Getting scouts prepared for a fun and exciting journey on the water

Getting scouts prepared for a fun and exciting journey on the water Getting scouts prepared for a fun and exciting journey on the water

WORDS AND IMAGES: VIRGINIA CHI OF 4 TH HONG KONG SEA SCOUT GROUP COUNCIL

“I want to set sail to the sea on this boat!” exclaimed Kaden as he finished his visit to the 57-foot ketch Manggongzhu.

Kaden was one of the scout members of the 4th Hong Kong Sea Scout Group (4thHKSSG) who visited Manggongzhu moored at Kellett Island on a lovely day in November blessed with glorious sunshine with quite a bit of heat.

This was the first time the Group held a meeting on board other than in a building since it was revived in September 2022. As the ship’s bell rang, solemnity grew – it was time for the Scout Gathering and flag hoisting ceremony. The scouts moved to the bow of the boat forming a line running from the port to starboard with the leaders in the middle, while Caise and Kaden stayed at the stern and beside the mast respectively getting ready to fly flags. Soon the Hong Kong SAR flag and two scout flags could be seen flying on Manggongzhu, and all the scouts on board saluted the flags.

The programme started with the leaders giving a short briefing, followed by a below-deck tour guided by Andy Lee, the skipper of Manggongzhu and Chairman of the Hong Kong Yacht & Start-Up Association.

Afterwards, the young scouts had a steering and navigation skill briefing and practice in which they learned how to work on compass bearings and had their hands on the wheel to get a taste of boat steering. Then, under the guidance of another pair of leaders, the scouts practised genoa sail furling and trimming training using a winch.

When all the talking and practices were done, the flags were lowered signifying the end of the visit and scout meeting for the day. There were smiling faces all over the deck as cool refreshments were brought out. It was a successful event. At least a few of the scouts got excited at the prospect of having an opportunity to set sail on this 57-footer in the near future. But surely, technical training will need to come first.

More programmes are being lined up for 4thHKSSG: a visit to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, standard boat training, canoeing fun day, rowing activities, and much more. The 4thHKSSG will never run out of activities!