Staff Update- Day One
Location: West End, Tortola
The days start early at ActionQuest and today is no different, with the staff waking at 0630 eager to greet the shipmates and make the final preparations to their boats for the adventure that will span the next three weeks. The first of the shipmates started to trickle in around 1600, and once they arrived and settled into their cabins on board, they went and jumped into the beautiful, warm, tropical water for their swim tests. Once out of the water, the shipmates were able to briefly explore the west end of Tortola. The day ended with tortellini for dinner and the staff explaining the operations of day-to-day life while aboard their new home of Knot Guilty. It is exciting to see how everyone is already bonding and becoming great friends for life.
Here is an introduction to the crew on Knot Guilty:
Andy- skipper
Andy has been sailing since he could walk and feels more at home on a boat than anywhere else. Growing up on his family's boat, Andy has been at the helm since a young age. A competitive sailboat racer since the age of six, Andy has competed internationally in places like New Zealand and Mexico. Andy has a passion for teaching and has been a sailing instructor since he was a teenager. Andy holds a 200-ton IYT Offshore Limited Yachtmaster license. He is also a divemaster and teaches diving in the offseason. Andy has a degree in Aerospace Engineering from UC San Diego as well as some associate degrees ranging from liberal arts to mathematics. For fun, Andy likes to do pretty much anything that involves being outside. This is Andy's third summer at ActionQuest.
Elliot- dive instructor/EMT/mate
Growing up in Maryland, Elliot was first introduced to sailing and scuba diving as a shipmate with ActionQuest in the BVI. Elliot utilized his skills learned at AQ to captain several sailing trips back in the BVI. After earning his degree in Film Studies from the University of Colorado, Elliot began coaching skiing in Lake Tahoe and later in Summit County, Colorado. In addition to coaching baseball and ski racing Elliot holds certifications in teaching skiing, snowboarding, sailing, and scuba diving. Elliot has also completed EMT-Paramedic training and looks forward to attending Physicians Assistant or Nursing School in the Colorado area.
Kristen- mate/Wilderness First Responder
Kristen is from Long Island, New York. While attending Eckerd College on the Western coast of Florida, Kristen, a Psychology and Human Development double major, decided to study abroad. She enrolled in our Sea|mester program aboard S/Y Ocean Star during the summer of 2010. During her Sea|mester voyage, Kristen received certification in sailing and scuba diving. While sailing with S/Y Ocean Star, Kristen realized she had a real love for the sailing and being on the ocean. Upon graduating this past May with her Bachelor's Degree, Kristen joins the staff of ActionQuest. Kristen's professional credentials include PADI Advanced Open Water certification, IYT Crew Certification, and Wilderness First Responder certification.