Captains Rick O'Dell, Steve Marsh and the crew of Nightwind Yacht love to add local color to a day, with fish and other Virgin Islands lore and facts as well as snorkeling and beach tips to make a most the memorable day on your island vacation.
Ask questions about the history or nature of our islands, as we have a keen interest in every aspect of Virgin Islands life and we always enjoy sharing stories with our guests.
Captain Rick and his wife Cathy, with help from Steve, devote two months a year to TLC and maintenance on this classic sailing vessel. Captain Rick now shares the Captain's duties with Steve when he is not fishing. Steve is always happy to sail Nightwind whenever he has the opportunity.
Nightwind Yacht is a wonderful example of classic grace and beauty. Originally intended as an ocean racer and passage maker, Nightwind is a happy blend of uncluttered deck space and sailing prowess which results in an exhilarating and enjoyable sailing experience.
Built of Iroko (or African Teak), Nightwind weighs 28 tons, which makes her more stable and comfortable at sea than lighter built fiberglass boats. For your safety, Nightwind is a U.S. Coast Guard Inspected Vessel that carries all the appropriate life rafts and safety equipment. We undergo three different U.S. Coast Guard exams per year. Plus, we are required to conduct numerous safety drills. The combination of safety, comfort and ideal boat layout insure the best possible daysail experience. All our gear is maintained to the highest standards and we have plenty of sizes and shapes to fit everyone from the smallest child to the largest adult.
Nightwind is a very sea kindly yacht, able to slice through the seas for smooth sailing. It is large enough to be licensed to carry up to 18 passengers although our normal trip is between 4 and 12 passengers. We sail in the protected waters of Pillsbury Sound to St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park or one of the smaller surrounding cays. Everyday is different and we choose the very best anchorages for the given conditions.
Next to sailing, snorkeling is what a daysail is all about. We strive to give you the best snorkeling experience possible. We first consider your safety and then we pick the best reef which offers the most comfortable conditions. We outfit each snorkeler with appropriate gear and flotation aids according to their abilities. Whether you are a first time or intermediate snorkeler in need of a refresher course, or a veritable Jacques Cousteau in search of a reef, you can trust our crew to help make snorkeling effortless and enjoyable.
We stand out among the competition for many reasons. Not only do we boast one of the most beautiful ships in St. Thomas, but we also take care of our customers and offer them the best of sailing or snorkeling experiences. We give 100% of ourselves, with the friendliest, most knowledgeable and professional crew, and we make it our goal to bring a smile to our clients’ faces.
The Captain and crew of Yacht Nightwind strive to make day sailing on Yacht Nightwind the best.
