Albany Scouts have tour with Qingdao Scouting leader

Back to archive

Qingdao crew member and Scout leader George Bayles has given a tour of his yacht to local Albany Scouts as part of his mission to meet scout groups around the world during his Clipper Race adventure.

Cubs, Joeys and Scouts from the 3rd Albany and 1st Denmark Scout Groups gave George an Australian woggle, and he presented them with a UK scouting neckerchief.

George and his skipper Gareth Glover showed the Scouts where he is spending his year sailing round the world and talked about how useful his scouting skills are on the yacht, for example knots.

Jenny Treeby of the 3rd Albany Scout Group said: “It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Scouts. What George is doing is very inspiring for the group and it is great to see how his Scouting has stood him in good stead for the racing. It is certainly inspiring for the young Scouts to see him having such an adventure.”

The Scouts also helped Gareth with a sail and had a go on the grinder while listening to George explain about the rotational watches, changing sails and the race so far.

George, of the 2nd South Petherton Scouts in Somerset, is meeting up with local Scouts in various ports and added it was really interesting to interact with other Scouts around the world. 

He added: "They listened really well and were interested to hear my stories. They found it strange that the toilet didn't have a flush and you have to do it manually, but I explained it is all part of life on board."