Sea Scout Ship Odyssey

07/23/2025

Rest in Peace, Captain Bob Burns ⛵

Fair winds and following seas, Captain.

Honoring the life and legacy of Captain Bob Burns — a true mariner whose love for the sea ran as deep as the ocean itself. His steady hand at the helm, calm presence in every storm, and generous spirit made him a captain in every sense of the word.

He taught us not only how to sail, but how to live with courage, grace, and humility. May he find peace beyond the horizon he loved so much.

You’ll always be part of the crew, Captain.

Bob grew up around mostly motor boats, and was 50 years old when he learned to sail. He began volunteering onboard the Odyssey around 1979 while maintaining a 34-year career with Tacoma Public Utilities before retiring. He also captained part-time onboard the Silver Swan Tour Boat (formerly Mosquito Fleet’s Ronda).

He obtained his captain’s license around 1980 and kept it until he was 80. He was 97.

06/03/2025

https://www.southsoundmag.com/travel-outdoor/the-odyssey-farewell-emily-molina/article_f27c30fa-b02a-4bb3-a92b-9ccc1a45092f.html

The old wooden sailboat, with which writer Emily Molina had spent countless hours over the past five years alongside Sea Scout Ship 190 and conducting research for her book, 'Tacoma’s Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey,' was sold to a new keeper in late October of 2024.

06/03/2025

Here she is- our beautiful (former sea scout ship) Odyssey finishing up repairs in San Fran before heading to new home in Cannes, France & looking more majestic than ever with her new mainmast, thanks to the expert hands of her new keeper (📸courtesy of DC) Thanks for sharing! Here’s to new journeys ahead! ⛵️⛵️⛵️

Learn all about her vast history in recently published book by .molinawrites

Get your copy of Tacoma’s Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey at these local retailers:

✔️ - Tacoma
✔️ - Tacoma
✔️ - Steilacoom
✔️ - Tacoma
✔️ - Port Townsend
✔️ - Tacoma
✔️ - Coupeville
✔️ - Bellingham
✔️ - Gig Harbor
✔️ - Seattle
✔️ - Steilacoom

Or online

05/09/2025

Hello Everyone!!
We're excited to announce a new era of our program: we have a new boat!
Odyssey II has been through a drydock for routine maintenance and some upgrades. And now we're looking for some financial support to help us through this next phase as we work toward our goal of financial self-sufficiency. We would appreciate any contributions you can send our way, even donations of just $5 add up pretty quickly!
We thank you for your support, as without it, we couldn't have dreamed of getting this far. Our community is the best!

05/05/2025

Hope to see you THIS weekend at the 2025 Olympia Wooden Boat Festival: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11, at Percival Landing: 217 Thurston Avenue NE, Olympia.

Visit Sunday, May 11th from 11-5pm to meet the author & get your signed copies of Tacoma’s Tall Ship, the Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey ⛵️⛵️

Discover the vast maritime history of the region⛵️⛵️⛵️

05/01/2025

What has become of Tacoma’s Tall Ship? Find out here:

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The old wooden sailboat, with which writer Emily Molina had spent countless hours over the past five years alongside Sea Scout Ship 190 and conducting research for her book, 'Tacoma’s Tall Ship: The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey,' was sold to a new keeper in late October of 2024.

11/21/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WFozWL9Bo/?mibextid=WC7FNe

10/26/2024

In case you were unable to join us here is video of the discussion panel at the official book launch of Tacoma’s Tall Ship, the Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey by Emily E. Molina. Books available at Barnes & Noble . com, Arcadia Publishing . com or: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1467157775?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_MWF29959S9Y8WW18P6GU_1&language=en_US&skipTwisterOG=1
Moderated by Foss Waterway Seaport Executive Director Brent Mason with a panel of the following:

⚓️ Emily Molina
⚓️ Bob Burns (96 - and the oldest remaining Odyssey sea scout captain)
⚓️ Bud Bronson
⚓️ Rory McDonald
⚓️ Michiel Hoogstede
⚓️ Eric Kiesel
⚓️ Renee & Terry Paine

10/25/2024

What an amazing night & turnout for the launch of my book ⛵️Such a special evening sharing the history of this iconic sailboat- Tacoma’s Tall Ship, The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey & one I will never forget⛵️Special THANKS to ❤️So many friends & guests with personal connections who stopped by, shared their own stories and supported this project! It has been an honor to preserve the story & share the stage with this group of sailors⛵️Thank you from the bottom of my heart & LONG LIVE THE ODYSSEY!

10/24/2024

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT! 🙌

Introducing Lawson E (Bud) Bronson, our final panelist for the launch of Emily Molina's Tacoma's Tall Ship, The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey, taking place tonight right here at the Seaport from 6 to 9 pm! 🚢 ️

Bud began sailing as a Sea Scout around 1953 on San Francisco Bay in a 30-foot ketch-rigged “whale” boat. He entered the U S Naval Academy in 1959 and joined the “ocean sailing” Team. While on active duty as an Officer – he was on submarines. He obtained an MSE in Naval Architecture from the University of Michigan in 1972, was employed at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. from 1973 to 1980, and spent his time on power vessels as the Sea Trials Master.

From 1980 to 2000, he was one of the owners of Bronson and Windsor. He was a USCG licensed Master of vessels less than 5000 GRT. He became part of the Sea Scout Ship Odyssey in the mid-80s, where he continued to participate in the operation and maintenance of the vessel as one of several Captains, then as the “Skipper”, and later as Committee Chair, and now Charter Organization Representative.

We hope to see you tonight! ⚓️

https://www.facebook.com/share/uoE1M8cVfMm4QbQ7/

Photo courtesy of Michiel Hoogstede

10/22/2024

Meet Bob Burns, the fifth of our six extraordinary panelists who will be speaking at the book launch of Tacoma's Tall Ship, The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey this Thursday! 🚢 ️

Bob Burns, who grew up around mostly motor boats, was 50 years old when he learned to sail. He began volunteering onboard the Odyssey around 1979 while maintaining a 34-year career with Tacoma Public Utilities before retiring. He also captained part-time onboard the Silver Swan Tour Boat (formerly Mosquito Fleet’s Ronda).
He obtained his captain’s license around 1980 and kept it until he was 80. He turned 96 this past July.

We are so excited to have Bob help ring in the launch of Emily Molina's new book! Come out to the Seaport on October 24th from 6-8pm, where you'll also be able to purchase a signed copy. Stay tuned to hear about our final panelist and don't forget to RSVP to our event page! ⚓

https://www.facebook.com/share/uoE1M8cVfMm4QbQ7/

Photo courtesy of Bob Burns

10/17/2024

Meet Captain Michiel Hoogstede, one of our special six panelists who will be speaking at the book launch of Tacoma's Tall Ship, The Extraordinary Journey of the Odyssey one week from today! 🚢 ️

Captain Hoogstede began volunteering onboard the Odyssey in 2004. He obtained his 100-ton license in 2006 and has been a captain onboard Odyssey for Sea Scout Ship 190 ever since. Since he was 16, Captain Hoogstede went to sea for a living on Coast Guard and Merchant ships. Starting as a Coast Guard apprentice, he "came up through the hawse (through the ranks)" to become a 2nd Mate Any Tonnage Ocean’s Unlimited. He worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard between 1988-2016.

We are so excited to have Michiel help ring in the launch of Emily Molina's new book! Come out to the Seaport on October 24th from 6-8pm, where you'll also be able to purchase a signed copy.

Stay tuned to hear about the rest of the panel line-up and be sure to RSVP to our event page! ⚓

Tacoma’s Tall Ship | Book Launch featuring Emily Molina

Photo credit: Michiel Hoogstede