Meet Some of the

Spirit Ocean Adventure CREW

The Captain

of the Spirit of South Carolina is responsible for all the actions of the ship and the safety of those aboard. The

Captain carries the ultimate authority.  Because of the magnitude of their responsibilities, the Captain coordinates

all actions and activities aboard for the safe operation of the vessel and fulfillment of the ship's mission.  He

accomplishes this through a chain of command where various aspects of this responsibility are delegated to every

member of the professional crew.

The Captain of the Spirit of South Carolina is Tony Arrow.  Captain Arrow has been sailing professionally since the

mid 80’s.  He first experienced sailing as an apprentice with his father aboard the Liberty Clipper (previously the

Mystic Clipper). The call of the sea lured him to excel first as a steward, then a cook, deckhand, and finally Captain

of some of the most famous tall ships in America. He has held positions aboard The Niagra, The Californian, Spirit

of Massachusetts, Harvey Gamage, Westward, Highlander Sea, and Mystic Whaler. One of his more interesting

positions was aboard The Rose, now famous for the film “Master & Commander” aboard which he climbed the ranks

from deckhand to captain, holding the latter position during a portion of filming the movie.  Captain Arrow maintains a

license that allows him to Captain a vessel up to 1600 Gross Tons and has received extensive training in navigation,

marine engineering, shipboard fire fighting, managing and leading personnel, and Wilderness Medicine.

The Chief Mate

is a watch officer, reporting to the captain regarding the safety of the ship and the ship’s company during the watch. 

They assume any delegated responsibilities assigned by the captain.  Each mate leads a watch or group of participants

during the course of the program.  They are responsible not only for the safety of the vessel during their watch, but also

for the instruction of seamanship and life aboard skills needed to participate in the program.   

Benjamin Hall is the Chief Mate and Engineer aboard the Spirit of South Carolina.  Ben has been sailing aboard tall ships since

1998 when he completed a semester long program with Sea Education Association (SEA).  After graduating from college he pursued

a career in education aboard tall ships.  Since then, Ben has worked on six vessels over 100’ in length as both a deck officer and

engineer.  Ben was involved in the construction of the Spirit of South Carolina and has been sailing as a Mate and Engineer aboard

since her launch in March 2007.  He maintains a 100 Gross Ton Captain’s license and First Aid and CPR certifications.

The Head Shipboard Educator

is responsible for the onboard coordination and integrity of the educational programs.  In addition to teaching, the head educator is

responsible for students while ashore and for coordinating in-port excursions.  They act as a liaison between the program coordinators

and the professional crew.  The head educator also is an integral member of the crew, assisting the watches on deck as needed.

The Spirit of South Carolina Head Shipboard Educator is Elizabeth Spencer.  Beth has been involved in outdoor experiential

education for 8 years. She began sailing on the US Brig Niagara in the fall of 2000.  It was there that she decided to combine her

interest in education and sailing.  Beth is returning to us for her third season aboard the Spirit of South Carolina.  She is an

experienced medical officer and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder.

The Deckhand/Educators

are assigned to a watch to help in the safe operation of the vessel.  A deckhand is the watch officer’s assistant and helps

with duties assigned to the watch, execution of maneuvers, or any ship’s work.  Deckhands teach participants seagoing

skills ranging from marine science and seamanship to proper cleaning of the heads.

Philip Frandino, a deckhand/educator, will be returning for his second season aboard the Spirit of SC.  Phil teaches fifth

grade during the year and pursues his love of education at sea during the summer months.  He has lived aboard his own

sail vessel for seven years, is a licensed Captain, and Red Cross, WSI, FA, and CRR instructor.  Phil has also been a

swim coach and instructor for over 30 years.

Photo credits: Beth Spencer, Jane Lyon, Merit Justice, Norman Walsh, Callie Shell