Transatlantic Crossing
Leg 1 – BVI to New York City | Offshore Seamanship with America’s 250th Celebration
This summer’s voyage aboard Vela is divided into two unforgettable legs that together create one epic adventure — from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Leg 1, Liberty 250, carries students from the British Virgin Islands to New York City, culminating in the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence. Leg 2, the Transatlantic Crossing, begins in New York and continues with Sail Boston before making a nonstop passage across the Atlantic to Portugal, then on through the Strait of Gibraltar and along Spain’s coast to Tarragona. Whether you join us for one leg or both, you’ll be part of a once-in-a-generation journey that blends seamanship, history, and exploration on a truly global scale.
Liberty 250 in Detail
Starting in the turquoise waters of the BVI, you’ll gain hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and watch-standing while making the classic blue-water passage north via Bermuda. The voyage culminates in an extraordinary moment: arriving in New York Harbor as part of the largest maritime gathering in modern times. You’ll stand on deck during the Parade of Sail, with Vela joining tall ships from around the globe for the 250th anniversary of American independence — hailed as “The Greatest Celebration in Our Nation’s History.” As fireworks light up the harbor on the 4th of July, you’ll know you were part of something truly historic.
Liberty 250 blends the essence of ActionQuest adventure with the thrill of big-ship sailing and the pride of being part of a story that will be remembered for generations.
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Visa Requirement
Non-U.S. students must hold a valid U.S. visa for entry by sea (typically a B1/B2). ESTA is not valid. See Travel Docs & Visa section below for more details.
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Appropriate Age
16-19 (Must turn 16 by September 1st)
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Students & Staff
26 students & 6 professional staff
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Vessel Type
S/Y Vela, 112ft. Schooner
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Leg 1 Distance
1500 Nautical Miles
| Dates | Days | Availability | Tuition | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 6/15/26 - 7/5/26 | 21 | Limited |
$9,570
$8,970
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The Adventure
It all starts here
See For Yourself!
This isn’t just another summer program — it’s your chance to be part of something truly unforgettable. Watch the video above and get a taste of the adventure, community, and once-in-a-lifetime moments waiting aboard Vela.
Learning The Ropes
Early on day two, we’ll cast off our lines and the adventure begins. Just like on every voyage, the first few days are all about getting comfortable in your new environment. With the guidance of our staff, you’ll quickly learn the ins and outs of life at sea — from hoisting sails and steering at the helm to cooking meals and living closely with your crewmates.
The British Virgin Islands provide the perfect training ground, with short day sails that let you practice sail drills and seamanship skills in steady trade winds. If time permits, certified divers may even get the chance to jump in the water for a couple of sport dives before we set our course offshore. By the time Vela is ready to head north, you’ll feel like a true part of the crew.
Offshore to Bermuda
Leaving the islands of the BVI behind and pointing Vela northward is when the real adventure begins. At first, you’ll be getting used to the rhythm of offshore sailing — rotating through watch schedules, standing lookout, and settling into life as part of a crew at sea. Before long, the routine becomes second nature, and each day brings new challenges and small victories.
Out on the open ocean, time takes on a different pace. Days flow with the steady progress of Vela slicing through the waves, while nights reveal skies filled with more stars than you’ve ever seen before. Sunrises and sunsets bookend each day, marking time in a way that feels both timeless and unforgettable.
As part of a watch team, you’ll share in the real work of sailing a 112-foot schooner — steering at the helm, trimming sails, checking systems, and keeping lookout. By the time Bermuda’s green hills rise on the horizon, you’ll know you weren’t just a passenger, but a crewmember who helped make the passage possible.
Sail4th 250 - New York City
After three unforgettable weeks at sea, your voyage reaches its pinnacle in one of the most iconic harbors in the world. Sailing into New York alongside a fleet of tall ships from around the globe, you’ll take your place in the Parade of Sail, a once-in-a-generation spectacle marking America’s 250th anniversary.
On the 4th of July, you’ll stand on deck with your crewmates under a sky lit by fireworks, knowing you’ve been part of something truly epic. It’s the perfect culmination of Liberty 250 — a journey that blends seamanship, adventure, and celebration into an experience you’ll carry for a lifetime.
“It’s been just over a year since I boarded the vessel, and it has taken me all of that time to sit down and write this review. My advice just do it! There will be few things cooler you do in your life than one of these trips even if you spend the rest of your life chasing epicness. The ocean is spectacular, the experience is one of a kind, the opportunity is yours for the taking.”
Sample Trip Itinerary*
| Area | Ports of Call |
|---|---|
| The Caribbean | British Virgin Islands |
| Atlantic | Bermuda |
| United States | New York City |
| *Please note that all destinations are weather dependent and subject to change. | |
Arrival Day - British Virgin Islands
Your adventure is about to kick off in the most epic way! The moment you touch down, AQ’s pro staff will be there to meet you at the airport and take you straight to your new home—a 112-foot school ship waiting for you in West End, Tortola. Once you step aboard, you’ll go through the check-in process and claim your spot on this massive floating adventure.
From there, it’s all about settling in, meeting your crew, and getting prepped for the Atlantic voyage of a lifetime. As the sun sets over the dock, you’ll already feel the excitement building—this is the start of something unforgettable.
A Typical Day...
There’s no such thing!
Life aboard Vela changes with the wind, and no two days are ever alike. Some days will be spent offshore standing watch, steering under the stars, or helping to keep the ship running smoothly. Other days might be filled with teamwork in the galley, learning new knots on deck, or relaxing with your shipmates after a full day of sailing.
And then there are the days that defy description — like July 4th in New York Harbor watching fireworks explode over the city skyline. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that makes “typical” feel impossible.
By the end of the voyage, you’ll know that there’s no such thing as an ordinary day at sea — only a series of extraordinary ones that you helped make possible.
Destination - Bermuda
After your offshore passage from the BVI, the emerald-green shores of Bermuda will feel like a welcome reward. For three days, Vela will be anchored in the turquoise waters of Hamilton Sound, giving you time to recharge, reprovision, and explore this storied island. Bermuda’s history is rich and unique — from its early role as a strategic outpost in the Atlantic to its importance as a crossroads for sailors for more than 400 years.
While ashore, you’ll tour one of the island’s historic forts, a reminder of Bermuda’s role in maritime defense, and visit the renowned Bermuda Aquarium, home to fascinating exhibits on oceanography and island ecology. Between excursions, you’ll have time to soak up the island’s charm, enjoy the pastel-colored streets, and reflect on the journey so far.
Soon enough, it will be time to set sail again — this time for New York City and the unforgettable celebrations waiting there.
Time to Say Goodbye
After 21 incredible days, departure day arrives all too quickly. What began in the Caribbean with new shipmates and unfamiliar routines ends in New York Harbor as part of the largest maritime celebration in modern history. Along the way, you’ve sailed offshore, explored new places, and stood on deck for a once-in-a-lifetime 4th of July Parade of Sail.
Now it’s time to pack your sea bag and head ashore, carrying with you the memories of Liberty 250 and the friendships forged through this shared adventure. Saying goodbye won’t be easy, but the pride of having been part of something so unique — and the bonds you’ve built — will stay with you long after the voyage ends.
Need More Information?
Certifications
On top of the epic blue water sailing during the Liberty 250 voyage, you’ll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
Sailing Certifications
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IYT International Crew
The IYT International Crew course is designed for students with limited previous experience, who are looking to become an active and competent crew member aboard a power or sailing yacht…
Learn More > -
IYT VHF Radio
The IYT VHF Radio Communications course is designed to ensure a thorough understanding of the entire spectrum of maritime radio communication…
Learn More > -
IYT Navigation Master
The Navigation Master Certification is a stand-alone course designed to enable the offshore mariner to safely navigate extended passages using traditional methods. It includes practical navigation exercises and sample chartwork calculations.
Need to know
Is this adventure right for me?
If you’ve ever dreamed of going beyond the usual summer adventure, Liberty 250 might be the perfect fit. This voyage is shorter than a full transatlantic but still carries that same sense of epic passage-making — leaving the Caribbean, stopping in Bermuda, and then sailing into one of the most iconic harbors in the world.
It’s designed for high school students of all backgrounds: beginners looking for their first taste of offshore sailing, as well as those with more experience who want the challenge of standing watch and navigating a schooner on the open ocean. The real magic comes at the finish, when you sail into New York Harbor alongside tall ships from across the globe to be part of the largest maritime gathering in modern times and the 250th celebration of American independence.
If you’re looking for a program that combines skill-building, offshore adventure, and a once-in-a-generation cultural event, Liberty 250 is the right choice.
How many people go on this adventure?
This voyage is one of our most exclusive programs, by nature of there being a very finite number of spaces available. On this adventure, you’ll sail aboard our 112 ft. schooner, S/Y Vela, alongside 26 students and 6 professional staff. It’s quite the adventure sailing on a modern rigged schooner, where you can get to know each of your fellow students and staff from all over the world.
What type of boat will I be on?
This voyage takes place aboard our very own sail training vessel S/Y Vela.
Vela is an expertly designed 112-ft two-masted staysail schooner with room for 26 students and 7 staff.
This vessel was designed and built to circumnavigate the world on our sailing adventures. This means that every sailing camp she embarks upon, a fresh batch of students face the challenge of spending many days or weeks at sea while crossing one of the world’s oceans. For those looking for a genuine blue water experience, then this is the perfect vessel.
When we built her we did so with safety, dependability, and ‘trainability’ in mind. We often refer to her as a “Big, Little Boat” meaning that we designed her systems in such a way that they are easy for students to understand and operate. Since our goal is to have students quickly reach the point where they are running the vessel, trainability is an important factor
Who will be my staff?
AQ is proud to attract and recruit the best in our field. Our summer staff includes professional maritime captains, professional PADI dive instructors, and medical professionals. Above all, we hire responsible and experienced facilitators and educators. All members of our team are dynamic, multi-talented, and passionate individuals with a devotion and commitment to the safety and experience of our students.
What's the food like?
At AQ, we strive to provide meals that meet the fundamental needs of all members of our team, yet when considering our experience, it is important to remember that there are natural limitations when provisioning in remote places and cooking for a large group on board a yacht.
We understand that each individual has personal preferences and that some students have specific dietary restrictions or limitations. While we strive to accommodate these as best we can, our meals may be a little different from what you are used to at home. We design our menu around meals that are simple to prepare, quick to clean up, suit the majority of teenager’s palates, and deliver the calories needed for long, busy days on the water.
Mealtime is often a highlight of each day! Students prepare all of the meals with help from the staff using a combination of packaged and canned goods we import from the US and fresh produce we pick up locally. While we mostly eat all meals onboard the vessel, occasionally, students have the option to eat at a restaurant during shore time.
After enrollment, we ask families to inform us of all dietary restrictions and allergies. We can accommodate vegetarians, and vegans, as well as those with various food allergies. However, if you have a severe allergy or specific dietary expectations, please call our office before enrolling.
What do I need to bring?
Given that all students will be living aboard a sailboat for the duration of this outdoor adventure camp, we recommend that you keep things simple and avoid over packing. Students are given the opportunity to do laundry in the middle of the trip and are able to hand wash and hang clothes on deck to dry, so there’s no need to pack several weeks’ worth of clothing.
Our hope is that families will have minimal purchases prior to the trip, so we’ve compiled our packing lists in a way that you’ll find most of what you need in your closet at home. Around mid to late March, we make available our Pre-Trip Packet to enrolled students, which contains a detailed packing list for this year’s adventures.
Travel Docs & Visas
- All Students – Must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the voyage end date.
- Non-U.S. Students – Must hold a valid U.S. visa that permits entry by sea. In almost all cases, this will be a B1/B2 Visitor Visa. Students who already have another valid U.S. visa (e.g., F-1, J-1, C1/D, or other multiple-entry visas) may use it, provided it allows lawful re-entry to the U.S. by vessel.
- Why a Visa? – ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) is not valid for arrivals or potential re-entry by private vessel. For this reason, all non-U.S. students must hold the appropriate visa before joining Vela.
Immunizations
For visiting the British Virgin Islands the CDC recommends that all travelers are up-to-date on routine vaccinations that most of us had as children (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine.
That said, we understand that families have varying opinions on vaccinations. Some greatly desire the precaution; others prefer to avoid possible side effects of certain medications. Coupled with the fact that each student has unique medical considerations known best by his or her doctor, AQ does not supply medical advice. For this reason, we recommend that all families refer back to the expertise of the CDC from time to time.
Where does the trip start and end?
- Trip start date – June 15th
- Vessel embarkation point – Tortola, British Virgin Islands (airport code EIS or STT)
- Trip end date – July 5th
- Vessel disembarkation point – New York City, New York (airport code JFK)
Are flights included in the tuition?
Since students join us from all over the world, the cost of transportation to the British Virgin Islands and from New York, is not included in the program tuition.
Who should we contact to book travel?
Helping to coordinate our students’ travel is of vital importance – and a mammoth task! For this reason, we strongly suggest that all families start by contacting our travel coordinator:
Leah Hernandez – AQ Travel Coordinator
Tel: +1.281.528.7727
Toll Free: 800.329.9000
Email: [email protected]
Even if you are not originating in the U.S., Leah will be able to provide options and guidance.
How do we get there?
Students can fly into either St. Thomas (STT) in the USVI or Beef Island, Tortola (EIS) in the BVI.
Does AQ provide support on travel days?
Yes. We understand that travel days can be stressful for both parents and students, so no matter what time of the day or night, our office team actively monitors and supports our participants during travel. We require students to travel with a mobile phone with domestic data capability so we can monitor their progress and communicate directly if necessary.
For students flying via St. Thomas, ActionQuest arranges for staff members to assist with the transfer to Tortola via taxi and ferry. After arrival in Tortola, students will be met at the ferry dock by more of ActionQuest’s professional staff. For students flying via Beef Island, AQ arranges for a staff member to assist with transfer to our dock in West End via taxi and students will be met upon arrival at our dock by more AQ staff members.
Looking for more detailed information on travel?
AQ Tuition Covers the following:
- All accommodation and group meals once the adventure is underway
- Vessel charter and related government fees
- Staff, local guides, and tips
- The use of all sailing, and water sports equipment (except for wetsuits, if needed)
- Sailing certification costs
Not included in the AQ tuition:
- Travel expenses to and from the program – flights, taxi, baggage, taxes, visas, etc.
- Required emergency evacuation insurance & International SOS and MedAire Membership (est. $175 – $250). LEARN MORE >
- Medical insurance, and optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Spending money for souvenirs, drinks/meals ashore – We recommend $300 – $350.
- Emergency money for unanticipated events such as doctors visits etc. – We ask that all students bring $300, which is held by staff and returned at the end of the program.
Living in the moment
Though the fundamentals of our adventures don’t change, specific logistics evolve as we get closer to the summer and then day by day based on weather. The animated map along with the adventure overview portions on this page should give all families a basic understanding of the kinds of activities we do on the voyage. We also suggest looking through previous Trip Logs for a more detailed travel log created by the students.
With this in mind, we encourage all participants to “live in the moment”. Traveling by boat requires flexibility and a willingness to accept adversity and change. We hope you’ll take any bumps in your stride, and enjoy the adventure!
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