About ComCruise

The Commodores Cruise Invitational (ComCruise) is an annual 8-day high adventure sailing program for Sea Scouts hosted by Occoneechee Council, SA.  Started in 2023, it teaches Sea Scouts the practical skills needed to sail keelboats of 31 to 50 feet along the Eastern coast. 

Trained in each aspect of sailing by experienced adult sailors, the youth learn helming/steering, tacking & gybing, sail trim, navigation, watch standing, food preparation, docking, etc.  A key element of ComCruise is training youth in leadership skills – and how to manage the boats as a team.  They self-select their own youth leader for each boat (called a boatswain) and then actually run the sailboat.    This hands-on experience is a rapid way to learn both leadership and sailing.

Of course, there is always an experienced adult sailor on deck.  For certain tasks, such as docking in tight quarters, our adult sailors helm the boats for safety reasons.  Our saying is ‘Adult directed, youth led’.

Started in 1912, Sea Scouts is a co-ed ‘older youth program’ (ages 14-20) of Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.

Because ComCruise sails in areas which are so rich in history, each year includes an historical theme. Past ComCruises are listed below.

- ComCruise Objectives -

  • Training on how to sail large boats
  • Leadership training for Sea Scouts
  • Sea Scout rank advancement for those who want it
  • Earn your Long Cruise badge
  • Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with Tall Ships

- ComCruise Principles -

Our Four Principles we will utilize on every cruise:

  1.  Safety First – more than a slogan.  The first day includes safety briefings and safety drills.  We practice throughout the cruise.
  2.  Be prepared! – the Scout Motto!  We also acknowledge the 85/15% rule.  85% of things we can pre-plan.  Which means everyone should … 
  3.  Be flexible – the other 15% is unpredictable and requires creative solutions.  Like weather.  So, Semper Gumby!
  4.  Have fun!  The main reason we love ComCruise every year!

Previous ComCruises

Blackbeard's Treasure Chest found by Sea Scouts

2023 - Chasing Blackbeard the Pirate

Five sailboats and 35 crew sailed 202 miles as they chased the notorious pirate ‘Blackbeard‘ (played by Carl Cannon, Jr.).  Blackbeard’s legacy has been the inspiration for dozens of books and movies such as Treasure Island and Pirates of the Caribbean.  After ‘capturing’ Blackbeard, they negotiated his release in exchange for his treasure chest buried at Springer’s Point on Ocracoke Island, NC.

Sea Scouts at Cape Lookout, NC

2024 - Chasing Verrazzano

Eight sailboats with 57 crew left Oriental, NC, to explore the life of the Italian explorer Giovanni Verrazzano during the Golden Age of Sail.  Sponsored by King Francis I of France, Verrazzano was the first European to set foot on the shores of North Carolina in 1524 near Cape Lookout – exactly 500 years before our cruise.

This year, our famous Seafood Fest was held on the beach at Cape Lookout.  It started another legendary tradition.

2025 - Chasing The Lost Colony

Seven sailboats and 50 crew explored the mystery of ‘The Lost Colony’ near modern day Manteo, NC.  Originally settled in 1585, and then again in 1587, this first English settlement was strongly supported by Sir Walter Raleigh, a court favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.  Unfortunately, when a relief group bringing supplies from England arrived in 1590, the colony was found completely abandoned with only the word “CROATOAN” carved into the bark of a tree.  No other trace of the colonists was ever found.

Sea Scouts attended the famous outdoor play at The Lost Colony theater.

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