BoatUS and Scouting America’s Sea Scouts have announced that Sea Scout Ship Viking (#100) of the Golden Gate Area Council (San Francisco, California) has been named the 2026–2027 BoatUS–Sea Scout National Flagship, continuing a tradition that has flourished since the partnership began in 2002.
Chartered by the San Francisco Sailing Whaleboat Association, Ship Viking exemplifies the mission of Sea Scouts: developing leadership, seamanship, and character through hands‑on experience on the water. The ship currently consists of 34 Sea Scouts, including 13 new members recruited within the past year, proof of a program that both attracts and retains youth through active participation and meaningful adventure.
In 2025, Viking Sea Scouts demonstrated exceptional achievement in advancement and training. Eight Scouts earned the Apprentice rank, four advanced to Ordinary rank, and an additional four completed the Able rank. Leadership development remained a priority, with many youths completing Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships (ILSS). Safety training was also strong, with two youth trained in first aid and CPR, four certified lifeguards, and 17 having completed the NASBLA Boater Safety Course.
Few units match Viking’s logged time on the water. The ship completed a two-week-long cruise through San Francisco Bay to the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, visiting ten distinct destinations. Weather permitting, Scouts sail weekly and make extensive use of the ship’s fleet of kayaks. New members are quickly introduced to small‑boat sailing to build confidence and water competency from the outset.
Throughout the year, Ship Viking maintained a strong presence across California by participating in or hosting a wide range of Sea Scout events. These include the SeaFarers’ Regatta, Old Salts Regatta, Ancient Mariner Regatta, Wente Sea Scout Weekend, Safety at Sea, Napa Mini Regatta, and the Southwestern Rendezvous. In a notable individual achievement, one of the ship’s Sea Scouts was selected to sail aboard the USCGC Barque Eagle, a rare and distinguished honor for both the Scout and the unit.
Community outreach and program growth also remain central to Viking’s operations. During the year, the ship conducted a rain‑gutter regatta for Cub Scouts, hosted a summer day camp open to Scouts and non‑Scouts, and played a key role in establishing a new Sea Scout Ship (#707) in Vallejo, California. Additional service included construction projects with Tinsley Toilers and the St. Francis Yacht Club, boat‑building efforts with the Maritime Association, and volunteer service as fire marshals during San Francisco Fleet Week.
Ship Viking’s success is rooted in a simple but effective formula: an engaging, on‑the‑water program that allows every prospective member to experience sailing firsthand. This approach has resulted in both strong recruitment and exceptional retention, reinforcing the ship’s reputation for excellence.
The 2026–2027 National Flagship designation marks the third time Ship Viking has earned this honor, following previous selections in 2016–2017 and 2023–2024. While the National Selection Committee noted the outstanding quality of all entrants this year, Viking distinguished itself even among this elevated field.
Sea Scout Ships with outstanding programs that are not selected to be the BoatUS National Flagship may be selected as a member of the National Flagship Fleet. The new members of the 2026 Flagship Fleet are:
- SSS Corsair (Ship #22—Golden Gate Council);
- SSS Dragon Lady (Ship #1942—National Capital Area Council);
- SSS Polaris (Ship #2028—Three Fires Council);
- SSS Rising Phoenix (Ship #1908—Patriots Path Council);
- SSS Valhalla (Ship #185—Greater Tampa Bay Area Council).
We offer our congratulations to all the Ships that took part in the National Flagship competition. And we want to thank the evaluation team for all the hard work they did to review all the submissions and make these decisions.
