their work.
In addition to Olmes, the 20120-2013 Bridge of the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron includes James O’Connell, executive officer, Charles Wilson, educational officer, Cliff Winings, assistant educational officer, Alan Epstein, administrative officer, James Ferry, assistant administrative officer, Carol Einhart, secretary, Dorothy Harkness, assistant secretary, Mary Alice Wilson, treasurer, and Patricia Cavanaugh, assistant treasurer.
As the numerous past commanders were introduced to applause, John Krehbiel joked it would be easier to introduce those who were not past commanders. He can get away with saying it; he served his term in 1995-1996.
Marco Island Code Compliance Board
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 3
RayPray writes:
Many of these youngsters look like they first shipped out under John Paul Jones....
KlausStoertebeker writes:
One of the best American organization for safety boating. Big hand to them.
RayPray writes:
Every year during high season, these ancient mariners get dolled up in toy sailor suits for a lot of drinking and self-congratulation, then in April by magic suddenly get raptured back up to the Mid-West.
So what genuine impact can any of them have on 'boating safety' around here?
Harmless silliness....
But...Please!
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