USVI-On-Line

A great day trip with Phil and Tarn on Monday, 8/2. Went to Little St. James and snorkeled two reefs, one called "the reef" (for lack of a better name) and Christmas Cove. Christmas Cove was amazing. Snorkeling around a 40 foot drop off reef through a single file cavernous opening....Trumpet fish and awesome huge squid swimming in a line of six each. I dove down to check them out and they changed colors from flourescent yellow, orange, blue, green. I was enamoured by their slow, alien type vibe in the water. Phil is just the best. Tarn has been with him for many years and they work so well together.

That sounds so awesome! May have to go out with him next time- thanks for sharing! Same people that pipanale went out with, right?

LOVE Captn. Phil & Tarn....one of the best days we had was sailing with them over to Jost & amazing snorkeling with Phil. He is such a great teacher as you snorkel...saw things I would have missed otherwise. Definately a 'must-do'!!

They are amazing and were the highlight of our trip!

NO question -- they are one of the best sailing daysail boats, people and total experience available in the VI -- everyone should aspire to that level of professionalism.

We took our second trip with them a few weeks back. We hit Christmas Cove and Little St James.

Our daughter had the time of her life and still says that was the best part of the week. Capt Phil was great with her and she hung on his every word.

They're a permanent part of our vacation planning!

Did you folks have to call them to make reservations?

I sent them an email a couple of months ahead of our trip asking if they planned to be open for business when we'd be on island (mid-July), but never heard back from them.

I know that some down island businesses embrace email as a means of communication and others, not so much.

I've always emailed. Tarn handles the emailing from the galley. I'd try them again...winder if your message got lost somewhere in the ocean.

I've emailed them special requests, itinerary ideas, changes etc...

We were brought to Captain Phil by Loria and Pia and had one of our best days ever on STJ. I agree with everyones comments and I have not found anyone with a single complaint about him, Tarn or the boat.

Thanks Loria, Pia and Phil.

JIM

As it turned out, there weren't many good sailing days during our trip anyway, but at least I know that they usually answer emails in case we decide to try again with them.

I reserved my space on The Wayward Sailor via email. As I recall, the reply came within a day or two. Tarn does look after the email. I know she also works at La Tapa (or used to) so I am only presuming here but my guess is, when the restaurant is closed for slow season that she probably heads state-side for a visit so at that time of year they may be slower in replying.

Just to clear up *my* mistake here:

After reading all of the replies indicating how good and consistent Wayward Sailor is about responding to emails, I went back and determined that it wasn't them that I sent an email to and never received a response.

Mea culpa - their good reputation is intact, I'm contrite, and hope to join the Wayward Sailor alumni/fan club soon!

Piling on the good reports about Captain Phil and Wayward Sailor--John and I had a great time going out with them a couple of years ago. I will always be grateful that Phil showed me how to find an octopus--I'd never seen one until he gave me some tips. Now I find them all the time.

Tarn does still work at La Tapa. We spoke with her there last month.

augie wrote:I went back and determined that it wasn't them that I sent an email to and never received a response.

So, you sent an email to person A only and expected person B to reply to it?

Have you considered a career in project management? Sounds like you're a perfect fit!

I've been called to the carpet for not replying to emails I wasn't sent. Work is fun!

pipanale wrote:I've been called to the carpet for not replying to emails I wasn't sent. Work is fun!

The only saving grace is that at least I didn't send a follow up email lambasting them for their poor customer service...