Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
Purely by an accident of fate secondary to over crowding on the conventional snorkleing trips, we were asked if we wanted to use one of the locals for our trip.
We weren't sure what we were getting ourselves into to but it turned out to be the best thing we ever did.
We were met at the Cruz Bay docks by Doug Ross, a retired navy man who took us out by dinghy to his 20 foot sailboat.
Instead of being crowded onto one of the typical catamarans with 30 other people, it was just Doug, my wife and myself.
He motored his sailboat out of the harbor and then let the sails down. The ride was incredible with the wind in our face and Doug pointing out all of the sites with little vignettes that wouldn't be found in any book.
Doug took us to the first of two snorkle sites. We were the only ones there. He taught us all of the tricks of snorkling and even joined in with us in the water watching over us since we were rank amateurs.
After an hour or so, we lifted anchor and he took us to our second snorkle site. However, before we went into the water, he laid out a specially prepared lunch accompanied by some really relaxing music, all the while regaling us with local lore.
He waited on us hand and foot and treated us like royalty.
We then went on our second snorkleing adventure which was in an even more beautiful spot again without any other people.
It was spectacular.
After 90 minutes of solitary, unimpeded snorkleling, without a lot of rules and regulations, Doug asked if we had had enough or wanted to do more. By that time, we were running out of gas but I suspect that if we wanted to do more, he would have been ok with it. He was one of the most laidback guys that I have ever met which was exactly what we needed.
We climbed back into his sloop. He set sail and we headed back to Great Cruz Bay. On the way back, he taught us some of the fundamentals of sailing and even let me help him as he was entering the harbor.
All in all, it was one of the best times that we ever had.
Here's the problem.
If you wanted to do it the old fashion way, you probably would have to search him out because he gets lost among the bigger cruise companies.
His boat is called the Gypsy Spirit II. There are brochures in Great Cruz food market but they get crowded out by the larger companies.
Doug said that he is going to set up a web site but he is a novice at that and I'm not sure when or whether he will be successful in setting it up.
Good Luck !!
Jed,
Thanks for the great information. Going to file this away for the next trip down, Sounds like he might be up to just taking a leisurely day sail as well. A 20' sailboat sounds about right. How can one get in contact with him?
We're heading down in less than 2 weeks (yaaahooo) and there are 4 of us...would love this too if anyone knows how to get a hold of him.
Thanks!
Sounds like a great day. What does he charge?
We actually went out with Doug quite a few years ago. I'm not sure exactly how many. They all run together. But it was just like you said. My husband and I were the only ones on the sail and it was a truely great day. We just happened to find him at the last minute. I can't remember how. But I often see his boat anchored in Cruz Bay.
I would also love info on this! It sounds like a lot of fun!
Since he hasn't any website, maybe he has a phone number or an agent who refers to him?
Maybe all interested parties can send currier pigeons?!
Sending mental messages to Capt Doug to post his info....
Sorry, try this
www.vi-fun-n-sun.com/gypsey/index.html
for some reason the end of the address didn't post. You need /gypsey/index.html at the end.
Neither of the links work...
Though, this might work:
Gypsy Spirit is my neighbor in the Cruz bay Harbor. Doug is a great guy as outlined by the original poster. His phone number is 340-771-1364 and I am sure he would appreciate a direct call. For the record his boat is at least a 30' sloop, I am not sure the exact size.
-Capt. Josh
Sounds like a wonderful experience!
With a little help from friends and family, Capt. Doug unveils his new website complete with fantastic pictures and commentary from many who have raved about Gypsy Spirit charters, and that personal attention you're looking for. Laid back is right and you'll get the picture when you visit www.handsonsailing.com. Prices are listed along with tips on how to get the most out of you charter. Enjoy!
This was quite a surprise to see you good people talking about me. Thank you .
You can find my new web site at www.handsonsailing.com My local phone number is 340-344-2211
Doug, The other day I sent you a note asking for information about availability for a daysail during my upcoming trip to St. John in June. You are either not on 'island time', or I caught you at a good time, because your reply to me was a quick one! I appreciate your note and your quick response.
In my note to you, I told you that I heard about you on an internet message board. This is the board that I was talking about. I have not found a better message board for discussion of USVI questions, in fact none of the others even come close!
My wife and I will be there in June, and we are really looking forward to our day sail on board Gypsy Spirit. I have no doubt this will be the high point of our trip!
Joe
Capt. Doug sounds awesome. In the event Capt. Doug is booked up, I urge you to look up Capt. Phil Chalker who lives on his boat, the Wayward Sailor. Also an authentic, fact-filled wonderful sailing snorkel trip with a very interesting captain/guide.
