Meet Our New Captain!

Hola Amigos!

I hope you’ve all had a truly phenomenal year so far. It’s off-season for us at Joy Ride Sailing, and that means we have time to get some housekeeping and updating done before the busy season starts up again.

Tourism has been steadily rebounding and there have been lots of tourists arriving each week, so we are looking forward to a banner year. I know, after the uncertainty of the last few years, we are all due for a break, and some fun!

For us, that break is going to be a litttttle bit longer. In fact, Captain Chris and I (Joy) are moving on to a new and exciting adventure! Don’t worry though, we wouldn’t leave our baby (Joy Ride) in the hands of anyone but the best! That’s why we are passing the torch to a new Captain… our friend Neil. I say “new Captain” but really he’s been living and sailing in Costa Rica much longer than we have and he knows the area like the back of his (slightly weathered) hand!

Neil Kahn is an easy-going, likable fella with a quick sense of humour, who is perfectly capable of entertaining you for hours with stories of Costa Rican life, sailing her waters, and his other love…. kayaking. Those of you who have been around for a while may recognize Neil from Kayak Jaco where he has been taking people out on the waves in another type of vessel for years. Personally, I’ve been hoping to take a ride in an outrigger canoe for years… maybe now I’ll have the time! Anyhow, I’m getting off topic a little back to Captain Neil!

Neil Kahn has been sailing and guiding his entire life. He’s not old but he’s not young either. He has been sailing for 50 years, the last 16 years were right here in Herradura. He’s a dual citizen who has made Costa Rica his home for the last 30 years.

His love of sailing, the ocean, and just doing what he does, is infectious… and his knowledge of Costa Rica and its culture is extensive, so feel free to ask your questions and be prepared for some amazing stories about his life on the water!

If you like to chat Neil is all ears and eager to share his life with you and he knows when to just leave you to your own conversations and enjoyment of the beauty unfolding around, you.

We are confident that you will enjoy your time with Captain Neil at the helm. Regardless of which Captain is in charge during your tour, I know you’ll enjoy beautiful views and amazing wildlife from the deck of Neil’s boat- Ashuma, especially if the mantas are jumping or the dolphins are visiting.

The Ashuma is a 25-foot trimaran which is much more agile and exciting to travel on than the Reliant. In fact, our tour guests often had a chance to wave at Neil and the Ashuma as they breezed on past. With Neil at the helm, she can reach speeds of up to 10 knots, and lucky guests who want to lounge on the nets which are strung between the pontoons can get really up close and personal with the local marine life and enjoy the occasional sea spray shower (believe me, a little splash is quite refreshing when the sun is high in the sky!)

2024 is going to be a fabulous year, I can just feel it, and while we won’t be sailing along with you, we know you will love your time on the water in beautiful Costa Rica. So, grab your sunscreen and floppy hat, pick out your favourite pair of shades, put on that bathing suit, and let’s go sailing!

For those of you who want to keep in touch with Chris & I, we won’t be far away, just head to Facebook to find us at Coldwell Banker Jaco Beach where we are cheerfully helping expats like us find their perfect slice of paradise. If you’re interested in learning more about Costa Rican life you can also visit us on Facebook at Costa Rica for Expats and Dreamers.