This review has been a long time coming. It was difficult finding the words to describe not only how amazing an experience this was but also how thoughtful and accommodating Amanda and Darren were. We did 9 days total with a 6-day passage, sailing from St. Thomas to Bermuda. Every step of the journey was carefully planned and well thought out. They were warm and welcoming and immediately made us feel at home. The food was fabulous - kudos to Amanda! Both Amanda and Darren were incredibly patient as we peppered them with questions, delighted to share their experiences and knowledge. The sailing was incredible. They included us in every part of it, from reviewing weather forecasts to owning watches and cooking. Safety was top of mind, which made for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, for the laughs, and for making this an absolutely amazing experience!

Kaia

It's not every day you get sail a performance trimaran! I found my time sailing with Outer Passage along the coast of Maine to be a unique and rewarding experience. Darren and Amanda are skilled sailors who are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I learned a considerable amount about sailing and the process of purchasing a sailboat during my time aboard. They were happy to provide as much hands-on experience as I wanted and I now consider myself an expert at navigating lobster pots! I also appreciated the opportunities for walks and hikes on land, and especially enjoyed learning about some of the history of the region from Darren. The anchorages we stayed in were amazing and we were fortunate enough to have some beautiful sunsets and calm mornings to awake to. Can't wait to sail with these folks again in the future!

Adam

I was lucky enough to join Darren and Amanda aboard Panda ROSSO in Maine. Our group was a mother daughter group aging from 30-70’s None of us are sailors but always in for a new adventure. I can tell you with confidence that you should push BOOK and go for it. We had no idea what to expect and all of us were pleasantly surprised on just how easy and fun this trip was. The boat was outfitted so well that all of us (group of 4) then our Captain (Darren) and first mate (Amanda) all moved and lived comfortably. This is a create your own adventure vacation. You can sip wine in the Galley while under sail or jump in and ask to help. You can choose to rest on the hammock on the front of the boat and listen to the boat quietly sail or tender to one of the MANY islands. We hiked, swam, and walked the beaches. Every island was a different experience. Darren’s hikes end with wine and a view, which was just one of the first class touches we experienced! We also visited the most adorable fishing villages you could imagine and of course had a Lobster Roll fresh off the boat. However, the real treats were all enjoyed on the boat. The Galley produced some KNOCK OUT meals. Amanda is a dream in the kitchen. Quickly whipping up tasty treats that always hit the spot. You must ask for her “tender goat cheese dip” I’ve been dreaming of it ever since. This couple loves sailing. They are true mariners working together seamlessly. You will always feel safe and taken care of in their care. Warning: Learning about their adventures might make you want to quit your day job! You will leave your vacation with a Darren sized smile, relaxed and ready to book another vacation sailing the seas.

Christine

What an incredible experience! My husband and I had recently got our ASA certifications and we were eager to get more hands on sailing. Darren and Amanda had the ideal set up for us! Their boat is beautiful, food was wonderful, and they both took the time to answer questions and share their wisdom with us. No doubt, we will be back for another adventure! If you are on the fence about it, DO IT! You will not be disappointed!

Nicole

Crossing the Atlantic with Darren and Amanda aboard the Outer Passage ‘space ship’ trimaran was such an incredible experience. These adventurous sailors offer a unique opportunity to sail abroad a boat that is fast and spacious. Performance luxurious cruising at its best. The boat is great, but it’s Darren and Amanda that are the stars! Impeccable hosting, hoisting sails and hilarity even in the middle of the ocean.

Laura

I had a great few days sailing in Maine with Outer Passage. Amanda and Darren are wonderful and very considerate hosts! I got to be as involved in sailing as I liked, so there were opportunities to learn about sailing, anchoring and everything else related to life on a sailboat as well as plenty of time for just enjoying the scenery and being on the water. As a vegan traveller food is usually a concern but I was very impressed with the food on this trip, as Amanda made absolutely delicious meals and we all enjoyed vegan meals and snacks throughout the trip.

Before departure, I was asked what I hoped to experience on this trip and my request for some hands-on sailing, hiking and learning about the liveaboard lifestyle was met 110%. Maine was a stunning sailing destination and offered plenty of quiet anchorages and interesting trails for hiking. The water is a bit cold, but after hiking there’s nothing better than jumping in!

Annika

What an amazing experience! I hopped on Panda Rosso In Bermuda for a passage down to the Virgin Islands in November ‘22. Prior to this passage, my longest passage was about 40 miles across the protected waters of the Chesapeake Bay, so needless to say, I am a very inexperienced sailor. Darren and Amanda love to teach and talk all things sailing and I never felt unsafe or over my head. The ocean passage was extremely meditative, especially the night watches. I’ve never seen so many stars or a moon so bright, it was absolutely breathtaking, I often found myself alone at the helm just grinning from ear-to-ear while simultaneously dodging flying fish on deck!

Both Darren(Captain) and Amanda(first mate) are experienced and calm sailors, nothing seemed to stress them out and they had a plan for every condition we ran into.

The layout inside Panda Rosso is very modern and comfortable. Amanda is also the chef and despite some snotty sea-states she always fixed an amazing dinner. Prior to the trip she will ask you what kind of meals you like, my suggestion: do what I did and just let her do her thing. Every meal was exceptional.

Once we hit the V.I., the real fun began! We sailed from bay to bay checking out bars, beaches and hiking trails. This is the ultimate way to experience the V.I., if you’ve been before on a land-based vacation, I would strongly suggest trying this. It is a completely different experience!

Thank you Darren, Amanda and Panda Rosso for a truly life-changing experience!

Ian

Crossing the Atlantic with Darren and Amanda aboard the Outer Passage ‘space ship’ trimaran was such an incredible experience. These adventurous sailors offer a unique opportunity to sail abroad a boat that is fast and spacious. Performance luxurious cruising at its best.

The boat is great, but it’s Darren and Amanda that are the stars! Impeccable hosting, hoisting sails and hilarity even in the middle of the ocean.

Laura

Darren and Amanda were the most excellent hosts. This was one of the most fantastic learning experiences and cruise adventures that I have ever been on. Despite the weather (mostly cloudy and foggy), we sailed every day and most of the time. Darren was an excellent and patient teacher who was passionate about helping me gather experience sailing. Amanda was the same and she prepared the most excellent food that was guaranteed to cheer up the soggiest sailor. The accommodations aboard the Panda Rosso was the most comfortable I have experienced.

Randy

Don’t think about it, just go is what I said to myself when my friend signed up to sail from St. John to Bermuda with Outer Passage. I know I would regret not going and life’s too short for regret, right? The phrase that repeats in my mind about our voyage is “BEYOND EXPECTATIONS”. What I expected was how cool it would be to sail on a trimaran for 6 days straight in the Atlantic. What went way beyond was how amazing Amanda and Darren are as people, as a couple, as hosts, as sailors and as cooks (actually, I can’t speak on Darren’s cooking except he can brew up a mean coffee :-). The experiences we had are lifetime memories, like swimming in the ocean 500 miles (or more) from any point in land. The boat handles so well and is so much fun to sail, I was sad when my shifts were over. We loved every moment and wished the trip wouldn’t end.

Will

It's hard to put into words what a great experience I had but here goes....I can't say enough good things about Darren and Amanda, and what they bring to the table (gourmet meals aside :~)).

This was an amazing learning experience made easy by their calm demeanor as well as the prevailing calm winds on our "Lake Atlantic" crossing. I learned so much from them about wind, weather, sail trim and picking a point on the horizon to sail to, not the instruments. No more zig zag sailing. Ha!!

While gaining all this knowledge, i feel like I gained a whole new family!

Captain's Darren, and Amanda, crew Jackie, Dave and Kathy you are all the best!!

Dani...aka "Dory"

Amanda & Darren, aboard Pippilotta, an unforgettable experience. The inaugural Outer Passage passage Sint Maarten to Bermuda aboard Pippilotta.

Balance Catamarans chose the best co-captains to introduce prospective and future Balance Catamaran owners to the handling and sailing of these sleek and comfortable catamarans.

Both Darren & Amanda are the most patient teachers, answering the same questions, though asked different ways, over and over. And, then, allowing us to take on the decision making, never at the expense of Pippilotta. Our trusty vessel came first; respect to the sails, the vessel, as she was responsible for carrying us to our destination. These values were imparted to all of the crew.

Major respect to our co-captains, thank you for sharing your passion, your respect, your finesse. And Amanda! The amazing food! I thought I would lose weight!

Jackie

We just experienced an exceptional sailing adventure with Darren and Amanda! Our adult kids were getting training from them which was perfect. From depth of experience, Darren and Amanda's coaching was clear, calm, and so easy to learn from. They work as a perfect team.....and are such warm and inviting hosts.....our every need well taken care of. The boat was clean, luxurious, comfortable and spacious, the food unbeatable, and as the kids were being trained, i got to relax and enjoy the stress free fun and adventure! Such wonderful family time together..... I heartily recommend Darren and Amanda who were such fun to be with, so easy to be around! Thank you for a totally perfect week!

Kathy and Jim