08/16/2026
⚓ Skipper’s Reflection - Sitting here in my air-conditioned office, sipping my second cup of coffee that didn’t come from instant crystals, I was just thinking how pleasant it is that today’s weather forecast is a full 20 degrees cooler than what our crew faced all last week.
Last week, Sea Scout Ship 518 from Mankato teamed up with Ship 9339 from Prior Lake, Ship 1 from Lake City, and a few Scouts BSA youth for an incredible high adventure trek to Florida Sea Base. From exploring Everglades and Biscayne National Parks at the start to spending days underway, it was truly a journey of a lifetime.
The adventures we shared were unforgettable: sailing aboard the Schooner Jolly II Rover, anchoring off Boca Grande Key for stunning sunsets, exploring Key West, and watching a feeding frenzy of 8-foot lemon sharks right off the side of the boat after dark. And, of course, nothing beats ending the day listening to Captain Perry’s legendary storytelling under the stars.
But beyond the incredible sights, the real magic of Florida Sea Base was the personal growth. Bringing four different units together meant most of the youth didn’t know each other at first. Yet, they stepped up immediately, elected their crew leadership, and started functioning like a cohesive, respectful team almost overnight.
The scouts worked hard learning how to find their position on a chart, standing anchor watch, tracking ship's bell time, learning boat terminology, keeping gear squared away ("no gear adrift"), and taking turns scrubbing the head multiple times a day.
I watched youth step far out of their comfort zones. For instance, we had a scout who was initially hesitant to take a turn at the helm because he was worried about making a mistake. Once reassured and guided, he ended the cruise standing at the wheel with one hand in his pocket, looking like he’d been doing it for months! We also saw a scout work through a tough moment during a snorkeling entry; when fins made him feel unbalanced on a long stride, he calmly stepped aside, adjusted his approach, solved the problem, and jumped right in—all while a line of teammates waited patiently without a single grumble or complaint.
Living aboard a sailboat also teaches you the universal truth that sailors don't get much privacy. Between the tropical heat driving everyone to sleep on deck under the stars (and occasionally rolling over on each other's sleeping pads) and tight quarters, the crew rolled with every challenge with incredible grace. As for me? I had to fight my own classic struggle of trying to "pack my fears"—though I'm very glad I left my ham radios at home!
By the end of the trip, everyone was exhausted and more than ready for their own beds, but they were overwhelmingly glad they made the voyage. Strong friendships and camaraderie were forged across these different Ships that will definitely pave the way for future adventures together.
Huge thank you to Capt Perry, Capt Mike, First Mate Tria, and Nate the Great for sharing the boat with us. And another big thank you to all the adult leaders that came along and made this trip possible. Fair winds and following seas! 🌊⚓
