New Hobie Cats at Lewis & Clark

Lewis & Clark Scout Camp is the proud recipients of two new Hobie Cat 16 sail boats.  This generous gift was the result of a series of events that began with the Hobie Cat 20 National Championships that were held June 4th through 6th in Yankton, South Dakota.  Event organizer David Rice of Nebraska, was working with Yankton City Public Works Director, Kevin Kuhl on the logistics of the race event.  Kevin, who is the Sioux Council VP of Properties and a member of Venture Ship 791, volunteered 791 to help with some of the logistics (mainly as a rescue service to racers who have tipped their cats over).  In the process of conversation , David mentioned that he knew a fellow who liked to donate catamarans to groups in areas that sailing is under utilized.  David put Kevin in touch with Bobby Edmonds of Arkansas.  Bobby and Kim Edmonds are national catamaran racers, who were coming to Yankton for the championship race.  They had planned to give away 10 boats this summer at various locations and had not found a location for the last two.  After talking to Kevin about Crew 791 and Lewis & Clark Scout Camp and our expanding sailing program, Bobby was convinced that the Sioux Council should receive the last two boats.

Bobby worked with Select Sail & Sports of Omaha to purchase and deliver the boats.  He felt that it was important to supply all of the necessary safety gear as well.  The total bill was over $21,000.  In addition, Crew 791 has paid for two slips on Hobie Cat Beach (on Lewis & Clark Lake) for the summer to store the boats in a safe and accessible location.  Scouts who enroll in sailing classes this summer will have the opportunity to sail these beautiful boats towards the end of the week.

Photo #1 shows members of Crew 791, representatives of Lewis & Clark Scout Camp, and the Edmonds in front of one of the new Cats.

Photo #2 shows Camp Director, Barry Schloss accepting the gift on behalf of Lewis & Clark.  He is presenting Bobby and Kim Edmonds with Lewis & Clark Scout Camp Fleece jackets as a token of our appreciation.