Pure Joy 4

Day 1: Welcome Aboard!

Hello everyone!

Steph, Siena, and Parker here!

After miles of spreadsheets, a mild to moderate Gatorade addiction, and food provisioning that should be considered an Olympic sport, Pure Joy IV and her crew are ready for an adventure of a lifetime! While sunscreen and Nutella may go fast…the memories that are about to be made will last a lifetime. Over the next few weeks, students will learn to sail side by side, sharing epic sunsets, amazing dives, and laughter to the point of tears. What starts as strangers living awkwardly close will soon turn into lifelong friendships, the best of memories, and countless lifelong skills learned. Lines are tied, and fenders are ready-Welcome aboard!

Now (drumroll please)… Meet the crew!

Steph- Skipper

Steph was born and raised in New Zealand and brings a classic Kiwi “she’ll be right” attitude along with her. She discovered her love for sailing at just eight years old and steadily progressed through the ranks, gaining experience on both smaller and bigger yachts. Steph has worked closely with teens and youth, using sailing as a platform to build confidence and develop leadership skills, all while making sure there’s an element of fun! When she’s not out on the water, Steph can usually be found doodling in art books or jamming on her ukulele

Fun facts:
- Number one banana hater; Number one Nutella lover
- Can play the piano, ukulele, the saxophone, guitar, and the violin (Oh my!)
- Pen pals with Taylor Swift

Siena- Mate/ Medical Director

Living in Northern California, Siena grew up an ocean lover. She started sailing and diving as a summer camp student and was lucky enough to join Seamester on S/Y Vela, sailing from Bali to Cape Town in the fall of 2023. Siena currently lives in Ireland, studying Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin to enter the field of marine biology and reef conservation. She can’t wait to take a break from the rain of Dublin to spend her third summer with AQ, sailing and swimming alongside all of the incredible sea creatures of the Caribbean!

Fun facts:
- Arch nemesis is the self-tacking jib
- Future sourdough mother
- Has never, not once, flipped a Zest (she swears!)

Parker- Dive Instructor

Parker is a student at the College of Charleston studying hospitality and tourism. He is also a certified PADI scuba instructor and has been diving for several years. What makes ActionQuest especially meaningful to Parker is that he was a student here for four summers, so he knows exactly what it feels like to be in the students’ shoes.
Some of Parker’s best memories come from his time at ActionQuest, including learning new skills, exploring the ocean, and making great friends. That experience is a big part of why he loves teaching diving today. He enjoys helping students feel comfortable in the water, build confidence, and have fun while learning something new.
When Parker is not diving, he loves to surf and fish, so he is almost always looking for a way to be out on the water. He has also worked in roles where he is constantly interacting with people, which has helped him become patient, positive, and easy to talk to.
Parker is excited to be back, this time as an instructor, and to help make this an awesome and memorable experience for everyone. He is looking forward to a great summer in the BVI.

Fun Facts:
- Can do a flip while riding his surfboard
- Can definitely fit 14.5 marshmallows in his mouth at once
- Debated going pro as a professional bird caller