About Us

The Gainesville Sail and Power Squadron is a unit of District 23 of the United States Power Squadrons the world's largest non-profit private boating organization. We are located in Gainesville, Florida which is in North Central Florida. Our members boat on both the east and west coast of Florida as well as on the St. Johns River. We have monthly rendezvous of various boating activities. See our calendar for more information.

For member deals and discounts click here.

What's In It For Me?

• Experience may be an excellent teacher, but on the water it could be costly. Learn boating skills with the United States Power Squadron.

• Bad weather can spoil a good outing on the water. To improve your forecasting skills join us, we’ll show you how.

• An educated skipper uses his or her superior knowledge to keep out of situations requiring the use of his or her superior skills...improve your boating skills.

• What would you do if the skipper fell overboard and you were suddenly in charge of the boat? Join us for a class and learn what to do.

• Your boat is much more than just the vehicle that takes you to the fish. Take the United States Power Squadron’s safe-boating course. The skills you learn will make catching the big one easier. Fishing is fun, fishing smart is more fun.

• Personal watercraft, jet skis, jet boats, cruisers, and sailboats... What do they have in common? They’re all boats. Learn the skills you need to pilot any craft.

• Nearly anyone can operate a boat, but the boating skills you need are far different from those you use in driving a car. Join the United States Power Squadrons for a class that shows you the difference.

• Ever notice that the steering wheel on a car is on the left side of the vehicle but the steering wheel (helm) on most boats is on the right side (starboard) of the vessel. Why? If you don’t know the answer to this you don’t understand the rules of the road. The Power Squadron navigation courses explain why.

Civic Service

• We offer FREE Safe Boating Instruction with a nominal charge for course materials.

• We cooperate with the U.S. Coast Guard for boating safety, NOAA for updating navigational charts, and the local authorities raising public awareness of water traffic rules.

• Vessel Safety Checks: In a cooperative program with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, squadron members conduct courtesy Vessel Safety Checks of boats at the request of their owners. To learn more about this program, and how to get your boat checked, click here.

Fraternal Activities

• Monthly meetings with programs.

• Participate in cruses and potluck dinners.

• A variety of other special events are held throughout the year.

Education

• Courses are offered and taught by our members to help promote awareness of the safe operation of your boat.

• Courses include Seamanship, Piloting, Navigation Marine Electronics, Engine Maintenance, Weather, Sailing and much more!