Published on Thursday, August 5, 1999
© 1999 The Press Democrat
Three years ago, a friend invited Montgomery High student Amy Fletcher to go sailing.
``It sounded like fun,'' said Fletcher, 18. ``I couldn't resist.''
Today, she's at the wheel of the 49-foot cruiser SSS Orion, navigating the Petaluma River. As a Sea Scout, she's learning the ropes on all kinds of watercraft, from small sailboats to rowing craft to dieselpowered ships like Orion.
Besides nautical skills, she's gaining experience in teamwork and leadership.
Sea Scouting is a great way for teens to enjoy the outdoors, according to Skipper Katherine Sterling of Santa Rosa's Sea Scout Ship 132. The program offers year-round activities for young people 14 to 21.
As scouts rise through the ranks they earn more responsibility. Fletcher is a junior officer aboard Orion, helping supervise the rest of the crew.
At Petaluma's marina last month, scouts scrambled over the Orion's deck, shouting orders and stowing dock lines as the ship got underway. Scouts took turns at the helm and on lookout as Orion chugged downriver.
Between duties, they enjoyed a buffet dinner and watched the sun set over the marshlands south of Petaluma.
An hour later, pilot Stan Sterling eased Orion back into her berth at the marina while the co-ed crew of scouts tied her to the dock. ``Doin' good, guys,'' said Sterling.
Scouts quickly learn to take their jobs seriously. ``If you don't do it right, somebody's going to yell at you,'' said Fletcher. The program emphasizes safety, with training in first aid and firefighting.
The Santa Rosa scouts do more than just sail Orion. They also maintain the ship, a former U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat built in 1943. Orion was rescued from a watery grave at Alameda last year and the Sea Scouts have been restoring her ever since.
Rob Berry, a 16-year-old scout who attends Rancho Cotate High, said he's learning how to take care of the ship's diesel engine.
Aboard the Orion, the scouts explore San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This month, the crew will take a 10-day cruise to the Delta, with a side trip to Marine World in Vallejo.
The ship has a galley, heads and cabins for overnight trips.
Crew members also attend Sea Scout regattas, where they compete against other California ships in nautical events. Fletcher said she's proud of the crew's top showing in the marlinspike event, which combines knot tying, rope splicing, sail mending and other skills.
On Wednesdays, scouts practice sailing at Santa Rosa's Spring Lake.
Anne Guilford, 19, a scout for six years and a sophomore at Sonoma State University, said Sea Scouting is good training for young people interested in the Navy, Coast Guard or maritime industry.
The ship, sponsored by Santa Rosa's American Legion Post 21, can be reached at 528-6677. Petaluma has its own Sea Scout ship, Compass Rose.
Both programs have websites that can be found under the Boy Scouts of America's Sea Scouts internet site.