All aboard as Sea Scouts turn 70

For the Westshore Sea Scouts the boats and the uniforms may have changed, but the sea has not - and it will be out on the water that the organisation will tomorrow celebrate 70 years of seafaring.

To help mark the occasion, the Sea Scouts will stage an open day at their "ship" - the clubroom and hall at Meeanee Quay - for the public to check out what they are all about.

"All the boats will be out on the water, including our new optimist yachts," said Sea Scouts Waiapu Zone water activities adviser Dennis Zachan, adding that members of the public would get the opportunity to go out on the water with the scouts to experience sailing or rowing.

Mr Zachan said the day was also an opportunity for anyone interested in joining the sea scouts, either as a youth member or an adult volunteer, to check out the facilities.

Westshore Sea Scouts first took to water in January 1942.

From modest beginnings, the group grew and in 1968 their current headquarters was built on Meeanee Quay right beside the water.

As well as developing maritime skills, the young members enjoyed the challenges of the sea. They have rowed the voyage from Mahia to Napier as well as rowed across Cook Strait, and in 1991 the group won the top award for Sea Scouts in New Zealand, the Jellicoe Trident, at the National Scout Regatta held in Wellington.

Mr Zachan said there were opportunities for adults to get aboard as volunteer leaders or committee members.

The group looks after young sailors from 6 to 15.

The open day will run between 3.30pm and 5pm tomorrow.