The Waiheke Sea Scouts took to the water Sunday to celebrate the centenary of Sea Scouting in New Zealand.
The Scouts assembled at 7am on Shelly Beach Road, with their 5m Scout cutter already at anchor so she was afloat over the low tide. The patrol boat was launched, and both boats filled with scouts and gear before heading out into the bay for a rendezvous with the trimaran Shianti and the 38ft Sloop Woodwind, both owned by parents of scouts.

 The flotilla then headed off around Browns Island to Auckland Harbour where they donned uniforms, then rowed the last four nautical miles into Okahu Bay for the celebrations.
Later came a picnic on the beach with other scout groups from across Auckland and the chance for the scouts to help visitors enjoy rowing and sailing.

Heading off, the fleet separated with the Waiheke cutter taking a short cut through East Bastion Reef.  The addition of a strong sea breeze helped provide an exciting downwind blast towards Kennedy Point and home. •