December, 2011 - "The only way to see the islands"
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our sail and snorkel with Captain Rick and Nikki. With another couple on board, we had a great day of sailing along St. Thomas, St. John and surrounding islands. Along with the sailing and snorkeling, their hospitality was first class. It felt as though we spent the day with good friends. The boat is beautiful and it was wonderful to sail rather than motor about. We really enjoyed learning about the islands, coral and fish from Nikki. We have been on several other sailing and snorkeling trips over the years, Aruba and Hawaii, and this was by far the best. Many thanks to Captain Rick and Nikki for a great day. And, thanks to Rick's wife for the behind the scenes work of preparing the amazing food.

October, 2011 - "Pick The Nightwind if you're looking for a "Once In A Lifetime"
PROS: THE BIGGEST PRO TO SAILING W/ YACHT NIGHTWIND IS YOU WILL NEVER BE SAILING W/ MORE THAN 12 GUEST UNLIKE OTHERS WE SAW! Captain Rick and his mate, Nikki are very accommodating to your needs and wants. Rick picks only the most supreme snorkeling spots, hundreds of fish and sea life! Bring a disposable underwater camera! Don't be shy, tell them what you are looking for in your sailing experience, want more alcohol in your rum punch, or need other accommodation for non-swimmers, etc.
CONS: The breakfast IS continental style so if you're an eater or big breakfast eater, don't come aboard w/ a big appetite. However, with that being said, the spread they cook up for lunch and the all day open bar will more than make up for it! THE BIGGEST CON IS WHEN THE DAY COMES TO AN END! The day goes by sooo fast!
THINGS TO BRING: Sunscreen, lots of sunscreen, a sailing hat (something w/ a draw string or sun visor), sun glasses, have on or take a non-drowsy motion sickness patch or pill, camera, underwater camera. Cool, inexpensive Yacht Nightwind t-shirts are available to purchase so bring a little extra money!
We are already planning a trip back to St. John which will include another sail with Rick, Nikki, and Yacht Nightwind!

November, 2011 - "Great time in spite of the wind"
When out with Capt. Rick and first Nikki yesterday and had a great time in spite of the unusal lack of wind. Rick worked all day trying to find some wind and finally on the way back we got enough to really move the boat. I agee with all the positive comments below, but want to add a couple of others. Yesterday the wind was really light and their was a surge from some storm north of us. Several of the other charters went directly to honeymoon beach and stayed there all day. That was the last of three stops for us and was the worse snorkeling. We would have been very disappointed if we would have been on any of those other boats. Rick and Nikki worked their butts off entertaining my wife and I and one other customer. That is right there were only tree of us on the boat. Nikki even went diving with us and showed us many creatures we would not have seen otherwise. She even went down and touched a stingray on the nose. All and all a great day and we would recommend them to anyone!

November, 2011 - "We loved our day on Nightwind"
On November 3, 2011 three friends and I spent a delightful day with Captain Rick and First Mate Nikki on yacht Nighwind. There is an overall courtesy and attentiveness to the guests that is so considerate that we would have forgiven some shortcomings in service or food -- but there were none. We spent 6 1/2 hours on the boat and enjoyed an excellent breakfast just after we boarded, then a superb home cooked lunch consisting of chicken legs, pasta salad, banana bread, stuffed eggs, fresh pineapple chunks. After breakfast we went to our first snorkeling site where we saw literally thousands of fish. We came aboard and were promptly served that delicious lunch. At any moment, drinks of our choice were available and were served promptly.
After lunch, we sailed to a second snorkeling site and found ourselves in another bit of coral paradise with, again, a huge number of fish of many varieties. Then a superb surprise: homemade chocolate cake with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. We felt we were in heaven.
Two other points I should mention: both Captain Rick and Nikki were always available for interesting conversations but never intruded on us if we wanted a few moments of quiet contemplation. Also, in contrast with other boating experiences in the Caribbean, Captain Rick wrung every possible moment of sailing for us -- contrasted with some skippers who forever switched on the motor seeming to want to get "there" as quickly as possible so he could head home. Truly, a wonderful day.

November, 2011 - "Real sailing, real food and a really great time."
Booked this at the very last minute with zero research. Unlike many of the larger "sail" excursions this one actually sailed. The motor was off except for maneuvering at the dock or mooring. First mate Nikki provided some great chow prior to leaving port as well as lunch and ample beverage opportunities, thanks!
Good conversation and a relaxing day with a couple of nice quiet snorkel stops. Exactly what a day sail is supposed to be. Thank you Rick.

November, 2011 - "Crown jewel to my trip!"
Captain Rick and Nicky = Fantastic!
My sisters and I were lucky enough to sail on the Yacht Nightwind on our last day in St. Thomas. Captain Rick polled the group to ensure a unique trip was had by all---it's not a regimented, same place, same time, tic-toc excursion---more relaxed and enjoyable as a beautiful day on the water on a beautiful boat should be. Full sails to Hawksnest Bay with the calm, clear water for snorkeling and (a delicious) lunch (with rum drinks and beer a-flowin'). Nicky's knowledge of the area and sea life is second to none--even threw in a couple of pirate stories! More sailing and a second stop to snorkel followed by a leisurely sail back to port. If you want a fun and professional captain and crew, see more sea life than is mentionable here, gain a little knowledge of your surroundings and have the absolute time of your life, save a day for this trip!!

August, 2011 - "Small-group sailing out of Red Hook"
With 50 feet of boat and only a few other guests, our sail on Nightwind with Cathy and Rick was fabulous! No crowding, as there can be on other day sails, freeflowing drinks, delicious food, and really good company. The snorkling spots were beautiful and we couldn't help but feel utterly relaxed. Highly recommended!

August, 2011 - "Best Experience in St. Thomas!!!"
Captain Rick and Nicky were amazing. Both of our families including 4 children had an absolute blast. The Food was fresh, delicious and homemade. The drinks were unlimited and Nicky was quick to make sure you had plenty. We will be sure to take another cruise on the beautiful Nightwind again.

July, 2011 - "The highlight of our honeymoon"
Captain Rick and his crew were fantastic!
It was a calm, easy sail and the drinks were great (he puts a special spice blend on the punch that's really delicious). The food was excellent and we even got chocolate cake handed to us from below deck! Our sail was small (it was only us and one family), so we had lots of time to talk with the Captain and the other folks on the boat. We also got an interesting history lesson from the crew as we sailed.
The snorkeling was AWESOME - we saw tons of sealife, including turtles and a barracuda, which we would not have seen snorkeling on our own, since you can't access most of these places by any means other than boat. The locations we went to were not crowded, and the Captain goes to different locations each time, so you're always guaranteed a new and interesting experience!
We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting St. Thomas!

July, 2011 - "4 times sailing with Captain Rick"
Very predictable,  reliable, and always a great time. Rick goes above and beyond to make sure there is something for everyone. Our most recent trip July 2011 was last minute due to a ship itinerary change and he was very accommodating adjusting our excursion time to allow us to go out. This most recent trip we went to a new stop and were able to snorkel into a cave between St thomas and St john. It was a lot of fun for everyone. Thanks again Rick and Cathy!

July, 2011 - "One of the best things on the trip."
The captain and crew were great, the trip was fantastic and the snorkeling were great. Really can't recomend it enough. Had a blast.

June, 2011 - "It will definitely be the best day of your trip!"
Captain Rick and Nikki treated my friends and I to what was definitely the best day of our week-long cruise trip, and many of us are saying it ranked as one of the best ever. We sailed and snorkled and learned about the USVI, a great day if left just at that. But what made this special was that Rick and Nikki made us feel like special guests, not customers. We were treated to wonderful homemade food, all we could drink and delightful conversation. It was a great, great day!

June, 2011 - "WOW, This day couldn't have been any better!!!"
Cathy, Capt. Rick and Nikki, we couldn't have asked for a better day.
We were a group of 15, aging from 4yrs old to 60 and every one of us had a fantastic time. We came from a cruise ship wanting to do something different and we got it! Everything went smooth, Capt. Rick and Nikki were both great, and answered any question that we had. A continental breakfast was served as soon as we got on board, drinks of all kinds, were available, then a great lunch. If we ever get back to St. Thomas we will book the Nightwind again and if he's lucky I'll bring my husband with me (he golfed while I sailed). Everyone in our group talked about it for days, it was the highlight of our trip.
Thanks again Capt. Rick, Cathy and Nikki it was a wonderful day. Cathy, we all appreciate the extra work you put in to accommodate our schedule.

June, 2011 - "Fun in the sun snorkeling"
We sailed on the 'Nightwind' with Capt. Rick and 1st mate Nikki. Both of whom where exceptionally nice and customer oriented (which is not something you are going to get much elsewhere on St Thomas.)
The snorkeling was excellent. We snorkeled a couple of other places on our own while there, but the crew took us to some better places and knew where the sea turtles would be. Nikki was very knowledgable regarding the wildlife, and I believe that I may have overheard that she has a degree in marine biology.
There was a couple that sailed with us that did not know how to swim and were scared to attempt the snorkeling, but the crew kept helping them. And by the last stop of the day, that couple were enjoying the underwater world! Very patient crew.
The food was good and mostly or completely homemade. We kept our schedule even though we lost our wind late in the day and had to motor part of the way home. The crew kept our glasses full!
A must do trip for those who have never sailed and/or snorkeled before.
Thanks for a good trip!

May, 2011 - "ABSOLUTE BEST IN ST.THOMAS"
My girlfriend and I were on a Carnival Cruise in May and our stop in St. Thomas was absolutely worth it because of Rick (captain) and Nikki (first mate).
Rick is a wonderful guy and his enthusiasm for sailing makes the journey to and from the snorkel stops enjoyable. His first mate Nikki was the greatest help in every way the entire day. Drinks were always full, and her knowledge of the area, it's history and interesting residents was extremely interesting. Her knowledge of marine biology especially when she joins the group in the water is astounding. Simply put the crew of the boat was excellent.
We have absolutely no hesitation in saying that it was the highlight of the 7 day cruise.

May, 2011 - "The Best Experience We Had On The Island Was Aboard The Nightwind"
My sister and I just got back from St. Thomas. I have to say the excursion aboard the Nightwind was one to last a lifetime. The boat was not overly crowded, and Captain Rick had the chance to engage all his passengers. His assistant was intelligent and engaging as well, sharing the local folklore about the specific areas, as well as telling us all about the marine life we encountered. It was a lovely day, and they served us wonderful food, actually the best food I had on the island was on this trip, St Thomas cuisine was NOT something I enjoyed. I have to say, if you want a day on the ocean, this would be the attraction to go on.

May, 2011 - "The best outing of our trip!"
Our day on Nightwind was by far the best day of our St. Thomas vacation. Rick and Nicki were extremely welcoming from the moment we showed up on the dock. We were a group of four, and another couple was aboard for the day, making for a relaxed atmosphere.
Rick explained the plan for the day, and we left the marina under sail across Pillsbury Sound to Honeymoon Beach on St. John for some outstanding snorkeling. Rick and Nicki entertained us all with the history of the islands and related stories, and Nicki served up a delicious variety of snacks and drinks, from water to soft drinks to an outstanding rum punch.
After a short sail to our second snorkeling location at Lovango Cay, Rick and Nicki served up a delicious lunch of chicken legs, pasta salad, deviled eggs, and other excellent side items. Nicki then led a snorkeling tour of the reef at the tip of Congo Cay. After snorkeling, the crew served up an incredible chocolate cake.
We finished the day motoring back to the marina on a rare windless afternoon, comfortable in the shade of the boom tent.
If you're looking for a great day on St. Thomas, then call Captain Rick and book a day on Nightwind. You won't be disappointing!

May, 2011 - "Yacht Nightwind - the highlight of our trip!"
I have been planning to post on Trip Advisor about our outing on the Yacht Nightwind ever since we got back from our vacation this past May but somehow our busy schedules kept getting in the way. I'm finally getting around to doing it because I know how much I appreciate other posters reviews and always find them to be very helpful.
My husband & I had an awesome time sailing on the Yacht Nightwind with Captain Rick and First Mate Nicki. We can honestly say that, although our entire week on St. Thomas was great, our day sail was the highlight! We had a small group, just us and two other passengers, which made for a very personable outing. Nicki was so knowledgeable on the different sea life, and facts and history about the surrounding islands, which made for a very interesting sail. One of the things that made it extra special for us was the fact that Rick and Nicki got into the water with us, something we did not expect. We are amateur snorkelers and having them in the water with us increased our comfort level. It also added a fun special touch and made it feel more like a "friends outing" than a chartered excursion.
We are so glad we chose Yacht Nightwind for our day sail and snorkeling excursion, and we would do so again!
Bottom line, we highly recommend it!

May, 2011 - "Perfect Day!"
My husband and I recently cruised to St. Thomas on a cruise and our favorite part of our entire trip was the time we were able to get away from crowds and get on the Nightwind Yacht for the day. There were 8 of us total the day we sailed.
We arrived to a light breakfast with fresh pineapple and some pastries, as well as drinks, while we got ready to sail. Captain Rick and Nikki were the perfect team, Nikki was so great to talk to and had so much information about the different islands as well as the marine life. They provide all the snorkel equipment as well different kinds of floatation devices such as snorkel vests, floatations for your waists, and noodles... or just choose to go without.
We were taken to a beach off of St. Johns were we snorkeled, we saw sea turtles, stingrays, and many different beautiful fish! This is the best snorkeling I have ever done, the water was calm and we were able to just enjoy the fish.
While out in the water Nikki and Rick made us a nice lunch with chicken, different salads, banana bread and some more pineapple.... it was delicious not to mention they always made sure we had all the drinks we needed.
We sailed around many different islands, I honestly don't remember which ones but we stopped to snorkel again, this time Nikki got out in the water with us, she would dive down and show us different things in the water we may have not noticed what they were. This was GREAT! After our second snorkel we came back to some delicious chocolate cake! I felt spoiled all day long, I could just relax in the sun, sailing around the Caribbean islands and I wasn't with a huge crowd!
On a cruise?
Plan on a taxi ride around 30 minutes to Sapphire Marina they were 10 dollars a person.
We had to be on our ship by 4:30 so Rick had us back to the marina by 3:30 just let his know so he can do the same for you... he also called a taxi to meet us at the marina when we returned to take us to the ship it was again $10 a person.
Bring your towel and a camera! a waterproof one or a waterproof case to go over your camera for snorkeling would be great! the type of shoes don't really matter since Rick has a barefoot boat anyways.
We loved every second on the Nightwind Yacht and next time we are in St. Thomas this is the first and only place we want to be!

April, 2011 - "The Best Time!!!!"
I went with my best friend and his family and had a GREAT time. The captain and crew were awesome and a total blast. They also helped us find turtles and identify all the other cool critters we found. If you are looking for a sailing trip - pick this one. If I get back to St Tomas - I will absolutely use them again.

April, 2011 - "FABULOUS"
This is a great way to snorkel at st. john. The sail between st thomas & st john was incredably beautiful! Rick & Nikki are friendly and very willing to assist in any needs. The food was fabulous. This is a GREAT way to spend a day in the Virgin Islands.

April, 2011 - "The PERFECT family getaway in St Thomas!"
My family of 8 spanning 11 -73 years old had one day in St Thomas and we chose to spend it with Rick and Nicki on the Nightwind. WONDERFUL - the best part of our 7 day cruise through the Caribbean! On time, accommodating to allergies, super friendly and just fun to be around. The yacht was gorgeous, breakfast and lunch were yummy and very well presented, and the snorkeling was great. Rays, turtles, tons of fish, even a nurse shark. We spent the day off of St Johns and Rick even let some of us man the helm on the way back. Highly recommend the Nightwind - can't wait to come back & spend more time in St Johns!

April, 2011 - "A Great Day Sailing and Snorkeling from Saint Thomas to St. John"
Our day of sailing, snorkeling, eating and talking with other members of our entourage aboard the Yacht Nightwind was a highlight of our vacation on Saint Thomas. Captain Rick and his first mate Nikki provided us with a truly unforgettable adventure. We had plenty to eat, and to drink, all of this included with the price of the trip which was very reasonable. My wife and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone with a love for the water.

April, 2011 - "Perfect Snorkeling, perfect crew, perfect day"
Our family of 8 charted the Nightwind and spent a full day with Rick and Nikki sailing and snorkeling. Sailed from St. Thomas to St. Johns and saw turtles and rays on the first site and a nurse shark on the second site. Rick and Nikki were fantastic, fun and knowledgeable. Excellent lunch and never ending supply of drinks.

April, 2011 - "Absolutely Fabulous!!"
We were scheduled to sail with Captain Rick July 2010. Due to bad weather we had to cancel. So we tried again this year and April 26th was our day!! Captain Rick and First Mate Nikki were great. The drinks, food, and sailing were all first class. We had a family of nine with teenagers and everyone enjoyed it very much. Don't search any more this is the day sail which should not be missed. Also I want to mention we were on a cruise and they recommended a cab service and the timing was perfect.

April, 2011 - "Lovely Cruise"
This was the highlight of our trip to St. Thomas! Awesome yacht, skipper and crew. We were a group of nine, including four children ages 11 through 8. Incredible yacht with one of a kind deck layout provided comfort and security with amazing views. The breakfast and lunch were delicious and the presentation was second to none! (the cocktails were equally nice) Best of all, the kids had a blast. If you enjoy sailing, snorkeling or just being on the water, this is a must do excursion. Nothing needs to change. The only downside was that our cruise had to end and Captain Rick was not hiring.

April, 2011 - "Highlight of our vacation"
What a fabulous day! Captain Rick and First Mate Nikkii were terrific! We were completely catered to. Incredible drinks, snacks, food, dessert, views, and snorkeling! We were sailing with four kids ages 7-10, and Captain Rick was very patient and accommodating. The kids learned so much about the sail boat, other islands(with some pirate lore mixed in), and about the underwater wildlife! We will definitely do this sail boat excursion again the next time we are in St. Thomas! Thank you, Rick and Nikki for a memorable day!

April, 2011 - "Great Day at Sea"
This was a great experience for the whole family. We enjoyed the food, the snorkeling and the education given about the islands and the marine life. It's truly a memory for a lifetime!

April, 2011 - "Fantastic Time!!"
Captain Rick and his crew provide a quality experience sailing in the beautiful Virgin Islands. Their equipment for snorkeling is first class and they are helpful and knowledgeable about their corner of paradise.
St. John and Little Saint James provided a wonderful backdrop to an all day experience with a wonderful "Island Lunch" and fun "Beach" drinks.
The "Nightwind" is a beautiful vintage craft, lovingly maintained and the day sail is fun for everyone!

March, 2011 - "Best Day Sail in St. Thomas"
I would highly recommend chartering with Nightwind if you are staying on the eastern end of St. Thomas near Red Hook. The marina where Rick docks his boat Nightwind is within a 5-10 minute drive from town at Sapphire Bay Marina. My husband and I have sailed with them at least 4-5 times (lost count!) as we own a property nearby and have brought relatives and friends out for a day sail. The nice thing about Nightwind is that it is large enough to hold 10-12 people but small enough to avoid the pack-them-on party boats and this boat really will catch the wind with its large sails, tip at least 30 degrees and clip through the water! The feeling of the wind on your face, the smell of salt air and the bright warm sun in St. Thomas make it a wonderful experience. And of course Rick does a great job taking the boat to 2 great snorkeling spots (weather and conditions permitting) during the day, and filling you up with a continental breakfast, full lunch and open bar! The day trip is from approximately 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Bring several towels and lots of sunscreen; they provide the snorkeling equipment as well.

March, 2011 - "A treasured memory of our trip."
We chartered the beautiful Yacht Nightwind for our party of 12, which included 5 children. When we arrived, they had a yummy platter of food ready and served us fresh beverages. The sail to St. John was very exciting, as the wind was up in the channel. It was cool to see such the vessel in action. Captain Rick and Nikki made sure we were comfortable and always had a beverage in hand.
Our first stop before lunch was a beautiful cove on St. John with a picturesque photo stamp beach. The snorkeling was wonderful and the kids enjoyed looking out for sea turtles. After a good long snorkel, they served us lunch, which was delicious. Then we motored over to another beach where a giant (friendly) baracuda swam up to meet us. Nikki took a group out to the best snorkel spots for viewing turtles, small eels, and urchins, which the kids really enjoyed. The adults enjoyed swimming next to the boat trying to capture the baracuda on film. Back on the yacht, we were served us dessert (and more drinks!)
The sail back was smooth and calm. A nice end to the day. I can't say enough about captain Rick and Nikki. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and accomodating to our every need. I highly recommend taking this trip!

March, 2011 - "Wonderful sail and snorkel experience"
Beautiful wooden boat with very knowledgeable and personable Captain. The First Mate took my daughter snorkeling and made sure she saw turtles she had been waiting all year to see! Of course the scenery was amazing, best way to see the islands!

March, 2011 - "terrific day"
My wife and I sailed with 8 other guests (we did not know any of them) and had a delightful day. Capt. Rick is very experienced but laid back and easy going. He and the other mate, Nikki, attended to every need and made the trip most enjoyable. Nikki even got into the water to snorkle with one of the other guests - an 11 year old reluctant kid. The kid had a blast. My wife had never snorkled but Capt Rick took us to two spots where there were plenty of fish, beautiful coral and calm waters. Rick and Nikki were attentive and thought thru lots of details (anti-fog stuff he put on the goggles really helped). I also appreciated Rick (gently) asking another guest to use spray sun tan away from other guests (it's windy out there and her spray slammed us in the face - tip: bring lotion!!). Thx Rick and Nikki.

March, 2011 - "Great time on the Nightwind!"
We checked out a lot of different sail/snorkel trips and couldn't be happier that we picked the Yacht Nightwind. Rick and Nikki were both fabulous. A special "Thanks" to Nikki for taking extra time with our ten year old son and showing him some great things while snorkeling, he is still talking about it. The small group is also great. We watched a couple of other boats returning with 30+ people on board and felt lucky we had a more personal experience. Food and drinks were good and plentiful. Highly recommend the Nightwind.

February, 2011 - "Don't leave the islands without a day sail"
We read all the great reviews and decided to book a day sail with Nightwind. We were not disappointed!! It was one of the most memorable days of our trip. Capt. Rick kept up with the humor portion while Nicki, the first mate, kept us in drinks, food and history of the area. Enjoy the true experience of a sail boat as opposed to a motor driven boat. A day you will not soon forget.

February, 2011 - "Amazing day, best in St Thomas for a day sail"
14 of us (6 adults, 3 teens, 5 kids 8-11 yrs) went on a full day sail on Nightwind with Capt Rick, sailed around St John, snorkelled in 2 spots, with lunch and drinks in between. We had an AMAZING time. The set-up of the boat could not have been better, very comfortable even for larger group with kids (side benches and awning in midsection was great). The Capt and mate are very friendly and very hospitable, really took care of us, and was conscientious with kids swimming/ snorkling. The water views and the snorkling itself was just beautiful. This was really worth it!
Btw, we searched around for a day sail provider and Nightwind was recommended several times, even by another yacht.

February, 2011 - "Wonderful trip...Great family experience"
We took our kids and grandkids...14 in all from 8 to 70 for a day sail with Rick and Nikki...everything was great...two great snorkels...great drinks and lunch. They are very friendly, but professional. We have been to St Thomas many times and chartered many times and these guys are the best. Also, Cathy was great on arrangements as well. We will do this again.....especially great for kids is the way the boat is configured..very safe and lots of room for a large party.

February, 2011 - "Extraordinary!!!"
What a fantastic experience!!! Rick was an excellent captain and so knowledgeable!!! After enjoying a fun sailboat experience, he took us to a couple of coves over by St. John for some snorkeling. The scenery was breathtaking and the food and drinks awesome!! I can't wait to go back and do it again! I recommend this trip EVERY TIME!! :)

February, 2011 - "If you do only one thing on your visit - do this!"
Rick is your captain and the owner of the Nightwind. He gets you into the laid back mode from the moment you step on onboard this 58 foot Swedish built (55) Ketch. Nicki the first mate takes care of all of your needs after that - from historical context of the islands to your favourite drink specials. I was with some friends who had never sailed before and they said it was one of the greatest experiences of their lives. Highly recommend the Nightwind!

February, 2011 - "A day in paradise in the Virgin Islands, aboard a beautiful sailboat!"
We spent 1 day in St-Thomas USVI on February 13, 2011 while onshore from our cruise ship (from 08:00am to 5:00pm). We decided (4 of us) to spend the day sailing the Carribbean sea between St-Thomas and St-John.
We had a great time, Captain Rick and Nikki where very pleasant and friendly. The service was excellent. Croissant, Muffin breakfast with Mimosa was served as soon as we got onboard. Drinks where served all day, the lunch was spectacular and delicious. The sailing was great and fun and we had plenty of time to snorkel. I highly recommend this excursion, it's really worth it. Special thanks to Cathy (Capt. Rick wife) who takes care of reservations, very friendly and helpful.
For cruiseship passengers, this info is for you:
We left our cruise ship at 8:00am from Crown Bay Dock, the taxi to get to Sapphire Marina took 25 minutes ($40 per person return and we booked the driver in advance, no extra charge), the sailboat left at 09:00 and we asked Captain Rick to return to the marina at 3:30 to give us enough time to get back to our ship (boarding was at 4:30pm) . We had enough time, it was perfect.
We are yet to book our next year cruise, if we stop again in St-Thomas (very highly possible), we will again spend the day aboard the Nightwind for another day in paradise!!
Merci!

February 1, 2011
This was the best part of my trip! Captain Rick and Nikki were amazing - very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Drinks were served all-day and breakfast and lunch were served. The lunch was great - so nice to have a homemade meal when on vacation!
There were 4 couples on our trip and plenty of room on the sailboat for all of us. We stopped twice to snorkel and saw turtles, stingrays, barracudas and more.
A few tips; Bring a towel, sunscreen and a waterproof camera if you have one
Try the special rum cocktail with fresh nutmeg - delicious!

January, 2011 - "Best day of our cruise was on the Nightwind"
Our daysail on the Nightwind was fabulous. Capt. Rick and crew Nikki were took us on a lovely sail with lots of fun and beauty and great stops to swim and snorkel. Everyone in our group of 7 had great time. It was a special treat for my dad's 92nd birthday-- he had no difficulty getting off and on as we left from the dock in Red Hook. Excellent food and flowing beverages. Will definitely try to go again when back in St. Thomas! A super day and the highlight of our cruise on the Solstice.

January 28, 2011
Our group of 16 were on a Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten cruise and booked a day trip on the Nightwind. Captain Rick and crew Nikki were excellent! It was perfect weather and Rick took us on the sail of a lifetime! The food and drinks were plentiful and captain and crew bent over backwards to make it a very special day for us. I would highly recommend this excursion!

January 14, 2011
Rick & Nicki made our first trip with Nightwind one to remember! They both were friendly, helpful, professional, and just great hosts. Full of information about the area and even outside the area. Even though the "Christmas Winds" were blowing, Rick found the bays where my family and I could enjoy a full day of snorkeling. The food and the refreshments (including Captain Rick's famous Rum) were presented nicely and really hit the spot. I know Rick was up long hours the night before baking the chocolate cake and early in the morning preparing the chicken - lol! Thanks a lot Rick & Nicki for a great trip that none of us will forget. We'll be back! Heitkamp's from South Dakota

January 11, 2011
Everything about our sailing/snorkeling trip on Nightwind was superbly organized and carried out, from the continental breakfast and unlimited drinks and excellent roast chicken lunch to the helpfulness of the 2-person crew. Both Rick and his mate Nicky were right on top of every detail. I was a little disappointed in the coral we snorkeled over--not the vivid colors that I remembered from other Caribbean trips--but the beauty of the rest of the day more than made up for it.

January 9, 2011
This was our second sailing trip with Captain Rick and the Nightwind and it was just as amazing and enjoyable as the first in 2009. The hospitality, locations, activities, and accommodations make this a must-do for anyone who ventures to St. Thomas. We were a group of 13 ranging in age from 9 to 55 and there was something for everyone whether you wanted to snorkel, swim, sunbathe, sip a rum punch on the deck, or just do absolutely nothing, the choice was yours. Rick is truly a fantastic host and provides a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing experience!!

January 3, 2011
Capt Rick and his first mate, Natalie, made sure we were comfortable, informed, and entertained from the minute we stepped on to the Nightwind. Based on the weather, we given several choices of where to explore and we were taken to two beautiful coves. After snorkeling, we were taken ashore where we were given a quick tour of an abandoned sugar mill. Food was fresh, delicious, and plentiful, and the drinks (the Captain's famous Rum Punch as well as juice, sodas, and water) were flowing. A couple of us got a turn at the helm and it was great to see Captain Rick snorkeling alongside of the group and pointing out sea life that we might otherwise miss. Can't wait to go back!

December, 2010 - "The Best Private Day Sail Ever for a dozen or less people"
We were nine people in St Thomas for a day on Royal Carribean and booked this over the internet beforehand. It was the highlight of our 10 days and possible the decade. Cathy O'Dell organizes it all, and Rick and his mate take you out. The boat is very large for the number of passengers he takes. Rick does this as more of a hobby than a job. Great food and all you can drink. We snorkeld twice. The winds, your likes and the timeframe dictate the schedule. Book a whole day!

December 27, 2010
Our morning began with a quick breakfast. After, we headed to our first snorkeling spot, a deserted spot in between small islands of the coasts of St. Thomas/ St. John. As experienced divers we really enjoyed this spot as there was a lot of fish and different types of coral to see. After snorkeling we relaxed in the water on rafts before heading to the second spot. Along the way we had lunch.. chicken, salad, snacks, fruit, etc... After snorkeling at the second spot we were served chocolate cake (amazinggg). Unfortunately there was no wind that day so we didn't get to do any sailing. We were treated like royalty on the beautiful yacht. It was only our family of five aboard and we could have easily had room for a few more. Our drinks were constantly kept full with a variety of drink options. (definitely try the punch!) Honestly, there was nothing to complain about at the end of the day. All five of us were completely content. We will be booking the trip again next year when we return to St. Thomas. Definitely a highlight of our week in St. Thomas.

December 18, 2010
We had another fantastic day with Captain Rick and Cathy: we first went on NIghtwind in part because of location, as we are always worried about parking in Red Hook. But we returned because it was so perfect. The day starts with light continental breakfast, progresses through wonderful sailing to a secluded snorkel site, delightful lunch, killer chocolate dessert, and another snorkel. No pressure to drink, but drinks of all sorts are offered and readily available.
And the equipment was good. I have a narrow face, need a non-leaking mask to avoid total panic in the water, and they were able to accommodate my "child's face" need. On our second stop, Rick guided some of us through a "cave" of coral, a wonderful and unexpected event. This sail was smooth: an earlier one had had wild waves and tilting boats, which was just as much fun as the calm one and never frightened me even though I can't do much more than doggy paddle in a pool. Somehow I snorkel with the best of them (with a noodle for confidence) and rolled off that boat eager to explore and reluctant to get back on the boat and have to leave.
We would recommend this highly: they are great hosts and give you a wonderful relaxing day, being able to blend the ages and personalities of all guests. If you want the best, go with Nightwind!

December 16, 2010
We had a wonderful, exciting, and relaxing day sail on the Nightwind. Rick and Cathy were wonderful hosts on their beautiful boat. By the end of the day, they felt like old friends. We had 8 passengers on the boat and had plenty of room; it could have easily held 20. The food and drinks were tasty and plentiful. Rick knows the good snorkel spots and makes the decision of where to stop based on that day's weather and wind conditions. We will take this trip again.

December 16, 2010
My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful day of sailing and swimming on the Yacht Nightwind. Free food and drink were great and Nightwind is a beautiful boat. We toured Pillsbury Sound under sail, anchored off St John and snorkeled the reefs. A wide variety of fish and sea turtles made for a real Cousteau experience. Lifted anchor and headed for Great St James Island for more underwater adventure. After another meal with a sweet desert we headed back to Red Hook Bay. The sails were set and I was at the helm guiding us home. Rick and Cathy were great hosts; knowledgeable of the area and its history with stories to tell and experiences to share. Don't miss this opportunity during your vacation on St Thomas!!

December 14, 2010
My brother, friend and I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a daylong (9:00am-4:00pm) sail aboard the yacht Nightwind, based in Sapphire Beach (near Red Hook), St. Thomas. Our hosts, Rick and Cathy O'Dell, were friendly, charming, very informative on the local waters and history and very good cooks (they will feed you, so come hungry!). The Nightwind herself is a 57ft. wood-hulled vessel built in 1955 and in immaculate condition. So if you're interested in chartering a sailboat for an experience of the Virgin Islands you just can't have on dry land, I cannot recommend the Nightwind highly enough.

December 7, 2010
Not crowded like other boats you have been on. Relaxing and fun!

October 28, 2010
October, 1984 we came to St Thomas on our honeymoon and came back this year for our 26th anniversary. 26 yrs ago we sailed and snorkeled on the Nightwind and were thrilled when we googled the boat and saw that it was still here. Thank to Cathy who handles all the inquiries and answers all your questions. I called her once we were here and she got us all set up for a repeat sail, Happy to report it was as awesome as we remember. The boat is beautiful, doesn't look a day older. Wish I could say the same for us honeymooners! It was a great trip. Fun to sail and learn all about the islands from Chelsea. Of course the snorkeling was amazing. Food and drinks great! Nothing to improve upon.

October 28, 2010
We did the day sail from St Thomas to St John on October 21, 2010. We were very fortunate that the weather was perfect. The ride was nice and relaxing. The spread for lunch was excellent and the drinks were never ending. The places we went for snorkeling were perfect. Rick made some good choices. Chelsea did a good job making sure we were taken care of. If you are going to St Thomas and want to do a day sail to St John, you'll want to take the Nightwind.

October 26, 2010
Having never been on yacht before Captain Rick and Chelsea made this a wonderful experience. From the moment you step on the boat they make you feel right at home and take you to the most wonderful snorkeling and beach areas - lunch was also a treat all homemade food - kudos to Captain Rick who makes a killer chocolate cake :)

September 22, 2010
We sailed on the Oasis of the Seas in early August and our party of 8 decided to book a private day sail while we visited St. Thomas. It was the highlight of our vacation! Captain Rick and First Mate Chelsea were fantastic! Cathy was a pleasure to deal with via email, and she even helped me to arrange taxi service from the cruise pier (Alvin from Islander Taxi was an excellent driver, courteous and prompt!) The drinks flowed all day and the food was delicious!!! Breakfast, lunch and the most amazing chocolate cake rivaled the food from the cruise ship. We snorkeled with sea turtles, sting rays, saw starfish and puffer fish - Rick was extremely knowledgeable on where to snorkel. Chelsea was also so informative about the history of the islands. Rick was an excellent captain - when we keeled it was scary and exhilarating and yet so perfectly safe! It was an amazing trip which I have, and will continue to, highly recommend to everyone! I would love to go back to St. Thomas just to take another sail on Nightwind! Thank you to all for a wonderful day!

September 5, 2010
We have been on snorkel cruises before, but this was the BEST and most memorable. Rick and Chelsea couldn't have been nicer and more accommodating. Highly recommended!

August 30, 2010
My husband and I chose to book a day sail on the Nightwind after reading all of the positive Trip Advisor reviews - and we made a great decision! We set sail on the morning after we arrived in St. Thomas, and it was the perfect way to start our vacation. The all-day sail (9am - 4pm) with snorkeling, which included breakfast, lunch and a full bar, was definitely the best value. There was ample time to snorkel at each location (Hawknest and Congo Cay), and Captain Rick provided all of the appropriate gear. He even let my husband help hoist the sails and steer the boat! Rick's first mate, Chelsea, also provided lots of interesting facts about the islands and the sea life. She even snorkeled with us, pointing out fish and sea creatures and letting us hold a sea urchin. Lunch on the boat was one of the best meals we ate all week, especially the roasted chicken drumsticks. There were a total of 4 guests on the 56-foot boat, which gave us ample room to move around. (I felt sorry for another boat we passed with a crowd of 30+ people.) Overall, the Nightwind was the highlight of our vacation and we'd recommend it to anyone visiting St. Thomas. Thanks to Captain Rick and Chelsea!

August 25, 2010
We loved sailing with Capt. rick on the yacht NIGHTWIND...from the minute we got on board to the moment we stepped off, we enjoyed every minute!
we had never snorkeled before, but capt rick and his first mate, Chelsea, were so expert and reassuring , that we can't wait to go sailing with them next time we're down in st Thomas...the food was delicious, and abundant, as well as the drinks!

August 24, 2010
Also loved our experience in early August with Captain Rick and Chelsea, both of whom were charming yet non-intrusive on our experience.
Great food, plentiful drinks, the snorkeling was the best we have ever seen, and it was made even better when Chelsea and Rick joined us in the water for the second snorkel trip and daringly went deep down and showed us cool stuff to look at. Chelsea and Rick also offered great info that added to the trip. Definitely would recommend and worth the money.

August 15, 2010
We had the great pleasure of sailing on the Nightwind with Captain Rick and his firstmate, Chelsea, in early August. We were coming off a cruise ship but arranged this on our own based on the great reviews we saw on CruiseCritic. And we were not disappointed.
This was the first sailing adventure for most the 8 people in our group and what a great first experience. Everyone had a fantastic time - some of the best snorkeling I've ever done. I asked for sea turtles - and I got more than I ever imagined. The company was great, the food was excellent - much better than we expected for a sailing excursion.
I'd highly recommend this for anyone looking for a private charter - so far superior to the large group, 1/2 day tours. Well worth the money.
Thanks Rick - don't be surprised if we're back again!

August 11, 2010
My wife and I were taking our yearly trip and decided that we would go to St. Thomas. One thing we were sure we wanted to do was spend a day sailing around the islands of St. John and St. Thomas. I spent some time researching the various day sails available in St. Thomas. After considering price, amenities, duration, and trip schedule we decided that Yacht Nightwind was the best choice. It was absolutely the right choice! The crew (Captain Rick and Chelsea) were very friendly and informative. Both had a wealth of knowledge about the area and took care of everyone on board. Other than my wife and myself there was another group of eight people, two of whom were returning for their second trip on the Nightwind. There was plenty of room on the boat and not at all overcrowded like some of the other daysails I observed while in St. Thomas. We set sail at 9 am, only after a platter of pastries and a round of drinks (Rick's rum punch, beer, mimosas, coffee, soft drinks, etc.) We sailed over to St. John for our first stop. After snorkeling with sea turtles for about 90 minutes lunch was ready. On top of more drinks Rick and Chelsea prepared a nice meal that left the group of us full and ready for more snorkeling. We sailed to another great spot with beautiful reefs and tons of fish. Seeing that we still had some time left in the afternoon Captain Rick took us to a great spot that had a couple of caves you could swim through. To sum it up, the day offered endless drinks, great food, terrific snorkeling, a great boat, and an awesome crew. Without hesitation we would come back to St. Thomas and sail with Rick and Chelsea.

June 29, 2010
We sailed with Captain Rick & First Mate Wesley with our family of 14 who were all on vacation in St. Thomas together. Some of us were a little hesitant to go at first due to it being an all day excursion and the price. We were all certainly glad we made the decision to go!! Rick was wonderful and full of information on the islands surrounding St. Thomas. Food & drink was plentiful and delicious! My father started getting seasick on the way to our first stop so Captain Rick kindly put the sail up and started the engine again so we wouldn't sway so much. I was also having a hard time with the boat "tipping" to one side so much and he was so gracious and told me exactly where to stand to avoid that. Our first stop was in a beautiful cove I believe called "Hawksnest Bay". The water was the most turquoise and clear I have ever seen. Most people in our group snorkeled but for those of us who didn’t want to, Rick took us to the small "postage stamp" beach in the dingy. Absolutely gorgeous scenery. My 9 year old daughter had her first snorkeling experience and just loved it! Rick had all the equipment necessary including noodles for the kids (and adults) to use. Our second stop was "honeymoon beach" which was much bigger. Just as beautiful. The sail back he allowed my father to steer the boat to help with his motion sickness and which was very fun for him and for all of us! We also had my 14 month old niece on the boat who did very well, Book this trip. You won’t be disappointed!!!

June 22, 2010
My husband and I did a Day Sail on the Morningstar a year ago, and had a great experience. We wanted to go back, but the Morningstar only holds 6 passengers, and we had a group of 8. So, they recommended we try the Nightwind so that all of us could go together. We all had a great time. We were on the boat with three other passengers and we all got along well. The food and drinks were plentiful and delicious. Chelsea gave us interesting tidbits on the islands and history, while Rick took our prior sailing destinations into consideration and crafted a customized route for our group so we could see new places. The snorkeling locations we anchored at were great. I especially liked the "Conch Shell graveyard" off of Lovango Cay. The only downside was that all 8 of us got burned to a crisp after the day on the water, even with multiple sunscreen applications and the shade awnings. But we certainly can't hold that against Rick and Chelsea. We would definitely recommend the Nightwind - 2 thumbs up (or 16 thumbs up, from all of us)!

June 22, 2010
We just returned from St. John, VI and spent a day on the Nightwind. It was a wonderful experience from start to end. Rick came over to Cruz Bay and picked us up, we did not have to go over to St. Thomas. We sailed around the islands and stopped at two beautiful locations to swim and snorkel. He had more than enough snorkel gear for all 14 of us. He also had a dinghy that he used to bring anyone who didn't want to swim to the beach. My son, who is terrified of the water, took the ride. We had all the drinks and food we could want and Rick's famous punch was delicious! Rick and Chelsea were very professional, but so much fun to spend the day with! I would highly recommend the Nightwind.

June 14, 2010
I am not one to spend a lot of money on day trips. However, this experience was worth every penny. My extended family, my son and I spent a full day on Rick's sailboat in late May, 2010. The cordial professionalism of Rick and his first mate set a high bar for service in the islands. They were very knowledgeable and clearly knew what they were doing. The food was delicious and the snorkeling was great. Rick could not have been nicer to my five year old son who had his first experience piloting a sailboat. I would fully recommend the Yacht Nightwind to anyone considering a day trip in the USVI.

June 11, 2010
Captain Rick and First Mate Chelsea made this cruise the highlight of our trip. They were so accommodating when it came to breakfast and lunch (such great food!!), drinks and snorkel gear. They both have a true passion for sailing and the ocean. Chelsea gave us a little history on all the islands we encountered and even snagged a lobster for Capt. Rick! We were taken to excellent spots and never felt rushed. Absolute best part of our St. Thomas vacation.

June 10, 2010
We chartered the Nightwind for a day sail when we cruised into St. Thomas for a day. Everything went perfectly. They helped us arrange taxi transport that was waiting for us as we got off the cruise ship, and we were on the yacht and heading out just a little over 30 minutes after we came off the cruise ship. The sailing day was great. We sailed to St. John, and went snorkeling in two different coves in a beautiful area. Chelsea (the crew) got out and helped us find some interesting things to see.
The food, drinks and service were all first class. We had a great time.

May 31, 2010
We spent the day on Yacht Nightwind with Captain Rick and First Mate Chelsea today. We booked a private charter to treat our family and close friends that travelled to St Thomas for our wedding to a day of fun. Everyone is saying that this is the highlight of the trip (aside from the wedding of course). We had an AMAZING time!! Captain Rick was a load of fun. Chelsea was great and had lots of tidbits to share about the islands, snorkeling spots etc. The food was awesome....the chicken is great!! The drinks were flowing all day. Captain Rick picked two great snorkeling spots!! My mom who doesn't swim (she swears she sinks like a rock) had a BLAST snorkeling thanks to Captain Rick. We come down every year as my husband was raised here and still has family here, and this is definitely the best trip yet. We will be back to see Captain Rick soon!! Thank you Cathy, Rick and Chelsea for a totally awesome day!!!!!

May 24, 2010
Nightwind is a terrific experience. Captain Rick makes everyone at home, provides great food, attentive service and a fully-stocked bar. The boat is a beauty and the snorkel spots he took us to were secluded and full of tropical fish. This is a must if you are vacationing in St Thomas!

May 20, 2010
This was a wonderful day of sailing. Rick and Chelsea were great hosts and went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. We took a handicapped daughter who doesn't snorkel and I felt comfortable leaving her on board while we swam. We went to 2 locations and got a snorkeling tour by Chelsea, the first mate. The food was home cooked and very good, and an open bar. We had a GREAT day! The Wilson Family

May 13, 2010
Hi, my name is Jim Kas. May 5, 2010, myself and 8 friends experienced the day sail on Nightwind. We were at a villa for the week, but this was the highlight of the trip. Food: continental breakfast, lunch chicken, pasta salad, breads, fruit, outstanding. Captain Rick was great. Knowledgeable, told a few good stories, he made the trip relaxing and a lot of fun. Chelsea, his first mate was my favorite, book the ship and you’ll see why. Rick and Chelsea could not have given us more, asking constantly if we wanted another drink from their full stocked bar. I am not big on snorkeling, but the people I went with are and they really enjoyed it. Rick had all the gear and gave us instruction on how to use it. Chelsea dove down and brought up things from the ocean floor for us to see. Captain Rick let me steer the sailboat for about 45 min. For me this was very big fun. All the people on the boat at the end of the week rated it the best thing we did. Thank you, Captain Rick and Chelsea for a great time. We are cruising next year with a stop in St Thomas. The Nightwind is at the top of our list for another trip.

April 25, 2010
Beautiful boat, entertaining captain, great food and drinks and a mate who loves the ocean. Loved the sail and the snorkeling. A definite "do again".

April 22, 2010
I had never been on a sailboat before and was really looking forward to a day on the water. I was not disappointed; Captain Rick and Chelsea were great. The day was fantastic. The snorkeling was wonderful and the food was delicious. Captain Rick's rum punch didn't disappoint either. We will certainly book another trip with them in the future. I highly recommend this day trip.

April 2010
We came as a party of 4, who had never been on a sailboat in our lives. We were very pleased at the experience and professionalism of Captain Rick and First Mate Cathy. We will definitely be back next time we visit St. Thomas. Also Captain Rick is very familiar with amazing snorkel locations to visit and both places we went on our sail where amazing. The food was spectacular, I had never liked pasta salad in my life, but I must say that Cathy's tropical pasta salad is to die for, now I just need to find a suitable recipe for my wife to make that might compare. I recommend this experience to everyone I know who is thinking of visiting St. Thomas. The "Yacht Nightwind" is an amazing craft that is both beautiful and unique. Thanks again Rick & Cathy for an amazing experience.

April 2010
We live in the Virgin Islands and have had family down to visit. Twice we have taken visitors out on Nightwind and both times is was a great experience. Captain and crew are very friendly, the sailing was exceptional and we did some snorkeling as well (which is always fun and interesting). As locals, we highly recommend this sailing adventure if you visiting the Virgin Islands.

April 2010
My husband and I sailed with Captain Rick and First Mate Chelsea on the beautiful sailing yacht "Nightwind" last week and had a fantastic time! The boat was pretty full - probably 18 guests - and yet there was still plenty of room for everyone to move around. There was sun and/or shade to sit in, depending on your preference (but bring lots of sunscreen!). The food was delicious and plentiful (there is always something being offered) and drinks of all kinds were flowing freely all day. The best part, though (well, other than the gorgeous surroundings in St Thomas and St John) was the friendliness, helpfulness and kindness of Rick, Cathy and Chelsea. Nicer folks cannot be found! They went out of their way to cater to each person's needs on that sail and everyone was smiling and happy all day. We visit the USVI often, but his was our first sail with Captain Rick. Now that we know about Nightwind, we will be booking with them again our next trip!

March 2010
We chartered Yacht Nightwind for our group of 14 during spring break --March 2010. There were 14 in our party and yacht Nightwind had plenty of room for all of us! From the very beginning Captain Rick and First Mate Chelsea made us feel right at home. They greeted us with an assortment of fruits and breakfast breads--all adorned with beautiful flowers. On the way as we sailed Capt. Rick told us all about the islands surrounding St. Thomas. We stopped at two snorkeling places that were absolutely gorgeous with lots of marine life! In between our snorkeling trips we were served a beautiful array of pastas, breads and the most wonderful chicken. ---not to leave out the triple chocolate cake!
Our group had the best time and there was much to see. Everyone in our party agreed that this was the best excursion that we have ever been on!
Thank you Capt. Rick and Chelsea!

March 2010
March 2010, family of 12! By chance we were referred to Nightwind. The collective memories of the snorkeling, coral, fish, sea turtles, starfish, and yes, the faces of many while the boat is heeling....priceless! Rick and Chelsea were awesome, catering to breakfast, lunch, snacks, snorkel needs, etc. This was a fabulous day for our family.

March 2010
We took a day sail on Nightwind from St Thomas to St John with friends and family (about 7 young children) and had a perfect day. The crew was a pleasure; kind, attentive, helpful and terrific hosts. The boat was beautiful, and the trip was relaxing, calm and just right for young family trip. The food and drinks were terrific, from the fresh banana bread, to the hand mixed pain killer! The snorkeling was great, and the crew made it really easy with gear onboard, floats, and even a fresh water rinse when leaving the water, followed immediately by refreshments. Would highly recommend a sail on Nightwind...a real treat!

March 2010
We sailed on the Yacht Nightwind on March 5. We had a great deal of difficulty finding a sailing charter that would take more than 6 people. We booked with another vendor and they cancelled three days before our trip. I called Cathy & Rick and even though it was last minute they sailed over to St john and picked our group up. We had a fabulous experience and the lunch and service were extraordinary. Went to a couple of great snorkel spots and just spent the day hanging out on the boat. Do yourself a favor and save time when chartering. The Yacht had great space to spread a group out in, the price was right and Cathy and Rick great hosts.

February 2010
I am a travel agent and took clients on an inspection cruise of the new "Oasis of the Seas" for a future large group booking. I had made arrangements in advance to take them sailing on the "Nightwind" when we arrived in St. Thomas on 2/23/2010. Rick & Cathy O'Dell pulled off the highlight of the entire week with our snorkel/sail adventure on their yacht. Capt. Rick gave us a real taste of the true sailing experience as we unfurled sails and departed Sapphire Marina for the island of St. John. Perfect day and a perfect experience! A wonderful lunch and snacks/drinks were provided and all came away saying this was the best experience of our week!

February 2010
The Nightwind yacht was a beautiful and spacious boat at first glance. When I got on the boat, it became much more. The captain and his one man crew were very welcoming and entertaining. They both knew so much about all the Virgin Islands and they both knew how to take care of a group of people well. The sailing was smooth and the views and locations the yacht visited were breathtaking. The day sail included snorkeling, which was absolutely amazing. If one doesn't like snorkeling just lounging on the yacht, soaking up the sun is just as good. Both the captain and his first mate were very honest about the quality of things to do around the islands. They were also able to give us suggestions of places to eat and good spots around the Islands to visit.

February 2010
This day sail is for everyone of all ages. My friend and I are seniors in high school and we went with my parents, and we all enjoyed it. There was one other group on the boat, an elderly lady and her daughter who both enjoyed it just as much. That leads me to my last point, this day sail is not a huge group activity. There were six of us sailing not including the crew, which was perfect. If you are looking for a private/ semi- private trip, this is the perfect way to spend the day. I highly recommend this day sail on the most gorgeous boat to anyone.

February 2010
We highly recommend this experience.  Nightwind is a beautiful boat, we were only 8 people and we really enjoyed our sailing day and snorkeling in St John and Christmas Cove –Luisa

February 2010
We have sailed on the Yacht Nightwind for many years every time we get to the USVI. In fact, for the past several years, we have tried to go out at least twice during our two weeks. Each time is unique, because we don't head to the same destinations. Captain Rick, who now owns the boat, sails out toward St. John and, as far as the wind will take us until it's time to snorkel. We then find a quiet cove, snorkel, have a great lunch, and then head off for another site. Generally, the day is filled with sun, fun, sea, and wind. Open bar, great food, and a small contingent of people. The yacht is sanctioned for 18 passengers, but the total number rarely goes above 10. There is sufficient room to spread out, lounge in the sun or shade, and get to know your fellow travelers. We have seen other day sails leave Sapphire Marina or Red Hook loaded with 25-30 people, and I'm sure they have fun. But in the time we have been on St. Thomas (since 1980) we have spent most of the time on Nightwind. Dixie and I really enjoy the comfort of the yawl (two masts, the second behind the steering column) and, when under full sail, it can feel like you're racing along (six knots). For a wonderful, relaxing sail on the Caribbean, take the Nightwind. You won't regret it!

February 2010
The highlight of our trip to St. Thomas was a day sail aboard the Yacht Nightwind. Being sailors ourselves we were very impressed with the great condition of the wooden vessel. The information that Captain Rick and his mate shared with us about sailing and the local area and waters was very impressive. The sail over to St. John was fantastic followed by some great snorkeling following a big sea turtle around the bay. While we were snorkeling John had whipped up a great lunch which everyone enjoyed. Then we sailed to another great spot to snorkel. In both places we snorkeled we were the only people there. Once everyone was back onboard we all had some great desserts and Captain Rick’s wicked rum punch. The sail back to the marina was as great as the sail over to St. John. We can't wait to return.

February 2010
We really enjoyed the relaxing day on the boat with Rick and his first mate, both of them were very friendly and concerned with making the most of the trip for everyone on the boat. We had never been on a sailboat or gone snorkeling but Rick made sure that were knew what to do and what to expect. The food was good and the day in the water and sun well worth the money.

January 2010 - "Just a great experience"
Captain Rick and his 1st mate were friendly and courteous. 1st class people and a first class operation. From the breakfast to the homemade chocolate cake we had a wonderful time. Snorkeling and learning about the various islands while sailing in one of the coolest vessels afloat was an experience we will treasure.
Tom & Janet

January 2010
I enjoyed the experience on the Nightwind more than I can tell you. I recommend it to just about everyone we ran into in our hotel. When we return to St. Thomas the Nightwind will be on my list of things to do once again. Thank you for sharing what you love with us.
Cindi

January 2010
We truly enjoyed our day sailing with Rick and John. They made us feel so at home. Thanks again and we have forwarded your website to all our traveling buddies to look you up when in St. Thomas.
Gordon

January 2010
From the minute we stepped on board the Nightwind, we were treated like royalty by Captain Rick and his first mate. All the food we could eat: fresh fruit salad for breakfast , wonderful lunch, homemade dessert, and the rum punch was just right. Great snorkeling, beautiful scenery.
It's impossible to describe all the beautiful shades of blue and turquoise.
What more could you want? I cannot remember when I've seen my husband so relaxed - really relaxed. And that in itself was a big treat.
Next time we're back on St. Thomas, we'll definitely book another trip aboard the Nightwind. We're looking forward to it.
Warwick, NY

January 2010 - "Heavenly cruise - Deviled eggs and all"
We booked the whole boat for a day sail- 7 kids aged 1-9 and six adults. (Rick was actually heads up enough to move another couple to another day to avoid being overwhelmed). Ha and the mate were right on top of things with activities (help with the sails) making life easier (ferry in dingy to beaches), making observations (spotting rays and turtles) and generally keeping things fun. Catered lunch was solid. (His chicken is really good- his devilled eggs almost as good as mine). Would book again.
Miles

January 2010 - "Awesome"
A must do. Boat was beautiful and very well kept. Food was very good. Staff was kind courteous and very knowledgeable. Every time we go to St Thomas we will sail aboard the Nightwind. Limited number of passengers is the best part of the sail. You were not sharing space but made friends with all aboard.
Mish

January 2010 - "Best Sail/Snorkel Trip Ever"
If you are looking for a first rate sail and snorkel excursion, look no further than the Nightwind. Our family has taken many similar trips for the last 20+ years from Key West all the way down to Aruba and this is by far the best we ever took! Captain Rick and his first mate John were excellent sailors, tour guides, cooks and bartenders.
We sailed to Leinster Bay and Honeymoon Beach on St. John. Snorkeling was excellent despite overcast and windy conditions. Thank you again gentlemen!
Boston

December 2009 - "Great way to spend a day: sailing, snorkeling & sightseeing"
We took a one day sail on the Yacht Nightwind on our "2nd honeymoon" trip in December. It was, by far, the best day of our vacation. The captain & first mate make you feel welcome & at home right from the start. We are not regulars at sailing or snorkeling, so we found the whole experience to be quite fun! They provide an open bar on the sail, but we waited until after snorkeling to partake. The Captain's Rum Punch was the best. We took a one day sail on this same boat 25 years ago, on our first honeymoon, and I can see why they have been in business for 25 years; they give you a truly fun, beautiful, first rate day of sailing, snorkeling, eating & drinking!
South Brunswick, NJ