A Few Days on A Sailboat...

[M.D. Holloway]

Back from BSA Seabase. My Son, 4 other Scouts, my older brother and the captain of a 41' Morgan Sloop sailed out of Lower Matecumbe Key in the Florida Keys. Spent 4 nights on the water, came in to port, spent the night at the dock and headed out for another night. 8 People living on a 41' boat is a bit interesting. Gives you an appreciation for a few things and space being the most considered. The lads did amazing. They learned how to sail a sloop (my Son and another boy were already were decent sailors - hunters, lasers, sunfish) but the larger boat presented new challenges.
They spent most of the days snorkeling, sailing and fishing. The worst part was the heat at night. I had the V birth with my brother. Sweat poured off me every night. My Son slept on deck most nights unless it rained which it did a few times.
I took lots of pics but most all had the other boys in them and frankly I don't like posting pics of other peoples kids.

Here was our boat. One of many in the BSA Seabase fleet.



Dawn out of my window



Time to start the day.


My Son making breakfast for the crew. All the scouts took turns with the duties such as cooking, cleaning (including the head), as well as rig work.






The weather wasn't always good though. See the water spout? No one chummed the water despite the fact that we were rolling pretty good.



We saw some amazing night skies and we did catch the meteor shower as well. Spectacular! Didn't get any pics but the sunsets were nice...

[pcardude]

I am so jelly! Beautiful man!

[pcardude]

Next time can I come?

[LWJ]

Lovely!

[Neilk]

Ran into a bunch of Boy Scouts doing the same thing in the Bahamas. Looks like a fun trip.

[M.D. Holloway]

Yup, Bahamas, St. Thomas and The Keys. Troops have to apply and get chosen via lottery. We have a few scouts that have the triple crown - Philmont, Northern Tier, and Seabase.

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Back from BSA Seabase. My Son, 4 other Scouts, my older brother and the captain of a 41' Morgan Sloop sailed out of Lower Matecumbe Key in the Florida Keys.

Dude... I just got back from the Keys on Saturday!
We could have met up for beer!

[Sunroof]

We chartered a Morgan 41 Out Island (ketch) many years ago out of Ft. Lauderdale for a trip to the Bahamas and back. They are heavy cruisers, not great on speed, but safety is key. With their heavy ballast, wide beam, high cockpit coamings, midship design and shoal draft design they do well in not so kindly sea conditions. We encountered remnants of hurricane Bob coming back from Nassau and she handled well in 50+ winds and rough seas. It took all hands to keep her going, but we were glad that it was the 41! Dollar for dollar they are wonderful live aboards for the price offering that spacious aft cabin, engine access and nice galley, dinette, settee area. Glad you h ad such a great adventure.

Bob
Catalina 30 Mark II "Breezin II"
Lake Lanier, GA

[gatotom]

Looks like fun hope you enjoyed.

this wkend at the dock in the morning we had a few visitors





the afternoon was a easy sail