Squeakybrat has already spent the last seven weeks sailing around the British Virgin Islands and is getting ready to do it one more time this summer for Session III. Shipmate arrival is drawing near, and the boats have been fueled, watered, filled to the brim with delicious meals, and are ready to set sail. We are ready to explore some amazing locations throughout the British Virgin Islands, not to mention all the sailing, diving, hiking, BBQs, and awesome dance parties. David will be our skipper while Gwen brings a wealth of sailing/boating knowledge. Lisa will also be assisting with sailing as well as teaching diving. We are going to have a fantastic adventure! Be sure to stay up to date with our blog, and we will see you again in 2 1/2 weeks time!
Here's an introduction to the crew of Squeakybrat:
David: skipper
David grew up on California coasts, and when he wasn't invested in his schooling, he was either involved in an aquatic summer program or traveling around the Middle East, Europe, and Central America. Forever indebted to his parents, David was fortunate enough to learn sailing at the age of 8, scuba diving at 13, and various other aquatic sports in the times in between. In 2013 David's life dramatically shifted after Sea|Mester when his eyes were opened to the vast world of yachting. Thanks to his incredible experiences onboard S/Y Argo, David dedicated his free time to receiving his certificate as a Master of Yachts 200 gross ton Offshore through the Royal Yachting Association and used this license to work in the Adriatic and other parts of the Mediterranean.
Lisa: dive instructor/mate
Even as a child, Lisa could be found adventuring on the lakes and rivers of Wisconsin. After completing a B.S. in Zoology and Biological Aspects of Conservation in 2004, she immediately set out to quench her wanderlust. Being passionate about human-powered travel, Lisa has traversed many countries on foot and pedal bikes. Wanting to get back to the water, she pursued her first professional dive rating in Honduras in 2011 and has not dried out since. Lisa is now a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and is planning to advance her sailing and teaching skills as an educator with ActionQuest.
Gwen: mate/WFR
Born and raised in New England, Gwen has spent most of her life exploring the Massachusetts coast. A water sports enthusiast and avid boater, surprisingly, Gwen was not introduced to sailing until the fall of 2013 when she spent a semester in the Caribbean aboard Sea|mesters S/Y Ocean Star. After a life-changing experience with Sea|mester, Gwen returned to the warm waters of the BVI to join the ActionQuest/Lifeworks team as a Wilderness First Responder in 2014. A Human Geography major at the University of New Hampshire, Gwen loves learning about different cultures, a passion which she is eager to share with her students in addition to her love of sailing. Beyond her medical training, Gwen also holds basic diving certifications and is currently advancing her professional sailing certifications.
