Location: Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI
After a great night’s sleep (courtesy of an exhausting day of travel yesterday), the Ocean Star crew awoke bright and early, ready to kick start what promises to be an adventure of a lifetime. First on the agenda was a 6:30 AM swim test (#2 pencils mandatory), which was completed with ease by all of our intrepid explorers. Following breakfast, the crew reconvened for a quick introduction to the program and a little insight into what they could expect over the course of the next 80 days. As we waited for some last-minute delayed baggage to arrive, all our new divers were shown the first of their PADI instructional videos, preparing them to take the plunge tomorrow for the first time. Everyone was then introduced to their own personal PFDs (that’s personal flotation devices, for all you landlubbers out there) and instructed how to don, adjust, and make their jackets. After a quick group photo, the umbilical cord that is the shore power cable was cut, dock lines were cast, and the schooner Ocean Star was underway, making way for her first anchorage of the trip, the beautiful Savannah Bay, upon where the swimming pool was opened. The crew leaped into the ocean to cool off and shower. A delicious dinner of chicken Alfredo was served before shipmates were instructed what to look out for and be aware of for their first anchor watch duty and first night out on the water!