International Jamborees: 1984 Report USA
1984 - Coral Reef Sailing Adventure - Florida Sea Base Florida Keys
The High Adventure Base on the Florida Keys was the starting point for the eight South African Scouts who set off on a six-day coral reef sailing trip which was followed by a 12-day tour of the USA East Coast.
For eight Scouts this sailing adventure in the United States was a journey that would be long remembered.
Flying via New York they had a day's sight-seeing in the 'Big Apple', before moving on to Miami and then overland to the Sea Scout Base.
Then it was six days sailing on a 50-foot sailing yacht that became their home. It had a large self-contained galley and dining area where they prepared wholesome meals from the fresh or canned foods supplied by Sea Base, supplemented by fresh catches from trolling while underway.
Their captain instructed them in navigation, fishing and sailing, and they remained on board for the entire trip. They were able to choose their own float plan to explore the beautiful Florida Keys.
The trip offered one-of-a-kind snorkeling and abundant fishing. Returning to the base they spent a "port day" and had the chance to demonstrate their sailing skills in the fleet of Hunter Sailboats.
Next on the itinerary was Orlando and home hospitality with BSA troops. This included trips to Disneyland and the Epcot centre. It was then on to Knoxville and finally New York for more sight-seeing.
All to soon they were on a plane back to South Africa.