Sailing on the water isn't something you see kids doing everyday. But, it's a unique sport 15 year old John Lindahl has enjoyed since he was a young boy.

"It's very calming and then there's the recognition of winning all the races," John says.

John is part of the Sea Scout Ship Freedom 300, sponsored by the Concord Yacht Club in Farragut. The ship was started five years ago by George Hubbell. Hubbell is an Eagle Scout and avid sailor who sailed his first boat in third grade.

"What we do is provide a venue of activity," Hubbell says. "Boating on the water is exciting for youth, it's better to hang out on a sail boat then to hang out at a mall."

In fact, 15-year-old John and 18-year-old sea scout Matt Muecke spend most of their free time preparing for sailing competitions. The two of them recently finished third in the Koch International Sea Scout Cup, a very prestigious youth sailing regatta.

"We get real competitive on the water," Muecke says.

John and Matt have become good friends, but on the water things are a little different.

"Sometimes it gets a little frustrating because I think we should do one thing, and John thinks we should do another, and one of us is usually right," Muecke says.

"Sailing is more than just fun on the water. The type of boats Sea Scouts sail won't go without the cooperation of everyone.

"Our primary boat is a thistle, and a thistle is a sailing dinghy with a lot of canvas," Hubbell says. "The interesting thing about a thistle is if the wind is blowing at all, if they don't agree and work together than they all go for a swim."

Hubbell is convinced the lessons of leadership and teamwork sea scouts learn, will keep them sailing through life.

If you are interested in joining Freedom 300 Sea Scouts, you can contact George Hubbell at 865-980-0879.