Attracting More Young People to the Nautical World

The second part of a three-part series featuring RHKYC’s support to scouting activities in Hong Kong

WORDS: VIRGINIA CHI, 4 TH HONG KONG SEA SCOUT GROUP COUNCIL

To most of the youths who visited the 40’ cruiser Lion Rock on a sunny day in October, it was their first time on board a sailing boat. Excitement was felt as quick steps were made all around the deck and into the cabin. On the bow of the boat, one of them was found making the Titanic movie “I’m flying” pose.

There was a moment of delight as the group gathered to hoist a set of nautical flags sending out a message, not through texting, saying: “W are 4 Scout”– “We are 4th Scout Group”. Earlier that morning, the scouts had learned about international nautical flags and how to use them for signals and messages. This colourful set of flags now flying on the cruiser was the one they had put together.

The visit was one of the activities organised for the recently revived 4th Hong Kong Sea Scout Group (4th HKSSG). While scouting generally offers opportunities for young people to engage in outdoor activities and pick up necessary skills along the way, sea scouting has an emphasis on water-based activities and skill sets.

The 4th HKSSG is a public sea scout group that meets regularly at RHKYC Kellett Island Clubhouse. Its scout leaders are volunteers who are Club members or non-members who are active in its sailing or rowing activities.

“There is so much for young people to enjoy and explore engaging in water-based activities by becoming a sea scout”, said John Woo, 4th HKSSG Group Scout Leader.

“RHKYC clubhouses and facilities are right on the waterfront. This makes it easy for organising water-based activities for the scouts against the beautiful backdrop of the Victoria Harbour where East meets West. This is one of the reasons why it is a bi-lingual and multi-cultural Scout Group.

“We are thankful to the Club for supporting such a local community programme as it may encourage more young people to develop interests and skills about the nautical world,” he added.

The 4th HKSSG is now actively recruiting scout members. Young people (aged 11 – 16) from the public are welcome to join, no matter if they are members or non-members of the Club. To join or contact 4th HKSSG, please scan the QR Code or write to 4thHKSSG@gmail.com.

WORDS AND IMAGES: SAIL TO CHANGE WORKING GROUP

Abig thank you to fellow members for your generous donations and for believing in our mission!

Sail To Change (STC) was put forward as one of the Club’s initiatives in 2019 with the objective to use sailing as a platform for character building and to nurture personal development for underprivileged youth in Hong Kong, to better prepare them for future life while learning how to treat our oceans with more care.

Sail To Change's mission is for Hong Kong youth to build lifelong skills and let them be the protectors of the ocean. With perseverance, our Sail To Change programme finally started last November 2021 with six youths from Hong Kong Sea School who joined our pilot scheme!

As we continue to gather interest from members who would like to mentor our STC kids, our pioneering Sail To Change mentors were happy to share their experiences during Sunset Series 2022. Everyone had fun and they showed team spirit, determination to do better, dealt with the unpredictable yet familiar Harbour and summer conditions – way too hot, strong tide, light wind, sudden wind gust! They also gained more confidence and were comfortable in engaging with Club members. Plus, they all want to continue with our Year 2 STC programme!

Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation to SailCom and Middle Island’s Sail Training Team’s support as well as Sail To Change Workgroup’s teamwork and tireless efforts that made this programme finally come into fruition! We are really happy with the way the programme is going!

Once again, Thank you all! Sail To Change Workgroup