Do You Like…

• Getting out on the water with motor boats and sailing vessels?

• Learning about boats and boat safety, boat operations and boat lore?

• Learning and practicing teamwork and leadership in a maritime environment?

• Traveling to a sea-roving summer camp where every day offers a new adventure?

• A fun organization where the youth members run their own program through their elected leaders who do their planning and organizing?

• Sharing experiences with others who share your interest and core values?

 

If so, then you will want to check out the new Sea Scout Ship in Gainesville!

The new youth sailing and boating club meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:15 p.m. (ending by 9:00 p.m.).

 

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1521 NW 34^th Street

Gainesville, FL

7:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Adults Interested in providing positive experiences to help young people mature and prepare them to become responsible and caring adults are encouraged to join.

 

 

Exciting Activity Schedule

March

(Date/time to be determined by the members)

Swim test and survival swimming class.  YMCA North Central Florida, 5201 NW 34th Street, Gainesville.  A basic swimming ability is required for members prior to participating in water activities. 

 

Sunday, March 25

Kayak demo and orientation.  Brasingtons Trail Shop, Poe Springs.

The park is located just three miles west of High Springs on CR 340.  These 202 acres of scenic woodlands and rolling fields are situated along the banks of the pristine Santa Fe River. Bubbling up from the limestone rock of the Florida Aquifer, this spring flows in excess of 44 million gallons of cool, clear water per day. Enjoy seeing turtles sunning on a log, herons wading along the banks and otters playing at the river.

 

April

Saturday, April 7

Introduction and orientation to small sailboats-Lake Crystal.

 

Saturday, April 21

Daysailing Lake Crystal.  Practicing the basics of sailing in small craft operated by the Scouts themselves.

 

May

Saturday, May 5

Road trip to Sail Jacksonville.  Tour of Jacksonville’s waterfront and participate in the Tall ship Regatta.

Observe Mug Race-World's Longest Freshwater River Race-from Palatka to Jacksonville.

 

Saturday, May 19

Sailing on Lake Santa Fe

 

June

Saturday, June 9

Sailing on Doctor’s Lake/St. Johns River launching craft from Camp Echockotee.

 

Saturday, June 23

(Tentative)  Offshore fishing.

 

July

Saturday, June 7

Coastal Kayaking or sailing at St Augustine or Crescent Beach, plans still developing.  Input being sought from the Sea Scouts as to preferences.

 

Saturday, July 21

Scalloping at Steinhatchee, Gulf of Mexico.

 

August

Wednesday, August 8

Jetskiing at Lake Santa Fe.

 

Saturday, August 18

Waterskiing on Lake Santa Fe-Big Dog Watersports demo?

 

The above schedule is subject to both weather and the decisions made by the Sea Scouts themselves as to activities and locations.  It is provided to illustrate the wide range of fun activities, experiences and training that are an integral part of Ship 104 program activities.

   

The flank speed schedule reflects the unit’s motto: 

“Where young men and women make boating their very own adventure!"

 

Swimming, kayaking, small craft orientation and operation (including basics of racing), Tall Ships tours, Mug Race observation, sailing on near-by lakes, off-shore fishing, jet skiing and water skiing are all on the agenda over the next six months, Welch pointed out.  New activities will be added based on input from Ship members and officers.

 

 

When the members who love boats and boating are not out on the water having fun and making friends, they will be learning the skills and techniques of safe boating.  Instruction and practice in boat handling under power and sail, piloting and rules-of-the-road, navigation and how to read the weather, are all planned Welch said.  The program of activities will help the new sailors "develop skills in boat maintenance, engine service, marine electronics and how to plan a long cruise."

 

 

At the end of this year a trip to the Sea Base at Islamorada in the Florida Keys is being considered.

 

 

Welch, a former Gulf Atlantic Yacht Club Commodore, will be assisted by Mate Glen Dickson, Brenda Bean, a Certified US Sailing Small Boat Instructor, and other Ship Committee Members who provide a wide variety of nautical and marine experience for Ship.

 

 

The adult advisors and Ship Committee are planning a safe boating class followed by hands on activities with small boats, starting with small craft such as Kayaks and canoes, working up to day sailors.  Classes and experience will also be offered in such topics as small motor maintenance, knots, navigation and boating safety. 

 

The Sea Scouts will receive qualified instruction and practice in boat handling under power and sail while teaching piloting rules-of-the-road, navigation and how to read the weather.  The new sailors and boaters will be developing skills in boat maintenance, engine service, marine electronics and how to plan a long cruise.

Why Join!

"Sea Scouting is where young men and women who love boats and boating can have fun and make friends," explained Howard Welch, the new Skipper.  Welch, a former GAYC Commodore, will be assisted by Mate Glen Dickson and Brenda Bean, a Certified US Sailing Small Boat Instructor. 

The youth boating club will provide qualified instruction and practice in boat handling under power and sail while teaching piloting rules-of-the-road, navigation and how to read the weather. New sailors and boaters will be developing skills in boat maintenance, engine service, marine electronics and how to plan a long cruise.

"A young adult's safety and character development are two important goals for parents and family," noted Teresa Davidson, Chairperson of the new Sea Scout Ship 104 Ship’s Committee (i.e. board of directors).  "Boating safety education and having fun with good friends are two important goals we share."

"Sea Scouting," she said "is a fun-filled program designed to get our young people out on the water using a variety of boats--from outboard motorboats to large sailing yachts--learning how to get from point A to point B and being prepared for whatever may be encountered along the way. It offers fun, cruising, fellowship, leadership and service."

The new youth boating club is a joint venture between the Gainesville Sail and Power Squadron and the Gulf Atlantic Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Alachua District Boy Scouts of America.  These well known area service organizations are sponsoring this exciting new initiative to offer area young adults boating safety education and afloat boating experience that will help them become better leaders and safer boaters.

For more information contact:

Alachuaventuring@earthlink.net

 

Or, call:

Howard Welch

352-335-0346

 

 

Sea Scout Ship 104 Ship’s Committee Members:

Teresa Davidson, Chairperson

Faith Connors, Vice Chairperson

Jib Davidson, Chartered Organizational Representative

CAPT Tracy Connors, USN (Ret), Asst. Dist. Commissioner, Venturing

S. Kay Haile, Treasurer, GSPS

Brenda Bean

Cdr Michael McKinney, Commander, GSPS

CAPT Seth J. Hudak, USCG (Ret)