About the Darien Sail and Power Squadron
Where we are located & the areas we serve ?
Darien is located on the Connecticut coast of Long Island Sound, between the City of Stamford (on the West) and the City of Norwalk (on the East). There are five harbors in the town: Holly Pond, Noroton Bay, Darien Harbor, Ziegler's Cove and Tokeneke Cove.
Click : HERE for a map of Darien.
Our members live and work in Darien and New Canaan, and many surrounding Towns.
The Purpose of the United States Power Squadron
Organized in 1914, USPS is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Our members are boating families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. USPS has some 45,000 members organized into 450 squadrons across the country and in some US territories. USPS is America's largest non-profit boating organization and has been honored by three US presidents for its civic contributions.
The Purpose of the Darien Sail & Power Squadron
As members of this fraternal boating club, we are dedicated to civic service and self-education in matters having to do with safety on the water. We are committed to achieving and promoting high standards of navigation, seamanship, and safety by exemplary personal conduct and performance and by the nature and quality of aid to others.
The History of our Squadron
Organized and chartered on October 12, 1953, the Darien Power Squadron was officially accepted by the Governing Board of the United States Power Squadrons at its annual meeting held in February 1954. Under the sponsorship of the Norwalk Power Squadron, members living in Darien, New Canaan and Rowayton formed an ad hoc committee to consider forming a separate unit to serve these communities.
On October 8, 1953, under the leadership of Richard J. Vogel, SN, the first Squadron Commander, and E. Franklin Phillips, AP, the first Executive Officer, an organizational meeting was held at the home of Monroe L. Dinell, N. Squadron officers were elected, and under the expert guidance of Sparton L. St. John, N, the by-laws for the new squadron were prepared and filed along with the necessary paperwork. Four days later the charter petition was signed.
In March of 1998, the membership voted to change the name to Darien Sail & Power Squadron to better reflect the interests of the organization. The name change was approved by the Governing Board of the United States Power Squadrons at its annual meeting. From the original group of eighteen, the Darien Sail & Power Squadron has now grown to approximately 300 members.
Education of boaters, powers and sail, remains the most important mission of the squadron. Advanced, elective, and supplemental courses are offered each year. For those who travel, arrangements can be made for self-study. For courses not currently available in Darien, attendance at classes conducted by other squadrons is encouraged.
General meetings are scheduled quarterly to conduct the affairs of the squadron and to present topics of interest to members. In addition, a Change-of-Watch dinner is held in early March. In the summer, picnics, on-water-rendezvous and cruises are scheduled.
The Executive Committee is the planning and governing body of the squadron. It consists of the bridge officers, the immediate Past Commander and the Members-At-Large. Active management is the responsibility of the Commander and the bridge officers. The Executive Committee meets monthly and all members are cordially invited to attend.
As members of this fraternal boating club, the Darien Sail & Power Squadron, we are dedicated to civic service and self-education in matters having to do with safety on the water. We are committed to achieving and promoting high standards of navigation, seamanship, and safety by exemplary personal conduct and performance and by the nature and quality of aid to others.
Information concerning the history of the United States Power Squadron (USPS) may be found at the following location: USPS History Page.
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Darien Sail & Power Squadron
PO Box 1706
Darien, CT 06820-1706
email: dsps@optonline.net
