I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for an absolutely wonderful vacation! Having you two guide us on our sailing adventure truly made it an amazing and memorable experience. Kudos for putting up with the Cerner crew from KC. I hope you two enjoy the rest of the season and we all look forward to buying you a drink when you come visit KC.
Thanks!!
Chae Menard Kansas City Missouri
Completely agree with what Chae said. Thank you so much!! I had such a great time!!! Kelli Grollmes Kansas City, Missouri
Chris and I totally agree! Now we just need to plan next year’s tripJ Again, thank you for a fantastic adventure. Megan Read and Chris Cook Kansas City, Missouri
We have sailed with Captain Neil Van Gundy on YOLO at least a half dozen times in the last 10 years. Neil is a very competent and capable captain. His top priority is the safety of the crew and to ensure they have a good time while aboard. YOLO is a clean, well equipped boat. We have sailed the US and British Virgin Islands many times, and never tire of the laid-back culture of the islands, the beautiful beaches and scenery, and the rest and relaxation of sailing in the Caribbean. Neil has spent years sailing in this area. He is familiar with places to snorkel, sights to see, and when the local entertainers are playing. He has helped us plan our Caribbean sailing adventures for several years, and we highly recommend him.
Diane Faris Des Moines, Iowa
I've had the opportunity to sail on YOLO twice and can verify Steven's comments. It is probably the truest vacation I've had in my life. Pure paradise! There is very little outside communication so you are really able to "get away". Neil is a great captain and is always very accommodating to his guests (in fact, Neil and Colleen will likely join you in most of your excursions off of the yacht and they are an extremely fun couple to be around). You can typically plan on sailing 4-6 hours a day with stops at the majority of the Virgin Islands during your trip. There is plenty of time built in for sunning, snorkeling, sightseeing, entertainment/nightlife, etc. You'll dine out occasionally but most of your meals are eaten on the yacht. Personally, I enjoyed that even more than dining out - it is more intimate and definitely less expensive. The cooking duties typically get shared but if you don't like to cook, someone else will certainly volunteer. As Steven mentioned, Neil will work with you to accommodate requests for activities. However, Neil has done a lot of Virgin Island sailing trips and he knows all of the best spots to go so I would suggest going with his recommendations.
All in all, this sailing trip is a fantastic vacation and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Most of the people that I've known that have sailed with Neil have gone back multiple times and that is about as good of a testimonial as you can get. In fact, I can't wait to go again myself!
Randy Greves Des Moines, Iowa
Hi,
I had the opportunity of sailing on YOLO in March of 2008 and can attest that it was a first rate vacation. First, Yolo is a beautiful yacht kept in immaculate condition. I have known the Captain, Neil VanGundy, for several years and would not hesitate to book another trip through YOLO Adventure. I enjoyed the personal aspect of the trip and Neil is very receptive to the desires of guests on the boat and did his best to accommodate our requests for activities. He also offers the option of "all-inclusive" food and beverages and I can say that his first mate, Colleen, is an awesome cook and she also tries to personalize her service to the wishes of the guests on board.
The website Aletta mentions: www.YOLOadventure.com is probably your best source of information. Neil will answer any questions you have i'm sure.
Steven Niederhauser San Diego, California
Ahoy Dear Friends, I've shared with many about my past sailing adventures on YOLO. It is truly a once in a lifetime trip. Neil is a great captain and treated like a local since he has been know in these waters for the past 8-9 years. Check out the website and please call me or any questions or concerns. Your right Neil, the trip is not for everyone but for those who thrive on adventure and love the water......................... It is a trip you need to make! Cheers! Dawn Marie M.
Are you seeking blue waters, sea breezes, and blue skies, plus outstanding seamanship and exceptional cuisine on a handsome yacht? If so, then by all means you should sail Yolo with Captain Neil and First Mate Colleen. Moments after boarding we were feeling at home, and within hours we were old friends with our captain and mate. In my log, that's hospitality with a capital "H."
Jim Luke, 2008 Yolo alumnus Professor Emeritus
Captain Neil is wonderful. I've sailed with Neil in 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008 from anywhere between 7 - 17 days. Times aboard YOLO are some of my most precious memories! You can't imagine having a nicer, more honest or more calm person for your Captain. There have been times that I have been worried about one thing or another on the boat, and Neil stays as so calm. That is so reassuring to me as a crew member. If you want to learn to sail the boat, he'll gladly let you take the helm. Every once in a while he might give you some pointers if you'd like them, but most of the time he lets you get the feel of sailing the boat yourself. Neil knows the great spots to go, and he has become friends with many people down in the islands. He is very open to trying new places that he hasn't been (although those places are few and far between), and he'll give you suggestions based on your likes and dislikes. Oh - I want to go down there now after talking about it. Neil - Got any openings?
Phyllis J., Circulation Model Consultant
We’ve had the opportunity to sail with Neil on YOLO twice and both experiences were amazing.We didn’t want to come home!Neil is so flexible and easy-going...he does his best to make the trip unforgettable for you. On our first trip, Neil even helped my sister and brother-in-law plan a wedding on the beach (much to our surprise) at CaneGardenBay! We highly recommend a trip/adventure with Neil! Matt & Julie Chappell
Well, where do I start. You can't "not have fun" in the Caribbean. If you can't let your hair down and enjoy life there, you need therapy. I have never laughed so much. I have never enjoyed being alive like I did on this sailing trip. It's slow, its fast, it fit my day and my moments. Thank you.
Lisa Persal
My name is Mike. I am a family practioner and have been on , I believe eight trips with Neil, all to the Virgin Islands (although on to St Maarten's and St Barts a couple of times. I would go twice a year if I could spare the time. If you want relaxation this is the way to go. I realized just how free we were on my first trip when after about five days someone asked what day it was and no one knew. We had to go forward, "let's see, Monday we were on Norman Island, Tuesday at Manchaniel Bay etc etc. You are free to spend your days doing whatever you want or likely as not just hanging out. I would also say that you will not find a more fun and funny skipper than Captain Neil. He is also extremely knowlegable about his craft, the Islands and sailing in general. I would unequivocally recommend a sail on the Yolo or any other boat that he Captained.
Dr. Mike Stitt, Md
Some my favorite things are beaches, water, sun, food, fun, nightlife, star gazing. relaxing, sailing, meeting new people...... Do I have to go on? I experienced all of it on my week on YOLO. It was an awesome trip with a great group of new found friends. It was a trip I will never forget, and a trip I will definitely do again. It is high on my priority list. Hey, You Only Live Once! Thanks Captain Neil!
Barbara G. Health Care Professional Minneapolis, MN
All I can say is, “I WANT TO GO AGAIN”HELP ME HELP ME!!!!
Jim Larson Altoona, IA
I sailed with Neil back when he was just getting started.He sure had a knack for making people feel at home and relaxed.What great memories.I just hope I can do it again someday.It’s the best vacation I’ve ever had.
John S. Commercial Account Rep KC Power & Light
My wife Barb and I along with two other great couples spent and enjoyed the most relaxing week’s vacation of our lives aboard YOLO. Neil did a great job of keeping things enough of a secret so that every day was a new adventure exploring the islands and remote areas that are only accessible by smaller boats. Sailing aboard YOLO was very comfortable with all her amenities and is a very well handled sailing vessel. We enjoyed great conversation, music, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, swimming, sun bathing, walking on the beaches, the night life and restaurants. Most meals were enjoyed aboard YOLO where the food was first class and a variety of different items where available and were prepared by all. The worst part of the entire trip was when we had to return back to the states. Thanks Neil!!!
Terry Wingerson Fort Dodge, Iowa
YOLO is an awesome way to see the Carribean islands, especially if you love sailing and sailing adventures. I have taken 3 trips on YOLO 2002, 2004 and 2006. Kept coming back!
Jo Ann S Compliance/Trainng Specialist, Wyeth/Pfizer
If you've ever wondered what it might feel like to have the sun warming your body while standing on the deck of a sailing vessel easing through the bright blue waters of the Caribbean. This is the trip for you! I've been on board for ten seperate adventures. This is Heaven on Earth!