Island Times Blog

SeaTrek BVI is proud to present the next in our series of Staff Spotlights – Captain Allison Hill. Each month we will be highlighting an individual staff member so you can get to know us a little bit better. We all come from different backgrounds but have a special bond that truly makes us a family! #SeaTrekBVI #StaffSpotlight

Captain Allison aka “Big Al” joined SeaTrek as a Captain in 2016. Though she has only been with SeaTrek for a few summers, she is no newbie to the Virgin Islands. Al is currently living in the US Virgin Islands working Pizza Pi, a food boat that sells pizza to boaters. If you are ever in the USVI, Pizza Pi is a must! With a degree in Adventure Education and a minor in Psychology, Al is extremely passionate about teaching sailing and developing students into leaders. We are super lucky to have Al as a staff member with SeaTrek BVI!

1. When was your first summer at SeaTrek?
   My first summer at SeaTrek was the summer of 2016. I had heard about SeaTrek through Tara and Sasha (two of the raddest humans ever).  I worked for them on their boat Pizza Pi, and they told me about SeaTrek and I just knew that I had to check it out!
2. What is your favorite part about SeaTrek?
   My favorite part about SeaTrek is the way that on each boat, we create our own way of life.  Living our day to day lives on a 48ft catamaran creates a cool opportunity for a community to form.
3. What is your favorite SeaTrek meal?
   Teriyaki Chicken is probably my favorite, but partially only because of that delicious yellow rice that we have with it.
4. Favorite Dive?
   The Indians! Anything near or around them. ALL DAY. EVERYDAY. INDIANS.
5. Favorite Marine Creature?
   Spotted Eagle Ray, for sure. When you’re out on a dive and then all of a sudden one just comes soaring over your head, or right by your diving buddy. It’s magical
6. If you could dive anywhere in the world, where would you go?
   I know it might seem cliché but I honestly want to go and dive the Great Barrier Reef.   I know that it’s slowly dying and I want to experience it and cherish it while it’s still around.
7. What is your most memorable moment with SeaTrek?
   My most memorable moment with SeaTrek would have to have been this past summer when I was the first mate for the Leeward Explorer Trip, and we got an afternoon to just go sailing. I loved getting the opportunity to teach students how to sail and the way we were able to just freely go and play in the wind.
8. Do you have any advice for SeaTrek newbies?
   Dive right in! Literally. The only way to fully experience SeaTrek is to be totally willing to experience everything you possibly can. Your time on your voyage is only 3 weeks long, and we pack so many amazing things for you all to learn and experience.  Be in the moment and participate!
9. Describe yourself in an emoji!
   🍕The pizza emoji. OBVI.