SEA SCOUTS
YMF’s core programming partner, Tacoma Sea Scouts, have been continuously operating in Tacoma since 1923 and Sea Scout Ship 110 is one of the oldest in the nation. The Sea Scouts are a co-ed character development and maritime training program for youth starting at age 13 in the Puget Sound Region.
As the Sea Scouts largest supporter, the Youth Marine Foundation campus is home to the Tacoma Sea Scout Base - providing docks, classroom space, storage and use of their small vessel fleet.
The programs have roughly 100+ youth registered for the full-year program aboard one of the three ships at the Tacoma Sea Scout Base. The youth in the Sea Scouts train and participate in boating year-round and learn how to maintain and operate the Doolin-Rogers, and other Coast Guard licensed vessels in all weather conditions.
YOUTH MARINE FOUNDATION
The YMF was created in 1992 as a non-profit.
In 2007, it promptly began raising $800,000 for docks on the east side of the waterway as the Sea Scouts had begun to outgrow their current docks.
In 2012, YMF leased their present property and purchased the marine businesses including a boat repair facility and fuel dock from the Port of Tacoma to help fund youth programs on the water.
In 2013, 30 by 80-foot building was acquired from the city for youth classroom and program space for training classes.
YMF soon began working with Metro Parks Sails & Trails Camps, the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum, and Tacoma Public School Marine Studies.
OUR VESSELS
The Doolin Rogers (Top Left):
Undergoing an extensive multi-million-dollar remodel in 2015, MV-DR was designed for maritime training that meets current industry standards and to provide marine science education using up-to-date technology and maritime systems.
The remodel took many years and was a dream realized by Captain Charles Doolin, a Dallas based philanthropist.
YMF launched a successful community campaign in December 2021 to purchase the vessel and transport it from Galveston, TX to its current home at TYMC.
The Odyssey (Right Side):
The Odyssey is a 90’ yawl built for Mrs. Barklie Henry, a Vanderbilt granddaughter, in New York in 1938. Starting as a winning member of the racing community of Long Island Sound, the US Navy commandeered the boat for the duration of World War II.
She was sold for $1.00 to Pacific Harbors Council in 1978 for their venturing Sea Scout program and retired in November of 2024.
Motor Lifeboat (Bottom Left):
The Motor Lifeboat, also known as the Motor Whaleboat, is a 26’ boat originally owned by the United States Navy. It was built in March of 1969 in Bellingham, Washington.
The boat originally served as a shore boat for the carrier Enterprise. Sea Scout Ship 110 received the boat from a navy surplus sale and uses it to educate Sea Scouts and students about single propellor vessels.