On July 4, 2000, the tall ship “Californian” will be sailing into the New York Harbor as part of the largest gathering of tall ships ever to assemble. This is called “OPSAIL 2000” and promises to be a magnificent event. The “Californian” will be at sea for approximately 1 year. The International Order of Blue Gavel, District 14 would like to place a cadet on board the “Californian” for the 28-day voyage from Miami, FL, where the “Californian” will meet up with other tall ships. This cadet will send us a daily diary of life on board and the events of the day. This diary will be sent via Inmarsat-C email. A team composed of District 14 Officers will receive the email. Together they will publish this information to a web site available to IOBG International as well as all participating Yacht Clubs and private donors.

Rusty White, Operations Director of the Nautical Heritage Society has communicated this vision to the Captain, Education Officer, and other management of the Nautical Heritage Society. They are all very supportive and enthusiastic. They have a similar vision and intend to send this data to schools throughout California as part of their Sea Chest program. The NHS is obtaining the Inmarsat-C from The proceeds of this endeavor.

We are lucky enough to have a young man who has cruised on the Californian many times and in fact has been sponsored by the International Order of Blue Gavel, District 14 in the past. The National Heritage Society and IOBG, District 14, has afforded Nathan Holbrook the opportunity to go aboard the tall ship “Californian” as a reporter for Opsail 2000. Opsail 2000 is going to be the largest gathering of tall ship’s, as we know it. The main event is going to take place in New York Harbor on July 4^th. His position on board is going to be writing and reporting on the events of Opsail 2000, about the traditional aspect of sailing and what the ship is doing for the education of sailing. With this opportunity he will be able to teach thousands more and give his experiences of sailing, life on the sea and share how he got to this point in his life.

Specifics:

This is an opportunity to provide a local Youth Sailor with an invaluable educational experience.

The links for Nate’s e-mail will be available through the Yacht Racing Association of Northern California

Website at www.yra.org.

The Burgee of each Yacht Club or District will fly on the “Californian” during the International Parade of Tall Ships on July 4, 2000 for any person or club whose donation exceeds $250.00.

Nathan will, upon his return, create a presentation based on his adventures including pictures taken on-board. This will be sent to all participating Yacht Clubss and can be presented in person upon request to any Bay Area yacht club. Good examples of what we intend to do can be found on the web at www.convergant.com/news/auckland/cti_ian_first_page.htm. These are the adventures of a young man in Auckland, NZ during the America’s Cup.

The cost of the trip will be $150.00 per day while on board plus air fare to Miami and return from New York City. Proposed departure date for Nathan is June 8. This will include 28 days at sea with stops along the eastern seaboard including Norfolk, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. The total budget is approximately $5000.00. The IOBG, District 14 has contributed $1000.00 of the cost. Brochures, letters, phone calls and personal visits to Bay Area Yacht Clubs will hopefully raise the additional monies.

The catalyst for donations will be three-fold. It will place Nathan in the position of Ambassador for IOBG District 14 and all participating Northern California Yacht Clubs. In this position he will be the eyes and ears thousands of people which cannot otherwise experience this magnificent event.

This will also be giving something to thousands of school children throughout California through the State Board of Education. We will also ask all other National and International IOBG Districts to publicize the Web Site to their local school districts.