Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island has been settled since the early 1700's. And, it was at its all time greatest population during the Civil War (Headquarters of The Army of the South). It did not become the growing community it now is until 1956 when a bridge was built to the mainland. Even as recently as 1974, there were no traffic lights on the island.
In the mid 1980's, with the population passing 10,000, it became apparent that there was a need for educating the many boaters of the island and the surrounding area in seamanship and other advanced boating skills.
Hilton Head Power Squadron
Four long-time Power Squadron members, P/D/C Bob Gephart, former SEO (Dr) Bill Barclay, Bob Peters and Jack Purcell, all transplants from other parts of the country and members of Beaufort Power Squadron, took the lead and organized the first on-island boating courses. They also provided the instruction for these courses.
As the decade progressed, other USPS members moved to Hilton Head Island (it had now become incorporated as a town) and joined in the effort. Together with the first graduates of the boating course (many of whom had by now taken advanced courses both in the town and in Beaufort), steps were taken to gain a charter for a new squadron. The district commander and Bob Peter, who had become the commander of Beaufort squadron, asked P/D/C Bob Gephart and P/C Lowell Ward to organize a "division" of Beaufort Squadron, with the aim of securing a charter.
Hilton Head Sail & Power Squadron was formally chartered in 1988 as Hilton Head Power Squadron. Its membership is drawn from southern Beaufort County --from Hilton Head Island to Sun City. It was renamed "... Sail and Power Squadron" in 2000, in recognition that its membership included many boat owners of both types of vessel. The Bridge and members of this squadron welcome all visitors to this site and hope in its pages, to tell its story and perhaps bring some to enjoy our camaraderie, participate in our activities and add their skills and talents to its civic endeavors.
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