Seabase 2017 – Info to help you plan!

Voyager TraceAs presented at the spring Court of Honor, Troop 24 is planning a high adventure trip in the Florida Keys next summer.  The Florida Seabase is a BSA owned and run facility that offers older scouts the opportunity to experience a nautical trip of a lifetime.  Troop 24 has a reservation for a crew of 18-20 scouts & adults on a Sea Exploring adventure on a 75 foot topsail schooner.

The following information should help you and your scout decide if this is a trip he (and maybe you) want to take:

  • Who:
    • Participants must be 13 years old and graduated from the eighth grade or 14 years old
    • Must swim 100 yards (official BSA swimmer test), and stay afloat for one minute.
    • Minimum 4 adults as certified BSA leaders (max 50% of participants 18 or older)
    • First class rank
    • Crew size of 18 minimum to 20 maximum
  • What: The following descriptions are from the Seabase website
    • Designed for larger groups, offering your crew the opportunity to experience a sailing adventure of yesteryear. These are large vessels, 75 feet or more, normally gaff-rigged topsail schooners, fully equipped and prepared to provide an unforgettable adventure snorkeling the beautiful Keys’ reefs, fishing, and hands-on sailing as well as a port-o-call in Key West.
    • During the weeklong odyssey, you will snorkel several reefs as you sail among the fabulous Florida Keys.  Along the way, you will troll for mackerel, barracuda, and mahi-mahi, hoping to supplement the ship’s stores.
    • Among the highlights of your adventure are sailing to a small archipelago of islands, fishing, snorkeling, and maybe even catching some lobster (in season). If you’re expecting a “cruise” and someone serving your meals, this is not the adventure for you. It is a rugged extended voyage on a large vessel. Everyone pitches in with the sailing and cooking chores. You’ll do on-board navigation, star study, and lots of snorkeling and fishing—but you won’t be waited on.
  • Where:
    • Islamorada Florida, mile marker 73.8 in the Florida Keys 90 miles from Miami Airport
  • When:
    • Sunday, June 25 to July 2, 2017; eight days & seven nights
    • Troop 24 organizational meeting in August as financial commitments are due in October 2016
  • How:
    • Fly from Chicago airport (TBD) during early morning, connect with local charter bus to the Sea Base
    • Return from Seabase to connect with local charter bus and fly back to Chicago for evening arrival.
  • Cost:
    • $837 to $930 per person program fee (depends on group size)
    • $100 estimated bus charter fee
    • $100 sundry other for meals in transit, T-shirt, etc.
    • $1,130 total estimated cost 
    • Excludes $200-350 estimated airfare, which families will book on their own

Are you interested or have questions?  Email Jim Jerz.   Stay tuned for the details of the first organizational meeting in late August.

 

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