Honda Marine today announced a new outboard engine sponsorship in conjunction with the United States Navy UDT/Navy SEAL Museum Association to power a flotilla that will travel from Jacksonville to Ft. Pierce, Fla. in honor of Veterans' Day. Among its missions, the UDT-SEAL Museum Association maintains a museum dedicated to preserving the history and artifacts of Navy Frogmen. The museum on North Hutchinson Island is close to the site of the original training base where Scouts and Raiders, (S&R), Naval Combat Demolition Units, (NCDU), and Underwater Demolition Teams, (UDT), were put to the test. These proud teams were the forerunners to today's SEALs.
"The three-day cruise is the spotlight of the Association's third annual fund-raiser commemorating the sacrifices of U.S. veterans as well as supporting the Ft. Pierce museum," said Bob Matson, event organizer.
Two 19 foot Patten Inflatable boats, each carrying about eight passengers, will depart from Jacksonville on November 9, making multiple stops along Florida's Intracoastal Waterway - including Palm Coast, Daytona and Cocoa Beach - before docking in Ft. Pierce on November 11. "We're starting with two boats of our own, but we invite all who are interested to join the caravan," Matson said. "Our only rule is that every participating vessel flies its colors with pride."
As an event sponsor, Honda Marine is supplying two of its BF50 horsepower (hp) engines to power the Association's two vessels. Ideal for pontoon, shallow-draft walleye or bay bass boats running in flats or deep water, the BF50 - the lightest 50 hp, 4-stroke engine in the world - delivers superior performance in a lightweight package.
"We're exceptionally proud and honored to sponsor this event," said John Fulcher, senior manager, Honda Marine. "Working with the Navy UDT/SEAL Museum Association affords Honda Marine the opportunity to demonstrate its world-class technology in support of a great cause."
The event culminates with a November 12th open house at the museum in Ft. Pierce that will feature skydiving, capabilities demonstrations, and presentation of the colors by current United States Navy SEALs.
For further information about the festivities or about how to become a flotilla participant, contact Bob Matson at (386) 846-3557. For details regarding the open house, and museum membership, please visit the museum's website at www.navysealmuseum.com, or call (772) 595-5845.