Program Description

Spend a weekend traveling the lake on 20 and 25 foot sailboats!  You'll get to choose your own route, so have fun exploring the lake.

Elect a Crew Leader.  The captain will provide opportunities to make decisions and carry out tasks during your training.

The program begins Saturday Morning and ends Sunday afternoon. 

Plan for your crew to arrive at the Aquatics Base by 8:30 am.  You will be greeted by a base staff member who will help you get settled in and ready for the trip.  During registration, we will make sure we have accurate information on

We will review your rosters, the swimming ability of all crew members and review any physical limitations. Your Crew Leader will be asked to sign a form certifying each member of the crew meets the BSA Swimmer Requirements (see Guide to Safe Scouting).

Bring your own overnight gear, including a tent, for use during your overnight stay away from the base Saturday.  Please note:  Camp Allatoona Aquatics Base is a short term camp and does not have shower facilities.  Campsites have permanent shelters, running water and pit latrines.

We've provided a copy of some typical sailing menus and we suggest your crew give them a try.  Please purchase food for your crew AND your staff captain for all listed meals (plus any personal snacks).

Upon your return to the Aquatics Base Sunday afternoon, you will clean the boats and return equipment.  Plan your departure between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Crew size:  Minimum 5, maximum 12.

What to Bring *

Remember, storage space onboard a sailboat is very limited.  Small drawstring bags work best for stowing personal items and equipment.  Please limit your carry-on to one small bag or duffel, and do not bring backpacks with frames.  The items you need to bring are shown in the gear lists below:

The basics:

Shorts, T-shirts, hat
Swim suit, towel, deck shoes
Sleeping bag or blankets and sheets
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm (Chap Stick,
Blistex, etc.)
6-foot piece of line to practice knots
Small flashlight with extra batteries
Foul weather gear (rain suit)
Sweatshirt or windbreaker/jacket, depending
upon the time of year
Personal items (toothbrush, etc.)

Do NOT bring the following:

Black soled shoes
Poncho
Personal CD players, radios or stereos
Liquid fuel stoves or lanterns
Sheath knives, spear guns or fire arms Signal flares or fireworks
Personal watercraft (wave runners)

The Base will provide:

Use of crew quarters (tent site with tents, cots, covered cooking area, table and propane cook stove with fuel).

Your crew should bring:

BSA patrol cook kit & chef tool kit
First aid kit
Food (remember to include enough
extra for the captains!)
SMALL ice chest and extra ice for the ice
chest onboard the boat
Electric lantern (propane may only be used off
the boat)
Water container
Trash bags
Toilet paper
Paper towels, cups and napkins
Games for use below deck (magnetic
checkers/chess, playing cards, etc.)
Inter-faith worship materials and song books
Astronomy merit badge book for star study at
night

Optional Items:

Camera and Film
Binoculars
Personal floatation devices (also available at
the base)
Fishing gear and bait (don't forget fishing
licenses)

Menu Planning Suggestions *
Here are some typical menus used at Florida Sea Base.  You might want to try some of these on your trip.

Requirements

Current BSA registration.
BSA Medical Form (bring this with you).
Must be a swimmer and at least 13 years old.
Familiar with the procedures in the Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge book.
Adults must be certified in Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.
No previous sailing experience is required.

* Click here for a printable copy of the Gear Lists and Sample Menus.