Single Subject Boating Seminars
Public Welcome
Admission Free
At various times and in various locations throughout the year, Skokie Valley Sail and Power Squadron offers 2-hour special interest boating seminars to the boating public and United States Power Squadrons® members . These seminars address specific subjects that are designed to be useful to all boaters, from hunter or fisherman in an outboard motor boat to those piloting larger vessels.
Following is the current seminar schedule. This list is updated periodically. If you do not see a seminar of interest to you, give our Education Officer a call to see if a seminar is available. Click on “Bridge Officers” for phone and email address.
Changing the Mystery of GPS on the Waterways:
Date: TBD
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: TBD
Instructor: open
This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation and shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts. The seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS - what the buttons do, what the screens show, and how to access the functions you need.
A Guide for Paddlers, Row Boaters, Kayaks, and other Small Watercraft:
Date: TBD
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: TBD.
Instructor: open
Paddle Smart seminar contains a series of topics created especially for paddle sports that include: Navigation Rules with emphasis on kayaks, canoes, etc; Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets); charts and maps; homeland security; weather and its impact on paddlers; electronics for paddlers including GPS, Cell phones, VHF marine radios, etc.
Trailering:
Date: TBD
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: TBD.
Instructor: open
Do you have problems backing up your trailer?
Are you sure you are leveling it properly?
Did you select the right size ball and have you attached the safety chains properly?
Do you have the right towing hitch for your intended use?
Do you check your hubs to be sure you have enough grease?
This seminar will answer those questions and many more. In addition, we will have a hands-on demonstration in the parking lot to show you how to easily back a trailer into a parking space.
Anchoring:
Date: TBD
Time: 7 - 9 pm
Location: TBD.
Instructor: open
This seminar will help you understand why your anchor doesn’t hold and provide techniques to release it when you are ready to depart. It will cover issues and problems involving the theories of anchor weight, the methods used to anchor and the choices of anchor types for the area of boating. The knowledge gained from completing this seminar will increase your understanding of the conditions and situations involved in anchoring a boat and the need for a proper anchor choice.