The United States Power Squadron (recently renamed America’s Boating Club) welcomed members from several Puerto Rico squadrons last weekend for its spring conference in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The event, held at Victor’s Hideout, concluded with the “Change of Watch” ceremony at Emerald Beach Resort, where new officers officially took their posts, the club announced.
Founded in 1913 in Boston by self-taught navigator Roger Upton, ABC has grown to 60,000 members across 450 squadrons, including Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization, which began admitting women in 1982, focuses on boating education, offering courses in seamanship, piloting, and navigation, according to the press release.
The USVI Squadron, established in 1990 by Genevieve Alexander, now operates under the leadership of Commander Maurice Donovan, with Winston Wenner as executive officer, Joanne Donovan as administrator, Francis Wenner as secretary, Donajen Farrar as treasurer, and Margurite Burke as education officer, the press release stated.
Classes are ongoing, and those interested in membership or courses can contact Joanne Donovan at 340-642-0527.
