Seafarer S.A.I.L. BVI Adventure

July 25 - August 5, 2010

Rising 10th and 11th grade girls

Click here to read the blog from the 2009 SAIL BVI Adventure!

S.A.I.L II-BVIs, is designed to reinforce the traditional values that permeate all of Camp Seafarer's programs. The development of character and leadership skills will be the goal of these activities. We believe that this island/sailing experience will have a lasting impact as new challenges are explored, new skills are learned, more self-confidence is developed, and each crewmember becomes a team player on the voyage.

The crew for this summer's British Virgin Islands voyage will consist of adult Captains, two female administrative sailing staff counselors, and campers (you!). Seafarer's captains and sailing counselors are talented, highly skilled and seasoned people with wide-ranging credentials. Our Captains have experience sailing in the British Virgin Islands and posses the teaching skills to make this a very safe, educational and fun experience for the crew. All of these staff members have demonstrated capable leadership ability, commitment to the mission of camp, expertise in navigation and sailing, and an understanding of the needs of adolescent girls.

The adventure begins at Camp Seafarer in Arapahoe, NC, when the crewmembers arrive. We focus our time at camp on getting the crew ready for sea: reviewing and learning knots, anchoring techniques, and big boat sailing, as well as preparing for cooking and sleeping in close quarters. In addition, we work on team building activities develop trust and self-confidence among each other.

We then Fly from North Carolina to Tortola, BVI. Upon arrival, campers and counselors will meet their boats in Road Town. The sailboats are 50-foot monohulls, which come equipped with snorkeling gear, and all the provisions that we will need for a safe and fun excursion. We will eat, sleep, play and learn on our 50-foot homes on the water—a truly unique experience for anyone who loves the water.

When we leave the docks at Road Harbor we sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel, our gateway into the BVIs. The following is a sampling of the islands we hope to visit and the activities we are planning at each destination:

Peter Island is a small private island where there are many excellent anchorages and moorings that provide easy access to great snorkeling sites and interesting hikes through the island. Peter Island is a lush "Robinson Crusoe" type of island that makes a great side trip either heading northeast to Cooper Island or southwest to Norman Island.

Norman Island, often called "Treasure Island" by the locals, is largely uninhabited, although legends abound with stories of buried pirate treasure. From the safe anchor in the Bight, it is a short dinghy trip to the Caves and the Indians—two famed diving and snorkeling sites with a variety of colored fish, hard and soft corals, and diverse marine life.

Jost Van Dyke is an island located to the northwest of Tortola. Great Harbour is the most popular anchorage affording easy access to the island as well as to the beaches. Jost Van Dyke has some excellent beaches as well as some fine snorkeling. Day hikes are almost a must on this island of only 168 inhabitants.

Tortola acts as our launching point for the sailing cruise, but the north side of the island lends itself to wonderful beaches, snorkeling, kayaking and cruising. Tortola is home to Mount Sage National Park, the highest point on the island. There are great hiking trails here and some unbelievable views from the top of Mt. Sage. Tortola also hosts many great restaurants and shops for souvenirs.

Marina Cay is a tiny island that boasts only 8 acres of land yet has a beautiful coral reef that is excellent for snorkeling. There are many moorings and anchorage spots around the island. Marina Cay is located within paddling distance of Great Camanoe and Scrub Island which makes for a nice day of kayaking and snorkeling.

Virgin Gorda lies about 5 nautical miles east of Marina Cay and is an excellent place to explore the diversity of culture and environment that the islands have to offer. Virgin Gorda is an island with three distinct sections-the Valley, the Mountain, and the North. The Valley is the population center of the island; sights here include the Baths-an unusual formation of granite boulders that border beautiful tidal pools. The beach and snorkeling here are exquisite. In the center of the island is Gorda Peak National Park. In a hike to the peak (1,359 feet), campers traverse through lush semi-rainforest flora and are rewarded with some of the best views of all of the Virgin Islands. At the north end of the island is the North Sound-one of the world's most protected sounds. The waters here are rimmed by islands and pristine secluded beaches that are a striking reminder of the unique beauty of the British Virgin Islands. The snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and beach exploring in the North Sound is unsurpassed in its beauty and diversity.

Because of the nature of the Caribbean environment, daily itineraries are subject to change due to weather. Each boat will be in constant radio contact and in sight of each other as well as monitored by local authorities. Leaders will be in regular communication with Camp Seafarer and if significant changes are made to the final daily schedule, parents will be notified. Campers will be supervised at all times whether they are at Camp Seafarer, on the mainland, islands or crewing on the vessels. We guarantee this trip will be safe, fun, educational and adventurous.

All excursions during the S.A.I.L. – BVI program will be led by trained and contracted guides. Camp Seafarer is currently in the interviewing process for the trip leaders. You can expect a biography on each of the trip leaders to be included in future information. The trip will end at the Raleigh-Durham airport. The cost of the program will include a course / certification of the US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification, airfare, activities, bus transportation, meals, accommodations, rental equipment, and an trip/charter insurance policy. The campers will need to provide personal spending money. Deviations from the group's flight itinerary are not permissible.

Upon receipt of the camper application and deposit, we will send further program specific information along with an additional application. Final acceptance is based upon an additional application process that includes references and proven leadership experiences including rank achievement and camp involvement. Campers must have successfully completed one of the following prior to the start of this program: participated in the S.A.I.L. or SAIL On program, earned at least their Sunfish Skipper (Camp Seafarer Blue Book) or completed a sailing program outside of Seafarer. Examples of programs outside of Camp Seafarer include sailing courses with US Sailing or American Sailing Association.

Lundy Charters will be offering a sailing course this spring for any girls who may need a qualifying sailing course prior to the program.

This program is a rolling admission process and applications/references are dated as they are returned to Camp Seafarer. We encourage all families to apply and respond quickly. This trip fills early.

If you have any questions, please call Camp Seafarer at (252) 249-1212 or visit www.lundycharters.com.