Tacoma’s Own Tall Ship Is Sailing in Rough Waters
4,000 square feet
of working sail maintained and inspected by youth crew
Tacoma’s historic tall ship – Odyssey – needs a hand.
At 82-years old, maintaining this classic 90-foot wooden sailboat for service to Pierce County’s youth is a big lift. Since Odyssey is a Coast Guard licensed sub Chapter T passenger vessel, it requires an annual inspection accompanied by haul out and repair. She will be entering dry dock on December 1 and undergoing annual repairs necessary to maintain her ability to continue to serve as Tacoma's only historic tall ship serving as a floating classroom for youth on the Puget Sound and beyond.
Youth on Odyssey work week long shifts as crew for fundraising charters. With COVID-19, Odyssey was tied to the dock and all 2020 charters were cancelled.
For over 30 years these annual repairs are funded through monies raised by the boat itself.
Every summer the dedicated adult volunteers and Odyssey Sea Scout crew host week-long paid charter cruises in the San Juan Islands for other Scout and youth groups from around the country.
During the school year, the boat is a floating classroom taking public high school students out for monthly on-water marine science classes. Monies made from all of the charters usually cover the repair costs.
With the onset of COVID-19 all of the fundraising opportunities were cancelled. Odyssey’s sails are put way, and her 180 days of sailing in 2020 are gone.
We rely on our dedicated supporters to partner with us and invest in today’s youth becoming tomorrow’s leaders. The Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation is seeking support for this historic vessel in these unprecedented times.
Make a difference right now and use the button below to make a tax deductible contribution today.
BACKGROUND : Since being established in 1924, the Tacoma Sea Scouts have provided youth focused maritime and leadership programs in the Puget Sound for 96 continuous years. The Tacoma Sea Scout Base is located at The Tacoma Youth Marine Center on the Foss Waterway and is home to three Sea Scout vessels including Odyssey. The vessels provide year-round programs open to all youth.
The Youth Marine Foundation (YMF) is a 501(c)3 organization that funds the operations of the Tacoma Youth Marine Center to provide a place for marine-related training programs for young men and women. Participants include the Sea Scouts, Naval ROTC, Tacoma Public Schools Science and Math Institute and Metro Parks.