The Wilmington Sail and Power Squadron (WSPS) is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons^® (USPS^®) and a member of  District 5 (D/5) covering the Mid-Atlantic states. USPS^® is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects. Click here for more information on the United States Power Squadrons® - America's Boating Club.

Our members are boating families who contribute to the community by promoting safe boating through education. We enjoy participating with our fellow members on the water and in the classroom. 

More information on USPS^® member benefits and discounts can be found here.

Here's a link on how to become a member.

Educational opportunities

We offer the Basic Boating Course to the public.  In addition, members have the opportunity to take many boating education courses including advanced educational courses such as Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, Junior Navigation, and Navigation. Other boating education courses include elective courses in Sail, Weather, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Cruise Planning, and Instructor Qualification. We also offer home study courses such as Compass Adjusting, Navigational Astronomy, and many more.

Social Activities

We also offer many social events, including on-water activities, picnics, and meetings. All are listed on the calendar on the About Us page.  Take a look at our Photo Album to see some of our activities.

Social meetings are held each month from September through May (during the summer months, we're too busy boating!) and typically feature a guest (boating related) speaker in addition to a great meal. During the boating season, we host on-water activities, including a well-attended annual week's cruise and several on-water get togethers.

The inspection is really quick and easy. Many trailerable boats can be inspected in ten minutes. All boaters will receive a copy of the evaluation form at the end of the inspection. Boats that meet the safety requirements will receive a current Vessel Safety Check decal to be displayed onboard. If replacement or additional safety items are needed to successfully meet the requirements, the Vessel Safety Check form can be shown at West Marine stores to purchase necessary safety related items at a discount. If the necessary items are purchased at the time of the check, the decal will still be awarded.

Boaters can bring their trailerable boats to selected marine centers or arrange for a future Vessel Safety Check appointment with the Vessel Examiner at your boat launch, marina or yacht club.

Want a free Vessel Safety Check? Contact John Bailey at mpnwhat@gmail.com  or click here and you will be taken to the Coast Guard Auxiliary site to fill out a contact form.  The closest examiners from the USPS^® and USCGA will contact you.