Sea|Mester
360+ NAUTICAL MILES · 8 ISLANDS · 20 DAYS · 3 CERTS
Twenty Days at Sea
I spent 20 days sailing 360+ nautical miles through the Caribbean as part of a 19-person crew aboard an 88-foot, two-masted steel schooner. We rotated through every aspect of life onboard. From navigation and night watches to cooking, maintenance, and sailing.
There were no passengers onboard. Everyone was part of the crew, which meant learning quickly, taking responsibility, and relying on one another. Our days were shaped by watch schedules, changing conditions, shared meals, and whatever the boat needed from us.
Some of my favorite moments were also the simplest. Taking the helm, arriving at a new island, and standing night watch beneath a sky lit only by the moon and stars. Twenty days felt short, but it was enough time to change the way I think about sailing, teamwork, and adventure. I left with an entirely new appreciation for the sea!
The Journey
Life Onboard
Helmed and navigated in open water
Stood day and night watches
Helped raise, lower, and manage sails
Assisted with cooking and galley duties
Completed boat maintenance and daily checks
Worked alongside 19-person crew
Certifications Earned
Internatonal Crew
Sailing skills, seamanship, and safety
Emergency First Responder
First aid, CPR, and emergency first response training
VHF Radio
Marine communication and radio operations
3 Things I Took With Me
1. A Shared Goal Truly Does Bring People Together
When everyone is working toward the same goal, collaboration becomes easier. Living and sailing with 18 other people showed me how quickly a group can come together when everyone has a role to play.
2. Sometimes You Should Stop and Look Up
Some of my favorite moments happened on night watch, looking up at a sky lit only by the moon and stars. It reminded me how beautiful and big the world really is.
3. Sailing is Tougher Than it Looks
Every detail matters. Ropes need to be tied properly, engine rooms need to be checked, food needs to be stored correctly, and everyone has to do their part.
Through My Lense
