We like to get together year round. We´re on land in the winter, on the water in the summer, and we double-up and do both in the fall and spring. We’ve got raft ups and cruises, dinners and holiday parties, and a speaker series with some top-notch presentations. You can just do the education classes if you want, but we bet you´ll find your way to a social event sooner or later. Here are descriptions of some of the things we do.
Boating Events
Raft-outs
A raft-out, or as some call them a raft-up, is an informal event open to anyone. It is held on the water and often in conjunction with other fun events that happen on or near the water. If you plan on attending a raft-out, here are few things you should know:
Start Time. Unless otherwise stated all raft-outs start at 2:00pm. You are welcome to get there early if you want. It is informal, after all.
End Time. Up to you. Feel free to stay as long or as short as you want.
Swimming at a summer raft-up.
Location. The primary location will be Big Water Beach or the cove behind Big Water Beach that is accessed by the inlet to the South. If you have a good location that you would like to suggest, contact the Administrative Officer so they can put it on the list. Locations with depths up to 25-30 feet, away from heavy boat traffic, are generally best for this type of thing.
What to Bring. Since these are informal events, it is entirely BYOB. This means that no food or drink will be provided officially by the squadron. It is not uncommon though for people to share what they bring. Be sure to bring extra lines, fenders and any fun items such as rafts, noodles, cooler, your favorite beverage & food, beach games (for raft-outs happening near or at
a beach location), towels, any anything else you want to bring.
What to Expect. Boats tied up together at anchor, people socializing and enjoying each other’s company, hanging out in the water, etc. Sometimes we will combine other boating activities with a raft-out.
Who Can Come? Anyone.
Cruises
A cruise is an organized boating activity that can happen on our home lake, Lake Hartwell, or at any other boating location. Cruises are planned in advance and follow a specific route and schedule. Boaters with trailerable boats can take advantage of cruises that are held in distant locations. The squadron holds cruising events annually in Charleston, Lake Murray, the Tennessee River, and anywhere else that members would like to go.
For more details on cruising events contact the cruise coordinator.
Who Can Come? Anyone.
On-Shore Events
Happy Hour
Happy Hour gatherings occur on a regular basis.
A Happy Hour is an excuse to get together and socialize during the week. Happy hours are held at a variety of local restaurants in the communities where our members live. We plan for one happy hour event monthly. The locations and days of happy hours rotate to reach the broadest group of attendees throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to attend a happy hour (except the annual voting meeting happy hour, which is a member only event).
Start Time. Unless otherwise stated all happy hours start at 6:30pm. You are welcome to get their early if you want.
End Time. Up to you. Feel free to stay as long or as short as you want.
Location. Varies monthly to allow people from various areas to attend more easily.
What to Bring. Happy hours are informal events. Attire is casual and as appropriate for the venue. No food or drink will be provided officially by the squadron, and all restaurant and bar tabs are the responsibility of the attendee.
What to Expect. We typically will have an area where members can congregate either in the bar area or outdoor patio if the venue has one. We also frequently have happy hour events in dedicated rooms or areas of a restaurant where we can be separated from the general public. It is customary for people to eat and drink while attending.
Who Can Come. Anyone.
Meetings
A meeting is pretty much just that. A group of people show up at a prearranged date, time and location to try to make decisions or work on a specific subject. The club meets on a variety of subjects and purposes throughout the year. The club holds an annual election meeting, an annual change of watch, monthly executive committee meetings, and occasional membership and activities committee meetings.
Start Time. Varies.
End Time. Varies.
Location. Executive Committee meetings are usually held at the Augusta Road Branch of the Greenville Library System. Other meetings happen at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin. Membership voting meetings are typically combined with one of the monthly happy hour events. The change of watch meeting has historically been held at the Galley Restaurant located at Portman Marina. Other venues may be used as necessary.
What to Bring. You, a pen, something to write on, a laptop if it will be useful. It is customary to also have at least one U.S. flag, for the pledge of allegiance.
What to Expect. All meetings are started with an invocation prayer and the pledge of allegiance. What happens next is dependent on the subject and who attends. Voting on issues is open only to members, even though guests and prospective members may be in attendance.
Who Can Come. Members and their guests and sponsored prospective members.
