Six women set sail in the British Virgin Islands for a week—the perfect reality TV show or Key West novel.

But it’s actually a group of friends from Hillsdale College on spring break. 

Senior Grace Hearne has sailed in the British Virgin Islands many times with her family, and she said she was excited to share the experience with her friends.

Early this semester, Hearne suggested the seven-day sailing trip to five Chi Omega sisters, senior Emma Widmer said.

“Her dad helped to sail the boat and helped with the organization” Widmer said.

Each day the group woke up early, sailed, snorkeled, and explored the different islands, Hearne said. 

“There were cabins in the boat, so we slept on the boat each night. However, most of us tended to sleep on the deck,” Hearne said. “We made meals on the boat and went out to eat a few times.”

According to senior Brooke Hillis, she and Hearne slept on the sail like a hammock one night.

“There is no light pollution so you can just see so many stars from up there,” Hillis said. 

Widmer said she learned so much during the trip. 

“I learned a little bit about sailing but also about snorkeling, some interesting fish and plants, and also about each other,” Widmer said. “When you are in that close of quarters for a week you get really close with your friends in the best way.”

According to senior Kayla Cho, the group ran into some problems like a broken generator and an empty water tank. 

“When we would run out of water, we had to refill the tank when docked on an island,” Cho said. “One day we ran out of water and had to do dishes off the boat with the ocean water.”

Hearne said the second day on the boat was her favorite because she woke up before the sun had risen, stargazed, and  watched the sun rise. 

“Once everyone was awake, we set sail around the south part of Norman Island. It was a beautiful sail as the sun was still rising,” Hearne said. “We sailed all the way to Virgin Gorda to explore The Baths which is a beach that has massive granite boulders with pathways through them.”

Hearne said they then took the dinghy part way and swam the rest of the way to shore to explore the different paths.

“I  had a revelation of how much this world has to offer and how beautiful it is,” Cho said. “It made me feel like I was so small. I ended up appreciating everything around me.”

Widmer said she created great memories with friends. 

“It was so nice just hanging out on the boat, making meals, and playing cards but also getting to experience something so unique together,” Widmer said. “It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.”

Widmer said the trip was a great opportunity to see beautiful aquatic life and the most turquoise water she had ever seen. 

“Mostly it was just avoiding sunburn and trying to not be scared of jumping into the open ocean,” Widmer said.