Rates Per Week
Crew Profiles
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Licenses | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | Rusty Day | 0 | |||
| Crew | Neely Woodson Powell |
Captain Rusty Day
Captain Dr. Rusty has a unique combination of qualifications and experience to make him an ideal skipper and guide both above and below the water. Rusty is the founder and Director of MANTA (Marine Science And Nautical Training Academy), a marine science non-profit based in Charleston, South Carolina, and operating its marine science field studies programs in the Virgin Islands since 2009. MANTA recently acquired DayDream, and now uses this beautiful yacht as their base for their marine science education and research activities when it’s not chartering. Your charter proceeds help support the yacht and the student programs, so thanks for your support!
Rusty was raised in a seafaring family from the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Growing up on boats, with a love of the ocean and an inquisitive nature made the decision to pursue marine biology quite natural. He earned his BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MSc in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, and PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Pau, France.
Dr. Day has worked as a marine scientist at a number of labs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He has worked on everything from corals, sea turtles, seabirds, and dolphins, using tools ranging from commercial fishing gear or SCUBA, to lasers and mass spectrometers. Dr. Day is an Adjunct Biology Professor at the College of Charleston, and has authored dozens of scientific publications in top journals and a book chapter.
In addition to Dr. Day’s scientific accomplishments, he also holds a 200 Ton Master Captains License and Sailing Endorsement from the U.S. Coast Guard, has logged 1000s of miles under sail, and is certified as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Rusty loves to teach and lead divers in exploring the reefs. So if you’re inquisitive about marine life, he’s happy to do slide shows to teach guests the local reef fish and corals, talk about turtles, give you an expert underwater tour, show you how to spot coral disease or bleaching, or collect specimens to look at under our on-board microscopes. And, he’s also a pretty decent fisherman when dinner time comes around!
Chef Neely Woodson Powell
Neely grew up on her family’s Island, a small boutique resort in the Florida Keys called Little Palm Island. Where she spent her life doing all things hospitality. Her family was very customer experience driven and she learned at a young age the importance treating people like family!
Her family also had a 1971 42’ Bermuda Hinkley, so sailing is second nature.
After college she started a shoe business in Charleston South Carolina. Designing, manufacturing, and growing this to 26 stores around the states and the Caribbean. Where she continued her inherent ability to quickly build authentic relationships, yall will be instant friends! If your real nice she will probably give everyone shoes!
Her favorite past time from a young age is cooking and she has mastered over the years some of the most yummy dishes that are requested over and over!
You will want all her recipes and dont forget about the custom made drinks at your command, shes a mixologist too!
The fun and entertaining chemistry between Captain Rusty and Neely makes for an unforgettable vacation that you will never forget and want to share with them every year.
Captain
Rusty Day
Chef/First Mate
Neely
Specifications
Accommodations
Additional Rate Information
Additional Rate Information
Charter Rates Per Week
| Rate Period | Terms | 2 Guests | 3 Guests | 4 Guests | 5 Guests | 6 Guests | 7 Guests | 8 Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2024 to 2025 | Inclusive | $29,000 | $29,500 | $30,000 | $30,500 | $31,000 | $31,500 | $32,000 |
| Summer 2025 | Inclusive | $29,000 | $29,500 | $30,000 | $30,500 | $31,000 | $31,500 | $32,000 |
| Winter 2025 to 2026 | Inclusive | $29,000 | $29,500 | $30,000 | $30,500 | $31,000 | $31,500 | $32,000 |
| Summer 2026 | Inclusive | $29,000 | $29,500 | $30,000 | $30,500 | $31,000 | $31,500 | $32,000 |
Additional Rate Information
Location Details
Summer Area: Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)
Winter Area: Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)
Captain Rusty Day
Captain Dr. Rusty has a unique combination of qualifications and experience to make him an ideal skipper and guide both above and below the water. Rusty is the founder and Director of MANTA (Marine Science And Nautical Training Academy), a marine science non-profit based in Charleston, South Carolina, and operating its marine science field studies programs in the Virgin Islands since 2009. MANTA recently acquired DayDream, and now uses this beautiful yacht as their base for their marine science education and research activities when it’s not chartering. Your charter proceeds help support the yacht and the student programs, so thanks for your support!
Rusty was raised in a seafaring family from the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Growing up on boats, with a love of the ocean and an inquisitive nature made the decision to pursue marine biology quite natural. He earned his BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MSc in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, and PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Pau, France.
Dr. Day has worked as a marine scientist at a number of labs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He has worked on everything from corals, sea turtles, seabirds, and dolphins, using tools ranging from commercial fishing gear or SCUBA, to lasers and mass spectrometers. Dr. Day is an Adjunct Biology Professor at the College of Charleston, and has authored dozens of scientific publications in top journals and a book chapter.
In addition to Dr. Day’s scientific accomplishments, he also holds a 200 Ton Master Captains License and Sailing Endorsement from the U.S. Coast Guard, has logged 1000s of miles under sail, and is certified as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Rusty loves to teach and lead divers in exploring the reefs. So if you’re inquisitive about marine life, he’s happy to do slide shows to teach guests the local reef fish and corals, talk about turtles, give you an expert underwater tour, show you how to spot coral disease or bleaching, or collect specimens to look at under our on-board microscopes. And, he’s also a pretty decent fisherman when dinner time comes around!
Chef Neely Woodson Powell
Neely grew up on her family’s Island, a small boutique resort in the Florida Keys called Little Palm Island. Where she spent her life doing all things hospitality. Her family was very customer experience driven and she learned at a young age the importance treating people like family!
Her family also had a 1971 42’ Bermuda Hinkley, so sailing is second nature.
After college she started a shoe business in Charleston South Carolina. Designing, manufacturing, and growing this to 26 stores around the states and the Caribbean. Where she continued her inherent ability to quickly build authentic relationships, yall will be instant friends! If your real nice she will probably give everyone shoes!
Her favorite past time from a young age is cooking and she has mastered over the years some of the most yummy dishes that are requested over and over!
You will want all her recipes and dont forget about the custom made drinks at your command, shes a mixologist too!
The fun and entertaining chemistry between Captain Rusty and Neely makes for an unforgettable vacation that you will never forget and want to share with them every year.
| Title | Name | Nation | Born | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain | Rusty Day | 0 | ||
| Crew | Neely Woodson Powell |
Captain
Rusty Day
Chef/First Mate
Neely
Accomodation
Amenities
Electronics
General
Leisure
Bauer Mariner II Air Compressor: 8.6 cfm or 7.5 min per tank
Night Dives are included and the number of night dives throughout the week will be discussed with guests
Cost of resort course: $300
Cost of Open Water: $650
Cost of Advanced: $550
Open Water Referral Checkout Dives – $400 per person
Includes four open water training dives, certification processing, and up to one additional dive per day after certification. Equipment provided: regulator, BCD, tanks, and weights.
Other Specs
Dominoes
Cribbage
Backgammon
Shut the box
Scrabble
Cards
Poker Chips
Cellular Hotspot
2 Stand Up Paddle Boards
2 Bote Tandem Inflatable Paddle Board/Kayak Hybrids
3 Part Bote Round Lounge
2 Bote Lounge Chairs
1 Adult Water Ski Set
Wakeboard
Floating Mat
Dive Gear
3 Shimano Trolling Rods (2- 30 & 1- 20)
2 Shimano Spinning Rods (6000 & 2500)
Underwater Metal Detector
2022 Refit:
New hull paint
New mainsail
New jib
Yanmar engines both rebuilt
New shaft seals
Northern Lights genset rebuilt
4 Queen Cabins for 8 guests
1 Queen & Twin Cabins for crew
NOTE: DayDream can legally accept up to 10 guests if final 2 guests are kids and willing to share cabins or sleep in the salon/cockpit area. Please inquire on pricing for additional guests.
DAY BREAK
Lighter selections of fresh fruits, cereals, & yogurts
Bagels & lox with everything bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, eggs, cucumber and red onion
Eggs Benedict with thick cut canadian bacon on a toasted English muffin hollandaise sauce & hashbrowns
Huevos Rancheros with fried sautéed over easy eggs, black beans, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, cilantro and avocado
Loaded Avocado Toast with red pepper flakes, feta, and lime.
Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with sweet potatoes, local greens, and fried eggs
Cinnamon hazelnut French Toast with drizzled syrup cinnamon powered sugar and berries served with crispy bacon
Vegetable frittata with chipotle aioli served with breakfast sausages
MIDDAY
Mediterranean orzo salad with roasted peppers, onions, garlic, cherry tomatoes, feta, fresh dill & basil
Velvety 4 tomato & roasted pepper Gazpacho served cold with goey gouda grilled cheese sandwiches
Southern Delta Tomatoe basil pie
Fresh summer dill Shrimp Salad served over crispy romaine and hearts of palm salad
Fresh catch Ceviche With avacado, mangoes, crisp peppers & cilantro
Table side authentic homemade Caesar Salad with croutons, anchovies & shaved parmesan
HOR’S DEOUVRES
Chefs Choice Charcuterie Board
Goat Cheese mushroom onion balsamic demi glaze toast points
Mini cucumber Sandwiches
Jalapeno stuffed aged cheddar cheese poppers with fig creme fraiche
Deviled eggs
Mini bitsize blts stuffed in cherry tomatoes
Creamy chorizo queso dip
Antipasto skewers with mozzarella, salami, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke & Mediterranean green olive.
Blistered Shishito peppers with Caribbean aioli
Benedictine crudite cucumber dill creme sauce with fresh seasonal veggies and crostini
Prosciutto peach arugula flatbread with balsamic glaze
MAIN
Chiles en Nogada spicy and sweet chiles stuffed with carribean picadillo with walnut cream sauce and pomegranates
Cheesy Ground Turkey Hawaiian roll sliders with pickles & homemade slaw
Chipotle fresh caught fish Tacos with pineapple salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cotija cheese in seasoned flour tortillas
Lump salmon or carb croquettes on a couscous and arugula salad with remoulade sauce
Key West Cuban ham & swiss sliders with pickles on sweet Hawaiin rolls
Classic Charleston Shrimp & Grits Tender shrimp and andouille sausage with red, green, and yellow bell peppers and taso gravy. With velvety gouda grits
White Chicken Green Chili Enchiladas with creamy mozzarella roux and fresh avocado & cilantro
Basque chicken with mushroom & shallot madeira wine sauce with basmati rice
Coconut curry chicken panang with rice noodles
Chicken piccata with white wine caper sauce
Pablano, onion, goat cheese, Stuffed pork tenderloin with tomatillo white wine cream sauce
New orleans cajun butter shrimp fresh grilled lemons served with french baguette
Steaks with roasted smashed potatoes seasonal vegetables, and fresh chimichurri sauce
Blackened Mahi Mahi served with coconut lime rice, mango salsa, and curry aioli
Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with a garlic potato mash and roasted vegetables
DESSERT
Bourbon peach cobbler
Flourless Chocolate cake lava
Coconut key lime pie
Pots de crème
COCKTAILS
Coquitos
Painkillers
Lime in da coconut
San miguel spicy margaritas
Aperol margaritas
Bourbon milk punch
SAUCES
Jalepeno mignonette sauce
Tahini
Bearnaise
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