A lovely Greek-summer afternoon a very specific event took place in the little port of Mati at the eastern coasts of Attica: A newly built whaler of the Seascouts of Dionysos (a Northeastern suburb of Athens) was launched after blessing and name-giving ceremony. The whaler is 8,2m long, has two masts and sails under three sails, two big lateens and a jib. It also carries 10 oars for in-port moves and as a back up power! It can carry 12 persons and light provisions. The boat was named “St Nicholas” by the twice Golden Olympic championship in sailing Ms Sofia Bekatoros, who also captained symbolically the boat in her first show-sail within the port, crewed by the Seascout. The name was chosen to remind the crew that the Protector Saint of all seagoing had dedicated his life “to help any people under any circumstances”, which is also the main core of the “Scout’s Promise”! Ok, what is special about this event? Several things could be laid down, mainly and namely: • The whaler’s design dates back to same whalers of the 17th-19th century. The Greek Seascouts throughout Greece own and operate 105 such boats! So, they really prove to be an Ark of the traditional seamanship. • The (all volunteers) Leaders of the Dionisos Sea-scouts managed to raise the first stage of the total required amount through a two year fund raising campaign in a very gloomy economic environment • The Greek Sea-scouts celebrated in 2013 their 100th birthday! So, “St NICOLAS” is the first new building entering their new centennial. • As their Chief explained, the main purpose of taking kids (8-11 years old with oars, 12-18 to sea trips under sails) out to sea with the boat is not to make them “little sailors” but to forge character, self discipline, group spirit, taking calculated risks, daring, self organization, responsibility, get to know the nature etc. Last-but-not-least, to familiarize them with the element of the Greek, which is the sea and the seamanship! Yes, in today’s foggy (if not dark) times, there are young adult volunteers who take the immense responsibility to take kids to sea in a small boat to instil them with the ingredients that make up “the good Citizen”. We wish the adult leaders and the 70 sea-scout-kids and youth “fair winds and following seas”, both physically and metaphorically!! Where to see more ? We are social: Vessel`s page: www.facebook.com/NpAgiosNikolaos Troop`s page: www.facebook.com/npdionisou