SAILING EXCURSION FOR ABACO SCOUTS
by Huel Moss Jr
At ten o' clock on a warm, blue-sky Abaco morning, twenty-six Abaco scouts
and cub scouts set sail from the Moorings in Marsh Harbour. Their destination
was a few hours of carefree sailing in the Sea of Abaco aboard the 83-foot
ketch The William H Albury . Captain Bob and his crew displayed
great patience and knowledge in their imparting of information on the history
and proper sailing of the craft.
One of the boys from the 6th Abaco Scout Troop was so determined not to
miss the experience that he boarded the ketch from a speed boat a few miles
out after arriving late at the dock. The boys and girls learned basic boat
handling and sailing techniques, sailing terms and some navigation. In
fact, a few of the boys manned the tiller for a while as they sailed a
short loop course. A light lunch with drinks was served which quickly disappeared
into excited stomachs.
Several leaders also enjoyed the day's sailing including District Commissioner
Huel Moss Jr; Drexel Major of the 1st Abaco Scout Troop and Cub Pack; and
Charmica Moss, Secretary of the District Association (who was ecstatic
about her job on the jib during tack manoeuvres).
This summer was the first time the Florida High Adventure Sea Base and
the Abaco scouting body have come together for such activities. More is
being planned for next year. The Crossing Beach clean-up, the donation
of snorkeling and the sail excursion is a tremendous start.
Next year, two scholarships are being offered to an Abaco scout and a leader
to attend a week-long Sea Base High Adventure Camp in New Mexico. This
is a clear indication of Sea Base's goodwill to work with the youth of
The Bahamas and Abaco in particular.
Many thanks to Captain Richard Canfield and Captain Bob for their co-operation
and kindness in working with the scouts of Abaco.