In 2009 Jay, Stephanie and two young daughters left the “fast lane, suburbia and the corporate ladder” behind in search of white sand, crystal blue water and gentle breezes on a 46’ Antigua sailboat named Happy Ours. They cruised the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico before landing in St John. The family lived on Happy Ours until Hurricane Irma destroyed her and that’s where Helios story begins

Jay Rushing

Captain

Captain Jay Rushing grew up in South Texas, working on ranches and rodeos. His parent’s home banked on the Guadalupe River and he was in the water anytime he wasn’t working. At 15 he read the book “The Dove” a true story about 16 year old, Robin Lee Graham sailing around the world single handed. This gave Jay a dream that he never lost. He started sailing a Sunfish right behind his house and now has over 30 years of sailing experience including Open Ocean and Racing. Jay is USCG 100 Ton Masters Licensed

Stephanie Rushing

Office Manager

Stephanie grew up in the Panhandle of Texas (300 Miles north of where Jay grew up) working on ranches and rodeoing. Stephanie came to St John as a child with her father and knew she would return. She enjoys sailing, but is a “powerboat girl” at heart. She coined the phrase “Go Fast or Go Home” Steff is the mother of two daughters and a hairless cat. In her spare time she is an avid diver and freelance photographer.

Kaylee

1st Mate

Kaylee grew up on a sailboat , had her own dingy at 8 years old , had to clean , fuel and make ready powerboats in the family rental business. Now she’s a full time bartender at the iconic Morgan’s Mango. She is first mate when she is available.

Hunter

1st Mate

Hunter moved to St John from North Carolina in the fall of 2019. He met CAPT Jay and Stephanie his first week on the island. Hunter worked in the restaurant business briefly and then started doing maintenance on boats, including Helios. That lead him to start sailing and now is the full time first mate.