In mid-September several of the M3 girls from Clearwater Middle School went on the Spirit Sloop Voyage. They had an opportunity to sail for five days, and I was a passenger on the boat. During the voyage, I learned more about myself and what my advantages and disadvantages were.

On the first day, the girls were split up into three groups; each group had nine girls. The groups were called Mizzen Watch, Fore Watch, and the group I was in was called Main Watch.

They named the groups based on the sails. After, they explained to us what the equipment was used for and how to use it.

They also showed us safety measures, which meant we had to wear safety harnesses whenever we sailed out.

Within our groups we had to do chores, games and challenges. We were well taken care of by our group leaders.

They listened to our requests and treated us with respect.

There were different times we would get together and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared by our Bermudian chef, Mike.

Our meals were well-prepared and delightful. During our sailing expedition, we sailed half the length of the island to learn about shipwrecks. On one occasion four instructors from BIOS led us out to a shipwreck.

We all jumped over and snorkelled to see what it looked like. We talked about it and did related activities. We also had a debate on whether the citizens of Bermuda should keep the treasure that they found or the Government should take hold of it and discover another shipwreck and make new history.

Of course, the citizens of Bermuda won. They won by saying that if they were to find treasure, they would get professionals to handle the treasures well.

The Government's comeback was they would want to put the treasure in the museum so others could enjoy the beauty of another part of Bermuda's history.

This experience with my friends and the four instructors will be an experience I will never forget.