Postenlauf in Gent, veranstaltet vom Stamm De Wilde Eend

Hier ein Bericht zum Lager der im Seepfadfinder-Newsletter Euronaut Nr. 15 (Oktober 2005) erschien:

The Blue Pennant of Ghent

von Luc van Nevel, Seepfadfinderstamm "De Wilde Eend", Gent

As a part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the Ghent Sea Scout group “De Wilde Eend” hosted the biennial competitive event called ‘The blue Pennant.’ The event was held over the last weekend of April.

The event is set in the 19th century when big sailing vessels ruled the oceans. “Time is money” was the slogan of the day. English shipping companies competed with one another to transit the Bishop’s Rock (South Ireland) to New York route in the shortest time possible. The “Blue Pennant” was used to recognize the winning shipping company. Other European countries was allowed to compete in this prestigious event later in the 20th century.

Today, the Bleu Pennant is no longer the subject transatlantic competition, but in 2005 it was revived in Belgian waters and this time took place in Ghent at the sport- and recreation area, ‘Blaarmeersen.’

As in the old days of shipping companies, winning the Blue Pennant trophy means a lot to Sea Scouts. It involves demonstrating nautical knowledge, group training, and team spirit. It also provides an opportunity to meet other scouts and make new friends.

The first contestants arrived on Friday evening, April 29th. They came from Germany, Croatia, and Slovenia, as well as Belgian groups from Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Maaseik, and elsewhere.

After setting up their tents the Sea Scouts gathered for a rules briefing. Mindful that breakfast the next day would be served at 7 AM, taps was sounded at 2 AM.

The following day the 450 Sea Scouts participated in the 43 competitive events. It was a warm day and everybody enjoyed being outdoors. The Scouts sailed, rowed, built rafts, pulled rope, as well as many other physical activities.

At the end of the first day of competition, everyone enjoyed a well deserved hot meal. Afterwards, some Scouts were only interested in bed. Others on the other hand were fit enough to party until 2 in the morning.

The following day was much hotter, and after morning briefing and water distribution, the Sea Scouts set off to complete the final events in a little time and as much team spirit as possible. The competition concluded at 1 PM. Lunch followed, which also provided the jury with time to sit together and the groups to start clean up the campsite.

Each group was very proud of their successes, which demonstrated their participation and team spirit as much as skill. The host group, Ghent Sea Scout group “De Wilde Eend,” was very proud to win 2 blue pennants.

Everyone really enjoyed this successful weekend and all are looking forward to reuniting. The event will be held again in 2008 (thereby avoiding the 100th anniversary celebration of Scouting) in Ostend. We hope that our many old and new friends will be able to join us as well.