From the Valenza Trip Journal:

Day 8

Due to the unfortunate news of a tropical depression heading toward Saba, we turned back yesterday and sailed to Gustavia. After spending a peaceful evening there, most of us turned in thinking the next day would bring us to Saba. Logan, Trevor and Jordan had other plans... They stayed up and headed out for a night dive and saw three free swimming spotted moray eels. The next morning, Sarah, the leader of the day, woke everyone up with much difficulty and got the crew ready to set sail for St. Martin instead of Saba, because the tropical storm was still a threat.

Miriam, Emma, Ellie, Maggie and Natalie raised the mail sail quickly, while Scott, Joe and Ben unfurled the genoa. Soon enough we were sailing with "Little Joe" behind the helm and others napping on the bow. As we neared St. Martin, everyone awoke from their refreshing naps and helped pulled down the sails and get ready to anchor. Once near our anchoring spot, island music filled our ears with elaborate drum rhythms and we were informed that today the inhabitants of St. Martin were celebrating St. Martin Day. There was a marching band, a regatta and a masses of people by the pier excited for a day of celebration.

Once settled and anchored, Tiffany took half of the group out for a fun dive. They saw massive amounts of small fish and were photographed by our photographer Steve. But the next group was in for a bigger and better surprise. Jordan took the remaining six divers. The beginning of the dive was slow, but it eventually picked up when Little Joe spotted a four-foot barracuda amongst a massive school of fish. The barracuda’s mouth was open, ready for a meal. The divers stood back and observed the huge fish surrounded by hoards of little ones.

When the dive was over, the divers got out but Jordan stayed in the water and decided to explore a little more. In the boat the divers were curious about what Jordan was up to, but they still decided to remove all of their equipment. Minutes later, Jordan’s head popped up and with a smile on his face and he told him he spotted a green moray eel hiding beneath a rock ledge. Since everyone’s gear had been removed, they all dove in with their masks and fins to see the eel they had been dreaming about the whole trip. After skin diving to the moray, they surfaced wearing huge grins on their faces, ready to brag to the other group. When they got back to the boat the other group was finishing their Rescue dive lecture.

Then they geared up the dinghy with wake boarding and skiing equipment. Ellie, Ben, Joe and Logan were all eager to test out their skills. The others stayed behind relaxing and preparing for the effects of the tropical depression. Because of the rain, dinner was eaten inside. And even with the doors shut, the island music could be heard. After dinner we were all surprised with fireworks! Tomorrow will be another great day with hopefully a nice early sail to Saba.

Sarah