Sailing the V.I.: Last Day
During the 2012 Winter Term (January 3-19), Dr. Ken Ayers is teaching a travel class in the Virgin Islands called Leadership Through Sailing. Five students are taking the class and are sending updates and photos for the KWC blog. If you missed any entries, you can also read their adventures from the beginning.
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Day 7 started moored off Norman Island, where we had a nice southern breakfast of bacon, eggs and English muffins. We quickly set sail for open waters towards the straits between the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. To our left was the U.S. island of St. John, and to our right was the British Island of Tortola. Also, at one point we passed the most southeastern portion of the United States — Flanigans Island.
As we pushed through the straights, we all took turns operating the boat as the helmsman, maneuvering the boat within 1,000 yards of shore. About mid-morning we finished a complete circle of our adventure sailing the seas as the pirates did.
After sailing with only the power of the never-ending winds, we approached the lost city of Cruz Bay, a place which Captain Ayers said seems to be lost in the 1960′s because of the hippies and the “peace & love” feel of the era.
After lunch, we checked-in to the U.S. side of customs. We all successfully got back into the U.S., after which Captain Ayers gave us a two-hour liberty to explore the lost city. We enjoyed smoothies, explored shops and walked along the beach shore where the waters were as clear as crystal.
We headed back to the boat, lifted anchor from the ocean floor and set sail through the treacherous shipping channel of ferry boats, sailboats and water taxis that fly at nearly top speed to get from St.Thomas to St.John. The leadership skills we embraced and learned throughout this week allowed us to navigate the treacherous channel with precision and mastery skill.
Once we reach the east end of St. Thomas, we sailed under the jib towards our last destination of Buck Island. We quickly got our snorkel gear on for the last time and jumped into the bay and explored the calm waters with beautiful fish and even a sunken ship. This snorkel was exceptionally special due the bonding of friendships we created and the epic teamwork we kindled. We all handled a white sea urchin, as it gripped and tickled our hands, and dove down to touch the Christmas tree worm in which it disappears quickly when you touch it (kind of like a “touch-me-not” plant).
We returned to the boat to eat our last dinner made by Chef Ayers — grilled pork-chops, greens, sweet potatoes and blueberry muffins. As he prepared dinner, we watched as a close family an emotional picture slide show with music of our entire adventure in Virgin Islands. Once we laughed and reminisced about the trip, we finished our top-notch dinner.
Next time: what we all took from the week …
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