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British Virgin Islands - 2017, Session 1

Sambamba Staff Update Day 1

Location: West End, Tortola

It is not too long until the shipmates arrive, and were very excited to welcome them aboard! After weeks of hard work from the staff, Sambamba has been picked up from Road Town and packed with food, fuel and water in preparation for the much-anticipated weeks ahead. Over the course of three weeks we are hoping to certify our shipmates with an IYT certificate that can open new doorways into the yachting industry or simply provide better access to pleasurable experiences on board charter vessels. But of course, sailing is only half the program! Our lovely SCUBA instructor Hannah plans to PADI open water certify those whom have never dove before. Courses aside, our goal as staff is to provide a fun, supportive and safe environment that gives our students the opportunity to discover their ability to learn and overcome challenges. We hope the build these surroundings not only from our daily activities such as water skiing, dinghy sailing, snorkeling, hiking, but with responsibility, accountability and team building! The next 3 weeks will be fruitful for all those living aboard Sambamba and ActionQuest vessels. We’re really looking forward to meeting our students soon and having an incredible time over the upcoming weeks.
Here is an introduction to the crew of Sambamba:
David- skipper/WFR
David grew up on California's coasts, and when he wasn’t invested in his schooling; he was either involved in an aquatic summer programs or traveling around the Middle East, Europe, and Central America. Forever indebted to his parents, David was fortunate enough to begin dinghy 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 Seamester; when his eyes were opened to the vast world of yachting. Thanks to his incredible experiences on board S/Y Argo, David dedicated his free time to receiving a certificate as a Master of Yachts through the Royal Yachting Association and used this license to work in the BVI as well as the Adriatic and other parts of the Mediterranean. Now returning for his third year, David hopes to continue expressing his passion for the ocean while learning from everyone around him in return.
Hannah- dive instructor/mate
Hannah was born and raised in Oakville, Ontario minutes from Lake Ontario. Hannah has always loved the water and was a high performance swimmer for eight years. Hannah completed her dive instructor training in Vancouver, British Columbia while attending The University of British Columbia for a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and Biology. This is Hannah’s second summer working as a part of the GXG Staff family and is looking forward to the amazing experiences to come this summer. In her free time, Hannah enjoys training for half marathons, baking, hiking, canoeing, camping, mountain climbing and spending time outside. Hannah has traveled from a very young age, and at 11 was the youngest female to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, then Mount Rainier four years later.
Megan-mate/EMT
Megan is stoked to be joining ActionQuest for the summer! Ever since her time as a shipmate in 2007 / 2008 and sailing with Seamester in 2009, she grew a deep found love for the majestic seas. Megan’s hometown is Orlando, Florida where the water, sun and sand are a way of life. Her passion for the ocean played a big role in deciding where she would pursue her Bachelors degree in Sport Event Management. During college, Megan enjoyed competing in Division I beach/indoor volleyball as well as taking a summer semester to study abroad in Venice, Italy. Today Megan thrives in an operating relations position for a children’s recreation and event company. Feeling a deep call and internal responsibility, Megan recently obtained her EMT certification. Megan’s heart is to share her experience, passion and education with the younger generation; encouraging them in a secure yet challenging environment where they will experience personal growth! Many say Meg is down to earth, funny and vibrant! She enjoys mentoring teens, paddle boarding, writing, photography and serving at her local church.