The United States Power Squadrons® (USPS), now known as America’s Boating Club®, was founded in 1914 as a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to boating safety. With over 35,000 members and more than 450 squadrons across the U.S. and its territories, USPS is the world’s largest nonprofit boating organization. Its members—boating families from all walks of life—contribute to their communities by teaching courses in seamanship, navigation, and marine safety. The organization’s service has been recognized by three U.S. Presidents.

Our local story began in 1955, when instructors from the Everett Power Squadron taught a piloting class in Bellingham. Among the 12 students was Herb Hearsey, who went on to help form what would become the Bellingham Power Squadron. Officially chartered in 1959 and incorporated into District 16, the squadron appointed Herb as its first Commander.

Many of our early records and photographs are preserved at the Western Washington University Archives, where our original charter is also housed.

In 2024, following the national rebranding, we changed our name from Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron to America’s Boating Club® of Bellingham. Today, we carry on the proud tradition of our founders—promoting safe boating through education, camaraderie, and service.