Life onboard with The Vortex Swim crewLife onboard with The Vortex Swim crew

Tyral Dalitz, Australia, first mate and expedition manager

‘I was on a solo adventure to circumnavigate the world without flying, but joining Ben’s mission gave me the chance to add what my own journey had lacked: purpose.’

Your purpose:
To contribute to society in a positive way.

Typical day onboard:
When I’m not spending eight hours on ‘holiday’ in the dinghy, guiding Ben, I help with the organization and coordination of the trip, making sure we are reaching our goals and completing our commitments. I also fill in to run the sailing of the boat when needed.

Most looking forward to:
Driving the dinghy, guiding Ben while he swims; it’s the best, getting to experience everything Ben does but without the hard work.

Least looking forward to:
The days when a small boat feels extra small. Also Yoav’s book review club, which I am not a member of but am forced to listen to regardless.

Yoav Nevo, Israel, skipper

‘I like the sea, I like to be on a boat, and I'm all for saving the world...’

Your purpose:
To help as much as I can.

Typical day onboard:
I like to start the day with the sunrise, making sure the boat is in order and we are on the right course. After this I start baking bread for our swimmer. Once Ben and his guiding crew are ready, I coordinate getting to the start point for the day and make sure everyone gets in the water safely. During the day, I oversee the operations on the boat, making sure we don't lose our swimmer, and take care of maintenance work. And if I have time, some yoga.

Most looking forward to:
The stillness of 4am in the middle of the ocean; learning how to navigate with the stars.

Least looking forward to:
When the time and distance start to affect morale.

Joshua Muñoz, United States, photographer/videographer

‘Being in the water almost every day for three years and seeing first-hand the problem that comes from plastic has led me to want to work with The Vortex Swim.’

Your purpose:
I want to leave this world in a better place than how I found it.

Typical day onboard:
I document the crew’s day-to-day in the water and on the boat as well as being ready to capture any big event that may happen. I also help sail the vessel.

Most looking forward to:
Seeing the sun rise and set across an unbroken plane of water.

Least looking forward to:
Getting seasick.

Corbin Marshall, United States, photographer/videographer

‘I’ve been looking for an amazing opportunity like this for the last few years living in Hawaii; I love being involved in a project with a purpose.’

Your purpose:
To live every moment to the fullest and to experience, protect and learn about our natural world.

Typical day onboard:
Throughout the trip I will be looking for opportunities to create media and truly capture the reality of ocean pollution in order to show what is really happening out in the middle of the ocean. I will be editing together small video clips and photos to send off for daily updates in order for the world to follow along on our adventure.

Most looking forward to:
Seeing it all for myself – I can only imagine the reality beyond the myths I’ve heard about this great big ‘garbage patch’. I’m also very excited to see some sharks and other wildlife existing alongside the garbage; the ways in which they are adapting to the 21st century.

Least looking forward to:
I am going to be a bit sad to be away from Chipotle and a gym to work out in.

Marina Botana, Brazil, marine scientist

‘As a scientist, I believe I've got a pivotal role in educating people and working for ocean conservation.’

Your purpose:
Educating people about environmental issues so that they act to make a difference.

Typical day onboard:
Helping to coordinate the successful fulfilment of all research protocols, which will include observation and sampling of plastic particles and related trash. Plus, looking for invertebrates and marine animals inhabiting the 'sea-plastic' environment. I'd also be really happy to join Ben in the water whenever possible.

Most looking forward to:
Challenging myself, to learn as much as I can and to teach others what I know in a group of people who share the same cause.

Least looking forward to:
The lack of ease and convenience.

Hannah Altschwager, Australia, operations and communications manager

‘I was the land support for the previous expedition. Having seen the impact that plastic pollution had on the previous crew, I’m am driven to do more to help our oceans.’

What drives you:
To move to a more sustainable way of living and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Typical day onboard:
Sharing the story with the outside world through social media, blog posts and video. Connecting our everyday experiences with plastic pollution to the public, hopefully inspiring change of habits with single-use plastic. Also helping with sailing, cleaning, cooking and everyday tasks to help the boat and expedition run smoothly.

Most looking forward to:
I am most excited about seeing the Vortex first-hand. I have seen images and heard stories from the first expedition and I really want to experience the issue myself and share our story with the rest of the world.

Least looking forward to:
I’m really worried about getting seasick.

Adam Hill, United Kingdom, photographer/medic

‘Simply put I want to lend my voice to a growing tide of resentment in the way that we are treating our planet.’

What drives you:
To lead a life that leaves the world in a better place than how I found it. If my actions can help inspire action in others then we’re winning.

Typical day onboard:
Onboard witch doctor and soul searcher; my job will be to muck in and get stuck in. If medical emergencies arise I’m to liaise with shore-based care and ensure optimum medical care is delivered promptly. Our onboard swimmer, Ben, will also need a watchful eye to ensure his calorie expenditure is carefully balanced and spirits kept afloat. When not tending to the worried well I’ll be capturing the everyday pursuits of the Vortex crew as they battle the high seas plastic pirates.

Most looking forward to:
Meeting and sharing experiences with a diverse and passionate tribe of do-gooders!

Least looking forward to:
Being far away from family and friends.

David Langdon, United States, social and digital strategist

‘Hearing about Ben’s passion and adventurous attitude made me realize that I could be part of the solution and not just a passive observer.’

What drives you:
To make better choices every day.

Typical day onboard:
Outside of the day-to-day boat duties, my typical day will be working with Hannah and the shore team to determine what content our team pushes out and when, based on what is happening onboard. The goal is to give our followers a holistic view of what is happening with Ben, and with our researchers as well as with the crew.

Most looking forward to:
I’m excited to learn. Everyone involved has so much to offer and I can’t wait to soak it all in.

Least looking forward to:
The inevitable bout with sea-sickness.