Thank You St. Croix

St. Croix, USVI

Ship’s Log written by Deckhand Educator and Steward Jess Doherty

March 19, 2024

Today we are bound for South Carolina.

At the end of our time here in St Croix I can’t help but be filled with gratitude for our time here. For the natural beauty of the island and the waters that surround it. Over the last few months I had the privilege to hike to tide pools, snorkel on coral reefs, and dive at the Frederiksted pier. We hiked up Goat Hill for sunrise and spent days laying in the sand at Jack and Isaac's Bay. I’m also grateful for all the wonderful people we met here. For all the supporters of the nonprofit, many of whom welcomed us into their homes for holidays and dinners. For every person who greeted us on the street with a smile and kind words. To the captains we had the honor to work with, Captain Kevin Wells, Captain Stephan Edick, Captain JB Smith, Captain Mike Moreland, thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Thank you to our mates for teaching us with so much patience. Most importantly I am grateful for my fellow deckhands who have shaped and shared this experience with me. Who joined me for yoga, swimming, beach fires, cleaning soles and bowls, and contemplating our life choices. I’ve loved sailing and teaching alongside you all. Thank you for creating fun with me, for crying with me, for sitting in silence with me, and for triple decker hammocks on movie night.

I hope I haven’t taken for granted the privilege of warm clean water to swim in everyday. The days often feel long and the job sometimes leaves us too tired to speak at the end of the day but I would choose it again. For the rainbows and sunsets. For the perfect sailing days when no kids are throwing up and we have just enough wind to make my chest flutter with joy. For the days we tacked so effortlessly you’d think we did it flawlessly every time (we don’t.) For the days I spent bringing kids aloft and the turtles came to say hi each and every time.

Our time of day programs and sunset sails have concluded for the most part and now we will move into the next season of our year. Our transit to South Carolina with Ashley Hall is just a taste of our summer calendar. We are all looking forward to a change of pace in yard, and some time to give our ship some much needed love.

Thank you, St. Croix! You will be missed.

-Jess