Hope

Hello everyone!
Siena, Nat, and Mackenzie here!
After miles of spreadsheets, a mild to moderate Gatorade addiction, and food provisioning that should be considered an Olympic sport, Hope 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 skills learned. Lines are tied, and fenders are ready-Welcome aboard!
Now (drumroll please)… Meet the crew!

Siena - Skipper, 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. 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!)

Mackenzie - Dive Instructor, Program Director
Mackenzie fell in love with scuba diving in Phuket, Thailand, and that short trip became three years spent traveling and diving around Southeast Asia. After graduating from Penn State University, she earned her instructor certification in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia, where she taught for a year and dove with turtles daily! When she's not teaching at ActionQuest, she works full-time for Global Expeditions Group as an enrollment advisor and prepares for the summer.
Fun facts:
- Peanut butter enthusiast
- Terrified of flying
- Family placed bets she'd stay in Indonesia for 3 months…she stayed for 3 years
- Former D1 diver

Nat - Dive Instructor, Medic
Nat spent most of her time in Illinois and Wyoming until her study abroad with Seamester, sailing from Antigua to Fiji in the spring of 2021. As a student on Argo, she fell in love with diving and sailing, leading to her earning professional certifications in both after completing her degrees in Environmental Sciences. Nat has taught ecology both on and off the water in California and is excited to share her passion for and knowledge of the ocean on every dive. Out of the water, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and saying hi to any animal within reach. This will be Nat's second summer with AQ, and she is thrilled to be spending it back in the BVI with all of you!
Fun facts:
- Would eat a peanut butter and pickle sandwich every day for lunch
- Pro golf cart driver
- Chases bears on her days off

We can't wait for the next 21 days!
-Siena, Mackenzie, Nat