Sailing the dream!
MEET THE CREW
Meet Captain Dirk and Captain/Chef Sandy DeLo and share in their passion for boating, fun and adventure!
After receiving his Ph.D. from Columbia University, Dirk started his career in education, ultimately working his way into the field of technology. His land-based career offered him the opportunity to work in locations around the globe such as Switzerland, Brazil and China. His last post before casting off the dock lines was serving as Chief Technology Officer for a New York City based global education company.
Dirk started sailing solo at 5 years old, crossed the Pacific Ocean from LA to Honolulu at 14 as part of a racing crew, and has been leading yacht charters around the world for over 25 years!
Some of his favorite destinations are French Polynesia and the British Virgin Islands which he first visited in 1981. He is an avid water sports enthusiast and will be happy to lead you on SCUBA dives in the best locations, snorkeling, tubing, wake boarding, knee boarding, kayaking, SUPing, deep sea fishing, and even provide an introduction to kite boarding.
Dirk also has a Mavic Pro drone aboard and will be happy to record breathtaking footage of your vacation aboard Catatonic.
Captain Dirk is a highly experienced US Coast Guard certified 100 Ton Master Captain, PADI Divemaster and an award-winning bartender who loves to mix up craft cocktails for the guests!
Captain/Chef Sandy began sailing in college and has never looked back! She loves entertaining and introducing people to the seafaring lifestyle. Prior to taking to the ocean, she, too led the Corporate life, having worked Internationally in Australia, Italy, London and Thailand. She spent 25 years on Wall Street in technology in executive roles for a Fortune 100 Firm and a few extra years as a Management Consultant. These experiences have played in to the professionalism she brings to managing her galley and understanding the needs and desires of guests on board.
Sandy has been cooking since the age of 10 and she loves to get creative in the galley and serve up tasty snacks and beautiful meals to the guests. In addition to serving as Chef aboard, Sandy is also a PADI Divemaster and a USCG Certified 100 Ton Master Captain with blue water experience on the high seas. Some of Sandy’s favorite spots are the Virgin Islands (especially Waterlemon Cay!) and the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas.
In 2007, with hired crew aboard, Dirk and Sandy started offering charters in the Virgin Islands aboard the first “Yacht Catatonic,” a Lagoon 440. In 2013, they deepened their commitment to yachting, adding a 38’ day charter motor yacht based in New York to the fleet. 2015 brought a second motor yacht operating day charters on Long Island Sound and the charter operation was running in full swing.
Catatonic 440 enjoyed a reputation as one of the most popular, most fun and busiest charter sailing yachts in the US and British Virgin Islands for ten years. Sadly, Catatonic 440 was lost in Hurricane Irma but gave way to ownership of Catatonic 500, a gorgeous 2011 Lagoon 500. Sandy and Dirk proudly operated Catatonic 500, themselves, in the Virgin Islands in the Winter and Spring seasons and in New England in Summer.
In the fall of 2021, Sandy and Dirk purchased the amazing 2017 Lagoon 620 Essence, Le Rêve, where their professional background, intimate knowledge of sailing, experience in hospitality and history in the marine industry combine to provide the penultimate experience for their charter guests.
OUR PRIVATE YACHT CHARTERS
Here’s What We Provide
VIRGIN ISLANDS, CARIBBEAN
Our primary cruising grounds are the US and British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. The waters are crystalline blue and the sand is white and pristine between your toes. Both the US and British Virgin Islands offer beautiful anchorages, great restaurants, spectacular SCUBA diving and fun places to hike and explore. The British Virgin Islands has a fun beach bar vibe that can't be beat!
Check out a sample Virgin Islands itinerary here.
LEEWARD ISLANDS, CARIBBEAN
Many of our repeat guests want to check our something new and charter with us in the Leeward Islands of St Maarten St Barth's, Saba and Anguilla. Here, the islands are dripping with international flavor. St Maarten's French and Dutch heritage is at the forefront, St Barth's oozes with "trés chic" French culture and the tiny, resilient island of Saba shouts out its Dutch island history.
NEW ENGLAND
Yet another area to explore is the Northeastern shore of the US. From July through early September, we charter in New England, offering visits to Newport, Rhode Island, Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, Nantucket and more. The scenery ranges from quaint grey-shingled seaside homes on the Elizabeth Islands to to the stately mansions in Edgartown Harbor. View the mega yachts docked in Nantucket Harbor, one of the US most pre-eminent yachting locations. Enjoy the deicious on-board fare or make a reservation to eat ashore at one of Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard's 5 star restaurants. Wherever you dine, make sure that New England Lobster is on the menu!
EXUMA and ABACOS, BAHAMAS
Married in the out-islands of the Bahamas in 2002, the Abacos feel like a second home to us. Chartering there allows our guests yet another option and fun places to explore. The Exumas are also a favorite cruising ground. The amazing waters and beaches of the Bahamas are second to non! The Bahamas is best visited in the Summer when we are headed back to New England. Check out our Bahamas itinerary here.
