Below is a sample of the crewed charter yacht reviews that Sailing Directions receives from customers on a regular basis:
Stephen M, aboard Catamaran Salty Dog, February 2024 sailing the Virgin Islands
Max M, aboard Catamaran Moon Shadow, February 2024 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Mackie M, aboard Catamaran Gambit, January 2024 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew was wonderful. Kayla and Chris fit in with our family perfectly and made us feel comfortable and at home aboard Felix. Their humor and knowledge were both greatly appreciated!
The food was fantastic; Chris truly spoiled us! I personally have a challenging diet with several allergies and he made sure every meal felt complete vs feeling like an “allergy friendly” meal. And it was all delicious!
The yacht was very comfortable and clean. It had all of the accommodations we needed - nothing was missing... I enjoyed the various different viewpoints to sit or lounge at while we went from island to island.
Kress S, aboard Catamaran Felix, November 2023 sailing the Virgin Islands
Melody D, aboard Catamaran Excess, January 2023 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Mathieu C, aboard Catamaran Cashmere, December 2022 sailing the Caribbean Leeward Islands
We are among one of the five couples that were recently in the BVIs on a sailing adventure aboard the Blue Pepper. You must know that The Blue Pepper experience, in EVERY way, was impeccable! The crew of Taylor, Denise and Liz were top notch. Together, they created a magical experience for us all. They worked tirelessly to make our sailing adventure relaxing and no detail was overlooked.
The boat was immaculately clean and beautiful! Denise’s absolute gift for preparing and serving delicious food was truly spectacular. We were blown away by her creativity and culinary skill. The crew were engaging, caring and their respect for the boat and their craft was most commendable.
I will most certainly recommend the Blue Pepper to our friends who are looking for an outstanding sailing adventure.
***
I just wanted to let you know how very impressed we were with Captain Taylor, Chef Denise and Liz. They absolutely MADE the trip for us.
The boat was immaculate and the attention to detail throughout the trip was amazing.
Denise's meals were spectacular - they were fresh, healthy and delicious - and the presentation was beautiful.
We felt like every meal came from a top tier restaurant - which was not something we expected.
Captain Taylor's easy-going Texas style made it seem like nothing was a problem - he put us at ease the entire trip - while we know he was in constant motion making sure that everything was perfect. And we LOVED Denise - so fun and personable! Liz was always there to make sure everything was presented just so.
The crew was fun - but also extremely professional and thorough. The Blue Pepper hosted 10 of us for a week - and it always looked like we had just stepped on board. I don't know how they did it. They set the bar for hospitality and service for any future vacations for us.
Larry N, aboard Catamaran Blue Pepper, January 2020 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jason and Dana were fantastic! They were very friendly and welcoming. They took great care to make sure that we were always enjoying ourselves, doing things we wanted to do, and that we had everything we needed. We left the week feeling like friends.
Island R&R was great for our group. Everything was very clean and comfortable.
The food was terrific. We enjoyed all the meals that Dana planned. She had taken care to make sure we didn’t have anything we didn’t want, and she made a few modifications as we went based on our comments and feedback.
We loved the itinerary that we ended up with. We had to make some changes along the way because of weather, but the alternative spots didn’t leave us feeling like we missed out on something. Jason and Dana took us to some places that really hit our personality and our goals for the trip.
Sailing Directions was great to work with. The process of finding and booking a yacht was so simple. And all our questions were thoroughly answered leading up to the trip. We found everything we really needed on the web site. It was great to see sample itineraries and menus. The information about the yachts was thorough and clear.
We will be doing this trip again in the future and we will not hesitate to come back to Sailing Directions when we do. We’ve also already shared your web site and information with other friends that were interested in our trip, and we’ll continue to do so.
Rachel A, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, January 2020 sailing the Virgin Islands
Everything was wonderful. Really enjoyed the wave runners. Kayaks and paddle boards were used almost daily and were in excellent condition. The dive sites were amazing and probably the best ones we have been to.
We did get introduced to all the new crew and spent our orientation time getting to know them. As the crew got to know us they would often have drinks ready without even having to ask for it.
I can’t offer enough praise for the cuisine this charter. Being our third time aboard the Lady J this year’s food was far superior then our previous charters. Everyone was very happy with every meal. There were no disappointments. The chef even was willing to make items off menu when requested. The plating was beautifully done and each dish was described so the children with allergies knew which dishes were safe for them to eat. Also, the table decorations were beautiful.
We love the Lady J and always have an amazing experience on each charter.
Special thanks to Captain John for another amazing charter and finding Chef Mark. The food blew everyone away. I would also like to thank the crew for taking such great care of everyone. We had a wonderful time!
Heather H, aboard Power Yacht Lady J, January 2020 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
Mickey & Alix were fabulous! They were very knowledgeable about sailing, the history of the islands and area, the sea life etc. Both were super friendly and we enjoyed having them with us. Alix was accommodating and attentive and made sure we were doing well all of the time. She had coffee ready every morning when we woke up. They played games in the evening with us. It was truly wonderful getting to know them. We could not have asked for a better crew.
The Sea Dragon was very comfortable. Alix had it cleaned all of the time. The catamaran was well vented. We had the air conditioning on at night which was perfect. I liked that the toilet accessories were already on the boat so that we did not have to pack shampoo, conditioner and sun tan lotion. Our favorite aspect of the yacht was the top flybridge area. We were up there every morning, for appetizers and again in the evening.
The food and menus Alix prepared were outstanding. There was not one meal that we did not enjoy. Her variety was well appreciated and her spices and flavorings were spot on! She plated all of the food beautifully with the perfect portion size. She always had extra if you wanted a second helping. I am going to get some of her recipes to make at home. They had the table beautifully set each and every meal. They would change out the placemats and center runner each time. You felt like you were in an upscale restaurant.
The itinerary was perfect. We enjoyed all of the places we sailed to. Mickey was great at knowing the best areas to snorkel. We got to enjoy so many different types of sea life. They would snorkel with us and point out many different species that we may have missed on our own.
The service with Sailing Directions was perfect. There was just the right amount of information sent and the whole trip ran smoothly. All of the information on the site was exactly as we experienced.
Beth E, aboard Catamaran Cashmere, January 2020 sailing the Virgin Islands
What a wonderful trip! My family loved our vacation on Flotation Therapy. Christian and Jesse were the most amazing hosts! Christian is a brilliant chef and was so accommodating to our food sensitivities and likes. We had the best meals all presented beautifully. Jesse made sure we always had everything we needed - drinks, snacks, water toys. He also taught us how to use the paddle boards. Both Christian and Jesse know a lot about the islands history, sailing and local things to do and see.
In addition to being great hosts, they keep Flotation Therapy neat and clean as well as cleaning our heads and made our beds every day. When we boarded, we were given a tour and told how the A/C worked in our rooms, how to use the showers and toilets, where to find drinks and snacks and the location of the life jackets. All the equipment onboard was in great working order. Jesse helped us with clearing customs and immigration.
Jesse kept in contact with the two other boat captains we vacationing with and included us in planning where we went and when. They threw me a surprise birthday party on Better Days. The 3 chefs worked very hard to make great food and it was a lot of fun.
I found Sailing Directions easy to work with. My entire family is ready to go back! And they want to be with Christian and Jesse again! Both my kids told me this was the best vacation we’ve ever been on. That’s really saying something!
Kristine T, aboard Catamaran Floatation Therapy, January 2020 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our experience was incredible. Jos, Julia, and Rosie were wonderful and we could not have had a better crew. They were wonderful with our boys, catering to their "kid diet", making mocktails, setting up a treasure hunt for Kellett's 6th birthday and hosting a New Years Eve party and a birthday party.
Jos was always ready to pull the boys on the tube or to change course. Julia's food was so fresh and delicious and Rosie did an excellent job making adult cocktails and taking care of our rooms and every whim. Every question we asked about the islands, Jos knew and it was obvious how knowledgeable they were with sailing. They were very easy and made it seem like anything we wanted they could easily make happen.
Foxy Lady was incredible! Very comfortable and spacious. There were plenty of seating areas so we could mix it up. It was nice that our boys could watch a movie inside when they were tired at night, while we could sit right outside and see them while enjoying the nice weather.
The food was very enjoyable and well presented. Julia was great at touching base with me every day to see if the boys would eat what she was planning to make or if she should make them something else. We really appreciated the diversity of her flavors.
The itinerary was perfect! Jos found us lots of fun beach bars, excellent snorkel spots (we saw sting rays and turtles, among lots of fish), and very picturesque areas all while accommodating my husband and father-in-law who can get a little motion sick.
We were so happy using your service. You were great at communication and we booked everything with such ease. I had full confidence that if we had had an issue with our trip, you would have done your best to help! Luckily, everything was perfect!
Jacqueline G, aboard Catamaran Foxy Lady, January 2020 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a fabulous time with Stefan and Chloe. They took wonderful care of our family and we felt like we left two new friends behind when we departed to return home.
Altesse was beautiful and very comfortable for us. We spent a lot of time on the flybridge, so that was probably our favorite spot on the yacht. The grandkids loved the water toys, especially the paddle boards and pull-behind.
Chloe is an excellent chef and we had great meals which were very well presented. She paid close attention to our preference sheet and was well informed as to what we preferred.
We have sailed the BVIs three times previously so, obviously we love the area. Stefan tailored the itinerary to get in all our favorite spots.
Bonnie V, aboard Catamaran Altesse, January 2020 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were fantastic. Highest possible rating in all respects. Seahome was very good. Favorite aspect of the yacht was the crew! Julianna is a fantastic chef. She customized whenever we asked. Tasted great and the presentation was excellent.
We worked with the crew to come up with the itinerary. They were very accommodating and knowledgeable. We were very happy.
John H, aboard Catamaran Seahome, December 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great trip - amazing!
Travis and Missy were GREAT. Super friendly - we even enjoyed a night out with them on Christmas. They knew all about the waters and islands that we visited and directed us (or accompanied us) on snorkels, dives, hikes, walking tours, moped tours, restaurants/bars, shops, etc. We never went more than a moment without being asked if we wanted a drink (water or otherwise!), or anything else. We had everything we needed and even more.
Oui Cherie was the most comfortable boat we have been on. The modern amenities were excellent (specifically the shower/bathrooms in each room) and the sheets were AMAZING. Our favorite aspect was the comfortable seating areas on the tippy top, and also the couch area on the bow. The air conditioning was excellent in the rooms for sleeping. The boat was spotless and we loved having our beds made every day :)
Not only was the food enjoyable, well presented, and perfectly suited for us, but it was really one of the very best parts of our vacation. Both Missy and Travis are amazing chefs and complimented each other well. Every meal (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner & dessert) was OUTSTANDING. We even got some tips to try to make for ourselves at home. A major added bonus was Missy’s wine knowledge. We got a daily wine pairing and education that made it even more fun! Also, Missy did a great job of serving shellfish to the family and substituting for my fish allergy.
Because it was not our first time, we were happy to go to new places and see different islands than we had ever before. We also requested a visit to a new resort, which they accommodated.
Totally happy with Sailing Directions' service and can’t think of anything we would have wanted done differently.
Howard H, aboard Catamaran Oui Cherie, December 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Dylan is a wonderful captain, knows his stuff when it comes to sailing, scuba, and taking care of guests. He helped in all areas of accommodating our group.
Gi is an amazing chef. Not to mention a sweet young lady, well accomplished, wonderful to talk with, and so accommodating. We can’t say enough about Chef Gi. Beautiful food, and delicious.
Slivochka is a nice vessel. Well appointed, comfortable, and well built. BVI is an interesting Itinerary.
Regarding Sailing Directions' service: Everything went well regarding paperwork, payment, etc.
Dennis S, aboard Catamaran Slivochka, December 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great time on the trip. Fabi and Nim were fantastic in every way. We truly have memories from this trip that will last a lifetime. Thanks for all of your help in setting this up.
Mike F, aboard Catamaran Luna, December 2019 sailing the British Virgin Islands
This trip exceeded all expectations!
Ryan and Lesli were wonderful. Their personalities blended perfectly with our family. They were so attentive to anything we wanted at any time, even anticipating our needs before we asked. As a team, they couldn’t have been any more perfect.
Ryan is a great captain and unbelievably knowledgeable about many things beyond crewing that big yacht. Lesli is a superbly talented chef who served us three gourmet meals each day and made sure to accommodate any special request we had. The presentation was always lovely.
The yacht was spotless, looking brand new in and out. It was very comfortable and air conditioned to the perfect chill. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. The air conditioning was special but other aspects like the flying bridge seating, large comfy front mat, spacious cockpit, spacious salon, large staterooms, great showers, large storage areas, and the special water toys were all impressive. My son and his wife loved the coffee maker. The Seajet was a crowd favorite.
Ryan and Lesli had prepared an itinerary that was exactly as we had requested. We went to all of the spots that we had sailed years ago with our own boat.
As for your service, it was always on time and responsive to any question I had. Your website made it very easy to find specific information on any subject. Thanks for everything.
Susan R, aboard Catamaran Anastasia, November 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew was fantastic! Ian, the captain, put together a great itinerary that came together perfectly. Blair, the chef, did a phenomenal job with the meals. They truly looked and tasted like they came out of a Five Star restaurant. In addition, she was engaging and a joy to be around. Ian, the first mate, was a fantastic bartender and was always at the ready with a great story. You can always find a nice boat, but the crew made the trip.
The yacht was perfect. Not only was it spotless when we arrived, the crew kept it that way throughout the week. Everyone was very pleased with the size of the staterooms and the separate A/C controls in each stateroom.
The food was terrific, both in presentation and taste. Blair took our preferences and created unique, interesting and delicious meals each day. Ian put together a great itinerary with a different island each day
Sailing Directions made it very easy. They were very responsive when questions arose prior to the trip. The website was very informative.
Thanks for your help. It was a great trip.
Mike M, aboard Catamaran Mahasattva, November 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great trip! Ryan & Katie were great. Very knowledgeable and helpful. The food was excellent. The itinerary was great. Everything was perfect.
Glen D, aboard Catamaran Siren Song, August 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Adam and Emily were excellent! They were perfect for our group. Emily was fantastic chef. Food was excellent. Great itinerary. Excellent all around.
Bailey T, aboard Catamaran Stand By One, July 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing vacation. Ryan was a very competent captain, he was knowledgeable and attentive, and at the same time knew when to be respectful of our family alone time. The boat was clean and well ventilated.
Ryan had recruited a young lady called Erin to fill in while Katie was away. Erin was full of energy, her cooking was amazing and it was definitely one of the highlights of our vacation (that young lady worked so hard!).
Ryan and Erin took Nick and Stephanie on some great dives. Another highlight of the vacation. They were very careful to make sure my 16 year old daughter was taken care of and safety always came first.
We were taken to all the locations that we had requested, and some that we hadn't, all great choices.
As parents of teens it is challenging to find a vacation that suits everyone, but this hit the mark, and we will have treasured memories to hold on to. We were also sad to say goodbye to Ryan and Erin, truly nice people!
We would have no hesitation in recommending Ryan - Erin will probably be chasing her dream somewhere else by the time we sail again!
Thank you again for all your help organizing. We will use you again for any future trips!
Nick E, aboard Catamaran Siren Song, July 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
I wanted to reach out to let you know what an what an amazing time we had on our recent sailing trip with Taylor and Margaret on Better Days. I can’t say enough great things about them. We would absolutely book another charter with them.
Taylor and Margaret are an amazing team and work seamlessly together-without their chemistry the trip wouldn't have been the same. Taylor's knowledge of sailing and the islands is remarkable-we learned lots of tidbits and history about the area. Taylor takes great pride in keeping the boat clean and making sure his guests are cared for.
Margaret's love for cooking showed in every meal she prepared-the food was beyond our expectations, absolutely delicious! She took special care in preparing meals, noting the likes and dislikes of our group.
It's been over a month since our trip, and we are still talking about how unbelievable it was. We can't wait to go back but understand they will be on a different yacht next year; we would most definitely book again for the crew-not the boat!
It's amazing how connected all six members of our charters felt connected with Taylor and Margaret after spending just a week together. We just LOVE Taylor and Margaret, they have a special place in our hearts now!
Stacy C, aboard Catamaran Better Days, July 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for your help booking our trip. Ryan and Leslie are great! They catered to what we wanted to do. I could go on and on. Anastasia is better than ever.
Priscilla F, aboard Catamaran Anastasia, July 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Nim and Fabiola were a joy and perfect for our family. Nim answered all of our million questions about boat and the sea while making sure everyone was safe. Fabiola was warm and accommodating every minute of the day.
Luna was immaculate. Nim ran the a/c for us in the afternoons and evenings making for a very comfortable stay. Loved the water maker, loved the coffee machine, and the kids loved the bean bags on the trampolines.
The food was fantastic and beautifully prepared. Fabiola took all of our preferences into account and nailed our favorites. Very impressive what she is able to prepare on a boat.
I believe I requested a fairly ambitious itinerary and we covered it all. One of our favorite spots was stopping in St John our first night. The anchorage was great and the snorkeling at Watermelon cay was spectacular.
Shaun F, aboard Catamaran Luna, July 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great trip and Jonny and Katie made it absolutely perfect. We will definitely be recommending your service and Jonny and Katie to all of our friends. Thank you.
Jeff B, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, July 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Captain Brian was unbelievable. His knowledge of the area and boat made the experience tremendous. He interacted greatly with the family (especially the kids).
Chef Hannah was a stand in for Alex and she prepared amazing meals and was a great hostess. Food was unbelievable and always within the preference sheet.
Our only wish was that the charter was longer to be able to go to Anegada.
Au Soleil was A+. Our favorite spot was the front layout areas and the fly bridge.
John H, aboard Catamaran Au Soleil, June 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
A huge thank you for your assistance in booking this past week's charter vacation aboard the Xenia74.
We were four couples in celebrating important wedding anniversaries and wanted the best. The Xenia74 boat, accommodations, crew, meal service and sailing experiences exceeded all expectations as we sailed among the British Virgin Islands.
The Xenia74 has a magnificent master bedroom and three other bedrooms all with top notch out fittings and superb air conditioning.
Captain Tony with 20 years of experience provided smooth sailing and excellent access to snorkeling, scuba and beach combing.
Chef Kate in our unanimous opinion is the BEST in the Caribbean. From elegant omelets and freshly made croissants in the morning to wonderful salads for lunch and perfectly cooked to our preferences fish, chicken, lamb chops and steak at dinner we were blown away by her preparations. Did we mention the fluffy pancakes, the decedent French Toast or what she does with balsamic glacé? Desserts were also superb. Her chocolate raspberry cake has to be the best in the Western Hemisphere.
We brought along a case of our favorite wines which were amply fill out by Xenia74’s inventory of American and French wines. There is an extensive variety and supply of various liquors on board too.
The yacht’s two additional crew members Katie and Nick provided superb support and added tremendously to our wonderful experience.
This was a marvelous once in a lifetime trip made perfect by this handsome boat and superb crew. Booking on any lesser boat would be a shame and missed opportunity for perfection.
We should have booked two weeks!
David B, aboard Catamaran Xenia 74, June 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing trip! Richard & Dominique were absolutely perfect. Richard helped us create an itinerary that was perfect for our family. Dominque was a sweetheart with our girls and an amazing chef. We enjoyed getting to know them.
Mojo was always clean. The beds were super comfortable. We loved the walk through at the front of the boat. We spent a lot of time on the trampoline and the sitting area up front.
Dominique adjusted portion sizes as needed for my growing teenagers and younger girls. Everything was absolutely delicious. We looked forward to each and every meal.
You website is wonderful and your quick replies to my initial questions was the main reason we went with Sailing Directions. This will not be our last charter. We will definitely be back and would recommend you to friends and family.
Sandi S, aboard Catamaran Mojo, June 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our charter trip on Excess with Ben & Michelle was amazing. I don't think I could have made a better choice on a catamaran selection! The boat was spotless and well ventilated and air conditioned. From the moment we stepped on Excess to the time we left, Ben & Michelle were awesome.
We called Ben the "Indiana Jones" of the ocean! He was up for anything from taking us snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking and exploring to finding a beautiful, quiet cove to just kick back and relax, swim and read. My son caught live lobster on his dives with Ben and he prepared them fresh on the boat for us!
Michelle's cooking was exemplary. Fresh, beautifully presented and healthy!
Ben & Michelle are such easy going, fun and down to earth people which made it so easy for our family to settle right in and relax. They made it fun and adventurous for our 4 children ages 16-23.
Excess is a beautiful catamaran with a spacious master suite and plenty of room for our family of 6 to spread out and enjoy some alone time.
The quality family time that we experienced was the best part of our week. Hands down, our best family vacation ever with the most beautiful catamaran and the greatest crew in the Caribbean!
Toni H, aboard Catamaran Excess, June 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had such a wonderful time and talk about it every day. A week packed with so many family memories. We loved the Kelea and we especially LOVED Alli and Dan.
Alli and Dan were THE best. So warm and personable, it was hard to say good-bye at the end of the week. They were always asking how we were doing and so accommodating with a variety of different requests, we kept them VERY busy!
Aboard Kelea we never felt like we were on top of each other. There were places all 8 of us could sit and visit, the trampoline, pads on top and of course the dinner tables. But we could also go off and find quiet spots to read, pray and enjoy the beauty of the scenery if we wanted to.
The food was AMAZING! Alli blew us all away with how delicious her food was, the variety was perfect and the presentation so pretty that I and my son-in-law took pictures of all the meals!
Every spot we anchored has its own unique characteristic. Dan did a great job bringing us to beautiful diving spots. Rhett and I dove 2 days and the rest of our 4 boys and son-in-law dove all 5 days. It was a great mix of diving locations, the Baths to explore, calm bays to pull the water toys behind the dingy and fun beach bar stops.
It was a trip of a lifetime. What I loved about this sailing trip at this stage of our life is that it was SO RELAXING! We are spread throughout the country now so I loved being together everyday, all day, doing so many memorable things, sitting and gazing at the scenery during a sail, visiting, playing games, eating delicious food that I didn't have to shop for, cook or clean up after, water fun, island fun etc.
Rhett H, aboard Catamaran Kelea, June 2019 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We loved both Jeff and Caitlin, lovely couple, fun and very respectful. Jeff is very experienced and knowledgeable. Caitlin is an amazing chef, always smiling and an incredible person.
The boat was beautiful, very comfortable, very clean. Both Jeff and Caitlin kept things impeccably clean.
What can we say about the food. WOW. We are Italian and food is very important to us. Caitlin is an incredible chef. The presentation, the taste, different variety each day, absolutely delicious. And she makes everything from scratch!
We loved all the islands we went to, the water, snorkeling, kayaking, just wonderful.
It was an incredible vacation. Our week on the boat with Jeff and Caitlin is unforgettable. We thank them so much for great memories on the boat.
Lorenzo S, aboard Catamaran Port to Vino, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great week on Floatation Therapy! Andrew and Michaela are fantastic. Thanks for your help with this charter.
Andrew and Michaela were professional at all times, yet very engaging and fun. Michaela took the time to engage the young ladies on our trip and they really enjoyed interacting with her. Every meal was tasty and well presented. The food service was excellent and attentive.
Tarek B, aboard Catamaran Floatation Therapy, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jamie and Thea were great, very friendly attentive and accommodating. Blossom was kept extremely clean. Enjoyed that there was a front and rear comfortable seating area which provided sun or shade, whichever you preferred.
Food was way above our expectations and very plentiful.
Itinerary fit our wants well. Lots of snorkeling and hiking, but a bit too much wind for paddle boarding. Kayaking was mostly exercise rather than sightseeing.
We had a great experience. We were worried about motion sickness but were pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed Anegada the most and would strongly recommend to others to go there. Baths were fantastic, allow time to explore. Caves a must also.
Bob L, aboard Catamaran Blossom, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip we had on the Stop Work Order was the best vacation we have ever taken. We have been some amazing places but we were not ready for this trip to be over.
Ryan and Dani Querry were wonderful from the moment we stepped on the boat. We picked this boat because we felt we had a lot in common with them. They were from the countryside and had fished and hunted. Since they moved to the islands they have learned a lot about the history of the land and people. Telling us about each place we stayed or passed by. Ryan and Dani were always trying to make sure we had anything and everything we needed.
The Stop Work Order was very comfortable. My husband and I were the only two guests on the boat so we had plenty of room. Nothing was out of place at any time. The two places we spent the most time were up on the top deck going from one place to the next and being around the table to eat or play dominoes. These were our favorite places.
The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Dani knew it was our anniversary and also my husband’s birthday and she baked us a special cake. Another reason we picked this boat was partly because of the sample menu. It had a lot of things we knew we would like.
Our itinerary was perfectly suited to us. We wanted relaxing and we got it! We were not sure where we wanted to go but Ryan planned perfectly. We saw many different bays and beaches. We also took in the local favorite spots. Ryan and Dani planned a special surprise for us for our anniversary. We went on a trip on Anegada in a Moke to a couple of different beaches. I think they enjoyed it as much as we did! Since my husband and I were the only guests it gave them more flexibility to go and do.
I would definitely recommend this trip! We had so much fun and made some wonderful memories.
Terry W, aboard Catamaran Stop Work Order, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Colleen and Matt were extremely professional and friendly. They were a lot of fun too. They took great care of us but they also took a lot of pride in the yacht, which we appreciated. They had all kinds of information and stories about the areas we visited and made recommendations for excursions, restaurants, shopping and hikes.
Colleen was an excellent captain and always went out of her way to ensure we had the best mooring spots and avoided cruise ship crowds.
Matt was very accommodating with our group of advanced divers and had plenty of equipment on board for us to use.
They were always asking if we needed anything, and at the end of the trip they planned a little surprise party for our 20th anniversary and our friend's birthday, complete with decorations, which was really nice. One night they even hosted a movie night complete with popcorn.
Firefly was very clean, comfortable and well ventilated. We appreciated having a shower/head in each room. The rooms were a great size and the beds were comfortable. The colors were really bright and fun which was beautiful when we sailed and they had comfortable bean bags on the trampoline. We booked this yacht because of the SCUBA tanks on board. Many boats did not have that. We enjoyed the transparent kayak, the lily pad and the paddle boards too.
Yes. The food was plentiful and exceeded our expectations and the presentation was lovely. Each day we had a menu with a "mood of the day" theme. That was really fun. Matt went out of his way to make special accommodations for specific requests. He made his own ice cream and it was fantastic. The bar was also very well stocked with everything we requested and some additional items we did not request but were pleased we could try like the local flavored rums and a themed cocktail each day.
Our favorites were the natural attractions such as trails on St. John (Annaberg) and the Baths on Virgin Gorda and the tour to Hog Heaven for the views. The two wreck dives (Rhone and Kodiak Queen) were really fun as was the dive near Scrub Island (I think it was the Dogs) because we saw the most wildlife there.
Lori R, aboard Catamaran Firefly, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We were extremely happy with the boat, the crew, the food – we had high expectations, they were fulfilled by a good margin.
Thomas L, aboard Catamaran Xenia 74, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We found Alli and Dan to be amazing! They were extremely knowledgeable and very attentive.
Kelea was clean, comfortable and well ventilated. My favorite aspect of the yacht was the bean bag chairs. As a group our favorite spot was sitting up top during the sails.
The chef made and presented the most amazing dishes. She used our preference sheet as a guide. She took great pride in her work and every meal was delicious!
The itinerary was perfect and every place we sailed was well worth seeing.
Sailing Directions provided a great service. They made it simple and easy to navigate through the process. We have had many people ask about our trip so we keep recommending your company.
Kristie R, aboard Catamaran Kelea, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Julia and Jos were so amazing! Our vacation experience was greatly improved by their knowledge about the islands, attentiveness, and their friendly nature!
Hypnautic was awesome. We slept so well! It was perfect amount of space for the 4 of us to spread out, yet interact with each other at will. I couldn't pick a favorite aspect of the yacht, because it was all so perfect!
Julia was an amazing chef! She worked so hard to give us such beautiful and delicious meals! The meals were above and beyond our best expectations!
We loved the ability to customize our itinerary to our preference. Jos was so good to give us all the options available for the day and let us decide when/where we wanted to go!
Sailing Directions was super helpful! Great service and easy to use website and payment. No issues whatsoever.
Great Boat for 2 couples or a small family! The boat was beautiful and clean. The crew was absolutely amazing!
We definitely will use your company in the future. I have recommended your company to a coworker for a similar charter!
Cailey K, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
This has definitely been the BEST vacation so far.
Captain Steven was the most attentive, genuine, sincere captain we could’ve asked for. He was very welcoming to us and always offered assistance in guiding our adventure while still letting us do exactly what we had envisioned. Steven opened up his ‘home’ to us and we are already looking forward to the next sailing vacation with him. Thank you Steven for all you have done to make this an epic, divine, glorious, adventurous holiday. We not only had the best vacation, but also gained a true friend!
SJ (Sarah Jane) was such a welcoming presence as well! The moment we stepped onboard, she had chilled champagne waiting for us, as well as a delicious appetizer. SJ was always providing endless knowledge about the surrounding area, islands...but also made ABSOLUTELY delicious meals! We also feel we gained a special friend with SJ, and can’t wait to hopefully sail with her in the future.
Overall, this vacation has been the perfect escape from our normally crazy busy lives, and one we cherish always!
Thank you Steven and SJ for welcoming us, enjoying wonderful meals and drinks with us, and hanging out is if we’ve known you forever.
Jenny S, aboard Catamaran Makin Memories, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
I would like to submit a 5 star review for our recent trip on the Exodus with Dylan and Nina Sue. Our trip exceeded every expectation. The yacht was immaculate and very spacious, especially for our group of eight (four couples). We felt like there was plenty of room to spread out as well as gather together for meals and cocktails. The cabins were very comfortable and I was surprised how well I slept from the first night.
While we spent most of our time on the decks, the salon was also spacious and comfortable and housed our group for a highly anticipated Game of Thrones viewing. I recommend ending the evenings out on the nets for star-gazing!
Dylan was an amazing Captain and trip guide. He got a sense for the type of vacation we were looking for and created an expert itinerary that suited all of our needs: swimming, snorkeling, Island life, paddle boarding, etc. (The water toys on Exodus are also top-notch!). We all felt like we had a perfect balance of sailing time and mooring time. Dylan clearly knows that area like the back of his hand and we enjoyed hearing him talk about the different Islands and coves as well as his experience sailing all over the world. He is an expert and we all just let him guide our trip knowing his recommendations were all going to be excellent.
Our meals on the ship were unbelievable, thanks to the amazing Nina-Sue! Every meal was delicious but also was made with the loveliest presentation! We kept wondering how she was able to whip up these incredible dishes for eight guests in the galley kitchen, but she did it with ease, grace and always the most welcoming, warm and positive attitude. She even baked a huge from-scratch chocolate/nutella cake for a birthday! She was always seeking ways to make us comfortable with drinks in hand! (Nina Sue also makes an expert cocktail). She was just so lovely to have with us.
While the ship was just beautiful, Dylan and Nina Sue really made our trip. I know our BVI holiday would not have been the same with any other crew. They felt like old friends after just a few hours aboard. I would recommend this yacht and crew for any sailing vacation. We will certainly seek out their boat if we make this trip again. Thank you! Rachel and Taadeh.
Jeff H, aboard Catamaran Exodus, May 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We could not have asked for a better crew! They really surpassed our expectations. They were friendly, always in a good mood, very attentive to our needs. You can really tell Denis and Taylor are good, genuine people that love to take care of others and do so in the best possible way.
Blue Pepper was very comfortable! It had everything we needed. At first, we thought we were going to get on each other’s nerves because of proximity on the boat and being a family of 9 (6 adults and 3 kids). But the way it's built, with the different chilling areas, we did not feel that at all!
Taylor really made sure the boat was clean at ALL times, which is pretty impressive with the 3 kids running around and misplacing stuff the whole day (the adults too haha!). The boat was well ventilated, we had no issues with humidity at all. Favorite aspects of the yacht: the different areas for different occasions and weather (front of the boat while sailing, back when cooler / eating meals, roof in the morning when it's calm, having a coffee), the quality of materials (couches, wooding, appliances, etc.) and the spaciness of it all!
The food was amazing. Denise really put her heart into her cooking and you can taste it. For the most part, every food was prepared from scratch - something we did not think possible on a boat! The presentation was always impeccable, oftentimes adding a quirky touch for the kids, which they enjoyed. As for customization of the menu, Denise really did a good job at sensing what we liked to eat, in addition to dealing with multiple intolerances and special needs in our group (one has an allergy to yeast and black pepper, one is pescatarian, preference for healthy dishes, etc.). We cannot thank her enough for that!
The itinerary we did was perfect, in accordance with our preferences. We told the crew at the beginning of the trip what we liked to do (snorkeling, beach chilling, swimming, sailing) and they figured out what best itinerary to do. They chose well!
Booking with Sailing Directions was done simply and in a timely manner. It was booked last minute on our part and we appreciate all the arrangements that were made for our trip to go seamlessly.
Sophie
Claire S, aboard Catamaran Blue Pepper, April 2019 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Dan and Alli could not have been friendlier or more attentive. Very concerned with what we wanted the experience to be and very flexible with us when we changed our minds mid-stream.
Kelea was clean and comfortable with lots of space up top to enjoy the sailing.
Alli is truly an amazing cook. Felt like we were dining out at every meal. We had two pescatarians with us and Alli accommodated them at every meal.
Dan and Alli put together a great itinerary and accommodated our desire for additional activities like hiking seamlessly.
Sailing Directions was a pleasure to deal with, I appreciate all your help.
I can’t say enough about how welcoming Alli and Dan were and how much we enjoyed spending the week with them.
Jim J, aboard Catamaran Kelea, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
It is hard to put into words what a fantastic time we had and what a fantastic time that we had with Jamie and Thea on Blossom Catamaran. We wanted to do something different to celebrate our retirement after 37+ years of working and our time on the boat really hit a “grand slam”.
Jamie and Thea were a pleasure to sail with. Most importantly was their focus on operating the boat safely and very professionally. They did an excellent job spoiling us with our favorite foods, taking us to the best snorkeling spots, and suggesting activities that they thought we would enjoy. Jamie and Thea were always willing to adjust plans to meet our interests. Suggestions they made related to taxi drivers, restaurants, places to visit when we went ashore were all great. They were very comfortable to be with – easy to talk with and never made you feel like a request was unreasonable. I would choose to sail with Jamie and Thea again.
Blossom was spotless, exceptionally well maintained. We enjoyed having the windows open at night but knew the air conditioning was available if needed. Favorite aspect of yacht was sitting and watching the sunset from the table at back of boat.
Food was exceptional. Thea and Jamie had read our preferences and planned a menu based on our preferences – we felt very pampered. Amazing attention to detail in watching what we liked. Great variety and extremely well prepared – both in taste and presentation. We were with them for 2 weeks and got to try a great variety of meals – hard to pick a favorite as there were so many good ones.
Except for the first and last nights moored off St. John, we sailed within the BVI and primarily places that had good snorkeling, nature, or hiking – fit our interests well. We liked the variety of places. Jamie and Thea were great in getting us moorings that matched our interests. At Little Jost, we had prime area to watch Turtles. At Waterlemon Cay, we had best access to prime snorkeling area. At Cooper we were positioned to snorkel off the boat but still be able to take easy dingy ride to beach.
We really appreciated all the upfront information when we as “first timers” were trying to decide which boat and length of trip. Although we started due to finding Blossom Catamaran on internet, the other boat options that Sailing Directions provided as well as getting us connected with Jamie & Thea to talk about options helped us decide on best option for us. It was nice to have someone who was working to match our interests to boat & crew. We could always count on quick response. We felt very prepared for trip.
Jamie & Thea made the trip exceptional by their knowledge on sailing, great itinerary based on our interests, fabulous food, and just being fun to be with. As first timers celebrating a recent retirement, our trip convinced us that we need to repeat the experience. We had such a great time on charter that we are looking at options for friends to join us the next year.
Marilyn T, aboard Catamaran Blossom, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We cannot say enough great things about our charter on Pelican. Our crew was outstanding, 5 stars! Lovely people, excellent at their job, great ease at making all of us comfortable and fed us beautiful, delicious, healthy meals that were beyond expectations.
The boat provided plenty of space where 9 of us could easily feel comfortable. Our rooms were cozy and we slept just fine after adjusting to being on water.
Our group utilized the paddle boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear and floating mats daily. Everyone also enjoyed having the front of the catamaran to lay out on and relax either early morning sunrises or afternoon sunsets.
On our last night our captain Ty set up the inside TV so we could all sit around and watch the first episode of season 8 of Game of Thrones.
All Day Fun for 7 Days. My daughter and I had a fabulous dive at The Rhone where we saw 5 reef sharks, two eels, a giant lobster, schools of colorful fish and a lionfish. While moored in Caneel Bay we saw several spotted rays and a nurse shark. The sea life in the Virgin Island is absolutely spectacular.
Kristen G, aboard Catamaran Pelican, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Ryan & Dani were great. I really appreciated their reaching about before the trip to ask questions about our fact sheet and help arrange transfers to/from our hotel and the boat. In our preference sheet we had indicated an interest in balanced interactions with the crew, and they delivered. We had just the right mix of alone time (I actually got through a book), quality time with our travelling companions and times to engage with Ryan and Dani. They were always attentive to our needs regarding food, drinks, activities, destinations, etc. Ryan put up with countless questions (many of them repeated as group members cycled through at different times) as we hung out on the flybridge while sailing. We played games together a couple of nights, Ryan gave us the guided tour to Anegada, the Baths, played darts with us on Cooper, took pictures of us at Willy T’s, chauffeured us on Anegada. It was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had, they really delivered.
Stop Work Order is well taken care of, clean, a lot of fun under sail, had everything we needed and everything indicated on your site. We spent no time inside except to sleep, but the décor was light/inviting, the beds were comfortable, the shower/head much better than expected, and the AC kept us comfortable at night. We got linen/towel changes, nicely folded towels, napkins etc. which was a nice touch. Topside, there is a lot to love. We were really pleased with the layout, it provided great space for our party of 6, gave you choices for sun/shade, alone or together. The flybridge was the crowd favorite, with the movable bolsters we could accommodate sunbathers laying, the readers sitting, and everyone able to talk with the captain.
The bow seating was really comfortable for the direct sun experience, and the aft couch saw quite a few naps. Given our itinerary there was little chance to sail the first day and half, low wind, short hops and Ryan said don’t worry we’ll be sailing the rest of the trip, and we did. The wind/seas were excellent and we all really enjoyed ourselves. None of us had been on such a new and equipped ship, so were amazed at the process for raising and lowering the sails – we were all willing to pull lines, but no help needed.
Don’t have enough superlatives for the gastro portion of the trip. Dani was great accommodating some diverse tastes and allergies and made incredible food every day. In the preference sheet we had indicated wanting to eat on island a night or two, after experiencing two days of her cooking we asked if Dani had enough provisions to bail on that plan and stick with eating on the boat, she did and we had a great meal every night. Dani did an incredible job of making a lot of gluten free things from scratch, making substitutes in every meal, exposing us to great new tastes and ideas to take home. While they had bought a bunch of snacks, I don’t think we touched any, the daily menu of breakfast, lunch, appetizer, dinner was always timed well and more than filling. Dani worked tirelessly to have everything prepared and ready on a nice schedule. We all fell in to the nice routine of leisurely mornings, breakfast, set sail, watersports return to boat appetizer, relax, drinks on deck, shower dinner. We know it took an incredible amount of thought and work on her part but it really made for such a relaxing and wonderful vacation for us.
We had been to the Virgin Islands several times before, but Ryan managed to show us some great new spots. He did a fine job tailoring to our preference sheet – mix of lively/beach bar like spots, daily watersports, balanced off with great moorings at night to enjoy the fantastic sunsets. We snorkeled every day, the certified divers enjoyed their three dives, the ladies did Discovery scuba and one joined the certified divers on their last dive (Diamond Cay – everyone’s favorite). Mooring at Guana island was picturesque, maybe five other boats, pelicans diving, and a great sunset next to JVD. We really enjoyed the sail to Anegada, getting sprayed as we rode the swells, seeing the whales breach, swimming with turtles and rays, watching the dolphins – we really got a chance to see and do all the things we wanted to.
Sailing Directions provided for a hassle-free experience. Using the site to search was easy, John provided timely follow-up to all our questions and helped guide us through the boat/crew selection process. Completing the charter contract and making the payments on schedule was straightforward using the site. The info pack Sailing Directions gave us on booking was really helpful in identifying hotels to stay at prior to embarking (Olga’s worked out great for us), finding insurance, helping to control the amount that people packed and the bags they used etc. I will recommend Sailing Directions to anyone looking for a charter.
Paul B, aboard Catamaran Stop Work Order, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our experience was fabulous. Tyler and Kelsey fulfilled all our expectations, they were friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and most of all, created just the right atmosphere for a wonderful vacation.
Playtime was in tip top shape, clean and spacious, just the right size for three couples.
The food was great, thanks to Tyler and Kelsey exceptional culinary skills. Every meal was tasteful, beautifully presented, and just the right amount.
As far as the itinerary, we told Tyler and Kelsey what we were interested in (mostly snorkeling, diving, sailing and just relaxing) and they guided us to right spots.
As far as Sailing Directions, your website was very informative and you were very responsive whenever I called or emailed with questions. I will not hesitate to call on you in the future to book any future sailing trips. I will recommend you to friends who are interested in sailing. All of us felt that we will have to get back.
I want to thank for a trip of a lifetime and we are all looking forward to work together on future charters.
Isam Z, aboard Catamaran Playtime, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
I wanted to thank you for playing your part and organizing our charter. It truly was a memorable experience. Probably one of the best vacations I have ever taken. Ryan and Leslie are superb. I cannot say enough about their hospitality, professionalism, ability to interact with both us and the kids. We are already looking at March of next year to book a second trip.
Frank V, aboard Catamaran Dolphin Daze, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
John and Shirelle have a particularly good chemistry together, which was nice to be around. Shirelle is so positive and was always checking in on us for drinks, snacks, etc. John was highly competent, did excellent scuba instruction for our party, totally flexible if we wanted to stay longer at a destination, as well.
The food was enjoyable and well-presented and Shirelle customized it a lot to suit our tastes. She tended to go with shared salads of different types for lunch and plated dinners in the evening. The mix of lighter and heavier fare was good. The grilled meats were particularly good (steak, lamb) as was the inventive use of spices and ingredients to keep everything fresh and new!
Captain John customized an itinerary that worked very well for us based on feedback the first evening. We had the perfect mix of water sports, beach time, land time, cruising and sailing.
William W, aboard Catamaran Serenity Now, April 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our trip was amazing! Jason and Dana made it extra special and amazing! The whole trip they made us feel as though they adopted us for the week.
Jason and Dana kept the boat spotless. Every day our rooms and bathrooms we're cleaned and picked up. Our favorite aspect was they had multiple areas to lounge and be comfortable.
Dana was extremely attentive to our preferences. She took the time to understand each person's needs and accommodate them.
We saw a nice variety of sites and also had time to relax and enjoy the sites.
The website has a lot of information which really helped. We loved the information about preparing for your trip. The picture and bios of the crew was also very helpful.
I would definitely recommend both Sailing Directions and Island R&R.
Tammy S, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, March 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were amazing and made our stay on board very enjoyable. They accommodated all our requests and had a great plan every day.
The boat was great. We enjoyed hanging out on the bean bags and trampoline up front while sailing and also the outdoor dining table. The paddle boards, floats and wake board were also nice to have.
The food was incredible! What Joseph can do in that tiny kitchen is truly remarkable. It was a great culinary experience, and our kids enjoyed it too!
We had a great itinerary that was dictated somewhat by needing to fit in our 4 open water dives for SCUBA certification. And we knew some friends on a different boat and got to meet up with them a few times as well.
Sailing Directions is very easy to use and we were happy with the service and feel like you guided us to the perfect boat.
Andrew M, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, March 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We all had the most incredible time.
We have nothing but praise for "Shawtumn". They're an amazing team - we always felt so well looked after. Autumn is an amazing cook. Always kept us on time so we didn't have to worry about anything. They read our group well and suggested excursions were always appreciated. I don't have any captains to compare Shawn to, but he seems to really know what he's doing and we all felt very safe. And added bonus - they're very fun to be around!
Pelican is very clean. A/C kept us comfortable at night. So many good places for lounging above deck.
The pre-cruise preference list was very helpful. The meals kept getting better and better. So impressive that Autumn can make that magic happen in such a small space.
Sailing Directions has great service, emails were always rapidly answered.
THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE!
Rosa M, aboard Catamaran Pelican, March 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were excellent. Everything on board was great. We particularly enjoyed all the branding with logos on everything, made it very professional. Food was spectacular and well presented. The menu was customized to our preferences.
David C, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, March 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matthias & Amber were were extremely accommodating and their local knowledge was invaluable in adding to the trip. It was nice to see St. John, where we spent the previous week on land, by sea.
Antillean was very comfortable, clean, and well ventilated. Ear plugs did help with the hum of the generator running during the night. Great cockpit layout with plenty of shade for those who desired it.
The food. Oh my gosh. My one wish if I ever become filthy rich is to have a chef. If I could have Amber on every vacation, life would be wonderful.
Timothy R, aboard Sailing Yacht Antillean, March 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Richard & Dominique were perfect hosts - extremely knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating.
Mojo was awesome. Richard & Dominique did an outstanding job of making sure the boat was clean, beds made, and AC was cranked up at night. Mojo was a perfect size for our family of 5 – enough room for everyone to find a nice place to relax, sun, or hang out.
Dominique (& Richard on the grill) did an amazing job for all of our meals. We thought it was incredible the way she could prepare such delicious meals in such a small space. The food was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
Richard did a great job of coordinating some of the sights we wanted to see and making recommendations based on his experience. He took us on the “highlight reel” of the BVIs and timed our arrivals at each place impeccably.
John – thank you for answering all of my many questions and making sure that “our trip of a lifetime” was a trip of a lifetime, though we’re bound and determined to do it again.
We have recommended your service to others who have inquired about our trip, and will continue to do so.
Joseph R, aboard Catamaran Mojo, March 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Terry and Ruth were both amazing. They are delightfully friendly and good humored, exceptionally knowledgeable about all aspects of the charter experience, and very attentive to each guest. Ruth accommodated one couple’s special dietary needs superbly and without drawing attention to it.
The Big Dog was in excellent condition inside and out. The yacht was clean, neat, well-organized and very ship-shape. Very nice that the guest cabins are air conditioned. She sailed well and comfortably and is very well outfitted. We used the kayaks, paddle board and float numerous times.
Ruth is a master chef! Meal after meal she prepared and served outstanding cuisine, and Terry always found the perfect cocktails and wines to go with each. It was like going to a five star restaurant three times a day!
Great itinerary hitting all the destinations we sought. Terry is very knowledgeable about the islands, history, must-see sights and best anchorages, and he and Ruth have developed great contacts on each island for local transportation, shopping and restaurants.
Sailing Directions provided excellent and professional service and was easy to work with. The website was detailed, well organized and informative.
This charter far exceeded our high expectations. Terry and Ruth are outstanding professionals and we recommend them without reservation.
Eric S, aboard Catamaran The Big Dog, February 2019 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Thank you for providing us with a fabulous vacation!
Colin and Julianna were tremendous and truly the best. The meals were like a 5 star restaurant. I told Julianna I truly believe she could beat Bobby Flay! We had a vegetarian and one that didn’t like spicy. Everyone was perfectly accommodated. 5 Stars. Colin was amazing also. I feel we were blessed to have such a great crew!
The yacht was perfect and we loved it all. Everything was perfect from booking until the end of the voyage. I will highly recommend you to anyone considering a wonderful vacation.
Earl H, aboard Catamaran Tabula Rasa, February 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Crew: The crew consisting of Brand, Jayde and Degorey were unbelievable. they were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, accommodating and more. They worked so hard to take care of all 10 of us and never once made us feel like it was a chore. Such an amazing group of young, smart, kind and adventurous people. We all really connected with them and it was very hard to say good bye.
Yacht: Seahome was so comfortable. We were at maximum capacity but it never felt crowded. We had a couple of ventilation issues but that was actually our fault and Brand took care of it easily. We had no idea our beds were going to be made for us and our bathrooms cleaned daily! What a pleasant surprise! I would say that our favorite aspect of the yacht was that there was a spot for everyone. It is funny how we all sort of gravitated to the space we needed. I loved the cushioned sunny area up top the best. The perfect spot to catch some rays during the day and to stargaze at night. The guys in our group love to play cards so the large table in the back of the boat was perfect for that. Two of our guys hung out frequently on the small seats on either side of the boat way up front.
Food: AMAZING! My only complaint is that Jayde makes me look sooooo bad! What she comes up with out of that tiny kitchen is nothing short of magic. We took pictures of every meal. The presentation and better yet, the taste was so awesome. We told Jayde she should write a cookbook. Jayde effortlessly accommodated our one group member that does not like seafood.
Itinerary: We elected to have captain Brand choose our itinerary based on our preference sheet and the weather. It was perfect!
Sailing Directions: You have been really great to work with. I think the number one thing is communication and you were always so willing to answer all questions and within hours, not days! I hope that we have the opportunity to sail the BVI's again soon. I've decided I would like this to be my happy 60th trip in 2022 so we will be in touch for that, if not sooner. I would do this trip every year!
A friend asked, "how would you rate your trip on a scale of 1-10?" My answer was "20!" It truly did exceed all of our expectations. Thanks Sailing Directions!!!
Tammie K, aboard Catamaran Seahome, February 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip far exceeded all our expectations. It went very smoothly from planning to completion. The website is very useful and user friendly.
The boat is very spacious with plenty of areas for alone time if desired.
The crew were excellent. The food was outstanding. Unbelievable that food of that quality and variety can be cooked on a boat. We all had a great time.
Sean B, aboard Catamaran Bagheera, February 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had many choices of charter yachts to pick from and we feel we could not have made a better choice! From the moment we boarded, we felt welcome and the vibe was completely different from other charters we have been on. The yacht was spotless and welcome cocktails and snacks were awaiting.
The vessel was very comfortable, clean and obviously well maintained. The master cabin was huge! More than enough room with lots of storage. A water maker onboard is a big plus. There was plenty of ice for cold drinks and both crew were great bartenders!
Captain Taylor and Chef Margaret were both very professional. We noticed they both helped each other with daily duty’s and were always attentive to our needs, always putting us first!
Taylor was cautious when necessary and showed great seamanship. He gave me pointers on honing sailing techniques and mooring procedures. While diving, he was a great dive master, always being cautious and took us to new dive sites we never heard of before!
Margaret’s cuisine is amazing and always left us more than satisfied. Both went out of their way to accommodate us, with Margaret even taking us ashore on special tours of places we had not seen on other trips.
Overall, our experience was excellent, starting with timely correspondence with Sailing Directions, the yacht and crew. Taylor even arranged a driver to be waiting for us at the airport! When we return, we will look for the crew of the White House for our next adventure.
Sailing Directions is a well run company and I have already recommended them to a couple friends who are interested in chartering in the future.
Once again thank you for the attentive way you handled our trip. You made it very easy! We will be back!
Shawn R, aboard Catamaran Better Days, February 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
We departed our amazing charter today at noon. Port to Vino is a beautiful catamaran, well maintained and well equipped. The layout was perfect for our group of 4 couples. Could not have recommended a better fit for our group.
Jeff and Caitlin did a wonderful job managing our charter, cooking for us and entertaining us, kicking off each afternoon with Jeff specialty cocktails and finishing up with wines and desserts. They are an amazing team making the service for 8 individuals look easy and providing transitions flawlessly throughout our days. Both have so much to share of their marine knowledge and were so inclusive in helping us shape our charter route.
We had a stellar vacation week aboard Port to Vino. Thank you so much for your expertise in matching our needs and desires to such a beautiful boat and such an outstanding and accommodating crew. We would recommend your services, Caitlin and Jeff and Port to Vino with our highest regards.
Katrinia Y, aboard Catamaran Port to Vino, February 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Dylan and Isabella were amazing. Slivochka was very clean and comfortable. Our favorite spot was probably the fly deck. Amazing views and a wonderful opportunity to visit with Dylan and learn about the Islands.
I can’t even tell you how wonderful the food was. It was so good my children wanted to take Bella home with us. We are still talking about how good the food was.
The itinerary was great. The crew really accommodated our wishes for beaches with as few people as we could get. We had some amazing anchorages.
Katy S, aboard Catamaran Slivochka, February 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew, Taylor and Denise were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating during the trip.
Yacht Blue Pepper was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated, I really liked layout of the cabins and their comfort.
Food was great! The chef customized the menu to our preferences 100%!
Everybody loved the itinerary of the area that we sailed.
Hope to be back next year and sail with the same great CREW aboard Blue Pepper.
Jack C, aboard Catamaran Blue Pepper, February 2019 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew, Pete & Jade, were wonderful. They worked round the clock to learn and then satisfy all our wishes. They were knowledgeable and communicative, and we all became fond of them personally.
The yacht was tip top and beautiful. It had every accommodation and extra toys we could think of, and the crew presented it all with eager aplomb.
Jade is an exceptional and imaginative chef. Pete was the sommelier without limits. Jade's meals incorporated many local ingredients which she procured along the way, and her meals were varied to include all our diverse preferences. Their presentation was also exceptional to the point that the folks interested in culinary exploits photographed most of them.
There was good variety in the stops, though as expected, most were fairly natural and undeveloped except St. Vincent and Granada. Mayreau was very much fun to explore and swim at. Tobago Cayes were also a highlight.
John, you were most helpful and responsive. Thank you for arranging a most wonderful trip so smoothly.
Peter M, aboard Catamaran Xenia 50, January 2019 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
From the beginning, Ryan & Dani were friendly and accommodating via email. From the moment we stepped on the boat, we felt welcomed and encouraged to feel at home. We couldn't believe how our wish list was coming to life. Dani and Ryan were friendly and approachable, and soon part of our group.
Stop Work Ord was very clean, and so comfortable. My husband loves his AC and appreciated that Dani and Ryan closed up the rooms every afternoon and cooled them down. I was surprised at how "open" the rooms felt. And not just because we had the master. The large windows and the light from the sky lights didn't make you feel claustrophobic. The bedding and towels were nice and plentiful. I think we were all happy with the amount of room to spread out. Even 8 of us could find plenty of space.
The food was incredible. We all agreed that we didn't expect it to be so gourmet and beautifully presented. We felt so spoiled. And full.
For most it was their first time to the VI, much less the BVI, and for all of us it was the deepest we had been. What's not to like? Dani and Ryan took us to quiet beaches, party beaches, snorkeling, long stretches of sailing. Our favorite things were probably our "tour" over Virgin Gorda, and our day at Jost Van Dyke. Because of the weather, and Dani and Ryan's attention to safety, we spent our last night in a bay at St John. Our "sunset cruise" over after our day at the beach was probably our most photogenic evening of the trip.
Working with Sailing Directions was easy and quick. We didn't know what we were doing, but, never got confused or behind. The information once we booked was easy. The website was great.
Stacy C, aboard Catamaran Stop Work Order, January 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jason and Dana were great! Very friendly and accommodating, they made us feel immediately at ease.
Island R&R was comfortable and clean. Dana did an amazing job with the meals, we felt very full and we were given perfectly prepared selections.
Our itinerary was a perfect mix of solitude and other people. I loved being on the beach and the rest of the group liked the snorkeling so it was a good mix. Cooper's Island and seeing the Super Blood Moon Eclipse was a highlight!
Anne Marie R, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, January 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jason and Dana were great! Very friendly and accommodating, they made us feel immediately at ease.
Island R&R was comfortable and clean. The AC on the starboard side was not working as well as the other side of the boat but Jason did all he could to get it cool enough. There was a few spots of wear and tear on the boat, but Dana and Jason kept it extremely clean and organized and the sheets and bedding were great.
Dana did an amazing job with the meals, we felt very full and we were given perfectly prepared selections!
Our itinerary was a perfect mix of solitude and other people. I loved being on the beach and the rest of the group liked the snorkeling so it was a good mix. Cooper Island and seeing the Super Blood Moon Eclipse was a highlight!
Anne Marie R, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, January 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our week was spectacular! Taylor and Margaret were terrific and it felt like we were hanging out with family. They are personable, attentive and knowledgeable.
The White House is immaculate. Taylor is crazy organized and always picking up behind us and keeping things organized. I had the master suite and felt guilty with the amount of space I had. The other 2 cabins were great and the kids loved them.
Margaret’s food was delicious and always presented beautifully! She is a very healthy cook and we enjoyed that. She never let us go hungry or thirsty
We developed the itinerary as we went to accommodate everyone’s wants. So it was great.
Everyone would love to sail again with Taylor and Margaret. My kids hit it off great with them and they spent a couple of late nights playing games and talking. I would recommend sailing with them to everyone. We could not have been more pleased. Hope we can do it again soon!
Frances M, aboard Catamaran Better Days, January 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
Simply amazing! Both Rich and Lisa provided outstanding service. They were both very knowledgeable and very accommodating. We couldn't have asked for a better crew!
The Luar was very comfortable and immaculate. Lisa was always cleaning! I loved the sundeck up top to watch the stars!
Oh my gosh, the food was amazing! Rich and Lisa accommodated teenagers and my allergies. My teens came home raving about the food.
Rich was super smart and with it being New Year's week - he reversed the itinerary after hearing me comment I'd prefer not to be with lots of boats. On average we moored with 2 other boats - perfect!
The crew makes a boat / week.
Mary Ann S, aboard Catamaran Luar, January 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
The cruise aboard Lady J was great. The kids and grandkids loved the trip and the crew, and I think the crew loved the kids. Happy New Year!
Heather H, aboard Power Yacht Lady J, January 2019 sailing the Exumas
Leon, Wendy & Lisa were very were they friendly and accommodating. Sail Away was roomy and clean. Wonderful crew and cruise.
Stephen Z, aboard Catamaran Sail Away, January 2019 sailing the Virgin Islands
I write this on our final day aboard and we are slightly saddened because we are leaving two new family members, Eddie and Danielle. They are much more than captain & chef/mate. They treated us and our grandkids with great care and, oh boy did we have fun. Prepare for an adventure, where every “little thing” is done for you. Eddie and Danielle you are the best, thank you.
Tom F, aboard Power Yacht Cat Cay, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were phenomenal! We listed some “want to see” locations but we trusted them to know the area and take us to special spots and they did just that!
The food was gourmet level at many meals and beautifully presented. We especially loved the shaded lounge area at the stern.
Barbara H, aboard Catamaran Free Ingwe, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jamie & Thea were wonderful hosts, and complement each other very well. Jamie was always gracious in accommodating our requests for water sports, or for being dropped or picked up ashore, for example. And he was very open to chalking out and changing itineraries as desired. Thea was cheerful and very friendly. They gave us the space we needed, yet were there whenever we needed them. By the end of it, they felt like family.
Blossom was very well maintained, and quite spotless. We each found our favorite spots whether it was lying on the front trampoline gazing at the starry night sky, or sitting in the front seats with the wind in our face, or lounging in the rear dining area. Blossom is perfect for a family of 4. The main bedroom suite has a fairly long hallway with closets and drawers, so there was enough room to park our stuff. Definitely advisable to just carry duffel bags, though - leave your large wheeled suitcases at home.
This was our first yacht charter, so we didn't quite know what to expect, food-wise. Turns out we were in for a very pleasant surprise. Thea is a superb cook, and we had great variety day after day, starting with the shrimp salad the day we first boarded, which was so welcome after our flight in that morning. It is amazing that so much variety was presented, given they had to stock up for the entire week. Thea was very willing to customize the food to our tastes. And to top it all, the food was very elegantly presented each day, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner. Proper silverware, cloth napkins, candles, decorations on the table, and the plating was done with care.
The itinerary was great. Jamie & Thea showed us some key highlights of the British and US Virgin Islands. We saw great snorkeling spots, some caves, nice hiking trails. Some islands were more populated (like St. Thomas), or had a night scene (like Jost Van Dyke), whereas others were absolutely pristine (like Leinster Bay in St John). So we felt we got a real good mix of scenes. Also, the seas were never rough, so we got a fairly calm sailing throughout.
Since we were booking this blind, all online, without ever having met anyone at Sailing Directions, we were a bit concerned however, the people at Sailing Directions, specifically John Lane, proved to be very professional. Every aspect was fairly described in the website. We tried doing a yacht charter the previous year, but unfortunately our boat ended up getting damaged in the wake of the 2 hurricanes that hit that year. Sailing Directions promptly refunded all our deposit, without us even asking for it.
Will definitely recommend Sailing Directions to friends.
Nikhil G, aboard Catamaran Blossom, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
You ALL went out of your way to make our trip an experience of a lifetime. Catering not only to each person’s culinary desires but giving us the FULL experience. Everyone had every idiosyncratic whim fulfilled. How you made 10 very different people ALL feel like they were super special and gave each one a VIP experience was the best I’ve seen of the crews we’ve sailed with.
Eric L, aboard Catamaran Seahome, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
