Skipper's Log

Ahoy!  Welcome to the offical page of Sea Scout Ship 243.

We are gearing up for a busy but exciting spring season with the Seahorse! Preparing the boat with the work parties and ensuring that all the necessary repairs and maintenance are done will definitely set us up for a successful summer. 
 
Urgent Crew Work: 
Sanding & Painting the Seahorse Hull We need your help! 
Over the next few weekends, we’ll be prepping and painting the underside of the Seahorse, and this is critical work that requires the dedication of our scouts and volunteers. The Seahorse is currently dry docked, and we have a limited window of time to access the underside and properly protect the hull. Sanding and painting the bottom is essential to ensure the longevity of our ship and keep her sailing smoothly throughout the season. Why It’s Important:
The hull needs proper prep and painting to protect it from wear and the harsh marine environment.
This is hands-on crew work that directly contributes to the Seahorse’s maintenance and safety.
It’s a team effort that ensures the boat is ready for the upcoming season and keeps costs down for everyone involved.
Dates for Work Parties:
Starting this weekend, we’ll be meeting at the marina to work on sanding and painting. Please join us for as much time as you can to help with this important project. Your time and effort will make a significant difference. This is your boat, and together, we can ensure that the Seahorse is ready to sail once again! Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Gofundme: ​Help Us Keep the Seahorse Sailing! 
This year, the Seahorse is in need of some expensive repairs to ensure she stays in top shape for the upcoming season. Your generous donation helps us cover the costs of professional repairs, parts, and supplies that are necessary for her upkeep. By contributing, you're not just helping the boat – you're directly lowering the cost of maintenance and repairs for the scouts. Every dollar counts and goes a long way in ensuring that we can continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all those involved. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us keep the Seahorse afloat for years to come!

Spring is Here – Join Us for the Sock Burning Ceremony! 
Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Starts at 12:00 pm Come celebrate the arrival of spring with a time-honored tradition at Silver Cloud Harbor Marina! They are hosting a Sock Burning Ceremony, where we'll say goodbye to winter and welcome warmer days ahead. Bring your old winter socks and let’s burn them in a festive ceremony starting at 1:30 pm! It's a great way to mark the change of seasons, and you’re welcome to join in the fun! 
Event Highlights:
12:00 pm: Local vendors with a variety of wares, Beverages & Snacks: Available at the Silver Cloud Ships Store
1:30 pm: Sock Burning Ceremony – A lively and symbolic way to kick off the season

Location: Silver Cloud Harbor Marina
107 Bay Avenue
Forked River, NJ 08731 

Be sure to stop by our booth to learn more about our programs, meet the crew, and support our cause. Let’s burn those socks and get ready for a fantastic season on the water!

It’s clear that we have a strong crew mentality, and it sounds like it will be a fun and productive season ahead! 



Safety Moments:  Everyone should take some time and watch these videos provide by 
Seascouts.org  https://seascout.org/safety-moments/

We would like to take this time to thank Mike Vinik of Vinik Marine; for their continued support of Ship 243.  They have graciously donated fuel to the Sea Horse.  There is a great story online about Mr. Vinik, a great read about one of our biggest supporters.
Click here to read the story

Click here is a great video for those who need to work on their knots for Apprentice Rank.

Click here for a Great webinar from our friends over at Raymarine,  "Boating safety through technology".  The also do a lot of live presentations about using the different types of electronics.  Click here to check out thier list of recorded webinars.

Remember we could always use additional help. every little bit helps. If you are interested in joining or volunteering Sea Scout Ship 243,  click here to contact our skipper.
If you would like to donate to our program,  please check out our support page  or  contact our skipper.

Yours in Sea Scouting,
Robert Meseck
Skipper, Ship 243
E:Mail:  SkipperBob@ship243.com