ActionQuest: Odysseus

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Choice Camps Recommendation of ActionQuest: Odysseus

For more than 30 years, ActionQuest has offered water-based adventure training programs for teens around the world. The AQ experience is centered on small, co-ed, age appropriate groups of 8 to 20 teenagers. This encourages close friendships to form while fostering unique, hands-on experiences. Programs are non-competitive, adventure-based, and most are run full-time aboard sailing vessels.

From introductory to advanced sailing and SCUBA, water sports, land excursions, cultural immersion, tropical marine biology and community service – ActionQuest delivers fast-paced action for every experience level and adventurer. All ActionQuest programs and certification courses are performance-based as instructors work one-on-one with travelers to help them master a variety of skills. For teenagers looking for a high action, life-changing adventure that promotes personal growth, teamwork, and leadership, ActionQuest may be the perfect experience.

Trip Description

The Gulf of Thailand is one of the most fascinating yachting areas in the world and this voyage shows you why. ActionQuest’s fast-paced sailing and cultural expedition starts in Bangkok, so that travelers can see the Royal Palaces and Temples before switching from longtail canal boat to the 112-ft schooner Argo to begin their sailing adventure. This experience offers the opportunity to develop sailing and SCUBA skills, explore an exotic part of the world, and develop an appreciation for the abundant history and culture of these renowned destinations.

From the start, you and your crew will take charge of running the vessel. Focusing on navigation and boat handling, there will be three overnight sails to sharpen seamanship skills, as well as daytime sailing along the coastlines and scuba diving on the tropical reefs. Once in port, the focus shifts to what each island and port has to offer. You will see historic landmarks like the ancient Wats or Temples of Thailand and you’ll even trek and ride elephants!

Staff Overview

With an average age of 27, ActionQuest staff members are young, dynamic teachers who live aboard with travelers 24/7. Most of the core operational staff work full-time as educators with Sea|mester, ActionQuest’s college-level marine science program. Others are traditional teachers and specialists during the year. More than 75% of AQ staff members return each summer and 56% were once shipmates themselves.

Every ActionQuest team member possesses the essential abilities for their particular area of expertise, yet most are multi-talented, combining the many skills necessary to operate a mobile live-aboard training program. Team members include U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, IYT/RYA Yachtmasters, PADI scuba instructors, marine scientists, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and other water sport instructors. All staff members are trained first aid responders. During pre-summer, staff members complete an intensive training program encompassing safety procedures, risk management, equipment maintenance and operation, itinerary planning as well as instruction in teambuilding and communication facilitation.

Setting & Accommodations

The Odysseus Voyage will be run exclusively aboard ActionQuest’s new 112-foot schooner, S/Y Argo. Aside from a night in Bangkok, participants will be living full time aboard Argo.

Safety Standards

The US Sailing Association, the national governing body for sailing, requires all crew to wear US Coast Guard approved PFD’s (personal flotation devices) whenever training vessels for youth are in motion.

ActionQuest is a partner of PADI, International Yahtmaster Training, American Sailing, US Sailing, American Water Ski Association, American Red Cross, Divers Alert Network and the United States Windsurfing Association.