More Young People. A Wider Horizon.
“Coastwise’s long-term vision is to give more young people opportunities to build leadership, confidence, and practical skills through maritime adventure. Returning Defiance to service is our next step toward that future.”
A Larger Training Vessel
“Our goal is a vessel with overnight capacity for up to 25 youth, four adult leaders, and a captain. This will require separate sleeping quarters for male and female youth and adults, plus a captain’s cabin. Separate helm, navigation, radio/radar, and command stations would give each watch member a defined responsibility and require the crew to communicate and work together.”
Adventures for Visiting Scout Units
“A larger vessel would allow Coastwise to welcome visiting Scout units for at-sea adventures that complement their regular programs, bringing seamanship, navigation, watchkeeping, and shared responsibility to more young people.”
A Northern Maritime Adventure Base
“Our long-range aspiration is an independent, Coastwise-operated maritime high adventure base in Maine, serving Scout units and supporting youth leadership and maritime education. Its facilities, programs, and operating model remain to be developed.”
Our Path Forward
Return Defiance to Service
Work toward a summer 2027 return through repairs, equipment upgrades, survey, insurance, and a suitable Portland berth.
Develop the Larger-Vessel Plan
Define vessel requirements, assess operating costs, and build the partnerships and funding needed to support a larger youth crew.
Explore a Northern Adventure Base
Evaluate potential locations, facilities, staffing, and partnerships for a sustainable Coastwise-operated base.
These are aspirations, not currently available trips or facilities. Each stage will depend on planning, funding, and the people who help bring it to life.