Just wanted to thank you and Gail for making our time on your beautiful boat so wonderful. This adventure far exceeded my expectations. It was a perfect mix of exciting adventure, astounding beauty, perfect weather, great sailing, good company, island magic, crazy fun night life, and yummy food and drink. The accommodations were spectacular!! Bel Ami is a beautiful girl!! Thank you again for all you each did to make this truly a memorable trip. I will never forget it.
Bel Ami is ideal !!
Bel Ami is having a great "1st" season with back to back 7 day Virgin Islands charters during this month!
Bel Ami is ideal for 1 loving couple for their honeymoon, anniversary, special occasion, or just to get away from it all.
Captain Jan Robinson
I think we have gained new friends
There are big events in life that you should celebrate. Our 25th anniversary was one of those times. I chose to go sailng in the Virgin Islands mostly due to the fact that my wife loves to sail, and the other fact that we really needed a stress free getaway. Four kids, our jobs, and life gets tiresome sometimes. We have traveled to most of the world so we know exceptional service. From the first call I made to Ellen and the team at VISailing, I knew that I could count on first class service. Their quick response and friendly smiles ( you can feel the smiles through the phone), was a joy. I had so many questions and they answered them all Ellen narrowed our yatch choices and recommended the beautiful yatch the BEL AMI, with Captian Dave Goodman. As soon as I had my paper work in order Captain Dave called me. He was so attentive to my preference form. He emailed me and called me many times to make sure that we were on the same page. I was having a difficult time finding a place to stay our first night there. We were to start our trip on Friday but we had to fly in on Thursday. We needed a place for the evening. The places I wanted to stay required 5 to 7 nights minium. I was disappointed. I shared with Captain Dave my dilemma and he suggested that he pick us up at the airport and we spend the night on the boat! WOW! What a great relief for me. So, he and first mate Anne greeted us at the airport...all smiles and camera in hand to take our first photo of the week together. As we drove to the boat, Anne and Dave shared with us their extensive knowledge of the island of St. Thomas, and informed us of the events that we could attend after our week of sailing was through. We were spending two extra days there. They took us to the boat, we changed, rested for while, and then attended a wine and cheese tasing event in the harbor, they also gave us a guided tour of the place. I knew it was going to be a great w eek! The next day our trip began. We sailed out to Buck Island and Captain Dave and Anne took us snorkeling. He went with us showing us the hidden cannon, where the turtles live, and other points of interest. He was truly a great guide. We went snorkeling everyday and Dave was always with us. Showing us the points of interest and helping us in and out of the dinghy! HA HA Our first night began with a complimentary bottle of chamagne! ( Thanks Ellen!) Captain Dave made reservations for us earlier in the day at the Secret Habor resturant. Dave also plays the accordian and there was a special band there performing that night. Dave played with them and he was really great. Although he was having so much fun with the band, he reassured us that he was there to serve us and that we were his first priority. He lived up to that statement all week long and even after the trip was over. We were able to sail to most of the Isands. Captain Dave discerned that we were high energy folks and we could do some serious traveling. So, we went from St. Thomas, to Virgin Gorda, to Anegada, Bitter End, Peter Island, St, John, and a few more. It was just what my wife and I wanted to do. They made sure that we had the perfect balance of land and sea. We had our first Carribean lobster on Anegada, and a great big burger at Norman Isand! The baths at Virgin Gorda were truly a site to see and Captain Dave and Anne made sure we spent some quality time there. It was fabulous! One special thing that happened was that I requested to have a private table on a private beach the night of our anniversary. Captain Dave took the time to give me several leads to contact. I called Peter Island and they could accomodate us with this special request. The difficult part was that I wanted it to be a surprise for my wife. Captain Dave had to do some real thinkng and manuvering to allow us to sail freely and yet remain in close enough proximity to Peter Island that we could make it there for Tuesday eveing the night of our anniversary. The weather was a little windy to say the least and we anchored out in the harbor area. Captain Dave realized that this was going to be tricky gettig us off and on the boat for our special evening. So he decied to go into the dock area and request a slip for the evening. This would have been and extra cost to us. We were so touched when he was able to secure the slip and he paid for it himself! He told us Happy Anniversary! We were just beyond words and before dinner that evening, he also gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne! How generous can a captain be? I could write a lot more but I think you get the picture. Captain Dave and Anne were the consumate host. I can hardly remember a time that I have been as pampered and cared for as this trip. I just have to mention one more thing. When we said good-bye on Friday of course we were a little sad. We had such a great week together. I mentioned before that they had told us about events on the island during our last two days there. The big event that was happening was Carnival. Lucie and I decided to go check it out. We were a bit lost, not really knowing much about the event. As we were walking along the side walk, Captain Dave and Anne were taking a safari traxi to the Carnival. They saw us and waved, then to our surprise they came to greet us and took us to the event with them. We met so many of their friends and it was a truly wonderful evening. They recommed several resturants for us and one was Room With a View. They did not know that this is one of our favorite movies. We had our last night there dinnig at Room With A View and relishing the wonderful week we had. It was just one the best travel experiences I have ever had in my life! I could go on and on, everyday the meals were a wonderful surprise. Captian Dave and Anne made us feel so very important and special. I think we have gained new friends. Thank so much for recommending BEL AMI and Captain Dave and thanks so much Captain Dave and Anne for taking such good care of us and giving us a trip that we will talk about the rest of our lives! Allen and Lucie Cook
We will never forget our great times aboard Bel Ami
“Rainbows, sunsets, riding the waves, exploring the underwater world. We will never forget our great times aboard Bel Ami, and hope to return soon. We were surprised at how comfortable Bel Ami's accommadations were. Dave was a fabulous host, and we felt well cared for during our time onboard. As a sailing vessel, Bel Ami was top notch!”
- Sandi and Rod Jensen
What a relaxing and romantic adventure
“Captain Dave...what a relaxing and romantic adventure. Thank you so much for a most wonderful week in the Virgin Islands. We thought this kind of quixotic trip was only available to the rich and famous. Carol and I greatly enjoyed your warm hospitality, amazing culinary skills, and local knowlege of the islands hot spots. We felt safe and secure leaving the driving to you. Dancing on the beach to the fabulous reggae band (complete with horn section) was a night we will always remember. From snorkeling to scuba your delightful company (including your fabulous rock and roll accordian playing), we hope to come back soon and are already planning our next trip.”
- Bruce and Carol Winkler
Our time on the boat by far was our most memorable
We recently took a trip to St. John, USVI. We have been to the USVI several times but our time on the boat by far was our most memorable. Captain Dave put everyones safety first and made the day absolutely enjoyable. Good food, good music and amazing scenery. We spent our time sailing round the island making occasional stops for snorkeling, food and libations (he is a master at making Pain Killers). A lively round of accordion playing was also a highlight. Thank you Captain Dave for a great time at sea. We look forward to our next journey aboard the Bel Ami.”
- Bryan and Debi Trenholm
It was an amazing trip
“We enjoyed the fabulous food, wonderful snorkeling, beautiful sunsets, rainbows galore, and plenty of reading and relaxation. It was an amazing trip with beautiful scenery and great friends.”
- Love, Kevin and Jamie Stack
Excellent adventures with Dave and Ann!
My 2 daughters and I had an excellent adventure with Dave and Ann. We were well taken care of and all our needs and requests were accommodated. Dave is an outstanding captain and is extremely knowledgeable about the Islands and beaches we visited. Ann is a delight to be with and cared for our every need. Together they are the perfect team for chartering and sailing the Virgin Islands.
Captain Dr. Dave and Annie Nayer are delightful \"people\" people.
Captain Dr. Dave communicated with us by e-mail to arrange for everything...A meticulous planner, Dr. Dave laid out all options...One of the surprises was that Dr. Dave and Annie are both accomplished musicians...almost out of nowhere an accodion playing prirate (captain Dave) showed up to lead a sing-a-long of every Jimmy Buffet, Beach Boys, Beatles, Shanty, Billy Joel, Harry Belafonte, etc songs that our happy houred brains could come up with...Captain Dr. Dave is a wonderful cook...Captain Dave and Annie would cook up whatever we wanted...they took care of any nosh desire we ever had...Captain Dr. Dave and Annie Nayer are delightful "people" people.
Bel Ami has forever touched our lives!
Dear Dave and Annie, our new dear friends.
How do we begin? This past week with you aboard beautiful Bel Ami has forever touched our lives. Thank you for making our every wish come true and for sharing all the wonders that are you...We leave feeling content, nspired, delighted, awed and excited about our net adventure with you.
Love Laura and Treva
Captain is a great cook!
Wow, The Food, captain is a great cook! Sailing from island to island, the wonderful snorkeling, being able to go secluded spots or go to famous sites like the Baths. What Freedom! To explore the Islands. Our trip was everything the property advertises and more. I would highly recommend this property.
The captain took us to all his favorite spots!
My stay on the Bel Ami was a wonderful experience. The week was full of new and exciting experiences for me - from the snorkeling at all of David's favorite spots, the exquisite meals that David prepares daily, the fun beach locations with great entertainment that we went to in the evenings, to just lolling around on the deck of the Bel Ami enjoying the sun and beautiful sea that we were floating on. Captain Dave is very helpful and considerate in planning the trip especially with meal planning and making sure you get a good sample of life is the Virgin Islands.The vessel is very clean and comfortable.I would highly recommend his charter and hope to do it again myself someday.
Sailing in Paradise
This was a great vacation! I found it on VRBO, and the listing description was very accurate. The photos on the VRBO site gave a nice picture of Bel Ami. The yacht was very clean and well maintained--5 stars for that! Captain Dave answered all our questions and concerns with his knowledge of the sailing area. I would definitely recommend this property to a friend or relative. This was one of the best vacation experiences I have ever had! Lobster is one of my favorite meals, and Captain Dave took us to Anegada, where we feasted on lobster for several meals. YUMMMMY! Thank You Bel Ami and Captain Dave!
Excellent Adventure with Captain Dave
We just returned from a week on the Belami. Captain Dave is an amazing captain. He knows where to go based on what you want to do and see. He has many recommendations and lays them all out and leaves the itinerary up to you to decide (He is very flexible!). In one ambitious day we snorkeled The Indians, The Caves and The RHONE and then set sail sail to our next destination. Another day, we anchored at one spot, went ashore by dingy, found a prettier spot and Captain Dave left us at the bar and MOVED THE BOAT for us! He was a great snorkel guide, pointing out things we would have never seen. Same for hikes! We opted for the full board package and did not regret it. It was fun eating our meals on the boat. Dave makes a tasty shrimp cocktail and a mean margarita! If you are lucky if he will take out his Accordian and play you a tune.
Nov 2010 - Five amazing days sailing around St. Thomas and St. John
Just fantastic! We had a larger group, two couples plus two single ladies. Captain Dave happily accommodated all of us, and never once complained about having to sleep in a hammock on deck under the stars. :-) We sailed for 5 days near St. Thomas and St. John, and anchored at different beautiful, exotic, island bay very night - which were all (to my surprise and delight) very calm. Some of the unforgettable memories include: snorkeling in the caves near The Indians, dancing and partying on (and watching some of the crazy people get naked and dive off the rear of) the Willy T, fantastic dinners cooked by our very own Captain Dave, turning the dingy into a bar and sitting in the water off a beach and drinking and telling jokes, and on the last night Captain Dave played his accordion as one of us sang along. The Bel Ami is a gorgeous boat, but it’s her captain – very knowledgeable, talented, unassuming, flexible, and goes out of his way – that makes the whole experience unforgettable!
Tropical Vacation Paradise!!!
We had an amazing time aboard the Bel Ami with Captain Dave! He was able to help us customize the vacation of our dreams planning our excursion from island to island. The accomodations were great, not having stayed aboard a boat overnight before- it was surprisingly comfortable! Dave was a great host, the food was fabulous, and he provided snorkle gear and great ideas for places to visit. The beaches, sunsets, and views were amazing. I will not forget our visit to the Baths on Virgin Gorda- what an amazing day, and a totally wonderful week!!
