"Best Boating In Paradise: Let Us Show You How It's Done Safely"
About Our Club
That tagline captures exactly who America's Boating Club of Sanibel Captiva is! We are really a club, a place where friends gather to make new friends, learn more about boating, and enjoy boating-related social activities.
Our members come from all types of boating backgrounds. Some of us have been boating for years and are experts who know there's always more to learn and more boating friends to enjoy. Other members may be new to the Sanibel-Captiva area and may want to learn the specifics of boating safely in our local waters. And there are others who may have very little boating experience, though they've joined to make new friends and start exploring the basics of boating.
Many of our members do not even own boats — they just want to enjoy boating-oriented friendships. We think America's Boating Club says it all: friendship, boating fun, education, safety, and public service!
The National Logo speaks to the wide range of boaters our club embraces: To the left, there is a Kayaker; the center portion reflects a Power Boat, with the logo ending on the right with a sail, all of which rests on the blue wave of the sea.
All types of boaters are members!
We have a wonderful organization that offers much to our community. We are here for everyone — that's exactly what our name, America's Boating Club of Sanibel Captiva, says so very well. We hope you'll join us!
Everyone's Welcome Onboard!
2026 Bridge Officers
Board of Directors
Members-at-Large
- George May
- Mike Barbour
- Bruce Walker
- Gary Van Sciver
Audit Committee
- John Fridlington
- Jim Winn
- Don Kirby
Rules Committee
- Bill Hay
- Marti Squitieri
- Pat Schmidt
Nominating Committee
- Joanne Heroy-Giller
- John Seaman
- Marge Lieblein
- John Fridlington
Our History
The Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron has been in existence for more than 40 years. Here you can learn more about our history, traditions, and past activities.
Charter
The Sanibel-Captiva Power Squadron was chartered in 1975 by 53 founding members. It rapidly grew to be, and currently remains, the largest volunteer organization on the islands. In 1999 our name was changed to include "Sail" and became the Sanibel-Captiva Sail and Power Squadron.
Ranks
The Squadron is a 100% volunteer organization. Recognizing our historical maritime roots, volunteers who devote significant time to the efficient and cost-effective operation of the Squadron are awarded special ranks. Oftentimes, you will see these designations after a member's name.
Burgee Design
The design of the Squadron burgee is a painting by the then-squadron Executive Committee member Dick Creter, AP. The background of the burgee is white, representing the clarity of the air and sunshine around the islands.
The flags at the hoist are the international code flags for "SCPS" which stand for the original name: Sanibel Captiva Power Squadron. The historic Sanibel Lighthouse appears on the center of the burgee. The chevrons on the fly represent the two islands of Sanibel and Captiva. The solid blue at the tip of the burgee represents the mainland — blue was used to remind us of the beautiful blue sky.
Past Commanders
| Commander | Years |
|---|---|
| Harley E. Brown, S | 1975–1977 |
| John B. Sellemi, N | 1977–1978 |
| Richard Creter, AP | 1978–1979 |
| Edward Swanson, AP | 1979–1980 |
| Everett D. Kilmer, N | 1980–1981 |
| Matthew Fleming, Jr., AP | 1981–1982 |
| Robert E. Kessler, AP | 1984–1985 |
| Roy T. Hull, AP | 1985–1986 |
| William R. Rekshan, AP | 1986–1987 |
| Charles W. Ringel, SN | 1987–1988 |
| H. Stanton Condit, AP | 1988–1989 |
| David A. Spoehr, JN | 1989–1990 |
| Hans Trinler, P | 1990–1991 |
| Donald K. Letter, P | 1991–1992 |
| Charles Z. White, AP | 1992–1993 |
| John E. Findley, AP | 1993–1994 |
| Alan E. Boers, SN | 1994–1995 |
| Charles E. LeGette, SN | 1995–1996 |
| John W. Sampson, AP | 1996–1997 |
| William C. Lucas, SN | 1997–1998 |
| Thomas B. Gillis, JN | 1998–1999 |
| Robert J. Healey, SN | 1999–2000 |
| Elizabeth L. Boers, SN | 2000–2001 |
| George E. Irwin, SN | 2001–2002 |
| John R. McCormick, SN | 2002–2003 |
| Ronald J. Downey, SN-IN | 2003–2004 |
| Dale R. McGinley, SN | 2004–2005 |
| Robert H. Allen, JN | 2005–2006 |
| Mary Paige Abbott, SN-IN | 2006–2007 |
| Edward L. Harwell, SN | 2007–2008 |
| William L. Hay, SN-IN | 2008–2009 |
| Steven R. Abbott, SN | 2009–2010 |
| Carol A. Allen, AP | 2010–2011 |
| Harold L. Theiss, N | 2011–2012 |
| Sarni Lucas, JN | 2012–2013 |
| Chap Vail, AP | 2013–2014 |
| Jim Strothers, SN-IN | 2014–2015 |
| Charlene Timothy, S | 2015–2016 |
| Steve Abbott, SN | 2016–2017 |
| Pat Schmidt, N | 2017–2019 |
| Joanne Heroy-Giller, P | 2019–2022 |
| Robert Smith, S | 2022–2022 |
| Pat Schmidt, N | 2022–2023 |
| Carol Allen, AP | 2023–2024 |
| Fay Carney, P | 2024–2025 |