La Bella Vita

We are so excited to meet all twelve of our new shipmates and welcome them aboard Le Bella Vita. Over the past few days, we have been preparing Bella for their arrival. The library of sail and diving books have been replenished and cabins allocated for the students. Yesterday Ben and Andy stocked Bella with delicious snacks and treats, while Shona completed engine and system checks. Water skis and wakeboard equipment have been loaded up and the dinghy Toothless has been refueled. Shona, Andy, and Ben are so excited for their crew to arrive and begin a new expedition together, which they hope creates unforgettable memories for all 15 of them.

Here is an introduction to the crew of La Bella Vita:

Shona- Skipper/EMT

Shona is returning for her third Summer with ActionQuest but is more excited than ever to return to her second family and the amazing waters of the British Virgin Islands. She has recently completed her Offshore Yachtmaster and Wilderness EMT, so will be filling two roles as a skipper and medical team this year. She graduated in 2013 with a degree in outdoor education and geography. Since then she has worked in several locations across Europe applying these skills to promote learning through experiential education. From a young age, she has had a love for the outdoor and all sports, whether that be sailing and kayaking in the summer or snowboarding and mountaineering in the winter. Her goal is to inspire and educate her students in a fun safe learning environment.

Andy- Dive Instructor/Mate

Andy became a dive instructor in 2014 and his love for the ocean and everything in it has grown ever since. When he's not diving in Honduras, he spends his time traveling around Mexico and Guatemala, living in beautiful communities. He's learning more and more about Mayan culture and natural medicines whilst confirming his love for ecstatic dance and cacao (but really, who doesn't like hot chocolate?) He cant wait to return for another AQ summer this year!

Ben- Mate

Ben grew up in Baltimore, MD and spent his summers on the Chesapeake Bay where he developed a love for the water. After becoming a certified diver in high school, Ben has dove in various islands throughout the Caribbean but lists the Outer Banks in North Carolina as his favorite diving spot. Always a diver, Ben’s passion for sailing was ignited after participating in a Seamester program during the Summer of 2015. He initially attended Methodist University in North Carolina to play baseball before transferring to the University of Maryland, College Park, where he graduated in December of 2016. He then moved to Key Largo, FL to participate in an internship with REEF Environmental Education Foundation, where he focused on invasive Lionfish. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, following the New York Yankees, and spending time with his two dogs.