Santa Cruz Sea Scouts

[RememberSchiff]

An enjoyable Sunday morning article, written by someone who understands and delivers the program, particularly the need for strong community partnerships.

...In a time when many young people are increasingly disconnected from the natural world, the Santa Cruz Sea Scouts offer something rare. They provide real responsibility, real skills and a meaningful relationship with the ocean. They remind us that the harbor is not just infrastructure. It is a classroom, a training ground and a launch point for future stewards of the coast. 

...What makes the Santa Cruz program unique is both its setting and its fleet. The Sea Scouts own and operate two vessels. The Pearl is a 38-foot power trawler built in 1978, and the second is a 30-foot Catalina sailboat from 1979. The sailboat is particularly special. After an extensive search, the right boat was found, one that fits the harbor, fits the dock, and most importantly, fits a lot of kids. These are not museum pieces or luxury yachts. They are working boats, sized so youth can truly learn every system onboard, from engines to rigging to navigation.

More at source including photos.

https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/12/20/tracey-weiss-our-ocean-backyard-raising-the-next-generation-of-ocean-stewards-at-the-santa-cruz-harbor/