The AYC Board of Directors has taken a step that the club has been contemplating for years: Requiring that any driver of an AYC or ASF powerboat have a nationally-recognized certification for safe powerboat operation. The requirement kicks in January 1, but we’ll try to follow it immediately.
Fleet Captain Greg Woodcock will come up with a list of certifications which will qualify and we’ll let you know what they are.
This step would not be possible without the enormous contribution of Rob Gibbs, who has conducted two courses for US Sailing powerboat certification, most recently just last month, when 10 people received certification. The people who took the course heaped huge compliments on Rob for his effort and for the quality of the teaching. Our continuing thanks, Rob, for all that you do for the club. And we thank the board of the Arizona Sailing Foundation and its president John Mayall for underwriting the cost of the materials for the powerboat course.
Rob will lead another class on December 14, 15, and 16 and there are still openings for that class (as of 12/1).
The AYC board recognizes that the new requirement won’t prevent accidents or mistreatment of equipment, but clearly it should help. It’s been a constant problem maintaining ASF and AYC boats in prime condition. Most important, we believe this step will reduce the chance of a powerboat injury, which no one wants to see.
Sincerely,
Mike Ferring
Commodore