Owner/Captain 

Captain Orneil is a native of the Cayman Islands, and he combines his extensive knowledge of local history, culture, and marine life with over 30 years of sailing experience to provide his guests with an exceptional private sailing experience. Coming from a family with a strong seafaring background, sailing runs in his blood and is a true passion for him.

He has served as captain and crew on various boats both at home and abroad, including working in the British Virgin Islands and spending time on the Red Sea. His experience encompasses a wide range of vessels, such as an 80-foot square rigger galleon, a 60-foot sailing catamaran, a 27-foot power boat, and more. Captain Orneil has been at the helm of the “Splendour in the Wind” since its arrival in Grand Cayman in 2014. In 2018, he and his wife realized a lifelong dream when they purchased the sailboat and founded Blue Sky Sailing.

When he’s not out on the water, Captain Orneil also leads the Las Tortugas Pirates, a local pirate group that participates in the National Cayman Islands Pirate’s Week Festival, in addition to spending time with his family.

James Taggart – Captain 

Captain James is the youngest of eight in a family that bought a Sunfish sailboat when he was ten years old. His interest in sailing began much earlier than that and was influenced from reading books about Magellan, Vasco Da Gama and Balboa. Those explorers inspired him to decide, at that tender age, that his future would be spent living on a sailboat.

He brings that passion for sailing and the sea to Blue Sky Sailing which you will feel from the moment you step aboard H2 007, a 2019 Lagoon 380 sailing catamaran. Captain James has spent a lifetime serving others with immense joy, a journey that began with the family paper route at age seven and continued through roles as a bartender, a martial arts instructor, a mortgage consultant, and an international James Bond impersonator.

He started his own sailing charter business abroad, but found the idea of sailing the extraordinary waters of the Caribbean Sea irresistible. This led to an 1800 mile sail through international waters to arrive in Grand Cayman.

Nino Dilbert – Crew 

Nino is a proud native of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, where his love for the water was nurtured from a young age. Whether fishing, sailing on a Laser as a child, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the sea, Nino finds joy and tranquillity in every wave.

A devoted father to two beautiful kids, he balances family life with his passion for sports. While he enjoys all forms of athletics, football holds a special place in his heart, with Manchester United being his favourite team. For Nino, life is best spent on or near the water, making cherished memories with loved ones and embracing the vibrant spirit of the islands.