Beating to Statia

Sint Eustatius lay only 90 miles from Buck Island, but nearly due east and into the teeth of the trade winds. We sailed over four miles, on average, to make a mile of easting. But five days at sea have turned a group of students, all strangers a week ago, into a crew. We've sailed almost 500 nautical miles already, and all have learned so much... about the boat, about the Caribbean, about each other, and of ourselves.

Today we hiked the Quill, a dormant volcano that dominates the landscape here, and while inside the crater learned about the Caribbean plate and how these islands were formed. Tomorrow, we lay into town to explore the history and culture of Statia and the region, as well as have our first meal ashore.

Lots of great photos are on the way (internet access is so very limited.. and SLOW) but we'll work hard to post some student writing and artwork before we take off, bound south for Dominica.

JP