Sea Scouts Ship 5870 Privateer
“We try to teach the kids to be responsible mariners, to take care of one another, be adaptable, self-reliant, and accountable for the things they do—all while having fun.”
—Mark Corter, Skipper, Privateer
"The class was interesting and thoughtful, and he shared fun stories and lessons that gave us a good idea of how the Navy navigates their boats. The exercises were also engaging and helped us to understand the concepts."
—Luke, participant in 2023’s “Charting with the Sea Scouts”
The Chicago Yacht Club and the Foundation support the Sea Scout ship Privateer, the oldest Sea Scout ship in the nation. Privateer was chartered with the Boy Scouts of America in 1923 as part of the Club’s commitment to marine education for youth ages 14-21. The Sea Scout program is committed to teaching young people general life skills associated with sailing including responsibility, respect for the environment, teamwork, decision-making, problem- solving, and self-reliance. Sea Scouts also learn specialized skills, such as navigation, weather, water rescue, boat handling and sailing theory.
Support for the Privateer is generated in part by an annual Bilge Auction hosted by CYC’s Cruising Sail Fleet, which raised a record $28,000 in 2023.
In 2022, the Foundation introduced a new educational scholarship to be awarded annually to an outstanding Scout from Privateer at the Foundation’s “Meet the Kids Night” each November.
In 2023, the Foundation developed a new program that got scouts out on the Club’s Sonars with a sailing instructor to develop and refine their sailing skills. A total of 12 young sailors participated. The Sea Scouts also learned about charting and navigation at their April 2023 meeting from U.S. Navy veteran Jarrik Mitchell.
For more information about the Sea Scouts, please contact Bob Bied, chair of CYC’s Sea Scouts Committee.