Sea Scouts at the America's Cup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Report 3 - February 19, 2003

Day three of the America’s Cup race was at the same time exciting and disappointing. The weather was cold and cloudy, resulting in somewhat choppy seas and shifting wind. My patrol boat, number 57, set and reset the buoys outlining the course as it shifted to accommodate the wind. The race was close, with the Swiss boat maintaining the lead throughout and winning by a narrow margin. The disappointment of the spectators as they powered back to the harbor entrance was almost tangible as New Zealand continued its loosing streak. Maintaining my duties as an honorary Kiwi, I felt rightly saddened by the loss.

Beyond the disappointment of watching the New Zealand team fall further behind, was the wonderful feeling of camaraderie I share with the people I have met here in New Zealand. My fellow Course Marshals are fantastic individuals who treat me just like one of the guys, other than the nick name I have been gifted with, “the little lady.” The Kiwi’s themselves are so friendly that after five minutes talking with them I feel that we have been friends for years. One skipper of a spectator boat even routinely gives our crew cooked chicken, potatoes, and bread as we pass by on patrol.

On a non-America’s Cup related note, we also had the opportunity to explore New Zealand on our day off. We met up with Neville Candy, a Sea Scout leader here in New Zealand, who took us on a hike up to a waterfall called Kite Kite, (pronounced “kitty-kitty”). It had been raining and the water added to the jungle ambience of the beautiful mountain scene with only the greenery and water to keep us company. The water was cold, but Frank and I still felt compelled to go swimming. There are no words to explain the breathtaking feeling of swimming under the waterfall in the middle of the forest.

Tomorrow is another race day in the 2003 America’s Cup, and the general mood is one of hope. Hope that the New Zealand team will get their first win of a winning streak. For now, all I can do is cross my fingers.

Nicolette Ward

Sea Scouting is a co-educational program offered to young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Sea Scouting is organized to promote better citizenship and to improve members' boating skills and knowledge through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, and service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage. For information on the Sea Scout unit nearest you, contact your local Boy Scouts of America council, or write to "Sea Scouts," c/o Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079; or e-mail, moreinfo@seascout.org. http://www.seascout.org.

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