TD Sea Scouts return from coastal Regatta with strong finishes, lasting lessons

SSS Freedom Sea Scouts from The Dalles grabbed a group photo after a celebratory lunch in Seaside after turning in some strong efforts at the annual seafaring skills Regatta competition held at Camp Rilea near Astoria April 10-12.

Information from Raz Mason and Photos by Annika Baumgarten with edits by CCCNews:

The Dalles, Ore., April 16, 2026 — Four Sea Scouts from The Dalles returned from a regional maritime competition on the Oregon Coast with strong finishes and a deeper sense of confidence, teamwork and personal growth after competing against more experienced crews from across the Pacific Northwest.

The group from Sea Scout Ship Freedom #399 competed April 10–12 at Regatta, an annual seafaring skills competition held at Camp Rilea, an Oregon National Guard training center just south of Astoria.

Representing The Dalles were Madelyn Pincock, Rachael Pincock, Kenni Strunk and Ashten Murphey — a small, relatively inexperienced team that still managed to place in multiple events. Also helping the SSS Freedom were former Sea Scouts Annika Baumgarten, now an adult volunteer and the event photographer, and Logan Baumgarten, student at Western Oregon University who served as Regatta Boatswain.

Rachael Pincock helps Kenni Strunk during the "Gumby Suit" event, where Sea Scouts were challenged to quickly put on a cold-water immersion suit - a life-saving skill required in emergency situations while underway.

The Regatta brought together Sea Scout “Ships” — similar to troops — from across the region, including teams from Beaverton, Eugene, Seattle, Battleground and Vancouver, Wash.

The team tied for first place in identifying 30 parts of a sailboat, took second in uniform inspection and safety events, and placed third in both the Gumby suit challenge — which involves quickly putting on a cold-water immersion suit — and the Sea Scouts Quiz.

“I’m so impressed at how youth who start Regatta anxious and worried leave the event having stretched into new experiences that involve real-world skills far beyond what many youth encounter, said SSS Freedom Volunteer Raz Mason. “Scouts’ earned pride and improved confidence are amazing.”

For many of the participants, however, the biggest takeaways went beyond rankings.

“The lesson I learned from Regatta is it’s not about winning; it’s about the journey along the way,” said Kenni Strunk, a first-year participant and the Ship’s Storekeeper.

Rachael and Ashten set off to tie a line (rope) to the buoy.

Strunk said his favorite event tested both teamwork and endurance.

“My favorite event at Regatta was rowing. I had to row out as hard as I could and have my shipmate Madelyn tie a bowline (knot) around a buoy, then row back as fast as I could with Madelyn directing me,” he said.

Madelyn Pincock, the Ship’s boatswain, said the experience has helped shape her leadership and confidence.

“In Sea Scouts I have personal growth because I experienced a lot of things I wouldn’t have in my personal life, like how to be a leader and be more confident. I wouldn’t have met people from different places. I’m still learning planning,” Madelyn said.

Kenni does the "Passing a Line" event - throwing a line from a ship to another ship or the dock.

One of her favorite competitions played to her strengths.

“One of my favorite events was sailboat identification because I knew where everything was – 30 different parts of the boat,” she said.

Beyond competition, she said time on the water remains a highlight.

“My first time on the Sea Scout boat there were so many waves and it was so bumpy – it reminds me of going on my uncle’s boat. My favorite part is riding the bumps. There’s probably other people who love bumpy rides, and others who love the scenery and calm waters. Being on a boat gives you a lot of scenes,” she said.

For Rachael Pincock, who serves as boatswain’s mate, the experience pushed her physically and mentally.

Ashten at the knot-tying competition

“Whether it will be a lap or two, in a Regatta swim event a Scout will always push. I was pretty vigilant. Afterward, I was proud,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of stepping outside comfort zones.

“It’s not about the growth or the hurdles you face along the way or the friends, it’s about the fact that YOU came here and tried something new,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s good to be pushed out of your comfort zone; it’s really easy when you feel safe,” she added.

Rachael said the program has also helped her build confidence in everyday life.

Adult SSS Freedom volunteers Raz Mason and Karen Wolfgang practice semaphore (spelling out letters using flags in different arm positions)

“Because of Sea Scouts, I feel less of a need to hide. I know people will catch me if I fall (even if they have to let me hit the ground to help me up.) Because of that, I’ve become more confident speaking to large groups of people,” she said.

In addition to competing against each other, teams earn points toward national rankings, with top-performing groups achieving designations such as Sloop, Schooner and Clipper.

Adult leaders said the impact of the program goes far beyond competition.

“Sea Scouts teaches a number of things with many outcomes, sometimes even exposing job opportunities for future career paths,” said Annika Baumgarten, a former Sea Scout and now an adult volunteer. “Patience, resilience, leadership, and communication — both with adults and with their fellow shipmates. Sea Scouts changes lives for the better.”

Skipper Deidre Baumgarten and colleague oversee the piloting/navigation event.

Skipper Deidre Baumgarten, who has been in regional Sea Scout leadership in The Dalles for more than 25 years, said the weekend highlighted the growth of each participant.

“Regatta was a full weekend of learning, growing, and supporting each other. I saw each individual’s inner personal strengths shine as they faced new challenges both physically and emotionally. It was teamwork at its finest!” she said.

Regatta Boatswain Logan Baumgarten pipes people to attention.

Sea Scout Ship Freedom, which restarted in The Dalles in 2019, offers maritime training and leadership opportunities for youth ages 14 to 20 from across the Columbia Gorge. Meetings (with an online hybrid option) are Tuesday nights with occasional optional Thursday night meetings. Activities and special events are often held on weekends. To learn more, contact Skipper Deidre Baumgarten: 707-363-5353 or sssfreedom399@gmail.com

Participants train on powerboats and sailboats, take part in water-based activities and community service, and can pursue pathways into maritime careers or military service.