Staff Update Day 1
Location: West End, Tortola
Today is the day we have been preparing for since we arrived here in West End over two weeks ago. Finally, all of our shipmates will be arriving, and we are eagerly anticipating greeting our new crew. Today has been a very busy day making sure that the boats are completely prepped and that the gear is all in place so that we are ready to simply throw off our docking lines and start our adventure. Our boat La Bella Vita, a Jeanneau 50.9, has been prepped with food, fuel, water, and gear that we will be using for the duration of the trip. Upon arrival, the shipmates will check-in, hopefully, call home (if they aren't too distracted by the crystal clear water) put on their rad swim get-up and jump in for a swim test. It tends to be the highlight of their day. This is followed up by dinner together in the cockpit, where the shipmates really have the opportunity to wind down and get to know one another. Hopefully, everyone will get a good nights sleep under the stars so they will be well-rested for our first sail tomorrow! Welcome to La Bella Vita, " we are going to have an amazing time!"
Here is an introduction to the staff of La Bella Vita:
Aaron- skipper
Raised in New England, Aaron has spent much of his time on the water, both in its liquid and frozen state. He spends winters working as a ski patroller at Okemo Mountain in Vermont, and his summers with the AQ team in the BVI. Starting as a shipmate in 2005, Aaron joined our staff in 2009 as our compression boat skipper and EMT. Aaron's professional credentials include MCA Master of Yachts 200 Ton Offshore, EMT equivalency certificate, and PADI Divemaster Certification. Always the handyman, Aaron can be found spending his free time keeping busy with multiple carpentry projects.
Linda- dive instructor/mate
Linda spent most of her formidable years on a sailing boat dreaming of one day becoming a marine biologist - so that she could continue living and working in an environment she loved. Today she has a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and is finishing up her master's degree in environmental toxicology. When she is not attending the university, you can find her traveling the world to work as a scuba instructor or playing ice hockey. Her professional credentials include PADI Open Water Instructor and Emergency First Response Instructor.
Karl- mate/EMT
Karl has loved the water since he was little, growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, and at a very young age, he learned to sail. He is currently enrolled as an undergraduate student studying marine biology at Eckerd College, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. As a senior in high school, Karl performed a research project on tonic immobility, which is a common reaction in most sharks, on smaller bony fish. Taking part in a voyage with Seamester from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Karl received his ICC and PADI Rescue Diver certifications and loved the experience. He is also an EMT and volunteer firefighter in PG County, Maryland. Karl loves the water, and when given the opportunity, he is more than happy to jump in and try out any activity.