CAPTAIN Rusty Day & CHEF Neely

Captain Rusty Day

Captain Dr. Rusty has a unique combination of qualifications and experience to make him an ideal skipper and guide both above and below the water. Rusty is the founder and Director of MANTA (Marine Science And Nautical Training Academy), a marine science non-profit based in Charleston, South Carolina, and operating its marine science field studies programs in the Virgin Islands since 2009. MANTA recently acquired DayDream, and now uses this beautiful yacht as their base for their marine science education and research activities when it’s not chartering. Your charter proceeds help support the yacht and the student programs, so thanks for your support!


Rusty was raised in a seafaring family from the southern Outer Banks of North Carolina. Growing up on boats, with a love of the ocean and an inquisitive nature made the decision to pursue marine biology quite natural. He earned his BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MSc in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston, and PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Pau, France.

Dr. Day has worked as a marine scientist at a number of labs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He has worked on everything from corals, sea turtles, seabirds, and dolphins, using tools ranging from commercial fishing gear or SCUBA, to lasers and mass spectrometers. Dr. Day is an Adjunct Biology Professor at the College of Charleston, and has authored dozens of scientific publications in top journals and a book chapter.

In addition to Dr. Day’s scientific accomplishments, he also holds a 200 Ton Master Captains License and Sailing Endorsement from the U.S. Coast Guard, has logged 1000s of miles under sail, and is certified as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.



Rusty loves to teach and lead divers in exploring the reefs. So if you’re inquisitive about marine life, he’s happy to do slide shows to teach guests the local reef fish and corals, talk about turtles, give you an expert underwater tour, show you how to spot coral disease or bleaching, or collect specimens to look at under our on-board microscopes. And, he’s also a pretty decent fisherman when dinner time comes around!


Chef Neely Woodson Powell

Neely grew up on her family’s Island, a small boutique resort in the Florida Keys called Little Palm Island. Where she spent her life doing all things hospitality. Her family was very customer experience driven and she learned at a young age the importance treating people like family!
Her family also had a 1971 42’ Bermuda Hinkley, so sailing is second nature.
After college she started a shoe business in Charleston South Carolina. Designing, manufacturing, and growing this to 26 stores around the states and the Caribbean. Where she continued her inherent ability to quickly build authentic relationships, yall will be instant friends! If your real nice she will probably give everyone shoes!
Her favorite past time from a young age is cooking and she has mastered over the years some of the most yummy dishes that are requested over and over!
You will want all her recipes and dont forget about the custom made drinks at your command, shes a mixologist too!

The fun and entertaining chemistry between Captain Rusty and Neely makes for an unforgettable vacation that you will never forget and want to share with them every year.