Appearing in October Latitude 38
Sailing a proper course at the Belvedere Classic Regatta and Great SF Schooner Race August 10, aside 20 other classic wooden boats, was Sea Scouts whaleboat Corsair with skipper Aaron Wu. “We were doing a big reach, having just rounded Blossom Rock while hitting 8-knots speed. Assessing it to be a safe time to hand over the tiller, I asked adult leader Celeste McManus to take my place. McManus held course for a few minutes then I heard, ‘We have lost our rudder.’”
Sea Scouts on the Run
This was a blustery, choppy bay with big flood. While Wu wrapped his head around things, McManus immediately called for sails down; in fewer than 60-seconds, all fabric was folded and tied. On the eastern side of Alcatraz toward north end of Treasure Island, but with ample distance from land, Wu opted to not set anchor in the 80 to 90-foot depth. After ensuring safety of all souls onboard, he called the Sea Scouts base for rescue and tow then attempted to alert race committee. The balance of crew collected thoughts and remained calm, quiet and ready.
Meanwhile on the Sea Scout’s other whaleboat, Viking, Michael O’Callaghan tried to communicate with Corsair and race committee, but connection cut in and out. Fortunately, one of the RC boats hears the broken call. Visibility was poor over the water, but Corsair was eventually spotted in the distance. Moments after arrival, the SFYC vessel receives a tossed line from Corsair. However, while proceeding to en route Sea Scouts tow vessel, it’s learned this vessel is having engine troubles.
Necessary Skills for All Sea Scouts
Wu acknowledges that boating can sometimes have unexpected things happen, so leaders from the program make sure every scout has the necessary skills to handle challenges. “We have a very interactive program and always want to prepare scouts for emergency situations.
Some of the things that we practice are anchoring drills and capsize drills on the whaleboats. These are essential to our program, as the boats we regularly sail on do not have engines and are fairly close to the water. We always try to run drills in controlled environments.”
This training paid-off. Sea Scout Aviv was onboard Corsair. In the program for five years, “Whoa” was his first thought after learning the rudder had broken. “We all train and prep for things like this, so we felt prepared and had practiced how to keep our cool. We downed sails and de-rigged immediately. Everyone was very level about it.” In the quarterdeck at the time, after the sails were lowered, he and crew worked on getting the broken rudder into the boat, then rigging an oar to act as emergency rudder. “I had a lot of friends helping me at that moment. It was a great example of how our crew can keep a level head and quickly respond to emergencies.”
He says the depth of experience onboard helped everyone remain calm and focused. “We all knew what to do because we train for it; we understood the seriousness of the situation. No one panicked.” Miles, in the program for 3.5 years, assisted with sails then listened to calls to Sea Scout base and race committee check-in. During this time, he and crew also did what they could to safely retrieve the paddle portion of rudder—but it was drifting away quickly. This scout was instrumental in helping Corsair get secure back at Aquatic Park.
“While nearing the dock and still under tow, our boat was coming in at a weird angle and cast-off from the Vashon was made too early,” explains Miles. As remedy, we tried to row into position, but the current was pushing too much. “I got on an oar really quick, and helped get everyone focused on rowing properly until we could pick up the towline again.”
Sea Scout Quick Remedy
Also rising to the occasion was Patrick Martin, Quartermaster adult leader. While under tow, Martin troubleshot the engine over the phone. Before transferring to a temporarily anchored Vashon, he and the adult lead on Vashon had, “Walked through several steps, so by the time I got onto White Crane we had narrowed it down to something simple.”
White Crane is a 22-footer used for training, towing and other exercises. The RC boat was informed–and the possible need to tow a second vessel was understood. Upon mark set boat approach, crews secured lines to connect vessels and Martin transferred.
A quick fix was made, verified, then a call for cast-off from mark set boat was made. Moments later all were underway. Facing its own challenges, White Crane crew also tapped their training–adroitly following instructions and keeping calm.
Speaking about his moments on Corsair, Sea Scout Martin reiterates, “Everyone moved quickly and efficiently during the incident. The boat was quiet–other than those giving instructions. The most nerve-wracking moment for me was when a ferry came by as we were drifting. Luckily, they turned to starboard a bit so we were able to take the wake dead-on instead of abeam.”
O’Callaghan is senior license examiner with the Golden Gate Area Council of the Sea Scouts. Not wishing to cast any dispersions on Wu, he says he built the failed rudder and has fashioned its replacement–changing the design by using laminated wood reinforced with fiberglass. In his 52 years as a leader, O’Callaghan has witnessed countless moments of joy and merit.
Piloting, Navigation and Sea Scouts Instincts
Speaking of merits, scout Miles says, “I have many friends here and we do fun activities every week. I’ve learned about piloting and navigation, and good boating instincts on the water. I’ve learned lots about both engines and sailing–which are applicable to stuff outside of scouts, too.”
Mate Avi lists his merits: “I tend to be more of a leader in situations outside of scouts, now. I also practice physical fitness, I’ve made a lot of friends in the program, and we all encourage each other. Camaraderie keeps me coming back.”