Chasing Bubbles Teams Up with Navigare & YEP to Empower BVI Youth

Earlier this month, the Chasing Bubbles Foundation partnered with Navigare Yachting and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) to deliver a magical day of sailing, exploration, and inspiration for youth in the British Virgin Islands. This special edition of our Chasing Bubbles Day Camp brought five local kids aboard a stunning Sun Loft 47 for a hands-on, confidence-building ocean adventure.

Sailing Out of Nanny Cay—Where the Journey Began

Our home base for the day was Nanny Cay Marina, a place that holds deep meaning for the Chasing Bubbles story. It’s where Alex Rust began and completed his circumnavigation aboard s/v Bubbles. Sharing that story with our students—right where it all started—brought his dream to life in a powerful way. We encouraged each of them to imagine their own voyage, their own dream, and how they could chart their own course.

A Day Made Possible by Navigare Yachting

This trip was made possible thanks to the support of Navigare Yachting, a company that believes in our ambition to empower kids and get people out on the water. With volunteer Captain Rex Levi guiding the crew, the kids learned sailing basics, snorkeled coral reefs, bonded as a team, and got a glimpse of a future on the water—one many had never imagined before.

Why This Matters: Unlocking Confidence and Careers

Though these young people live surrounded by water, few have had real experiences on boats. This lack of exposure limits both confidence and career access—particularly in marine fields that are often filled by newcomers instead of locals. Our goal is to shift that narrative and show island kids that they belong at the helm.

One participant, Caden, who likes to say "Caden with a C,” told us before we even set sail:

“I’m going to be a boat captain—but only fast boats 'cause I like to go fast.”

Caden with a C

His excitement, curiosity, and drive carried through the day.“When I walked him back to his mom and told her how awesome he is,” shared Board Member Bethany Rust, “she said he’s always dreamed of being a boat captain—just like his sister, who’s already in a marine apprenticeship program.”

These moments remind us exactly why this program exists.

Thinking About a BVI Sailing Trip? Here’s Your Partner.

If you’re ever looking to charter a sailboat in the BVIs, look no further than Navigare Yachting. They’ve got the best boats, top-notch service, and a heart for the islands. We’ve seen it firsthand. From luxury catamarans to sleek monohulls, their fleet is phenomenal—and they care deeply about giving back to the local community. You’ll have the trip of a lifetime and support a company making a real impact.

Sailing Toward a Bigger Vision

This successful pilot is just the beginning. With support from partners like Navigare, we're charting a course to bring Chasing Bubbles Day Camp to even more youth across the Virgin Islands. Because when you give kids access to the ocean, you're giving them access to new dreams, new skills, and a whole new horizon.

Let’s keep chasing bubbles—and creating waves of opportunity, one sail at a time.