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Location: West End, Tortola
Today is all about getting ready for the shipmate’s arrival. Torin, Patrick and I couldn’t be more excited for the upcoming session. We have been organizing and storing all the gear for the next three weeks; turtle tagging information, water coolers for those hot long days, rakes, clippers and gloves for yard clean ups. We are very excited for helping out at the Dog Show (which has a category for best Island Dog), assist in training the Virgin Island Search and Rescue, help clean up these beautiful beaches that have been collecting garbage from the sea, and organizing games with the local school children. But wait, tomorrow, a sail to Norman Island to snorkel the caves!
Here is an introduction to the crew of Catalinaville:
Torin- skipper
Born and raised in Vermont, Torin’s background is all about snow sports, sailing, and community service. He spends winters coaching alpine ski racing while managing his family’s ski shop, and summers directing all of our BVI service programs. Torin has a long history in service, starting alternative youth programs with the local recreation and parks departments, as well as recycling programs in the local schools. Torin holds a 50 Ton Master Mariners License with the United States Coast Guard and is also a PADI rescue diver.
Hannah- Wilderness First Responder/mate
Hannah grew up sailing in the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound with the Sea Scouts. Her Sea|mester trip in 2003 was so positive that she knew she wanted to come back and work for the company that influenced her so greatly. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound with a BS in psychology, she joined the BVI Lifeworks family in 2008. She found it was a natural fit because it combined her passion for sailing and teaching compassionate outdoor leadership and environmental stewardship. During the rest of the year, she works with kids with special needs. She is a Wilderness First Responder, IYT Captain, and enjoys marlinespikeship and making bags out of sails.
Patrick- mate
Patrick graduated from Pitzer College with BA’s in Psychology and International/Intercultural Studies, with concentrations in Pedagogy and Social Justice. He credits his education, incredible friends and mentors, and being blessed to be a native of Oakland and San Francisco, California with shaping his outlook on life and the adventures that have come because of it.