It has been an exciting start to 2014 here at Tabor. The Caribbean Studies Program has just begun in earnest today with the first group of students onboard Tabor Boy heading off to an adventure of a lifetime.
The Tabor Boy greeted the students in St. Thomas on Wednesday, where she has been moored since her arrival just after Thanksgiving. After loading onto the vessel and heading off to clear customs in Tortola, the itinerary brings the students to Sandy Cay, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda Baths, Salt Island, and St. John. The students spend a couple of days learning about safety protocol, how to sail the vessel, learning about their tools and gear, and perfecting their snorkeling skills in preparation for their real job: research.
A big part of the research happens in Hawks Nest Bay. There the students will perform up to five dives a day to help map the coral reef plants and determine what significant changes have occurred since they last visited three years ago. The data they collect is given to the National Parks Service research scientists who are working with our students on this venture to determine the cause of the mass disease of Elkhorn coral in the area.
They have created a beautiful blog where you can follow their progress as well as a new page on Facebook: SSV Tabor Boy. I would recommend "liking" them!!
John Rice '70, a videographer, is in the process of creating a documentary of Tabor Boy. He is on location with the kids this week and promises to send along some video early next week for us to enjoy. He has been given a catamaran to live on through the company The Moorings, a big charter outfit, because they were so impressed with the work we are doing down there and wanted to be a part of it (nice!). Thank you, Moorings! Please be sure to watch for John's videos!
Happy New Year all!
