US Navy Sailing - SPECIAL NOTICE

Courageous Sails the San Francisco Bay

The Navy 44 sailing vessel Courageous (pictured below) is now sailing proudly on San Francisco Bay! The story of how this proud sailing vessel became part of the sailing community on San Francisco Bay is documented here.

courageous1 picture Until recently, Courageous was part of a group of boats designed to Navy specifications for use as Sail Training Craft (STC) to train Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., in skills such as leadership, discipline and teamwork. A newer version of the Navy 44 (referred to as the "Mark II") was developed to replace the existing training fleet and Courageous was declared surplus.

A group of bay-area volunteers became aware of this situation and formed a not-for-profit organization called The Fort Baker Maritime Group (FBMG.) All were retired Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard members. This group saw the opportunity to attract a Navy 44 to San Francisco Bay where she could continue her traditional mission of training future Navy and Marine Officers, help in the recruitment of young men and women into the Sea Services plus "Show the Flag" at public events. They also saw an opportunity to provide members of the Armed Forces with recreational sailing experiences to enhance their enjoyment of stateside tours of duty.

A determined campaign began for making the case with the Navy and the DOD establishment to bring a Navy 44 to San Francisco Bay. The Naval ROTC leadership at the University of California at Berkeley shared the vision of the opportunities a vessel of this kind could provide for the NROTC program and the community. Leadership from the US Naval Academy agreed this was a proper role for Courageous and offered continuing encouragement plus direct day-to-day guidance during each step of the process - including arranging for the shipping of Courageous accompanied by a full complement of sails and other equipment required for operations.

courageous2a picture In October of 2009 a truck pulled into a boat yard in Sausalito where Courageous was prepared for sea, commissioned, and launched within a few days. She made her initial home at the Travis Air Force Marina at Horseshoe Cove in Fort Baker, at the base of the golden gate bridge.

The Fort Baker Maritime Group then went to work with tools, varnish and their money. Soon the Navy 44 began to shine again, her systems renewed, engine serviced, rigging checked and sails readied. As a result of this labor of love, Courageous is once again a beautiful, exciting seagoing vessel!

Richmond Marina Bay, which is convenient to the UC campus and with easy access to the Bay, offered Courageous a new home. The local Navy League adopted the vessel and Sea Cadets became involved as well.

Under sponsorship of the UC Berkeley NROTC command, Courageous has returned to the Naval Service where it is destined to once again become a ‘workhorse’ training vessel- doing the job for which she was designed many years ago!

The Fort Baker Maritime Group continues their active role, providing management of the boat’s operations and maintenance, as well as valuable crew and training skills. courageous3a picture

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About Projects Join News Links Participate Members About Us Objectives Officers Join Application Form Corporate Sponsorship Donate News Events Newsletters Branches Map High Schools Universities Inside CONUS OffShore Members Only Admin Only Courageous Sails the San Francisco Bay The Navy 44 sailing vessel Courageous (pictured below) is now sailing proudly on San Francisco Bay! The story of how this proud sailing vessel became part of the sailing community on San Francisco Bay is documented here. Until recently, Courageous was part of a group of boats designed to Navy specifications for use as Sail Training Craft (STC) to train Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., in skills such as leadership, discipline and teamwork. A newer version of the Navy 44 (referred to as the "Mark II") was developed to replace the existing training fleet and Courageous was declared surplus. A group of bay-area volunteers became aware of this situation and formed a not-for-profit organization called The Fort Baker Maritime Group (FBMG.) All were retired Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard members. This group saw the opportunity to attract a Navy 44 to San Francisco Bay where she could continue her traditional mission of training future Navy and Marine Officers, help in the recruitment of young men and women into the Sea Services plus "Show the Flag" at public events. They also saw an opportunity to provide members of the Armed Forces with recreational sailing experiences to enhance their enjoyment of stateside tours of duty. A determined campaign began for making the case with the Navy and the DOD establishment to bring a Navy 44 to San Francisco Bay. The Naval ROTC leadership at the University of California at Berkeley shared the vision of the opportunities a vessel of this kind could provide for the NROTC program and the community. Leadership from the US Naval Academy agreed this was a proper role for Courageous and offered continuing encouragement plus direct day-to-day guidance during each step of the process - including arranging for the shipping of Courageous accompanied by a full complement of sails and other equipment required for operations. In October of 2009 a truck pulled into a boat yard in Sausalito where Courageous was prepared for sea, commissioned, and launched within a few days. She made her initial home at the Travis Air Force Marina at Horseshoe Cove in Fort Baker, at the base of the golden gate bridge. The Fort Baker Maritime Group then went to work with tools, varnish and their money. Soon the Navy 44 began to shine again, her systems renewed, engine serviced, rigging checked and sails readied. As a result of this labor of love, Courageous is once again a beautiful, exciting seagoing vessel! Richmond Marina Bay, which is convenient to the UC campus and with easy access to the Bay, offered Courageous a new home. The local Navy League adopted the vessel and Sea Cadets became involved as well. Under sponsorship of the UC Berkeley NROTC command, Courageous has returned to the Naval Service where it is destined to once again become a ‘workhorse’ training vessel- doing the job for which she was designed many years ago! The Fort Baker Maritime Group continues their active role, providing management of the boat’s operations and maintenance, as well as valuable crew and training skills.