Brief History of USPS & LRGVPS
During the summer of 1912, twenty Power Boat Division vessels joined 40 windjammers on the annual Boston Yacht Club cruise to Portland, Maine. During the cruise, a screeching nor’wester blew up. Many of the sailing yachts were dismasted or otherwise disabled. The power yachts under Roger Upton’s command went to their rescue, towing disabled craft to port. No losses were reported.
According to the September 1912 issue of Motor Boating Magazine, which dramatized the rescue with a six-page photo story, “the fellows of the Powerboat Division provided meritorious service and emerged from the ordeal crowned with glory.”
This cruise led to the formation of USPS on 2 February 1914 at the New York Yacht Club. Upton was elected chief commander.
The LRGV Power Squadron was Chartered on 26 July 1974. Our first Commander was Harley E. Light, AP.
Our burgee recognizes our unique area. The palm tree represents our subtropical location, and the sombrero reflects our proximity to Mexico. The colors of the Kelly green foliage for the palm tree, the yellow trunk and the red sombrero were chosen because they are the same colors as the Mexican flag. The burgee was designed by Harley E. Light, and the first one was sewn by his wife, Alice.
