A year ago, one of my closest friends returned from a trip to the British Virgin Islands organized by the head of the UCSC sailing department, Rusty Kingon. She came back with countless stories, amazing friends and an enviable winter tan. Naturally, that was more than enough to convince me to push through the required courses and get myself a spot on the annual winter break trip. For more than a week we sailed through the BVI, exploring islands, snorkeling in coral reefs, and swimming with lionfish and sea turtles along the way.