Canadian Yachting October 2023 - 32

Paul M. Rellinger, Editor-in-chief, The Port Hole
wind
Shifts
Reading the Chief Commander's message in this edition of
The Port Hole, twelve words jumped off the page for me -
'If you have talents, expertise or simply a little time to share...'
Any one of those assets, according to the C/C, is enough to
make a meaningful contribution to CPS-ECP beyond paying
your membership fee.
The first two of that trifecta - 'talents' and 'expertise' - we all
possess to some degree. Each of us has something to contribute
to the wellbeing of the organization, typically an extension
of a skill we've acquired and honed over the years, be it
in the working world or as a personal pursuit.
If I may, I'm a case in point.
Back in November 2019, when I wrote my first column for
this space, I made it clear, in a bid to be fully transparent, that
'I know as much about boating as I know about molecular
engineering.' That was true then, but thanks to my exposure
to CPS-ECP's mission and a self-taught crash course in the basics,
is less true now. No, I'm not ready to take the helm and
confidently cruise the Trent-Severn near our Peterborough
home, but I'm somewhat more comfortable with the terms
and practices associated with that undertaking.
What I did bring to the table close to four years ago, and still
do, to the benefit of CPS-ECP is a lifelong vocation of, and
passion for, writing and editing. Frankly, it's my only passable
skill other than still being able to field a hot grounder and
throw out the runner, albeit a slow runner, by a step or two.
So this is my talent. This is my area of expertise. This is where
I can, and do, contribute to the benefit of CPS-ECP. So far, so
good. I mean, I'm still here, touch wood.
The big hurdle for those considering gifting their 'talents' or
'expertise' to the betterment of our organization, and the
Published by Authority
of the Board of Directors
Editor-in-Chief
Paul Rellinger
Canadian Power
and Sail Squadrons
Graphic Designer
Nour Bawab
Proofreaders
Louise White, SN
advancement of safe boating in general, is the third requirement
- '...a little time to share.'
In my world, time is a commodity that is in increasingly short
supply. I know that's the same for many of you. Getting pulled
in all directions is the norm as opposed to the exception. Time
is currency and we're close to bankrupt.
This all said, I refer to another word that jumps out of the
C/C's message.
Commitment is the great equalizer. It makes having 'a little
time to share' possible. It remains the common denominator
linking all those who have made the choice to better CPS-ECP,
both long ago and presently and at all points in between.
The depth of commitment has varied but it has been, and
remains, the lifeblood of all and any success that we have
achieved as a national entity.
I get it. The majority of members are satisfied to secure their
membership, maybe take a course or two, and fly the CPS-ECP
flag from their vessel. That works. As an organization, we
most certainly need foot soldiers to continue moving forward.
What's needed, more than ever, are generals; leaders who
bring their talents, their expertise, to the table after making
the commitment to find the time to do so.
Nothing I write here will see an influx of members step forward
to make a larger contribution. I know that. The best
that I, or the Chief Commander, can do is respectfully ask that
you consider stepping up your commitment to CPS-ECP, be it
at the squadron, district or national level. That's a start from
which good things will inevitably follow.
As always, your contributions to The Port Hole are always
welcome. Email your articles and/or photos to
paulrellinger@hotmail.com. ■
Photographer
Various
Published 6 times per year:
February, April, May, June,
October,
December, Copy deadline is
ten weeks prior to publication.
Editorial copy and correspondence
should be sent to
theporthole@cps-ecp.ca
32 CANADIAN YACHTING | OCTOBER 2023
Canadian Power and Sail
Squadrons | Escadrilles
canadiennes de plaisance
502-111 Grangeway Avenue,
Toronto, ON M1H 3E9
1-888-CPS-BOAT
F. 416-293-2445
theporthole@cps-ecp.ca
www.cps-ecp.ca
48'
46'
44'
42'
http://www.cps-ecp.ca
Canadian Yachting October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Yachting October 2023
