SEAL Tampa Bay, FL 2020

The Tampa Bay SEAL course will incorporate two vessels, one under the command of the youth participants (SSTV Bonne Femme, 35’ Pearson), with a support vessel (SSTV American Spirit, 40’ Beneteau) to accommodate the adult course staff.  This will maximize the youth experiences of teamwork and leadership to assure both vessels operate efficiently and in unison.  Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest marine estuary covering about 400 square miles and has an extensive maritime history dating back to the 16th Century exploration of North America’s Atlantic and gulf coasts.  Prior to those years, Tampa Bay supported one of the largest Paleo-Indian cultures in North America, including the Weedon Island Culture.  Today, St. Petersburg on the Bay’s western shore is the nation’s largest enclave of marine studies inclusive of two universities, a consortium of universities through the Florida Institute of Oceanography, and major agencies such as, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Geological Survey.  The course will base out of Boca Ciega Yacht Club with different ports-of-call each day, including:  two marinas, three additional yacht clubs, and Eckerd College, which sponsors the nation’s only youth volunteer marine search and rescue program.  Each location has its own relaxation and learning opportunities for the participants.  Tampa Bay is the nation’s premier winter sailing location, while summers deliver a mix of land and sea breeze sailing venues along with interesting and stimulating afternoon weather.  Each day will deliver moderate challenges for planning, piloting, and helmsmanship.  You will have a staff originating from four local Sea Scout Ships that collectively boast several hundred years of boating experience, with one of those having recently completed a world tour aboard the support vessel SSTV American Sprit.  On behalf of your Tampa Bay SEAL staff and your fellow participants…WELCOME ABOARD!