Early Alpha, Charlie, Foxtrot, Sierra, Tango: Day 4 & Day 5 – The Bight and Great Harbor

Day 4:

Written by Casey Stafford & James Simmons, Students (Boat: Aquarelle)

We woke up at 7 and started to prepare breakfast. We had a breakfast buffet with fruit, bagels, and cereal. Then the open water divers made lunch and left for a dive. We dropped the mooring ball and left Cooper and headed to The Bight. As the sailing trip ended, we began making quesadillas for lunch. We ate lunch and headed to shore for a hike. The advanced open water and fun divers stayed behind to dive. We hiked to a helipad at The Bight and played games at the top. After half an hour we headed back down and rode the dinghies back to our own boats. Then the divers came back and we had fried rice. After dinner a couple divers headed out for a night dive. Everyone else showered and everyone did their chores. After the night divers came back and we had a boat meeting. Night divers came back and took a bucket shower as we settled down for the night. 

Day 5: 

Written by Marisol Wickham, Student & Abby Scott, Mate (Boat: Samoa)

We began the day after a restful sleep moored at The Bight (Norman Cay). This mooring was a bit more protected than the previous nights, so the wind wasn’t too bad for those sleeping up on the bow! The weather was a bit cloudy today, but it didn’t rain and was a refreshing break from the intense sunshine the past few days.

Breakfast was pancakes, and some got creative by adding jam, yogurt, cream cheese and cinnamon. Sliced oranges were also available. 

Some boats went aboard to others, filling in spots while some students went for their Open Water and Discover Scuba Diving lessons. Those not diving today sailed to Great Harbor (Peter Island). It was mostly an upwind sail, so we had the opportunity to hone in on our tacking skills. Once at Great Harbor, we practiced picking up a mooring ball. 

At Great Harbor, some learned Fish ID and Snorkel 101 for Marine Biology lessons, and tested out their new skills snorkeling the edge of the bay along the bluffs here. Others went out for more Colgate practice to work towards ASA certifications. Lastly, we got more watersports in riding on the hot dog tube around the bay. In between rotations, students got to mingle with other boats. One boat had a gainer contest off the sides, while others strung a hammock under the trampoline to swing above the water. 

After another packed afternoon, students returned to their boats to get ready for the Chili Cook-off and put together their themed presentations.