Seamester: Transatlantic, South Africa to Caribbean 90 Days

I loved learning to sail on Vela, exploring every new place we sailed to like devils island with no inhabitants was pretty cool too. Meeting some of my new favourite people in the form of my crew was pretty sweet too. I’m going to miss it<3

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I went into Seamester feeling excited, nervous and worried that my expectations were unrealistically high! I can not stress enough that I was so wrong, Seamester blew my mind, it was more incredible than I could ever have began to imagine. I can not recommend this program enough, you will experience once in a lifetime things and see incredible places. More than that you will learn, learn about the world the ocean and most importantly yourself. You will be challenged in the best way possible and truthfully flourish. I owe this program so much and would do it again in a heartbeat. Go in with a smile and an open mind and it will not disappoint.

If you’re a student thinking of doing Seamester, I cannot tell you enough…DO IT! Going on this voyage has absolutely changed my life. Not only did I get to cross an ocean, see the world, scuba dive, and meet the most incredible people, but I also left the boat a more confident, competent, and better version of myself. The academics are rigorous but reasonable, and I loved learning about the ocean in the most hands-on possible environment. I cannot recommend Seamester enough and will never forget each special memory from my time aboard Vela!

I had a wonderful time studying with SeaMester aboard Vela on the 2024 South Africa to Caribbean trip. I was consistently impressed with the organization of the trip, as well as the support from the office and staff onboard. This particular voyage had a lot of time sailing in blue water, which created a close environment between the students and allowed us to focus on school during the first half of the trip. By the time we got to the Caribbean we were able to focus intensely on diving and exploring the various islands with people we had already crossed an ocean with. I particularly enjoyed the leadership class, as it tied the emotional side of the trip together as well as taught us how to be better people in general.

I came aboard S/Y Argo in Cape Town, SA, with very little sailing experience and having never taken any university-level courses before. The crew was very welcoming and within a few days, I had become acquainted with all of my fellow students. I found that the professors were very understanding and really just wanted to help grow students' passions for the ocean. The night watches were always a solid time, a positive mindset is encouraged lol. I participated in the PSCT (professional skipper and crew training) course, on top of the 12 credits, I thought the workload at some times was a lot, but still manageable. It was great to hear from our skipper and program manager about how they came to becoming yachtmasters through IYT and RYA. I made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime, got to surf some at some of the best beaches in the world (Fernando De Noronha, Brasil), swim with whalesharks (!!!) next to the island with Napolean's grave, race in a regatta, and just do so much exploring on land and in the ocean!

My time aboard the S/Y was an extremely rewarding experience and I think more people my age could benefit from this program. We had an incredible staff who were all super knowledgeable and passionate. They went above and beyond to help students learn and grow. All the staff members truly had an incredible impact on me. I always trusted them and knew that they had our best interests in mind. They helped me through personal, academic, and medical issues with grace and care. Our whole group, staff and students, worked really well together and I’m most thankful for the people I met. Program-wise, I think living on a boat and being an active crew member was the most impactful part. I wouldn’t feel half as accomplished if I didn’t spend hours in the pouring rain in the middle of the night or spend 3 days puking in a bucket. Being grimy and working hard gave me a purpose and I think that is most valuable. It was tough at times, but the accomplishment of getting to new places and being able to swim and explore with your best friends was incredibly worth it. This trip changed me for the better and now I'm working on getting back on the Seamester boats as a staff member, so that I can inspire college kids the way I was.

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This was the best experience of my life truly once in a lifetime adventure! This voyage helped me discover who I was am while putting me in a challenging environment. I made the best of friends and will never be the same. Thank you so much seamester!

I said across the Atlantic on a 112ft schooner with 32 other people who were so kind hearted, funny, and loving. If I could do it all over again I would! Some of the amazing things we’ve done together was swam with a whale shark, hiked table top mountain, swam across the equator, and grew as a family! There isn’t another group of people I’d want to do it again with.

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I can't say enough about my experience with Sea|mester I was a part of the 40-day summer in the Caribbean program on S/Y Ocean Star in the Summer of 2010. I had an absolutely incredible experience. I was with 11 students and four crew members. Our crew members were top notch there was not a time where I felt uncomfortable or unsafe. I had quite the fear of scuba diving and our dive master Casey really took his time and helped me ease into diving. It has now become a live long hobby for me. The cultural experience that I had while I was there was unmatched we got to see and do things that only locals do! If I had the time in my schedule I would have done the 80-day program!!