Best Boating In Paradise: Let Us Show You How It's Done
The Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron has been in existence for more than 40 years. In this section, you can learn more about our history, traditions and past activities.
CONTENTS
Please scroll down the page to learn more about our Squadron. Or, simply click on one of the links below to jump directly to that topic.
Charter
Ranks
Burgee Design
Past Commanders
CHARTER
The Sanibel-Captiva Power Squadron was chartered in 1975 by 53 founding members. It rapidly grew to be, and currently remains, the largest volunteer organization on the islands.
In 1999 our name was changed to include "Sail" and became the Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron.
RANKS
The Squadron is a 100% volunteer organization. Recognizing our historical maritime roots, volunteers who devote significant time to the efficient and cost-effective operation of the Squadron (see Organization), are awarded special ranks. Oftentimes, you will see these designations after a member’s name. For reference, the designations are as follows:
Cdr |
Our current Squadron Commander |
Lt/C |
Lieutenant Commander Denotes elected Bridge Officers: Executive Officer Squadron Education Officer Administrative Officer Secretary Treasurer |
1st/Lt |
Elected assistant officers Lt-denotes Committee Chair |
P/C |
Past Commanders of a squadron |
Stf/C |
Staff Commander - National Assistant Committee Chair |
R/C |
Rear Commander- National Committee Chair |
All ranks starting with a "D" (D/Lt/C) indicate a District office.
All ranks starting with a "P" (P/C) indicate a past rank and are honorary titles.
In addition to Rank, you will find members listed with another letter or two to the right of their name. This is the members Grade - an indication of achievement in the advanced levels of boating education offered by the USPS.
S |
Seamanship or Advanced Boat Handling |
P |
Piloting or Marine Navigation |
AP |
Advanced Piloting or Advanced Marine Navigation |
JN |
Junior Navigation or Offshore Navigation |
N |
Navigation or Celestial Navigation |
SN |
Senior Navigator A member who has successfully completed all the advanced courses and ALL of the traditional electives |
IN |
Inland Navigator Indicates the member has passed certain classes and completed an on the water boat handling examination. |
BURGEE DESIGN
The design of the Squadron burgee is a painting by the then-squadron Executive Committee member Dick Creter, AP.
The background of the burgee is white, representing the clarity of the air and sunshine around the islands.
The flags at the hoist are the international code flags for "SCPS" which stand for the original name: Sanibel Captiva Power Squadron.
The historic Sanibel Light house appears on the center of the burgee.
The chevrons on the fly represent the two islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
The solid blue at the tip of the burgee represents the mainland.
Blue was used to remind us of the beautiful blue sky.
PAST COMMANDERS
Harley E. Brown, S |
1975-1977 |
John B. Sellemi, N |
1977-1978 |
Richard Creter, AP |
1978-1979 |
Edward Swanson, AP |
1979-1980 |
Everett D. Kilmer, N |
1980-1981 |
Matthew Fleming, Jr., AP |
1981-1982 |
Robert E. Kessler, AP |
1984-1985 |
Roy T. Hull, AP |
1985-1986 |
William R. Rekshan, AP |
1986-1987 |
Charles W. Ringel, SN |
1987-1988 |
H. Stanton Condit, AP |
1988-1989 |
David A. Spoehr, JN |
1989-1990 |
Hans Trinler, P |
1990-1991 |
Donald K. Letter, P |
1991-1992 |
Charles Z. White, AP |
1992-1993 |
John E. Findley, AP |
1993-1994 |
Alan E. Boers, SN |
1994-1995 |
Charles E. LeGette, SN |
1995-1996 |
John W. Sampson, AP |
1996-1997 |
William C. Lucas, SN |
1997-1998 |
Thomas B. Gillis, JN |
1998-1999 |
Robert J. Healey, SN |
1999-2000 |
Elizabeth L. Boers, SN |
2000-2001 |
George E. Irwin, SN |
2001-2002 |
John R. McCormick, SN |
2002-2003 |
Ronald J. Downey, SN-IN |
2003-2004 |
Dale R. McGinley, SN |
2004-2005 |
Robert H. Allen, JN |
2005-2006 |
Mary Paige Abbott, SN-IN |
2006-2007 |
Edward L. Harwell, SN |
2007-2008 |
William L. Hay, SN-IN |
2008-2009 |
Steven R. Abbott, SN |
2009-2010 |
Carol A. Allen, AP |
2010-2011 |
Harold L Theiss, N |
2011-2012 |
Sarni Lucas, JN |
2012-2013 |
Chap Vail, AP |
2013-2014 |
Jim Strothers, SN-IN |
2014-2015 |
Charlene Timothy |
2015-2016 |
Pat Schmidt |
2016-2018 |