YMTA's tugboat Cadet

In early 2001, Mark McIntosh, Vice President of The Boat Company met with Norm Manly, President YMTA to begin a partnership, which would provide a vessel for YMTA. Using funding from the McIntosh Foundation, the Harbour Assistant, a 34-foot Canadian tugboat was purchased by the Youth Maritime Training Association. The tug, built by the Canadian government was used primarily for log towing. The tug was re-named the CADET.   Read news article in the Ballard News Tribune by Dean Wong.

Kevin Shyne became a YMTA Executive Board member in late 2001. Kevin accepted the Chairmanship of YMTA's Vessel Program and began putting together plans for the CADET rebuild. After meeting with Northwest Seaport's Board it was decided that Kevin would work with Bill White, Northwest Seaport's Shipwright to design a program for the CADET. On January 11, 2003 the first work party took place at Northwest Seaport. Ten students from the Ballard Maritime Academy and lead instructor, John Foster arrived at 1000, rolled up their sleeves and the project was underway.

The YMTA and Northwest Seaport formed a partnership on January 25, 2003. Joe Shickich, President Northwest Seaport and Norm Manly, President YMTA shook hands as a symbol of their commitment to the partnership. Both organizations committed to work together to turn the dreams and the excitement of a maritime career at sea or ashore into a reality for the youth in our area.

YMTA and Northwest Seaport's partnership opens doors for high school students to become actively involved in wooden boat repair. Students will also learn about the maritime heritage of Puget Sound and the Northwest Coast. Besides the rebuild of the CADET students are encouraged to become involved as volunteers with the ARTHUR FOSS, SWIFTSURE, TWILIGHT or the WAWONA. To learn how you or your student can become involved in activities at Northwest Seaport contact them by phone at 206-447-9800. Northwest Seaport is located at the south end of Lake Union.

CADET update – May 2003 - As the CADET Project moved forward and more and more of the vessel was opened for inspection it was found to have far more dry rot than originally expected. A revised estimate of restoration was at best five years and fifty thousand dollars! After much soul-searching the decision was made to terminate the CADET Project.

On May 19, 2003 demolition of the CADET began and by May 24 the CADET was gone.

Although this was a very painful experience for everyone concerned in the CADET Project we now move forward and open new and excited doors for our Vessel Program. The YMTA will continue to work with Northwest Seaport in providing training for young people in our area. The McIntosh Foundation has committed their continued support of YMTA, our mission and goals.