Wind Shadow

After tons of preparation completed by the office team throughout the year and on-site here in the BVI the past two sessions, the time has finally come for shipmates to arrive for Session 3! We are so excited to welcome them onboard and begin sharing our love of the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful British Virgin Islands with them! Our incredible team has been working hard to ensure all the necessary equipment has been tested and is properly prepped for our trip. Fuel, water, food, educational materials, and other gear has been loaded onboard our vessels. Our home Wind Shadow, a 51-foot monohull, will house students working towards earning their basic sailing certifications along with a PADI Open Water Scuba Diver certification.

Here is an introduction to the crew on Wind Shadow:

Claire: Skipper

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Claire started sailing at the age of 8 and has continued to develop her skills ever since. Claire worked as a camp counselor and sailing instructor in Maine in 2016 and 2017 before taking a gap year with Seamester. Claire now attends the University of San Diego where she is majoring in Environmental Science with minors in Leadership and Environmental Policy. As a guide in her university’s outdoors program and a sailing instructor at the local aquatic center, Claire spends most of her free time outdoors, either on the water or in the mountains backpacking and camping. She is a 200-ton IYT Yachtmaster and PADI Divemaster.

Charlotte: Dive Instructor/Mate

Charlotte was a former ActionQuest student in 2008 where she first learned to scuba dive. She fell in love with diving and has continued ever since. Charlotte grew up sailing small boats, mostly in the Chesapeake Bay off of Maryland. She worked as a sailing instructor in Maryland and Virginia at summer camps during her college summers. After completing a Seamester voyage in 2012 her desire to work in the diving and sailing world was solidified. Charlotte completed her PADI instructor certification in Thailand and joined the AQ team as a dive instructor in 2018. Diving and sailing has taken Charlotte around the world where she can do another thing she loves, trying new food.

Nick: Mate/Wilderness First Responder

Nick is a fun loving sailor who grew up power boating on the Chesapeake Bay. He eventually transitioned to sailing when he went to sailing camp in Annapolis. Nick recently completed an ocean crossing from South Africa to Antigua with Seamester, then went on to work on Schooner Woodwind. He is a Wilderness First Responder and 200 Ton Yachtmaster and is eager to teach his passion for sailing to others. When he’s not on the water, you can find Nick at Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehab helping horses in need, leading student volunteers, and managing barn operations.