Kyle & Tilly,

You are amazing hosts, thank you for a wonderful vacation. You made everything special. I couldn’t have been more relaxed. I loved every minute of our stay and am so thankful for the family memories that we created.

Thank you again, we hope to see you soon, please let us know if you ever come out to Colorado, we will take you skiing/hiking!

Many thanks,
C Richman

Tilly & Kyle
Thank you for the amazing memories… Salt on the breeze and sun on our skin, we danced with waves, let laughter begin. From snorkeling reefs where bright fish gleam, to sailing horizons straight out of a dream.

We dove down deep where the quiet lies, then surfaced to stories and card games (monopoly deal!!) with splashes and swims in the turquoise sea, each moment felt peaceful and free.

At sunset we feasted, plates piled high, with flavours as bold as the painted sky. Full hearts full sails & joy that won’t slip, forever we’ll cherish our catamaran trip.

Thank you thank you!
T Richman

Thank you for the amazing week! You guys matched our families energy so we’ll and made this experience the best. So many amazing memories were made and new games added to our inventory. Thank you for the amazing food and scuba intro. You guys are the best!
S Richman

Kyle &Tilly

Thank you so so much for such an amazing week, I never want to leave. So many memories were made this week that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. The sailing was amazing, food delicious & best of all the games were never ending! Special shout out to Kyle form looking for my bracelet underwater.
Thank you guys sooo much!
A Richman

Kyle & Tilly,

Thank you guys for such an awesome week! From tubing to snorkeling, monopoly deal and Tilly’s first aid for all my cuts, everything was amazing. Thank you guys for being so helpful, warm and fun! I have already told my family so many stories from this trip and can’t wait to share more when I’m home. Tilly, your food is the best, the salmon, the steak, and poke bowls were my favourite and I will miss your cooking. Thank you again for the kind graduation cake and celebrations. Kyle, thank you for helping me find a turtle to swim with, Terry was the best. Also, I loved the morning briefs and tracking our journey everyday on the map! I hope you guys have a great rest of season and and I hope to sail with you again some day!

Thank you!
N Richman

Dear Kyle and Tilly

Thank you for the most incredible week and an absolute dream come true to share this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our children and parents. Your kindness, playful nature, thirst for exploration, creative spirit and absolute generosity have enabled the most memorable BVI experience we could have ever asked for. Delicious food and drinks throughout the days, learning to play monopoly deal, numerous dives and snorkeling adventures, while exploring the most beautiful bays and sailing the open seas are just some of the best highlights you have provided us and will etched in our memories to make this the best trip ever! Please stay in touch as we would love to meet again for more fun – maybe in the Grenadines next time. We are so lucky to have had you as our amazing crew and will forever remember your kindness and guidance through the most memorable trip!

Thank you for everything!
The Gleimer family

Dear Kyle & Tilly
It’s not just the adventures in life, it’s the people you meet in this beautiful world. You two are the most amazing couple we have ever met. Thank you for all of it – too much to name – the food, your ability to play with the kids was unbelievable, your patience with them is something we’ll always remember!! Thank you for that – from my heart – thank you. A week of splendid adventures, especially with the two of you, was priceless in so many ways. I wish you both all this world has to offer & more. And pray that we meet again in the future. These islands are so special because you showed them to us – through your eyes.

Thank you for everything,
love A & H Gleimer

“What an unforgettable week! Thank you for creating such a special experience for our family. You both went above and beyond in ever possible way, it never went unnoticed.

Thank you for making our kids feel so welcome and included. It meant the world to me that I could fully enjoy snorkeling + all the adventures knowing our 4 – year old too as happily “helping” in the galley and being so well cared for by Miss Tilly (our new best friend!). That kind of trust + ease is a gift on a family trips like this.

The girls are heading home with new bartending skills, amazing memories and so many stories – they absolutely adored both of you. And the games! Hands down some of our favourite memories + moments on the trip.

Miss Tilly – you are truly the best at life. Your cooking was incredible, your energy unmatched, and you somehow managed to be a world class chef, entertainer, party planner and obstacle course troll all in one! We are still laughing and we are still full.

Captain Kyle – thank you for your leadership, your patience and for being so wonderful with our kids. You make everything feel effortless and your scuba instruction have us confidence to fully enjoy every adventure.

We are so gratefully for this time and for each of you. This trip was something really special for our family and you guys were the reason why. Untill next time – thank you for everything!!!

With so much appreciation
Mayes Family.

What an amazing week! John and I so appreciate all that you did to make every day perfect. The meals were phenomenal, the hospitality gracious and the details of each day planned to give all of us a fabulous time. We discovered new places to snorkel and dive, had great dinners and CocoMayas and Cooper Island and were glad you could join us! The weather was gorgeous every day. Thank you for sharing this once in a lifetime experience with us.
We love you!
J & M Barker.

This was such a wonderful week. I am not sure that you’ve had such sailing juvenile at 72 years young but I tried hard, listened well and want you to know these memories will be with me forever. I will always remember my first crew. Seriously you weren’t a crew to me, your ever present smiles and kindness are truly remarkable and you made this boat feel like home for our week. Food was amazing and the snorkel tours were such a treat!
Patti M

Thank you for such an awesome week! It was not our first rodeo so we have so much to compare to – the food was such a great surprise daily. We were all torn on what the best meal of the trip was, Tilly you outdid yourself.

The diving and snorkeling was terrific. Thanks for picking the best spots of the islands. Sharks, turtles, eagle rays, Barracuda and so many more first fishes (oh and the octopus!). Can’t wait to do it again. We don’t want to leave. Kyle you have such great eyes, seeing and pointing out what we would have overlooked. You are both so great – we had no need you did not address..THANKS!!

see you again soon,
Steve and Lori B

Kyle & Tilly were just amazing. WAY, WAY beyond what we imagined. They both were professional, knew exactly what they were doing, and made outstanding efforts to exceed our expectations every day. We had 3 nice hikes – one at Little JVD and two in St. John. We skipped Coral Bay & had a beautiful anchorage in Ram Head bay with only one other boat. The meals that Tilly prepared were inventive and spectacular every time. We don’t know how she does it. Kyle brought out his drone & gave us some great pictures while we were underway. We had a nice sail to Great St. James and had take-out from floating “Pizza Pi” in the bay on the last night. Bluewinds was very comfortable.
-The Bonans

Kyle and Tilly

Thank you both for giving us the benefit of your immense talents and experience – and so much hard work – that permitted us to have such a wonderful eight days with the two of you.
Of course, J, J and P have described the incredible meals, beautiful harbours and (mostly) great weather that we enjoyed. We agree this was all exceptional. But we also greatly enjoyed all of the time spent with each of you. Your humour, patience, knowledge and personalities were the greatest gift that made our time together so amazing.
Please stay in touch.
Phil M and Kelley D

NYE 2026 BVI Charter

“Rest and Be Thankful”

-Wordsworth

Kyle & Tilly,
You and “Respite at Sea” have made the above so very, very true. Your effortless hospitality has
made our week with you something none of us will forget.

We are rested and thankful.

XOXO

January 2026 BVI Charter

Kyle & Tilly –

What a special week you gave us! While this was our 4th sail to the BVI, You made it feel like a first, with new stops on the islands! Your service and care of us was top-notch and greatly appreciated. Please come visit us in Dysartum, PA and we can’t wait to host another charter with you both!

Slainté,

Kim & Joseph Jacobson

Dear Kyle & Tilly,

Thank you both so very much for the most incredible charter through the BVI’s. Every single detail was perfect! It truly was an experience our family will treasure forever.

I especially want to thank you for giving Emma & David such a fantastic first sailing experience. You made them feel so relaxed, and cared for, and that meant more to me than I can say.

Tilly, your cooking was absolutely extraordinary. Every meal was thoughtful, beautiful and delicious, and you went so far above and beyond anything we could have expected. The afternoon tea was a special and memorable touch — truly appreciated…

Kyle, you really rocked it this week. Thank you for your steady hands, joyful and fun personality and throwing the guy’s asses way into the air. Hands down best captain on the water. You my friend took this trip to another level for us – thank you!

With our sincerest thanks for an unforgettable week, warmly, Jena

December 2023 BVI Charter

Kyle and Tilly,
Thank you, we could not have asked for a more beautiful week! It was such a joy sailing with you. Everything was perfect from the boat and amenities, the amazing meals and presentations, desserts, table decor, amd wine pairings, the boat drinks, and cocktails. Every suggestion you made from coves to stay in at night, hikes, excursions to Virgin Gorda, Saba Rock, Soggy Dollar was incredibly fun. We are also thankful for you helping us gather with our friends onboard another boat! You also made our diving experience amazing!
We especially enjoyed you! You are an amazing crew, team and couple. Playing cards, star gazing with music and getting to know you is a special memory. We wish you joy and the best for the future.

With many thanks,
Megan, Rick, Elias, Alaina
2023 Guest Reviews for Kyle and Tilly

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 10 Jun 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were awesome. This was my favorite trip yet.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 20 May 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were outstanding! We cannot say enough about how attentive they were and the consistently high quality service they provided throughout our trip aboard the Sweet Pea.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 20 May 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.

Comment: We had a wonderful time. Kyle and Tilly are very passionate about their jobs and it shows!! The food was delicious, the service the best. Tilly is super funny, I envy her energy!!! Kyle easy going and always ready to accomodate any guest with a request. It is a beautiful boat and kept very organized and clean!! It was a fun, relaxed trip!!! Can’t wait to return!!! Love the base managers, Mignon and Chandre!!!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 22 Apr 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly went above and beyond to make this a fun vacation. The food was excellent, and Tilly was an amazing chef. I have celiac disease, and she was very careful to make sure I had a gluten free meal every time. I never felt like everyone else was getting the good food, and I wasn’t. The boat was SUPER clean,
and they kept it that way all week. Thanks guys for a wonderful week!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 22 Apr 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were excellent! Great attention to detail and wonderful interactions with the guests. Tilly went over the top with her ability to meet everyone’s dietary needs. Thanks to both for a great week. PS- This boat was in great condition and very clean.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 22 Apr 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle & Tilly were best crew we’ve had. Very focused on customers’ needs.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 01 Apr 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly provided a wonderful experience for us. They were very fun and accommodating, along with being extremely knowledgeable about everything they were doing. Wanting to teach us more about where we were and making sure we got the most out of every minute.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 18 Mar 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were ever so accommodating, fun and pleasant to be around. They met our every request and did much for us that we did not ask for. Would love to sail with them again. They were delightful and worked so well together. I’ve been on several sailing trips and they rate right there at the top of any captain and mate we’ve had.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 11 Mar 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: What a great trip!! My first catamaran and adventure with TRADEWINDS. It exceeded my expectations. The sights were amazing but the crew made it an outstanding week! So thankful we had Kyle,
Tilly and Johann taking care of us for the week. A great team that clearly loves sharing their home, Sweet Pea, and passion for all sights and experiences the BVI’s have to offer. The service, food and cocktails were exceptional! Could not have asked for anything better!! Thank you for a week I will never forget and will always appreciate!!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 11 Mar 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly did an excellent job. Could not ask for better.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 11 Mar 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Our crew was outstanding! Captain Kyle and First Mate Tilly make an amazing team and should be a model for Tradewinds. TW should do everything they can to keep such a wonderful couple happy and prospering in their careers. Kyle is such a skillful captain, keeps the boat in the very best shape that he can.. Kyle and Tilly take such pride in keeping the TW boat in as tip top shape as they possibly can themselves. It is clean, organized and neat and the whole crew pitches in to keep it that way. Tilly’s skills in delivering delicious and beautifully presented food is top notch! She and Kyle are skilled in both their professional duties and in delivering outstanding customer experiences. Could not ask for a better crew!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 18 Feb 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were absolutely wonderful. All of our needs were met beyond expectations. All and all have zero complaints. Best crew ever!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 18 Feb 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: First time with Tradewinds and the entire trip was perfect. We were guests of the owner of S/Y Sweet Pea, and had a wonderful time with our group. I can’t say enough nice things about the crew Tilly and Kyle. Both of them exceeded our expectations at every turn. You can tell they genuinely love what they are doing. Only problem was that I gained weight because of the great food Tilly made us. So good!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 04 Feb 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Our crew of Kyle & Tilley were the best yet and extremely supportive of our needs. They provided excellent ‘morning briefings’ and were constantly attentive.

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 04 Feb 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were great hosts to us. We really enjoyed the trip.
Aboard Sweet Pea on the 28 Jan 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.

Comment: Top Notch warm and welcoming service!! Kyle and Tilly made sure our family had the Trip of a Lifetime!! Cannot say enough about how special Kyle and Tilly were – we are going to miss them forever!!!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 28 Jan 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: A trip of a lifetime! Kyle & Tilly provided us with a MAGICAL experience!

Aboard Sweet Pea on the 28 Jan 2023 in BVI with Kyle and Tilly.
Comment: Kyle and Tilly were AWESOME!! Everything was so much fun and the best experience.

As I looked to charter a boat for the family, I was drawn to Bluewinds, why? I had no idea, but I trusted it was the right choice. At the end of this trip I know Bluewinds was not just a bridge to meet the most caring, fun, and loving crew. Captain Travis and Chef Peta, you are both AMAZING and we are so grateful to both of you.
Thank you!
Mami Perla, Papi Jack, Danny and Shirley

Mirones Family Christmas 2025!

Thank you Bluewinds – Travis and Peta – for making our holiday fantastic!!
We are grateful!

Katie and Eben,
we have been talking about doing this trip for years. We never doubted it would be fun, but I don’t think we could have imagined it would be as incredible as it was. Thank you for your attention to detail, and the amazing food and company. You made this trip exceed our wildest expectations. We’ll never forget. Best Boat!
-Travis and Jessica

Katie and Eben,
there are not enough great words to express the feelings and appreciation I have for all you have done for us. Everyday started and ended with an emotional reflection of how lucky I am to be on this boat. Blessed to have had you both in our lives to start 2025. The key to my heart has always been through my stomach.
Katie you exceeded any food experience I have ever had. Your attention to detail is something I will always remember.
Eben it was an honor to watch you operate with such precision. To be able to let my guard down knowing you have everything under control was very relaxing.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you for every moment you gave to me and my family and friends.
-Ryon

Katie and Eben,
thank you for making our home away from home so amazing. We didn’t miss a beat and ya’ll made sure we saw and did everything we wanted. You really delivered! We hope to see you all again and wish you happiness on future charters around the world.
Thank you again for everything
-Mari and Rhue

Katie and Eben,
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible experience you provided. From the moment we boarded the yacht it was clear that we were in expert hands, and every part of the journey exceeded our expectations!!
The meals Katie prepared were nothing short of spectacular. It’s clear that you have a true passion for cooking and each meal was a delicious treat that added to the overall enjoyment of the trip.
Thank you for your warmth, hospitality, and attention to detail. This trip was truly unforgettable thanks to your hard work and dedication.
-Tom

Katie and Eben
Words can’t express how wonderful and magical this week has been. Thank you for everything you have done! Your attention to detail is beyond compare. You are incredible at your passions.

Katie,
your personality and contagious smile, along with the most amazing dishes I’ve personally ever had, made all of us have the opportunity to share friendships arounds the table.
Eben,
thank you for the history lessons! You are #1 at what you do. Thank you isn’t enough. You made Jeff’s 60th birthday over the top special!
Sincerely,
Kim and Jeff

Katie and Eben,
Thank you so much for a great trip, food, drinks, and friendship.
My compliments to the Chef and the Captain…. Peace and Love.
-Fraz and Caren

Another great week on BlueWinds with Katie and Eben! The food, fun and friendship were amazing… again! Can’t wait for Round 3!
-David and Lucy

What a wonderful experience with Eben and Katie on BlueWinds!! Great to see the BVI the way it’s meant to be seen. Food was an experience of a lifetime.
-Lisa and Scott

Katie and Eben
Incredible, Epic, and Unforgettable!
What a week! Thank you both for all you did. Katie you really are a talented and creative chef. Your meals are Michelin star quality in our opinion. The daily bread and “table” bacon were delicious :).
Eben, you are such a knowledgable and professional captain and guide. We know you were probably meant to be a pirate. You picked the perfect spots to anchor, and the snorkeling and diving sites were fantastic. The sailing was relaxing, fun, and safe. We have so many memories- NYE, drinking song, the rainy boat ride to Saba Island and dancing their soaking wet, you being our designated driver in Anegada, the ring toss, late night games, fireball punishment for Colby and Chase, fishing, eating all the fruit and everything in between. We treasure it all. Thanks for treating us so well this week.
Come visit us in Nashville.
-The Tissot Family

Eben and Katie,
Thank you so much for an amazing week- the delicious meals, the flexibility with agenda given the surprise weather. The drinks, the games you organized- all made this an unforgettable week!! We can’t thank you enough for taking such great care of us and helping us to celebrate birthdays and a chance to spend a week away together. Every meal was PERFECT and far exceeded expectations. Every request accommodated. THANK YOU SO MUCH! We would absolutely repeat this week with you guys and we wish you the best of lucking all your future charter adventures!
xoxox
Claire, Praveen, Mark, Kim, Katie, Kriste, Kevin and Ben

Katie and Eben,
Best trip ever! Not sure what I loved the most- the food, the fun, the sun,the chill. Everything exceeded expectations. Great dives too. It’s a repeat for sure.
BT

Katie and Eben,
Shelly and I entered the week with grand expectations, but somehow the experience far exceeded anything we had in mind. Your role in that was central and we cannot thank you enough. I will always treasure the memory of my PADI certification with Eben. And we all will struggle in the absence of Katie’s great meal preparation. But more generally and more importantly, your collective efforts, style and substance provided a platform for all of us to share a truly memorable week together. All the best to you both, and here’s to hoping our paths cross again soon!
shelley and Jason

Katie and Eben,
What an amazing week we have had… largely due to you both. From our “we are the champions” Captains to our award winning, Left, Right, Center, Chef we were spoilt all week. This was a great experience, can’t wait to have you come visit us in Oklahoma! cheers to you both.

Dennis and John
Katie and Eben, (mum and dad)
This week has been a dream come true. We didn’t really know what to expect, but everything has been perfection. I know we are a lot but you have managed us perfectly. The food, drinks and general hospitality are better than I could have possibly imagined. Thank you for hosting a trip that we will remember fondly always. We hope to see you again soon.
Love Jacqulyn

WOW- what a fantastic week this has been! Thank you for the wonderful hospitality, food, service and patients. You are true professionals and we are grateful to be on your boat.
Good bless you and your life together.
sincerely
Tim

Dear Eben and Katie
Thank you for the most amazing trip. From laid back boat days to Soggy Dollar, we loved it ALL. We especially appreciate getting Jack scuba certified, teaching us a new card game( we will be playing all the time), and introducing us to duck! (we loved it!) Also, the amazing food! Thank you so much for showing us the beautiful BVIs and convincing Henry to take a Tequila shot!!! Can’t wait for our next trip with y’all!
cheers
Maggie, Ann, John, Henry, Ellen, Jack

Dear Eben and Katie,
Thank you for the best week ever! hanging out with you guys was extremely fun.Katie, it was great to have another girl around, with all the boys.
Merry christmas and a happy new year.
Caroline

Dear Eben and katie,
Thank you for an awesome week. Good company, food, music and sights are always a great recipe for a great vacation. hoping the rest of your season is as great as this trip.
Alex

Dear Eben and Katie,
Thank you so much for an amazing time! I loved every minute of the trip, from the knockout food to all the dives and other activities. This has been and unforgettable christmas, I wouldn’t have rather spent it anyother way.
Thanks again
Nic

To the incredible team that made a memorable vacation absolutely magical. Katie and Eben you were such lovely host and made us feel right at home on Bluewinds- one castle on the sea. The sailing, snorkeling, diving and playing exceeded out expectations, AND THE FOOD- Katie you are extraordinary in such a small kitchen. WOW!
Thank you for showing us all what sailing it the BVI should be. The bar is now set very high and I almost pity the next crew faced to sail with our family.
We wish you all the best on your adventures together and we hope you will both keep in touch and visit if you land in Texas.
thanks
Leiliani

Thank you so very much a wonderful experience, wonderful food and sailing. we wish you all the best.
Dan and Andrea.

My family and I enjoyed a fantastic charter in the BVIs a few years back on the same boat which we believed could never be topped. We were wrong. Our family experience on BlueWinds went well above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. Not only was the refit on the boat incredibly well done and the food incredible – but it was Josh and Bean that made all the difference. They became part of the family as they introduced us to new places, set up rope swings for the kids, taught us how to play Kill the Captain, and even taught our girls how to play ukulele. We could not have been more happy with the week and are so much looking forward to the next time!
Thanks,
Danny

Dear Captain Paul and Ashley,

Wayne and I want to thank you for a wonderful adventure / vacation. It was absolutely amazing! The memories we have will last a lifetime.

Captain Paul, all the places you took us starting with the first night in Red Hook to the last night at Lavango everything were amazing. The hike up to Rams Head and jumping off the front of the boat were two of my highlights. Wayne thought snorkeling through the coral reefs was his favorite. Everything we did was fun and memorable.

Ashley, all I can say is … WOW! Every meal you prepared was wonderful. The flavors and presentation were five-star worthy. Trying all your delicious seafood dishes was a real treat for me. Now to find a chef as talented as you – you have a real gift.

We hope to be able to sail with each of you again. Hopefully BVI will open back up and we can have another wonderful adventure on Playtime or whatever may be your next boat. Keep us aware of any new developments.

Wayne and Lynn

Captain, Our Captain… our Captain Paul, the best! Thank you for sharing your love of the seas, for creating a “Playtime” world that values caring for others, sharing the islands, and bringing out the best in others along the way. Cannot understate the “Ashley” connection, subtly creating wonderful constructed meals, deliciously served with grace and pride to match. A delightful spirit that weaves your own magic knitted into Paul’s expertise perfectly. May the friendship we have started carry on for years to come.
Thanks again
-Diana

Paul and Ashley,
Thank you for a wonderful week! The snorkeling, walk up Rams Head, and the sporty sail from St Croix were great experiences. Gene and I love sailing the USVI and BVI and look forward to being back.
Love Cathy and Gene

Pashley,
Thank you two for a trip of a lifetime. From the day we arrived to our last meal it was magical. The food, the snorkels, the sunsets, the “Paul” moments were very special. Our best to you in your future endeavors.
-M&M

Captain Paul and Chef Ashley,
An amazing trip had by all-from private beach walks, to scuba trips in the most amazing places, to sailing, and the most fabulous food, drinks, and service. This trip was once in a lifetime!
Our crew was more than awesome and became family! We cannot possibly thank you enough for sharing this boat and this week with us. Here’s to the most perfect start to a new year! We will be sailing with you again.
All our love
the Lewis Family

We had a wonderful time on the charter. After postponing our trip for a year and a half, we were over-due for a real vacation with the family. The boat was spectacular and Paul & Ashley were great. Playtime was comfortable, especially the brand new cushions throughout the boat. It’s apparent that the owner and Paul pay attention to every single detail in order to ensure smooth sailing and luxurious comfort for all the guests. Captain Paul was AMAZING! We had many different excursions and things we wanted to do. Paul was attentive and made sure that both adults and kids each had individual experiences as well as a great family experience. For example, our oldest son wanted to scuba, our youngest son wanted underwater photography, my husband wanted a secluded beach and I just wanted lots of painkillers and sunshine! Paul delivered and then some. He was gracious and constantly asked for feedback in order to ensure a relaxing charter. Paul suggested that we venture on a four hour sail from St. John over to St. Croix and we were not disappointed. Paul knows the islands and where to go to truly live and breathe ‘island time’ away from the tourists, even allowing us all to share in the experience of seeing baby turtles (5 days old) and an octopus. Ashley was wonderful as well. She effortlessly juggled meals that consisted of various requests and she always left us in awe. Her culinary expertise and her excitement for sailing and traveling was out of this world. I do need to circle back with her and get her recipe for turkey meatballs!! We are already thinking about our next charter in 2023 and we hope to be able to reconnect with Paul when that time comes. My youngest son is anxiously awaiting Paul’s response to connect over Skype this week to finish editing the underwater photos that they took (and Paul was trusting enough to let my son use his underwater camera). I am so thankful to Paul for giving this gift to my son. Paul is a true teacher and his passion for sailing, Playtime and connecting with nature left all of us wanting more.

Thank you again,

We had the most amazing trip and is certainly our favorite trip by a long shot (which is saying a lot because we have loved every other trip)! Truly, it exceeded any and all expectations and and I believe Paul and Ramona were a large part of that. I honestly cannot think of anything that would have made the trip any more enjoyable.

Paul is clearly an expert captain and wanted to make this a special trip for us. His warm and friendly personality could not have been any more enjoyable. It was the perfect mix of activity vs. relaxation and Paul had planned awesome hikes, snorkeling, paddle boarding, etc. The only thing that is keeping us from rebooking for next year is our children will be on different schedules and they all refuse to be the one that is left out. But, there is no doubt, we will be on another trip with Paul at some point in the future. Ramona was amazing as well — so accommodating, esp. with our picky eater and always anticipating when it was time for a snack or a beverage; the food was outstanding!

I wanted to take the time to report how amazing our experience was on Playtime on the excursion 2/5-2/12/ 2021 with Captain Paul and Chef Tyler.

We found the Catamaran Playtime to be an able vessel which sailed handily and stably through calm and not so calm seas. There were ample accommodations for our party of 8; even the smaller staterooms we found to be cozy and comfortable and fitting for our needs. The highlights of Playtime would have to be the outdoor spaces: the exterior dining salon was a lively meeting place for meals or cocktails (although I would comment the table is rather small for a party of 8 and could be a bit wider, be more comfortable, and still fit the space). The fly bridge is quite spacious and we very much enjoyed the lounging area with the fabulous views; whether anchored in a lovely cove or sailing across the open water it was a favorite spot for us all (and if someone is comparing boats not a standard feature). We also loved the forward area both the comfortable mosh pit and the adjacent trampolines for sunning or star gazing and for sailing in somewhat calmer waters. Playtime served our needs remarkably well.

But the make or break feature of a catamaran tour of the USVI’s would have to be the crew. In this respect we were amazingly well served.

To say that Captain Paul is well suited for this job is remarkable understatement. He is one part naval captain, one part extraordinary tour guide (I would reference Rick Steves on ” ” but I cannot think of any injectable substance that could make me compare Rick Steves to Captain Paul), and one part Peter Pan always ready to guide his companions with extraordinary youthful energy. He is seemingly “always on,” fun loving and witty; he seems to be ever planning how to improve the experience for all involved. He asked our permission to allow him to adjust the itinerary so as to flow with the experiences presented. For instance, we approached St John, he found a usually crowded seascape to completely unencumbered, and we spent the first afternoon and evening there swimming, beaching in remarkable isolation. He continued to adjust the itinerary throughout, going with the flow and always for our advantage. He led a hike to historic ruin with a remarkable vistas, led snorkeling adventures among the beautiful reefs, engaged in spirited bocci games, and made an extemporaneous swim up bar serving as bartender on his paddle board on the most amazing of beaches (Buck Island, my newfound favorite beach). In short he was an incomparable tour guide and host who afforded us an extraordinary experience of much that St John and St Croix have to offer. And I would be remiss not to add in a prior career life Captain Paul was a fashion photographer; not only did he create our island memories, but he captured them in remarkable photographic memories.

The yen to Captain Paul’s yang would be Chef Tyler. Tyler is highly affable, laid back but engaging, and an excellent chef who fed us remarkably well. Breakfast included lobster frittata, a pair of breakfast pastries (one sweet one savory), a spinach omelet with side of bacon; each breakfast was served with a platter of lovely, local fresh fruit and French pressed coffee. Lunches were generally on the lighter side as requested and included a lovely seared tuna over quinoa salad with ginger dressing, a fabulous pan fried swordfish taco, a flank steak over mixed greens salad, amongst others all delicious. There was generally an appetizer served during cocktail hour and/ or sunset sail again all very successful: delicious small sausage stuffed peppers, cheese and charcuterie board, spinach and artichoke pastries, Kobei beef sliders with deviled eggs (amazing!), and on each occasion either Tyler or Captain Paul would bring a well crafted cocktail or lovely glass of wine with a smile. Dinners were also excellent fare: pan seared scallops over squid ink pasta, perfectly cooked lamb lollipops over butternut squash puree, a lovely salmon with roasted potatoes. All meals were accompanied by nice wines (white burgundies, albarinos, malbecs, etc) and followed by a nice dessert.

The chef is not only obligated to cook many meals, but also to assist as first mate. As Tyler had been prior Captain as a team with his wife, (he was pinch hitting at the last minute to our good fortune) he was always ready to man the anchor or jump in to pick us up at the beach on the dingy. Tyler has ready knowledge of the island wildlife and environmental issues and is an excellent teacher. The ready collegiality between Paul and Tyler was remarkable; it seemed they had been a team for years even though they had just met. As a team they made our experience near perfect.

We are all grateful for the extraordinary experience we were afforded. We were very Covid weary (our group included 3 health care providers, 2 pilots who are also high risk for exposure, and spouses/ partners who share our risk as well). The USVI tour on Playtime was a much meditative relief and recharge for us all.

Thank you Paul and Tyler for your amazing hospitality and our extraordinary experience!

Glen Lewis
(and John, Jon, Olga, Dan, Kathy, Mike, and Carol)

We chartered Playtime December 1st for 10 days. The crew was top notch, Alisha’s culinary skills were as good or better than any chef we’ve chartered with, the Mediterranean meals were especially good! We had a sleep aboard the first night but Captain Paul started the charter immediately and we motored over to St John and had Dinner on shore. The crew was very professional and we would charter with them again. The trip included sailing around St. Thomas , St John and then open ocean sailing to St Croix. Snorkeling diving, sightseeing, hiking, horseback riding were all great fun and with Paul, you will get a great photo album, learn about photography and sharpen your sailing skills. We felt very comfortable with their COVID protocol and had no issues.