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Update - March 06, 2012

     Winter season has been very productive for Ship 956. We've received several significant contributions to Ship's operations including a 1998 20' Sea Ray (Thanks contributors!). Scouts have participated in overnight outings on board and under way. Our recruiting has been successful, we have quite a few new Scouts(Welcome!). Spring operations include participation in the Commodore's Cup and Apollo Beach Regattas. As of February, the summer trip was cancelled, but with the uptick in recruiting, an attempt may be made to do something.

 

Update - September 23, 2011

     A successful campout was held on one of the spoil islands in St. Joesph Sound this past weekend. During this event, we took both boats to another spoil island and cleaned the boat bottoms. Both boats are clean and ready for cooler weather.

We had about 6 potential recruits and their parents visit the ship during this past Monday night sail. All seemed to have a good time.

At the end of the Monday night sail, Shenanigan's propeller started 'freewheeling'. Hopefully it is just the bushings in the prop and can be repaired or replaced cheaply. We've commonly had this problem on the motors on the dinghys for boats we charter for summer cruises, so it is a familiar problem.

 

Bylaws Updated - September 13, 2011

     This past summer, we realized there was a contradiction in our bylaws that prevented us from holding a legal Quarterdeck election in June as is our normal schedule. We converted the leadership from a formal Quarterdeck, to a bylaws repair committee and set about re-doing our bylaws. After submitting all necessary changes, and waiting the required comment period for changed bylaws, the new bylaws were unanimously adopted by the ship's crew in August. This allowed us to have a Quarterdeck election at the September business meeting.

 

Fleet Status - September 13, 2011

     Loree Anne's motor went out for repairs in early September. Because of the presence of ethanol in the gas we use, it is imperative that when shutting down either boat's motor after a sail, the fuel line be disconnected and the motor allowed to run out of gas. Ethanol based gasoline left inside the motor is causing major maintenance problems. In addition, please be sure that any boat motor is tilted up and out of the water at the end of a sail.

Our Sunfish look great with new paint and decals! We've already benefited from putting our web site's URL on the hulls of these boats. Photos of these events should be posted to the Gallery soon.

 

Venture Leader Training - September 13, 2011

     Early this past summer, several of our crew completed the Venture Leader Skills Course. This is the foundation leadership training for Venture aged youth in a Scouting program. Congratulations to Jacob, Dylan, Billy, Taylor and Adam!

 

Farewell to Jacob - September 13, 2011

     It is with heavy heart we bid farewell to Jacob. He has been an exemplary Sea Scout in Ship 956 for many years. His family is moving to Georgia, and he will be missed. We wish him well in his future endeavors, and hope he visits us often, or maybe sails with the Ship again on a summer cruise!

 

Quarterdeck Elections - September 12, 2011

     Congratulations to our new Quarterdeck for 2011-2012:

  • Boatswain -- Billy
  • Boatswain's Mate -- Taylor
  • Purser -- Tad
  • Yeoman -- Adam
  • Special Events Coordinator (Specialist) -- Dylan

As the Ship is heavily recruiting new members, additional Quarterdeck positions will be filled as the need arises.

Brief Quarterdeck meetings will take place the Monday before the monthly business meeting.

 

Parent's Meeting To Be Scheduled - September 12, 2011

     One of the first decisions made by our new Quarterdeck is to hold a parent's meeting. This will be scheduled soon. The idea is to share with the Ship's crew's parents the status of the Ship, Advancement opportunities and benefits, status of the Ship's fleet, and present the schedule of activities for the coming year. An announcement with details about this event will be made by the Quarterdeck shortly.

 

New Photos Added - June 5, 2011

     Courtsey of Skipper Doug, photos of the Bahamas Long Cruise 2010 and The Cat's Point Regatta 2010 have been added to the Gallery.

 

Ship 956 General News - June 5, 2011

     This coming Monday, we hope to be able to re-install the repaired swim latter on Loree Anne. If that is successful, we'll immediately take both boats to a spoil island, hop in the water and clean the bottoms. Come prepared to get wet!

 

Ship 956 Web Site Relaunch - May 30, 2011

     After far too long, the Ship has re-launched our web site! Ship956.org is back on line with updated content including recent photos and news about Ship 956. Check back often to keep up with our adventures.

 

Ship 956 General News - May 30, 2011

     Currently, the crew is working on maintenance projects for our 2 sailboats "Loree Anne" and "Shennanigans". So far, we've sanded all the exterior wood work in preparation for sealing, and removed the swim ladder from Loree Anne to have it repaired. Very soon, we'll take the boats out to a spoil island in St. Joseph Sound to beach and clean the hulls.

     Quarterdeck elections are scheduled for the June business meeting. Any Sea Scout wishing to serve the crew as an officer should consider standing for election. For more information see Mr. Westphal or Mr. Dye.