Foxtrot 1 & Sierra 1 2018 Adventures Day 15 – Challenge Day Sail Followed By A Chili Cookoff!

written by mate, Zoe Leech
July 7, 2018

Today was Challenge Day! This is when the students take control of all aspects of their vessel with barely any help from their staff! On Challenge Day, staff like to dress up as students and pretend to be crew members and are limited to giving directions other than, “I feel unsafe” which indicates safety being compromised due to an action of the student crew.

The day begins with our skipper of the day and mate of the day having a staff meeting with the Foxtrot and Sierra Program Director. After getting a write-up of the daily schedule, they return to their boats to wake up their trusty crews and motivate breakfast prep and pre-departure checks. Mooring ball drop must be planned and discussed before assigning positions. All navigation is performed by the mate and skipper and sailing maneuvers performed by volunteering crew. After the mooring ball is picked up and lunch is served, daily activities are directed and timing is managed by the student crews as well. Seeing as everyone made it more or less on time, all while maintaining safety (!), it wasn’t long until we were all on shore for a relaxing beach day at Cane Garden Bay. Challenge day was a huge success!

The sail from Anegada to Cane Garden Bay is a long one but we had good wind and our yachts were able to break their speed record with 10.8 knots. The fun didn’t stop there though. All teams participated in Sail Caribbean’s traditional chili cook off. Judged on theme, presentation and taste, it’s always a good time had by all. The day ended with a lengthy boat meeting/debrief and a sweet treat! Early to bed so we could get some rest for the next adventure-filled day.

More photos will accompany later on this evening! We appreciate your patience.