VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:  BETH VANDEGEIJN

Boat Name and Type: Last, Passport 515

Home Port:  North Annapolis, Maryland

Where are you now?  Les Saintes, Guadeloupe

Years Volunteering for the Dawgs:  8+

How do you volunteer?  This past year, we sailed up from Trinidad to meet the Dawgs on their run down from the Chesapeake.  We've made the run ourselves numerous times and I know how tough it can be.  

When we made our first run down to Antigua - about 9 years or so ago - we really knew nothing about the area.  However we were promptly greeted by Bill and Maureen Woodruff on Kalunamoo, who gave a quick rundown on the logistics of the island and good spots to anchor.  What a difference that made!  This year, we were mostly there to offer "shore support" as we now know Antigua very well.  Mainly, we were able to lead hikes, coordinate activities, give advice as to how to take the city bus and how to get parts shipped into the island.  I filled in on VHF morning net when the lead controller left the island for a few days.  But - it does take a village, as they say.  It can be very daunting to coordinate a dinner for 80++ people at the last minute!  The Dawgs this year were very lucky to have a handful of folks who were able to step up and help coordinate activities.  A big shout-out to my co-conspirators Briget on Nyneve and Mary on Sweet Caroline.  

I hope to see many new and old friends in Annapolis this coming year as we are heading back to the States for a bit.  See you at the Boat Show!

btw - my husband thinks I should be in a 12-step volunteer program!

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