Seamester: Transpacific, Tahiti to Australia - 66 or 80 Days

There’s honestly no words that would sum up my experience: From sliding down natural water slides in Fiji to watching the sunrise with kangaroos on the beach in Australia to being able to celebrate Independence Day in Vanuatu. One thing for sure no day was the same! One time in middle of a passage we were able to jump off the boat with no land in sight being it was beyond calm that day and moments like those truly makes you appreciate life while you feel at peace. It’s amazing how close you become to the other people, even the staff was amazing at making our experience unforgettable. I miss the days where you could just hope off a boat and be in a new place and get to explore it, so I ended up doing another trip with them the next summer!

I can not even begin to explain how incredible my summer on Argo was sailing from Tahiti to Australia. Every day was different and exciting. I initially went on this trip to spend the summer sailing and diving. I did not anticipate that I would meet my best friends as well. From scuba diving, sailing, hiking to waterfalls, exploring so many new islands, the classes, and spending virtually every minute outside, I learned more than I can ever put into words. This experience pushes you as well. From all the midnight watches, cooking, and keeping Argo in tip top shape, I learned so much about myself as well as the world around me. If I could go on this trip again I would!! I am so grateful to Seamester for giving me the best experience of my life.

I was fortunate enough to sail on Argo for 80 days from Tahiti to Australia in the summer of 2017. It was an incredible experience is so many ways. We got to see and explore amazing islands in the pacific, we got SCUBA certified in some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world, and we sailed almost 5,000 nautical miles. There are definitely challenges associated with living in close quarters and just being on a ship, but for anyone looking to push themselves outside their comfort zone, those “challenges” will probably become the things you miss most about the trip. Also the crew were fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful despite some occasionally very challenging teaching conditions. If you know you want to go abroad on the water, and are particularly interested in doing as much sailing, and diving as possible, Seamester is the way to go.

I often find myself wanting to be back on S/Y Argo. There, I found a great community of friends who all pushed each other to achieve more than we thought we could. Since coming home, I've told people how much I miss being in a community where everyone is working hard and motivating others to do the same. Because of this communal work ethic, there was never a wasted day. An important note on this, though, it is very important that you are willing to not only contribute, but do your best in each of your jobs every day. I'm not saying people were perfect, but the ones who tried hard were the ones who made the trip better for the entire boat. So a willingness to fully commit to each task (even night watch from 12 a.m. - 4 a.m., or deep cleaning the boat) is a must. As far as classes go, the workload is challenging, not because the subject matter is impossible. but because each day is so full. Every student found the right balance for them, though, between academics and exploring the South Pacific on the trip. One important thing to note is that the twelve college credits from the trip will make you a transfer student at many colleges. I was a gap year student, and did not realize this until I tried to apply to colleges in the fall, and was told to apply in March as a transfer student. So, if you are on a gap year, make sure you know what your future college's credit requirements are for freshman. Finally, here are some of my favorite memories from S/Y Argo: cooking while underway (aptly described as traumatic yet satisfying), swimming with humpback whales, bow watch (sitting at the front of the boat with one other watch team member) while the sun sets, and scary stories under the beautiful stars on night watch. I left Argo more self-confident and motivated, and was very happy I made the decision to make it part of my gap year.

I had an incredible time living on Argo this past summer, sailing the Coconut Run. I met great friends, some students and some staff, that have made lasting impacts on me. But it's important to remember that nothing is perfect, and neither is Sea|mester. Our summer was a challenging one, with many hurdles to overcome, but that was part of the journey I signed up for. If you are intrinsically motivated and desire the most out of your experience, this program has fruitful offerings. I became a divemaster, navmaster, competent crew member, and true adventurer. Have reasonable expectations about this impressive journey and channel optimism in the hard times. Any opportunity to sail, study, and dive is precious--a worthwhile investment for life.

I stumbled upon SeaMester not knowing what to expect as I boarded Argo to sail from Tahiti to Australia. I’m fortunate to have family that signed me up for this trip and pretty much forced me to go. I am not required to write this review but have never had a better experience in my life and therefore feel compelled to. We saw humpback whales swim along our schooner. We dove the Great Barrier Reef. We danced in small island bars across the South Pacific, and best of all we formed a bond as a crew that will never be broken. These memories were etched into our minds to be cherished for a lifetime. These are things I never thought I would do and it brings tears to my eyes to think I almost missed out on these experiences, these people. Don’t hesitate like I did. Sign up now and take the first step towards something you will never regret.

I have wanted to do the SeaMester program for 3 years before I finally made the call to do it. I can say that not only was it worth the wait, but I am so glad I did not decide to go with any other program out there. SeaMester is literally EXACTLY what I was looking for and not only met my expectations but exceeded them ten-fold. I had the opportunity to travel to some of the most remote and beautiful places on earth and places that most will ever dream of going. Along with that, I also go the sailing knowledge and skill that I was looking for. When you add all of this onto the amazing people on the trip, you get an experience that you will tell for the rest of your life. I can relive almost every day of the trip and I would not change anything if I had the chance. I am so glad I made the choice to participate in such a program and I can promise anyone that decides to go will be nothing but grateful for the time spent aboard.

So grateful to have had the opportunity to study with Seamester this past summer (Tahiti-Australia 80 day). In addition to visiting unique places I probably never would have seen, I also made lifetime friends who have become a second family to me. Despite difficulties of seasickness or no personal space, this program is worth it because you grow and change into the person you want to be. I've learned so much, and I know that my Seamester family will always be there to support me if I need them. I've left with my head full of new knowledge from the classes, and wonderful memories I will cherish always. Thanks Seamester, for the incredible summer and all the opportunities. I still can't believe it's over.