Sea scouts mix competition and camaraderie
With five sailboats on the water, no Iron Duke Sea Scout sailor was left on shore during a thrilling regatta in Nelson Haven.
STEPHANIE GRAY
The Easter regatta is a highlight of the Sea Scout year, and this year Nelson’s Iron Duke group hosted their peers from Māpua, Anderson’s Bay (Dunedin) and Mount Pleasant (Christchurch).
Now the Nelson group has their sights set on the national regatta off Wellington in December.
Iron Duke Group leader Paul Sharp donned a director’s hat for the Easter regatta, with a support team to manage water activities, first aid, camp security and co-ordinate parent volunteers.
He was delighted to see Iron Duke win the overall regatta, having put their all into the various events – sailing, rowing, kayaking, swimming, a quiz night and more.
However, Sharp emphasised that participation was as important as competition during the three-day event.
“We have some talented sailors in Nelson, and we get a lot of time on the water with our long summers, so naturally there is a competitive nature.
“But it’s mostly around participation, especially for youth attending a regatta for the first time. And if a group doesn’t have a full complement of crew to man a boat, we will top them up with Iron Duke Sea Scouts, so everybody gets a go,” he said.
“It was great to see the camaraderie between the groups develop throughout the regatta, culminating with a fun, formal dinner and awards on the last night.”
Having been a Scout in his youth and an Iron Duke leader for more than 10 years, Sharp knows first-hand the benefits of outdoor experiences for young people.
“Sailing, rowing and just having fun on the water are almost fully free of technology, they are outdoor-based, physical and also require a large amount of teamwork.
“And it’s something that most kids can do – we pair up newbies with competent youth and get them out in gentle weather until their confidence and ability increases.”
Sharp thanked Auckland Point School for the campsite and use of their facilities, and the volunteers who kept more than 80 attendees organised, safe and well fed.
Iron Duke Sea Scouts are now preparing for the 29th National Scout Regatta to be held over five days from December 28, in Titahi Bay, Porirua.
“As defending champs, we will certainly be giving it our best shot. We will also need to raise funds to make sure no scout is left behind, so please keep an eye out for our fundraising later in the year,” Sharp said.
To find out more about Iron Duke Sea Scouts see their Facebook page.