Sea Scout Ship Neptune #30 West Sacramento, CA

Welcome News-Ledger Readers!

2012-02-02T09:39:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much for following our program! Come check out our main site:

http://www.youthmaritime.com/

Year in Review, 2011

2012-01-03T14:28:00.001-08:00

2011 was a banner year for the Neptune and SDYMA. We faced and overcame multiple challenges, and 2012 is primed to explode with all of the hard work of a crew that is really starting to gel, and a great staff of key adults that is bringing our program to greatness.

Following is a list of just some of our major accomplishments for 2011.... 2012 will wrap up many of these projects with the crew ready to skyrocket in this next year

Boats:
·         Acquired the Bertram and traded for Emerald Sea (Neptune)
·         Acquired the Chingas
·         Acquired the 40'
·         Acquired 30606. Performed rehabilitation and haul out on SRB.
·         Streamlined non-program boats out of the program.
·         Bartered the Saint Joseph for necessary parts to build the Emerald Sea.
·         Acquired #6 pulling boat.
Facilities:
·         Acquired the base on Park Blvd and began improving it.
·         Installed Breeches Buoy Tower at Landing
·         Installed 60' of dock at the landing
·         Pulled power to trailer and dock locations. Installed new safety lighting.
·         Acquired floats to build docks for 2011.
Program:
·         Went on 1st overnight cruise aboard our own boat in 10+ years
·         Went to Safety at Sea for the first time in 10+ years.
·         Went on 1st Long cruise in 10+ years aboard the Point Weber.
·         Formed sistership alliances with the Albatross and Point Weber.
·         Went to 1st regattas in 10+ years, Napa, Seafarers, and AMR.
·         Ended the year with 100% of the crew achieving Apprentice or better.
·         Three grant awards of $1000 or better

· Skipper Nate won the Civic Leadership Award for Service from the City of West Sacramento

2012- watch out- the Neptune is coming strong!!!!

Goodbye Saint Joe!

2011-12-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Boats may come and go, but Neptune lives on. April 11, 2010, a crew took on an immense challenge that others weren’t able to do. The Saint Joseph became part of our fleet. Many adults, crew, volunteers, supporters all chipped in and rallied around our new acquisition. Many hours of work, blood and sweat were realized aboard her.

There were a lot of miles driven by several people to Morro Bay in a season full of long weekends. From Possums on the Bow, and the “hot pocket” and who can forget the lumpy pancakes or the offshore chili dogs- the Saint Joseph gave us lots to rally around, and the Neptune was on the upswing. Assisted by the Chaser, she came under the Golden Gate in July after a starter burnt up and had to be rebuilt underway. She carved the ocean swells like a Samurai with her high bow.

In Sacramento, the demolition of the hold and the mast removal were just two of the massive efforts that were undertaken. We also did an overhaul of the battery room, and spruced her up on the water side. Unfortunately, some major hurdles came into play and she could never be fully realized. With the acquisition of the Emerald Sea, she was traded to acquire the necessary parts to further our project. Her nameplate and wheel will hang with pride in the meeting hall.

Today, We bid you farewell, old friend. Fair Winds and Following Seas. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you!

Here was the Joe's original marketing video:

Sea Scouts: Leaders in Going Green

2011-09-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

With a global emphasis of going green, Sea Scouting has always been centric in recycling. As programs like ours rarely have the budget or resources to go buy the newest and greatest of resources, we re-use and re-purpose many boats, tools, and even items for youth training.

Sea Scouts has been a leader in this for many years, getting older ex-military vessels and converting them for youth training vessels. As less military vessels become available, commercial vessels are slowly taking their place.

Even recycled lumber from old power poles was used to construct the training tower for the SSS Neptune at the SDYMA Landing. Old shelving out of the McGeorge School of Law Library furnished the inside of the Neptune's trailer.

As a youth program, we also instill and educate conservation, re-use, and recycling to our young adults. We teach sail power and invest in solar technologies for sustainability as well. More units with large vessels are looking down the path of bio-diesel and developing strong sailboat based programs. A right hand salute for a program that continues to push the envelope and set the standard for "Going Green!"

Rising Tide Foundation Donates $7,500 to Youth Mariners

2010-10-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

RISING TIDE FOUNDATION DONATES $7,500 TO YOUTH MARINERS

There’s a rusted old shrimp boat docked on the West Sacramento waterfront along South River Road, but it’s not another of the abandoned, sinking vessels that have dotted the shoreline over the years. It is a project of the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association, a group of 18 mariners ranging in age from 12 to 17, and their adult leaders, who intend to turn the 78-foot boat into a training and exploration vessel. But it needs a lot of work.

The youth group will grind through decades of rust to extend the cabin, adding a galley, dining area and training facilities on the top of the boat, while turning the former shrimp holding tanks into separate bunk areas for boys and girls, with a head and shower for each. A small galley, which now adjoins the wheelhouse, will be expanded into quarters for the adult crew. Other improvement will be a retooled mast and exhaust system, according to the group’s adult leader, “Skipper” Nate Eckler.

Board members of West Sacramento’s Rising Tide Foundation toured the boat with Eckler and were determined to help, culminating in a donation of $7,500 during a work party on the boat last week. The crew of young workers stood at rapt, military-style attention as West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and local developer David Stroud, chairman of the Rising Tide Foundation, presented the donation.

“The Rising Tide Foundation was founded under the premise that ‘a rising tide raises all ships’ and even within the comfortable borders of West Sacramento, there are people and projects in need of a boost,” said Stroud. “We are proud to provide that to this endeavor.”

To date, the maritime association has invested about $5,000 in the boat, which was built in Alabama in 1968 and christened the Saint Joseph before it navigated through the Panama Canal to Morro Bay where it served as a working shrimp boat. While en route from Morro Bay to West Sacramento in July, the starter on the big diesel engine failed, but the group completed repairs while being towed to the Golden Gate by a boat operated by a Sea Scouts troop in Napa. The group completed the last 12 hours under their own power. The vessel has been renamed the Neptune, with the boat’s new name embroidered on shirts and caps worn by the crew.

“With donations such as this and the continuing flow of support from the community, we expect to be seaworthy soon,” said Eckler.

Making a Difference

2010-08-16T00:59:00.000-07:00

As the new Neptune made it to West Sacramento, preparing a new home has had its set of challenges. Through a combination of Cemex, The City of West Sacramento, and Ramos Oil, the Neptune crew has started renovating an abandoned industrial area into a vibrant youth training facility.

In a very short time, the crew has worked hard, creating fire breaks, improving security, removing water obstructions, and installing a fire hose, but that's not the half of it! The crew also replaced some broken conduit, and installed 300' of electrical cable, and stepping down power from 12 kv, to 480v, and then stepping down again from 480 to 240v, 200 amp service. The Neptune crew is working hard to make a difference in our community!

Saint Joseph Makes it home to the Sacramento Delta

2010-07-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

After a culmination of many man hours, and three months of hard work, the Saint Joseph made the trek out of Morro Bay at 0630 hours on July 15, 2010 with the Chaser following.

Comprised of a crew of 11 adults, featuring Neptune crew, alumni, volunteers, and crew from other ships, the new "Neptune" had an extraordinary crew to take her home.

But every offshore voyage is bound to have its adventures. About 1.5 hours into the cruise, the mechanical PTO pump on the front of the engine would not completely disengage. The collective decision was made to shut the engine down, pull the pump off, and make a quick patch and continue steaming up the coast.

After successfully removing the pump, it was noticed that the momentary starter switch on the main engine never disengaged and fried the starter on the main engine. To give us time to solve the situation, and to give the engineering team some much needed time to get some rack time, we rigged a tow line between us and the Chaser to make some way up the coast.

We were able to get another starter in place and get the main fired back up, but due to the sea conditions- 8'-12' swells, we determined to keep plugging up the coast on the tow line, and assist by powering up the Saint Joseph and making better speed up the coast toward Monterey. We also had a few friends follow us up the coast.

Don't worry- he's faking...

Due to fatigue and seasickness from both crews and sea conditions, we stayed in tow throughout the night, and 28 hours from the departure time, the friendly sight of the Golden Gate bridge was in view.

We passed under the Golden Gate at 1030 hrs on July 16. After cruising to Anchorage 4 where the tow line could be safely retrieved, the Chaser and the Saint Joseph separated as the Neptune Crew headed north and the Chaser made way to San Francisco.

After making a quick stop at Mare Island to drop off a couple of passengers, the ship made its way up into the Sacramento Delta past the mothball fleet, and the legendary USS Iowa.

We cruised her up through the Delta the crew had a huge sigh of relief after reaching the Rio Vista bridge and getting our first opening. We continued going up through the Sacramento River and getting some photo ops from former Neptune crew member, Leo Sumbatoff.

We had many cars stop and wave, and received many looks for a seemingly out of place commercial trawler in the Delta. In fact as one boater looked up, former Boatswain George Logan said, "Seen any shrimp around here?"

After 36 and a half hours of cruising non-stop, at 1900 hours, the crew landed up at their new temporary home in Isleton, CA, thanks to Neptune supporter, Bill Ramos, and Ramos Oil as they allowed us to use their fueling dock.

It was a great trip and the start of many, many more! Keep posted for more news!

T Minus 6 days and Counting!

2010-07-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

A veritable army of crew and volunteers (19 in total) descended upon the new Neptune last weekend in Morro Bay for the final work party to prepare the boat for the voyage home. Last weekend's events culminated the final push of effort to prepare the boat for the voyage up the coast. In just three short months, the officers and crew have done a huge amount of work in a very short time. Some of the items include:

Safety Modifications, including a new hold ladder, safety rails, and repairs to the existing stern railing, nightime safety lights installed..

New 12v/120v/24 electrical panels and wiring.

Conversion of the 32v system to 24v, including new running lights, starters, batteries, and chargers

Two radars and VHF Radios installed.

New throttle and shift linkages.
Declutter the entire boat and 12 bunks installed.

Made the boat liveable for the officers and crew

Two stage fuel filtering system with full servicing on the engines. Fuel crossovers and 1200 gal of fuel onboard.

Rust removal and painting to new "Neptune" colors.

There was a lot more that was completed too, but in a few short months, this crew did a remarkable job. She's making her way up the coast on July 15 to a port near you!

Our New Surfboat

2010-06-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

The Neptune crew has now taken on another challenge. Through a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Andrews, our program has received the donation of a former US Coast Guard Self Bailing, Self Righting Surfboat. These boats have a true following and are incredible.

Our boat is awaiting her call back to service. Here's a video clip of her in 1991.

Here's her present day today:

More updates on her restoration will be coming soon! Stay tuned.

SSS Neptune Reunion Party

2010-06-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, alums of the Neptune crew came down to the base and had a great reunion from many members over the Ship's History, along with parents and crew of today. It was a great event for all. Special thanks to former Skipper Mark Cagle for attending, along with long distance travelers Clayton Wright and George Logan who traveled from Colorado and Oregon, respectively.

.Left to Right- Skipper Nate Eckler, Clayton Wright, Executive Officer Jeremy Pease, Dan Degroot, Former Skipper Mark Cagle, and Former Boatswain George Logan.

Chef Paul at work!

Thanks to all who made this event such a success!

Making a Difference in our Community

2010-06-14T13:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, members of the Neptune crew worked hard over at Sacramento Marina on K-Dock to beautify the marina by scrubbing rubrail throughout that section of dock and really made a significant improvement. Armed with scrub brushes and simple green, the Neptune crew led by Mrs. Ulshoeffer, was committed to making a positive difference in the boating community on Sunday and was rewarded by a surprise cruise on the Buccaneer by Skipper and Mr. J.

Marina manager Bud Camper commented, "Please thank your crew for helping us make the Marina a better place."

Many Thanks Neptune Crew!

Lake Washington Sail Club Summer Sailing Series

2010-06-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

As many of you have seen our Sailing program is picking up speed. This Thursday at about 4 o’clock Mr. Thweatt will be setting up our Lido for the afternoon races. At 6 o’clock the afternoon races will be starting.

For directions to the LWSC please visit the following link

http://www.lwsailing.org/info/

For directions to Mr. Thweatt’s house

If coming into West Sacramento going East bound

1 Take the Jefferson Blvd exit - go 0.6 mi

2 Turn right at Jefferson Blvd - go 3.0 mi

3 Turn right at Linden Rd - go 0.1 mi

4 Take the 1st left onto Allan Ave - go 0.1 mi

Arriving at Allan Ave

If coming into West Sacramento going West bound

1. Take the Jefferson Blvd exit toward W Sacramento 0.1 mi

2. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Jefferson Blvd 0.4 mi

3. Turn left at Jefferson Blvd 3.0 mi

4. Turn right at Linden Rd 0.1 mi

5. Take the 1st left onto Allan Ave

Sacramento’s Sea Scouts

2010-06-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

Great article about us in the Midtown Monthly. Click to read all about us!

A Lt. Dan sighting; Updates from Morro Bay

2010-05-25T10:05:00.001-07:00

Is that Lt. Dan on the mast of the Jenny? Nope, it is merely our XO Jeremy Pease up on the top of the mast rigging up some new navigation lights. After a very breezy weekend (Gale Force winds all weekend long), the crew started tackling some of the final items on the list, including the replacement of the venerable hydraulic lines to a Morse cable system. Additional work included the installation of a 220v shore power system and building of new bunks in the "crew hold." We also transferred 1200 gallons of diesel fuel aboard, with 1000 of them coming as a donation from Ramos Oil in West Sacramento. With our measurements, we have an additional 8500 gallons to go before we are 'full."

We also found some more things to add to the list like a leaky hydraulic system around the rudder ram and some additional repairs will be needed to the engine room ladder, but it was another fun and productive weekend. The crew spent some of its "off hours" watching YouTube videos and having fun. Sunday morning led to the invention of Neptune "banan-cakes." Stay tuned for more updates- we will be back again next weekend!

What did you do this weekend?

2010-05-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to have the summer you'll never forget? West Sacramento's premier youth aquatic boating and sailing program is ready for you!

Sailing Tonight at Lake Washington Sailing Club

2010-05-13T12:33:00.001-07:00

Race two of the LWSC Thursday night series is on tonight at 6:00 PM. Come watch the Neptune crew continue lead our division and hone our racing skills with Titanic II tonight.

For directions- http://www.lwsailing.org

Hope to see you there!

Thank you for visiting!

2010-05-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Since putting up our new site in September, we have had over 5,000 visitors. We appreciate all of our friends and guests coming by to learn more about our fantastic youth program. Thanks for sharing a few minutes of your busy day with us and making us part of your life!

Our Facebook page also has a new link. We can be found at http://www.facebook.com/SSSNeptune

Stay tuned- many great new things are coming!

Volunteers and Community Service Projects- Come on Down!

2010-05-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

With the need of community service hours over at local high schools and volunteer organizations, why not do it to make a difference directly in the Sacramento Area while having a lot of fun? Our program promotes safety and conservation efforts along the Sacramento River along with sailing, boating, learning to weld and work with engines and electrical, fire prevention, as well as to learn how to pilot a boat successfully.

In the end- you might just learn something while making it a summer you'll never forget!

More work continues on the new Neptune

2010-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Another productive weekend in Morro Bay aboard the new Neptune. First on the agenda was to clean the soot and grease off of the walls from the recently removed Lister diesel generator. This task was well beyond the typical Simple green and wiping; we had to bring out the big guns- Purple Power in a bug sprayer, instense scrubbing, and a pressure washer. Believe it or not, the walls are actually white!

Other progress was made on the deck and running light shadow boxes, breaking down the rust scale and working with our favorite friends; the needle guns. The crew made another significant dent in the deck and headway keeps being made.

Cabin improvements were made by Mr. Chris "Gunny" Pease and Ms. Kane. After the removal of "Cap'n Vance," a TV stand that took the space of two people out of the way, and Ms. Kane did a great job clearing out the head, shower, galley, and table.

The crew was rewarded with some off time too- enjoying the Morro Bay sights and the BBQ'd Oysters!

Sea Scout Neptune Featured in West Sacramento News-Ledger

2010-04-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

In the following article the Neptune’s acquisition of the 78’ trawler, currently named Saint Joseph, was featured in the West Sacramento News-Ledger.

By Steve Marschke
News-Ledger Editor

West Sacramento’s Sea Scouts have a 60-ton new toy.

The Boy scout-affiliated maritime group has taken possession of a former shrimp trawler in Morro Bay, after another Sea Scout chapter was unable to accept the vessel as a donation. Sea Scout leader (“Skipper”) Nate Eckler hopes to take a crew to the Central Coast to bring back the “Saint Joseph” sometime soon.

“We’re targeting bringing it up in mid-July,” said Eckler. “We have another Sea Scout vessel that is going to follow us up the coat. It’s not in bad shape, for having spent a few years sitting around tied to a buoy. It needs some priming and painting.”

The new old boat will join a flotilla that includes a 27-foot O’Day sailboat, a 23-foot racing sailboat on the San Francisco Bay, a 14-foot Lido sailboat and a Chris Craft Cruiser docked on the Sacramento River.

“Mayer Cabaldon also donated his 21-foot ski boat,” said Eckler.

The 78-foot steel trawler adds something different to the fleet of fiberglass and wooden boats. It will offer opportunities for the ten current Sea Scouts to learn, both on and off the water.

“It gives us the capability of being able to take the kids out and train them on the Bay and the opportunity to stay on the boat for an extended period of time,” Eckler said. “From an educational point of view, it also gives us the capability of teaching kids to work with metal. They’re already learning to weld.”

In its current condition, Eckler estimates the boat’s value at about $25-30,000. For more information on the local Sea Scout troop, visit www.sssneptune.blogspot.com or call (916) 775-3732

Upcoming Weekly Events

2010-04-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

April 28 - May 6

Friday April 30

Morro Bay work party,

We will be leaving for Morro Bay Friday evening at 5 p.m. from the scout hall and returning Sunday afternoon between 1 and 2 p.m. Make sure to pack a sleeping bag, and don’t forget to bring about $25 dollars for food. Please contact us a.s.a.p. if you would like to go.

Tuesday May 4

Weekly Scout Meeting

Make sure to drop by for our weekly meeting that runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Scout Hall. Upcoming events will be discussed as well as classes on advancement and regatta training.

Thursday May 6

Lake Washington Sailing Club Evening Series Sailboat Races

Come join us for some evening sailboat races out at the deep water channel, the races start at 6 p.m. directions can be found at, http://www.lwsailing.org/info/

As always if you have any questions or comments feel free to contact us at sssneptune@gmail.com

The busiest weekend of the year!

2010-04-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

The crew had their busiest weekend of the year thus far with half of the crew in Morro Bay and the other half at Lake Washington Sailing Club. Dana and Ryan, along with Mr. Thweatt and Cub Scout Pack 49 worked at the Lake Washington Community Sailing Day event and had a great time.

Meanwhile, in Morro Bay, the work continued on the new Neptune. Boatswain Jakub Davis led the efforts with 3 other crewmembers to learn new skills like welding, rust removal, and priming of the deck.

We improved the safety on the boat by starting to clear the decks of some of the previous obstructions from its former use as a fishing boat, and the crew began their first night of sleeping in their new quarters. It was a very fun, yet tiring weekend!

A Click a Day, that's all we ask....

2010-04-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

We are currently engaged in an effort to bring back a historic trawler to serve as a youth training vessel for young adults in the Sacramento Region. We are engaged in a Raley's Reach grant that will yield us a $7,500 award if we make it in the top 5 vote getters on May 12. You can vote every day- it will require you to get an account the first time, but then after that, a click a day makes all the difference in the world to us!

We are seeking Raley's Reach votes for our youth group in West Sacramento, CA to benefit the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association. Can you please go vote for us? We need votes everyday between April 21 and May 12. Please share this!
http://www.raleys.com/cfapps/reach/nomination.cfm?ideaid=1407110

Here is a video on our project!

From the Bridge...

2010-04-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Going up into the wheelhouse, we have our navigation and piloting areas, as well as a full wheel and electric jog stick controls. The new Neptune has an autopilot system as well as the Apelco radar from the AVR. A longer range radar as well as a GPS with chartplotter will be added before making the trip north.

More on the New Neptune- Engine Room

2010-04-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the tour of the new Neptune, we go down into the engine room. She has a single Caterpillar D343 with a huge PTO hydraulic pump on the front of her. There is a 3-71 Detroit Diesel 30 KW Auxiliary Generator to supply plenty of power to the entire ship.

Sadly, the fuel system had been left on and all of the fuel crossovers cracked in the 3-71, so we had to make some temporary modifications and drain the diesel engine out of the pan, but once we did, she ran like a champ.

One big engine room! Batteries are actually stored in the workshop/storage room that is just forward of the engine room. The unique thin g we aer finding on this boat- she's all tanks! Massive fuel and freshwater tanks that are thousands of gallons of capacity. Next up- wheelhouse.

Forrest Gump.....you're our hero!

2010-04-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sautee it. There's, um, shrimp kebabs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo, pan fried, deep fried, stir fried. There's pineapple shrimp and lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich... That's, that's about it.” Bubba Blue, Forrest Gump.

Well, we've got our own shrimp boat coming to West Sacramento. The Saint Joseph, a former Shrimp Trawler built in Mobile, Alabama in 1968, measures 78 feet in length with a 22 foot beam.

The boat is down in Morro Bay, and has become a bit of an iconic figure down there. The officers spent the weekend on her with some assistance from other crews in Napa, Stockton, and Richmond to help get her ready to come up the coast. There was a lot accomplished, including sending a diver below the boat to perform an inspection below the waterline, getting the main engine and auxilary generator operational, and converting the venerable 32v system to 24v.

The new "Neptune" currently has 4 bunks in two staterooms and a full, albeit small, galley.

Next post, we'll dig into the wheelhouse and engine rooms of this new monster! Stay tuned tomorrow!

Neptune Officers pluck man from water in SF Bay; take 2nd overall at Island Fever

2010-03-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Neptune Officers Jack Kelley and Skipper Nate Eckler, in a mixed crew along with members of BAADS finished out the Island Fever Regatta series with a 5th place finish yesterday and placed 2nd in the overall regatta.

The bigger victory came after the race when we were getting ready to lift the boat out of the water at Treasure Island and noticed a man in the water next to a Laser that had a broken rig. We hopped back in the Sonar, fired up the motor, and went back to pick him up.

It seems this stranded sailor had done just about everything wrong. With a 12 kt crosswind, he lost his rigging and proceeded to try and swim back to the dock, tying the Laser to his life jacket. By the time we had gotten to him and towed him back, fatigue was setting in, as we had to assist him up on to the Laser. We got him safely back to the TI Sailing Center dock, and he was beginning to notice on how his feet were starting to get cold. He was in the water for about 25 minutes when we got to him. With those winds, he was going sideways more than forward and may have never made the dock.

Neptune Crew receives Setzer Foundation Grant

2010-03-13T18:39:00.001-08:00

Today the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association received a generous grant from The Setzer Foundation in the amount of $500.00.

The Setzer Foundation has always been a very generous supporter in the Sacramento Area for many worthy programs. We are fortunate to have been considered and awarded a grant from them.

Many thanks to the Setzer Family and their foundation for their generosity!

A Rolls Royce For the Neptune Crew? Why Not!

2010-03-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

The Neptune crew has received a donation of a very rare boat, a 1960 40' Richardson Double Aft Cabin Cruiser. The Wahi Malu is possibly the last of its type as their were only a few of these made, and the other known boat has not been heard from in years.

Richardson boats have been dubbed by more than one author as "The Rolls Royce of Boats." We have become the benefactor of a very rare and special boat, and the restoration of her will be featured on this thread, and with the Richardson Boat Owners Association.

The Wahi Malu was shipped on a rail car to Southern California from New York in two pieces back in 1960. We are still researching some of the history on her, but have received many details from one of the previous owners who has been an excellent resource.

Made from mahogany and teak, the Wahi Malu is powered by twin Gray Marine 327 CI Fireball V-8s. She is currently berthed in Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor and will be soon making her trek home upriver.

Call to Arms- Neptune Officer Heading for Haiti

2010-03-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Neptune Sail Master Jim Thweatt, a scouter with Pack 49, Troop 1 and Ship 30, is a Physical Therapist and a lower leg amputee who is active in disabled person rights and sports. He will soon be traveling to Haiti with the Children's Hope to meet the right people as he and others develop an amputee rehab team.

His team requires assistance. While much help has already gone to the people of Haiti, they most certainly need more and the focus of this organization and especially his Rehab team is to provide the support for the community to take over the program itself.

Please contact Jim at 916-372-9151 or a Neptune representative at 916-775-3732.

WISH LIST:
Advil
Infant Tylenol drops, Children's Tylenol or Costco size Tylenol
Children's Vitamins, Pre-natal vitamins, Adult vitamins
Pregnancy tests, Condoms, and over-the-counter feminine yeast infection treatments
Powdered milk
Tents and tarps, light weight rope
Toothbrushes and paste
Bandaids/Ace bandages/gauze/waterproof tape/neosporin
Gloves and masks
Soccer balls/pumps/basketball nets/basketballs
Stethoscopes/blood pressure cuffs/thermometers
Laptops/digital cameras
Cash/check donations made to Children's Hope will purchase all antibiotics and medications

Children's Hope is a non-profit organization that (among other activities) has been going into Haiti since 2004. Our last team went in on February 4, 2010 and marked Children's Hope's 12th trip to Haiti. We are a humanitarian organization, that carries in medical and school supplies, and will function as the lead organization in running a research project during the summer of 2010 that will engage impoverished children who survived the January 12th earthquake.

2010 Recipient of the Golden Hammer Award, Mr. Bill Ramos

2010-03-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Celebrating our heritage, the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime and the SSS Neptune are pleased to recognize Mr. Bill Ramos as the recipient of the Arthur H. Chapo Memorial "Golden Hammer" Award. This award was presented by Skipper Nate Eckler to Mr. Ramos in a private ceremony.

Named after longtime volunteer and West Sacramento Resident Art Chapo, this award is presented to an individual or business that provides outstanding support of Sacramento Sea Scouting and Mariner Programs. Mr. Ramos and Mr. Chapo were longtime friends as well with Mr. Chapo working to restore many of the vintage fuel trucks for Ramos Oil.

Over the last 30 years, Mr. Ramos and Ramos Oil has provided the Sea Scout programs of West Sacramento thousands of dollars in fuel, oil, dockage, and materials. Former Boatswain George Logan (Neptune alumnus, 1989-1992) commented, "Mr. Ramos and Ramos Oil was a great choice and was very deserving for their many years of support to the Scouts."

But the support does not just extend to the Sacramento area Sea Scouts, during the summertime, it is not unusual to see units from Berkeley and the Bay Area up at their riverside dock with a fuel hose running down.

Mr Ramos was very pleased to receive this honor. "It's a great program, and I love to support you." he stated.

The SSS Neptune has been operating a youth boating and sailing program in West Sacramento since 1955. Our non-profit organization, the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association, exists to promote youth service education for young men and women through safe boating and sailing programs, while promoting teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. We also aim to promote vocational skills. We operate the SSS Neptune for young men and the MSS Dolphin for young women ages 13-21.

Look what the tide brought in!

2010-03-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

The Neptune Crew will have the use of a new signature training vessel by way of donation to our non-profit program. We are close to finalizing a deal for the first "larger" boat since the AVR moved on. She is a 1960 41' Richardson Double Aft Cabin cruiser. Currently located in San Pablo, we are close to getting her ready to come home and be a great training vessel for our youth program.

Many more details to come as we get ready to bring her back to Sacramento!

Neptune Receives $1000 Grant from West Marine!

2010-02-23T15:21:00.001-08:00

Before our Tuesday meeting today, I received a great e-mail from Liz McCombs, Grants and Community Outreach Coordinator from West Marine.

"...I'm happy to report that your group has been accepted for a grant, and I should be starting the process of fulfilling them next week. You will be copied on the email requesting the products, and if you could just keep a look out for them and let me know when they are received, that would be fantastic!"

Big props to West Marine, Liz McCombs, and Sacramento West Marine store manager, and dear friend, Don Henkle for making this happen for us. We will be getting a bunch of new lifejackets and safety equipment with this grant along with some rigging supplies for our sailboats.

Thank you so much, Don, Liz, and West Marine!

Three New Boats inbound!

2010-02-22T20:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mr. Thweatt for the latest vessel finds. We have a new training 16 ft "K- Craft" with a 90 Hp outboard. This should make a great training boat for small boat ops along with our new Regal.

Additionally, we were able to get two new El Toro sailboats from the folks over at BAADS. These look to
be in excellent condition and is a sweet donation. Hopefully soon, we can get a donation of a great signature large training vessel!

Neptune Crew welcomes our newest sister ship- The M.S.S. Dolphin

2010-02-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

To give the best growth for our program, the officers of the Neptune have been working with the Girl Scouts of America to bring back the Girl Scout Mariner Program back to Sacramento after a 20+ year hiatus. The Mariners are a similar program to Sea Scouts, but designed solely for young ladies. The Girl Scouts are very impressed with the program and resources that we have with the Neptune and the Sacramento Delta Youth Maritime Association. We welcome our new sister ship, the Dolphin! The Neptune will go back to being an all-boys ship as it had been for many years. Know a young lady between 12-20 that is interested in learning more? Have them contact us at (916) 775-3732 or mssdolphinsac@gmail.com. Welcome Dolphin crew!!!

Neptune's victory in the CCYC Newsletter!

2010-02-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

Just found out that we were mentioned in the Capital City Yacht Club's newsletter, The Dock Line about our victory in the Capital City Yacht Club's lighted boat parade. They also were as glad to have us involved as we were to be a part of it! Thank you, Capital City Yacht Club!

Click below to read more...
htt p://www.ccyc.net/Dockline%20Jan10.pdf

Special "Thanks" to all of our visitors and fans- and some bonus news!

2010-02-17T19:46:00.000-08:00

Since launching our blog online in late September, we have over 3000 hits on our blog and 75 Facebook fans. Many thanks to all of our friends who refer their friends to our blog and Facebook page, and the past alums that have visited and connected with us. From the officers and the crew- a big thank you!

We also have a new sponsor for the Neptune crew. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post # 8762 is now the new sponsor for the unit, and will assist with some financial help- and maybe a benefit dinner or two. Post Commander Gary Reason was proud to facilitate the arrangement. "We're proud to help you guys- and we'll get you the support you need!"

Our community presence and support continues to grow and be a huge success! Thank you all for your support!

A family member from the past lends a helping hand.

2010-02-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

At last night's Neptune Crew meeting, one of the Neptune's former alums dropped by the meeting. Former crewmember Monte Whitefield of the Neptune crew, circa 1975, dropped by the meeting to share stories of the impact that being in the crew had on him along with a few sea stories.

Mr. Whitefield's stories had quite an impact on the crew, parents, and officers. Not only did he come on in and connect with the crew, he gave the Neptune some much needed financial support by making a $1000 donation! Thank you so much for your support and continued connection with your extended family, Monte!

Reconnecting to Our Past- Update!

2010-01-30T22:20:00.000-08:00

Just as soon as I write about connecting to our past, another name passes by! Ron Ramos, Ship 30's first quartermaster, gave me a call Friday and chatted for a bit. He shared stories of cruising with Skipper Gorman, and even one time attempting to rescue a drowning victim from the Sacramento River. Hopefully, some more names will follow from this list.

After leaving the Neptune, Ron joined the Coast Guard and served on the USCG Morris, now the largest Sea Scout Vessel in the United States.

This was a great conversation, and Ron is going to try and dig up some old Neptune Memorabilia- stay tuned!

Reconnecting to Our Past

2010-01-27T00:47:00.000-08:00

Since becoming Skipper, one of the most important things I sought was a reconnection to the rich history of the Neptune Crew, and Sacramento Sea Scouting. I never imagined that I would receive the responses that I have. In the last week, two former Neptune Alums, Monte Whitefield and Chris Fuselier have found us. This is fantastic news! I have also talked with four previous Skippers of the Neptune, including the original Skipper, Dick Gorman, and my Skipper, Adrian Pyle.

Since this effort began, members of the Neptune, Seawolf, John A. Sutter, Tiki Too, Seagull, and Trident have checked in, offering various levels of support from a "Great Job" to equipment, or a cash donation. These contributions continue to help us build the traditions going forth to ensure Sacramento Sea Scouting and youth boating programs stay active in Sacramento.

I have heard many stories from previous scouts who claim how Sea Scouting has shaped their lives. I hope we get to hear many more stories and meet many more when we host our Sacramento Sea Scouting Rendezvous in June.

Many thanks to all who have shared. Your support and efforts help us continue to stay motivated to be around for another 55 years!

Video- SSS Neptune, 50 Years of Fun!

2010-01-20T23:45:00.000-08:00

Lake Washington Sailing club Midwinter Race Series

2010-01-20T23:34:00.000-08:00

The Neptune crew will be racing Titanic II, our new Lido 14' in the Lake Washington Sailing Club Midwinter Series over in the Port of Sacramento this Saturday. Stop by and wish us luck!

Crew: Attached is the NOR, wetsuits are recommended and can be rented at Sport Chalet.

http://www.lwsailing.org/nors/2010MidwintersNOR.doc

Raising the Titanic?

2010-01-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

The Neptune Crew competed along with members of BAADS for race 3 of the Island Fever Regatta series yesterday. The race ended up being called about halfway through due to lack of wind, thus, the Alpha is still in the lead after 3 of the 5 races! But, the crew still came home with a fantastic trophy due to some facilitation of BAADS member Jeff Breem.

Jeff found us a donation of an absolutely gorgeous Lido 14. "Titanic II" is a race ready Lido that we intend on using over with the Lake Washington Sailing Club for some of the regattas over there. We really look forward to getting her out on the water and letting the crew use her for some great fun! Many thanks, Jeff!

Neptune- An Owens Flagship that is really starting to look like a flagship!

2010-01-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

The Neptune Crew really is starting to make the Neptune look like something special again. In about 4 months, the crew has really made some headway into looking like a special boat once again. Under the direction of Mr. Ulshoeffer, the 'Tune really is really looking like a true labor of love from the crew.

Here's what she looked like in late September:

After a LOT of work- she really is looking great!

Other modifications are including a new carburetor, and a completely rebuilt dashboard and wiring.

Keep up the great work, crew! She is looking fantastic and a great representation for the Neptune!

Putting a call for all Sacramento Sea Scouting Alums

2010-01-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

Looking to find any ex- Sacramento Sea Scout Alumni from any of the Sacramento/West Sacramento Ships from over the years. We are hosting an alumni event to recognize all of the years past with a cruise, dinner, and photo sharing. Let's remember the good 'ol days and swap sea stories.

Please circulate this to anyone who may be interested. Tentative date is 6/19/10. Details to get tighter as we get closer to the date and see the potential respondents.

Kicking off 2010 in style!

2010-01-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

Our new calendar is up for the 1st quarter, and boy are we going to be busy! Lots of sailing and cruising events mixed with some work!

Feel free to drop in and visit us Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM over at Sacramento Marina- don't be a stranger!

Many Thanks from the Neptune Crew!

2009-12-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to a close, it is remarkable to go back and look at all of the achievements and successes that the Neptune crew has accomplished. For a dramatic change of events to happen, it does not occur without some very special contributors and a heck of a lot of teamwork. I would like to offer recognition to some folks that made this success happen:

All of the Officers, Committee Members, Crew, and Parents, and Spouses of the Neptune Crew
Dan and Linda Moore
Chuck and Linda Stevens
Catherine McFarland
Jim West and the Liberty Maritime Museum
The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors
Lake Washington Sailing Club
Lee Witt, and Spindrift Marina
Bud Camper, and all of the folks at Sacramento Marina
Don Henkle, Manager of West Marine in Sacramento
Tom Worth
Diego Flores
Mark Johannessen, City Council, West Sacramento
Rob Fong, City Council, Sacramento
All of the Neptune Alumni who have been so supportive
Boy Scouts of America, Glen Goddard and Ricci Dula
Don Sronce, Commodore, Golden Empire Council
Deon Chapo
Bill Ramos, and Ramos Oil
Bob French, Area III Commodore

I know there are many others. Operating a successful Sea Scout unit requires a lot of support from many folks. The unit has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround and the folks above deserve much of the credit. From the Skipper of the Neptune, you all deserve a hearty right hand salute and my deep gratitude!

December's issue of the Trident

2009-12-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

Attached is this month's copy of the Trident. Click on each page to read.

Neptune Crew takes 2nd in Island Fever Race #2- Still 1st in Overall Series

2009-12-19T22:55:00.000-08:00

Today, the Neptune Crew along with members of BAADS (Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors) sailed Gib Wright's 23' Sonar to a second place finish in South Beach Yacht Club's Island Fever Regatta series.
The Sonar, much like an overgrown Laser, was competing with the likes of Islander 36's and Catalina 30 and 34's. The Sonar may be one of the smallest boats competing, but much like Seabiscuit running down War Admiral, she ran down several boats to another top finish and still maintain the series lead after 2 of 5 races.

Thank you Jim, Gib, and Dylan for arranging and letting us have another great opportunity for a great sailing experience!

A Trip Down Memory Lane- An Old Sea Scout Remembers

2009-12-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

by Jim Allen

Sometimes you never know how much childhood events have impacted your life until you’ve had about 40 years to think about them. At the end of the first decade of the new Millennium, I found a faded, 1968 Kodak Instamatic photo of myself in a Sea Scout uniform and wondered if Sea Scouts were still around. The internet gave me instant gratification on that question and a positive answer. Soon I was reminiscing over a pile of discolored Polaroid and Kodak photos on the table in front of me and realized what a powerful building block Sea Scouting had been in my life.

As a youngster, boats and the sea were a constant fixation for me. I dreamed of going to sea someday and perhaps one day captaining a ship. In the midst of all that dreaming, Sea Scouts appeared in my sights and I joined the nearest Ship to my South Sacramento home, Ship 410, the Sea Gull. That outfit was skippered by Lee Sanders, a Navy veteran who had once served aboard LSTs, the big landing craft otherwise known as, “Large Slow Targets.”

Sea Gull was an exciting boat. Built during World War II, it was a 42-foot, wooden-hulled Army patrol craft called a J-Boat. Repowered with a pair of 225 hp Gray Marine 6-71 series GM diesels, it was a fast, stylish boat with the lines of a yacht. That it was showing it’s age in many obvious ways didn’t alter my star-struck vision, but I soon became well acquainted with the infirmities of a boat long past it’s designed lifetime. It was held together with equal parts of love, skill and determination. Then, as today, money was in short supply and Sea Scout vessels subsisted on donations of money, material and volunteer labor.

Skipper Sanders had a well-established Sea Scout program available. In those days, Sea Scouting followed United States Naval tradition right down to the bell-bottom blues, white caps, pea coats and dungarees. We practiced ropecraft, learned the rules of the road, seagoing history, to march and how to properly board and leave a ship. On work parties, we learned the nuts and bolts of boat maintenance. There was nothing better than a tired old patrol boat to teach us those things, from woodworking to engine maintenance and repair.

The most precious moments came when underway. Just firing up those big, Gray Marines was enough to significantly raise my heartrate. The order, “cast off,” made it even more difficult to control the excitement of the moment but part of the lesson was learning control and to focus on the important tasks we were assigned. Taking helm orders, concentrating on maintain an compass course, keeping an accurate log and a thorough watch, tying a solid knot; these were very real responsibilities, with very real consequences for failure and successfully accomplishing them was a great confidence-builder. As skills and understanding grew, so did the level of trust from the Skipper and Mates. Lessons in leadership started simply, such as being given charge of a painting detail or a drill session. You knew you were doing good when allowed to “take the con” of a boat underway.

Then, one day, I grew up. I was soon off to the U.S. Army. During basic training, I found my Sea Scout–obtained knowledge of close order drill put me a few steps ahead of most other trainees… perhaps allowing me the relief of few less pushups for avoiding a marching faux pas. Then came advanced training. Lest you think I put the proverbial oar over my shoulder at an early age and traded it for a rifle, know that I trained for the “Army’s Navy,” and learned to operate and maintain Army watercraft. Again, time in the Sea Scouts put me many steps ahead. I was still as hopeless with knots and ropecraft as I had been in Sea Scouts (in these PC times, I suppose they call that a “knot disability”), but I was a pretty sharp boat handler and, more importantly, discovered a knack for machinery. That moved me into the engineering side of the Army’s maritime realm. Most importantly, I had a basic understand of leadership, something that led to being in command of a small number engineers aboard an Army vessel.

Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a boring blow-by-blow life history of someone you don’t know. Rather, it’s a testimony of how Sea Scouting took a shy, introverted kid and gave him the confidence to take some bold steps. That’s what Sea Scouting , all Scouting for that matter, does with aplomb; inspire confidence by teaching a host of skills. Those actual skills may not necessarily become a life’s work, or even a hobby, but they do form a basic core of inner confidence that can benefit anyone in later life, in virtually any situation. Because these are things learned outside of the family, they become a building block for self sufficiency.

Jim Allen has been an ASE Master-certified auto tech, an off-highway driving instructor for Land Rover and is currently a freelance writer and photographer with nearly 2000 magazine stories published, plus seven non-fiction books. He lives on a farm in rural Northwest Ohio but still plays in boats.

A first class crew deserves a first class meeting place...

2009-12-08T21:19:00.000-08:00

The Neptune Crew has received the opportunity to have a first class meeting place for their crew from our new water based home at Sacramento Marina. Sacramento Marina and Bud Camper (the Harbormaster) have been huge proponents for the Neptune Crew.

Sacramento Marina Administration Building

Beginning next week, December 15th, 2009 at 6:00 PM, the Neptune Crew will move their meeting place to the Captain's Lounge at the Sacramento Marina building, offering the crew a first class meeting place on the water.

With a facility such as this, we will be the envy of many other units, and it puts us closer to our vessels for summertime on the water training as well. Special thanks to Sacramento Marina for giving us a first class treatment and facilities for both our boats and meetings.

Neptune Crew "Best in Class" for Sacramento Lighted Boat Parade

2009-12-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

The Neptune Crew brought home the Gold once again, this time in the powerboat side of things. We were going to enter in two boats in the parade, but the Neptune encountered a few hiccups prior to lining up, so we went forth in the Trident, and she won first place in the 30' and under class. This was a great, fun event hosted by Sacramento Marina and the Capital City Yacht Club.

Great job on the event, and great job Neptune Crew!

Many thanks to all of the folks who did all of the little and big things that it took to make this happen. Along with the crew, we'd like to recognize the following people:

Dan and Linda Moore
Bud Camper
Don Henkle
Terri O'Connor
Catherine Harvey
Spongebob (Well, he was on the bow!)

Join Us for the Lighted Boat Parade!

2009-12-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

Interested in becoming part of the Neptune Crew? Join us for the lighted boat parade aboard the Neptune or the Trident, help us decorate and cruise with us. If interested, give us a call at 916-775-3732 or e-mail us at sssneptune@gmail.com. We will be leaving from K-Dock around 6:45, but will be working and decorating the boats most of the day.

Holy Hull, Batman!

2009-12-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Neptune added one permanently to our fleet, but she's got a black eye and a bloody nose...

We received this Catalina 25 from the Liberty, but she took a pretty big pounding out in the main channel of the Sacramento River near Rio Vista. Her bow was faced downstream, and a log caught the rudder (hanging by a cotter pin) and wedged under the keel. This caused the stern to swing out and swing out about 150 degrees and punch a hole in the port bow. Jim Thweatt went down and got her unwedged during the storm, put fresh lines on her, and spun her bow into the current.

She took a pretty good beating, including scraping up the bow pretty good.

We back blocked the hole with some foam and Gorilla Glue as a temporary patch until we could get her moved to a less perilous repair facility (thank you, Spindrift Marina.) The sea gods blessed us with calm waters and a beautiful day for boat moving.

We got her safe, and once we get her fixed, she'll be a great vessel for our fleet. Welcome "Gorman" to the Neptune crew, named after the original skipper of the Neptune (since everything on this boat told us that she wanted to be saved by us!)

Happy 54th Birthday, SSS Neptune

2009-11-30T18:38:00.000-08:00

Since taking over as Skipper, this is one of the most precious documents the ship has. Founded this month in 1955, this is the original charter for the SSS Neptune. I spoke this morning with Dick Gorman, the original Skipper of the unit, and thanked him for all of the history and memories that he has given us. I made the announcement to him that we would be naming one of our Catalina sailboats in his name. He was very honored to have the "Gorman" in our fleet to continue his legacy.

Attached is the original charter, sponsored by the Lake Washington Sailing Club with which this unit still has strong ties and support. Happy Birthday, SSS Neptune, you look pretty good!

Sea Scouts getting Neptune Ship Shape!

2009-11-28T17:59:00.000-08:00

We were supposed to be moving the Trident upriver today, but Mother Nature had other plans. Do you think that slowed the Neptune Crew down? Heck no! They said- we have a boat in town we can work on now in Sacramento- and they did! Mr. Ulshoeffer led the effort to continue bringing the Owens back to her glory days. Paint, wiring, and a lot of cleaning have led this boat to continue her way back to greatness.

Before:

Now:

Help the Neptune Crew charge up their fundraising- Interstate Batteries

2009-11-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

With two wooden boats in the water and a fleet of sailing craft, the Neptune crew is having a fundraiser in conjunction with Interstate Batteries. Simply click on the link, and purchase- shipping is free to your home, and get all of your Christmas battery needs while helping a great cause!

http://about.interstatebatteries.com/fundraising/shop/default.asp?campaign=neptune

We thank you for your support!

Trident joins the fleet!

2009-11-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a wonderful donation from Dan and Linda Moore, and our great friend Bud Camper from Sacramento Marina, we have a one of a kind beautiful training vessel for our young adults.

She is a 1953 Chris Craft Super Deluxe Cruiser- only one of 107 of this model ever made. She was just hauled out in September of this year for a fresh transom and bottom paint, and we get to get the benefactor of such a special boat.

She will represent the Neptune crew well in the Sacramento Lighted Boat Parade on December 5th.

We have named her the Trident, as King Neptune always held it close. Additionally, the Trident was another Sea Scout unit in Sacramento that we still maintain close ties with and shared a lot of history, including the AVR.

Thank you Dan and Linda for your wonderful gift- and thank you Bud for the help! We are very thankful for you this thanksgiving!

Neptune Crew comes in 1st at Island Fever!

2009-11-24T13:59:00.001-08:00

The SSS Neptune Crew helped kick off the Island Fever Regatta Series last Saturday at South Beach Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA. The regatta consists of 5 races to be run 1x per month through March 2010.

Neptune Sail Master, Jim Thweatt entered the race in Alpha, a 23’ Sonar keelboat that he raced as part of the US Sailing Team in 2007-2008. Thanks to Mr. Thweatt, the Neptune crew has the opportunity to crew along with the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS).

The Alpha took 1st place- proving that BAADS and the Neptune crew have a recipe for something special! 1 down- 4 to go!

Looks like we made it!!

2009-11-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

Well, the shakedown cruise was a great adventurous time for all. The Owens made the trip well, along with her crew of 8 aboard her. It was a long eight-plus hour cruise along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and some very interesting (and cold) night cruising!

We were treated to a great day of weather and cruising, along with some spectacular sights, and a whole lot of education and fun. The crew spent the day on lookout, helm, navigation, and steering the Neptune.

In the end, we saw some great sights, and a whole lot of fun and adventures!

Mama, We're Coming Home....

2009-11-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

Slip K-47, waiting patiently for the Neptune...

We're making the maiden voyage of the new "Neptune" tomorrow. We'll be bringing our Owens up to Sacramento Marina from Turner Cut Marina in Stockton. After some fresh paint, a new carb, and a bunch of assembly, we're ready to cruise. Look out Sacramento- the Neptune is back in Sac!

You'll be able to find us over on K-Dock in Sacramento Marina, right next to the Police and Fire boats.

Join us for Pizza Night! 11/17/09

2009-11-16T18:41:00.000-08:00

We'd love to invite you over to join us for one of our meetings and some pizza on Tuesday night at 6:00.

You can find us at:

1966 Park Blvd

West Sacramento, CA 95691

916-775-3732

We'd like to introduce you to the rest of our crew, as we have some pretty cool events coming up in the next couple of weeks, including sailing in San Francisco Bay, and moving our cruiser up the Sacramento River. Look through our website, we've got some pictures and videos out here too.

Shoot us back an e-mail or phone call if you are coming, so we know how much pizza to buy. Parents and family are welcome to join us as well.

Idle Times comes to the Neptune Crew

2009-11-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Idle Times, our new sailboat that was generously donated to the Neptune Crew made its voyage to our home port (ok, it's Mr. Thweatt's front yard) on Saturday. This donation that was made possible by the generosity of Chuck and Linda Stevens is now our new sailing flagship. Incidentally, Dana has already attempted to claim her for the girls. (Not so fast- I am sure the boys would say!)

She is a beauty. Thanks Chuck and Linda for the great donation, and a thanks to Chuck Howson of CHH Marine Services for all of his help too!

Mr. Thweatt says "The Fish was this big!"

SSS Neptune- Month in Review

2009-11-12T23:10:00.001-08:00

Skipper Nate receives award for Coaching Excellence

2009-11-08T22:37:00.000-08:00

Skipper Nate Eckler was recognized yesterday by the City of West Sacramento and the SF Giants Community fund by receiving the Jr. Giants Willie Mac Award. This award, named after Giants Hall of Famer Willie McCovey, goes to the coach that best demonstrates the "Four Bases of Character Development": Confidence, Leadership, Teamwork, and Integrity.
Coaches teach these values in hopes of helping the players to make smart decisions, and to keep them active and off the streets. This award was celebrated with his son, Andy, who won the player award with a luncheon at AT&T Park on Saturday. It is a very prestigious award, as Coach Nate was one of 30 coaches out of over 500 to receive this recognition.

This award, essentially a "Coach of the Year" Award further demonstrates that Skipper Nate will continue to bring many of these values to the Neptune Crew.

Neptune Crew Makes a Splash at the Napa Mini Regatta

2009-11-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday, the Neptune joined forces with the SSS Orion out of Santa Rosa, CA to have a great time at the Napa Mini Regatta. The regatta, held by the SSS Chaser out of Napa, CA, allows crews to practice and learm competitive events such as Bosun's Chair, and Breeches Buoy (a simulated rescue event.) The regatta was followed by the Bridge and Ball in Downtown Napa. What a great time had by all!

In the background of this photo is the Cutter Morris, the largest Sea Scout vessel at 125 feet long.

SSS Neptune on WestsacWeb.com

2009-11-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

The Neptune was featured on WestSacWeb.com tonight, a fantastic regional community website that is second to none. We were very thankful to be recognized by them. Thank you WestSacWeb!

http://www.westsacweb.com/link.asp?smenu=146&sdetail=691&wpage=1

November Edition of the Trident, Our Newsletter

2009-11-05T11:40:00.001-08:00

Click the link below for the November newsletter:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B66RdIzrZhkyNWEzOTZmMmMtZjQ4ZS00YWE4LWE2OTktODM5OWUzZWQ2YzEy&hl=en

Blast from the Past!- Sacramento Bee 9/24/88

2009-11-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

From the Sacramento Bee Newspaper, September 24, 1988

WORTHY OF MAKING SEAWORTHY SEA SCOUTS SEEK MORE VOLUNTEERS TO REPAIR BOAT

September 24, 1988 Section: CAL LIFE Page: CL15

By Jack Mackey Bee Staff Writer WORKBENCH

--A PROJECT TO GIVE new life to a 65-foot wooden boat has turned into a race against time. The Sea Scout Ship Neptune was plucked by crane from the Sacramento River on May 27 and placed on the Air Force drydock along Garden Highway. Today, the former Navy ""crash boat'' sits forlornly -- half boat and half skeleton, her innard configuration of ribs, stringers, chine and other wooden parts exposed and vulnerable. ""We've got to get her back in the water,'' said Art Chapo, one of the handful of volunteers who has been working seven days a week on the project. The original schedule allowed more time to give the ship a new bottom. But, as often occurs when people work on old wooden boats, the schedule got out of whack, Chapo said. ""We found a lot more rotted and broken ribs than we had expected,'' said Adrian Pyle, skipper since 1969 of the Neptune. ""And then just last week we found out that the Air Force is thinking about letting a contract for repair of this facility. If they do, we will have to be out of here by the end of October.'' The Air Force drydock facility is the only one large enough in Sacramento to handle the Neptune. The Air Force made the space available as a courtesy to the Sea Scouts, made up of youths 14 to 21 who are members of the Explorer program of the Boy Scouts of America. ""We need volunteers,'' Pyle said, ""for nut and bolt work. People to put in screws. People to take paint off and put paint on. All kinds of work and not any of it very complicated.'' Anyone who has a few hours or a few weeks to help can donate their services by simply driving down to the Air Force drydock on Garden Highway, just west of Interstate 5. The Neptune is visible from the road, immediately adjacent to the Virgin Sturgeon restaurant. Pyle and his crew, which also includes regulars Pat Bartron, Justin Morgan, and Pyle's uncle, Dan Pyle, work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Most of the new framework has been put in place and the first of 120 sheets of 4-foot-by-8-foot panels of plywood have been screwed in place. A total of 10,000 bronze screws will be used when the job is completed. The records for the Neptune aren't too detailed, Pyle said, but he believes she was built at the Stephens boat yard in Stockton in 1944. ""They really were kind of the queen of the fleet,'' Pyle said, describing how the boats could reach speeds of more than 35 miles an hour in search of downed pilots in the Pacific during World War II. ""It's just an oversized runabout when you look at the bottom. It's a real clean hull.''

It's Official: Mr. Eckler is now Skipper!

2009-11-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Last night marked the beginning of the next chapter of Neptune History. Mr. Sanders, Skipper of the Neptune for many years, officially handed off the role of Skipper to Mr. Eckler in a short installation ceremony. Mr. Eckler has been involved with Sea Scouting for the past 22 years; even with Mr. Sanders as one of his adult leaders when he was a Scout. Skipper Eckler will do well to continue the tradition of great leadership for the West Sacramento Sea Scouts.

In a even larger surprise; even to Mr. Eckler, Mr. Sanders promoted Mr. Ulshoeffer to the role of Executive Officer. Mr. Sanders will continue to serve as Master Mate and work with the ship and help us to position ourselves for the rapid growth and momentum the Neptune is experiencing.

People Were Proud to Know- Chuck Howson

2009-11-03T21:35:00.000-08:00

Operating a Sea Scout unit often finds us looking for folks who can give us some good deals; but occasionally, you don't get the great service. This was not the case this week.

We met up with Chuck Howson of CHH Marine Services to help us complete an appraisal for our new Oday sailboat. Chuck was impressive in every facet of his surveying and appraising of our boat, and impressed us as well as the donors. In fact, he showed his perserverance when Google maps sent him on a 4 wheel drive-ish dirt road.

Idle Times, Our New Sailboat in Washington.

Chuck, we're proud to know you. If you need a great marine survey on your boat in the Sacramento Area, Here's your man. He is not only cheaper than most; he does a great job!

If you need a survey; look for Chuck. He is fully Sea Scout Endorsed!

Chuck Howson
CHH Marine Services
2385 Willow Creek Court
Cool, CA. 95614

Licensed Yacht/Ship Broker B-02762
Cell: 510.220.7218
Home/Office/Fax: 530.886.8352

E-Mail: chhmarineservice@aol.com

Hawaiian Chieftain en route to Sacramento

2009-11-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

While down working on the Owens, we stopped in Rio Vista to see the Hawaiian Chieftain. En route to Old Sacramento, the Chieftain is a really neat example of a tall ship. She usually comes up once a year, we were just lucky to pay her a visit!

Lil' Tune Joins the Fleet

2009-10-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today, through a generous donation, the Neptune obtained a classic 14' Stitch and Glue center board Chesapeake Bay Dickey sail boat. Complete with her spruce mast, hand carved jam cleats, and linen sails, the Lil' Tune will be the envy of many "trailer sailors."

A couple of 70 year friends hand built this boat and sailed her on San Francisco Bay for years. Mr. Glover and his son acquired the boat, and refit the trailer, and completely restored her. We are the benefactor of their hard work and the West Sacramento Sea Scouts thank you!

Sacramento Marina glad to have the Sea Scouts

2009-10-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

Skipper Nate spoke at the Sacramento Marina at the Marina Advisory Council on Wednesday night. The marina council and harbormaster are quite excited to be providing our new Sacramento River home. The portion with the Sea Scouts starts about 3:30 into the audio clip.

http://www.marinaadvisorycouncil.com/mac/audio/October_28_2009_MAC_Audio.mp3

Thank you Sacramento Marina for having us and inviting us to the council meeting!

Neptune Officers make good headway in San Francisco

2009-10-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Skipper and Mr. Ulshoeffer represented the Neptune at the Area III roundtable at Yerba Buena Island. We met up with many skippers from the Steeves, Tuolumne, Liberty, and Chaser, including Regional Commodore Bob French. We could have a very nice larger training boat in our future!

Here's a great video of the Safety at Sea events:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=689121

With many events coming up including the Regattas, Cruise Ins, and classes such as First Aid, there hasn't been a better time to join the Neptune Crew!

If you are a fan of Sailing, Boating, or ROTC, come down and take a visit at the Neptune base or call us at 916-775-3732.

Sea Scout Base Dedicated

2009-10-20T23:35:00.000-07:00

t is with great honor that we dedicate our land Sea Scout base in the name of a great leader, friend, teacher, and mentor. Arthur (Art) H. Chapo dedicated much of his life to young adults both at the high school and in Sea Scouting. Art did much of the beautiful woodwork on the Neptune's AVR, including forming a white oak and mahogany crew's quarters that was much of the envy of other ships.

Art, we appreciate all that you did for the ship. It is with great honor that we dedicate the Arthur H. Chapo Sea Scout Base in your name.

Connecting to Our Past

2009-10-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

The Neptune Program has been around since 1955, when it was originally founded by Skipper Dick Gorman and sponsored by the Lake Washington Sailing Club. It seems like the program over the years has always been about giving back and keeping the program moving. Future Skippers Mark Cagle and Adrian Pyle (my skippers) were original crew members, and it seemed like it was my time to really give back. I am proud to continue the traditions and goals that were set for me by honoring those before me and continuing the tradition. I can only hope that one day I will inspire someone to do the same.

Ship 30 patch, circa 1965-70.

Friends in Low Places (well, sea level, anyways.)

2009-10-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we had the pleasure of making a new acquaintance, Bud Camper, Harbormaster and Manager of the Sacramento Marina, located adjacent to Miller Park.

Sacramento Marina is Sacramento's signature marina- visit their website at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/ccl/sacmarina/index.html

Bud is extremely Sea Scout friendly, having managed the long time hang out of Sea Scouts, King Island Resort.

He also managed marinas in Richmond where Sea Scouts took an active role. Bud wants to do some great things to make the river a desination, including having the largest lighted boat parade to date, on December 5, 2009. We had a great meeting with him, and also met up with long-time friend, Joe Garcia, married to Jules of Tiki Too fame. We look forward to working with Bud and Sacramento Marina to make our boating area and river a destination for boaters everywhere!

It's Allllliiiivvvvveeeee!

2009-10-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Getting a little close to Halloween and had to embrace the theme. Great job by Mr. Ulshoeffer, our Boatswain Jakub, and David for getting our Owens running like a champ and ready for our trip to Spindrift. The 283 runs like a champ, and Sea Scouts are going to have a blast cruising her all over the Delta.

Welcome OLG Students and Parents!

2009-10-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Feel free to poke around our blog and learn about us. If you'd like to come see a little more, join us for meeting night on Wednesday at 7:00 PM. We are located at 1966 Park Blvd, West Sacramento, CA.

The West Sacramento Sea Scout Base.

Neptune Crew- 55 Years of Fun...

2009-10-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to George Logan, former Boatswain of the Neptune's lone Clipper Award winning crew at Ancient Mariner Regatta. He added a few pics of memories past....

Cruising with the Avenger to AMR. This was the AVR's maiden voyage and there was plenty of racing going on between the boats.

Former crew members Clayton Wright and Dustin Cook en route to Santa Cruz on Long Cruise.

The best crew of officers ever, Former Skipper Mark Cagle in the tanktop, along with Art Chapo (rest in peace, Art), and longtime Skipper Adrian Pyle.

Long cruise inspires many great ideas. We made makeshift sailboats out of canoes and small boats and canoes and raced them down the Napa River. Imagine the quality of the sail with a boat hook mast with a 2x2 spreader, and a piece of carpeting? Former crewmembers Frank DiLorenzo and now Skipper Nate Eckler are in this photo.

Lots of "Idle Times" in store for the Neptune Crew

2009-10-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our sailing program got a huge boost from a very generous donation over the weekend. Chuck and Linda Stevens made the donation of "Idle Times," a 1987 ODay 272 sailboat. This boat has sailed all around San Francisco Bay and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Skipper Nate and Mr. Thweatt went up to see her on Saturday, and she is a beauty! Many thanks Chuck and Linda for your support!

Paired with our Catalina 22, and other sailboat that was given over the weekend by Lee Witt of Spindrift Marina, we can go just about anywhere, anytime!

Why Join the Sea Scouts?

2009-10-09T00:52:00.000-07:00

Sea Scouts is a great youth maritime organization. As a young adult, I experienced many things that I wouldn't have otherwise done. In fact, my only travels outside of this country were due to Sea Scouting. Our Skipper invited us to accompany him on a week long trip to Canada. It was an awesome experience.

At 14 years old, I was in command of a 30 ton boat. Other crew members of mine even saved the life of a homeless man who fell into the water near Pier 39. Suffice it to say, Sea Scouting has had a big impact on my life, and I am sure many others share the same sentiment. Following is a short three minute video about some other experiences shared by others.

Whether you are a Sea Cadet, looking to join the Navy or Coast Guard; or just have a little fun, you can build lifelong, memorable experiences.

Coast Guard Safety at Sea Weekend- 10/24/2009

2009-10-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

The Safety at Sea weekend is coming up with the Coast Guard at Yerba Buena Island. This is a video taken from another ship last year. Can't wait to go this year!

Former West Sacramento Sea Scout Helps Get Ship Together

2009-10-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Sea Scout Ship Neptune, a West Sacramento Youth Nautical Organization affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, announced Nate Eckler as its new Skipper today.

Eckler, a West Sacramento Resident, and former Sea Scout within the unit, brings a strong resume of coaching and leadership skills to the program. He was recently named as “Coach of the Year” with the City of West Sacramento Jr. Giants program by winning the Giants Community Fund’s Willie Mac Coaching Award. This award recognizes the coach that recognizes coaches who set outstanding examples for their communities throughout the season by exemplifying the four bases of character development-Teamwork, Leadership, Confidence and Integrity. These are all values he intends to embrace within the program.

“This is one of the best youth programs that no one knows about,” commented Eckler. “Our long term focus will be based on long term strategic relationships that will mutually benefit our future leaders, the West Sacramento Community, and the overall health of the program. As we are not resource rich, we focus on parents and volunteers along with donations to keep our program afloat.”

The unit recently received a donation of a classic 1960 Owens cruiser to pair with its fleet of small sailing craft, operated in partnership with the sailing club. The program has aspirations of training a sailing team to start competing in regional sailing regattas with their Catalina sailboat.

The program, whose initial sponsor was the Lake Washington Sailing Club, and skippered by Dick Gorman is no stranger to hard work. In the late 1980s, they undertook a massive project of rebuilding a wooden 63’ WWII Air Force Crash Boat. At that time, Eckler was part of the crew.

“I know what it takes to equate success in this program. We’ve got a little rough water ahead, but we’re here for the long haul.”

The Neptune Maritime program teaches young adults ages 13-21 useful like skills such as leadership, discipline, responsibility, and teamwork as well as tangible skills such as first aid, safety, sailing, seamanship, woodworking, and engine repair. We meet on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM at 1966 Park Blvd, West Sacramento, CA. If you are interested in obtaining more information, please contact us at 916-371-4157 or visit us at http://sssneptune.blogspot.com

Getting our Ship Together?

2009-10-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Just spent the evening prepping the base for tomorrow's pizza night and Open House. Looks pretty darn good to me!

We've got a Home!

2009-10-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Lee DeWitt, Harbormaster of Spindrift Marina (http://www.spindriftmarina.com/), he gave us a call today and generously donated a slip for us to move our Owens. Spindrift is a fantastic location for us, not far from our sister ship in Rio Vista. Looks like a great place to power or sail from- thanks Lee!

Come join us for Pizza and a Movie at our open house

2009-10-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Come visit us at 1966 Park Blvd, West Sacramento, CA 95691 on Wednesday October 7, 2009 for pizza and a movie and come see what we're all about! We will open at 7 PM. See you there!

Neighbors Fair Parade Pics

2009-10-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who came by the booth today at the Neighbors Fair and waved to us in the parade. Special thanks to Jim Brewer from the Bryte/Broderick Community Action Network http://www.bryteandbroderick.org/ who pulled some strings and really helped us into a great position. We had the kids on the Catalina, and she looked sharp. Thanks all!

Visit us at the West Sacramento Neighbors Fair!

2009-10-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Come visit the Neptune at the Neighbors fair in booth #50 at the south end of the fair. We will have our Snipe sailboat and lots of exciting new information! Hope to see you there!

Snipe in Lake Washington?

2009-09-27T21:51:00.001-07:00

A few of the kids went out to test out our newly donated Snipe-class sailboat. Although she isn't too much to look at now, a fresh coat of paint and a little Sikaflex works wonders. Thanks to Mr. Thweatt for acquiring her- hopefully next time we launch her there will be a little more wind. I am sure the crew can't wait to participate in the next Lake Washington Sailing Club event!

New Boat Acquired!

2009-09-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we do have a new boat today, thanks to a generous donation from some ex-Sea Scouts. We have acquired a 1960 28' Owens Flagship. She is a pretty sweet little boat! Currently, she needs some paint and wiring, but a great project for the scouts to work on. Definitely doesn't hurt to have some "Old Salts" aka, former members of the Tiki Too and Compass Rose around in the Delta (us AVR folk need to stay together!)

SSS Neptune is back on the Web!

2009-09-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

The West Sacramento Sea Scout Ship Neptune is back on the web. We are endeavoring to try and acquire a new larger boat to find a permanent successor to the 63' AVR. We have targeted a couple of vessels, but need to raise about $5,000 to get them. If you know of any interim boats or would like to make a tax deductible donation, please contact us! We are also always looking to add quality people to our crew. If you know of someone who may be interested, please visit our base at 1966 Park blvd, West Sacramento on Wednesday evenings.