My husband and I just returned from our sail on Sagitta. We knew beforehand that it was a motorized vessel, but it did not take away from the experience. We loved the ship, the crew, our room, the food, and the service. The island stops were gorgeous, and we enjoyed lots of beautiful snorkeling. We also hiked a little in a few areas. Our shipmates were friendly and lots of fun.

One of our few regrets is a visit to a sea turtle "sanctuary" in Bequia. Having visited topnotch sea turtle facilities in the past, we recognized immediately that the Old Hegg sanctuary was really just a place that confines healthy turtles in tiny shallow tanks FOR YEARS just to attract tourists and their money. This was very disturbing as we watched the healthy turtles swim around and around empty concrete boxes with no stimulation, no sign of food, and no hope of being released. Some turtles had been there for 19-22 years, and one very large old turtle was actually desperately trying to climb out of his tiny enclosure.

Even though we didn't like that particular place, we certainly don't hold Island Windjammers responsible. We just would hope they wouldn't support or promote it. We loved most everything else, and we can't wait to sail with the company again.