NAWILIWILI — The Kauai Sea Scouts program hosted a traditional Hawaiian blessing officiated by Kumu Sabra Kauka on Friday for its new ship that, according to Commodore Larry Richardson, “fills the 65-foot slip” at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
“It was really special to have Kumu Sabra bless the boat for our safety and future generations,” said First Mate Tom Worthen of Kapaa.
Compared to the Sea Scout Ship Decisive, which is a 40-foot trawler that has been the Sea Scout ship since 2009, Skipper Richardson said the new boat “is a lot bigger and faster, and will be able to serve the kids of Kauai for decades to come.”
“Our new boat is for the youth of Kauai for generations to come,” Richardson said.
The Kauai Sea Scouts have been teaching the youth of Kauai for 15 years about ships through its four core values of seamanship, leadership, friendship, and citizenship.
“This boat gives me the chance to have adventures and learning opportunities that I never would have gotten to experience if I never joined Sea Scouts,” said Luca Des Marais of Kalaheo.
The current Sea Scout program has more than 30 scouts and has outgrown the capabilities of Decisive, which can accommodate only 14 persons, including scouts and adult leaders. To quote the movie “Jaws,” “it is time to find a bigger boat.”
The E Sea Rider, which was blessed and put into commission on Friday, will berth 30 people and fit into the Sea Scouts’ 65-foot slip at Nawiliwili.
However, a major fundraising campaign is needed to raise the funds to pay for the boat the Sea Scouts found on Oahu.
As the only Sea Scouts in the state of Hawaii, the program has provided boys and girls with experiences and memories to carry throughout their lives. Several scouts who have “aged out” of the program have gone on to maritime careers.
For more information on the Sea Scout program, help with donating for the new boat, visit the Sea Scout website at www.kauaiseascouts.org.
Source: The Garden Island
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