What is the main focus of the Quest Voyage?
The Quest Voyage is very similar to the Vega Voyage (our biggest and broadest program). The only difference between the Quest and Vega programs is that the Quest substitutes the PADI scuba diving classes for up to 20-hours of community service by participating in established, local environmental projects.
If you are not interested in learning to scuba dive, or cannot dive for any medical reason, then this is the perfect program for you. Quest shipmates sail as part of the Vega fleet and this program offers an exciting introduction to sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. Off the water, we'll visit the islands, explore the towns, cook out on the white sand beaches and hike to the top of the tallest mountain. Quest is a real all-rounder and has a lot for everyone.
What certifications will I earn?
During the voyage, you'll earn a number of different certifications. In sailing, you'll achieve the International Yachtmaster Training, IYT International Crew Certificate and the American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification. You'll also have all of the community service hours documented on a transcript from ActionQuest. Beyond the certifications, you'll get to snorkel and gain experience in water skiing, wakeboarding and windsurfing.
How many people go on this program?
The Quest Voyages sail along with the Vega Voyage, our largest program, and have up to eight boats sailing together in a flotilla, each with 8 to 12 shipmates aboard. This allows us to berth teens aboard based upon their age and grade. It's a lot of fun sailing as part of a larger fleet where you can interact with many other teens and staff from all over the world. For other advantages of Flotilla Sailing, please refer to the specific sections in the general FAQ's.
What type of boat will I be on?
The Quest Voyages are typically run aboard traditional single-hulled yachts (monohulls) however, it is possible that we might offer the program aboard a catamaran. We use only the finest charter yachts available, all of which are in the 50-foot range. There are three makes of monohull yachts that we might use, the Beneteau 50, the Jenneau Sun Odyssey 52.2 and the Gibsea 51. Each of these vessels has 5 cabins, a large salon which converts to a 6th cabin, and four full bathrooms (heads). The world's largest charter company, Sunsail, maintains all of our yachts to the highest standard.
Where do we all sleep?
From the moment you arrive, you'll move aboard your yacht and live on board full-time. If you've never lived aboard a yacht before, you'll find that there are a lot of differences to living on land! What's the head? Where's the lazarette? How do you pump the bilge? All the boats have 5 cabins and a large salon that converts to a 6th, so there's enough room for us all to sleep down below if it should rain, but, for the most part, the evenings are clear and dry and most of us like to sleep out on deck, swinging in a hammock under the stars.
Who will be my staff?
Two or three staff members live with you aboard your vessel full-time. There will be your skipper, your first mate who is typically a diving instructor, and a third staff member who could also be a diving instructor, EMT, Marine Biologist or someone with other special skills. Take a look through the staff section within the general FAQs for more information on the ActionQuest staff.
What's the weather like?
The short answer to this question is, GORGEOUS! Well, usually anyway! In the British Virgin Islands, the trade winds blow a steady 8-14 knots and the average summer temperature is 83°F with 76% humidity and 81°F water temperature (South Florida by comparison averages 89°F with humidity of 87%.) What's great about the BVI weather is that there is always a breeze, so it feels very comfortable almost all the time. Yes, it does rain now and then, but it is more of a tropical shower, lasting only a few minutes, rather than a complete day of rain.
Can I call home?
Yes, we are in port where public phones are available on average every 4 days or so and we encourage students to call at every opportunity. However, we do not require this, as our staff are usually busy with other activities such as stocking the boats with fresh food over this time. The old saying "you can lead a horse to water..." comes to mind, as some shipmates call home every time and some never call! In the BVI there are ample opportunities, and the phone service is pretty reliable.
How will I pay for calls home?
There are a few different methods to call home. We have found the cheapest way is to purchase a local phone card. These can be purchased at local stores or directly from the program director. Other methods include using a credit card, AT&T Calling Card (or other major calling card), and on some phones you may even be able to call collect. These other methods are expensive, which is why we recommend using a local calling card.
How can parents find out what's going on aboard the program?
The easiest way is for shipmates to place a quick call home to let Mom and Dad in on what's going on! Sometimes this doesn't happen though so, in 2004, we instigated a trip update system in which, at the end of each day, the shipmate skipper of the day writes a few remarks in the log. At various times (typically once every 3 or 4 days) this is typed up and posted on the ActionQuest website. This way, Mom and Dad can vicariously live aboard too!
Can I get mail on the program?
Typically not, since mail can take up to three weeks to make it to the BVI. Of course, with us being out on the water and in a different location every day, this adds a further dimension to the dilemma!
Can I email home from my program?
Our vessels do not have computers or Internet connectivity, so email contact will be very limited. There may be a couple of times when we are ashore and it might be possible to send an email or two from Internet Cafes.
Do I need any specific immunizations for this program?
No special immunizations are required to visit the BVI. We do ask that all students check that their Tetanus and Hepatitis B inoculations are up-to-date.
What about the travel arrangements?
Students come from all points of the compass! (typically, around 11 countries and 35 states are represented), so coordinated air travel is of vital importance.
For this reason, we highly recommend that students flying to the Caribbean book through Leah Hernandez at Reservation Services International as she regularly obtain the best fares available, arranges group seating and provides close monitoring on travel days in case of flight difficulties. As airlines often change their schedules, ActionQuest cannot be responsible for the coordination of air flights that were not booked through Leah.
For those booking through Leah, ActionQuest staff assist with flight changes in San Juan, meet flights at the Tortola airport and arrange for ground transportation for all Caribbean programs.
For more information on flight itineraries and travel information, please contact...
Leah Hernandez
Reservation Services International
Tel. 800.329.9000
(Texas 281.528.7727)
Email.
leahctn68@hotmail.com
Sure, those students joining us for a Caribbean program may use air miles, but do book early to get the itinerary that works for both you and your shipmate. In the past, parents have booked itineraries on air miles that have students transferring though San Juan late at night, when we have no staff supervision. In this case, we would suggest purchasing a ticket that allows for arrival a reasonable time on the travel day.
Do I need a passport or any special visas?
All shipmates traveling to the BVI need to have a passport which is valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from the BVI. Visitors from certain countries other than the US. UK and Canada may require visas. To confirm whether or not a visa is required, please call us or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Government of the British Virgin Islands, the nearest British Consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.
