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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 60,000 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. A Short History of NBPS
The idea of a Power Squadron was conceived by Vice Commodore Roger Upton
of the Boston Yacht Club and became a reality in May 1912 as that Club's
Power Boat Division. The Purpose was to develop activities and promote
safety for the ever-increasing number of motor powered craft.
The Rhode Island Yacht Club Power Squadron, from its formation in early
1914, was associated with the United States Power Squadron from the beginning.
William S. Streeter, Commodore of the Rhode Island Yacht Club, was its
authorized delegate to a meeting at the the New York Yacht Club on 2 February
1914. Several East Coast Yacht Clubs joined together in New
York to form a national organization to be known as the United States Power
Squadrons. Commodore Streeter signed the original Rules and Regulations
at that meeting. The Narragansett Bay Power Squadron (NBPS) is listed
as number five of the seven squadrons attending the United Power Squadrons
meeting of 19 November 1914.
Following the War, the Narragansett Bay Power Squadron became inactive until
it was revived under the leadership of Charles P. Benns, originally of
the Potomoc River Power Squadron, in the Fall of 1933. In 1943, the
Squadron was the first to hold a full sail yacht rendezvous. Continued
growth through the 40's led to the formation of "daughter" Squadrons in
neighboring communities, and ultimately the formation of District 14 in
late 1950.
The nautical exploits of Narragansett Bay Power Squadron members are too numerous
to list, but a few example will serve, with apologies to others not mentioned.
One member served as Navigator on two America's Cup defenders, while another
navigated for winners in the Newport-Bermuda race. Other distinguished
members have been winners in the Newport-Annapolis race, the Marblehead-Halifax
race, and other ocean races. THOMAS CHARLTON, AP Narragansett Bay ![[top]](../pics/x_top.gif)
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