Below is a sample of the crewed charter yacht reviews that Sailing Directions receives from customers on a regular basis:
Thank you so much for a great week. We have loved every moment, the week went by much too quickly. All of the food was so yummy and such a treat to not cook for a week :)
Ryan and Jill were fantastic - super friendly and easy to be with - very knowledgeable both from a sailing point (we were very confident in Ryan (and Jill’s) ability to “drive” the boat - they totally knew what they were doing - and also knowledgeable in great areas to snorkel and anchor for the day/night. Accommodating? - Yep! They pretty much asked us what we wanted to do and made it happen each day!
Oui Cherie is a great boat! We were a little worried as our last boat was slightly larger so we were afraid we wouldn’t be “wowed” by this one but that was not the case at all. Because it’s a new boat everything was super clean and new and nice. Favorite part of boat was either the front cushioned area or the flybridge - that really added a lot of extra space to spread out.
What’s not to love about the BVI’s?! Beautiful area and nice warm weather. It has been a great week! Thank you.
Allison G, aboard Catamaran Oui Cherie, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
You have our undying thanks for recommending Breanker as we had an absolutely wonderful time. Best. Vacation. Ever. As the kids would say. Marianne and Kristian were perfect hosts, the vessel was immaculate, the food was gourmet quality. Even the weather was perfect, although you probably can’t claim credit for that. The BVIs were gorgeous and welcoming. We would definitely consider another trip, although we are not the sort of people who can afford to do things like this regularly. Sincerely,
Mary S, aboard Catamaran Breanker, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
I can say it was the best vacation ever. Taylor and Margaret were awesome. Wise beyond their years. Would give them a 10 on everything professional and mature. I would also give them a 10 on food which was wonderful!
Thanks best v ca ever.
Cathy H, aboard Catamaran Better Days, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were FANTASTIC! They were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, accommodating and more.
The food was amazing. 5 stars for the food and presentation.
Kathy B, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Vacation of a Lifetime. After a busy month at work at our restaurant I decided to make my wife Linda’s dream come true. We have been happily married for over 35 years, made a good life and enjoying our late adulthood. Linda and I have always wanted to sail/cruise on a sailing ship. I am against the large cruise ship experience, don’t like the idea of small cabins, limited privacy and having to cue up with my fellow passengers to eat and or participate in events.
After many hours of research, I realized that chartering our own catamaran could be what floats our boat. Since we were a little late in the average booking process, less than 4 weeks before I departure I was worried I might have difficulties finding my charter. Luckily I found www.sailingdirections.com. The site is easy to navigate, has all the information you need to make a decision.
Linda was jumping for joy when I pulled up the website and showed her what we could be doing in a couple of weeks. We spend about an hour looking at different boats and crews that were available during our time. We settled on the Hypnautic, a 6 passenger catamaran for 6 nights and send out email off sailing to sailing directions. John Lane and his team responded within an hour and informed us of the process. 24 hours later we put our deposit down.
We were three weeks away from departure when we got our first email about selecting our preferences, itinerary, food choices even which kind of alcoholic beverage we preferred.
Julia and Jos send us pictures/information of locations we might be interested in visiting and arranged for our transportation from the airport to the ship’s dock.
December 10th arrived, and we were on our way. Flight was delayed by 3 hours, no problem our taxi was waiting for us. Jos greeted us on the dock and our adventure begun by climbing into a dinghy and boating to the Hypnautic. LOL I was so excited I did not take any pictures.
We were welcomed on the Hypnautic with a welcome beverage and given the tour of our home for the next week. Linda and I were so thrilled, the sounds of the harbor, the smells, the comforts. Jos, our captain and Jules our Mate explained what we should be expecting. They made us feel very comfortable with their knowledge of the area, seamanship and hospitality.
Linda and I had a catamaran to ourselves while surrounded by the BVI’s. Next morning we got to see all the splendor of St Thomas Red Hook Marina while eating a scrumptious breakfast. It became very clear Jos and Julia goal was to exceed our expectations. They always added little details to every action they could to make our trip more enjoyable. I don’t want to give the details away because it would ruin the trip for their next guests. It’s like giving away the story line of a movie plot. Our first snorkeling excursion, I noticed that Jos was observing us to make sure we were proficient as we indicated.
Each day we were cruising and exploring private beaches, visiting beach bars and small villages. We could not stop grinning and pinching ourselves, at night time the sunsets took our breaths away, saw dolphins and turtles, snorkeled caves and reefs, sunned on a sand spit, climbed a mountain, explored the Baths, drank too many rum punches, floated, watched barracuda under the lights, listened to good music, watched a movie, sailed with the wind, waved and danced, slept to light rocking motion in coves, met some fellow travelers as well as locals. Mostly it was peaceful and restful.
We did not have to decide what to do, we let the wind and weather make those decisions for us. I should not forget Jules’s cooking skills, as a restaurant owner and chef I am in awe of her skills with a small oven and a couple of gas burners. Her Cornish Hen is top notch. Our meals were on point and we looked forward to the view from our deck and enjoying her creations.
So here are my reasons why you should book the Hypnautic and experience Jos’s and Jules’ hospitality. I am hoping I get to go on another adventure with them.
1. British Virgin Islands - so many islands to visit in such close proximity
2. Hypnautic a catamaran with awesome features
3. The Crew. Jos and Jules people who strive to exceed your expectations
4. Snorkeling, paddle boarding, floating, swimming, beaching, caving, and exploring
5. Sleeping, napping, relaxing, and enjoying
6. Eating great food, drinking, and snacking
7. The views are always changing
8. Sailing, learning about the islands, cruising,
9. Being relaxed, forgetting all worries.
10. Being thankful that you can have experiences like this
The night I sat with my wife on the sugar deck watching the starts, the barracuda in the blue lit water and our favorite music playing in the background has become my Happy Place.
Thank you John, Jules and Jos for making our dreams a reality and creating some of best moments and feelings in our lives.
Theo H, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Dana and Jason were amazing. Dana was amazing her food is the one thing we all missed and talked about when we got home. She always had a great presentation of the food and to was delicious. Jason was fun and always accommodated us in anything we wanted to do. When we come back there is no one else I would want but them to charter us. They went above and beyond.
Island R&R was so nice everything was clean and every morning we woke up and it looked brand new again.
I loved everything we did! We even asked if we could change things up one day and stay longer in Anegada and Jason said sure and rearranged things for us. They never said no to any request and were very accommodating to all our needs.
We loved everything! We will be doing this again!
Jamie G, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, December 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Tyler & Kelsey were awesome.
Re Playtime: We loved it all. Like the convenience of having an icemaker and water maker. We enjoyed the upper deck lounge area as well.
The food was wonderful, tasty, and customized to dietary preferences. It was always beautifully presented.
We enjoyed everywhere we went. Kelsey was like our personal tour guide offering stories, fun, historic & scientific facts.
Thank you!
Jamie H, aboard Catamaran Playtime, July 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a most wonderful vacation with Andrea and Morgan.
Captain Andrea revealed beautiful snorkeling locations to us and showed us the joys of sailing in the BVI.
Morgan was delightful. She provided lovely meals catering to everyone's tastes - sometimes cooking up to three varieties of a meal at a time. Not only was she a wonderful cook, but she was a great role model for the teenage girls on the trip - she was interesting, caring and accomplished.
Captain Andrea struck the perfect balance - engaging with us and giving us space all on the same trip. We can't wait to charter another trip. It's been a long time since we were so very relaxed. Our trip on Nemo accomplished maximum relaxation!
Thank you for everything. Please extend our tremendous thanks to Captain Andrea and Morgan. They provided us with amazing memories for our lifetime!
Karen N, aboard Catamaran Nemo, July 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
This vacation was outstanding. It ranks in my top 3 trips of all time. Thanks for helping us book the adventure and ensuring our success.
Graham and Kristiann were as good as it gets. Their attention to detail, knowledge of the area and sailing, plus constant focus on our safety and entertainment made this vacation spectacular.
Allende was extremely comfortable, clean and well ventilated. While I have very limited sailing experience, I do have extensive inland water boating experience. The layout of Allende was extremely comfortable. I never felt confined or cramped.
My favorite aspect of the yacht becomes difficult to answer, because it really depended on the time of day. In the mornings, I found it extremely relaxing to be up top on the sun pad to stretch and enjoy a cappuccino (they had a professional cappuccino machine - I mean come-on!). In the evenings, the outdoor aft lounge was perfect to relax with a drink and watch the sunset. Plus on several nights, they used a green egg grill to cook dinner. So it does not get much better than watching a Caribbean sunset while smelling a grill cooking up dinner. And lastly, sleeping; the cabins can be turned down to a low temp while the gentle rocking puts you to sleep. I had some of the best sleeping that I can remember while onboard Allende. So my favorite aspect of the yacht is difficult to choose.
The menu was certainly customized to our preferences. Kristiann even made separate meals a few times when she knew one of our guests would not enjoy the dish everyone else was eating. The food was extremely well prepared and almost all of it was prepared from scratch. It was the quality of high end restaurant. Very impressed!
The itinerary was just what we were seeking. Each night we discussed the next day’s route and agenda. And if desired, we could change things up to do more or less of an activity.
I am extremely happy with Sailing Directions. John was certain to be sure our desires and budget matched perfectly with the yacht and crew. Sailing Directions' website made my selection much easier.
I must say that vacations usually take about three days for me to finally relax and enjoy the trip. This vacation on the Allende with Graham and Kristiann was different. I was completely relaxed by the first morning. It was perfect!
David K, aboard Catamaran Allende, July 2018 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Theunis & Rebecca were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. Great crew.
We love the king size beds aboard Anastasia. Theunis is a wealth of information. Rebecca is a great chef. Could not have had better food anywhere.
John at Sailing Directions was a great help in planning this trip. He always answered my emails in a timely and helpful manner.
Priscilla F, aboard Catamaran Anastasia, July 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Conor & Taylor are very comfortable to be around. Connor was always asking how we were doing and if we needed anything - we loved his happy hour drinks!
Great Adventure has a great outside layout and cabins (each with its own shower and controlled thermostat).
Food was Amazing! Beautifully presented and perfect portions. Taylor is an amazing cook. We looked forward to apps and meals every day and were not disappointed.
Tom G, aboard Catamaran Great Adventure, July 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jill and Ryan were unreal. Best vacation experience we have ever had - largely due to their considerate demeanor coupled with their incredible knowledge of boating and the local geography. They were like an aunt and uncle to our boys - they loved spending time with them.
Great boat - our favorite part of the yacht was the master stateroom - luxurious!
I was amazed at the food Jill was able to produce given the limited galley she had to work with. We looked forward to eating every meal.
The itinerary was perfect - we were constantly on the go. We loved the choice spots we had to anchor to in the evenings.
I thought you did an excellent job from start to finish. Thank you! We will be sure to recommend you to anyone who asks us about our trip.
Ryan and Jill were outstanding hosts - they made our first extended boating experience exciting and a true pleasure. Not an easy task given that we had 3 boys ages 6, 10 and 13.
Scott M, aboard Catamaran Better Days, July 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We must say that the trip was absolutely spectacular. Everything was great and both Michaela and Andrew were outstanding. Michaela a Master chef and scuba diving teacher and Andrew a true and passionate Captain.
The food was delicious and very well presented. The variety of dishes was very impressive. Michaela is a true Master Chef. It was most of the time adjusted to our preferences.
We would love to do this trip again and we have already given the link to sailingdirections.com to many of our friends. We highly recommend Sailing Directions.
Great team Andrew and Michaela, Scuba Dives that were one of the most beautiful our divers had seen. We appreciate that the food, drinks were very generous. Thank you so much for all your help on this trip.
Monica A, aboard Catamaran Flip Flop, July 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Absolutely the best vacation we have ever had! We Loved Loved Marcus & Risa! Between the two of them I’m not sure who knew more about every place we went. We Highly recommend Neverland to all our friends & family!! John did a wonderful job and was always responsive to ALL my emails. We would love to book and go again!
Leslee M, aboard Catamaran Neverland, June 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
The whole experience was fabulous! The crew could not have been better - period! Seahome has a wonderful layout and everything was a favored aspect. The food was fabulous and customized for each person. The itinerary was great and the dives fantastic!
Nick B, aboard Catamaran Seahome, June 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt & Dana (Dana filled in for Casey) were very friendly and clearly knew what they were doing. Matt’s knowledge of the islands led us to many places others may not have the opportunity to experience and we took home several recipes and ideas from Dana’s cooking. My 83 year mother traveled with us and Matt & Dana were very patient and willing to help her so she had a wonderful experience.
We found the boat very comfortable for 6 people and the crew. We really only slept in the cabins, but they were big enough to sleep well. We had plenty of space on the deck, whether we were up front when sailing or sitting in the back for dinner/lunch. The boat is a little bit older which we knew going in but is well maintained and very comfortable.
The water toys really added to the experience, wake boarding, snorkeling, paddle boarding, the go-pro and Peggy & Ursula made sure we had plenty to do in the water.
The food was fantastic, really nice variety and plenty to eat. Dana did a great job creating menu options for my vegan daughter who probably had more variety on the boat than any other time. Very locally focused, which was nice in terms of experiencing new tastes.
Eddie Y, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, June 2018 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Michaela and Andrew could not have been more friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. Spending six days and nights in relatively tight quarters was managed to perfection by those two. They were in sync the entire time and worked like a well-oiled machine. They were so comfortable and pleasant to be around.
Flip Flop was a great boat. They kept it immaculate throughout the duration of the trip.
We did not have a bad meal on the boat. Truth be told, we didn’t have a meal that was any less than fantastic. We had one meal on land and regretted it. The whole time we said things like, “Michaela would do a much better job than this. Michaela makes a better cocktail than this. Michaela’s presentation is world’s better than this etc.”. The food was plentiful but not gigantic portions. We loved that. Also, it was all so fresh and beautifully plated. It was obvious that she had carefully read about our preferences and tailored her menus accordingly.
The itinerary was perfect. Just the right combination of movement, beaches, snorkeling, bars, etc.
Sailing Directions website is absolutely fine and easy to navigate. John, you did a great job. Specifically, you always got back to me quickly which I appreciated.
Additional comments: I want to say something about Andrew and Michaela and their relationships with my kids. A bonus that I only realized after our week was the relationship established with our kids and those two. For my 24 year old son, Andrew was a cool respite from dealing with the estrogen of his sisters. They played games, read the same book, and simply had a nice time together. For my 22 and 19 year old girls, they saw in Michaela an interesting, smart, capable young woman pursuing her dream and being an equal and complimentary partner to her guy. I treasure that part of our vacation.
When you chat with Andrew and Michaela, please pass along our gratitude.
Joyce F, aboard Catamaran Flip Flop, June 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Everyone in our party felt like we had the best crew in the Caribbean in Marcus and Risa. Our daughter received a marriage proposal at the Baths and Marcus and Risa really made it special.
We liked that Neverland’s en-suite bathrooms, the upper seating area and the fact it was a new boat.
Risa is a magician. Still not sure how she produced 3 award winning meals a day for 9 people in the tiny galley! And without re-provisioning during the charter.
Marcus has a deep knowledge of the area and hit all the highlights we hoped for.
Communication was excellent from Sailing Directions. John did a great job helping us through the impact of the hurricane.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sailing Directions and Marcus/Risa/Neverland.
Chris P, aboard Catamaran Neverland, May 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing trip with Ted and Ashley. William (Ted) was great, always thinking ahead, friendly and professional, we could not have hoped for a better captain. He always had suggestions on activity without imposing anything specific, he truly let us customize our vacation.
Windscape was comfortable and roomy, we really liked the fact that we each had our own room.
The food was great and well presented, excellent variety.
Amazing experience, this was my first crewed charter and I am very happy we did not do a bareboat as I did not know the USVI/BVIs, this was a true vacation! We loved it so much we may do it again.
Stephane L, aboard Catamaran Windscape, May 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Tony, Kate, Kerry and Su were all very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. They made everyone feel so comfortable. They each possessed a lot of knowledge about the Virgin Islands from the history, to the landscape and geography as well as about the waters the creatures within. The attention they gave to us was perfect - we didn't want for anything. We couldn't have asked for a better crew for our first charter and for the Xenia. A match made in heaven.
Xenia 74 is an amazing vessel. The design and decor were fabulous. The cabins were very comfortable - especially the master. I still can't get over how much space there was. We loved being able to look through the port hole over our bed to see the stars. The group spent most of our time outside to enjoy the great weather and temperatures. We used every space from the front net area, the bridge, the side beds and back bench in the rear covered space and the aft steps were great for fishing and fish watching - especially at night with the lights on. It's hard to pick a favorite and if I have to it's the outside covered eating area where we enjoyed all of our meals while onboard. It was a great space for our group of 8 to recap the day over cocktails and amazing cuisine.
I don't know how Kate created what she did in such a small galley (I didn't see it on the Xenia but have seen them on other boats). She is a very talented chef. We were blown away by every single meal. She did a fabulous job of catering to everyone's tastes and preferences. One guest has a gluten sensitivity and she made sure there was an option available for her every time. The meals were creative, decadent and wonderfully presented.
The itinerary was perfect. We wondered how much it might need to change as a result of the hurricanes last year. Captain Tony put his knowledge to use by adjusting to ensure we saw fabulous beaches, the cool beach bars and hang outs, serene anchorages and the popular spots such as the Baths, Foxy's and more. I really appreciated how he reviewed the next day itinerary with us and gave us options.
We were very happy with the service from Sailing Directions. I appreciated the updates you provided following the storms and the very helpful reminders along the way. The website is extremely helpful. Especially the charter preparation information. It really set us up for success.
Our charter was an experience of a lifetime. We will always cherish the memories we made.
Diane B, aboard Catamaran Xenia 74, May 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Soterion was awesome but even more so was Ben and Rachel. They really made the trip for us amazing for us. We could have been on a dingy and the trip would have been amazing because of them.
Ben and Rachel were amazing. I truly would call them friends after this trip. They were extremely friendly and very knowledgeable of sailing, and all things BVI. They truly knew how to accommodate us based on our likes, dislikes, and level of activity based on our personalities. This is a vacation where one could really relax knowing that everything was handled by Ben and Rachel.
Soterion was very clean, all rooms well ventilated with air conditioning. The best part of Soterion was how roomy it was. I worried about 10 humans living on a 57ft catamaran for 7 days. It never felt crowded and there was always some place to go if you need to be alone.
Rachel is a great chef. She was able to accommodate special diets and make each of their dishes to their liking. Every meal from breakfast to dessert in the evenings was great.
We loved that Ben and Rachel were so experienced. We are an active bunch and the itinerary was customized to those activities. The entire group liked the evening "family" meetings we had with Ben and Rachel to discuss the next day's activities and adjust based on our feedback.
The entire group was very satisfied with Sailing Directions planning and commitment. This was our first sailing charter, we had many questions which John and the Sailing Directions website answered. Very impressed, we knew exactly what to expect from packing our lightweight luggage to water taxis to hotel recommendations prior and after the sail. We are discussing another charter for the end of next year.
Marcos T, aboard Catamaran Soterion, May 2018 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Ryan and Jill were awesome. In the 2 weeks leading up to our arrival Jill was in regular contact with our whole gang on little details from food, drinks and activities. They even got a coconut tree for us to plant on an island.
We enjoyed the entire boat from the trampolines, hanging out front under the sun shade and chilling on the back of the boat.
I am certain there is no other crew that was as prepared food-wise as these guys. I am not sure how many cruises I have been on but it probably more than 24. If I took the best meals from all of those cruises, it wouldn't come close to the food that we ate last week, not even close!
Our charter broker, John, was very responsive the whole time. We will definitely book another trip in the year or 2.
Kevin B, aboard Catamaran Better Days, May 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt and Dana (standing in for Casey) were stars. They were more than friendly they were like family. Matt's knowledge of the islands, special stories and the history were amazing. They accommodated our gluten-free needs as well as fresh and healthy with flavors Galore and presentation of a Michelin meal. The breakfasts were exquisite with poached egg on portobello mushrooms to spectacular Portuguese sausage and Spanish omelets.
Matt encouraged us, with little bit of a nudge, to try things that we were a little apprehensive to do but we're so thankful that he did.
The Virgin Islands were way beyond our expectations. Matt knows his stuff when it comes to balancing each day with as much as you could possibly do and yet fully enjoying each moment.
This was a bucket list trip but because Dana and Matt made it beyond our expectations we have high hopes to repeat this vacation. We are fortunate to be youthful in our late 50s and 60s and this trip reconfirmed that we want to continue to push and enjoy this part of life.
Robert H, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, May 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Split Second was spotless, the flybridge upper deck was our favorite hangout.
Jack and Jaimey are a phenomenal team. The itinerary was perfect and they made it fun.
As a former restaurant owner, with 35 years in the industry, I would have hired Jamie in a heart beat but I know I could never match the view she has from her kitchen. She is talented, precise, and her food presentation is out of a magazine, while ALL being made from scratch, right down to the hamburger buns. The seasoning flavors and textures, are unbelievable, especially for a self trained chef, and she is also a dam good sailor. There are only 2 words; 5 star.
Thanks for all your help arranging the charter, it was a wonderful vacation. If I can ever stop talking about it, I will most likely be booking again, and will certainly refer, Sailing Directions.
Jack W, aboard Catamaran Twin Flame, April 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Byron and Dianne were a delightful to spend a week with. Byron was very knowledgeable and glad to share his knowledge. I honestly don’t know what they could have done to make our trip any better.
The boat was kept very clean and they ran the air every night. It is a very solid boat.
The food was out of this world. My family did not even want to go to shore for dinner. Dianne is a very talented cook. Everything was fresh and healthy.
We enjoyed the Virgin Islands very much. There was just enough sailing and activities and the weather was perfect.
We found Sailing Directions’ very detailed website helpful in deciding which boat and where to go.
Ladson B, aboard Catamaran Sea Chateau, April 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our time aboard Steppin Up with Bill and Michelle was perfect! We’ve sailed on crewed charter at least a dozen times, all over the Caribbean, and this was undoubtedly our best crew. They were welcoming, gracious, fun, funny, helpful, professional, everything you could ever ask for in a charter crew.
The food was delicious, the boat clean, well ventilated, temperature perfect, and in good working order.
We were concerned that we might notice a reduction in activity in the Virgin Islands due to hurricane damage however Bill and Michelle took us so many wonderful places that we never missed some of our old standbys. I would sail with them again, no question.
Sailing Directions, John, was also most helpful during the selection process. Thanks for all!
Kriss H, aboard Catamaran Steppin Up, April 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Tyler and Erika were both great. They both showed extensive knowledge and we were always sure we were safe and well cared for. Professionally, they were spot on.
But what really was terrific about both Tyler and Erika was how they personally invested themselves into sharing their local knowledge and other skills to help our family have the best trip possible. Whether it was the cooking, or the scuba training, or the ushering us around the great spots they suggested- they made sure we had a fantastic trip. Perfect.
The boat was great- very clean, and very comfortable. I loved sleeping outside under the stars (with my daughter) a couple nights, and the dinghy made getting out and about an easy experience.
The food was fantastic, it was expertly prepared and a lot of obvious thought put into matching our tastes.
We loved the (active) itinerary that we enjoyed, and the destinations were special and fun. Tyler and Erika obviously listened to what we thought made sense, and then made sure our stops fit in the most entertainment possible.
David Y, aboard Catamaran Free Ingwe, April 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Dan & Alli were exceptional! We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this vacation. We could not ask for a better crew.
Kelea was so spacious and clean at all times. If you could clone Alli and Dan every charter would be filled at all times. They are truly a gem!
The food was Spectacular! Alli is so talented. Every meal was well presented. We were treated like Kings and Queens! I want to take Alli home.
Dan was so knowledgeable about every area we travelled and gave us a lot of history about each island we visited.
No improvements needed at all! It was a trip of a lifetime! We will be back on Kelea soon! I will highly recommend to all friends and family!
Paula J, aboard Catamaran Kelea, April 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
John & Alyse were wonderful! I don’t think either of them sat down, ate or slept while we were on board. They were either busy preparing meals, sailing, taking us out on excursions or cleaning up from the assortment of activities that took place.
The accommodations were very nice - comfortable and clean. it was always a treat to come down after breakfast to a made-up bed and usually to finding our items hung out to dry folded for us on the kitchen table.
The itinerary was great and we got a good amount of time spent sailing and doing land excursions.
Kimberly M, aboard Catamaran Sweetest Thing, April 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Brad and Shana were great, would recommend them. Delphine just came from having work done and you could tell. Very clean and updated! Shana did great with the food! Even the boys ate a ton and they’re picky! She really worked hard at accommodating all. The food was great. Brad went out of his way to show all a good time.
Tony E, aboard Catamaran Delphine, March 2018 sailing the Exumas
We had a wonderful cruise with Matt and Dana (standing in for Casey). They were incredibly responsive to any request and took us to spots that they somehow knew would delight us. We had some concerns about the boat and the Islands after the hurricanes. John kept us informed all along the way as more information became available about the islands, our boat, and general conditions. We found everywhere to be safe, comfortable, beautiful, and welcoming. Dana did a wonderful job preparing our meals. One in our group has celiac disease and creating gluten free meals was no problem for her. The cabins were very comfortable and clean. There were ample water toys and sports for every ability. It was our first experience chartering and cruising in the BVI's and we can't wait to go again. A 5 star experience!
Margie E, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jacek & Maya were one of the highlights of our charter vacation. Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.
The Loveboat was comfortable. It was clean and well ventilated. The yacht had several water toys and other entertainment equipment all in good and working order which made the boat fun.
The food was very enjoyable and well presented. With options for adults and kids as requested.
Different areas with different experiences made getting to know the USVI and BVI interesting and enjoyable.
Bernardo C, aboard Catamaran Loveboat, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing time. Adam and Jen were exceptional - super friendly, attentive, and very accommodating. They made sure my family and I had the best time.
Rubicon was clean and well-ventilated; beds were okay in terms of comfort. We loved hanging out on the back part of the Rubicon and also the front on the trampoline.
For the most part food was delicious. My sons are picky eaters so Jen did a good job of making things for them that they would eat. They really liked the chocolate pancakes and gluten free biscuits.
Our sailing itinerary was perfect! Adam took us around to some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen and made sure the boys were engaged early in the day to keep them busy; he also did a great job of finding good places to go spear-fishing as that was the highlight of the trip for my husband.
We had the best time sailing the Exumas on the Rubicon - the trip exceeded our expectations. We will definitely remember this trip as it has made a lasting impression on my sons - they loved every minute of it! Captain Adam the best - he was great with the kids - couldn't have asked for a better captain!
Kristen L, aboard Catamaran Rubicon, March 2018 sailing the Exumas
Britta and Joseph were fantastic!! Friendly, professional, very skilled and knowledgeable regarding the boat and the cruising area. The food, as well as the entire experience, was fantastic!
The boat was perfect for our family! We really enjoyed sharing meals on the aft deck. The food was OUTSTANDING!
We loved the BVIs we were totally open to going to any ports that provided quiet, calm waters and nice views. We enjoyed every anchorage!
We had a good experience with Sailing Directions. When we were worried about the area after the hurricanes, we appreciated being able to talk to our captain to address our questions and concerns. The website was thorough and helpful. Easy to use.
Our vacation to the BVIs was the best family trip we have ever taken. Being on the yacht allowed us to share every day, every activity and every meal and every sunset together as a family. We especially enjoyed discovery diving together!
Vincent L, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Captain Andrew and Michaela were terrific. They made this trip very special. They worked really hard to make everything work, always with a smile on their faces. Michaela cooked 3 excellent meals everyday - a lot of work! And they were always paying attention to the smallest of details. I can't stress how happy we were with them. I hope our paths cross again.
Flip Flop was in good condition, clean, all systems working properly.
Capt. Andrew made sure we hit all the spots we wanted to go, suggested great off-the-beaten-paths and interesting hikes.
With Sailing Directions, communication was easy, handling of documentation effective. We referred a friend.
Cristiano L, aboard Catamaran Flip Flop, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
They were fantastic. Jamie loves to sail, and we spent more time actually sailing from location to location than we did on any previous charter. He and Susannah worked well together managing the boat - setting sail, anchoring, etc. Susannah is a good chef - very thoughtful and conscientious about following our preference sheet. From an interpersonal perspective, they were really great. We enjoyed all of our time together – us, and our boys who are close in age to Jamie and Sue. Jamie is super adventurous – he was a good dive guide, took the boys surfing, wakeboarding, etc. He was up for anything! Sue spent more time on the boat, but was also a lot of fun (lots of laughs playing Uno with us at night). We would definitely sail with them again.
All the main cabins were great. I loved that there was a dedicated shower in each room. The master suite was especially spacious. The boat was clean and in perfect condition.
Sue did a great job matching our meals to the preference sheet. It was all tasty and professionally presented. Lots of style and flare!
For the itinerary, we were given options every night and decided based on what we wanted to do and what the conditions were expected to be like.
Sailing Directions make it really easy to find a boat, and your knowledge of the boats/crews helps make a good decision after narrowing down the choices.
Stephen S, aboard Catamaran Island Hoppin, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jack & Jaimey were excellent! They were delightful - looked after our every need and were a joy to be around. Jaimey offered hiking/running suggestions to our son/daughter and Jack amused us with his many tales.
Split Second was very comfortable, clean and the AC was good when required. Fave aspect was the fly bridge.
Food was excellent and always superbly presented. Jaimey satisfied all our needs and always had the hot sauce on the table - as some of us like spicy food! The food was so good, we asked for many of Jaimey’s recipes.
The itinerary was perfect for us and, even though the weather (north swell) wasn’t always kind, we managed to sail to bays we had never visited before.
Always happy with Sailing Directions’ service - can’t think of anything you can improve.
This was our second charter on Split Second and our second visit to the BVIs - we fell in love with the crew and the islands.
Mary W, aboard Catamaran Twin Flame, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Brand, Jayde and Louise were truly the perfect crew for our group. Their level of professional hospitality they provided was unbelievable. This trip exceeded our expectations.
Brand was able to navigate the USVI and BVI taking us to amazing areas based on the weather ( changing winds), our needs and activity desires. He quickly bonded with our 5 boys and was a constant source of entertainment: Scuba, wakeboard, subwing, tubing, fishing,and just doing flips off the boat with the kids. He makes some great drinks as well. Also full of worldly lnowl;edge and always a pleasure to talk with
Jayde- what an amazing chef! how she makes beyond restaurant quality meals in a 6 x 10 kitchen is unbelievable. She adapted to our groups needs and requests. She always had a smile on her face and was simply a pleasure to be around. She is the Seahome "glue" for sure
Louise- she took care of so many things behind the scenes they cant be counted. From keeping our rooms comfortable, to filling in gaps with the kids playing games, snorkeling, and packing snacks for a beach trip, etc AND we cant forget those unbelievable desserts and making sure drinks were always filled.
The crew worked so well together in perfect harmony. Our request list was 100% met, food was amazing, and we had fun from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to bed. Seahome was in immaculate condition and easily accommodated our group of 9. We never felt crowded.
John at Sailing Directions was always available to answer our questions and guided us through the charter process since this was our first time. Great customer service
Brian J, aboard Catamaran Seahome, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We were a group of three couples for 7 nights on the Island R and R Catamaran “Leopard 46” with crew Matt and Casey. They simply delighted us from start to finish with a well-rounded tour of so many delightful bays, beaches, bars and daily activities of hiking, snorkeling and site seeing. Their flexibility and range of options made for a truly wonderful trip. We were always in awe of what was offered in both the British and US Virgin Islands. The onboard hospitality, food and drink was truly 5 star.
Matt and Casey were in touch with us prior to arriving in St Thomas, very helpful with getting us from our hotel to the boat. Met us with open arms at the Dive Bar prior to boarding. A great option to “overnight” with Casey and Matt before we sailed. We all got to know each other, we got to settle in, and it allowed us to get a great early start on the first day. They had great and extensive knowledge of all the sites along the way. They were very helpful in giving us a range of options and choices for things to do, places to visit and sites to see. Extremely helpful and flexible in planning out each and every day.
Island R&R was clean and comfortable. The front bean bags were a great option. The dining area at the back was also one of our favourites for breakfast lunch and dinner. Of course we must give special mention to Darnell the Duck for floating on. Snorkeling equipment in great form. The floating “mat” was also a great place to lolly gag when tied up.
Oh my, the food! Casey and Matt did an extraordinary job. Case did handle the bulk of cuisine but Matt assisted on many occasions. Casey had us totally delighted and the dietary customization made our one “non seafood fan” very happy. Some terrific creations. We’ve asked for recipes.
The itinerary was awesome. It was really great to start off with a quick sail and then a snorkel for us all to get comfortable with the boat, as well as the crew. A special treat was Pizza Py in the first bay we visited before sailing on for a few hours that afternoon.
Great service from Sailing Directions - always straight forward - informative. The website is clean, informative, straight forward.
Ferg D, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Ryan and Jill were fantastic. Ryan is an excellent captain and Jill is equally good as a chef. They spoiled us. They are also very patient, answered all of our questions and were fun to hang out with.
We enjoyed the owners-version suite which was quite spacious. We really enjoyed sitting on the back part of the boat reading and watching the beautiful scenery as we sailed by.
The food was excellent. Jill’s presentations were beautiful. We experienced a new area to spend the night every day. They were all fun and scenic. Very happy with all aspects of the trip. We are certain that we will do this again one day.
Russ K, aboard Catamaran Better Days, March 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great time! The boat was amazing! We loved the champagne deck. 5 star gourmet food and presentation. Sarah accommodated all dietary needs.
I was very happy with your service. I’d definitely recommend you!
Jeannie d, aboard Catamaran Altesse, February 2018 sailing the British Virgin Islands
I don't think it would be possible for a crew to be more friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating.
Flip Flop was indeed comfortable, clean, and well ventilated - Andrew and Michaela cleaned constantly and were quick to respond to any request. I believe that the interaction with the crew may have been everyone's favorite part of the trip.
The food was exceptional, and the menu adjusted to allow for one gluten-free and one fish-free diet. The presentation was as nice as any fine dining restaurant I have been to.
Captain Andrew did a great job. He adjusted the original itinerary to make appropriate allowance for weather and the desire of the group to spend time on beaches.
It was a great experience for all.
Patrick R, aboard Catamaran Flip Flop, February 2018 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew was amazing. Very friendly, attentive and accommodating. Amanda too! By the end of the charter, we all considered them friends.
The Lir was comfortable, clean and well ventilated. We all slept very well! Favorite aspect? All the various places to sit and take in the amazing view. Also the fact that it was equipped with snorkel gear, a kayak, water skis, and stand up paddle boards. We used them all!
The food was amazing and we all appreciated that it was healthy too! Vanessa did a great job of taking 8 different likes and preferences and folding them all into a delicious meal.
Martha D, aboard Catamaran Lir, February 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a great trip. Jim and Amanda were fantastic! Jim did an excellent job getting us around the islands in a safe and comfortable manner. He was flexible about our weekly plans and sat with us every morning to plan the day. Amanda was pleasant, professional and amazingly efficient. Their knowledge of the islands was invaluable in helping us plan our week. Additionally, they were just fun to be around. We would sail with them again.
Copper Penny was an excellent craft that has been extremely well maintained and clean. The cabins were comfortable and spacious. Our favorite aspect of the yacht was the fly bridge. We spent a good bit of time up there having cocktails and enjoying the view.
The food was excellent. Well plated, good portions and very tasty. The chef followed what was on our preference sheet.
This is the second time I’ve used Sailing Directions and every aspect of the transaction has been very professional.
Tarek B, aboard Catamaran Copper Penny, February 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip was awesome. Thank you for suggesting a crew that was experienced and knowledgeable of the area as that was important to us. The captain and chef were accommodating to all our needs and wants.
This was my fourth trip to BVI aboard a chartered, crewed catamaran and I can, without hesitation say our chef, Risa was the best. Her presentation and quality of food was fabulous. Everyone agreed she was over the top. We all wanted to bring her home with us.
You did a great job of hooking us up with a great crew and outstanding boat, the Neverland experience was The Best!
Beverly L, aboard Catamaran Neverland, January 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
It couldn't have been better!
The crew were extremely professional, as well as top notch for friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. We never lacked for anything, nor attention. Keith showed his master sailing and boatmanship skills and was the perfect host, bartender and grillmaster. AJ seemed to be everywhere - boat crew, chef, dive instructor. Both were extremely friendly, interested in us and interesting to us. Amount of interaction we had was just right.
Pegasus is clean and well organized. Everything had a place, was kept clean and organized. Favorite parts were the flybridge, bean bag chairs forward, and overall spaciousness. Lots of toys, although we didn't use them a lot, they were there if we wanted them.
Food was delicious, varied, very professionally presented and catered to a couple of minor dietary issues. AJ's restaurant background certainly showed through. Quantities were excellent, food was tasty, varied, top quality and met our preferences of being light. Every meal was a treat, including breakfast. Afternoon appetizers were delicious and welcome.
Our itinerary combined snorkeling areas, open water dive certification for my son, sailing, some land excursions, and restaurant and bar excursions. We were busy, well entertained. AJ showed her skill and passion for diving as a dive instructor.
Sailing Directions’ service was great. Website is excellent, one of the main reasons I ended up booking through Sailing Directions.
Doug S, aboard Catamaran Pegasus, January 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a phenomenal trip this week. I cannot say enough good things about marcus and risa. It was very evident that they are the best crew on the water based on their interactions with the locals as well as other crews. More importantly, we thoroughly enjoyed their company and had a hard time saying goodbye to our new friends.
Marcus & Risa were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. Their knowledge of the islands and the boat ensured that we had an incredible experience. Their personalities were a tremendous fit for our group we left with wonderful new friends. It is clear that all of the locals know and love Marcus & Risa which was evident by how everyone greeted them upon arrival. They are both experts at their craft and are a ton of fun to be around.
Neverland was immaculate and certainly appeared to be one of (if not the) best catamaran we saw during our trip. Our favorite aspects were having cocktails on the upper deck particularly during a late afternoon sail. The rooms were very comfortable and the dining area had plenty of space for us to spread out, relax and have fun. We enjoyed all of the toys on board including the swinging chairs, rafts, paddle boards and wakeboard.
Risa is simply amazing. Every single meal was absolutely delicious and presented creatively and beautifully. Risa customized the menu to our preferences while maintaining her unique style. She seems very passionate about cooking which makes her food all the more enjoyable.
Marcus charted the perfect itinerary that enabled us to enjoy the different islands based on our personality while also factoring in wind/weather to ensure that we had great sailing conditions. If we had to pick a favorite, Anegada was our favorite stop along the way.
John lane was a pleasure to work with. He was patient with us and very helpful as we went back and forth over various boats. Marcus & Risa were the perfect fit for us which really added so much enjoyment to our trip. We have several friends who have been considering the trip but have been a little scared to pull the trigger after seeing the damage caused by the storms. Hopefully, our experience will help more come and enjoy the BVIs.
Scott L, aboard Catamaran Neverland, January 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic trip. Matt and Casey were awesome and a perfect fit for us.
Ted O, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, January 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jill and Ryan were FANTASTIC! We have chartered many times and our whole group enjoyed everything they did, couldn't be more accommodating. Great Crew.
We have chartered Lagoon 50s before, Whitehouse is exceptionally well maintained and equipped. Great Boat
Jill got everything we wanted and requested. The food was too good, I gained 10 lbs. Again, The meals were great, they always offered snacks etc.
We had a great trip, perfect New Years at Anegada at a restaurant they suggested. The hurricane damage was not apparent in our trip, the islands are green, the water is blue and all is beautiful.. unless you look for damage.
Sailing Directions and John Lane were extremely professional and very attentive to accommodate us in sorting through the complications the hurricanes presented, Well done!
I like your website the best as far as crewed charter sites go because you post real pictures of boats the you took, not promotional stuff that could be out of date. I would refer you anytime and will use you in the future.
Ray L, aboard Catamaran Better Days, January 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing trip! The crew did a wonderful job. They were very good at meeting everyone's needs and ensuring we enjoyed ourselves. There was a good balance of giving suggestions/recommendations and letting us make decisions of what/when to do various activities. Nikki did great job of taking us on incredible dives and making sure everyone was comfortable. The crew was very friendly, easy to talk with, and a lot of fun to be around.
The Lady J was very comfortable. We loved all aspects of the yacht. It was great that there was plenty of room to spread out and have your own space, but the areas were also all large enough for the entire family to be together without feeling crowded. The cleanliness was beyond excellent.
The food was listed as the favorite part of the trip by many of the family members. It was very impressive how James accommodated everyone's various dietary needs (not an easy task) and food preferences at every meal. Everyone wanted to see if they could pack James up and take him home with them. The table settings and food presentation were also a treat to see at each meal.
The itinerary worked out really well. Flying in and out of St. Thomas was easy and the various anchor locations were absolutely beautiful.
I was very happy with Sailing Directions' service. John was very attentive and a great help with answering our questions along the way, especially since this was our first charter experience. I would highly recommend Sailing Directions to others interested in doing a charter. The website information, ease of use, and quick response are all reasons why I chose to book through Sailing Directions.
I cannot think of anything that could have made our experience more perfect. For a group of 10 family members with a wide range of ages and interests, the crew did an excellent job. Everyone had such a great time they are all eager to do it again.
Heather H, aboard Power Yacht Lady J, January 2018 sailing the Virgin Islands
Joseph and Britta exceeded our expectations in every way. They are so warm and kind, love the Virgin Islands and know the area well, noticed our tastes in music and food and catered to them. Britta is just magical in all she gets done: first mate, housekeeper, sous chef, dive master, bar tender, server. She is very perceptive to individual needs/preferences of people. She is a lovely person and we all enjoyed getting to know her and her sweet little dog, Zoie. When I woke up and entered the salon each morning, I was immediately greeted with a fresh hot cup of coffee, and the aroma of fresh baked goods. Britta was extremely patient with all the divers in our group, and made sure all learned successfully and had a quality experience SCUBA diving.
Joseph's culinary expertise cannot be overstated! We were blown away with every meal! Delicious and beautifully presented food, expertly prepared, and scrumptious desserts. It was like dining at a 5-star restaurant all week. In a magically beautiful setting. He patiently talked with the foodie wanna-be chefs in our group regarding techniques and his culinary experiences. Joseph made recommendations each evening for the following day's sailing plan based on conditions and the desired activities of the group. Dive sites were good choices for the novice divers and snorkelers.
Our favorite aspect of the yacht was lounging on the bow in bean bag chairs, and laying out on the netting while cruising to our next anchorage. Dining al fresco in the stern area was delightful.
The food was outstanding. Thoughtfully and expertly prepared, beautifully presented. Joseph always accommodated the one non-seafood eater in our group and even helped Steve catch and then prepared a lobster (2!).
A wonderful Caribbean Catamaran Christmas! We were a little nervous as to how the experience would be post-hurricanes Irma and Maria. It's clear there is much rebuilding to be done, more boats to be recovered, and damaged areas to be restored. But the overall beauty of the Virgin Islands is undeniable.
Steve C, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, December 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
How do I even begin to tell you how wonderful our vacation was from the moment we met Luke, Erin, and Cassie on the dock until we left them while all of us hugged and shed a few tears? It was an amazing adventure for each of us.
The crew were the perfect crew for us, including their recent addition Cassie. They accommodated each of us, from the very active 7 year old to the 74 year old with knee problems requiring extra help occasionally.
Dreamsong is a beautiful yacht and perfectly suited to our situation. We especially enjoyed the aft deck when we needed to get out of the sun and the flybridge deck when we were on the move. Luke was great to point out sights along the way and where we were in the islands while Erin and Cassie kept our drinks coming.
Erin is an excellent chef and prepared delicious meals, appetizers, and desserts for us. Of course it was beautifully presented as well.
Captain Luke helped tailor our itinerary to include quiet coves, which we loved, and extraordinary places we had not seen on previous trips to the area. We were anchored in a way that allowed for us to see stunning sunrises and sunsets, a favorite of our group. The snorkeling was excellent, and he put us on beaches we could all enjoy together.
Sailing Directions' service was excellent. We were well matched with Dreamsong and always well informed as the process moved along.
We would return to you and Dreamsong with this crew and will recommend Dreamsong to any friends who may consider a yacht vacation in the future.
Bonnie V, aboard Catamaran Dreamsong, December 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic time. It was a trip of a lifetime and we are well traveled.
The food was spectacular. Many meals were among the best we have ever enjoyed.
Our favorite aspect of the yacht was the upper deck.
We saw and did everything we had hoped.
Gene B, aboard Catamaran Tobarths, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt and Casey were wonderful. We couldn't have picked a better crew to be a part of our vacation. Our entire group would all agree that this was the best vacation we have ever had. I can't imagine going on another charter without Matt & Casey!
We enjoyed the Island R&R greatly. We found it clean, comfortable and well ventilated. The beds were very comfortable, and the a/c at night was wonderful. I am not sure if there was anything in particular that would be a favorite aspect as we were 110% satisfied the Island R&R. The accommodations were great, the water toys were great ( and the sling shot was really great ! ).
Casey did an outstanding job with our meals, everything was well presented and delicious. Casey took very good care of us for all the meals, snacks, appetizers and desserts. Not to mention the beautiful view you get to enjoy at every meal !
Our itinerary fit what we were looking for perfectly. We talked a bit about a few stops we wanted to make and left the rest to Matt. Matt did a great job guiding us to places that fit exactly what we were looking for. We were even fortunate enough to have some dolphins join us one day while we were in the water which was one of the high lights of the trip ! ( of which there were many )
Cant say enough how much we enjoyed spending time with Matt and Casey, I fact as we tell others about our trip, we all consider them part of the Family.
Kevin M, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Harvey and Marley were more than we could have asked for as a crew. The boat was very well maintained and very clean. The team provided outstanding hospitality that was second to none. They insured we had a safe and fun filled trip on the Ma Ha. We will be recommending this boat and crew to our friends and family. Truly outstanding! Rich and Sherry.
What a wonderful week! It exceeded our expectations by a mile. The beauty of the islands, beaches and coves are indescribable. Total relaxation in these very comfortable quarters with three other couples from Atlanta. All of this could not have been this is fantastic had it not been for our great hosts. Harvey - captaining the ship and making us feel at home and safe, Marley - her cooking and thoughtful menus and appetizers were perfect. This vacation we will never forget! Carlos and Deanna.
There are not adequate words to say how much we enjoyed our trip with you guys. You took spectacular views and wonderful friends and made them all the better! We have loved our time on the Ma Ha and we will be back! Kelly and Carlos.
We flew down from Atlanta with some very high expectations. Both of you exceeded them all. It was an amazing trip! Great itinerary! First-class service. We had everything we needed and more. Diane and I will recommend this to everyone. Tom and Diane.
Carlos C, aboard Catamaran Ma Ha, July 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Everything was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! We loved every minute of it! Cliff and Christian were perfect. The food was all healthy and delicious and she managed to satisfy even my very picky kids. Cliff was basically a camp counselor with the kids, taking them tubing umpteen times or even just for dinghy rides.
Stop Work Order was beautiful, clean, comfortable, and had so much room for everyone! The yacht had everything each one of us needed. AC (with individual thermostat controls in each room) was cold and on all the time. It also has a great water maker so everyone was able to take long, hot showers whenever we wanted.
It was perfect! I would recommend the boat, the crew and the itinerary to anyone, without hesitation. Just wanted to let you know that I have said it was the best vacation ever!<
Beth S, aboard Catamaran Stop Work Order, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Cliff & Christian were both wonderful! They were both super friendly and always accommodating to whatever it is any of us wanted or wanted to do. We can't imagine what it will be like to do another charter without them!
Cliff had nonstop energy and fun for all of the kids all of the time. Taking them tubing to their hearts content or just on dinghy rides if that's what they rather do. He even played War and Go Fish with the boys one night! He was happy the entire time to show us every bit of the BVI and whatever we wanted to see.
Christian's food was great and she was able to please not only the adults with our meals, but also four very picky kids! Everything was fresh, healthy and delicious! She even surprised my husband and I with a bottle of champagne packed in a backpack one afternoon when we went off to enjoy just sitting on a deserted beach while the kids were tubing.
Stop Work Order was perfect!! Clean, clean, clean, spacious and super comfortable. There was plenty of room for everyone without ever feeling like we were on top of each other. The air conditioning was cold, the beds were comfortable, the sheets were nice and all of the outdoor areas were wonderful. We loved the cockpit in the back and the flybridge on top! The girls ended up claiming The front seating area near the trampolines as their favorite spot on the boat. The blue underwater lights at night were great for Tarpon feeding.
Everything was great and seamlessly planned with Sailing Directions. The easiest vacation I have ever planned.
We all agreed this was the best vacation and can't wait to do it again!
Beth S, aboard Catamaran Stop Work Order, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Spending a week sailing with Rich and Lisa was a fantastic experience. Without a doubt, it was the best trip my family has taken together, ever.
Sabore is immaculate with great space and comfortably accommodated my family of eight.
The food was unbelievable gourmet and abundant in proportions.
Lisa was most hospitable and organized which enhanced the efficiency of the trip. She took care of our every need.
Rich knows the waters and quiet anchoring spots to avoid the crowds. The water sports were cool and the diving and snorkeling fantastic.
John Lane at Sailing Directions was professional and well organized. He responded immediately to my questions about logistics. Most importantly, he identified a wonderful boat and crew.
Bottom line- Lisa and Rich are two wonderful people who will provide your family or friends a great experience.
Fred M, aboard Catamaran Sabore, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
This trip has been absolutely amazing. Chris and Nikki are phenomenal! Everything was done to perfection. Can't say enough good things about our experience.
Chris and Nikki were amazing! We truly enjoyed our time spent with them. Their (Chris, Nikki & Lulu) presence and attention to detail made the trip perfect.
Quest was comfortable and well maintained. We really enjoyed the trampolines and the U-shaped couch in the aft. Many naps were enjoyed on both.
Nikki's food creations were beyond our expectations. We were never hungry. Her love for cooking was evident in her dish presentations and the deliciousness of the food.
The itinerary was perfect! We had ample time in each location. Chris was always willing to take us to shore to explore the local culture.
This was the best vacation we have ever had.
Jason C, aboard Catamaran Quest, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Noam and Dalit were wonderful. We have been on several guided trips (non-sailing), so our expectations were high, and they exceeded our expectations. They kept us engaged from morning until night. Very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating.
Alive was like a floating hotel. Our favorite aspect was the fact that we could enjoy group time in various spots on the yacht and then retreat to our spacious bedroom / bathroom.
Dalit is an amazing cook. Every meal was delicious. She definitely customized the menu to meet our needs.
The itinerary was perfect for our group ranging in age from 17 to 57. There was something for everyone every day.
Very satisfied Sailing Directions' service.
Kathy P, aboard Catamaran Alive, July 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Gareth & Kristine were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. They were always available and nearby and frequently checking on us to see if we needed a drink, snack, something carried, wanted to do an activity, etc., but they were never intrusive. Very professional and organized. I was extremely impressed with their ability to give us a plan but then be totally responsive if they sensed that we wanted to modify that plan. They simply could not have done a better job.
The food was a 10 out of 10. Every meal could have stood its ground in the world’s best restaurants. Everything from how the table was set, to the plating, to the quality of the ingredients, to the use of spices, to the variety between meals, was impeccable. Everyone raved about it and we had no desire to leave the boat for meals elsewhere because of this.
The boat was spotless, comfortable and well-ventilated. The air conditioning in the staterooms was very capable as well so we always were comfortable temperature-wise. They cleaned the staterooms frequently while we were dining or doing activities but I never saw them doing this nor had it interrupt our flow. Everything on the yacht was in good working order, shining and beautiful. The best part of the yacht was the high-end finishes and spacious areas.
Sailing Directions' service was also flawless. Great crew. Great boat. Overwhelming smooth and positive experience.
William W, aboard Catamaran Xenia 74, July 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip was wonderful! Captain Brand, Jayde and Weezie were friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. Especially to our granddaughters. The crew made it a very memorable trip for the girls. Just what I had hoped for.
The Seahome was clean and very comfortable. The upstairs deck was a great place to read or sun or visit. We all gained weight because Jayde and Weezie did such a great job planning, preparing and serving the food. They catered to the girls wishes.
We saw all the islands and places we had planned on and even got to swim with the nurse sharks on Anegada. We could not have asked for anything more. I cannot say enough nice things about the crew and the boat.
Thanks for all your help. Sailing Directions was a great help in keeping us informed.
Sally W, aboard Catamaran Seahome, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Mark & Sally were fantastic. Really enjoyed their company. Great in every way. Viking Dream was great. Loved the table/meals area, really comfortable. The food was fantastic. It exceeded our expectations! Loved the islands and places we saw. The service was the most surprising thing - we had never had such great service. Even when we got off the yacht and went to do an island trip, Mark had every detail planned and every taxi driver set up. Really excellent service! Love to do it again in the future.
Kathleen K, aboard Catamaran Viking Dream, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Marcus and Risa were fantastic, accommodating in every way. Marcus had us anchored or moored in the most picturesque bays in the BVI. Risa had us eating and drinking like royalty. Never have I had an experience as relaxing as this. The trip wouldn’t have been complete without those two guiding our experience.
Loved everything about the Neverland, the setup of the boat was superb, and everything was clean and in its place.
Risa exceeded all expectations, and as others have said before the only pitfall was taking a night off to go to a restaurant ashore; Risa wins hands down.
Couldn’t have asked for a better itinerary, we loved every second of it.
John , you made this very easy for a first time charterer, thank you for all the guidance and direction. I was able to accomplish all tasks needed to secure the charter through the website.
Brian H, aboard Catamaran Neverland, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Darrin & Desire were awesome! Darrin was the best Captain ever and he knows his islands. He took us to a few out of the way sites that were wonderful and appreciated. Desire is an amazing chef and kept our bellies happy! Everything she created was delightful and yummy. We adored them so much.
Mimzy is beautiful and plenty of room for the four of us. This was a first time experience for all of us and it was perfect.
Our Virgin Island itinerary was amazing and everything we had hoped for. We can't wait to experience this again. Darrin went over everything with us and asked our opinions and accommodated everything we requested but he also had suggestions that were perfect!
Very happy with Sailing Directions’ service. The response time was always immediate and all my questions were always answered. We will definitely use your service again in the future and have already recommended to several friends.
This was a bucket list of ours for years and was everything we hoped it would be. We are saving up for next year!
Tacy C, aboard Catamaran Mimzy, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The entire charter experience was great. The crew were great, the boat was great, and we would look to you guys again should we do another charter. Thanks.
Ken H, aboard Catamaran London Sky, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip was awesome. Lindsey and Magnus were an excellent crew. The itinerary was perfect.
Hypnautic was in excellent shape and has great AC. The best part of the yacht is the honeymoon cabin that uses one whole wing of the catamaran.
The food was awesome. Lindsey is an outstanding chef. By far the best we have eaten on any vacation.
The reason we booked through Sailing Direction is John responded to our request almost immediately. We did not hear from the other charter company we contacted first. The booking process was smooth and the website has all the key information.
Westin B, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip for all of us was 10/10!
The crew of Ed and Kat were so friendly to our family. We never felt that we were bothering them if we need something. They engaged us throughout the trip in conversation that was really enjoyable.
The ship was in great shape and just enough space for everyone. The favorite spot for the family was at the front sitting on the seats at the tip of each bow as it sailed.
the food was great and Kat did an A1 job on the girls that were eating gluten and dairy free. The grilled meals by Ed were great. Trying the new seafood was awesome for us all.
The sailing destinations were great and the itinerary flowed well for us. Moving to a new place each day was a great adventure each time. I appreciated Ed and Kat guiding us about what to expect getting off the ship with taxis, places to see and eat at, or views to make sure we saw.
Sailing directions was very helpful in the planning of this trip and the website is good.
We would love to sail again in the future. Our family cannot stop telling others about how great the trip was for us all.
Jerome G, aboard Catamaran Ultimalife, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Everything was AWESOME! LOVED Matt & Kendra and the boat/trip couldn’t have been better.
Anna A, aboard Catamaran Zephyr, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt & Kendra welcomed us like old friends from the minute we stepped on board - they were fabulous! We were eager to get away from the harbor and they understood completely. Within minutes of stepping on board, we were off. Since we didn’t arrive until 4pm we didn’t go very far but Matt had a perfect spot picked out with fabulous snorkeling and a private cove for the evening.
Not only were they accommodating to our every need and request, but they came up with fabulous ideas that made every day an adventure. We enjoyed spectacular cocktails every evening on the upper deck in the beautiful setting of the BVIs.
Every day Matt seemed to bring out a new “toy” that not only the “kids” (ages 19-21) were eager to engage in but the adults tried a few as well. As our kids wrote in the Zephyr book when we left ”it’s not always about where you go, but who you go with - Matt & Kendra became family”.
The Zephyr was spectacular. Every inch of the boat was constructed so efficiently and seemed far more spacious than its 50 feet. The beds were extremely comfortable and Kendra spoiled us all by cleaning our rooms every day and even changing sheets and towels midway through. There is always a little noise from the generator but that didn’t seem to bother anyone. It’s hard to pick a favorite aspect of the boat but I think we all spent the most amount of time on the upper deck which was wonderful to be on anytime of the day. We all enjoy our coffee in the morning and the boat had some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. Sipping that on the upper deck in the quiet of the morning was priceless!
I’m not sure Kendra ever slept, she was always busy preparing the next meal or making the kitchen spotless - she worked so hard! She spoiled us all with her cooking.
We talked extensively with Matt about the itinerary and I would not have changed anything. He understood what we wanted and what we had seen in the past and made fabulous suggestions on where to go next - So happy we made it to Anegada, especially because we got to spend the day together with Matt & Kendra!
John Lane at Sailing Directions seemed to be waiting on the other end every time I sent an email - the service was top notch!
Anna A, aboard Catamaran Zephyr, June 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Blossom was absolutely perfect! We loved everything about the yacht. The food exceeded our expectations. Byron & Molly went above and beyond with everything. The itinerary was a great combination of everything we ask for.
Randy K, aboard Catamaran Blossom, May 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip was amazing, great times. Best family vacation ever.
Captain Magnus was fantastic with my kids, great personality and never stopped helping us find new places to explore. Chef Lindsey is awesome. World class chef in world class locations on a boat with only my family! It just doesn't get better.
Hypnautic was very clean, very comfortable and great atmosphere for a boat. I'd sail around the world on this boat if I could.
Lindsey is a great chef. Food was excellent. Dinners were first class, breakfast and lunch were outstanding. She did a great job at serving foods my whole family loved.
Our itinerary had 4-5 stops and we made 8-9. The beaches and adventures make my wife and I seriously consider changing careers to be closer to this lifestyle
John at Sailing Directions returned emails quickly which made decisions we needed to make much easier to process and decide. We even had a possible snag with the trip and John made the possibility of re-routing the trip easy. I'd highly recommend the service and attention he offered. Highly considering another charter and when the time is right again, I'll begin my vacation research the same way I did before, the only difference is I'll look at Sailing Directions first and only. It worked great.
Magnus and Lindsey are a GREAT team and I'd recommend anyone considering to sail with them with a million percent YES!! Both of my boys highly enjoyed their time with our crew.
Ryan L, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, May 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
This was our third catamaran trip, and by far the best, mainly because of our crew, Joseph and Britta Stiles. They were absolutely wonderful - friendly, accommodating, and very attentive. Britta seemed to anticipate our every need, and was patient and helpful to those of us who were first timers on this trip. We loved her!
And Joseph's cooking - I can't say enough about it. Definitely a foodie's paradise on the Dianna Rose! It was like sailing on a 5 star restaurant, only better. His attention to detail in every meal was astounding. If he wasn't being captain and sailing the boat, he was Chef Joseph, prepping and preparing every meal. I don't think he ever sat still.
Between the two of them, they managed to find the perfect balance between relaxing time and keeping us busy. It was the perfect itinerary; we saw and did all we wanted to and still spent wonderful hours cruising the Caribbean. It was by far the trip of a lifetime.
We loved the boat - Dianna Rose was clean and comfortable, the perfect size for 6 passengers & crew. There is plenty of space to stretch out, front and back. I love the layout of the Lagoon 500.
I have always been very pleased with the service from Sailing Directions, and would recommend them to anyone considering this type of vacation. I hope we can do this again - with the same boat and crew!
Thanks for helping me put together this vacation. It was hard to come home!
Carol M, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, May 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The trip surpassed all our expectations and dreams. It was beyond beyond!
The boat was beyond beautiful, comfortable and immaculate and totally comfortable. Her size was a step above the norm which is what we wanted. It felt totally spacious. I love the teak wood throughout, the dining table that had two chairs and I loved the aft teak swim platforms. We also loved the bow with really comfie seating areas, trampoline and forward seats to stretch out over the water.
The bedrooms were amazing. There is one cabin that seems smaller due to the bed configuration but it never bothered anyone. The shower and bathrooms were incredible and made you feel like home. It was all amazing and so comfortable.
Jade and Pete are extraordinary with their culinary experience. They work together like a well-oiled machine to present the most decadent meals, decor, tastes and experience. Jades food was out of this world and Pete worked with her every step of the way with his grilling and many items he made himself. Every single meal whether breakfast, lunch or dinner was an event and everyone raved over each course. Everything was custom made for each guest.
There was nothing that fazed either of them and there was nothing that was too much trouble.
Jade worked tirelessly in the galley but she made it look effortless. It was the highlight of the day to have her dinner presentation and have her describe what she set in front of us. Rave reviews on everything.
Pete and I designed the itinerary together as this was a very unique sailing for 3 weeks and I had a very specific vision of what I wanted for routing and activities and site seeing. We sat down each week and designed together and Pete directed me to all the right things and extra things to do. He listened and really tried to accommodate my requests and learned the things that I loved. It was important to him. It made the trip so much better and we saw every single thing on my researched list except one and I made the call to skip it. I like his idea better to see some remote islands - he knew I would love them more.He was spot on.
Could’nt have been happier with Sailing Directions. John was incredible and always had answers for me. He always got back to me really quickly and answered everything very thoroughly.
The payment web site was really great and very easy to use. John was flexible and genuinely wanted to assist me.
Everything surpassed our expectations. Pete and Jade went out of their way to make is a trip of a lifetime. It is certainly a 5 star service level all the way. They are incredible and I highly recommend Xenia 50.
Barb B, aboard Catamaran Xenia 50, April 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had such an amazing trip. The boat is beautiful, and John and Shirelle were the most wonderful hosts. They made our trip fun, were knowledgeable and easy going about where we should go and what to do each day. Shirelle is such a talented cook. They were very flexible and helpful when deciding our route and always made sure we were well fed!
The yacht was beautiful. Very airy and well stocked with everything we needed. We loved the back seating area and upper deck seating areas.
The food was absolutely delicious. There was plenty of it, a wide variety each day and Shirelle was great with dietary requests.
Given this was our fifth charter we were pleased to try some new areas and snorkel spots. Everything was really great. We had a wonderful time.
David F, aboard Catamaran Amazing Blues, April 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Matt & Tara couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming!
Nana was a great boat, very comfortable for our group. Outdoor space was the best part of the boat.
The food was fantastic. Presentation was superb. Preferences were well customized, thanks Tara!
We tweaked the itinerary as we went along and found the best snorkeling and places to stay.
Sailing Directions were very organized and great to deal with. Information on the website was great. We would certainly recommend your services to others.
Nina H, aboard Catamaran Nana, April 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
What a fabulous week! We could not have asked for two more experienced and knowledgeable pairs of hands to charter us through the British Virgin Islands. And what a comfortable and well-appointed boat to do it in - we had no idea our accommodations would be so luxurious!
We loved all the quiet anchorages off the beaten track that you took us to. We all enjoyed boating and swimming off the boat. The kids learned to snorkel and to kayak and are quite pleased they all got to drive the dinghy. And as we said every day, the food was amazing! The meals far surpassed our expectations and were graciously served every time. The kids told us that we need to "bump it up" when we get home!
My husband had been talking about sailing in the BVI for some 25+ years and we will now have our own memories of crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, sunny skies and wind in our faces as we sail across the waters.
Thank you for helping to make this a wonderful and memorable experience for our family.
Chantal K, aboard Sailing Yacht Pacific Wave, April 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Lisa and Rich are awesome! They are extremely friendly and taking care of everything, the know the places and each nice spot on the BVIs, always accommodating for us to be comfortable and enjoying our days off. They are very attentive and have a really good balance between time alone and being with you playing games with the kids etc. Very nice conversation all the trip and nice music. Just an amazing couple who we call friends.
Nothing couldn't be better with Sabore! Everything perfect all the time, we really enjoyed every activity, paddle boarding for the first time and the crew always supporting and helping you on it! Kayak amazing all equipment and snorkeling were in excellent quality. We did scuba diving as well, walking on the island and booking a spa in one of the resorts, they make it so easy for you to enjoy the trip!
The food aboard Sabore is like having luxury restaurant on the sea! rRch and Lisa prepared delicious and well presented food each meal without exception. Flexible in the time to have breakfast, the coffee always there when you wake up, the food with lots of variety, flexibility and spectacular, is unbelievable how so good food could be made in a yacht.
Anegada is just beautiful a must do in the trip, every spot to spend the night was quiet and tranquil, every morning a new start, amazing snorkeling places, beautiful white sand beaches, wonderful sailing and awesome sunrise spots. Excellent balance to visit different places without rushing it, you really have the time to enjoy it in every way.
Bernerd D, aboard Catamaran Sabore, April 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Thanks so much for everything - the trip was incredible and perfect for everyone. We all had an amazing experience. I cried several times when leaving - such a beautiful time. Thank you for your guidance.
Ryan and Dani were very helpful, willing to please and encouraging. Both were knowledgeable and loved sharing their experiences and knowledge.
Frangines was perfect in every way. I loved the font bean bags - I loved the hatch in our room that we left open every night to see the stars. I loved the ease and warmth of the shower. It was better than expected.
The food was perfect in every way as well. I took pictures and have asked for menus - Dani is an excellent cook that takes a lot of pride in her creations.
We enjoyed our itinerary - Ryan is exemplary. They created an itinerary for us and were pleased to execute it- even if it meant extra traveling. You can tell they love what they do and love the water.
Sailing Directions' service was great! Well directed, well versed, everything is right on time and informative.
It was magical for us all.
Kimberly G, aboard Catamaran Frangines, April 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an absolutely outstanding experience. The yacht was exceptional. What made the trip so amazing, however, was the crew. Captain Drew, Ryan, Sean, and Max could not have been better. They were professional, engaging, expert, and completely catered to our every whim. They are a very special crew. They were all completely professional, amazingly competent, and were perfectly engaging with us.
Captain Drew was the perfect captain. He made us feel safe and fully comfortable. He was great about discussing each day's itinerary with us and was completely flexible in dealing with our requests. He was funny, friendly and warm.
Max is an extraordinary chef. His food was one of the highlights of the trip. Each meal was a unique experience. He seemed to be able to cook anything and with great skill!
Sean was the perfect bartender and steward. He was so attentive to us, and seemed to anticipate everything we needed before we knew we needed it! Our cabins were perfectly maintained. He seemed to be always there when we needed him. Plus, he was funny, friendly, and engaging.
Finally, Ryan was so fantastic in directing our water activities, getting us to shore, picking us up, frankly doing anything we asked. He was able to easily work with the expert water sports people as well as the novice water people in our party, and made the overall "off the boat " experiences perfect.
The Windquest is a beautiful yacht. It is very well maintained, is spotless, and extremely comfortable. We couldn't have been happier. It is hard to pick a favorite aspect of the boat, but I think the fact that we were able to both hang out easily as a group, as well as find private little nooks and crannies was fantastic. The cabins were surprisingly spacious and nice. The common areas were terrific. Really perfect.
Max’s food was a highlight of the trip. He was flexible about the menu, tailored each meal to our individual preferences, and NEVER said he couldn't do something!
The itinerary was fantastic. We saw different islands, snorkeled and swam in unique areas, had "down time", "active time", "beach bar time", and loved every minute of the trip.
Sailing Directions was also great. The booking process, planning, paying, etc. was seamless and easy. We will definitely charter again and will enthusiastically recommend your services.
Mark T, aboard Catamaran WindQuest, April 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Couldn't imagine two better hosts - Tyler & Kelsey were extremely accommodating on all fronts, made us feel welcome and at home and helped us to make the most of the time we had aboard.
Each meal was better than the last and, they were extremely accommodating to account for everyone's tastes and preferences. The yacht is very clean and comfortable.
We will recommend Sailing Directions for sure.
Andy M, aboard Catamaran Better Days, April 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic time, couldn't have been better. Dan and Allie were a wonderful crew. Everyone had a great time.
Patrick F, aboard Catamaran Pentesilea II, April 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt & Casey could not have been better! They were amazingly welcoming from the moment we walked on the boat. We have 3 teenage kids and they knew how to relate to them perfectly. They gave us the perfect amount of history of the islands, let the kids participate in the sailing, made us very comfortable, provided amazing food, good music and gave us the perfect balance of private time and together time. Matt had us all jumping off the boat by the end of the trip! Would definitely book with them again!
The Island R&R was beautiful. It is maintained very nicely. All of the amenities were great - we had bean bags to really enjoy the cruising from place to place, great coffee in the morning, air conditioning for sleeping, everyone had their own bathroom, we all had our own cup, towel and snorkel gear. For fun in the water, we had the big blue mat to lay on and play on, Matt pulled us behind the dingy on a kneeboard, we had paddle boards - everything we needed.
The food was perfect. Casey can do some amazing things that should not be possible on a boat. She made things that I would find too difficult in my full sized kitchen. Her meals were well presented, delicious, creative, flavorful and more than enough food. She customized the food as needed (my semi-vegetarian daughter got a separate main dish for a couple of meals), the food choices fit perfectly with our family, we had snacks that we could grab during the day and drinks at any time we wanted. They really listened to our preferences and had everything we asked for or should have asked for.
Matt really listened to what we wanted out of our itinerary. We got a good balance of relaxing boat time, time in the water, snorkeling, beaches, 30 minutes hikes, luxurious stops and historical stops. We visited The Baths, the north sound, the RMS Rhone, the Indians, Foxy’s, Willie T’s and so many more.
John with Sailing Directions answered all of our questions quickly and thoroughly. Booking the trip was easy.
Best vacation ever!
Sara H, aboard Catamaran Island R&R, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic trip and we highly recommend this crew and yacht! The crew were above and beyond. Loved the amenities including slung hammock, bean bags, water recliners, knee boarding, tubing, paddle board and kayak.
Seth N, aboard Catamaran Victoria, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an A+ experience with the Vacoa, crew and Sailing Directions.
Jason was an outstanding Captain, he worked to ensure we had an incredible sailing trip through the BVI's. Jason was always willing to take us out for fun water sports and show us some of the most entertaining beach bars & beaches. Jason especially impressed all of us with his expert ability to maneuver the Vacoa into a tight harbor slip at our departure, made us all proud seeing the onlookers nod with admiration at his abilities.
Angie is an amazing Chef and first mate sailor. She was very attentive to ensure everyone was happy and catered very carefully crafted interesting meal options to meet the special dietary needs of two of our guests. Angie created amazing meals and snacks that exceeded all our expectations. Angie’s relationships and knowledge of the BVI’s is second to no one.
Sylvia our stewardess was very pleasant and created a happy, fun environment for us all. Sylvia made a great connection with all our guests and we were thrilled she was part of our crew.
The Vacoa was a very spacious yacht. We had 10 guests (5 couples) in our charter and we all found the Vacoa to have ample space for group activities and lots of options to just hang out with our significant other. We all loved the upper deck lounging area as our favorite hangout. The cabins were very spacious and the beds very comfortable. The Vacoa was very clean and a well maintained vessel, the Air Conditioning in the cabins worked very well.
Angie is a rock star Chef. She created very healthy and extremely tasty meals that were enjoyed by all! Angie also tailored the menu to two of our guest’s special dietary needs.
The islands we visited were all enjoyable and gave us a nice variety of what there is to see in the BVI’s. Our sail to Anegada was a highlight.
The Sailing Directions service was very good. We liked the flexibility to have each of our guests make payments directly. We will definitely consider Sailing Directions to help us with future charters.
Highly recommend Vacoa and her crew for family or adult charters. They made our experience all it could have been!
Todd G, aboard Catamaran Sail Away, March 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic vacation aboard Amazing Lady with Roland and Vanessa!
The food was excellent, well presented and customized to our preferences. Vanessa is a great cook and Roland was a pro on the grill.
I would suggest people fly in and out of Tortola or another BVI airport instead of USVI. Doing so might save time going through customs at the start and at the end of the charter.
Each anchorage was unique and enjoyable. Beautiful!
Andrew R, aboard Catamaran Amazing Lady, March 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our crew, Jackson and Chelsea were fantastic. They were very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. They shared information about the islands and Chelsea's food was healthy and delicious.
Sweetest Thing was more spacious than we expected. It had A/C although we opted to keep our port hatches open for the fresh air. It was clean. We were traveling with 2 kids and it was nice they each had their own cabin and their own bathroom, each with a shower. The whole yacht was kept clean and tidy.
The food was perfect. We enjoyed every snack, entree and dessert. Chelsea always added a little something to add to the presentation. It matched our preferences perfectly.
The itinerary exceeded our expectations. We covered more territory than expected. We could relax comfortably in the sun or shade while sailing. And every stop had something a little different to offer. Jackson informed us of our choices and we were always happy we took his advice on what to do.
Thanks for your help. We had a fantastic trip!
Carolyn B, aboard Catamaran Sweetest Thing, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt and Kendra were amazing! They really took the time to plan a great itinerary taking into consideration what everyone wanted to do during the trip. There were 8 of us (4 couples) so there was a lot to consider. We've all done charters in BVI in the past and they did a great job ensuring that we saw some new places and were able to enjoy some of our favorite spots.
Matt is a very capable Captain and everyone felt safe with him at the helm. Kendra is a fantastic chef and the food she prepared was delicious! They both worked very hard to ensure everyone was taken care of and had a great time. They are such a hardworking crew. We were totally impressed.
Zephyr is a beautiful yacht. It was spotless and well ventilated. Everyone was incredibly comfortable. The outdoor seating was great and was so important to all of us. That is what really sold us on the Zephyr was the amount of great outdoor seating. You spend most of your time on deck and we wanted to be comfortable - and it was. There was plenty of space for all 8 of us whether we all wanted to be together or needed some downtime.
We appreciated the amenities the owners purchased. The memory foam on the beds, the Jura coffee maker, the paddleboards, kayaks, etc. The kitchen was so well equipped which made the meals Kendra prepared just amazing. Matt and Kendra kept the boat clean and organized throughout the trip.
Kendra did an amazing job of catering to everyone's likes/dislikes. Half the group are really picky eaters and they were very happy with the food and the extra time she took to ensure they ate well. Every meal was beautifully presented, and just delicious. We only ate dinner onshore once and it was not very good compared to Kendra's cooking.
Matt and Kendra did a great job taking us to places we have not seen before and were not crowded with tourists. They really paid attention to what we wanted to do and to see. We were 100% satisfied with our itinerary.
Sailing Directions did a great job thorough out the process. This trip on the Zephyr was amazingly relaxing and we did not have to think about anything, plan, cook, or clean. Matt and Kendra were so attentive, we ate so well and the bar was very well stocked.
Lindi R, aboard Catamaran Zephyr, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Tiger Lilly was spotless, well equipped with multiple toys, very well laid out on every level. Great cabins, comfy with lots of space and great ventilation and A/C.
Cameron was an absolute first class captain! Super professional, very experienced, very concerned that we all had everything we need, had fun showing the kids all about fishing and catching bait and was very helpful in the kitchen.
He took us to several new parts that we had not seen on our previous charters and took us to some old favorites.
Nikki was very friendly and she was always cleaning and tidying up. Her meals were very tasty and she really tried to make each of us something we enjoyed.
I have really enjoyed working with you, I appreciate how quickly you have dealt in getting back to me and helping to put together a fantastic last minute charter. I would be happy to work with you and Sailing Directions in the future.
Tzipora J, aboard Catamaran Tiger Lily Lagoon, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip was incredible.
Matt & Kendra could not have been more accommodating. Matt's sailing ability and knowledge was incredible, I felt extremely safe with him at the wheel. He amazed me at times maneuvering through some very busy moorings, what a pro! Kendra's cooking was awesome, so very good, perfectly presented. Kendra was more than accommodating and would go out of her way to ensure we were all well taken care of.
Zephyr was perfect, just what we had wanted. The upper deck seating was important to us and provided our group with a perfect place for friendly conversation, cocktails and sunning while we sailed. The rooms were spotless and air conditioned, we could not have asked for more.
The food was professionally prepared, Kendra is a pro. Her presentation of each meal was that of a 5 star restaurant. Kendra went out of her way to ensure that everyone had plenty to eat. Her appetizers were out of this world.
The itinerary that Matt planned for us was so much more than we expected, he went above and beyond. We wanted to see off the beaten path areas. Matt took us to places that were less traveled. Our favorite place was Anegada.
Cindy & Steve M
Lindi R, aboard Catamaran Zephyr, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
I could write a book on the week we spent aboard Castellina II. By far Captain Dawn Marie is an amazing person, woman and captain. My wife and I both feel like we have known her for years.
The Castellina II was beautiful inside and out. Captain Dawn Marie and Chef Reilly were a fantastic team. It was the perfect romantic getaway. Their attention to detail and ability to read our minds were surreal. They were taking care of our needs before we could even ask. They took us to all the normal sights one would expect. However, Captain Dawn Marie knew of secluded sights that allowed us to be by ourselves. We could not have asked for anything better.
Castellina II is a fantastic sailing catamaran. Very clean and comfortable. The air conditioning kept us cool throughout the day and especially at night. The front seating area was very inviting and we spent a lot of our evening enjoying either a glass of wine or cocktail with snacks just watching the sunset or just gazing up at the full moon.
It is hard for me to describe the food we enjoyed aboard the Castellina II. Five star all the way. From the eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce, lobster and steak dinner, or the meal they prepared and packed up for us along with wine to enjoy in a secluded location to celebrate our anniversary were all unbelievable. Each and every dish they prepared was exactly what my wife and I enjoy eating. The menu could not have been more customized than that.
In the end, it's just as every review has stated: "A trip of a lifetime".
Rollie T, aboard Catamaran Castellina II, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Saying was excellent. Very clean and maintained spectacularly. Great sailing experience. We were one of very few beating upwind effectively through bigger seas and bigger winds.
Food was very good, timely prep around our schedule and served and cleared with a smile and little else to disturb out party which was appreciated and conscientious. Very attentive to our desires.
The mooring locations were gorgeous.
David C, aboard Sailing Yacht Sayang, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a wonderful time during our Virgin Islands cruise on R S Cape. David and Janice Walters were perfect hosts and did everything possible to make the trip enjoyable. David went above and beyond expectations by accompanying us on 3 hikes in the Virgin Island "mountains". Janice is wonderful company and a great Chef. We hope to connect with them again.
Ron W, aboard Catamaran R S Cape, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew, Roy, Roberta and Jim were excellent. Roy knew his way around and had many good suggestions. Roberta was amazing the way she could cook and cater to everybody's needs and Jim was great he knows boating and was EXCELLENT with servicing all of us.
The boat was great, not too fancy to use and had all the amenities we could ask for, we used the whole boat, it was very comfortable, my favorite was top deck but half the group liked the inner salon so it was perfect.
Roy was a big help with the itinerary, we told him certain places we wanted to see and do and he made it all happen as well as some great suggestions from him
I will do this charter again and will use Sailing Directions’ services as well as recommend to others.
Bob E, aboard Power Yacht Suite Life, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
You were great. The boat was great. Chelsea and Jackson - beyond words. My research was spot on, plus a million percent.
Stacey S, aboard Catamaran Sweetest Thing, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Chelsea and Jackson were beyond friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. From making sure all our favorite snacks were aboard, drinks cold, to listening to what kinds of activities we wanted to do and offering to make special stops along our planned itinerary or taking the kids for extended tubing rides.
Sweetest Thing was incredibly clean and well ventilated. We loved the back sun pad, the bean bags in front, the comfortable rooms, the lounge areas/tables. It was all great. But Jackson and Chelsea made it the best it could possibly be.
The food was incredible! We joked we were handing out Michelin stars. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and of course the desserts were all absolutely amazing. Just absolutely stunning! Incredible what Chelsea does in the small galley kitchen. I researched this aspect extensively, and her reputation is 100% accurate.
How to put into words. Best vacation ever. It was absolutely breathtakingly amazing! And when we saw something we wanted to experience – Jackson was quick to say: “would you like to stop and check it out?” Just perfect.
Sailing Directions was great. Incredibly responsive. Thanks for everything, John. Website was the best out there, in my opinion. The best search engine out there.
The kids had a marvelous time. Everyone had the best time. When this request for a review came in, the kids were quick to say: “Make sure you give Chelsea and Jackson the best for everything!” It was truly a spectacular experience.
Stacey S, aboard Catamaran Sweetest Thing, March 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew made the trip great. Highly recommend Paul and Isabella. Felt like a 5 star restaurant everyday.
Paul S, aboard Catamaran Something Wonderful, March 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a wonderful family trip & appreciate all that Ale & Kamille did to make our vacation memorable.
Ale & Kamille were friendly and accommodating throughout the trip, and we greatly appreciated all their attentive efforts to make us comfortable.
We loved Firefly and found it to be comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. Our favorite aspect of the yacht was the stern deck where we enjoyed many memorable meals and late-night card-playing.
Food was interesting, flavorful, well-presented, and mindful of our dietary needs and preferences. We very much appreciated our crew’s efforts to help us celebrate our son’s birthday aboard Firefly.
We enjoyed our itinerary and all the special anchorages and vistas.
We appreciate all the professionalism we experienced with Sailing Directions, and would recommend their service to others
Thank you so much! We enjoyed a memorable family vacation :-)
Christian K, aboard Catamaran Firefly, February 2017 sailing the Caribbean Leeward Islands
We went places that we have not been before including the Spanish Virgin Islands. Food was great. Grande Dame was very nice. Diego and Amber make the trip so much more fun.
Tom B, aboard Catamaran Grand Dame, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Best trip ever! Tyler and Kelsey were excellent. The food was incredible from start to finish. Both Tyler and Kelsey are fantastic chefs. Wouldn't change a thing. We enjoyed the room to spread out and enough privacy to get away.
Scott G, aboard Catamaran Better Days, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Andrew and Kailee made a great crew for our trip. They were very attentive and accommodating and very knowledgeable about the area. Kestrel was very comfortable and clean. We were amazed at the size of our suites. The food was definitely enjoyable and well presented. Kailee is an awesome chef.
This trip as been on the top of my bucket list for 25 years and it did not disappoint. My fellow travelers commented that it was much better than they expected.
Maryanne S, aboard Catamaran Kestrel, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matthias & Amber are wonderful people. Helpful, friendly, always kept an eye on all of us when we were snorkeling the reefs and wrecks, made great suggestions for shore excursions and even organized a trip with a driver for us on Virgin Gorda. Amber is a five star chef with incredible meals as well as an experienced bartender who makes fabulous drinks.
Loved the fact Antillean had air conditioning. Beautiful interior, exceptionally clean and well maintained. We did spend all our waking time on deck though. The scenery in the islands is exceptional. So much uninhabited space is a nice change from other island destinations I've visited in the past.
The food was fabulous. Amber would have customized but all of us wanted to see what she would fix next. Definitely say yes to dessert!
Nice combination of deserted bays and shore destinations like Bitter End Yacht Club and the Wonky Dog on Anegada. We rented a car on Anegada and spent some time on Cow Wreck Beach. That's a must do if you go to Anegada which is a much shorter sail (a little over two hours) than I originally thought when I looked at a map.
If a party of four or less is going to the BVI's don’t even consider any other yacht and crew. I've chartered before but nothing like this!
Barbara L, aboard Sailing Yacht Antillean, February 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our group of 8 had a wonderful time! Gareth showed us his sailing expertise, which everyone loved! The food, honestly was out of this world delish! We snorkeled, dove, shopped, hiked, paddle boarded, ate and drank our way through the BVI! Both Kristine and Gareth were always up for anything and always smiling! We kept referring to the BVI as a Disneyland for adults! The Xenia 74 is the most beautiful, well-kept catamaran!
The food was seriously amazing!! I can’t have gluten and one other guest couldn’t have sulfites and Kristine did a great job accommodating everyone.
Gretchen G, aboard Catamaran Xenia 74, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Hi John we had an amazing time with Wayne and Emily aboard Mana, they are great people and I am so glad we picked them to sail with. The trip totally exceeded my expectations, the diving was awesome, food was incredible boat was perfect. I can’t say enough about how accommodating Wayne and Emily were I would absolutely recommend them to anyone thinking about sailing the BVI or anywhere. You definitely steered us in the right direction with Mana. Thanks again!!!
Tyler A, aboard Catamaran Manna, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We LOVED IT. Matt and Kendra are INCREDIBLE! We left being great friends and want to book with them next year. The boat is awesome perfect.
Jimmy S, aboard Catamaran Zephyr, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a wonderful trip. Joseph and Britta were awesome. They far exceeded our expectations. We could not ask for a better crew. The yacht was also great. Every detail was covered. Our favorite part of the yacht was the crew. Don’t get me wrong the yacht was great, but Britta and Joseph added such a personal touch for the whole event.
The food was spectacular. We ate every meal on board. We could not bring ourselves to eat anywhere except on board the Dianna Rose. We have been to the Virgin Islands several times and for the first time we actually had a culinary experience. The venues and voyage itself was also superior.
The crew was very accommodating with our desires. The whole experience was a 10 out 10. We would certainly recommend you, Sailing Directions, and the crew of the Dianna Rose. We will certainly utilize you in the future and recommend your organization.
Thanks so much for your assistance and making this trip a great success.
Shannon B, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Rebecca and Theunis were wonderful! We can’t say enough about how well they took care of us. I’m sure it’s a little more challenging when there are only two guests to strike the right balance between attentiveness and alone time, but they were spot on. We never felt smothered or ignored. While the Elysium is equipped with all the toys one could ask for and both T and Rebecca are active outdoor types, we really just wanted to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and tranquility of the trip. Never did we feel pressured to don the scuba gear or rush off to another excursion. They instinctively sensed just the right amount of pace we were looking for.
Every stop was great and we never stayed anywhere longer or shorter than we would have liked.
The master suite was extremely comfortable and we didn’t have to adjust our sleep to a smaller bed than we have at home. The flybridge offered great views throughout the trip.
The food was incredible. Rebecca prepared a variety of outstanding dishes that we want the recipes for! The timing of the meals was always perfect – we never felt rushed or like we were starving. Rebecca and T quickly adjusted the quantity of food (smaller portions) to our liking and once I told them how much I love bacon with breakfast I never went without.
Scott K, aboard Catamaran Elysium, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt, Hillary & Richard exceeded our expectations and we couldn't have asked for a better crew.
Everything was lovely aboard the yacht and the water pressure in the showers was especially impressive compared to other boats we have been on.
The food was delicious. We asked the chef to make his favorite dishes and he did. The food was wonderful!
Will definitely contact Sailing Directions when we are ready to do another sailing trip and we have already recommended you to our friends.
Machie M, aboard Catamaran Lady Katlo, February 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The service quality was excellent and the food even better! The boat was very clean and in great repair.
John, you were extremely helpful and prompt. I could not have ask for better service. I would use Sailing Directions again without hesitation!
Brian R, aboard Catamaran Lolalita, February 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We've had a couple of great crews on our previous charters but Nathan & Penny were even better. Penny is an outstanding chef and the food was the best we've had on a charter. Everything was well presented and tasted amazing. The menu was perfectly suited to our preferences. We enjoyed our entire trip and Nathan was able to take us to a few places we hadn't seen previously.
Amara was extremely comfortable and clean. It's hard to pick a favorite aspect of the yacht. The cockpit was better for serving 10 people and the daybeds on the foredeck were a nice feature but the fly-bridge really stood out. We hadn't had a fly-bridge previously and we spent a lot of time there, especially when we were sailing.
Ken R, aboard Catamaran Amara, January 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Ben is a great captain and dive master. Took us to best sites possible and was very informative about each dive and location we visited. Elizabeth was superb in spoiling us with her cuisine and overall attentive service throughout the trip.
We had a very nice and relaxing time island hopping in the BVIs. Good times, super relaxing, and great cuisine while island hopping in paradise. What more could we ask for?
Kelly H, aboard Catamaran Sea Anemone, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Sam and Rose could not have been nicer or more accommodating to our group. From the moment we stepped on board we felt at home. They provided the perfect amount of 5 star service. Sam is the perfect captain, always finding the best snorkeling spots and getting there at the right time. We felt very safe with him. And Rose' chef skills are actually unbelievable. We had a somewhat varied group with their likes and dislikes. Rose pleased everyone! And 3 weeks after our trip we are still missing her meals! We thought we'd be having more meals on shore during our charter but honestly we never wanted to leave the boat! We felt like we made great friends over the week.
Blue Moon was perfect for our group. The bedrooms were surprisingly spacious and the various decks and seating areas had more than enough room for 5 adults! We could spread out in our own areas or socialize together. There were also plenty of shady areas to get out of the sun. The air conditioning worked perfectly. The rooms were cleaned every day, with an occasional towel animal left on our bed! We loved the rafts and floats and didn't use the other stuff but could have.
We are still all talking about the meals! We really couldn't believe what Rose made in that kitchen. Everything was made from scratch, every sauce, marinade, pastry, bread. We felt very spoiled. We felt healthy after our week on board. Even with the added rum punches and painkillers! The meals were beautiful works of art, we took pictures of most of it (and Sam's napkin folding!). Just can't say enough about it!
The itinerary was absolutely perfect! We did so much more than we expected. It was nice not having to make too many decisions on where to go. We just went where Sam and Rose felt we would have fun! They were spot on - a perfect mix of snorkeling spots, beach bars, floating on the raft areas, the secluded beaches of Anegada. Amazing! They had organized a rental car there and Rose took us around the island. Things like that really made the difference. We were spoiled in a way we weren't used to.
100% happy with Sailing Directions! And I have already recommended you all to others. Just a 5 star service. Always emailed me back within a few hours.
This was our first charter and we were nervous with all the unknowns, but after this experience with Sam and Rose on Blue Moon we are absolutely considering another trip.
At each beach bar or restaurant we went to, we would strike up conversation with other sailors and charter captains. Every person told us how lucky we were to be on Blue Moon with Sam and Rose! And we knew that as well. But to have that wonderful reputation around the islands is such a tribute to their hard work and desire to provide people a trip of a lifetime! We hope we have more than one trip with them!
Caroline S, aboard Catamaran Blue Moon, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jacek and Maya were wonderful. They worked so hard to keep us entertained, comfortable, explaining any aspect of the boat and the surrounding areas. They were knowledgeable of the islands, their history, fun facts, wild life and of course of sailing.
I never expected them to help with our kids, 7 and 9. They were like Auntie and Uncle by the end of our trip. They both interacted with my kids like they were family. They introduced us to playing Farkel, a dice game. We played almost every night and had a blast.
Every destination, Jacek made sure we were comfortable ashore. If it was an area that he felt there was a tour involved, he would accompany us to show us around while Maya stayed onboard cleaning and getting our next meal prepared. Every time we came back onboard the boat was spotless! We shared stories and really got to know each other. I can't image having a different crew with us for a week. We really enjoyed Maya and Jacek's company!
Maya really got a good feel for how my kids ate and what we liked. Every day it was something new at every meal. Every meal was very delicious, healthy and plenty for us. She went out of her way to have a variety and accommodate my daughter's gluten free diet.
Karen T, aboard Catamaran Loveboat, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Trip was great. Had a wonderful time.
Crew was delightful. Very friendly and accommodating. Easy to live with.
Boat was well maintained and quite spacious which was the best part.
Isabella did a great job with food selections and preparation.
Rick C, aboard Catamaran Something Wonderful, January 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Deirdre G, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had the most AMAZING experience!
One expects their crew to be competent and knowledgeable but William and Kim were leagues above our expectations. Beyond their exceptional professionalism, we found them to be friendly, engaging, intelligent and versed in dozens of topics and interests. They stunned our family with their talents and we found them to be highly inspirational and encouraging for us to further develop some new-found interests we discovered while onboard.
William and Kim lovingly maintain and care for the yacht. It is tastefully appointed. We loved the trampoline area with the beanbags and seating where we could enjoy the wind, water and sailing!
Kim's culinary abilities rival that of any fine restaurant chef. There was not one thing that wasn't to our liking and I think she had the keen ability to quickly dial-in to our preferences and tastes and matched them flawlessly. She graciously shared tips and recipes as well. The food was simply spectacular.
Our itinerary was flexible based on our interests and conditions. We actually liked that each day was a little bit of a surprise with new adventures. We were extremely pleased that William was willing to change up our schedule a bit to accommodate an extra unplanned day of kiteboarding.
We would have never found this charter without the aid of your website. William and Kim speak highly of your company and the service you provide- we couldn't agree more. We liked the uniformity in presenting the charter options so that we could evenly and consistently compare options. We will definitely highly recommend your website to our friends and family.
Kim R, aboard Catamaran Invictus, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jeff & Caitlin were fantastic. Caitlin guided us on several snorkels. Great food. As good as the boat was, the crew was the boat’s best feature.
One person in our group can't have cheese so each meal they created special variation for her. Even baked cake the last morning so we could have "cake by the sea".
Really can't think of a single thing I would change with Sailing Directions’ service.
Don D, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, January 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our vacation was amazing. Jim and Amanda were so much fun. There aren't many people that can keep up with our family's sense of humor -but Jim - well he sure did! He felt like part of our family.
Amanda did an amazing job with the vast requests of foods-thanks! Catamaran vacations are definitely our family's favorite - I can't say enough about the experiences we had with Jim and Amanda!
Lisa M, aboard Catamaran Copper Penny, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We loved Ben and Rachel and felt that we hit the jackpot with them. What a great fit for our family. We had an amazing experience and they were a big part of that. We all learned so much and enjoyed the adventure! We would have "family meetings' to plan each day and we usually went with Ben and Rachel's suggested options which were all fabulous. We felt at ease immediately and fell right into our Caribbean adventure. We snorkeled, hiked, yoga, paddle boarded, survived a few intense squalls, relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Yoga with Rachel was amazing; she treated us to yoga several mornings.
Soterion was beautiful and clean. Rachel and Ben take impeccable care of Soterion!
The food was delicious and just the right amount! Rachel's presentations were stunning. She uses fresh and healthy ingredients and just seems to read our minds on when and what we needed! Happy hour was fun with exotic drinks and fun treats!
The itinerary was perfection! Jost Van Dyke was a bit crazy and crowded but we requested to go there. The other moorings were stunning and Ben would find just the right spot! Many times we felt as though we were the only ones there!
It was one of those lifetime dreams come true!! Perfect combo of relaxation, nature, action, amazing meals and fun!
Chuck F, aboard Catamaran Soterion, January 2017 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Sam & Rosemary did an amazing job and we were so happy that they were our Captain and Chef. Sam was so accommodating to our water activities especially taking our Daughter and Son-in-law scuba diving several times and at night. He took us to some of the best beaches and bars so now we have many fond memories to enjoy. He seems to be well respected by his peers and a very seasoned Captain. We have never seen two people work so hard, from morning to late night. If we ever do this again they would be our first choice for a crew.
Blue Moon is a beautiful boat, very clean, nicely decorated. We felt like we could have our own space at times to go read, relax and be alone or watch Sam sail the boat. As far as a best feature of the catamaran, we felt all the water activities that we were able to enjoy were amazing and the bedrooms were very comfortable. Slept like babies!
We can't say enough about Rosemary's menus and how she accommodated all our dietary needs from Vegans to meat lovers. Having to cook two different meals for every setting was telling of a wonderful cook. Her homemade cinnamon rolls were to die for and she even made them vegan so we all could enjoy them. So many delicious meals that we all gained some weight but it was well worth it. Like being at a 5 star restaurant! THANKS ROSEMARY!
John at Sailing Directions was always available to talk to and answered all our questions.
Sam and Rosemary were in constant contact with us before our sail to make sure they had all our requests and needs fulfilled. Thanks to Sam and Rosemary for taking us to the best spots in the BVI's!
Jane V, aboard Catamaran Blue Moon, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
We found Doug and Carolyn to be VERY knowledgeable, friendly, attentive and accommodating. They were very flexible with our day to day plan and route. Our request to surf when the swell was appropriate was fulfilled with a flexible schedule. They made sure we saw the sights that they thought would interest us and they were spot on!
Alternate Latitude was comfortable, clean and well ventilated. We enjoyed the “trampoline” area at the bow and the addition of the bean bag chairs was a nice touch. We spent a lot of time at the outdoor table towards the stern which was nice.
The food was amazing! We kept asking Carolyn how she made this and that! She took pride in her work and you could tell. It was perfect and flexible, as well, as the week went on.
The early assistance with trying to find a boat was very helpful and all communication was clear.
We would definitely recommend Alternate Latitude with Doug and Carolyn. They make a great team! Doug was a very competent captain and we always felt that our family was safe while he was at the helm. Carolyn, amazing chef, scheduler and go to! They do make a great team! They were indeed interested in making sure that we were looked after and provided as many choices as possible to explore.
Hans W, aboard Catamaran Alternate Latitude, January 2017 sailing the Virgin Islands
The trip was amazing and beyond! We loved it!!!
Thank you for guiding us to choose the Xenia 74 for our recent trip to the BVIs. We had the best time and it was truly our best family vacation ever! Our kids are still asking daily when we are going on another Xenia vacation! We can’t wait to book again. The boat was gorgeous, the crew exceptionally gracious and knowledgeable and the food was inventive and simply delicious!
Joia K, aboard Catamaran Xenia 74, December 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
We loved Steve and Bonnie they were perfect and the yacht was perfection. We loved everything including the puppy, Sailor. The food was excellent every meal was great and we had plenty of snacks.
Sailing Directions made this experience easy. I, like most people, have a crazy busy schedule and having everything handled took the stress out of planning the trip.
We feel in love with experience. Best vacation ever and we can't wait until we get to sail again.
Christy W, aboard Catamaran Paradigm Shift, December 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jason G, aboard Catamaran Frangines, November 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Nina C, aboard Catamaran Amazing Lady, November 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Brendon & Anastasia were an awesome crew and we clicked immediately.
The food was probably the highlight of the charter. Anastasia is an incredible chef (not just cook). She took our requests and nailed it.
We saw everything we asked for and even a few new spots that were really cool. The channel beside Lovango Cay was incredible. Great breeze, awesome snorkeling. Redid our 25th anniversary wedding vows on beach at Hawksnest - complete surprise for all. Brandon and Anastasia helped coordinate flowers, video, stand-in best man..
Sailing Directions was a great liaison, worked on making it affordable, paperwork was easy and communications were great whenever I had questions either online or phone. Keep up the great work!
Mark F, aboard Catamaran Pisces, August 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew was friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. I cannot sing my praises high enough for Adam and Tina. Adam was a highly skilled captain with excellent knowledge of the area we cruised. He knew when and where to go for drift snorkeling, and as a result our snorkeling experience was better than any previous trip. Tina was a friendly and joyful host.
The Rubicon was comfortable, clean and well ventilated. I liked the fact that each cabin had its own head. The Rubicon was the perfect mix of performance and comfort.
Tina was a great hostess and cook. I ate better on the boat than I eat at home. Tina manages the difficult mix of preparing food the tastes, great but is healthy as well. I usually put on weight during vacation and did not on this one, but I ate like a king. Fresh baked bread,muffins and much more.
The Exumas this time of year is just amazing. I have traveled the Caribbean for many years and the best beaches and water is in the Exumas. The crew has cruised these waters for many years and they have extensive knowledge of where to go and what to do. Adams was well connected with the local people and this made for a great experience. A real bonus of going this time of year (July) is that no one is there. We had all the beaches and anchorages to ourselves.
Very happy with Sailing Directions’ service.
Ernie L, aboard Catamaran Rubicon, July 2016 sailing the Exumas
Paul & Isabella were wonderful. Very professional and knowledgeable. They made our vacation a memorable one.
Something Wonderful is beautiful. Clean, great layout. Love the light grey tones. Very serene.
Super impressed with the food. Bella is extremely talented. There was not a meal that we didn't enjoy. It was actually hard to pick just one as our favorite.
We loved the itinerary in the BVIs. Had a good mix of beach and snorkeling and watersports.
John at Sailing Directions did a great job of getting back to us with any questions we had before and after booking. Very professional.
We had been looking forward to going back to the BVIs with our kids since we loved it so much the first time we went. It was as beautiful as we remembered. Our children really enjoyed the vacation. Great family time. The boat was even nicer in person than online. It is very spacious. Has plenty of space to get sun if that's what you want or shade if you prefer. The fly bridge is incredible. Gives you so much extra room to lounge around. The color scheme is very soothing. It is super well-kept and clean.
Paul and Bella are incredibly professional, friendly, attentive and accommodating. They made our vacation memorable from start to finish. Paul is very knowledgeable of the islands. We loved everywhere he suggested we try. Bella is an incredibly talented chef. Every meal was amazing. We looked forward eagerly to each one and to this day have a hard time picking our favorite. If we were to return to the BVI's again we would without hesitation book Something Wonderful. My suggestion to anyone looking to charter. Look no further. Book this boat ASAP. You will not regret it.
Patty M, aboard Catamaran Something Wonderful, July 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Yes Dear was extremely well maintained and the cabins far more spacious than I had anticipated. Our family enjoyed most of our time on the yacht either sunning on foredeck or relaxing in the shade at the stern.
The crew were hospitable, welcoming, friendly and professional. Hanrie’s mastery in the galley was amazing. Each meal (and hors d’oeuvre) was a creation.Christiaan was flexible and attentive to our preferences.
Sailing Directions was very accommodating, particularly in light of the various modifications we needed to make to our itinerary and dealing professionally and courteously with a last minute cancellation. I would recommend Sailing Directions and Yes Dear without reservations
Bruce P, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, July 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The most wonderful, inspiring and peaceful vacation. Thanks for the amazing hospitality and kindness of Amber & Diego - they're like family. Food = Fabulous. Fun = Diego taking the kids knee boarding and exploring the deep blue.
The knowledge they both have of the local customs, culture and wild life only enhanced out love of this trip. Thank you for spoiling us!
Kirk S, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, July 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jenny and Jaco were the best crew that we've ever had. They were beyond accommodating, paying close attention to everyone's preferences regarding everything from the day's planned activities to each meal's preparation. Without gushing, I'll just say that they exceeded our expectations in every way.
A2 was very clean and nothing was ever out of place. My favorite aspect was the fly bridge, it had shade for those of us people with fair skin and an ample seating area for us all to be together.
Jenny food was beautifully presented and delicious. She paid close attention to everyone's food preferences, sometimes serving three different entrees to accommodate everyone. She did it graciously, never acting like it was an inconvenience to her. She prepared every dish perfectly, especially the duck. It was perfectly seasoned and cooked. She even surprised us with flavor combinations that we had never had before, which is hard to do considering that we own a restaurant. Her food was better than anything that we could get in any restaurant in the BVIs.
They made sure that everyone's wants and needs were met. Some of us wanted to swim, others wanted to snorkel, others wanted to do water sports, and others wanted to get off the boat and visit bars or play bocce. They made sure that everyone was happy and got to do the activities that they wanted.
Jenny is the best chef we've had on 8 charter cat trips. Jaco and Jenny would definitely be our preference for crew on future charters.
Bill G, aboard Catamaran A2, June 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Jose & Pixie were AWESOME. The menu exceeded our expectations. Pixie was amazing. Very happy with service from Sailing Directions.
Robert W, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, June 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise! Grayson and Kat are such a cute couple. We felt like we were in very capable hands throughout the trip. The food was plentiful and delicious. Boat was in good condition and very comfortable. I would definitely recommend them! Thank you for all your help in matching us up with the perfect cruise!
Wendy C, aboard Catamaran Great Adventure, June 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Erin and Luke were GREAT!!! They worked non-stop to make sure we were having the time of our life. It was hard to say goodbye.
Raven is a really nice boat. Very comfortable and clean.
It was a great vacation and one our kids will carry with forever.
Stanley C, aboard Catamaran Raven, June 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Amazing! Far exceeded expectations! The boat was awesome!
The vacation was PERFECT. Matt and Hillary are the perfect couple. We called them Ken and Barbie. Never been treated better!!! Chef Rich was incredible also. Best food in our lives. Really! We all agreed that Rich was the best chef ever!
Daniel F, aboard Catamaran Lady Katlo, May 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Everything about our week was beyond all expectations!
As a group we were beyond happy with the crew. What a team! Great at what they do. Fun loving, friendly, went above and beyond to make our trip all it could be and more. Nathan's dry humor was so enjoyable. Great job of daily cleaning and temperature control. Upper deck was wonderful. Water toys great.
Penny is a tremendous cook and did a great job with our preferences. Rave reviews for quality, imagination and presentation. It's obvious she loves cooking.
Nathan was very accomplished in showing us areas we wanted to visit.
Two hundred per cent better than our previous mono hull sailing charter!
Mat S, aboard Catamaran Amara, May 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Robert G, aboard Catamaran Pisces, May 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were fantastic! David was very convivial and full of energy and Thryn was a great hostess and wonderful chef.
Elysium is beautiful and well-maintained. Very comfy beds. We loved that she was so well laid out. It never felt like we were in each other’s way onboard.
Food was unbelievably wonderful. Definitely customized, as we like spicy ethnic dishes and Thryn did quite a few of those for us!
We’d love to sail with David and Thryn again sometime in the future. l would definitely recommend Sailing Directions.
Susan B, aboard Catamaran Elysium, May 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
We all had amazing trip. Thanks again for all your help putting it together.
The crew was both great and very friendly and sailed us to all the great spots. I would easily recommend them for any charters. The food was incredible no complaints! We went to all the best spots. Peter Island Anedegan etc. This was my 3 time on a Privilege catamaran - they are the best.
Sailing Directions has been the best charter service I have used. Very fast responses. Thank you John for your superior customer service.
Bill T, aboard Catamaran Lady Dominique II, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Amazing Lady is gorgeous! Lived up to her name :) There were plenty of areas to lounge, it never felt crowded, even with nine ladies. My favorite part of the yacht was probably the trampolines in the front, but the area in front of the cockpit with the sails was also a favorite location for us to act as "sirens" :)
The crew were fantastic. Very friendly, professional and attentive.
The dining could have been our favorite part of the trip. Vanessa was FANTASTIC with her food preparation. She keenly took notice of our requests for healthy food, a lot of seafood, vegetables, her salads were just AMAZING. There was enough meat (and fantastic quality) for the carnivores to be happy as clams, too. There was not a single person unhappy with a single meal. We looked forward to the next meal at every moment!
We LOVE LOVE LOVED Roland and Vanessa. We wanted to bring them home with us! They were fun, provided fantastic service and took great care of us when we became out of control party animals :)
Christine M, aboard Catamaran Amazing Lady, April 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Ji, Jens and Flip Flop herself were phenomenal in every way. The five of us had the best trip of our lives and can't wait to return someday.
Meghan M, aboard Catamaran Flip Flop, April 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Nathan and Penny were perfect! We knew they would be great, but they exceeded our greatest expectations.
Amara was perfect! It is very spacious, with 3 completely different living areas: the bow, the fly bridge, and the stern. PLENTY of space to get away from the crowd if needed, but also plenty of space in each area for the whole group to hang out together
We are a five star meal three meals a day every day! The food definitely exceeded expectations. We had one gluten free, one dairy free, one both, and the other 5 with no specific dietary needs. And all 8 had one of the best meals we've ever had every single meal!
The itinerary was perfect (and seemed to be tailor made for us), and even when the weather or waves made Nathan change his plans the day was still perfect.
Sailing Directions did a great job of organizing our trip.
Everything was perfect! Definitely the best vacation ever!
Randy G, aboard Catamaran Amara, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We cannot rave enough about how amazing our vacation was!
Tyler and Kelsey were amazing! They were incredibly knowledgeable about the islands and were always willing to teach us about where we were. Tyler was an amazing dive master and helped us complete our open water certification. We always felt 100% safe with him and he was very patient and professional.
Kelsey was an incredible tour guide especially at the Baths where she took us into nooks and crannies we never would have found on our own. She was also a great photographer and took so many amazing pictures of our group. They were always attentive to our needs and we never had a need or a want left unmet.
The boat was perfect. We had concerns that it would not be big enough for our group of 5 before we left however we couldn't have been more wrong. The cabins were totally adequate and the commons areas were plenty big enough. The air conditioning in the cabins are night worked wonderfully. Our favorite aspects of the boat were the fresh water spigot on the back of the boat, the bean bags and chairs on the front of the boat and the video screen to watch movies or play video games on at night.
The food was absolutely incredible. We had previously wanted to dine ashore one night but after eating the amazing food we changed our minds and decided we would rather eat on board. Every meal was impeccably presented and tasted like gourmet restaurant quality. Every dessert was better than the night before. The menu was customized to our preferences and everyone was beyond satisfied at every meal even though we have different dietary preferences. Our food and alcohol preferences were met to complete satisfaction.
We loved the itinerary we sailed. We told Tyler and Kelsey the first day the few places that were a must to visit and then we told them to take us to their favorite spots, we were not disappointed. They showed us so many beautiful places and took us to amazing diving and snorkeling spots.
Sailing directions was always fast to respond to emails and they helped to recommend this boat for our group and we were not disappointed. We would defiantly use Sailing Directions again, John did an amazing job for us this time and I'm sure he would again!
We cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed our vacation. Sailing in the Virgin Islands is such an incredible and amazingly beautiful experience, doing it on a catamaran with Tyler and Kelsey as the crew makes it a world class vacation. There is nothing better than rolling over in bed in the morning to look out your porthole at the gorgeous turquoise waters then going to eat a deliciously prepared breakfast and spend the day exploring the islands!
Meredith M, aboard Catamaran Two If By Sea, April 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Absolutely excellent! Felicia is extremely comfortable. We liked the outside setting and "hang out" areas.
The food was 5 stars all the way, Julie is a phenomenal chef. Couldn't have been any better, we wanted for nothing. Chris & Julie are absolutely first class!
Tim M, aboard Catamaran Felicia, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
What can we say? You both made this week so amazing in every way - your hospitality, the food, showing us sights we had never seen before and many, many laughs! We will treasure these memories forever and we are so grateful for the chance to meet you two! Hope to see you again soon.
David F, aboard Catamaran Amazing Lady, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Scott and Renee were fabulous! Very friendly, very knowledgeable about the area and all the locations we visited. They attended to every need and anticipated our wants/needs. They planned out the perfect itinerary and made great suggestions for excursions/restaurants/bars, etc.
The boat was beautiful - very well maintained and clean. We loved the top deck area - we spent a lot of time up there.
The food was fantastic and beautifully presented. Truly a real chef experience. Renee went out of her way to ensure we all had what we liked and paid attention to our particular likes/dislikes. We did not have one bad meal. It was all fresh, tasty and almost too pretty to eat.
The itinerary was perfect! Just the right mix of action and relaxation and great snorkeling spots.
We were very happy with the service that we received from Sailing Directions.
Erin H, aboard Catamaran R S Cape, April 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our crew was extraordinary! They were an integral part of our trip and made the difference between an experience that went from good to exceptional. They were intuitive about how to engage with us, always available but never obtrusive.
Noam’s versatility and flexibility allowed him to tailor our experiences from extreme sports for a few of us, to scuba diving, snorkeling or just lounging for the rest.
Dalit was exceptional, her meals were on time, excellent, innovative and healthy (which is exactly what we had asked for in our request sheet). She also did little things that we wouldn’t have thought of (like pack us snacks while we were on the beach) or just make sure that we had plenty of champagne when were away from the boat. She got an ovation at every meal! We were always sated, but never stuffed. Our food was fresh, healthy and delicious.
My survey responses do not adequately reflect how much of an impact Noam and Dalit had on our cruise. There were so many ways and so many times that Noam and Dalit went above and beyond the call of duty that it would take several pages to enumerate everything that they did.
Alive was beyond comfortable! Before the cruise, I was concerned that we would be on top of each other, but my fears were assuaged as soon as we got on the boat. There was ample storage, amenities I certainly didn’t expect, and plenty of room to spread out on your own. My favorite aspect of the ship was spending time with Noam and Dalit sailing the boat. They were generous with their extensive knowledge and patient with my novice skills. I spent hours at the helm and loved every minute of it!
I loved the fact that we were off the beaten path. We would pull into a deserted bay that was breathtaking, drop anchor and spend the night. It was just incredible! Noam’s experience in area and ability to consider our preferences and the changing weather also made a huge difference.
Jason M.
Aaron M, aboard Catamaran Alive, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
When Noam and Dalit picked us up, they were immediately engaging and delightful. Their personalities and style fit our group just perfectly. Noam was extremely knowledgeable about the islands, was a master at determining where we should visit and on what day, and was also a skilled master diver. He shared his passion for sailing with us, and taught us about sailing throughout the week. We always felt protected and comfortable in Noam's care throughout the week, knowing that he was cautious and assessing the situations around us allowed the group to relax and let him take control. Noam always anticipated what the group may need (food, drink, adventure, exercise) and modified the days and the itinerary throughout the week to accommodate the group's vibe. It was perfect.
Dalit was also just as skilled at sailing, very knowledgeable about our destinations, and EXTREMELY skilled at her culinary creations. First, she has a delightful personality, to which we all loved immediately. Second, we anticipated and CRAVED Dalit's meals. We were in awe at how she could pull a very elegant meal together in a small kitchen, and with such efficiency! We absolutely devoured each and every morsel of her meals and to be frank, were extremely sad returning home without her :-) Like Noam, Dalit also anticipated the group's needs (snacks, drinks, music, etc.) and provided us with a delightful experience.
Alive was extremely comfortable, very clean and well ventilated. This was my husband's and my first trip on a catamaran for a full week. I was worried about feeling claustrophobic after staying on the boat for a week but never felt cramped or dirty. Dalit and Noam take care of the ship like it is their own, they kept it very clean, tidy and comfortable.
My favorite part of the yacht was the sun deck (for morning or evening sunrise/sunset) and the rear dining table for sharing memories or one of Dalit's amazing meals!
The meals were INCREDIBLE. We had asked that our meals be healthy and fresh. She delivered above and beyond. The menu was absolutely customized to meet our group's expectations.
While we had a list of "must do's" on the trip Noam was able to plan our itinerary depending up on the ability to sail, the crowds, wave pattern, etc. It was a delightful trip, great islands, and I cannot wait to return again!
Kelly & Stacy
Aaron M, aboard Catamaran Alive, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had the BEST time ever with Jean Yves aboard the Sasha. Chef Sylvia could not be there so Sonia joined us and the girls adored her. Our trip could not have been better.
The crew was amazing in every way. Sasha’s accommodations were fabulous, super clean and airy.
The menu was fabulous with all different kinds of foods and the kids also loved it.
Loved all the great places the crew took us, some popular places and some secret places too. Nice mix of diving, beach spots and others.
Thanks soooo much for everything.
Sandy S, aboard Catamaran Sasha, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Molly and Byron were great - very friendly, knowledgeable, fun and engaging. They very incredibly accommodating and they made the trip so fun.
Blossom was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. Our favorite aspect was the comfort and spaciousness. It was an added bonus that all sunscreen and shampoo/conditioners/soap was provided.
The food was delicious! We really liked all the meals - plenty of snacks, many of them healthy. Molly is an excellent chef!
Byron took us to many interesting places - many a bit out of the normal tourist areas.
Molly and Byron were really great - they seemed to know when to be available and when to let us be - we enjoyed playing games with them and talking to them about all of their different experiences. They were really good with our two teenage boys as well.
We were very happy with Sailing Direction’s service - any issues that came up were addressed quickly. All questions were answered immediately.
John H, aboard Catamaran Blossom, April 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our trip was incredible and Christiaan and Hanrie were amazing hosts!! We had a terrific trip!
Yes Dear was very clean and well organized! Our favorite aspect of the yacht was that there were so many places for our group to relax. We had a large group and everyone was comfortable.
The food was absolutely beautifully presented, creative and delicious! Our group was blown away by the meals Hanrie could create in her little kitchen!
Christiaan did a great job of reading our group, listening to our needs and preparing a sailing itinerary that worked well with the weather. We felt like we were in very good hands with Christiaan at the helm!
Elizabeth H, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, April 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Ryan, Veronika and Justin were a great team and couldn't do more for us.
Split Second was spotlessly clean. The fly bridge was definitely the favorite aspect, although the younger members of our party loved the seats on the bow.
Veronika's culinary skills were excellent and the food was always well presented. She customized the menu according to our individual tastes and we always left her with clean plates!
The itinerary was perfect for our family - from deserted beaches to lively bars.
Sailing Directions helped make our vacation one we will never forget.
Mary W, aboard Catamaran Twin Flame, March 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
It will be hard to accurately put into words, the incredible performance of both Ryan and Dani on our trip. I know I speak for everyone when I say that every aspect of the trip was a success because of them. Between Ryan's calm and professional demeanor as captain and Dani's outstanding work as chef and fist mate, we all had the best time on this vacation. Every member of our party would be happy to give glowing recommendations to this crew.
This is no exaggeration when I say, anyone looking to charter a crew in the BVI would be hard pressed to find a better crew than Ryan and Dani Querry. No one in our entire party would even have the smallest complaint about the way they took care of us. 5 stars on every level.
The boat itself was clean and well maintained.
The food far exceeded all of our expectations. Besides tasting incredible, Dani's presentations resembled eating at a five star restaurant each day. All of us begged for her recipes and plan on cooking them at home. Dani's cooking was the highlight of the trip. Every day she surprised us with her meals and appetizers.
Our pre-planning and preparation with Sailing Directions was perfect. Everything went according to plan.
Ryan and Dani are the best kept secret of the BVI charter crews. Look no further if you need a crew. You just found the best.
Ron S, aboard Catamaran Frangines, March 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Kestrel was very clean and comfortable - extremely well maintained. The cabins were very comfortable, spacious and well appointed. Loved the comfortable cushions on the front of the boat where we sat to sail.
The crew were friendly and helpful. Kailee reached out before charter to be sure she had all the information to accommodate a severe tree nut allergy. They did a nice job balancing our privacy and family time with being attentive and social.
Outstanding food and, as mentioned, Kailee worked very hard to insure no nuts in any dish. I loved the food fairy that came at each day with delicious meals
We hit all the major spots with a few secret coves and spots that Andrew let us in on.
This was a very easy process and John helpful with all my questions, helping us narrow down to a boat that would work best for our needs within the time frame and budget we needed.
This was our first experience in both the Caribbean and on a charter. We’ve set the bar high for future vacations!
Susan C, aboard Catamaran Kestrel, March 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew, Peter & Colleen were great! Madiba was well maintained. Food was excellent, presentation was great. Very pleased with the trip.
Jeff W, aboard Catamaran Madiba, March 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Winston C, aboard Catamaran Something Wonderful, March 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had an amazing week. Everything was better than could have imagined. Thank you for all your assistance in setting us up with the perfect yacht and crew. I can’t think of any way you could improve.
Both Jack and Cayley were tremendous. Not only did they make us feel welcome but they also created a fun environment in which any questions and or suggestions were met with excitement and insight. The perfect crew for our family.
Raven is an outstanding boat. Clean, roomy and well maintained. Favorite aspect – comfort and ease in living on the boat. We lacked nothing and never felt cramped or that something was lacking.
Cayley never presented any meal, snack and or appetizer that was not well thought out, prepared and presented. Every meal she prepared was outstanding, we actually preferred to eat on the boat versus off. She made every meal special.
The itinerary was excellent and had enough flexibility that we made small changes on the fly based on crew suggestions. Everything they suggested was added to our overall experience.
Jack and Cayley are the perfect hosts that made our trip a once in a lifetime experience. The Raven was a special boat that provided the amenities and luxury you hope for when booking a trip like this.
Lyle W, aboard Catamaran Raven, March 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a wonderful trip. Aileen and Dave were incredible Captain, cook and host. I would highly recommend them. The boat was clean and perfectly suited for our crew. Plenty of room to spread out and get your own space. Dave takes his cooking very seriously and put on some incredible meals. He was also very flexible in the menu but everything he made was top shelf. Also the itinerary was great and very flexible. They were very knowledgeable of the area. They are also great swimmers and took us to some really great snorkeling spots and swam with us which made it fun. I would highly recommend them and Moun Beu.
Sailing Direction's services were great and flawless.
James F, aboard Catamaran Moun Beu, March 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew was fantastic. Bastiaan is extremely sociable, knowledgeable, and overall just fun to be with. Christina is great too. She was a bit quiet to start, but after a couple days was talkative and less reserved. They were both always attentive and were good listeners – about asking what we’d like to see, do, eat and drink. There was never a request that wasn’t met, and with joy!
The dives and snorkeling were great fun. In particular, I appreciated that Bastiaan wanted to make sure we had a good experience. For example, at one dive site we were planning, we snorkeled over it first and after consulting with Bastiaan, we decided it wasn’t worth it and held off for a different spot. That was indicative of the trip - Bastiaan and Christina really wanted us to enjoy ourselves and maximize the week, not just a “check this box” approach to filling our time.
Mimbaw is a good yacht. It’s comfortable and well-laid out. This was our second trip on Mimbaw (different crew the first time), and it felt good to be back “home” for the week.
The food was very good. Breakfast was fairly standard, by request – bread, fruit, coffee, etc. One morning we were in the mood for eggs and bacon, which were provided no problem. Another morning, Bastiaan headed out on the dingy early in the morning and returned with some fresh pastries from the local French bakery. Each lunch and dinner was a good meal – hearty and eclectic. The risotto inside pineapple was especially memorable, as was the grilled lobster. And Bastiaan hooked us up with a local who provided fresh conch that we took back to the boat for lunch. That was a nice surprise after a long day of hiking.
Sailing around St. Maarten-St. Barths is a little different from the Bahamas or BVI. There is actually a lot of sailing to be done! On that level, this trip was different from others we’ve gone on. The plus side is sailing is relaxing and enjoyable. The downside – a couple long stretches of rough seas! But this was a good place to be in part because it offers such a different experience.
John at Sailing Directions is fantastic. He makes chartering easy, from matching up with boat/crew, to taking care of all the business details. And he answers emails with hours (if not sooner), no matter how big/little the question. I’m not sure when he sleeps! We’ve done three with Sailing Directions already, and expect #4 once we know our schedule for 2017.
Stephen S, aboard Catamaran Mimbaw, March 2016 sailing the Caribbean Leeward Islands
Marcus and Risa were the best crew we could have imagined! They made our stay very special. This vacation will definitely stay in our mind!
Karizma was comfortable, clean and ventilated: all of it, yes! Marcus & Risa cleaned up during the week, for example when we were all snorkeling in the water, by the time we came back to the boat everything was cleaned up. During the sailing we stayed at the front in the morning / evening more in the back of the yacht. Every location was really nice. In addition we liked the fact that every bedroom had its own bathroom.
We enjoyed every meal prepared by Risa! She is very professional and was a brilliant cook! We were always looking forward to breakfast / lunch / dinner time. Risa always asked if there is something somebody doesn't like and customized the dishes, it was great!
Marcus & Risa included us in the planning of the route and islands we want to go according to our preferences (more party vs more quiet). They recommended us to go up to Anegada (which we did) and it was actually our favorite island!
John, it was great to have you as a fast responding partner at any time for all kinds of questions! Thanks a lot!
Just want to highlight once again that Marcus & Risa did an incredible job. Marcus was always open minded in some action (riding the hot dog, dive board) and he sailed us every day in a great mood to great places! Risa cooked everyday awesome dishes, helped Markus, told us the best places. They were both a great company! We would love to spend another vacation with them!
Anika J, aboard Catamaran Karizma, March 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
The boat was perfect for our group. Richard is the best of the best of any captain I have ever been around and Adele is a beautiful person with the greatest of skills and her food, preparation etc. is first class. We all had a great week and thank you for helping us secure the charter.
Kenneth J, aboard Catamaran The Cure, March 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were great!! Nana is comfortable and we enjoyed eating at the outside table for meals. Food was amazing! Tara did a wonderful job customized to our preferences.
You were very helpful and made it easier for us to book this trip.
Suzanne S, aboard Catamaran Nana, March 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Diego & Amber were they friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating. Although we did not have any real menu requests Amber listened to the conversations and adapted food choices and ingredients daily based on what we were saying. Top notch
I have been a lot of places in the Virgin Islands and Diego managed to bring us to places every day that I have never been (every day - not just once!).
I would recommend Diego, Amber and the Diana Rose to anyone. I also think you could tell families that these two would be wonderful for people with kids. I think Diego’s humor and energy and Amber’s ability to adapt to different personalities kids would have a blast.
Tom B, aboard Catamaran Dianna Rose, February 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jos and Chrizaan were amazing. They were very knowledgeable about the BVI and we did at least 3 or 4 different things each day. They were extremely pleasant and accommodating to all members of our party. The crew can make an enormous difference to the success of your week and our week was the very best.
Xenia was immaculate and very well cared for. The rooms were very spacious and there was a great back deck where we ate all our meals. Loved the separate showers for each room. King and Queen beds were awesome. The boat was very quiet, you couldn't hear stuff going on up on the decks in your bedroom.
Chrizaan is an amazing chef. Every meal was delicious and looked amazing. We all felt like we were dining in a five star restaurant each meal. She cooked all our favorite things.
We feel like we saw everything we wanted to see. Each day was customized by captain Jos to our desires.
John N, aboard Catamaran Xenia, February 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Ben and Rachel were the best, better than we could have even imagined! They are extremely knowledgeable, fun and engaging and the food that Rachel put out of that tiny kitchen was phenomenal! We were truly spoiled. They made great suggestions for our diverse group and even joined us on several outings! We feel blessed to have had them as our captain/first mate/cook/social directors for the week!
We loved the fact that each bedroom aboard Soterion had a private bath! We also like the big trampoline area and the other cushioned areas which were great for relaxing. The boat was very clean and we loved the fact that we got clean sheets mid-week. The yacht was well stocked with drinks and snacks!
The meals were customized for our group which was very much appreciated. Rachel called us the “clean plate club” for a reason! Every meal was exceptional and it was plated beautifully! The food looked as though it should have been photographed for a high end food magazine! We looked forward to every meal and were always excited for the great reveal.
Suzanne M, aboard Catamaran Soterion, February 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Roland and Vanessa were amazing! We could not have asked for a better crew! They understood our humor, were extremely knowledgeable and attentive. We know this trip would not have been as wonderful if we had a different crew. We would definitely recommend Roland and Vanessa.
We loved Amazing Lady! It was very comfortable and clean. We did have a problem with the air conditioner one night, but Roland was able to fix it and we didn't have any further issues. It is hard to pick a favorite, but we all loved sitting together for meals at the outdoor table. It was a great gathering spot.
The food was delicious! Vanessa is a wonderful cook and Roland is a great griller! The menu was perfect for our group.
This was our first trip to the BVI's. We managed to see a little bit of everything and now have some favorite spots to return to and ideas on where else to explore.
Sailing Directions answered all our questions and was very responsive. We have passed the website and yacht information on to some of our friends.
We loved that Roland and Vanessa snorkeled with us. Their knowledge of the area was very much appreciated.
Sheila E, aboard Catamaran Amazing Lady, February 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Roland and Vanessa are quite simply "the best". They are very knowledgeable, hardworking and fun. They work extremely well together and each brings exceptional and complimentary skills to the table. It is clear that their top priority is their guests' safety and enjoyment. Their knowledge of the BVIs is vast and each were always willing to share as much information as one would want to know.
Roland and Vanessa are very attentive and sensitive to the needs of their guests. They are fun to hang with but very low key and only joined in when invited. Roland and Vanessa are both extremely patient and have easy going dispositions.
Roland is an exceptional sailor, teacher, diver and drink mixer. Vanessa is an exceptional chef. The food was delicious, creative, healthy and plentiful. She was always willing to share recipes and ingredients.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime for all four couples and each of us would like to return to the BVIs and the Amazing Lady sometime in the future.
We very much appreciated the professional assistance provided by Sailing Directions when booking the perfect boat for our group. John was always prompt with answers to any questions and gave helpful advice to aid in decisions regarding water taxi and ferry transportation to and from our cruise departure and arrival location.
The Amazing Lady is a very apt name for a boat that could not have been better designed for comfort and style. She sailed smoothly and held her own one day under very windy and rough sea conditions!
Steve and Nancy
Sheila E, aboard Catamaran Amazing Lady, February 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Will and Rene were fabulous. Very friendly, accommodating and willing to customize our trip at any point.
Amazing Blues was amazing (can I say that?!?!). Therefore aptly named. Almost brand new, more spacious than we anticipated and the crew is fastidious about maintenance!
Food was great. Both crew members can cook and they were very willing to customize.
All in all our family had the trip of a lifetime.
Lance M, aboard Catamaran Amazing Blues, February 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
This trip has been one of the best trips ever!
Sam and Rose are THE BEST crew one could ask for! So professional, dedicated, nice friendly persons, and so helpful, always helping others and making sure everyone was having fun. I would definitely go on another charter with them!
The boat was in great shape and very comfortable. The outdoor areas, especially the front area with the reggae music were like paradise the first day! And a great place to be while sailing.
The food was delicious, very nicely presented and according to what we had asked. Before the trip, Rose sent me an email with the menu she had prepared based on our preference sheet, which was excellent and I only asked to change a couple of things! We took pictures of the plates!
I would definitely recommend Sailing Directions to our friends.
Rossana L, aboard Catamaran Loveboat, February 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Ben and Rachel were wonderful. A perfect match for our group. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly , accommodating , attentive, responsible , trustworthy , and safety conscious. We loved getting to know them and were very comfortable with them. They were very professional, yet warm and personable. They treat each other with great respect and kindness. We would definitely charter with them in the future. They spoiled us from the first minute.
We loved the Soterion. Very clean. Very comfortable. Well ventilated and loved the air conditioning at night. Ben and Rachel kept the ship well organized and everything had its place and the laundry and towels smelled great!!!! Favorite aspect was every room had at least a queen bed and its own bathroom and I loved that there was sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner and lotion on board. A smooth ride as well.
The food was fabulous ! Like 5 star restaurant ! Rachel is an awesome chef and always kept the kitchen clean and great hygiene. We all were so stuffed with food each day but we couldn't say no to any meal because they were all so yummy! Very impressive. The duck was one of the best entrees I have ever had.
The itinerary was perfect. Enjoyed every place we went. Every stop was different and unique and had something to offer. Ben did a great job. Loved the map, hat and T-shirt we received at the end of the trip.
Sailing directions was very prompt and helpful. Ben and Rachel has nothing but compliments for John Lane and said I chose one of the best services and I completely agreed! Emails were answers immediately, no matter if it was day or night or weekend. I will definitely let my friends and family know of Sailing Directions. We would like to book another charter in the future.
Thanks again for everything. It was a fantastic experience!
Lana S, aboard Catamaran Soterion, February 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
We enjoyed sailing around and exploring St. Maarten, Anguilla and St Barts. This charter area offered more sailing opportunities than the BVI. The BVI was a better destination for iconic beach bars, easier hiking, and clearer snorkeling.
Nick & Lucy are awesome crew and frequently knew what we wanted before we even had a clue. I love them both.
Best Revenge 5 is very comfortable, well maintained, and spotless. My favorite things about the yacht are warm fresh water for rinsing off after swimming, comfortable beds, individual AC thermostats in cabins, robust shower in cabin, extensive music selection, and crew's attention to detail.
Lucy exceeded our expectations once again. She is a very talented and creative chef with a passion for food preparation & presentation. She went the extra mile to accommodate our individual preferences and dietary needs.
Sailing Directions service was prompt and efficient. Keep up the good work.
Susan V, aboard Catamaran Best Revenge 5, January 2016 sailing the Caribbean Leeward Islands
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this vacation and this crew! We definitely had a great time, and Steve and Deb were a big reason why. We were a little high maintenance on the food front: one vegetarian, one gluten free, one low carb, and one who won't eat cilantro. Deb took it all in stride and made some AWESOME meals for us. She focuses on organic, local ingredients, and you can taste it! It was so good we begged for recipes and have tried a few at home.
We told Steve that what we really wanted was good snorkeling, and so he took us to some EXCELLENT spots. We snorkeled two or three times a day, and had a great time. He picked routes so we could see a lot of different things, and still get to sites fast and spend most of our time in the water. When it got windy and wavy, he found us coves where it was easier to snorkel. And when we got out of the water, they had drinks waiting for us - girly, beach drinks, just as we requested.
They are great people, and we had a great time. The ship was extremely well maintained, and they take care of it very lovingly. Great crew, great ship, great snorkeling, great friends. What more could you ask for?
Also want to add: you, John, and Sailing Directions, were also AWESOME to work with. I asked for lots of quotes (different dates, different number of people), and asked for an extension (or possibly two) to lock in the reservation, as I tried to get commitments from the group, and you quickly and pleasantly responded to everything. Greatly appreciate the service.
Paula W, aboard Catamaran Alternate Latitude, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Stephen & Julia are extremely knowledgeable - very, very accommodating - they sat down with us and listened to our requests, thoughts, etc. to make a plan for the week - and then each day the schedule was addressed and our requests were foremost in their decisions as to what to do. We felt like they had all the knowledge of what we’d like to do and when, and they put together great itineraries.
Safari exceeded our expectations - plenty of room, lots of area to gather, or to be alone. Beds were really comfortable, and everything was so clean.
The food was beyond our expectations! Julia is an amazing cook - delicious and gorgeous presentation! She customized to us - only complaints are that she fed us too much and that we had to come home without her!
We felt like we did the perfect option with the half board - the benefit of Julia’s amazing cooking, and also being able to sample some of the local flavor at dinners and lunch.
We had an incredible time - exceeded our expectations in every way! Thanks to you too for coordinating for us - made everything run very smoothly. We really appreciated the advice regarding packing - we did a pretty good job with that. Pre-planning and prep was great and easy. Will definitely recommend to others! And we’ll be back, too!
Betsy G, aboard Catamaran Safari, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Sam & Rosemary were excellent! The boat was perfect. We particularly liked the 8 person float and spent quite a bit of time enjoying it!
The food was excellent. Rosemary definitely customized the menu to suit us and it was perfect.
The itinerary was excellent and we don't feel like we missed anything.
Very happy with Sailing Directions' service. We can't wait to come back next year.
Deirdre G, aboard Catamaran Loveboat, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Matt and Tara were exceptional. Friendly, helpful and a pleasure. They knew when to "fade into the background" but also were very engaged with our group. We have been numerous times to the BVI but they brought us to some wonderful snorkeling sites we had not seen before.
The boat was very clean absolutely no complaints there. Very nice boat, good spaces.
The food was AMAZING! If you like good food, go on this charter! Menu was well customized, some of us had food allergies, and Tara made some separate custom meals as good as the rest. Everything from scratch. Only problem is the few pounds we each gained for the week - well worth it. Matt is a terrific drink mixer.
Very good itinerary--and they were willing to go to the places we also wanted to see.
Sailing Directions' service was problem free and appreciated. Would recommend Sailing Directions, The Nana, and Matt and Tara without reservation.
Jeremy D, aboard Catamaran Nana, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Bill & Michelle were wonderful in every way. They obviously read our preferences list prior to our arrival and pre-planned a draft itinerary. Once on board, they fine-tuned our itinerary based on suggestions, recommendations and their past experiences.
Bill & Michelle often anticipated our needs/wants/interests before we did! They were extremely attentive, very knowledgeable, super friendly and accommodating.
The yacht was impeccably clean and superbly maintained. Size was perfect for our family of 4 adults. We all enjoyed the traipse while under sail. Joan & Katie especially loved the hammock when we dropped anchor. Brian and Kenneth loved snorkeling with the hooka.
Michelle is a chef extraordinaire! Her meals were varied, creative and delicious! We were running out of adjectives to compliment Michelle by the end of the week. Michelle was also very good about making a "plain" version of some meals for our daughter.
Our interest was in snorkeling. Bill & Michelle had that in mind with our itinerary and overnight locations. Bill also was very good at finding locations with desolate beaches for shell seeking. Our daughter was over-the-moon with the spots Bill suggested!
We used Sailing Directions for our charter 10 years ago and wouldn't hesitate to use SD in the future (hopefully sooner than 10 years!). Very happy. Straight forward process.
If we were to describe the perfect charter/vacation, it would be a week sailing with Bill and Michelle on Steppin Up.
Safety is a paramount concern to our family. Captain Bill was very cautious, responsible and experienced. The entire family was completely at ease sailing with Captain Bill.
Joan E, aboard Catamaran Steppin Up, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew was a delightful. Captain Andre was knowable of the BVIs. We asked to avoid crowds and still see the sights. He managed to do just that. Nancy, our steward and 1st mate, though not a regular on the boat, was a true gem. She contributed to our enjoyment and comforts without hesitation. Cressi the chef aboard has a natural ability. She made complex food parings and the meal presentation was very entertaining.
Aletheia was clean, well maintained and ventilated. The fly bridge was our favorite spot, roomy and great for catching rays and star gazing.
The chef was young and very talented in her complex pairings of foods. She strived to have something new and different. We choose not to leave the boat and stay aboard for her meals.
We as a group asked to travel opposite of the crowds, seeing the same sights. Andre took all this into account and always had an eye on the weather and winds.
Personal note, I was the facilitator in our trip planning. I interviewed two other charter companies and John was the most gracious and through the entire process exceeded all my expectations.
Sandra H, aboard Catamaran Aletheia, January 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic cruise, Jack and Jaimey are outstanding and we would highly commend them. Blue Moon is also a great boat.
Bruce B, aboard Catamaran Blue Moon, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Harvey & Cara were excellent in all respects, very helpful, and Cara's cooking was even better than expected. Be careful, she could be lost to a MICHELIN-starred chef in the blink of an eye. We have eaten in Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world, and Cara could work in any of them. Amazing what she can do in that little kitchen. Think what she could do at The French Laundry or The Fat Duck. Very accomplished diver also.
Richard S, aboard Catamaran Ma Ha, January 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
What a relaxing week for us! You both made us feel very comfortable and taken good care of. So accommodating. The food was fantastic, and the sailing great. We could not ask for a better week.
Sincerely Linda & Dick
Our thanks for a wonderful - relaxing week. Every detail was covered, from drinks in hand to gourmet food beautifully presented. The weather was perfect and smiles all around as we sail our last day - and appreciate the great vacation.
Thanks Sherri & Richard
You could not have been any better at what you do. Two great people doing everything you could for your guests. Wonderful food and SIX star service. Thanks for your wonderful experience.
Chuck & Lisa
Richard S, aboard Catamaran Ma Ha, January 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The captain and chef, Oswaldo & Briar were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They answered every question we had, as did Jos and Julia.
Our favorite aspect was the space. Everyone had plenty of places to hang out, in the sun, out of the sun, in the breeze, etc. All of the water toys were great too!
The food was amazing and Briar did a great job changing some things on the fly. Oswaldo did a great job of picking places to go, depending on weather and activities.
Jessica A, aboard Catamaran Akasha, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
I'd give them a 9 - they were great! They were very friendly and upbeat, they were very good and kind to our kids.
Happy Time was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. The bedrooms and bathrooms where a nice size and the front deck and trampoline area was very comfortable with the cushions and chairs.
The food was all very delicious and well presented. Caitlin made much of the food by scratch which was very impressive. Also enjoyed a new cocktail every evening made by Jeff.
We enjoyed the itinerary, went to a few new spots that we never had been to. Snorkeling was awesome with Caitlin’s guidance, she took us a couple times on guided tours and pointed out things that we would have missed if we were by ourselves.
You kept us on top of deadlines and with important information for the trip. I’ll surly recommend Sailing Directions and Happy Time if anyone asks.
Julie M, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
I have literally made life-long friends. Jose and Janet were extremely friendly and fit in very well with our group. We loved spending time with them. Both were very attentive and seemed to know exactly what we needed at any particular time. I very much enjoyed staying up late and talking with Cap'n Jose about various topics. Everything we wanted was provided. Jose and Pixie offered us very good suggestions as we made our way around the islands.
Hypnautic was very well maintained. It was amazing to me how clean Jose and Pixie were able to keep the yacht with the six of us constantly moving about, snacking, drinking, lounging, etc. I was very impressed by this. I think my favorite aspect was our mealtime and all of us sitting around the outside table. Lots of great conversation. I also very much enjoyed being up on the bridge with Cap'n. I loved the wind in the face and the amazing views.
Pixie is an amazing chef. I could tell that heart and soul was put into each dish. I enjoyed talking to Pixie about how she came up with some of the dishes and how she likes to take time to think of and practice making new dishes. I can't wait for more Pixie meals!
The Virgin Islands couldn't have been better. It was exactly what we wanted. The only thing I wish I had different was MORE TIME!
This trip was well worth every single penny. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to disconnect from the real world and just relax and be stress free for a week. Great re-charge of the internal batteries that are required to operate in life.
Joshua M.
Aaron H, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jose and Janet were definitely friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and accommodating. They went above and beyond my expectations. They were always asking if we needed anything, and were happy to respond to any questions or requests that we had. I couldn't imagine a better pair, and I look forward to sailing with them again!
The Hypnatuic was clean, comfortable, and well ventilated. Jose and Janet were up and about cleaning the boat every day. My favorite aspect of the yacht was definitely the dining area, where we spent time at least three times a day haha. Many wonderful conversations were had, and we loved getting a chance to watch Janet cook through the window! I also loved the bedding, super comfy, and plenty of storage space.
The food was no words short of AMAZING. Janet was such a great cook and always ran on time. The dining area was always clean, accessible, and well presented. Janet did a great job of creating a menu of items that suited our needs and fit our requests. There was always enough! And a great variety :)
We saw so much in what seemed like such little time, it was great! We hit all of the spots on our list within reason without feeling rushed. Every day was new and exciting, just as we requested.
This was a life changing experience. To stay a week on a boat may seem intimidating to some, especially myself who had never slept aboard a boat before. It was completely worth it, I can't imagine seeing the islands in any other way. Definitely pack your Dramamine if you experience a little sea sickness like I do! But it was completely manageable and did not take away from the experience.
Our group will certainly be requesting to sail with Hypnautic again.
Mary C.
Aaron H, aboard Catamaran Hypnautic, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Nemo suited our group perfectly. We could be together when we wanted but have our own space when needed. It was always clean and the Christmas winds provided plenty of winds thru the hatch. We really enjoyed hanging at the front of the boat on the fat boy mats.
Valentina did an exquisite job for us with regards to our meals. We had some dietary restrictions and she pulled off our three course meals and apps without a problem. For our girls the food was a definite highlight of our trip.
Andrea and Valentina were very knowledgeable about the islands and the ocean. They were very attentive and very accommodating.
We had been to the BVI before sailing with couples but never to the USVIs. We felt our trip was well suited for our family who likes to hike, snorkel and paddleboard and a few hours each day of sailing.
The service with Sailing Directions is always seamless.
Joanne Y, aboard Catamaran Nemo, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Cassandra and Jason were wonderful as our hosts. They knew about all we asked, and spoiled us completely. They both called us prior to our trip to make sure we were good to go. Also arranged our travel to and from the boat to our hotel and to the airport, couldn't have asked for more.
Pentesilea II was great. Loved the front to sit on the beanbags and at the very tip of the pontoons. The cockpit area was also great to get some shade and enjoy the view too. The beds were very comfy, and the rooms surprisingly roomy!
The food was like eating at a 5 star restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beautifully prepared, and presented. Jason is a fabulous chef.
We had some ideas and the crew helped plan the itinerary around that and fill in the gaps. We had the snorkeling, kayaking and water sports. Jason was great getting three of us in to scuba. We loved their New Year's Eve suggestion at Trellis Bay as well as everywhere else we went.
I think Sailing Directions provided great service. You have been responsive to each and every request..
This was about our best vacation ever. We would recommend Pentesilea II and Cassandra and Jason 100% to anyone who asked.
Terri L, aboard Catamaran Pentesilea II, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
Byron & Molly made our trip everything that it was. From before we even left their planning and preparation made us comfortable. They stayed in contact with us leading up to the cruise, to as soon as we landed and until we met at the boat. They welcomed us and immediately made us feel at home. They simply could not have done more for us. They were extremely warm and friendly every second of the trip. They always made sure we were relaxed and had anything we could ever want. They made sure our days were filled with whatever adventure we wanted and plenty of relaxation. I can't imagine another crew I would ever want to sail with other than Byron & Molly.
Blossom is a spotless, open and airy vessel. It is extremely comfortable no matter where you are on the boat. My favorite aspect of the yacht was the master cabin which was large and more room than I expected.
Every meal Molly made was well thought out and delicious. She made everything to our liking and requested preferences. She asked us for our input to make sure whatever she was making was to our liking. Her desserts were always a huge hit. Byron and Molly were very attentive during meals to make sure all was to our liking and to make sure we always had the perfect drink to accompany the meal.
Byron laid out an itinerary over an extremely busy New Year's week. Everywhere we went we never waited for anything. All of our stops were special in their own way and had magnificent views. I wouldn't change anything about the trip.
Sailing Directions itself did everything I could ever ask. We were matched with a perfect vessel and the support from the booking through the cruise was thorough and professional. Thank you again for everything!
Gerry L, aboard Catamaran Blossom, January 2016 sailing the Virgin Islands
It was as close to perfect as could be, and magical. Your help in securing the charter was essential.
It should come as no surprise that 6 weeks off the yacht, Mom and Dad are still talking about what a great charter we enjoyed as a family. Indeed for several days Gretchen would walk around saying she still felt like she was on deck. Last night at dinner, I compared our table to the size of the aft table, and was promptly asked by Alasdair, "How come you guys can't stop talking about Tiger Lily"? The answer is obvious.
Though many years removed from my previous Caribbean experiences aboard motor yachts, I certainly knew what to expect or not to expect. Grumpy crew and captain come to mind. Indeed, other than the design of a GUNBOAT, I had no idea how our journey would turn out. Gretchen was especially anxious. By the second day after her first passage, I think she realized how great the cruising/ sailing world can be when expertly guided and cared for. I gained 7 lbs on the trip despite being active! It is a testament to the delicious gourmet meals, my lack of restraint, and a constant source of quality beverages. Karen made miracles happen while catering to the fickle whims of the younger palates. Everyone seemed satiated and satisfied. Delicious even when your oven quits on you!
Given the variable we threw at you of an independent, enthusiastic, and scurrying 7 3/4 year old boy, you two responded above and beyond with patience and kindheartedness, making the week a true pleasure for all. I was always delighted to see Lachlan topside before i was out of my berth to my hot and perfect first cup of coffee. Whether it was his lessons in navigation from Neil, his daily chart plotting, or his multiple meals at odd times , you spoiled him. Your extra set of hands in safety and nurturing were noticed!
We also were delighted to see him at work, chamoising the windows and rails!
I was most excited in our sailing, even breaking a few minor things, and amazed at Neil's boat skills, ability as crack bowman, and deft and delicate handling. Karen of course makes an indispensable assistant in the raising of sails and during anchoring. It was my first time helming a catamaran of such size and power. The education regarding the sail trim and the explanation of angles along with the ability to participate is something I hope to build on. I cannot imagine a better sailing experience than GUNBOAT and Tiger Lily making 15 knots on a reefed main, well faster than the true wind.
As for the itinerary, again, there can be no captain who knows the BVI better than Neil. Someday the children will appreciate what it meant to be at the Baths so early in the morning. Gretchen was amazed at the seclusion of some harbors, even when mega yachts were so nearby. It was nice to meet up with friends for New Years Eve, but we really could have just stayed on board, alone in some special bay. The careful routing according to wind strength and seas made all comfortable. I will never forget being told I had a hull flying, briefly!
As a parent, it was special to spend so much time in the water with the kids, my makeshift airtank, one mask lost later and fins optional. The reefs and bays we stopped at were rewarding. When Arabel would free dive under the surface chasing a school of colorful angelfish with her goPro camera, I saw myself at that age, infatuated with the beauty of the kingdom below. Indeed her athleticism and grace rang true to my heart and reminded me of the hours I spent in such pursuits. Even the less than motivated Dair seemed to come alive by trips end. Joining me on twilight swims of significant distance and challenge. Tiger Lily provides the perfect platform of casual living and toys on hand to open up to the most beautiful waters we've experienced. Thanks for the attention to detail.
Perhaps someday again we'll find ourselves on Tiger Lily. If we do, we can only hope that Neil and Karen are still the hosts for an experience of a lifetime
Andrew M, aboard Catamaran Tiger Lily, January 2016 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew exceeded everything we could have imagined. This crew could not be any kinder, nor work any harder. They read the group and individuals so well. Being three generations, we were not an easy profile, and they were incredibly gracious, anticipating every need and desire ahead of time. Love these four!
Akasha was kept immaculately. Great catamaran - we chose well for our needs. Size and amenities were our favorite aspect. Love the fly bridge where we could all be at once as well as the fantastic outdoor dining.
Regarding the menu: I don't know how she did it. We had food allergy challenges and Briar created the most magnificent meals and desserts. Everyone was awed by her talent and food. Always eagerly consumed!
We enjoyed the Virgin Islands very much. The crew was accommodating to everything we wanted to do.
John was always quick to reply and to help us choose the right sailing vessel for our group. Details easy to acquire and great website.
Honestly, it was perfect. None of us could even come up with an improvement to offer. Fantastic trip.
Kathy M, aboard Catamaran Akasha, December 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Thanks again, you picked a perfect charter for us. This was our second charter with you and A2. I have always appreciated that you recommended the A2 for my family. I initially wanted a larger boat that would have been more expensive and not necessary.
The crew were great. Jenny does a great job with the food and always wants to know how she is doing.
Everything was very good and your informational offerings were very helpful.
Thank you!
Lance L, aboard Catamaran A2, December 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The entire cruise was fabulous! Ryan and Dani could not have been better. They focused on us and our needs. Rick and I both had some physical disabilities and they were always available to help us in and out of the dinghy, up and down the swim steps, in and out of the blow-up chair, etc.
Dani is a wonderful chef. Not only was her food delicious, it was always presented very attractively.
Frangines sailed like a dream. We had perfect wind every day and the crew handled the boat perfectly. The boat was in great condition when we arrived and was well-maintained the entire ten days. There were many comfortable places to rest, read and relax. Both the US and British Virgin Islands are great cruising areas. We enjoyed the scenery, all the anchorages the crew chose and the shore excursions as well.
Sailing Directions was very helpful and supportive throughout the process. We will certainly recommend your agency to our friends.
Richard N, aboard Catamaran Frangines, December 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jean-Marc and Suzanne were incredible. They really provided us with a lovely vacation. They were attentive and followed our per-trip requests for food and interactions with them.
Lachez Prise was very nice, comfortable. The cabins were well appointed and clean. Our favorite spot was at the bow on the trampoline. We even slept there one night.
Suzanne is a great cook. She is very proud of it and she displays a different, beautiful color theme table dressing every day. She also tailored her menu to our preferences.
We enjoyed being in a new spot every night. Everywhere we stayed was more beautiful than the next. Unfortunately we did not get to sail a lot due to wind directions.
Sailing Directions was very meticulous and organized. They made our trip preparations very easy. Thank you!
Sandra B, aboard Catamaran Lachez Prise, November 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Overall the trip on a scale was a 9.5 out of 10. I just don’t believe in perfection but the charter exceeded our expectations.
Let’s start with the Crew. Bertrand, Lorianne and Matthew (Chef) were incredible. They actually made the trip. The sailing, islands, waters and beaches were amazing but if it had not been without the three of them the trip would have been par. Seriously they made the trip. When we thought the food could not get better Matthew blew us away with a something magical. The crew was all French, and although there were language barriers at times, we never let our 1st languages get in the way of figuring out how to communicate. Let me get to the heart: we all cried when we departed. Seriously they were crying and we were crying because of the bond we created over the trip. We are already planning our next charter for 12+ days.
Bertrand (Captain) was solid. Confident without being egotistical. He ensured that were safe at all times, and planned each day’s journey. Lorianne was a sweet heart and made everything very comfortable for all of us.
The beaches, waters, snorkeling, swimming was as amazing. It was an amazing 50th Birthday week.
Jim B, aboard Catamaran Arion, November 2015 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
Stephen & Julia were top notch. We enjoyed not only their professionalism and great ideas about where to go and what to see, but also their stories and meeting good friends of theirs along the way. They really made the trip memorable and relaxing. It was clear from the minute we stepped on Safari that we had chosen a great crew, but by the end of the week we had also made new friends.
Safari was perfect, in excellent physical condition and perfectly laid out for our family of 4. We loved the front sitting area to relax with great views while underway and the rear table and sitting area was perfect for not just meals but gathering for games and cocktails.
The food was great. Julia made lots of different dishes and we enjoyed them all. We didn’t have a lot of specific preferences and were very happy with all of her cooking. Come hungry as there’s always lots to eat and drink.
We loved the itinerary sailing the Virgin Islands. We liked the route and all the moorages but what really made the trip special was Stephen & Julia’s local knowledge. They showed us a handful of small beach towns and the local vibe of each place. We met a number of their friends and really enjoyed seeing some of the spots off the beaten path.
Sailing Directions was great. Everything was easy and all my questions were answered promptly. The website and information shared for what to pack, where to stay on St. Thomas, etc. was very helpful.
Brian L, aboard Catamaran Safari, August 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Eric and Kristen were AMAZING and they made our trip worthwhile. They very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and VERY accommodating with all the needs of our family. They went out of their way to make sure that we were happy at all times, and doing things that we liked to do. They included us in the decision making of all our activities, and I have to say that they were spot on with the suggestions that they made for our active girls. They engaged well with our girls who seemed very comfortable with them. My husband was thrilled to have an opportunity to fish during our trip. Eric made sure to have all the fishing gear for him. He was thrilled when he caught a Spanish Mackerel and Kristen prepared it for our lunch. It was outstanding!
We loved One Love and we thought it was very comfortable and clean. We enjoyed spending time in the common areas with Kristen and Eric especially at night when we sat together to eat, play cards and share stories. We loved sitting in the trampoline as we enjoyed the sailing from island to island or watch the gorgeous sunsets.
We look forward to each one of our meals as they were all delicious! The presentation was creative and beautiful. The menu was outstanding and we were very happy that we chose to eat all our meals from Kristen. We particularly enjoyed the variety of food that we had every day including the drinks. Our freshly caught fish was on the table within the hour, pretty impressive!
We enjoyed our itinerary very much. We loved every island that we visit. We particularly loved Bitter End, Savanah Beach, The Baths, and The Indians (fabulous snorkeling!). We all enjoyed having the opportunity of kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding and snorkling. We were very lucky with our snorkling as I think that we saw about everything we could imagine (sharks, dolphins, turtles, seahorses, barracudas, etc.). Eric and Kristen seemed very knowledgeable about what activity to do in each area.
We are very happy about the recommendation that you made about the crew. Eric and Kristen exceeded our expectations and they were a perfect match for our family.
We would love to charter another catamaran at some point as it was the Perfect Vacation in Paradise. The catamaran was a perfect size for our family with kids however I would recommend a slightly larger boat for a group of adults.
Perfect family vacation! Thank you again for all your assistance and we will make sure to recommend you, One Love and the crew to all our friends. We look forward to another trip to PARADISE in the future!
Maria L, aboard Catamaran One Love, August 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Tim and Stephany were tireless, helpful, interesting and sensitive to our needs. We could not have asked for a better crew. Their warmth, knowledge and willingness to share insights into their lives made the trip a very satisfying adventure. We have never received so much attention.
It is clear they take great pride in Endless Pleasure as it was very clean, well maintained and ready to sail under all kinds of conditions. The steady winds in the Grenadines and many hatches combined to keep the boat well ventilated. Air conditioning was turned on when needed and worked very well.
We have never had a full time chef before – what a great experience. Third crew member JoJo continually worked to anticipate our needs and was more than willing to accommodate our diverse dietary requests. Collectively, they provisioned the boat with foods and drinks that we requested after spending an hour with us on the phone in advance of the trip. JoJo’s fusion expertise made many memorable meals and the rum punch was a crowd pleaser.
The itinerary evolved as we gained experience with the area and the opportunities available. We watched a leatherback turtle crawl up on the beach, dig a hole, lay her eggs, cover them up and head back out to sea. We caught tuna and ate sashimi. Tim & Steph did all the work laying out the line, cleaning the fish and handing off the meat to JoJo to apply her magic. We went snorkeling in many places, and went ashore to explore numerous islands, which led to a pattern of snorkeling, sailing, fishing, anchoring, exploring and sometimes waterskiing, paddle boarding and tubing. They took pictures of us as a family in many places and gave us the file with the pics at the end of the trip.
This is our first experience with chartering and we were unsure about the process and what to expect. It turned out to be a very straightforward process and John’s advice about what to expect and effort to facilitate contact with Endless Pleasure was very helpful. We will pass on information about Sailing Directions and Endless Pleasure to friends that are interested in sailing.
The end of the charter came too quick, we felt that we were just getting into a rhythm and could have spent many more days with Tim and Steph. We are interested in staying in touch with them and following their adventures and hope that our paths cross again.
Bob D, aboard Catamaran Endless Pleasure, August 2015 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
Roland and Vanessa know exactly what they’re doing and do it all with grace, humor and kindness. They were delightful to adults and teenagers alike, no small feat!
Everything on Flow is as comfortable as it can be. Our favorite aspect is that the yacht is big enough to provide many different areas to hang out so, despite having 9 of us (plus Roland and Vanessa), including five teenagers, no one felt crowded or cramped. We even kept offering to let the teenagers off the boat to go to restaurants and bars on shore by themselves and they consistently declined to leave!
Vanessa is a gifted chef. Seriously. We’ve had other experiences being cooked for in this way and she was the best ever.
If you are considering a vacation on a yacht crewed by Roland and Vanessa, just do it! You absolutely will not be disappointed! They are fun, kind, knowledgeable and incredibly service-oriented. Everyone loved them and would sail with them again in a heartbeat.
Hamilton S, aboard Catamaran Alive, August 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Thea & Jamie - where do we begin? You are two of the most wonderful people we have ever met. From the very beginning we felt like a part of your family.
Thea, with your charm, lovely smile and second to none cooking skills - the meals alone will last a lifetime.
Jamie, your infectious giggle, first rate skills as a captain and ability to spread placemats..
It's clear that your enjoy everything the USVI and BVIs have to offer. Thanks for such an amazing week.
Ken W, aboard Catamaran Roks, August 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
It was a fabulous vacation. We will definitely do this again!
Andre and Liezl were so awesome. “No” was not in their vocabulary. Leizl was fun, enjoyed interacting and playing games with us as well as preparing the most fantastic food! Andre was so energetic, he was a great dive master, and was always making sure we were entertained whether it be taking someone to the island by dinghy or by taking the kids out tubing, kneeboarding or wakeboarding. He even got me up on the wake board. Their recommendations of where to go for nightlife for the kids or eating ashore were wonderful.
Yes Dear was very clean and the staterooms were very comfortable. We loved hanging out in the front, in fact one of the kids slept out in the front every night. I think every loved to gather around the table in the rear and play games and just laugh.
The food was out of this world. I was concerned we might have some picky eaters but she made food enjoyable to adults and kids.
The itinerary was so wonderful. Our only regret was not having more days to enjoy more of this.
Sailing Directions was always on top of things. The website was good about recommendations for water taxis and the cost of things.
This is such a first rate vacation. We never felt cramped on the boat and everyone had their space. The boat Yes Dear had some great games and movies and we also brought some of our own. This will be a memory for a lifetime.
Jennifer G, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, July 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Bryan and Ava were great with a nice mixture of being attentive when necessary and providing privacy other times. They were very knowledgeable and our group was constantly asking challenging questions which they answered very well. Bryan and Ava are a wonderful complimentary team!
Happy Time was very comfortable and well ventilated. A/C worked well in cabins. Favorite aspect was the spacious back-deck eating area. We played many games, drank, and dined well in that locale.
Food and variety of menu was excellent for all meals. We had a tree nut allergy amongst the party and they dealt with that perfectly. Bryan is an excellent grill master and we had several meals that were grilled to perfection (tuna steaks stand out)!
We worked closely with the crew to develop an itinerary and each day we went over options based on different preferences in our party. Worked great!
Sailing Directions is always our first stop when looking at chartered yacht vacations. We have always had good service and specifically John Lane’s communications and support is top notch! I am frequently giving Sailing Directions contact information out to anyone expressing interest.
Kirk N, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, July 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were absolutely excellent in every single aspect of the trip! Rich and Lisa’s commitment to our enjoyment, experience and safety was awesome. Nothing was too much trouble; they gave us a 5 star experience of the highest standard, from the moment we arrived to the second that we left.
Zingara was in fantastic condition. Spotlessly clean and equipped to the highest standard and extremely comfortable. Our favorite aspect was hanging out on the top deck during afternoon sails and again with after dinner drinks.
The quality of the food and variance of the menu, was the biggest single surprise of the trip. We are a well-travelled group and the food was among the best we have ever had! Rich is truly an excellent chef, wonderfully supported by Lisa. The cuisine was amazing!
Could not have asked for more from the BVIs - stunning!
We would use you guys again without hesitation and Rich and Lisa would be our absolute preference to stay with again. They made the trip!
As you can tell from our comments we were hoping for the trip of a life time to celebrate my wife Dee’s 50th birthday and the trip exceeded every single expectation we had! Our group has literally travelled the world and the consensus of opinion was this was the best trip any of us had ever done. We will remember the trip for a very long time.
John M, aboard Catamaran Zingara, June 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Paul and Tanya were friendly, attentive and accommodating and did an outstanding job all week.
Ula was comfortable, clean and well ventilated. And it was kept that way as well all week.
The food was superb at every meal. We never had leftovers. We enjoyed everywhere we went and were well prepared.
We would be happy to do another charter and will be happy to refer others to you as well. Our lofty expectations were all exceeded-the trip of a lifetime.
Edward F, aboard Catamaran Ula, June 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
It was an amazing vacation!! Steve was as wonderful as always and Louise was equally wonderful. Louise has really upped her game in the culinary arts - the food was good last time but really delicious and beautifully presented this trip. Pisces seemed in better shape and with a few much appreciated upgrades. Really glad I took advantage of the opportunity to dive this trip - it was magical! I had forgotten how mesmerizing it is to actually be down there, one with the fishes! Boy do I wish we had that beautiful, crystal clear water here on the South Carolina coast!
Ann Marie K, aboard Catamaran Pisces, June 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Excellent Crew. The food was Amazing, excellent presentation and taste. The itinerary was perfect and better that the itinerary we imagine and when we want to change a destination, Xavier made it happen and took us to amazing places.
Very happy with Sailing Direction’s service, fast and excellent communication always.
AgustÃn Z, aboard Catamaran Sail Away, June 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Ben and Rachel were perfect. They are our new friends and we enjoyed our time with them immensely.
Soterion was perfect for our group. Having never been on a trip like this before, the boat was more spacious than any of us had expected. It was very clean and the A/C and ventilation was great
Rachel is a fantastic chef and nearly everyone said that her cooking was one of the highlights of the trip. She spent time to set up the perfect menu for everyone in our group. I am a picky eater and she managed to put together fantastic meals that I enjoyed as well as the foodies in our group. Each meal was presented as you would find at a high end restaurant, and this is very impressive that she was able to do this from that tiny kitchen on the boat.
We got to do everything that we wanted from hearing of friends previous adventures and also had great fun doing things we would have never expected. Nearly everyone in the group had a different favorite day.
John did a great job handling all of our questions beforehand and getting this all set up.
Dan R, aboard Catamaran Soterion, May 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
What to say other than WOW!? Marsha and I have been around sailboats for most of our married lives, owned sailboats, chartered in the BVI, sailed Nova Scotia to Antigua, and never have I ever had an experience like this.
Sandcastle is a beautiful, capable boat, and Lloyd has poured his heart and his considerable talent into her. It shows! The smartest thing he did was hire on Jessica. She is good company, a good hand, and an extraordinary cook!
Somehow, the wind was always right for the destinations of the day. The anchorages lived up to our expectations and the sailing was terrific. This was just a great trip. I'm not sure we can equal it. But, when we are ready to try, I'll be looking for Jessica, Lloyd and Sandcastle to do it again.
Henry O, aboard Sailing Yacht Sandcastle, May 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
I don't even know where to begin. Our trip was fabulous!
Kirk, Heather and Courtney were all wonderful!
Kirk was an exceptional captain with a huge amount of knowledge! We had so many questions during the cruise about the waters and the islands and different things we would pass, etc. and he knew everything. Down to the sands that blow up from Africa causing a haze over the waters this time of year. Anytime we went in to an island he would take us, drop us off, return as many times as needed to bring different groups of us back. He would not go to bed until we were all settled in our cabins for the night.
Heather's cooking was truly a gift from God. We have never eaten so many exquisite meals. The meals were presented in a 5 star fashion, with a detailed description prior to dining. It was like eating in a 5 star restaurant for every meal. From what we heard, Heather has a reputation of being one of the best Chefs in this industry!
Courtney was a pleasure! So attentive to our every need. Always made sure we had a drink in our hand, always cleaning up after us. I called her our little fairy because we would leave our cabin for breakfast and come back and it was all clean!
John, you were so extremely helpful and attentive to every concern and question we had. We were so pleased with your quick responses to all of our questions and concerns. You were always reassuring with every concern we had.
This boat was absolutely "Amazing" and this trip has spoiled us for life! The boat was immaculate, inviting, and big, yet cozy. All of the toys were a blast, the cabins and the entire boat were spacious and comfortable. I can't find anything at all to tell you was wrong with this trip!
This was a "Bucket List" trip for Matt and I. An unforgettable experience, truly the trip of a lifetime.
We can't thank you enough for all you did to help make this dream come true!
Leni G, aboard Catamaran Amazing, May 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew were great, very attentive and made great suggestions for things to do. The service was amazing. Both Jaco and Jenny are a great team and work well together. They were there for us the entire trip.
We were very happy with Sailing Directions' support.
Don W, aboard Catamaran A2, May 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our family enjoyed an amazing adventure through the Exumas aboard Solstice, and we’re grateful to Cliff and Liza for facilitating such a thoughtful family trip for us. The best way to summarize our experience, and that of our boys ages 13 and 11 years, would be reiterate the sentiments of a fellow Solstice vacationer (whose review of Cliff & Liza we read prior to our departure):
Exumas: 10/10
Solstice: 10/10
Cliff & Liza: 11/10
We couldn’t agree more! Many thanks!
Christian K, aboard Catamaran Solstice, April 2015 sailing the Exumas
In a word, our experience was exceptional. The Vessel, Lady Alliaura, was in absolutely first-class condition, providing an abundance of space for our party of eight and crew of four. The air-conditioning, particularly for the staterooms, made the nights very comfortable. The layout of the afterdeck where we dined and spent most of our time under sail and the visibility and layout of the upper deck, salon, and staterooms exceeded all of our party’s expectations.
The Crew were engaging, pleasant and focused on providing each guest with a unique and remarkable experience. The Captain, Sebastian Leclerc, was a deliberate, accomplished and composed seaman with strong leadership skills. The mate, Caroline, was an accomplished sailor with a good sense of humor. The chef, Laurent, possessed an unusually good humor since he spent most of his time in the galley preparing meals fit for a king. The hostess, Celine, was intuitive, gracious and very attentive to everyone in our party.
The Experience overall was exceptional to any of my prior chartering efforts. The legs of our itinerary were well laid out with thoughtful consideration for the comfort of our party as it related to selection of anchorages, sails and time on the open water, the high point of which was a gorgeous night sail from Barbuda to the eastern side of St. Maarten.
Our entire party of eight, without exception, thoroughly enjoyed our adventure and will certainly look forward to another opportunity to sail on Lady Alliaura with her exceptional crew at some future date.
And to you, John, a tip of the hat for the professionalism and assistance you provided me in organizing and preparing for each member of our party’s comfort, menu preferences and special meal requests, recommendations on packing, and arrival/departure from Lady Alliaura. I’m appreciative of your efforts on our behalf. For years to come, each member of our party will fondly remember the crew, the vessel and our time aboard Lady Alliaura.
Kell M, aboard Catamaran Lady Alliaura, April 2015 sailing the Caribbean Leeward Islands
The Crew on Steppin' Up are amazing - they go above and beyond every step of the way. We cannot say enough good things about them. They are friendly, attentive and accommodating! From the minute we arrived when they were waiting in the parking lot for us, had a wonderful lunch already prepared, to the very end when they took us back to town before having to catch our flight. We felt completely spoiled and confident in Bill and Michelle.
Bill is a calm, cool, collected and very knowledgeable captain - but with a fun sense of humor and easy going/relaxed spirit. Michelle is not only a fabulous chef, but always made sure everything was always so clean, tidy, picked up and you didn't even realize they were doing it. They looked out for us - our safety and enjoyment. They were so easy to get along with and feel instantly comfortable with - we lucked out!!
The boat was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. It was also well equipped from big toys to little things like games and extra supplies.
The food was delicious! All of it made from scratch and wholesome. Michelle always had a snack ready, fresh fruit, wonderful meals, always offering something to drink. Everything was with a smile and she never showed any stress or effort - it all just magically happened. She was very accommodating with our son who has a gluten and dairy intolerance. Michelle is a pro and always has a smile on her face, a kind word and a helpful attitude. I will be trying to copy many of her dishes for a long time to come!
The itinerary was spot on to what we expected and actually exceeded our expectations. They seemed to have a knack at finding the quieter space or the best mooring or the perfect snorkeling or swimming hole. We were very pleased at our destinations and appreciated them listening to things we really wanted and working the schedule to fit in with our requests. Bill is really a captain to trust and again was so knowledgeable about the islands was a very gracious host.
Abundant comfortable lounging areas - in the bow, the trampolines have nice cushy head pillows, there are 2 comfy lounge mats and then 2 benches and a seat that are also fitted with very comfortable and attractive cushions. The cockpit and cabins are also very welcoming and comfortable.
We loved that they were at this lovely marina that was so easy to get to/access and welcoming. It made the whole transition on and off the boat much easier!
Bill and Michelle go above and beyond making sure each one in our family gets to do what they love to the most. They also had fun things for our boys ready for them - little basketball hoops for their cabins, treasure chests full of candy, etc. They were just a joy to be with and it was easy and fun - a trip of a lifetime!
Sailing Directions was great to deal with and the process was very smooth. Thank you for everything.
Katharine B, aboard Catamaran Steppin Up, April 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an absolutely fantastic time exploring the BVI aboard the Black Pearl. Tim and Valerie were truly gracious hosts - just genuinely wonderful people to spend a week with. Their knowledge of the islands is impressive and their ability to avoid the crowds proved remarkable as they shared some of their favorite secluded spots with us. The food was consistently delicious, delightful and professionally presented.
Tim and Valerie also kept a map detailing our itinerary that we were meant to take with us when we disembarked. Naturally, we forgot to take it. They brought it up to our hotel along with a thank you note. They really went above and beyond.
Our entire family agrees this was one of the best vacations we've ever taken. We'll definitely be back, next time we'll be scuba certified and we'll seek out Tim and Valerie to be our guides.
Ed H, aboard Catamaran Black Pearl, April 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Stephen and Julia were wonderful. They took care of our every need. They accommodated every request. They were most friendly and a real joy.
The food was unbelievably delicious and visually fantastic. The itinerary was perfect. Safari was absolutely comfortable.
Marc C, aboard Catamaran Safari, April 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Andre and Liezl were excellent. Experienced and know what they are doing. You can recommend them with confidence. The yacht fit our plans and we got in all the SCUBA diving we wanted.
Richard S, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, April 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a great time the Captain was first rate and Julia was a great chef and first mate. They made us feel at home and very relaxed. I would definitely recommend the Safari and crew to anyone.
Brian M, aboard Catamaran Safari, April 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
I wanted to comment that this was an extremely wonderful trip not only because of the beauty of the area, but because of the crew, Danny and Laura. I can’t imagine anyone being more professional, attentive, and pleasant to be around. They were simply outstanding in every way. They entertained us and met our every request from basically sunup until way past sundown, and seemed genuinely happy to be doing it. The food was beyond expectations, the service was spot on, and the boat was perfect for what we did. I would recommend this boat, but particularly this crew, to anyone that wanted to have a special vacation. By the second or third day, Danny and Laura, despite our age difference, seemed more like friends than crew. And I’ve never had friends treat me so well!
Rip W.
I can speak for all of us in saying it was spectacular. The comment "I don't know how it could have been any better" was made multiple times by all of us. Danny and Laura make an exceptional team and catered to our every need with enthusiasm. The trip truly exceeded our expectations.
The crew make a great team and undertook all activities with great enthusiasm. They had a good understanding of the islands, great snorkeling spots and timings of when to be there to avoid the crowds/day boats. The food and presentation exceeded our expectations. We were very impressed by the boat.
Michael P, aboard Catamaran More Amore, March 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Jim and sherry were wonderful! They made the trip! We all felt very comfortable with them, very friendly and laid back. Could not have asked for anything better.
Nadiya was perfect. Very clean and decorated nicely. Ventilation was not a problem, perfect sea breezes through our hatch.
The food was amazing! Every meal and snack and dessert was very tasty with great presentation.
Every day and everywhere they took us just got better and better as the week went on!
Sailing Directions was very attentive and timely with emails and responses. I wish I could go again!
Lori B, aboard Catamaran Nadiya, March 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Andrew and Kailee were great relating to our four 20-something aged children, and providing lots of opportunities for water sports. They were always quick to see to our needs and desires – very accommodating. Kailee did a fantastic job! Can’t believe how well she could cook in such a tiny kitchen.
Dianne L, aboard Catamaran Pentesilea II, March 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were great and made our trip relaxing and memorable. Everything aboard was clean and fresh. The food was unbelievable! Adrian was the best! Fergus helped us navigate our trip and gave us good pointers on smaller coves and timing on places like The Baths so we wouldn't be with the masses. We would use Sailing Directions again.
Emily F, aboard Catamaran Maverick, March 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
What a fabulous week! Thank you Harvey & Cara (Rabbit) for making this trip one that our family will remember for a lifetime. You took care of our every need – bringing us the smoothest most beautiful anchorages, showing us magical snorkeling reefs and pristine white sandy beaches, cooking one 5 star gourmet meal after another, always offering a drink or a towel and tidying up after us, and even providing the perfect Caribbean weather (out-sailing any storm we saw). The boat was in terrific shape, and your level of service and attention to detail made us feel like we were at a very high-end resort. It was a real treat to spend a week on Ma Ha. Thank you for making it so special. We hope to see you again here in the islands, or if you ever visit San Francisco. Julia S.
We have become spoiled – spoiled beyond words!! Having bare boated many years, often with sleepless nights, worried about the anchor, or sweating over a hot stuffy stove, the Ma Ha and her crew of two, Harvey and Rabbit (Cara), have ruined us. Our standard of sailing will now be measured by the unbelievable cooking of Rabbit and her array of three course meals, her incomparable snacks, and an endless supply of novel and tasty ice creams. Our unflappable captain Harvey ‘No Worries’ Rogers sailed to our every whim, served an endless supply of tasty and refreshing libations and was always ready with a water toy, snorkel or towel for our every activity and endless swimming. Even familiar anchorages became new and novel with Harvey and Rabbit’s local knowledge and friendly connections. Ma Ha’s beautiful state rooms, ample living space and numerous lounge spaces made for a relaxing vacation filled with great joys, satisfying sails and endless water sports! Thank you Harvey & Rabbit!! Peter S.
If you can’t already tell, we had an amazing time on Ma Ha this week. The fabulous boat and all its fun toys were only a small part of what made our vacation so special. The two people that had the biggest impact on our lovely experience were our amazing captain and chef – Harvey & Rabbit. You two made sure that we had the best food, fun and sun possible, so thank you! I’ve loved being on your boat and hope that I can make it back again. If not though, good luck and thanks again for an unbelievable trip in the BVI! Katya S.
Julia S, aboard Catamaran Ma Ha, March 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were fantastic - friendly, fun, and engaging, but all very professional. They knew the waters well and were expert at handling the boat at all times. They were also very flexible with the planning, offering good suggestions every day.
The boat was perfect for us. It was roomy enough for us (2 guests, each with our own room) and there was plenty of space on the boat to be together or apart.
The food was really good. Every meal was tasty. Kim asked about favorite kinds of dishes and ingredients. When I happened to mention that I love cilantro, lo and behold, our next dinner had plenty of it, along with a salad the next day!
Every day was a perfect mixture of excitement and rest. We did some snorkeling, diving, hiking, wakeboarding, etc. Even tried surfing when we spotted some breaking water.
Sailing Directions continues to be a great brokerage to work with - always quick, helpful replies; always help finding the boat and type of crew/experience we're looking for.
Stephen S, aboard Catamaran Mimbaw, March 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew were amazing. Absolutely exceeded our expectations. We were a bit nervous about it as we had not done a charter before and since it was just the two of us it was important that we spent the week with nice people. They were super fun and friendly and certainly made us feel very comfortable. They accommodated our needs and were flexible to adjust things as the week went on. Can’t say enough good things about them. Learned a lot from Greg about sailing in blue water and we had a great, relaxing vacation.
The boat was immaculate and they keep it in incredible shape and very clean.
The food was fabulous – Vanessa is a very good cook and she was very creative. Great tastes, fresh food and beautifully presented. Very talented.
The BVIs is beautiful area we have not been before and will definitely go back. We will definitely be doing another trip in future – hopefully next year.
Greg M, aboard Sailing Yacht Blue Passion, March 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Everything was beyond exceptional. Food, itinerary, activities, boat etc. Graeme, Lauren and Zayne were unbelievable hosts. I would have no issue making a recommendation for either the crew or the boat.
Winston C, aboard Catamaran Something Wonderful, March 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our family thought everything about Gareth & Kristine was fantastic. They literally waited on us every hour we were awake. We felt guilty because of how hard they were working all the time. They absolutely understood our needs and concerns: From picky eaters with the kids to Mindi being concerned about rough seas. They continually optimized the itinerary to take into account potential weather and also learned more about our preferences as the first couple of days developed. We can’t imagine anything more they could have done.
Being aboard the Xenia, a Privilege 61.5 foot boat, was clearly a “top of the line” yacht! As we drove around other, similar sized boats during the week – we came to realize how “high end” the Privilege line is: More classic wood, less plastic, teak flooring on the outside vs just fiberglass, more high end electronics (Apple TV), TV’s in every state room, etc, etc. A very, very nice yacht!
Kristine was incredible! It was always a sit down, being served meal. From others that had chartered on other boats, I was expecting some food to be “set out, sorta buffet style”. The food was great each and every time. We commented a few times how we want her recipes and that she needs to publish a cook book! Everything seemed to be from scratch, example: she personally “glazed” pecans with her own candied mixture for a salad one day. The list is too numerous to mention.
It was just a wonderful experience and Gareth and Kristine were great! We can’t say enough good things. We definitely will call you if we consider chartering again.
Griff J, aboard Catamaran Xenia, March 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Crew was perfect! A2 is as good as it gets. We took pictures of every dinner!
John G, aboard Catamaran A2, March 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Nick and Lucy were incredible! Could not ask for better captain and chef; their services and personalities were 5 Star excellent! When our trip was over it was extremely hard saying our goodbye's; it felt like we were leaving family. We are already planning our trip for next year with them.
Loved the boat; impeccably clean, comfortable and perfect.
Food was absolutely incredible!! From the presentation to the menu to the cooking style; it was all excellent. Lucy did a fabulous job in creating menus that fit everyone's food palate. Very creative and tasty!!
Loved the itinerary and area. Nick went above and beyond sharing so much island information and history. He was the perfect tour guide as well, taking us to places that we would never have gone if it wasn't for him leading us.
Sailing Direction's service was helpful and accurate in all aspects of the trip.
Our charter vacation experience was an incredible and fabulous experience overall. It could not have been any better!! (Except maybe a little longer as no one was ready to leave). With Nick, Lucy and Best Revenge you have a home run charter experience!!
Neil K, aboard Catamaran Best Revenge 5, March 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our entire group had an incredible time and really enjoyed Dustin, Olivia, and Isla. Dustin was a great captain and he always had our wellbeing and safety first, most importantly he was a great tour guide especially as the weather and wind threw us a couple curve balls.
Olivia was an incredible cook and her Bloody Mary's were second to none. Everyone had to stay active to work off all the calories. Isla did an amazing job of making sure everyone was happy and taking great care that our expectations were always met. Last but not least, we loved the Island Girl and the way she was appointed. I would say our only regret was coming home to 9 inches of snow. Thank you for all your help and please pass on to the owners how pleased we were with the entire crew and yacht, they have a great combo. We look forward sailing with them again.Rick K, aboard Power Yacht Island Girl, February 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our experience on Viking Dream was absolutely amazing, truly a dream vacation.
Mark and Sally were the perfect hosts - attentive in every way, friendly and very professional. They are expert sailors and put us at ease in how they handled the boat under all conditions. They customized the itinerary according to our desires and the activities we wanted.
The catamaran was comfortable, beautiful and kept spotlessly clean. The food and drink was way beyond our expectations - all highest quality gourmet meals, beautifully presented, including appetizers, snacks and cocktails every day.
Time was made every day for the activities we preferred- snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, relaxing and exploring the islands. Being a group of old geezers, they kept us safe and very happy.
Our charter broker John Lane from Sailing Directions was very professional and always got back to us quickly whenever we had a question.
Given the opportunity, we would love to sail with Mark and Sally again, and would very highly recommend them and the Viking Dream for a truly incredible vacation.
Bill W, aboard Catamaran Viking Dream, February 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Couldn't have asked for a better charter experience. The crew and yacht were 5 star. The crew was extremely personable and attentive to all guest's needs and wants. The meals were great - kudos to the chef!
We much enjoyed the area sailed. Favorites were snorkeling and the Baths. I really can't think of anything to improve upon. It was great!
Ray M, aboard Catamaran Miss Kitty, February 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Donné and Stewart were the model of friendly, attentive and accommodating (add GRACIOUS). They are superb hosts, entertaining and lovely to be with. We were totally impressed by our trip and all future sailing trips will be measured by a trip on Azuria.
On our day of departure, I recall walking up to Azuria where it was docked and commenting to my friends that it was the cleanest boat I had ever seen. You can eat off any surface of this vessel. Donné and Stewart take incredibly good care of their boat (as well as they take care of you!). The main saloon is very well ventilated and the cabins have a good breeze blowing through the hatch if it's breezy or there is air conditioning available if not (rarely used). The level of service provided by Donné and Stewart was superb.
Donné is a superb chef and she takes great pains to present each meal beautifully. We couldn't wait until the next meal as they were so delicious. I highly recommend Captain Stewart's petit rum as well (well, actually, all of the Captain's Cocktails!).
We threw them for a loop as one of our party had to leave early. They accommodated our needs and we still had a fantastic itinerary. We were lucky to have a fantastic sail from Tortola to the Baths due to an unusual wind. We had a tremendous time!
Sailing Directions was very easy to deal with. We would definitely do another charter.
Brett L, aboard Catamaran Azuria, February 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our charter was fabulous on every level. Mark and Kristin were superb, loved by each of us and now friends for life. Nothing could have been better, from food to port, the very best.
Pamela S, aboard Catamaran The Cure, February 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Nick and Lucy were lovely and attended to every possible need or want. They somehow managed to know what we wanted without us knowing it or having to ask. They were fun to hang out with too. We enjoyed their company and became very attached to them. It was hard to say goodbye.
Was Best Revenge 5 is a beautiful boat. Nick and Lucy clearly care about it and are taking good care of it.
The food was fantastic. We cannot rave enough. Lucy is an excellent chef. It was so good that we couldn't stop eating.
We visited some familiar places and some new ones. Nick was great about escorting us on excursions and showing us things we would not have known to see/do on our own.
Perfectly satisfied. Would use Sailing Directions again. It was wonderful. We will cherish the memories. Thank you!
Sylvia G, aboard Catamaran Best Revenge 5, February 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We cannot say enough exceptional things about Nick & Lucy. From the first greeting they were extremely professional, but also very welcoming and fun to be around. They both were quick to figure out our needs, and were incredibly attentive & accommodating. The level of service was beyond anything we had ever experienced. They took great pride in making sure we were having a great time and we, quite honestly, loved being around them. While always making sure to tend to our needs, they also gave us personal space & according to our entire family, they are truly the reason why our trip was so memorable. Without a doubt, we ever do this again, it will be with Nick & Lucy. An amazing team! Five star crew!!
Being boaters ourselves, we can attest to the fact that Best Revenge 5 is a beautiful catamaran in every way! It was incredibly clean, well ventilated and extremely comfortable. The cabins were very well appointed and beautifully done. Beds are comfy (and are sized as stated!), plenty of storage and hanging space and bathrooms spacious (by boat standards) and well-appointed with all the necessities of the trip. The common areas are very well designed and spacious. Little extras all around the boat that made it comfortable for a group - we didn't feel like we were sitting on top of each other.
On top of being well designed and spacious, she was beautifully decorated! A true WOW! Our family felt incredibly lucky to be able to enjoy such a beautiful yacht. Again 5 stars to an amazing catamaran!
WOW!! There are not enough adjectives to describe the high level & exceptional quality of the food served. It was a culinary feast each & every meal! (Including the snacks!). Incredibly well prepared, well-balanced meals and catered to our individual food preferences. The presentation was top-notch and their attentive service during our meal was more than you could ask for. Little things like different table decor each meal, nice dinnerware just added to the ambiance. It was consistently spectacular every meal - we were all trying to figure out our favorite but they all ended up being our favorite! :-) Lucy is a Five Star chef!
We can't forget about the drink selections either. Nick was great at pairing wine selections for our meals. We got to enjoy his native South African wines which we really enjoyed as we had traveled there - such a personal touch. His skills making specialty drinks was second to none as well.. a real treat! Our entire family looked forward to his drink of the day, always fun, always tasty!
Our itinerary fit our family perfectly! It was adventurous, unique, and most importantly, fun! We were treated to some amazing land treks, sea adventures and incredibly beautiful spots. We could not have asked for more - we were all extremely happy with our adventure!
John, you were great to work with! It was first-class service in every respect. Prompt answers to questions, helpful insight in selecting the proper catamaran and crew for our trip, and pre and post follow ups. We would highly recommend Sailing Directions and if our future needs take us back to another sailing adventure, you will be our first contact!
BR5 & our crew were exceptional! First class, five star all the way! We can tell you without a doubt, that this surpassed our high expectations. Our crew was very proud to be on the BR5 and it showed in every aspect of our trip - from their professionalism, to accommodating our family in every possible way. She's a well appointed fun catamaran - lots of good toys to play with on board as well, which was a perfect fit for our active family!
Lori H, aboard Catamaran Best Revenge 5, January 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our group had a wonderful time on the Blue Moon catamaran! The boat was very comfortable and clean. The rooms were spacious and the walk-in showers were awesome!
The best part of the Blue Moon is the crew. We absolutely loved Captain Jack and Jaimey! They were so much fun and always made us feel comfortable. We were so spoiled with Jaimey's cooking. Even the picky eaters on our boat loved every meal. None of us ever even opened the snack cabinet.
Jack was such an experienced Captain and was always eager to teach us about sailing. Jack and Jaimey were also very good about planning our itinerary and giving us great options. The trip was so memorable thanks to them. I would highly recommend this boat and especially this crew!
We were happy with Sailing Directions' service and really appreciated all of the pre-trip information you provided. We appreciated the way we were able to make our payments by credit card rather than having to wire the funds.
Joyce R, aboard Catamaran Blue Moon, January 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Andre and Liezl were excellent. They are both very friendly and went out of their way to make our trip enjoyable. The meals were excellent. This was our third trip around the BVIs and they still were able to take us to a couple places we'd never been while still hitting our favorites.
Ken R, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, January 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Donne cleaned the cabins, bathrooms and refused to let us make our own beds. Every morning as we sat for breakfast she hurried off to each cabin to clean as if we were just walking in for the first time.
The food was incredible. We told Donne and Stewart multiple times that we couldn't have gone to a restaurant and ordered that well three meals per day! The portions were perfect and she was even willing to share her recipes with us. The best part is we weren't rushed to sit for any meals yet when we were ready she reacted and served us immediately.
Our itinerary was great and only made better by Stewart and Donne's suggestions to us. Like something simple as a choice of a spa day at Peter Island or they could pack us champagne on ice and glasses in a backpack and they would show us a trail to hike to the top of Peter Island so we could see an incredible view of all the islands and toast a great trip!
John, you were so quick to respond to every question and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you. In fact I've already sent your info to a friend. It couldn't have been easier and more efficient.
Jimmy S, aboard Catamaran Azuria, January 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
The entire trip was a complete success. Shane and Anne were truly professional and made our vacation quite special.
Michael M, aboard Catamaran Gypsy Princess, January 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Petr and Tracy were extremely accommodating and attentive. Tracy is a very talented, delightful, warm and friendly Hostess/ Chef. Petr is a masterful, skilled, safety conscious Captain who went out of his way to make some very "sporty" (his word) sailing conditions as comfortable as possible for us. He did his best to find anchorages that were as smooth as possible given the sea conditions. He was extremely attentive, helpful with sound advice on snorkeling technique, loaned us his own snorkeling equipment after ours proved inefficient and was diligent in keeping a close eye on us while we were snorkeling or swimming. Petr was extremely skilled at maneuvering the catamaran in challenging conditions and these skills enabled us to land two sailfishes, two large barracuda as well as a black-fin tuna while under sail. Tracy and Petr were both also great help, and great fun in encouraging us and helping us land (and release some) of the results of our fishing efforts both under sail and at anchor.
Genesis was immaculate on our boarding her and Tracy and Petr made sure that she was maintained this way for our entire 10 day sail. Our quarters were spacious, beautifully clean, airy and the fans provided, as well as the cross-breeze from the windows in the sleeping area and in the bathroom, created very comfortable sleeping conditions. There was plenty of storage and Tracy ensured that our sleeping area and bathroom were beautifully maintained throughout our sail. There were vases of exotic, locally grown, fresh flowers and foliage in our cabin and in the salon and Tracy's innovative and lovely shell night-lights made getting around our quarters during the night very comfortable.
The food was delicious, beautifully and artistically presented. Tracy's creative flare was evident in the presentation of every single dish of each meal, including (within a few minutes of our impromptu request) a beautifully arranged and presented cheese-board which we had one day instead of lunch. The meals were generous and varied. The flavors, colors and textures were eye-catching, appetizing, fresh and bright. The dishes that Tracy prepared for us (per our request) were a mix of familiar North American-style fare and dishes representative of local cuisine. Tracy and Petr made excellent use of local ingredients, fruits, vegetable, herbs and fish and as a bonus, made good use of some of the products of our fishing luck. Petr treated us, one evening to Bramboracky, a Szech dish. It was a great treat, not only because it was delicious but because we were impressed by the versatility of his skills! (He is also a skilled barbecue chef, grilling many of the protein components of our meals on the small barbecue off the back of Genesis.) Tracy and Petr's gorgeous collection of batik napkins and sea-themed, napkin -rings (Never repeated once- during our 10 days of sailing!) were a visual delight, making the table a feast for the eyes even before the food was served.
We enjoyed the itinerary and areas sailed in the Grenadines. Unfortunately the weather disallowed some of the beach time and snorkeling that we would have loved to do, but this is a good excuse for us to sail this itinerary on the Genesis with Petr and Tracy again, in hopes of better weather from Mother Nature.
Sailing Direction's service was excellent. We appreciated the prompt, efficient replies to all our queries and to the pre-and post- sail communications. We loved having access to our sailing details on the Sailing Directions web-site as well as the preparation info section.
We will gladly and unreservedly refer anyone who expresses interest in a sailing trip.
Rejanne K, aboard Catamaran Genesis, January 2015 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
The whole crew was incredibly friendly and fun to be with. They were fantastic at their individual duties. They made our trip a most memorable one. I could not imagine a better crew to be with for a week. They let us do whatever we wanted to and were very attentive to what we needed and did everything with a huge smile. We left there with 4 new friends.
King's Ransom far exceeded even our high expectations. It was like sailing a Ritz Carlton. It had tons of room even for our group of 9. It was kept immaculately clean and was incredibly comfortable. It took the waves very smoothly and had a very gentle roll at night. Fantastic.
We had three 5-star meals a day, plus snacks and apps. Niki is a very talented chef and to be able to prepare the quality of food we received on a sail boat is simply unbelievable. It was presented beautifully and we looked forward to every meal.
The great thing about it was that we woke up every morning and decided what to do and where to go. We enjoyed not having to work to some hard and fast itinerary that someone else set. We were free to go or stay where we were. There was no pressure from the captain to do or go anywhere, but he provided excellent information for us to make a very informed decision every day.
You did a fantastic job. I would definitely use Sailing Directions in the future.
Ken H, aboard Catamaran Kings Ransom, January 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The vessel is truly sailing and sleeping in total comfort and style. There are areas available on the fly bridge, salon, up front near the trampoline areas in the cockpit, as well as he back deck seating for couples to have privacy and some space in addition to each of the very comfortable cabins.
The linens are top notch and the décor is so perfectly blended with the vibe in the BVI. The toilets are electric so no "pumping" to flush as most people have experienced on some boats. Blue Moon has plenty of toys and recreational equipment with a kayak, paddle board, rafts, noodles and a six person float with drink holders. The dinghy can be used to pull you behind it with a kneeboard, etc too. Snorkel gear is available and if you wish to dive or fish, they will coordinate that for you as well. There is one hair dryer on board (though you'll rarely if ever use it), and there are stocked shower gels, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers in every shower, and at the back of the boat at the top of the sugar scoop so you don't need to pack those supplies unless you choose to. I found them to be great products and smelled very nice.
The boat has wifi and satellite TV (though we only bothered to turn it on once during our trip, for the bowl games on Jan 1st). Beach towels are provided and you do not need to pack them. They stow your suitcase%luggage for you so it's not in the way and you live out of the more than ample storage space and drawers in your cabin. No one could fill all the drawer space in the spacious quarters for a one or two week trip.
Packing advice: You'll read lots of things that say pack light, but I'm telling you I travel a lot for business and pleasure and rarely over or under pack. I kept this in mind and still over packed! When I go back next year, I'm taking swimsuits, maybe 3 shorts%t-shirts%outfits and 3 beach covers plus my toiletries. Unless you are doing upscale dining at a luxury resort ashore at night, you will rarely wear clothes beyond your swimwear and the t-shirts etc. that you'll buy along the adventure.
The tours, islands, and the overall options available throughout the BVI are endless. Captain Jack and Jaimey will accommodate any place you wish to go or see, and no two tours are really ever the same. Spots I would recommend you not miss are Bitter End Yacht Club, Soggy Dollar, The Baths, and a ride ashore around Virgin Gorda. Certainly there are plenty of other choices, but these are all must see%do items on every first timers list to say the least. We also enjoyed the Marina on the side of JVD where Foxy's Taboo is. Very nice stop whether or not the bubbly pools are active that day or not. They often find just the perfect spot, bay, or cove to anchor for a delightful breakfast with a fabulous view which may include caves (you can later snorkel) or a beach you can swim to. Captain Jack will dingy you to shore for tours, to reefs for a snorkel, or to a dock for nightlife. He absolutely does not mind picking you up, no matter how late it gets. He really is the best and you feel no imposition at all.
Jaimey and Captain Jack are absolutely unparalleled hosts. They think of everything, and make you feel completely at ease. We had coordinated and emailed several times before the trip and spoken to Captain Jack once to firm up details about 3 weeks prior to our trip, and literally from the moment we arrived, we did not feel like guests at all. They showed us all around, and made sure we knew where things were and how to use them. They had snacks and drinks waiting, and options for us to choose from that first afternoon. By the time dinner was over that night we felt like they were on the vacation with us and we'd known them for a long time.
They do the "beds and heads" so discretely each day before you even realize they were ever missing. (They've already made your bed and cleaned your cabin.) Captain Jack is a wealth of information about the islands and historical details about the BVI. Each morning after breakfast he gets the map out, reviews where you've been and what that day's options are, and then the group lets him know their preference for the day's sail and destinations. He's happy to involve you in the sailing activities if you wish to, or you can just relax and watch.
Jaimey doubles as the 1st mate and chef, and while it's hard to tell which one she's best at, you'll truly be "wowed" by her galley skills. She doesn't miss a thing on your preference sheet, accommodates different diet types with ease, and prepares and presents each meal in a way that is simply out of this world. We actually ate ashore one evening, and while it was good, we all wished we'd stayed aboard Blue Moon for Jaimey's dInner!
Captain Jack sets the table each day with fresh beautiful linens, followed by Jaimey describing that meal's offering as it is served. Her dishes stimulate one taste bud after another as well as plated with stunning presentations and garnishes. Truly each meal was better than the next, and just as we thought she couldn't possibly top one - she would! They are so Kodak-moment-like that you almost think they are too pretty to eat. (We always took a picture first though!) You are served breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack tray with happy hour, followed by dinner and dessert. Fresh baked cookies are made many days as well. She makes many of the breads herself and has become a master of local fresh provisioning. We had a pirate themed party one night complete with costumes. They pulled together costuming and joined us. Jaimey made a pirate themed dessert that night with cupcakes and decorations and pirate inspired drinks for us too.
I really cannot say enough good things about Jack and Jaimey. We felt like family and were just as sad to leave them, personally as we were to leave the beautiful island destinations they showed us. They are game for anything, think of everything, have endless tips and recommendations, unmatched service and are the kindest and fun people we could have ever hoped would crew our vacation sail and become "part of the family."
There is absolutely no doubt we will be back, and the only choice for us is Blue Moon with Captain Jack and Jaimey. My only worry is that as word about them continues to travel, they may be already booked the week we decide to go!
I cannot imagine a more perfect experience than what they provided to our group!Daphne M, aboard Catamaran Blue Moon, January 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had an amazing time on our trip. Thanks so much for your assistance in finding a phenomenal captain, crew and yacht.
Brian and Ava were amazing from the very moment we met. They were attentive but not overbearing, they were professional, they were experts at their jobs, they were engaging, friendly, approachable. The list goes on!
Happy Time was in terrific condition. Very clean, well-appointed and well cared for. It was extremely comfortable for our family of 6. It was well ventilated.
We had read about Bryan's culinary skills, but I hadn't imagined he was so accomplished. Ava also prepared terrific meals. The food was fantastic and expertly prepared. They did a nice job of tailoring meals so that the pickier eaters in our group were also happy.
We very much enjoyed the itinerary. Although we had a general plan for the week, we would discuss our plan every day and fine tune it or change it depending on the desires of the group. Bryan was very accommodating and able to offer several alternative suggestions for each day's route.
We were very pleased with Sailing Directions. Finding the right crew for my family was a priority from the start and I feel like you really listened to me and help us make the perfect match.
I cannot emphasize enough the value added to our vacation experience because of Bryan and Ava. They were the perfect hosts for our week in the BVI. Bryan was incredibly knowledgeable and able to show us a few hidden gems. He was completely professional but also easy going and a pleasure to be around. He was a phenomenal dive master - so calm and calming especially given 5 of the 6 of us were newly certified. Ava was very professional and accommodating. She anticipated our needs and catered to everyone's individual tastes without being asked. She was great company and always eager to play a game with the kids.
Sharon F, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, January 2015 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our trip through the BVIs was amazing. Azuria is a beautiful catamaran and we were made to feel right at home with Stewart and Donne'. They were welcoming and we felt like we were with our best friends. Donne' catered to our food needs perfectly - and we do have some finicky eaters with our kids. We have been so impressed by both our charters booked through your company and I am sure we will be sailing again very soon. Thank you again for providing such quality.
Lisa M, aboard Catamaran Azuria, January 2015 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We immediately felt right at home with the crew. We now think of them as friends and are planning to reconnect with them in a couple of weeks when they visit Boston.
Rocketeer was very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. We didn't use the air conditioning at all thanks to excellent windows and hatches.
The food was unbelievable. How Grassa prepares such outstanding fresh, healthy food in a small galley is a bit of a mystery to me. She had really thought carefully about our food preferences and delivered superb meals all week.
USVI and BVI are as beautiful as they look in the tourist brochures. We enjoyed the variety of small quaint beachfront villages, deserted coves, moderate hikes, impressive snorkeling, and brisk and lively sailing - upwind and back down.
We were very happy with Sailing Directions. We were grateful for the flexibility you showed when we had to change the participant list.
Rocketeer is a perfect choice for people who like to really sail, prefer to eat lighter, healthy food, like an active, engaged vacation, and respect the crew as real professionals from whom you can learn a lot and with whom you can become close friends. If you want a lazy holiday, heavy food and late nights of partying, want to be transported around without being disturbed, or think of the charter crew as personal servants, you should probably choose a slower, heavier boat and a less experienced crew.
Thanks so much for everything. Couldn't have been better.
Andrew W, aboard Catamaran Rocketeer, December 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
What an incredible week. You have completely exceeded our expectations! This has been the perfect charter for our family. Thank you for taking such good care of us.
Harvey, from our first contact you have been the most delightful Captain. The communication has been ideal. We've loved the stories and hearing the history of the islands. Thank you for making sure we were able to go to the best spots. One of our favorites was The Baths. The guided tour was wonderful. You've welcomed us, calmed our fears, served us, informed us, played with the kids and made everyone feel very comfortable. Thank you for tailoring this charter so perfectly for our family.
Thank you both for the most outstanding week!
Eric L, aboard Catamaran Ma Ha, December 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Nick and Lucy are top notch professionals. They are very friendly, engaging, and very accommodating. Nick was an excellent captain who is a competent sailor, very knowledgeable about boating and maintenance, marine life, local history and folklore. He escorted us in the water and on land, always looking out for our safety.
Best Revenge 5 is a beautiful, well maintained and very clean vessel. There was plenty of hot water on board and AC worked well with individual thermostats in each stateroom. Bed linens were also nice.
Food on board was fabulous. Although not formally trained as a chef, Lucy's culinary skills were off the chart. Her passion for cooking was evident in menu selection, food preparation and presentation, and all the care she took to accommodate our food preferences. She prepared three fabulous meals each day, and varied the menu throughout the week. Her cooking skills and desire to please the guests make her a true asset.
With constant consideration of prevailing winds and sea conditions, Nick planned out an excellent itinerary and offered us options all along the way.
Sailing Directions was always quick to reply to emails and answered all of my questions in a timely manner.
Our gal pal charter aboard BR5 in the BVI far exceeded our expectations.
Susan V, aboard Catamaran Best Revenge 5, December 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
In a word, our week on Soterion was "spectacular". The weather was just part of the adventure. Ben and Rachel are incredible. Once again you made a perfect match.
Christine M, aboard Catamaran Soterion, November 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Peter and Caroline were extremely friendly. Both were very attentive to us and the 6 teenagers that we bought with us. Both had patience of a saint when it came to the 3 teenage boys and 3 teenage girls.
The boat was clean and very comfortable, plenty of room for 8 people and crew.
Food was excellent and nicely presented. We had some kids that were afraid to try new foods however Caroline was very accommodating in making different meals for those that were more "picky".
The itinerary was great. We hit the main spots and even got to take in some new spots we have never been too. Peter put the safety of his passengers and crew in mind when we planned each day.
We would definitely recommend Sailing Directions to any friends that may consider a sailing vacation.
Kelli D, aboard Catamaran Flying Ginny, November 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Thank you! This was a fantastic time in every way. The food was just perfect. We didn't have Captain and First Mate, but new and endearing friends. THANKS!!
On a scale of 1-10... 15! Capt. Will and Nikki made a perfect team and gave us the time of our lives.
This trip was AMAZING!! The boat was phenomenal. Comfortable. Fun. Spacious for our dance party. Nikki and Will took care of us like no other. The beaches and cays we stopped at were heavenly, and the food NIkki made was over the edge. We could not have asked for a better or more fun trip. Thank you a million times.
This trip was perfect in every way! Every view was a postcard. The wind, the water, & the rain, my favorite spot was the chairs in front on the bow riding the waves, or just relaxing in the hammock. I couldn't have asked for more. Will and Nikki took care of us beyond expectations. The food was amazing! It was delicious and perfectly timed! We awoke every day to fresh brewed ice tea, our belongings lovingly folded- what can I say- pure bliss!
Tim M, aboard Catamaran Frangines, November 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We found the crew very very good, we had a great time with them and they helped us to enjoy it a lot, they were very friendly, attentive and accommodating. We had a very good relationship that continues nowadays via facebook.
Loveboat was comfortable, we felt at home. Linda is a very good cook and also Josh with his fantastic BBQ ribs. The meals were very tasty and well presented.
Captain Josh took us to wonderful places that we will never forget in our lives and he also taught us to sail, he is a very good teacher.
We had a great time and we will never forget of this trip, Josh and Linda and obviously the catamaran Loveboat that allowed us to have this fantastic sailing trip.
Andres C, aboard Catamaran Loveboat, July 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Richard & Adele were incredible. Everything we could have ever hoped for. The food Adele was capable of preparing in a little boat kitchen was nothing short of amazing.
Yes Dear is excellent. The one small cabin was tight for the one couple staying in there but we knew that was going to be the case going in so no surprise there. The rest of the cabins were actually slightly larger than we thought they would be.
If we decide to return or hear of anyone else talking about it we will certainly recommend Sailing Directions and Yes Dear.
Brian W, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, July 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We absolutely loved Andrew and Kailee. They were friendly, fun, and wonderful with our two teenage daughters. They were great and accommodating hosts!
The food was beautiful and delicious. Kailee should publish a cookbook!
We had such a wonderful time we are trying to figure out when we will be able to go again.
Stacey S, aboard Catamaran Pentesilea II, July 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We literally cannot think of a way to improve our experience!
The crew were amazing. We cannot say enough about how lovely they both are, in different yet complimentary ways. The teenagers in particular loved Nate, he has a bit of teenager himself in his personality and they thought he was so fun. He was also endlessly patient towing them around in the dinghy while they knee boarded, skurfed, etc. Penny is a serious cook and calm, lovely presence on board. She noticed what the kids liked and produced more of it. Every meal was a treat. The consistent level of personal service they provided was so impressive and welcome. Alegria is beautiful but Penny and Nate really made the vacation special. The yacht Alegria was perfect. I literally cannot think of any way to improve it. The food was fabulous. I am a cook myself and I cannot think of ways to improve it. Absolutely loved the BVIs. At "Captain's Corner" every morning, Nate would sit down and we would discuss what we wanted to do that day. He would plan an itinerary accordingly and he even made adjustments as necessary throughout the day to provide what we had asked for. Every day was exactly what we wanted.Hamilton S, aboard Catamaran Alegria, July 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our trip aboard the Copper Penny was wonderful. Everything about the boat was 1st class. The three cabins were clean and very spacious. The quantity and quality of the food was excellent. We all gained 6-8 pounds on the trip. We would book this boat again.
Dennis M, aboard Catamaran Copper Penny, June 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We're in-flight on our way home wishing we were still on the Avalon. We had such an incredible time! Alex, Carla and Molly were the best hosts ever and the Avalon was luxurious. We never saw a better craft on the water. Thanks for getting us on that boat!
Larry G, aboard Catamaran Avalon, June 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Roland and Vanessa were perfect; they could not have been more friendly, more attentive or more accommodating. We would definitely want to charter with them again. The food was amazing, delicious and beautifully presented. Everyone is talking about 'doing it again'.
Cindy P, aboard Catamaran Alive, June 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a fabulous trip, wonderful crew in Stewart and Donne' and have only the highest regard for our entire experience. Thanks again.
Sam H, aboard Catamaran Azuria, June 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a lovely trip! The crew was great, very accommodating and professional. Carla's cooking was off the charts. Every meal was fabulous! We had asked for healthy food and we got it served to us in a fresh and unique way.
The boat was lovely. Everything felt fresh and clean and it was a very comfortable size for our family of 6.
The itinerary was great. We had lots of options for activities such as snorkeling and paddle boarding, or we could just relax on the beach or boat. I am sure we will do a similar trip again!
Ashley B, aboard Catamaran Avalon, June 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Brooke is a fantastic 1st Mate. Always friendly and seeing to our family's every need.
Cliff is a great captain and more on the reserved side, which was not a problem at all. He worked well with the kids teaching them the basics of scuba diving and water skiing.
The accommodations are bigger than they look in the photos. Our family of 5 had no trouble. Brooke kept the cabins clean. The A/C in each room was a plus. Never had any trouble sleeping.
Meals were awesome and plentiful. She even got the girls to try fish.
We didn't realize how close the USVI and BVIs are. The trip was perfect for a 4 night / 5 day tour. The Baths are a must see. Pulling in to different bays to swim, snorkel, and spend the night was very relaxing. Going ashore for an evening was a nice touch.
Sailing Directions offers great communication and excellent service.
Richard S, aboard Catamaran Frangines, May 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Could not have asked for a better experience! This was a trip of a lifetime! We could not have asked for a better captain in Bryan and first mate, Frances. They were both delightful and yet professional, great personalities and so easy to be with! Happy Time is very comfortable, clean and well ventilated. We never felt like we were on top of each other, much roomier than we expected. This was a five star experience!
Nancy T, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, May 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Mark and Marie were great! Friendly, helpful and always giving us different options on things to do and see. They anticipated our every need and then some. I would love to sail with them again.
This was our second time on Soul's Calling and we still love it. It's a very comfortable boat and Mark and Marie do a good job keeping it up.
Marie is a world class cook. It's amazing what she was able to do in that galley! If she knew you liked something, she went out of her way to make it special for you. She even created a turtle out of Kiwi fruit and banana that was so realistic no one wanted to eat it! I wanted to steal her and take her home to cook for me all the time!
Mark gave us itinerary suggestions every day that fit perfectly with what we wanted to do.
Very happy with Sailing Directions. John Lane always responded quickly to any questions I had.
This is by far the best vacation we have ever had. We've done it twice and hope to do it again someday. I would highly recommend a crewed catamaran vacation through Sailing Directions to anyone.
Carol M, aboard Catamaran Souls Calling, May 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We found the crew on Dreaming On very friendly, attentive and accommodating. The boat was spotless, comfortable and well ventilated. The itinerary suited our needs well and food was OUTSTANDING! We were very pleased with Sailing Directions and Dreaming On.
Dan K, aboard Catamaran Dreaming On, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a great vacation! Phil (Galli) and Samarah (Sam), far exceeded all of our expectations. They really made this a perfect vacation. My kids cannot stop saying how much fun they had with Galli and Sam. In fact we, if we do another BVI vacation we want to make sure that we sail with them again.
Sam was very creative and is a well versed chef. She catered to the kids needs to make sure everyone had what they liked and tried new things at the same time.
I am not sure I would have changed anything. There was never an island or a cove that we did not enjoy. It was very relaxing knowing that Galli was taking us to multiple locations each day that had things for kids and adults to do.
The Secret Oasis is a great boat and the captain and crew far exceeded all expectations. This was truly one of the greatest Holidays our families had been on. Our vacation consisted of two families made up of four adults and five children all of which had a wonderful time. Sam and Galli really became part of our families as they snorkeled with us, played on the rocks/cliffs, and wake boarded/tubed behind the dingy.
Thank you very much for all of your assistance in booking this trip and helping us through the process. The crew were great fun and were far beyond or expectations. I would highly recommend them and the boat to anyone looking for a crewed vacation in BVI.
Kent L, aboard Catamaran Secret Oasis, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Trip was great - exceeded our expectations for sure - we loved Oli and Naomi and the boat was awesome! We loved the crew - they were so kind and welcoming and awesome with our kids - we wish we could bring them home with us!
The boat is beautiful and immaculately maintained. The meals were so yummy and beautifully presented. I should have been taking notes on how Naomi prepared it, but I was too busy relaxing and eating! We were able to travel to many different islands and coves - but never felt rushed to move on.
We'll for sure do it again someday and will certainly recommend Sailing Directions - and specifically Greenboat1 - to our friends.
Allison G, aboard Catamaran Greenboat1, April 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a fantastic time. The crew were, on a scale of one to ten: 900!!! The food was some of the best meals I ever ate. Will recommend you to our friends.
Gennaro R, aboard Catamaran Soterion, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Jim and Amanda are a great crew, I can't even imagine what else they could have done to make our vacation more enjoyable. By the end of the week they were like family. We had 4 kids on the trip with us, and one of them was even crying when we said good bye to them.
The Catsy Catamaran is very well maintained inside and out. The beds and pillows were comfortable, and the rooms were cool at night so sleep came easy.
The wives on the trip continued to comment on how wonderful it was that no decisions had to be made, everything was done, and everything was fantastic. Even the kids who are picky eaters explored the new foods presented, and often found they liked them. If they didn't like the fancy food, an alternative dish was always ready. Amanda is an amazing cook.
Jim sat down with me the moment we arrived and he and I decided on the key things we wanted to see. After that, Jim would make recommendation on points of interest we could fit in, while still making sure we hit all of our must haves. All of his suggested areas were top notch, and much appreciated. He knows the islands, and after getting to know us, knew what we would want to do before we did.
John at Sailing Directions was responsive and helpful in selecting the boat we finally decided on (Catsy). He was attentive to the details and kept checking in to make sure everything was ok all during the time from when we first booked the trip until the time we departed. Chartered and crewed boats can be expensive, but they are worth every penny.
Mike M, aboard Catamaran Catsy, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The week on Bliss was better than I had expected as I was concerned that the children would feel bored or trapped on board while sailing about but I couldn't have been more wrong. They had a blast - there was something new each day for them to discover. They enjoyed the sailing and there was never a moment when there was something fun, different, exiting for them - from the amazing snorkeling, watersports, watching the fish at night, catching the fish, general diving / jumping off the boat. The adults too had a wonderful time - an amazingly relaxing holiday with a feeling at the end of each day that you had done so much, the reality being Vlad and Angie worked so hard to do it all for us!
If my son could make the decision, I think he would live with Vlad on Bliss! We would most definitely consider a charter again. I cannot stress enough what a fantastic time we had aboard Bliss. It certainly is "up there" as one of our best holidays.
Annabel P, aboard Catamaran Bliss, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
I wanted to let you know that we had an awesome trip with Oli and Naomi and have nothing but great things to say! Please use us as references for future client. We are grateful and can't wait for our next trip to the BVI!
Ally S, aboard Catamaran Greenboat1, April 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Everything was excellent. The food was better than expectations, even though our expectations were high. We highly recommend Best Revenge 5 especially if young children are part of your group. Both Nick and Lucy like children and look after them very well.
Paul L, aboard Catamaran Best Revenge 5, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Vanessa and Roland were great. Roland was probably one of the best captains we have ever had. He is extremely funny and thoughtful. They took the time to get to know us and we really enjoyed their company.
Stephanie H, aboard Catamaran Flow, April 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew was wonderful. Andrew is a very competent sailor and was accommodating about where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. He also made sure to put is in locations that would be more gentle, especially at night.
Elsa is an amazing chef. The food was INCREDIBLE! It looked as beautiful as it tasted! The meals she made in that little kitchen were fabulous. The range of her cooking, and the presentation of each dish was wonderful.
Ma Ha was very clean and the crew kept it that way all week. I enjoyed every place we went. I am glad that we were able to get to Anegada.
Susie W, aboard Catamaran Ma Ha, March 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The boat is great and the crew was better. We love those two and had a great time.
Kenneth J, aboard Catamaran Moonstone, March 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Colin and Penny were great with kids. They balanced itinerary, menu and activities so we all had the time of our lives. Was Sabore extremely comfortable. The menu was a good balance of kids and adult fare. Penny often had to cook separate meals and was happy to do so. Everything was great. We plan on going back to Sabore next year.
Geoffrey S, aboard Catamaran Sabore, March 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Just dropping by to say what a wonderful time we had on Happy Time last week. This was our first experience chartering a catamaran and we all agree it is something we are hoping to do again in the near future!
We enjoyed Bryan and Frances very much and found them to be hardworking and professional people. All efforts were made to make sure we were enjoying our time on the boat, from the delicious meals each of them prepared to our amazing cruise itinerary.
Frances was especially attentive to our 18 year old twin girls and was so kind to snorkel with them, watch movies with them and just get to know them. We have stayed on many of the islands before this trip, but realize now there is no better way to experience the BVI!
Rodney R, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, March 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Petr and Tracy were friendly and generally wonderful. Having an entire hull to ourselves meant there was privacy and plenty of room. Amazing food, tasty and very fresh (fish caught and on the plate with a few hours). Cruising itinerary in the Caribbean Grenadines was perfect. We will recommend Sailing Directions to friends and family.
Jon D, aboard Catamaran Genesis, March 2014 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
What a wonderful, stress-less trip. The crew was great, the interaction couldn't have been better. Mimbaw was all it claimed to be. The food was wonderful, chef Marie is one of a kind, what a nice person. The sailing itinerary was spot on. Sailing Directions is first class, communication was very good and will recommend to our friends. Our group is already discussing about doing this charter again next year. A real trip of a life time.
Mark R, aboard Catamaran Mimbaw, March 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Pat and Aline were great, loved them both. Food was fabulous. The Virgin Islands were excellent, could not imagine it being any better. Everything was very smooth.
Randy G, aboard Catamaran Miss Kitty, March 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing time! Absolutely the most relaxing week of my life.
Arthur and Sherri were incredibly friendly and accommodating. We felt like we were visiting friends on their boat for the week - friends who catered to our every whim! From Sherri's cooking, to Arthur's music, they made us feel so welcome and relaxed on board Green Flash.
We had so many wonderful snorkeling experiences, and the boat also had fishing rods, kayaks, paddle boards, wake boards and knee boards - all of which got used! It was the perfect vacation!
We had the master suite, which was wonderful. The boys shared the 2nd room, and it worked well for two big boys.
The food was excellent. Every meal was delicious and the presentation was impeccable. The itinerary was perfect. Each day got better and better - we ran out of superlatives to use!
I will be certain to share our experience with friends/family and would not hesitate to recommend Sailing Directions and Green Flash.
Tracy R, aboard Catamaran Green Flash, March 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Just want to let you know we had an outstanding charter with Oli and Naomi. We very much appreciate you matching us up with them. They were both professional and extremely pleasant. They took care of all our needs and made us feel comfortable and welcomed.
Oli was always in control of the situation and all the guests commented on how they had complete trust in him and his management of the boat. Not to mention, he prepares an awesome breakfast and is a skilled bartender.
Naomi was simply superb. Several of the guests took advantage of her yoga classes and looked forward to her morning sessions. The food was as good (or better) as any fine dining restaurant in states. Service, flavor, presentation, portion size, it was all done perfectly. The worst meal we had all week was the one dinner we had OFF the boat!
The boat was in excellent condition and always kept clean and in order.
Although my wife and I have done bareboat charters in the BVI's before, this crewed charter was unquestionably the best experience we've had. Oli and Naomi transformed a good trip to a great trip!
We would all travel with them again and would be willing to recommend them, without reservation, to anyone who wants to have a fun, relaxing time at sea.
Tarek B, aboard Catamaran Greenboat1, March 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Geoff and Iza were absolutely perfect hosts. It was difficult not to think of them as family by the end of the first day.
We did not know what to think being first time sailors on an overnight trip. The boat was very clean and comfortable beyond our expectations.
Iza is an outstanding cook, Her meals were well thought out and perfect for the lifestyle we adopted aboard the boat. Light but delicious.
We loved the locations they took us. We asked to get a grand tour and we got one. Now we know where to focus on our next trip.
We were very happy with the way this whole trip was arranged and will be thinking of you first for our next trip like this.
This trip was, for us, a trip of a lifetime. Now we are thinking about doing it again.
Jeff S, aboard Catamaran Dreaming On, February 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Donne' & Stewart were great hosts the two weeks we were aboard Azuria. They made sure we were comfortable and happy. Azuria is a wonderful sailing yacht, the berths are good sized with a hatch that allows you to feel the cool breezes while you sleep.
Donne' is the master of the galley. Our stay was two weeks and we requested no seafood, which is unusual, but she created meals that were way above our expectations. Simply amazing.
Both Donne' & Stewart' know the US & BVI's very well and took us to wonderful anchorages and areas on the islands to hike and explore. Their knowledge of the area was a great benefit to us. We also had such a good time while we sailed.
Donna B, aboard Catamaran Azuria, February 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had an amazing trip and Oli and Naomi made all the difference. They are a unique and special team and we enjoyed our time with them. Thanks for all your help.
Jeffrey C, aboard Catamaran Greenboat1, February 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
The crew was phenomenal! Both Mark and Beatriz over exceeded our expectations by a wide margin. Mark is a knowledgeable, energetic, enthusiastic skipper who, time after time, went out of his way to accommodate our every request (even the stupid ones!).
Beatriz created flavorful, healthy meals and presented them in a way that made you think you were eating in a gourmet restaurant.
I know I can speak for our group in saying we could not have got a better crew. They were great! In a few years we will be looking again.
Carl G, aboard Catamaran Souls Calling, February 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Both Paul and Ratna were terrific, very friendly, attentive, and more than accommodating. Kayella enjoyed her morning chats with Ratna while the rest of us slept in. Kayella and I discussed food, fashion, travel with Ratna, she is a very warm and loving person. Paul was delightful, has a great sense of humor, and worked diligently to be sure all our wants and needs were met during our trip. He is a consummate captain! His love of sailing is quite apparent.
Sayang was perfect! They take excellent care of her!
The food was delicious! Ratna is an incredible chef! Her menus met our preferences perfectly. She asked Kayella and I what our favorite meal was, we couldn't answer with only one dish as all her meals were delicious. Beautiful presentation, perfect portion sizes! The desserts were a wonderful finish!
After returning home, several of our friends have asked us what our favorite island was, again we cannot pick one. We loved EVERYTHING about our trip. Each island and area we sailed was beautiful, interesting, and Paul shared history and folklore to enhance our experience.
Absolutely PERFECT vacation. The four of us enjoyed every minute of our sail!
Marsha L, aboard Sailing Yacht Sayang, February 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Brad and Lesli did an outstanding job as captain and first mate. They were very friendly and attended to every request in a polite, courteous and efficient manner. The boat was well provisioned exactly as we had requested on our preference sheet. Brad even took special requests for his runs ashore. We couldn't have asked for a better crew! Brad's experience as captain gave everyone aboard a sense of security and calm. He really seemed intent on making our days in the Caribbean the absolute best. He succeeded!
Brad and Lesli were constantly cleaning and did an excellent job with respect to the boat. Although we didn't spend a lot of time in the cabins, they were comfortable and well ventilated.
Lesli's presentation at dinner was as good as in any high-end restaurant and her desserts were simply outstanding!
The area we sailed is rated as among the most beautiful on earth. We all certainly concur with that assessment.
Wade C, aboard Catamaran Sweetest Thing, February 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our recent sailing vacation was outstanding! We have done this several times over the years and Stuart and Donne' are the best. The Azuria is a beautiful boat, the food was 5 Star and Stuart and Donne' made the trip memorable for all of us. Hope to be able to sail again with them.
Jeanne L, aboard Catamaran Azuria, January 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Ian and Jody were fabulous. It would be extremely hard to find a better crew. Last time we sailed, we only had a captain and we did our own cooking. We'll never do that again. Everything Jody served was delicious and (for the most part) healthy. We ate better than we do at home and the quality and presentation matched any four or five star restaurant.
We enjoyed every stop we made in the BVI. We made it tough on them to start as we needed a place to watch an NFL playoff game (go Broncos!). Not only did they find a great place to watch but they worked it seamlessly into our itinerary.
It was real easy working with Sailing Directions.
Ken R, aboard Catamaran Yes Dear, January 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
We had a great time. We had a completely different experience than we did when sailed a few years ago. Before we left I had recommended Sailing Directions as we had a great time previously. Had even more fun this time!
The crew were over the top on friendly, attentive and accommodating. Exceeded expectations. Really enjoyed being on their boat. Our family highly recommends Azuria which includes our 19 and 21 year old girls.
Food was delicious. Enjoyed the variety of seafood and salads. Presentation excellent.
They kept us busy and yet had time to relax. Enjoyed every stop. It was nice as we had been to many of the same spots previously, we stayed in different locations and learned something new each time.
Recommending Sailing Directions' service to others. I have used Sailing Directions twice and will use again.
Nancy O, aboard Catamaran Azuria, January 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our trip to the BVI was the best trip we have ever taken. Peter and Karen were so welcoming from the moment we set foot onto the Tonina. There is not one negative thing I could say about our entire week aboard. The boat was immaculate and the accommodations were extremely comfortable. The food was delicious and Karen managed to please the many different tastes in our family of five. It was the best we have eaten on a vacation in a very long time.
Each day was a new adventure and Peter was an excellent tour guide. I can't say enough about Karen and Peter and their hospitality. Our time spent with them is another reason our vacation was so special. They are fun and easygoing and adapted to my family's personality immediately. I can only hope that we can meet up with them again someday!
I would gladly talk to anyone who had questions about chartering because It was truly an unforgettable trip.
Lisa M, aboard Catamaran Tonina, January 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
Thanks so much for a delightful trip! It was a wonderful family vacation. The food was truly amazing and the Majestic Spirit is a terrific boat. Thank you SO much for making it a memorable vacation!
Kelly S, aboard Catamaran Majestic Spirit, January 2014 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Thank you so much for all of your help with planning our family vacation. It was better than we ever imagined! The Safari was a great boat and Stephen and Julia, were wonderful. I would definitely recommend you to friends and hopefully we will charter again soon!
Stephen and Julia really went out of their way to make this a memorable trip! The boat was very immaculate! I was pleased with having a separate A/C units in each room.
Julie did an amazing job with the meals, desserts and appetizers. You definitely won't leave hungry!
The itinerary was perfect. Since it was a busy time to be there, Stephen seemed to know exactly when to get to each destination before the crowd! He is also well liked on the islands. Everyone knew him!
I was very happy with the service Sailing Directions provided. John was very informative and prompt on answering all of my questions! We would love to charter again. I would definitely recommend your company to friends.
Tara P, aboard Catamaran Safari, January 2014 sailing the Virgin Islands
In the words of my 23 year old son, "the trip was awesome".
Captain Bastiaan makes the Dos Equos guy look like a minor leaguer. Bastiaan is quite possibly the world's most interesting man. He is always on his game whether it be planning the route, fishing, navigating the boat, grilling, diving, hiking, etc. He does it all and does it all very well.
Chef Amsa was a pleasure. Very kind and accommodating. She was attentive to our requests and did a fabulous job in the galley. She prepared a nice variety of dishes and presented us with some delicious meals.
We were concerned with the lack of air conditioning. No problem. Plenty of ventilation kept us comfortable at night. Mimbaw offered plenty of room for our family of 6.
The best part of the trip was seeing and doing. We presented Bastiaan with a very ambitious agenda. He managed to get all the places we requested, including Christmas on Anegada.
If you like to do things and see places and have a bit of adventure in you, a crewed yacht charter is a great way to vacation.
Michael W, aboard Catamaran Mimbaw, December 2013 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Our vacation was absolutely FABULOUS. We couldn't have special ordered a better couple to spend a week with than Donne and Stewart. We are all at this moment missing them dearly.
Donne and Stewart are the most friendly and interesting and FUN people we have met in a long time. They work tirelessly to make sure we are getting the most out of our vacation. The food that Donne prepared was so delicious and we all looked forward to mealtime :-)
The Azuria is a beautiful new yacht and they take such pride in keeping her maintained in perfect shape at all times. The crew always knew the best spots to snorkel, places to anchor and fun things to see.
We will definitely be looking into another week with them next year.
Mary Jane M, aboard Catamaran Azuria, December 2013 sailing the Virgin Islands
We loved the Lolalita and the crew. They were the best. They helped make our trip so memorable.
Lolalita was very comfortable. It was very clean and I loved how Megan attended to every detail to make sure we were well taken care.
We loved the food. Megan is a great cook and tried to meet our different preferences. We were constantly amazed of how she could come up with such delicious food.
Captain Ernie was in constant dialogue with us of what and where we wanted to go and do. He listened to our wants and tried to accommodate them as best as he could.
We weren't sure what to expect from our first crewed catamaran trip. We were very pleased with the whole trip. The Lolalita crew did all they could do to make our trip comfortable, fun and safe. We are still talking about how much we enjoyed the whole experience and especially how much we enjoyed meeting Ernie and his family. The cabins yet small but clean were very comfortable and the food was absolutely wonderful. Loved it. Ernie and Jeff were always there to lend an expert hand in assisting with our diving and snorkeling needs. The Lolalita is a beautiful catamaran and we will be back with Captain Ernie, Megan and Jeff. Thank you so much for a great trip. Will definitely recommend Lolalita.
Teresa T, aboard Catamaran Lolalita, December 2013 sailing the Caribbean Grenadines
The crew was not only friendly, accommodating and attentive, they became family, shared meals with us, Jayde even played board games with our family. Hannes, went out of his way to get us wherever we wanted. He even found an obscure wreck in the middle of the ocean so my son could dive it.
Pentesilea II is charming and comfortable. The itinerary was agreed upon on day one, and was really great!
The food and service were fantastic, we requested healthy foods and Jayde produced! Always with a smile. She and Hannes do not know the word "no" unless it compromises safety ( i.e, too much current to dive etc.)
I am happy to be a VERY positive reference and will do my damn best to tell my colleagues and friends, that this trip is a must for the bucket list.
Lou R, aboard Catamaran Pentesilea II, December 2013 sailing the Virgin Islands
I wanted to reach out and commend all of you in assisting us in having an absolutely wonderful vacation. John, you had all the answers to my pre trip question and expertly helped affirm our decision toward Happy Time and Captain Bryan. When I needed something answered you were prompt and right on. At times, when planning a vacation it becomes rather difficult. John you made it a breeze and in doing so, you gave us all the confidence we needed that our vacation would be spectacular.
Captain Bryan, we would like to thank you for a wonderful week! Your professionalism, attention to detail and your personality were an absolute pleasure to be around for a week! In addition, the cooking was five star quality as was the hosting by Stephanie.
We are so very glad that one of our criteria in selecting our boat was how well we thought we would get along with the crew. The second significant criteria was the quality and appearance of the boat. Steve, I would like to commend you and Bryan for Happy Time is in spectacular condition and Bryan and Stephanie work very hard on a daily basis to keep it that way. We all know the Caribbean is a spectacular place to visit. We feel not only did we spend a week in paradise but we did so in first class style aboard Happy Time.
We would do the exact same vacation again and hope to do so soon!
Greg M, aboard Catamaran Happy Time, December 2013 sailing the Virgin Islands
We had a most enjoyable time with our crew, Peter and Karen. They were both delightful, and they spent plenty of time with us but also respected our privacy. They seem to have a great knack for knowing when to socialize, and when to give us privacy with our friends. Two of our group were very interested in the sailing, and Peter made the effort to get us involved as much as possible.
We found Tonina to be very comfortable, and had no problems whatsoever. I was a little surprised to find that the cabins were air-conditioned, and at first I thought that was perhaps a bit overkill. However, by the end of the trip I realized that with the relative lack of outside ventilation available to the cabins, air-conditioning is by far the best way to keep them comfortable. The boat itself is amazingly comfortable; it was thoroughly enjoyable to drink our morning coffee up on the front deck and then dive in for a swim. The freshwater shower on the back of the port hull was much appreciated.
The food was exactly as we had hoped. Some of the meals were fairly simple but healthy and nutritious, as we had requested. Other meals were appropriately more extravagant; there was no shortage of drinks, desserts, and nothing lacking.
Peter did a great job with the itinerary, choosing good anchorages based on the prevailing wind and waves. The snorkeling was fine, and so were the swimming and the beaches.
Were also very happy with Sailing Directions’ service. You have been very responsive and informative throughout the whole process.
Dan M, aboard Catamaran Tonina, November 2013 sailing the British Virgin Islands
Dear Paul and Ratna,
Thank you for providing the perfect way for us to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary! You are true professionals who anticipate and provide for every need (or want). We cannot say enough about the superb food - breakfast, lunch, and dinner! You are gracious hosts, wonderful teachers, fine entertainers, and great human beings. Thank you for sharing your home and your part of the world with us. It was an amazing trip.
Craig C, aboard Sailing Yacht Sayang, July 2013 sailing the British Virgin Islands
The crew were top top, the best. Friendly we enjoyed spending time and interacting with them. Oliver taught us a bit about sailing also and we helped a bit during the trip!
The catamaran was perfectly clean and well kept. Nice inside and outside areas in Marmot.
Naomi did an amazing job with the kosher style food. We enjoyed the BVIs very much.
Were you happy with Sailing Directions' service?
Yes, thank you for the recommendation. Will definitely have to repeat the trip. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Boris B, aboard Catamaran Marmot, July 2013 sailing the British Virgin Islands
From the moment we met Geoff and Iza in St Thomas, our family were treated to a wonderful, exciting, and memorable adventure. Geoff and Iza are knowledgeable, kind, enthusiastic, patient, and in every way fantastic hosts. The food was delicious and beautifully prepared, the itinerary was set that met each of our wishes for the journey, the boat was well equipped with everything we needed, and best of all, we feel like we made great new friends. We can't recommend Dreaming On more highly.
Chris P, aboard Catamaran Dreaming On, July 2013 sailing the Virgin Islands
Our trip to the Caribbean was great. The boat Miss Kirsty is beautiful and Niall and Kirsty are a wonderful crew.
I can't say enough wonderful things about Niall and Kirsty and our experience aboard Miss Kirsty. It was a great family trip. They really made it special for us. Thank you so much for setting us up on their boat!
Naill and Kirsty could not have been better. They were so attentive and accommodating and just a lovely couple. We really enjoyed their company. We felt so comfortable on their boat and they made us feel right at home. It was such a great experience. I could not have imagined anything better!
Miss Kristy was impeccable. The boat was so clean and orderly. It was absolutely beautiful.
Chef Kirsty's food was amazing. Every meal was beautifully presented and it all tasted so good. Our whole family couldn't stop talking about her meals after we came home.
Niall and Kirsty made out first experience to the Caribbean absolutely wonderful. It was such a great trip. They were so full of information and made sure that everything on the boat was taken care of. Niall took our kids out waterskiing which was so much fun. They really went out of their way to make our trip wonderful and show us so many beautiful spots. We have many great memories from our vacation. It is a trip that we won't soon forget. Our whole experience with Sailing Directions was great. Thank you for all of your help! It was a fantastic vacation!
Debbie R, aboard Catamaran Miss Kirsty, June 2013 sailing the Virgin Islands