Sail Bermuda Announces New Partnership
Sail Bermuda Charters, a luxury charter sailing company based on the Island, announced a business merger with Native Spirit Charters, and owners, Jono and Chiara Dill.
Continuing as Sail Bermuda Charters Ltd., Mr. and Mrs. Dill bring with them a wealth of experience in the charter industry, as well as a commitment to excellence that Sail Bermuda’s clients have come to know and love. The couple are both seasoned sailors, with a deep love of the ocean, and a passion for sharing one-of-a-kind boating experiences with others.
Mr. and Mrs. Dill started Native Spirit Charters back in 2020, however, the global pandemic made it difficult to break into the local charter industry. The couple decided to try juggling running their own company with working as part-time captains for Sail Bermuda. According to Mrs. Dill, the idea for merging the two companies began to grow, as everyone involved realised the benefits of joining forces.
“Sail Bermuda and Native Spirit share many similarities as charter businesses go”, Mr. Dill explained. “We both only offer private charters versus the ticket sale ‘per person’ trips, which makes for a much more personal and pleasurable experience for guests.
“We both also have a very high level of service that we like to maintain no matter the day. Teaming up only made sense. Instead of Native Spirit Charters investing in another boat to add to an already saturated market, a merger with an established high end charter business with two beautiful boats was an easy choice.”
Sail Bermuda Charters now has three vessels in its fleet: the 47’ catamaran, Wyuna; the 44’ catamaran, Elusive; and the newest addition, Crichia – a gorgeous Dehler 41’ Cruiser – for those sailing aficionados who seek a more traditional boating experience.
Thanks to the partnership with the Dill’s, Sail Bermuda will now offer scuba diving experiences as an add-on activity, with Mrs. Dill being a licensed scuba instructor. They will also be adding an option for guests to have free-diving lessons, with Adam Johnson of Free Diving Bermuda, who also happens to be Mr. Dill’s cousin.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dill have a strong connection with the sea. Mrs. Dill, originally from Italy, recalls early family holidays sailing on Crichia, a beloved family boat, that they would sail around Croatia. This led her to go on to study marine biology and eventually earn her Master’s degree in Marine Science and Management. She later became a scuba diving instructor, which allowed her to travel the world for work for ten years and do exactly what she loved.
Mr. Dill admits he comes from a long line of Bermuda shipwrights and captains and learned to sail at the tender age of five. He began teaching sailing at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club at 15-years-old and transitioned to working on charter boats while in university.
“Even during the off season, I would help my father at his boatyard focusing more on the maintenance side of things. Easy to say, the ocean chose me and vice-versa,” he added.
With different skillsets, Mrs Dill admits she enjoys focusing on customer service and administration, which ensures the vessel’s crew are on track with tasks and timing. Meanwhile, Mr Dill tends to be more hands-on, taking care of maintenance and various other jobs around the boats. He’s also passionate and knowledgeable about Bermuda’s maritime history and admits he loves sharing that information with guests on board.
As Bermuda’s boating season gets underway this month [April], the couple envision Sail Bermuda will become stronger and busier than ever, with them now being able to offer even more water activities for guests to enjoy.
Mrs. Dill said: “I believe collaborations are a very important feature for a business, especially in such a small place like Bermuda, therefore we are actively working on being able to provide different experiences while on board such as scuba diving, free diving, wakeboarding, SUP yoga and many more.
“Overall, we are focused on continuing to improve the already very high standards Sail Bermuda has laid down, aiming to differentiate ourselves from other companies with our customer service, vessel quality and offerings.”
A spokesperson added, “Bookings for Sail Bermuda can be completed online at www.sailbermuda.com. Guests can select which boat they want to go on, how long they wish to go out on the water and if they want to add any excursions or requests for a special occasion. Those needing help with booking, or whom wish to ask any questions, can use the online chat option on the website, email info@sailbermuda.com or call +1[441]737-2993.”
