Written by AI with help from Joanne Aspinall and Melissa Sutton
Whether you are cruising open waters or sailing locally, clear and reliable communication on the water is essential for every captain and crew member. Join us at the November General Membership Meeting for an interactive, highly practical session on marine VHF radios and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) technology—led by veteran sailor and marine electronics expert Norm Perron.
Tuesday, November 10th, 7pm
Come as early as 6pm for dinner and socializing. Guests are welcome!
Location: Dave and Busters in Tempe Marketplace (in the Showroom)
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy / Suite 1100 / Tempe AZ 85281
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Meeting
Have you ever wondered what really happens when you trigger a DSC Distress call? Do you know the difference between a domestic and international MMSI number, or how to transmit your precise GPS coordinates directly to the Coast Guard and surrounding vessels?
Norm will demystify marine communications, breaking down both old-school practices and modern digital capabilities. Key topics include:
- Distress Signals: How to initiate emergency calls and what happens behind the scenes.
- MMSI Numbers: Deciphering whether you need a domestic or international MMSI number.
- Safety & Navigation: Transmitting GPS data, position sharing, and selective individual calling.
- Hands-On Resources: Attendees will receive a 1-page summary handout of the presentation, plus a handy 1-page quick-reference guide detailing channel uses.
🚨 Special Interactive Workshop & Radio Programming:
- Bring Your Radio! All members with handheld VHF radios (especially DSC-capable models) are strongly encouraged to bring them fully charged (with your MMSI # already entered) for a live feature demonstration.
- On-Site Custom Programming: Norm will have his laptop setup on-site to program Standard Horizon (HX870–HX891) handheld radios with an updated AYC member MMSI database and useful navigation waypoints.
- Join the New AYC Radio Group: Norm is helping us launch a brand-new AYC Group MMSI Number! We will walk everyone through storing this new group number in your radio and run test calls live during the meeting so you can verify your settings on the spot.
To help us form the new group, let us know your MMSI ahead of time! Click here for instructions and the form to submit your number. Please do so by November 3rd.
While you’re packing your VHF radio for the meeting, put a few extra items in your bag! We’re continuing our Ruth Beals collection of donations for the Sojourner Center. Sojourner is an emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse or human trafficking. Families often leave a domestic violence situation with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Many arrive with no toiletries, bedding, or clothing, and no way to get them. Bring items to the meeting and members Catherine and Eric will deliver them to the charity. Here is a list of the Center’s current needs.
About Our Guest Speaker
Norm Perron brings nearly 50 years of ocean sailing experience and deep technical expertise to the podium. Holding a General HAM radio license (KE6GAJ), Norm has owned and skippered several ocean-going vessels over the decades. He has served the broader sailing community in numerous leadership roles, including Cruise Chairman and Port Captain for Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club (SMWYC), and Race Chairman for the City of Hope Regatta for eight years.
Currently an active member of Del Rey Yacht Club and Chairman of the Electronics Committee at Fairwind Yacht Club, Norm regularly conducts boat electronics seminars and teaches the electronics module for Northrop Grumman’s Big Boat Class. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the boating community, Norm was honored with the ASMBYC David Poe Memorial Yachting Service Award in 2011.
Mark your calendars, charge up your handheld radios, and join us for an evening of camaraderie and valuable safety skills!
