Sail Nauticus

Rotarian sailor Mark Shaw, who is an accomplished and experienced sailor and Rotarian of the Day, introduced the day’s speaker. Mark is a founding Charles Woodard fellow of our club’s endowment fund. This endowment fund has supported hundreds of local non-profits since its inception in 2009. 

 

The Members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk love to hear about local treasures below, above, and anything about the water, sailing, or local services for our citizens. Today's speaker was Sarah Linden-Brooks, the manager of Sail Nauticus, who brought an interesting and fitting presentation that captured Rotarian attention.

 

Sarah has worked in a variety of non-profit organizations, community colleges, and area museums. She trained as a museum educator and a maritime historian. She has been sailing since her youth and has worked on tall ships and as a volunteer aboard the Schooner Virginia. 

 

Sail Nauticus is part of the Nauticus Foundation whose goal is to serve our greater Norfolk community through the medium of sailing for academic and leadership achievement for our young people and recreational access for the general public.

 

Sarah began by introducing Rotarians to the Schooner Virginia. Part of the Sail Nauticus program includes the 122-foot Schooner Virginia. The Schooner Virginia, docked along the Elizabeth River at Nauticus, is a reproduction of the last all sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association. The original ship sailed for the pilots from 1917-to 1926, training apprentice pilots in seamanship and navigation.

 

The Schooner Virginia came to Norfolk in 2017. The Schooner Virginia serves the Nauticus Foundation as a vital education platform to engage the Hampton Roads community with a focus on delivering transformative maritime and hands-on learning to students of all backgrounds and ages, museum visitors, and the general public. 

 

The Schooner Virginia’s programming emphasizes STEM education, maritime history, tall ship training, workforce development, and the conservation of our local waterways.

 

The heart of Sail Nauticus is the academic program. It is a transformative 3-year program with water and land-based experience. Fifth graders are introduced to the water and in cooperation with the YMCA learn water safety and how to swim. The 7th graders Learn important skills like CPR and other critical sailing and life skills. The 8th graders complete the sail training and obtain a Virginia State Boaters License. 

 

STEM is encapsulated in the program. Sarah emphasized the program is not just about sailing but developing young people. The program aims to build character and increase confidence in participants.

After questions, President Desplaines thanked our speaker and reminded her that a book in her honor will be placed in “School of the Week” at Norview Middle School in her honor. 

 

President Michael Desplaines rang the bell, welcomed Rotarians and guests, and opened the meeting. Chip Vogan led the gathering in song. Voices filled the room with God Bless America. President Desplaines led the Rotarians and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. 

 

Julie Keesling led attendees to thankful thoughts with the day’s invocation. Brian McGuire informed us that Dalton Dunbar has had a stroke and some blood clots which necessitated his admission to the hospital. Irv Wells who has been in Maryview Hospital Hospice has returned home. Please keep them in your prayers.

 

Introduction of Guests: Rob Sult introduced Chris Barco, Bella DePaulo, and Taylor Lyons from the Norfolk Botanical Garden and members of the Suds and Buds 2022 committee. Jeff wells brought Jim Tucker to the meeting again today. 

 

Lorna Cochrane asked Rotarians to check the volunteer sheets at each table. She reminded members to sign up for short time-limited tasks at the Suds & Buds 2022. There are only 15-20 tasks remaining. She also called for anyone with photography skills to volunteer for taking pictures during the event.

 

President-Elect Laurie Harrison asked members to sign up for 2022-23 committees the sheets are on each table and should be returned to Club Secretary Karen. Each Club Member should sign up for 2-3 committees. Committee work enables the club to successfully operate.

 

The End Polio Now Tides Baseball Tickets for this Sunday’s (May 15th) game at 1:05 are available from Michael and Kareen. The tickets are $15.00 each and grouped. A reminder that there is a service project on May 18th, 8 am-11:30 at Basilica of St Mary’s to distribute food. Please sign up.

 

Suds & Buds 2022 is May 19th --- Get your tickets online at sudsandbuds.org or from Karen. Chick Robison is still collecting wine for the Wine Pull. Bring your bottle valued at $20 or more or give $20 to Chick or George Compo to shop for you. 

 

Michael read a thank you letter from Virginia Supportive Housing Grant Recipient. Two full furniture sets are now in place for 2 homes.

 

 

Raffle: Bill McGinnis brought forth the tickets and announced that this week’s pot was $16.00 and the big pot is $406.00. Joey Rothgery was the winner of the small pot and failed to draw the lucky ticket for the large pot.