A Custom Expedition for the Duke!

Margaret enjoying a sunset from Selah's front deck.

This was a definitely a Discovery Expedition for Margaret - an adventurous young woman from Canada! Margaret and her parents Julie and George, arrived eager to begin their five day sail which counted as a Duke of Edinburgh event! Margaret, sailing for the Duke’s silver award, was on a mission that would meet the requirements of the award: an expedition that included planning, training, navigation, and completing an adventurous journey!

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the UK is a youth charity that offers the world's leading achievement award for young people.. A pilot award in 1956 started the program, with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as chairman. Participants select and set objectives in each of the following areas:

• Volunteering: undertaking service to individuals or the community.
• Physical: improving in an area of sport, dance or fitness activities.
• Skills: developing practical and social skills and personal interests.
• Expedition: planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad.

And adventurous was our sailing journey!

Preparation night was at Tavernier Key, morning navigation planning, afternoon sailing and motoring skills. Day two was snorkeling and exploring the sea life at the reef. Night two was a mooring at Indian Key. Late afternoon sent the women on a kayak adventure to hike the deserted key at dusk. Very eerie , but also very beautiful! On to sailing, swimming and exploration at Lignumvitae Key and a trip to Robbie’s Marina. Then on to Snake Creek. Margaret led us through the pass with radio calls to the bridge, and some excitement as we touched bottom at low tide! She was a cool headed sailor in times of challenge! Mom and Dad also got into the sailing scene with learning the knots, taking the helm, and just enjoying the beautiful sunrises and sunsets! An upwind tacking dual took us to our last night at Rodriquez Key. Again, two women sailors took the paddles and explored the wildlife along the shore. The last day was a fast “wing-on-wing” broad reach into the Tavernier channel with Margaret at the wheel bringing Selah into home port. The Duke would be very happy with Margaret and her achievements. And like Margaret, George, and Julie, I’m sure he’s an avid sailor at heart!

Our best to Margaret, George, and Julie, and to all their future adventures! It was an honor to sail with you! On to the Gold!

Captain Ann, Captain Bob, and Selah

George taking the wheel on day one.

One of Julie's favorite spots - Selah's front deck!

Off to snorkel at the reef! Conditions were right - warm clear water and lots of fish and coral.

Julie and George relaxing. They enjoyed some great book reading, sunrises, and sunsets!

Off to explore Indian Key at dusk!

Team work paddling to Indian Key.

The following morning, sunrise over Indian Key

Margaret taking Selah through the Snake Creek Bridge.


As we begin our pass through Snake Creek, George on deck.

Julie at the wheel, taking us to our last night's anchorage at Rodriquez Key.


Pirates at sea!
Setting the mainsail!
Margaret bringing Selah to home port on the last day.