Odyssey

Welcome to Odyssey! We are so eager to welcome our new shippies today. For the past few days we have spent our time scrubbing hulls, polishing, painting, fooding, and training for this summer! Now, the adventure finally begins…

Without further ado, let me introduce you to our crew.

Skipper: Captain Garrett Walker

Garrett grew up just outside of Denver, Colorado. As a student aboard S/Y Vela, Garrett discovered his passion for sailing and decided to pursue it. After this voyage, Garrett took his talents to Maine, where he worked aboard a traditional schooner. Afterward, he partook in a voyage with S/Y Argo for delivery from Thailand to South Africa. He has sailed over 15,000 nautical miles and has endeavored on two major ocean crossings. In addition to his sailing experience, he is also a rescue diver. Garrett enjoys hockey, playing guitar, reading, cowboys, and hiking when not sailing.

Favorite sea animal: Marine Iguana

Mate: Arden Elterich

Arden grew up in Boulder, Colorado, and has always had an affinity for spending time in the outdoors. She discovered her love for sailing during a transatlantic Seamester voyage on S/Y Vela from Rome to the Caribbean. After receiving a rescue diver certification on this trip, she became interested in the medical component of this work and added a Wilderness First Responder certification to her skillset. Despite living in a land-locked state, she has always loved the ocean and dreamed of being a marine biologist as a kid. Arden loves sailing, diving, collecting seashells, and water sports! She also enjoys working with kids. Previously, Arden worked as a mentor for students in middle and high school. She currently attends a university in London, where she is pursuing her degree in international relations. Arden has traveled to over 30 countries and loves connecting with new people and cultures. She is excited to escape the London fog for more summer adventures with ActionQuest.

Favorite sea animal: Honeycomb Cow Fish

Dive Instructor: Tyler Payzant

Tyler grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. At ten years old, his parents introduced him to sailing, and he immediately fell in love. Tyler raced 420s and FJs during his teenage years for his high school sailing team. Eventually, he enrolled in two Seamester voyages, where he became a PADI Rescue Diver. Realizing that college would not be a good fit, Tyler became a PADI professional to introduce people to the fantastic underwater world. With this goal in mind, he packed his bags and moved to Bali, Indonesia, for a few months to learn as much as possible about being a PADI SCUBA Instructor. He is ecstatic to provide an amazing experience for the ActionQuest students, just like his staff did for him so many years ago.

Favorite sea animal: Nudibranch

We cannot wait for the fun to begin. Stay tuned for the next blog!