Until recently the 1st Boundary Bay Sea Scouts Group in Tsawwassen ran a very successful sailing program for over 20 years for scouts living in Tsawwassen. The training enabled some scouts to achieve their certification as qualified Day Skippers from the Canadian Yachting Association. Rather than restarting that program exclusively for Tsawwassen Scouts, we intend to expand the program to include Scout Groups in the whole Vancouver region.
We are seeking the donation of a well-maintained 35-40 foot sailboat. The donor will receive a tax-deductible receipt from Scouts Canada for the boat’s full surveyed value.
The sailboat being sought needs to be in good sailing condition and be rigged in a manner that makes sailing easy for novice sailors. For example, wheel steerage and sail controls handled from the cockpit. Given that there could be as many as ten aboard for up to two days at any given time, the boat will need to have plumbing and holding tanks to accommodate anticipated demands. Autopilot, electronic charts and a motor-equipped dingy would be most welcome but not essential. We are indebted to Point Roberts Marina who graciously agreed to provide moorage for the donated boat. Qualifying boats will be surveyed at our cost to establish the vessel’s value and to identify potential deferred maintenance issues.
To illustrate the program’s potential, here are some testimonials from former Sea Scouts and a Sea Scout Mom.
Linda: “Life lessons were invaluable as I built my career as an outdoor wilderness guide, and now manager at the global headquarters of World Scouting. My fondest Sea Scout memory remains working alongside my peers to achieve a monumental and shared goal.”
Danielle: “I learned so much about the ocean, awareness on and off water, general boating and responsibility as a Sea Scout.”
Taylor: “I learned much more than any 14-year-old could ever have imagined. I passed my CYA, First Aid, ROC-M and gained numerous hours of real-life experience.”
Michael’s Mom: “Sea Scouts allowed my son to continue in the scouting family learning a whole new set of skills while developing leadership, encouraging teamwork and fostering adventure.”
Be a part of our sailing legacy!
Contact Ron Wasik, Group Commissioner, by email at rwasik@telus.net or by cell phone at 604-218-9522.