USTS summer training block

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Feb 19, 2016
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My plebe daughter got Offshore Sailing for one of her training blocks this summer. Is there anyone here that has a son or daughter that did this that can give me any information about it? My father that died a couple years ago would have loved to know she was doing this!
 
My plebe daughter got Offshore Sailing for one of her training blocks this summer. Is there anyone here that has a son or daughter that did this that can give me any information about it? My father that died a couple years ago would have loved to know she was doing this!
I should have titled this OSTS.
 
It's pretty straight forward, they sail to a pre-determined location. Location can't vary. The crews are fairly small and they will have an experienced sailor on board to help train and mentor. They can be experienced officers or alumni involved in sailing at USNA. It's close quarters and you really get an appreciation for the ocean. The intent is to leave how to plan, navigate, sail, lead and follow a boat operating close to shore, in heavy traffic and open ocean. You will change up roles to get the full experience of leading and following. Some Mids hate it and others love it. Most enjoy it because they are surrounded by a fun, enjoyable crew and leader and others generally don't like it because the crew doesn't get along. She will have a new appreciation for the ocean!
 
My DS is dreading his cruise ??? I mean, four weeks, sailing the east coast acting like a pirate and getting plenty "booty" for your checking account. I know it's gonna be long, hard work, but you're in the Navy...enjoy! Some folks actually pay for this experience.
 
It's pretty straight forward, they sail to a pre-determined location. Location can't vary. The crews are fairly small and they will have an experienced sailor on board to help train and mentor. They can be experienced officers or alumni involved in sailing at USNA. It's close quarters and you really get an appreciation for the ocean. The intent is to leave how to plan, navigate, sail, lead and follow a boat operating close to shore, in heavy traffic and open ocean. You will change up roles to get the full experience of leading and following. Some Mids hate it and others love it. Most enjoy it because they are surrounded by a fun, enjoyable crew and leader and others generally don't like it because the crew doesn't get along. She will have a new appreciation for the ocean!
Thank you Navy Hoops. Do they all sail to the same place and are they on the sailboat the entire time?
 
My DS is dreading his cruise ??? I mean, four weeks, sailing the east coast acting like a pirate and getting plenty "booty" for your checking account. I know it's gonna be long, hard work, but you're in the Navy...enjoy! Some folks actually pay for this experience.
Sandnnw-which block is your son going and what company is he from? My plebe is going 2nd block.
 
1st block, 28th. Isn't time flying? College rings, staring at firstie, man I'm getting old!
 
1st block, 28th. Isn't time flying? College rings, staring at firstie, man I'm getting old!
I can't believe how fast time at USNA is flying by. I also have a son that is finishing his 2/C year, preparing for Ring Dance, and just got engaged to his girlfriend of 6 years (freshmen in HS) to be married day after graduation next year. We are going to Annapolis to watch Herndon. I can't wait. My crazy 115 pound daughter can't wait for Sea Trials. What an adventure it has been for my husband and I to watch when we lacked a military background.
 
It varies if they all sail to the same spot or not. Usually a few boats will go to the same location. They aren't underway the entire time but they spend a good chunk of time at sea.
 
It varies if they all sail to the same spot or not. Usually a few boats will go to the same location. They aren't underway the entire time but they spend a good chunk of time at sea.
Thank you NavyHoops. I look forward to hearing all about this adventure this summer.
 
Last year they sailed to New York have to admit it was his least favorite summer block. I think the leadership on board had something to do with it. He also didn't like having to sail in circles for a day or two because they arrived too soon. Perhaps the horrible storms they hit had something to do with it as well. And maybe partly because there were problems with the sanitation disposal on board his ship that soured him on the entire experience. Then again it may have been his squad mate being mugged in New York!! Needless to say it was quite an experience!!
 
Last year they sailed to New York have to admit it was his least favorite summer block. I think the leadership on board had something to do with it. He also didn't like having to sail in circles for a day or two because they arrived too soon. Perhaps the horrible storms they hit had something to do with it as well. And maybe partly because there were problems with the sanitation disposal on board his ship that soured him on the entire experience. Then again it may have been his squad mate being mugged in New York!! Needless to say it was quite an experience!!
Ouch, I sure hope my daughter has a different experience. I was really hoping she would be as fortunate as her 2017 brother that got to go to Japan on an amazing flagship his plebe year. Oh well, she probably will learn more from her very different experience. ⚓
 
She will do a surface or sub cruise. Pretty sure it's still mandatory. Sailing tends to be a love hate relationship for many. Leadership tends to be the biggest factor. And just like on regular ships, waste systems have issues. Doing circles... Every SWO can tell you about circles. Same thing on YPs... Throw a stone to shore and just anchored there sitting. It's part of the Navy gig. I think the biggest thing... You learn to live very close quarters, get an amazing appreciation for the power of the sea, and adapt and overcome when things don't work right!
 
My son did OSTS when he was there and enjoyed it, think they sailed to Mystic, Connecticut and said they were treated very well when they got there but the locals. In fact he enjoyed it so much he later went through some type of training class to be the xo on the sailboats his 2nd class year to be one of the leaders. I do remember they had a stormy time in the Atlantic the week he was the XO and still enjoyed it. Just for reference he had never sailed before USNA and his interests were never along the lines of ships or sailing but rather was interested in becoming a pilot but felt it was an opportunity to do something and learn something different.
 
DD did O Block sailing to Newport. She had done some blue water sailing before so it was great. Then on "Batan" in Boston for July 4th. Then Boomer out of Kings Bay (got to drive). Then air in Virginia (instructor? Do you like roller coasters). She got the stick for a while. Summer blocks are something you don't get in the Ivys.
 
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