RCAF Trenton Squadron

Learning here gives you a lifetime of fun and safe boating

Welcome! The RCAF Trenton Power & Sail Squadron makes its home at the Canadian Forces Base Trenton Yacht Club, and provides safe boating courses for both military and local civilians. A large number of Squadron members also belong to the Yacht Club, making it easy to coordinate and support both Squadron and Club activities.

The Mission of Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons is to increase awareness of safe boating by education and training members and the general public, by fostering fellowship among members and by establishing partnerships and alliances with organizations and agencies interested in boating.
The RCAF Trenton Power and Sail Squadron pursues these objectives in the Trenton area. The Squadron hosts a number of boating courses for members and non-members; events are organized in the community and among the membership to increase awareness of boating safety; and, many members have benefited from and enjoyed the activities planned by the Squadron throughout the year. In addition, the Squadron actively participates with other agencies in establishing regulations governing boating, and in identifying opportunities to improve our enjoyment of safe boating.

The Squadron currently consists of approximately 130 members. In April of each year, the Squadron holds its Annual General Meeting when the Squadron Bridge is elected/appointed. The Bridge is headed up by a Commander who will normally hold the position for one and possibly two years, then pass the helm over to their Executive Officer. The Bridge normally meets every second Thursday of the month at the CFB Trenton Yacht Club for an "Executive Meeting" to conduct the business of the Squadron.

Membership in Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons can be a very rewarding experience. If you are currently a CPS member and are not on the Squadron Bridge or otherwise involved in upcoming Squadron activities, we can use your help. If you are not a member and are interested in boating safety, we encourage you to consider taking the "Boating Course" this winter. Should you have any questions on any matter concerning CPS, please feel free to contact any of the Squadron Bridge officers or any person flying the CPS flag on their boat.

RCAF Trenton Canadian Power and Sail Squadron presents

Toonie Tuesday

Tuesday,May 2, 1900
Confident Sailor / Reluctant Sailor

This presentation is the story of Sojourn – the boat, Rob – the confident sailor, and Mary – the reluctant boater. In 2009-10, when most people were digging out of the global financial crisis, Rob and Mary sold their condo, put everything into storage and took Sojourn (their 1981 CS36T) from Lake Ontario to the Exumas, Bahamas.

This is a presentation of what we did – what worked and what didn’t – and how we plan to do it again, starting in the fall of 2017.

Who should attend? – Anyone dreaming or planning of taking their boat south and their reluctant partners. In the first half, Rob will share stories, images of the journey, trip planning and the dream. Following a short break, Rob will cover some of the technical aspects of cruising – for a weekend, for a couple of weeks and longer – all to assure even the most reluctant boater that it can be done in a very civilized and safe way.

The following topics will be covered:

1. Initial planning
2. Economics of cruising
3. Skipper and crew preparation
4. Boat preparation
5. Contingency planning