Harbor House Out

The adventure has officially begun! After months of anticipation, our crew is finally arriving and stepping onboard Harbor House Out, a sleek 2022 Beneteau Oceanis 52, ready to set sail on the Minerva program. Alongside our sister ship Hagan Time, we're embarking on an epic offshore journey that takes us from the crystal-clear waters of the British Virgin Islands all the way to the volcanic peaks of Saba, the historic forts of Statia, the vibrant culture of Nevis, the lush landscapes of Antigua, and the chic charm of St. Barts, before looping back home to the BVI.

This is not your average sailing trip. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be navigating open water on overnight sails, anchoring in remote bays, hiking through island trails, diving into rich coral ecosystems, and immersing ourselves in the unique culture and history of each destination. With two boats sailing in tandem, the camaraderie, friendly competition, and shared experiences are already off to a strong start.

Stay tuned as we document the highs, the challenges, the salty breezes, and the unforgettable moments of our Minerva voyage. We can’t wait to share the journey with you!

Welcome aboard, let’s make a splash and meet the staff:

Matt Pidden (better known as Matty P to his shipmates) is one of the slowest skippers ActionQuest has ever seen, and he is excited to return for his fourth season at AQ. Matt grew up in Australia, Asia, and the UK, always by the water, surfing, sailing, and wingfoiling from a young age. Since then, he has gone on to race yachts worldwide, including a 36-day race from the Philippines to Seattle, 7200nm across the North Pacific (where his closest neighbors were on the International Space Station). Matt has nearly 20,000nm under his belt, alongside his Yachtmaster Offshore license.
Although Matt thrives in offshore racing conditions, his primary focus recently has been his studies. Having recently graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Computer Science (with skills he used to help develop software for AQ), he is looking forward to a well-deserved break before pursuing his Master’s in Robotics at Imperial College London after the summer. He’s excited to reunite with his ActionQuest friends and spend the summer cruising through the BVIs and Leeward Islands.

Sela is beyond excited to be returning to AQ as staff once again. After three unforgettable summers, she can’t wait to kick off her fourth, continuing to share her passion for teaching, diving, and sailing with an incredible team and adventurous students.
With 12 years of diving experience and four years of sailing under her belt, the ocean feels like a second home to Sela. Whether exploring the underwater world or navigating the waves, she loves helping others build confidence and skills in the water. When she’s not at AQ, she’s likely off on her next adventure - traveling, learning, and embracing every opportunity to explore the world.
Outside of her love for the ocean, Sela is also in her final year of nursing school, where she channels her passion for helping others into a future career in healthcare. No matter the setting, whether in the hospital or on the ocean, she is dedicated to creating environments where people can grow, push their limits, and thrive with the proper support and guidance.
Sela can’t wait to dive into another summer of adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories at AQ. She’s ready to help make this the best one yet.