Sailing and snorkeling in the Virgin Islands will be your best St. Thomas day trip aboard our classic sailing vessel.
What makes our day different? No set itinerary, tailoring the day to the guests aboard, plenty of personal attention, and the friendliness of our crew and much more. We pride ourselves in making friends with each of our guests and have many new sailing friends return to sail with us again and again.
Compare St Thomas Day Sail Charters and you will find no better value.
Enjoy St. Thomas Premier Day Sail Boat
Nightwind is a meticulously maintained, classic sailing vessel and a wonderful example of the classic grace and beauty of wooden sailing yachts designed and built before the days of mass production. She was custom built in Sweden in 1956 and stands out in any anchorage. 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.
Classic Sailing Yacht with All Comfortable Amenities
Unlike modern, lightly built fiberglass boats, Nightwind is 50 of deck space (57’ overall), 13 feet wide and has 8 tons of iron in her keel which makes for a smoother ride. Built of Iroko, or African Teak as it is more commonly known, Nightwind weighs 28 tons which makes her more stable and comfortable at sea than lighter, fiberglass–built boats.
A clever arrangement of deck seats and table provide a comfortable seating arrangement amid ship not enjoyed by most other boats. She has a flush deck which provides plenty of space to lounge and sunbathe on the foredeck, or sit around the mid deck table with plenty of comfortable, cushioned seating under her shade awning.
Nightwind Offers Ultimate Safety
For your safety, Nightwind is a U.S. Coast Guard Inspected Vessel and carries all the appropriate life rafts and safety equipment, as well as additional floats and equipment for your comfort and safety in the water our captains are both US Coast Guard Licensed and adhere to all safety and other USCG guidelines.
The Benefits of Coast Guard Inspected Day Sail Vessels in the Virgin Islands
Nightwind undergoes three US Coast Guard inspections each year, and are required to conduct numerous safety drills, which we professionally and happily do prior to each sail.
Any boat can carry up to 6 people without being Coast Guard inspected. Over 6 people, a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection is required. Many boats with Certificates carry 40 plus passengers. While we are licensed to carry up to 18, our normal trip are normally 4 to 12 guests. This combines the benefits of being Coast Guard Inspected, yet having a smaller number of guests onboard.
The combination of safety, comfort and boat layout insures you the best possible sailing experience.
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Sail and Snorkel on
St. Thomas' "Nightwind"
St. Thomas' "Nightwind"
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Your Crew Aboard St. Thomas Day Sailboat Nightwind
Captains Rick O'Dell and Steve Marsh have over 60 years combined experience sailing Virgin Islands waters and they 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 acquired Yacht Nightwind in May 2008 from Captain Steve Marsh and his wife June. Rick lived and sailed these Caribbean waters from 1980 to 1995. He then returned to the States and lived in North Carolina and then St. Augustine, Fl. It was there that he and Cathy met and began their journey together which brought them back to the islands. Captain Rick and Captain Steve knew each other while sailing these waters for about fifteen years. It was on their honeymoon when they found Yacht Nightwind for sale. Captain Steve was ready to retire and go fly fishing and Rick was ready to return to the sea. Captain Rick began his sailing adventure in upstate New York where he is originally from. Rick and 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.
Captain Steve acquired Nightwind in 1972, spent four years meticulously rebuilding her inside and out and started day sailing on November 23 1977. Steve started his sailing in his college years sailing dinghies. Following his time in the Army he purchased a boat in England and sailed throughout Europe. Returning to New Jersey where he is from, he purchased Nightwind and began his sailing career.
The Captain and crew of Yacht Nightwind strive to make day sailing on Yacht Nightwind the best. |
Captain Rick
Captain Steve
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