I was recently married when my spouse suggested that we buy a cottage. Never having wanted one, I suggested we get into boating, not that I had ever owned or sailed a boat. She said yes!

So within a year it was CPS - Introduction (1983); CYA-Basic Cruising (1984) and our first boat - Midnight Run, a Bayfield 25 foot sloop which we sailed out of the Nepean Sailing Club. Follow up courses included Seamanship Sail, Advanced Piloting and Marine Electronics.

In the late 80’s we got two footitis and another Bayfield — a 29 foot cutter TIKI MARU which we still sail in the Thousand Islands from Village Quay Marina.

Robert, like so many others, starting sailing at a young age on a Sunfish. He has owned an International 420 and a 470 as well as a NorthStar 22. He curently owns a Tanzer 22, Full Circle, berthed in Prescott Harbour and is always keen on more sailing/boating opportunities.

I was involved in boating at an early age, having spent many summers at the family cottage in the Kawarthas near Peterborough, Ont. I took the CPS boating course when I was 19, enjoyed it, and then took Seamanship Sail the following year. For the next 20 years, I sailed and powerboated when the opportunity presented itself. Then, I had the good fortune to buy a 30 foot sailboat on Lac Deschenes in Ottawa, and have never looked back.

I decided to renew my active lifestyle in the boating world, as many do. I constantly upgrade my qualifications through courses and training, allowing me to gain experience and increase confidence as I go. You are never too old, or young, to learn something new in boating!

John has been involved with smaller power boats most of his life, partaking in cottage life in lake settings. John and his wife, Diane, became more interested in larger boats when they moved to the Ottawa area in the late 1990's.

They have both taken the CPS Boating and Maritime Radio Courses and have a 35 foot Four Winns express cruiser at Ivy Lea Resort in the Thousand Islands.

Having retired from IBM after 33 years, John's next pursuit is one of safe boating.

After 41 years with DND, both as military and civilian, I retired in 1998 and went sailing. I cruised(live aboard) on a Corbin 39 for 4.5 years covering approx 25,000 miles travelling from Annapolis on the Chesapeake in summer to Georgetown in the Southern Bahamas in the winter using the ICW (4 round trips from Annapolis to Miami).

Sold the boat in 2003 but decided I wanted to be back on the water and bought a classic(1964), 25 foot wooden cabincruiser in 2005. I fixed her up(she had been stored in a barn for 9 years) and now have her parked at Aylings Marina, Merrickville. I have done some travel on the Rideau and will continue to do so in the future.

In the meantime I have been teaching boat-related courses and am currently a CYA certified instructor for VHF, Powerboating, PCOC, and Small Engines. Last year I became a CPS member and started teaching “Extended Cruising and Boating”. I hope to continue doing that as well.

I am also a member of the Britannia Sqn. Bridge serving as Assistant Training Officer.

Richard G. A. (Art) Clare has been a member of BPSS since 1986. His experience includes both sail (RMC Kingston) and power but mainly power boating on the Rideau Canal. He and his wife Nancy lived aboard “Cocoon” from May to September every year for the past 20 years. “Cocoon” is a 38 ft steel house cruiser with twin diesels built in 1967. She is not a “blue water boat” but has been everywhere she can safely go.

Over the years Art taught Boating and Piloting to many members of Britannia Squadron, including members of the present Bridge. Art has always been interested in the practical aspects of boating safety, including a healthy respect for wind, waves and weather patterns.

Peter has been sailing for more than 30 years on boats of all sizes. One of his favourite things to do is to learn new things and he takes courses from the Power Squadron regularly to expand his boating knowledge and skills. Peter owns a Sirius 28 which is moored at Nepean Sailing Club.

I was involved in boating at an early age, having spent many summers at the family cottage in the Kawarthas near Peterborough, Ont. I took the CPS boating course when I was 19, enjoyed it, and then took Seamanship Sail the following year. For the next 20 years, I sailed and powerboated when the opportunity presented itself. Then, I had the good fortune to buy a 30 foot sailboat on Lac Deschenes in Ottawa, and have never looked back.

I decided to renew my active lifestyle in the boating world, as many do. I constantly upgrade my qualifications through courses and training, allowing me to gain experience and increase confidence as I go. You are never too old, or young, to learn something new in boating!

Valerie was the Commander of the Squadron from 2007 to 2009. She served as the Squadron's secretary from 2004 to 2007.

Although she has done some sailing in New Zealand, Scotland and Canada, she does not really think of herself as an experienced sailor. however, she does own a fleet - a canoe, a yakboard, a dinghy and a pedalo - as well as a hat that shows she is Captain of the fleet!

Valerie was previously a member of the Outaouais Squadron. She wanted to become more involved in CPS activities, because she is convinced of the need for volunteers to work towards the ongoing aims of “establishing high standards of navigation and seamanship; to provide training and study courses and facilities in the field of Boating, Seamanship, Piloting, Navigation and the safe handling of boats of all kinds.” She decided that the best way was to offer to do some work. Valerie was elected to the position of Rideau District Secretary in 2009.

Richard G. A. (Art) Clare has been a member of BPSS since 1986. His experience includes both sail (RMC Kingston) and power but mainly power boating on the Rideau Canal. He and his wife Nancy lived aboard “Cocoon” from May to September every year for the past 20 years. “Cocoon” is a 38 ft steel house cruiser with twin diesels built in 1967. She is not a “blue water boat” but has been everywhere she can safely go.

Over the years Art taught Boating and Piloting to many members of Britannia Squadron, including members of the present Bridge. Art has always been interested in the practical aspects of boating safety, including a healthy respect for wind, waves and weather patterns.