About US

The Beginning

The Sea Scout Ship Gryphon was formed by leaders and crew from the Sea Scout Ship Belmonster in 1979. The Ship number 33 had been used by another Sea Scout Ship that became inactive during the mid-1970’s. The name “Gryphon” was selected by the crew. The spelling of “Gryphon” is from Egyptian mythology, where the mythical creature was a symbol of nobility and strength. Coincidentally, the “Griffin” spelling denotes Greek mythology, where the creature was a guardian of Zeus’ gold.

The Past

The Gryphon has had four skippers in her history. Glen Meskimen’s tenure began in 1989. On his watch, the Gryphon adopted many of the traditions of the Sea Scout Ship Challenger, Skipper Meskimen’s first Ship, where he earned his Quartermaster and later became the Skipper. In 1993, Mike Marzano (whose first skipper was Meskimen in the Challenger in the early 1970’s), became the Gryphon’s current Skipper.

On May 30, 2003 the Gryphon received the Boat U.S. National Sea Scout Flagship Award, the highest honor in her history. The National Flagship Award recognizes the top Sea Scout Ship in the country for excellence in program quality, youth achievement and adult commitment. And though our brain may be like a bird's, this honor will live indefinitely in the memory of the Gryphon.

The Present

The Gryphon is part of the Pacific Skyline Council, B.S.A. The Gryphon is an all-male ship, for young men ages 14-20. The main membership requirements are to enjoy boats and be interested in learning how to operate, maintain, and develop nautical skills. Many Sea Scouts have proudly been the crew of the Gryphon over these years, and we are always welcoming new members and look forward to making leaders out of today's youth.

If you are at least 14 years old, have finished the 8th grade, and would like to learn about boats, go sailing, and cruise San Francisco Bay, then please email us at contact@sssgryphon.org