Mediterranean
Transatlantic Crossing, Blue Water Sailing, 9 College Credits, & Scuba Diving
This summer is your opportunity to do something truly remarkable and sail across the Atlantic Ocean.
S/Y Argo is one of our 112 ft schooners, and she operates year-round under our Seamester Gap Year & Study Abroad voyages banner; however, this summer ActionQuest students seventeen and older who have graduated 11th grade (or equivalent) will get the opportunity to be a part of the crew!
It all starts in June when 24 students arrive in the British Virgin Islands, spend the first two weeks acclimatizing to your new home on the water, enjoy the underwater world with recreational Scuba Diving, and begin your college courses. From there, we depart from the British Virgin Islands bound for the historic city of Rome via the Azores, Gibraltar, and Spain. By necessity, this program will substitute shore time for sea miles as we’ll be covering 4,500 plus miles over the course of the trip. Voyage emphasis? Real-life leadership training with the academic credentials to prove it mixed with blue-water sailing, and lots of it! Crewing a yacht on a transatlantic voyage is not something many can say they have achieved. As a team, your sense of accomplishment will be profound, and as an individual, the experience will set you apart. The skills you’ll develop and the challenges you’ll overcome are uncommon. Not only a perfect subject for any job interview or college resume, but the experience you will gain on this voyage will have a lasting effect long after you have departed the vessel. After all, we are the sum of our experiences and this one will be remarkable.
*We understand that some students may need to depart the vessel prior to August 23rd, so we are offering up to six students the opportunity to the option to leave on day 50 from Gibraltar upon completion of the transatlantic crossing.
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Appropriate Age
17-22
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Students & Staff
26 students & 7 professional staff
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Vessel Type
S/Y Argo, 112ft. Schooner
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College Credit
Up to 9 Credits - Seamanship, Student Leadership Development & Oceanography
| Dates | Days | Availability | Tuition | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 6/15/23 - 8/3/23 | 50 | Call | $17,970 | ||
| Session 2 | 6/15/23 - 8/23/23 | 70 | Call | $22,970 | ||
The Adventure
It all starts here
Watch For Yourself
While S/Y Vela usually sails under our Seamester Gap Year & Study Abroad flag, this summer ActionQuest gets to take her for a spin! Watch the video above to see for yourself what you could be in for.
ARRIVING TO ACTIONQUEST & S/Y ARGO IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Your adventure begins! ActionQuest’s professional staff will meet you with a large sign right in the St. Thomas Airport. From there they will assist with the beautiful ferry ride to where our 112. ft. school ship S/Y Argo awaits you in West End, Tortola. Once aboard, you will go through the formal check-in process and make your way to your new floating home.
Students then get to spend the rest of the first day of this epic Transatlantic voyage preparing for life aboard and getting to know one another while the sun sets behind the dock.
Voyage Itinerary
Crossing the Atlantic
Entering the open ocean can be daunting but once life at sea starts to become your new normal after you’ve gone through your station drills, man overboard scenarios, fire drills, etc. – it will be time to put your new skills to the test on this transoceanic passage. From here on out, the time at sea outweighs the time on land. You’ll cross the prime meridian, experience time slowing down, navigate the tradewinds, and make the currents work for you as you learn to soak in passage life. Make no mistake, as a student aboard S/Y Argo you are not a passenger, you are the crew responsible for making the ship sail. You’ll be an integral part of a watch team sharing the responsibility of navigation, bow watch, engine checks, sail trim, and steering the ship to its intended destination.
Sample Trip Itinerary*
| Area | Ports of Call |
|---|---|
| The Caribbean | British Virgin Islands |
| Atlantic | The Azores (Portugal) |
| Mediterranean | Gibraltar (UK), Barcelona (Spain), Corsica (France), Rome (Italy) |
| *Please note that all destinations are weather dependent and subject to change. | |
Transatlantic Itinerary
Learning The Ropes
Early on day two, we cast our lines and the journey begins. As with all voyages on Vela, the first two weeks of the program are a crash course on how to be successful in your new environment. With the guidance of our staff, you’ll learn the ins and outs of how to live, work, and learn in such close quarters with others – from sailing to cooking and everything in between.
We will spend our days in the BVI going out for day sails which will provide the perfect playground for sail drills and applying the theory of sailing. During the first week, you’ll also have your first discussions for the seamanship class.
A Typical Day…
There’s no such thing!
The only thing that’s typical about a day living aboard a traditional sailing vessel while crossing the Atlantic is that it’s going to be anything but typical!
While living aboard you’ll be involved in every aspect of running Vela. Whether standing watch at 2 AM under a blanket of stars, monitoring the ship’s systems, or planning, provisioning, and cooking the meals for your team, by the end of the experience you’ll feel the accomplishment of knowing that you played a big part in the success of the expedition.
Time to Say Goodbye
There’s always a mix of emotions on departure day. The excitement to go home is always overwhelmed by the realization that the Adventure is over and that it’s time to say goodbye to the people you’ve grown so close to over the last few weeks. Day 1 will simultaneously seem like the day before and a lifetime ago as you and your crew depart to the airport for the last leg of your journey together.
“Today it all came to an end… or did it? True, our time aboard as crew members is over. The bags are packed, the tickets have been bought, and everyone is off to either continue traveling for a bit or back home to get ready for the next school year. Yet it is also true that we are all parting ways knowing people with whom we’ve likely spent more time with than some of our relatives or classmates at home. We are parting with experiences that only we, as a crew will be able to recollect and relate to -and through it all, we’ve all grown. No, this isn’t the end, rather, as cheesy as it might sound, it’s the beginning. It’s the beginning of a lifetime of adventures, new experiences, and chances to see familiar faces again and again. We didn’t say goodbye to each other today. We said ‘see you later.’ With this, we close, but as I said, we’ll see you again sometime!”
Need More Information?
Certifications
On top of all the other cultural exploration and epic ocean crossing during the TransAtlantic 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 > -
Master of Yachts 200 ton Theory
The IYT Master of Yachts 200 Ton Offshore Certificate is a Commercial Certificate of Competency for operating Yachts up to 150 nautical miles offshore. The program is an extensive theory course designed to provide the highest standards of maritime education for both the professional and recreational yachtsman and woman. It is an intensive course designed for experienced crew with sufficient on the water experience*.
The theory portion of the Master of Yachts qualification is only one section of this professional course. After completion of the theory portion, students must independently enroll in both a 5-day safety course (STCW 95), as well as a 5-day practical examination at an IYT examination school. Please call us with further questions about this course.
*Once accepted to the voyage, students eighteen years of age or older must submit an additional petition to participate in the Master of Yachts 200 Ton Offshore Theory course. Upon acceptance, there is an additional $650 tuition fee for this class.
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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.
9 College Credits - USF
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Student Leadership Development
The purpose of this course is to encourage students to carefully analyze their responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for the common good and for purposeful change. Students will come to understand the concept of relational leadership and how it differs from traditional leadership theories. The course includes the study of leadership as well as the application of leadership theories, concepts, and skills. Students will also develop their own leadership potential through the completion of personal and leadership self-assessments, values exploration, and leadership skill applications through program activities.
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Seamanship
The Seamester Nautical Science course consists of both theoretical and practical modules and gives a basic understanding of the knowledge that is required to be an active crew member on board a yacht, whether power or sail. More advanced modules are aimed at increasing a student’s nautical knowledge sufficiently to be a watchkeeper on board a bareboat yacht, or a flotilla skipper in fair weather, in daylight hours within sight of land. Students will become safe boaters and be prepared to meet boating challenges. With this knowledge, they will have a lifelong source of recreation with safe, environmentally-friendly activities.
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Oceanography (70-day Program Only)
This course is designed to introduce students to important concepts in the study of the oceans and basic oceanographic research. Topics covered include chemical, geological, physical, and biological oceanography, as well as basic concepts in the management of the marine environment. The material will be delivered in interactive lectures, and many will be reinforced with practical activities.
Need to know
Is this adventure right for me?
The TransAtlantic is an epic sailing voyage that will take you from the British Virgin Islands all the way to Rome, Italy. The main focus of this outdoor adventure camp is on cultural exploration and sail training. Over the 70 days, we visit over five different countries and each landfall provides a totally different experience, as the ports of call are as varied as the local traditions, currency or languages spoken. This voyage is a perfect outdoor summer adventure camp for those with limited or no previous experience in sailing as well as for more seasoned sailors looking to do advanced sailing. For all students signing aboard, this voyage has a strong expeditionary feel. Onshore, we’ll visit the islands, explore the towns, cookout on the white sand beaches, and hike to the top of some of the tallest mountains.
How many people go on this adventure?
This Transatlantic voyage is one of our most exclusive programs, by nature of their being a very finite number of spaces available. On this summer camp, you’ll sail aboard one of our 112 ft. schooners S/Y Argo or 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.
Completed in 2020, 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 maybe 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 about every four days. 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 once or twice 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.
Nitty Gritty
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 Rome, 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: leahctn68@hotmail.com
Even if you are not originating in the U.S., Leah will be able to provide options and guidance.
How do we get there?
Our recommended route is via St. Thomas (STT) in the USVI although students also have the option of flying to Beef Island (EIS).
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 a staff member to assist with the transfer to Tortola via ferry. After arrival in Tortola, students are met at the ferry dock by more of ActionQuest’s professional staff, then collectively continue onto a taxi that takes them to the boats.
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 from home to the program start location in the British Virgin Islands – flights, taxi, baggage, taxes, visas, etc. (est. $140)
- Required emergency evacuation insurance & International SOS and MedAire Membership (est. $225). LEARN MORE >
- Medical insurance, and optional trip cancellation insurance (link to our Seamester website as this voyage is too long to be covered under a standard AQ Trip Mate policy.
- 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.
Discounts and Savings
- A one-time total tuition fee deduction of 5% is granted for any two adventures or for two or more students from the same family.
- Any two consecutive programs may be joined to form one extended course. In the interim between programs, students stay with staff. The total cost is determined by combining the cost of each program and subtracting the 5% extended course discount. (This discount also applies toward any trips adjoining our sister program GoBeyond.) ActionQuest and/or GoBeyond enrollment for any two programs in the same summer will be considered as a single extended program in the event of withdrawal or dismissal from the trip at any time.
Travel Docs & Visas
All students traveling to the British Virgin Islands need to have a passport which is valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Rome. Visitors from certain countries other than the US, UK, and Canada may require visas.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
To maintain our ability to complete all of the program activities and certifications, ActionQuest currently requires students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before the voyage’s start date. Please click on the link below to learn more about the rationale behind this decision.
Other Immunizations
For visiting the British Virgin Islands and the Mediterranean, 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.
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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