Sailing Curls Staff Update Day 1
Location: West End, Tortola
It's here! Gwen, Kelly, and Austin are anticipating a fantastic 3rd session with 12 shipmates coming aboard. We're so excited to be sailing around the BVI; sharing our oceans and experiences on our new home for the next 3 weeks, Sailing Curls. Both Carinas and Barrucudas will be taking to our activities of Advanced Open Water diving with the certifications in night diving, boat diving and fish identification! We'll also be sailing around, learning both basic and advanced techniques where the shipmates will showcase their newfound skills as they guide us around the Caribbean on this expedition. We're ready to meet the crew and become a family, learning together, growing together and being a part of these amazing weeks to come!
Here is an introduction to the crew of Sailing Curls:
Gwen- skipper/WFR
Born in New England and raised in an active family, Gwen became a water sports enthusiast early in life. Surprisingly she was not introduced to sailing until she spent a semester in the Caribbean aboard Seamester's S/Y Ocean Star. After a life-changing experience with Seamester, Gwen joined the ActionQuest/Go Beyond team as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) in 2014. Since then, Gwen has earned her Master of Yachts 200ton certificate and she returns for her fourth summer with ActionQuest as a skipper and a WFR. When she is not at ActionQuest, Gwen lives in Vermont where she works in a ski shop and reaps the benefits of living seasonally.
Kelly- Dive Instructor/Mate/WFR
Kelly grew up land locked in St. Louis, Missouri. She found her passion for travel and adventure while studying abroad in high school and college. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, Kelly moved to Sarasota, Florida to work full time with the ActionQuest admissions team. Since moving to Florida she has earned her Master of Yachts 200ton, PADI Master Scuba Dive Trainer, and Wilderness First Responder Certifications. This will be Kelly's fourth summer in the British Virgin Islands and she is thrilled to show her students the BVI both above and below the water. She will however, be missing her fiance, Zach, and their two puppies Maggie and Penny, but she wouldn't have it any other way!
Austin- Dive Instructor/Mate
Austin is a passionate sailing and scuba instructor. He is from the beautiful Charleston, South Carolina and attended the College of Charleston. With 4 years of being a student, 1 as a staff member at ActionQuest, and 1 semester sailing on Ocean Star with Seamester, he has the knowledge to create the perfect summer experience for any student.