In November SSS Chaser hosts a practice regatta at their base on the upper Napa River. The SSS Liberty, SSS Compass Rose, SSS Last Gasp, SSS Reliance, SSS Barkley Stephens, and SSS Chaser are all tied to the dock. Meanwhile their crews practice scuttlebutt, breeches buoy, rope climb, boatswain's chair, and knots.
The Bridge of Honor in the evening is very formal. Here Krome serves as a member of the color guard.
The dance that follows the Bridge of Honor is a chance for all Scouts to look their best and visit with friends. Here Skipper Shelhorn escorts his daughter Rebecca.
Chaser - Mini Regatta and Bridge and Ball - 2000
Early in the morning we met and began the trek by auto. The purpose, besides having fun, was to show some of the regatta events to the new Scouts and to meet friends from summer and YBI.
The Scouts tied knots - or learned to tie knots.
They took a couple of quizzes.
They learned about piloting.
And they hung around and had a great time socializing.
Mrs. Strohecker and Mr. Sterling helped ensure everything went smoothly. They provided transportation, too. Thank you!
That night there was a Quartermaster Bridge of Honor and a dance. We spent the night at Mrs. Strohecker's office because we rose early the next day to "sail with the tide" on the Chaser. The following are actually pictures of two cruises taken on Chaser. Scouts learned all sorts of deck skills, safety procedures, and drills. A few even learned how to operate Chaser galley or to act as helmsman.
Even Skipper Shellhorn gets to "act up" occasionally. Thank you to Chaser Skipper and crew for allowing us to cruise!