Sea Scout Ceremony

It was AWESOME!! My son headed off to his big AMR Regatta over Memorial weekend and Monday we got to go watch the ceremonies. Him and his crew are THE BEST!

They got a 3rd place win and like four 2nd place wins and got Schooner in the overall scoring (which is like second place…all very complicated and I didn’t fully get it either). I know, I know…they were disappointed, they usually take 1st and 2nd place wins with an overall Clipper award but it was still exciting.

Okay, to start at the beginning of the Sea Scout Memorial Day Adventure…we got the kids up at 5:30 in the morning and did the usual routine (morning arguments and preparations…yada yada yada).

Then we drove to the Sea Scout docking pier and met the bus along with thirty other parents and siblings. They drove us to The USS Hornet in Alameda where the regatta was hosted. Did you know those bus windows have very bright red levers that open them in case of emergency. This bright red just calls to little toddler boys…just saying. It kept the trip interesting, that’s all.

The USS Hornet is SO huge…you think its big, it looks big in pictures and film…then you see it and it’s massive HUGE. The little guys were in heaven…a huge toy boat with airplanes on it and EVERYTHING.

Inside the Hanger Deck there’s several historic airplanes, and the Apollo 11 capsule and decontamination thingy (it’s like an RV without wheels).

Ok, so after entering Hanger Deck…we head to Hanger Bay 3 where this whole ceremony set up is ready with rows and rows of Sea Scouts in uniform…they are awesome…so handsome and cute and like little sailors (okay, mommy moment over, just look at the picture while I dry my eyes).

Okay, dry for now. So winnings are called (along with mommy catcalls to the Chaser and her crew). Ashley walks the boys around the museum and planes so Scarlet and I can enjoy the ceremony without the glares that usually accommodate there presence.

Afterwards, it’s chaos and little sailor people crowding around and I can’t find my guy. Several minutes later I was able to get this picture of him in uniform…isn’t he handsome. Look, I got in a shot…there will be a record for my childrens children.

Okey, dokey…so then we all head to the Chaser for the ride home…yes (wiggles in seat from excitement) we get a ride home from our boys in uniform on their wonderful Sea Scout ship. I’m trying to play it cool so I won’t get Billy’s “Oh my God” look and I remain in the cool category.

Ok, isn't from the day…in my excitement I forgot to get pictures of them docked in Alameda’s Naval pier (I know, I know).


I did get shots of Billy working the boat after it was under way. Here’s the best of them.


We were on our way. The boys decided to detour through the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge and by Alcatraz for their passengers. It was cool, here’s some pictures:


Scarlet had a little bit of a rough time during lunch when we were in the boat. Some fresh air up top cured that right up and she was once again her hyperactive, dramatic self (man, I love her!).

Even between wrangling the little boys and keeping them from damaging anything vital, I was able to relax and enjoy the perfect day.

Parents are always proud of their children, and I’m sure they have reason to be…but at the moment their pride in their kids ball game, track record, or grade just seems a little…less to those of this Sea Scout parent. And it goes beyond my own son as they work in teams and I kind of feel parental to them all at the moment.

Come on, does their 14-21 year old know how to drive a 90-foot bigg-ass boat and learn Deck (lookout, helmsman, handle lines, fenders and anchors), Engineering and Navigation duties? I think not.

I’m feeling damn right cocky as a parent right now as it’s obvious these Sea Scouts ROCK!