Different Drum Sailing Adventures

Bahamas Sea Week!

Come explore the out islands of the Bahamas while living aboard the 46' ketch Boundless ! Spend 7 days learning to sail as we travel to uninhabited islands and anchor off deserted beaches.

Each afternoon you'll snorkel over reefs in crystal clear water studying corals, sponges and tropical fish. As we travel to different islands you can try using a sextant to establish our position, the same way Columbus did when he discovered these islands. We'll also use more modern navigational tools like the GPS, using satellites to locate our latitude and longitude. You'll keep a daily log of the barometric pressure and other meteorological data from our weather fax and keep a daily journal of your impressions along the way.

What will we do each day?
A lot! After breakfast in the mornings, we'll log weather observations, learn navigation, practice seamanship skills, then raise anchor and set sail for an island. Learning to sail along the way, you'll read a sailing chart (map), navigate, steer, and sunbathe on deck while you look for coral heads, stingrays and dolphins.

You'll also learn how to forecast the weather as we study down-loaded satellite images from our on-board weather fax.

Some evenings we'll watch a movie (there is a VCR on board) and eat popcorn or maybe sit out under the stars on deck. Water balloon fights just...happen. And if we catch enough conch during the day, we'll make up conch fritters to eat!

Where will I sleep and what will I eat?
You will eat, sleep, study, cook, read, and relax aboard Boundless, a 46’ ocean sailing ketch (2 masts). Boundless can fly 3 different sails at once, has 2 heads (bathrooms to a landlubber), and galley (kitchen) with a gimbaled stove (look it up!). Sleeping arrangements include 9 bunks below decks and 2 on deck in the cockpit for sleeping under the stars. Showers are taken on deck using "sun showers". We eat fairly “normal” food, so if you don't, just let us know and we'll try to accommodate you.

Do I need any previous sailing experience?

In a word...no! Part of each day will be spent sailing, and you'll learn to sail as we travel to and explore the many islands of the Bahamas. By the end of the trip, you will have had enough “hands on” experience to sail on any similarly sized boat with confidence.

What do I need to bring?
After you've signed on, we'll give you information on how to pack and what to bring. You will need to provide your own snorkel, mask, and fins. Water temperature in the winter and spring is a cool 72 degrees and some like to bring a thin (3mm) wet suit to wear while snorkeling.

We do ask that you bring a willingness to learn new things with a spirit of flexibility and cooperation. Living and working in close quarters at times can be taxing and a lousy attitude just makes it worse for everyone on board, so leave it ashore.

What shouldn't I bring?
We are a tobacco, drug, and alcohol free program. For the safety and health of us all, leave it behind. If you are addicted to one of these, please do not use this week as your withdrawal time. Quit before you come. Any student found in the use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs will immediately be sent home on the next available flight at student's expense. What if you're 18 or older? Tough, the same rule applies.

Costs includes 7 days and 6 nights accommodations and meals aboard Boundless; instruction, supervision, local transportation, airport pick-up, and use of all shipboard recreational equipment. Limit: 6 students plus accompanying teacher.

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