Scouting Fivelgroep Delfzijl has expanded its fleet at the Schildmeer. That was necessary because the boats were overcrowded.
It is freezing cold in the harbor in Steendam when the newest addition is launched. Two shivering aldermen, water scouts in uniform and dozens of people are standing in the pouring rain on Saturday. All eyes are on Kiki Boatswain who has to christen the ship with a bottle of champagne.
She needs three attempts before the bottle is shattered at the bottom of the lily chimney, the sailboat that was purchased at the end of 2022. This was necessary in order to keep up with the growing membership numbers. The boats have been crowded lately, says Erik, who accompanies the young people of the ‘Wildevaart’.
Hard work on new boat
Scouting Fivelgroep Delfzijl, which has 190 members, is running like clockwork. The corona crisis only led to growth. ,,But twelve people from 15 to 18 years old in one boat is too small, so we bought another one. Last winter we worked hard to get the ship in good condition.”
While Erik compliments the hard workers, the five other boats of the Fivel group dance rhythmically in the water. The snacks threaten to rain on the picnic tables.
Golden Red Deer
Board member Ria Oosterveld and national board member Joris Schut hand out appreciation signs to Rob van Tholen and Nienke Kruidhof. Two members with a great track record for scouting. Schut came especially from Houten in Utrecht to give them the corresponding decorations. Rob receives the Golden Red Deer, the highest award a scout can receive. Nienke receives the Golden Eagle Owl.
Schut praises the association that was founded in 1910 and is one of the oldest scouting clubs in the Netherlands. “When the board of such a club calls, you get in the car. It’s good to be here.”
Drinks board gift
Alderman Pier Prins van Eemsdelta and Annemiek Hoesen-Spithorst (central Groningen) agree. They are there for the official ceremony and congratulate the water scouts on their acquisition. Then alderman Hoesen conjures up a gift. The visit of the two aldermen appears to be mutually uncoordinated. Prins comes empty-handed, for which Hoesen then apologizes again. The present is a snack board for the new boat.
Waves too high
Initially, the intention is that the water scouts make a trip on the Schildmeer. But a strong wind force right on the harbor prevents that. ,,We do not leave the port,” says Oosteveld. “There is a strong wind with a lot of waves. We have a pusher who can tow the boats onto the lake, but sailing with the children seems unwise to us.”
Oosterveld thinks the group of 10 to 15 years is still a little too inexperienced. “You have to protect them from scary events. When the waves are so strong, it’s no fun.”