April 2012:
We're just back from a week on board sail catamaran DREAMING ON, sailing the BVIs in the capable hands of our wonderful crew, Geoff and Iza. We were also vacationing with another couple...and we all agreed that the whole experience exceeded our expectations by far, to the extent that we have already booked again for next year!
This is all down to Geoff and Iza who are a very special and generous couple - it was like sailing with good friends - the chemistry was perfect and we just hit it off.
They welcomed us on board their beautiful home and anticipated our every need. Iza is an amazing cook - the food (presentation, quality and variety) is better than you get in most good restaurants and all prepared in a galley kitchen - the sushi in particular was unbelievable! And Geoff...well, in our opinion he makes a better Painkiller than the Soggy Dollar (as well as being a great Captain).
They had arranged an itinerary for us (but it was flexible) and we went to different, islands and/or bays every day, including a sail to Anegada, followed by a fabulous lobster dinner at the Reef Hotel - highly recommend this!
They took us to all their favorite spots in the BVIs and we couldn't get enough of the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches - plenty of snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding to be had. In fact, we didn't really have enough time just to hang out in one place for a day or go tubing or water-skiing, which is why we are returning next year. Now we know all the best spots and where we'd like to go back to and spend more time.
(Catamaran DREAMING ON) is comfortable and has plenty of space, both out the front on the 'trampolines' and the shady area at the back by the cockpit where we enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overall, for anyone out there considering a luxury yacht charter, I would highly recommend, without hesitation, DREAMING ON, and Geoff and Iza - it will be one of the (if not THE) best vacations of your life! We certainly can't wait to get back on board next year.....
Name: Lindsey S.

The Secret Is Out - Caribbean Yacht Charter Draws High Praise

"Dear SailAway,
I just wanted to write and let you know what a fabulous time we had on the (sailing catamaran) Secret Oasis!!!

It was everything we had hoped and more. Richard and Adele who were the crew were topnotch. - two of the nicest people any of us had ever met. Their respect for us and the boat was superior. They went out of their way to show us the best of the BVI...beaches, snorkeling, sailing, caving, beach bars..it was all great.
The meals were 5-star, accommodations were wonderful, and of course, sailing and traveling from island to island and enjoying the beautiful BVI.
Maybe you can pass this on to the manager or owner of the Secret Oasis: I think they should be aware of the care and respect shown to both the boat and to us.
I cannot imagine two better people to represent the Oasis..We will be back!!
Thanks for your help, SailAway -
Diane M"
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Editor's note: We guess the "Secret" is out of the bag, Diane! Thank you for your kind comments about this season's stars of the crewed catamaran charters market - sail yacht SECRET OASIS, and her crew.

For those who haven't spent time aboard sail catamaran SECRET OASIS, Captain Richard Smit and Adele are amazing (no, not the Grammy award winning British singer Adele; the cheerful South African First Mate with the same, catchy name). Boundless energy and enthusiasm, they make the Energizer Bunny look like a slow moving hare on Rohypnol.
Richard and Adele operate a 56' Voyage catamaran - a boat packed with waterytoys, featuring a perfect 5-cabin layout for 10 passengers. Each of the large, elegantly-adorned staterooms features a 17-inch TV with built-in DVD and CD player, vanity, and a private bathroom ensuite.
Catamaran sail yacht SECRET OASIS is one of over one dozen modern, crewed catamarans that SailAway Yacht Charters represents in the Caribbean. Other standout catamarans include 31 meter sail yacht IPHARRA, 23 meter sail catamaran KING'S RANSOM, and the 19 meter catamaran, IN THE WIND.
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Shouldn't your next vacation be as much fun as the one enjoyed by Diane M? Contact the SailAway Yacht Charter specialists at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html to plan your own yachting holiday!
Family Enjoys Christmas Superyacht Charter

"Great trip. Motor yacht LADY BEE is a great boat - spacious rooms, great entertainment lounge for kids...

Food/chef was superb - service and tableware was very impressive.
Crew was very helpful, well dressed, polite, however considering this was a 9-person crew, there were times we had to look/find someone for service.
Little disappointed, when no safety instructions, muster points, first aid/fire information was given. We were told to read the manual provided...not really that efficient for children.
Yacht was well equipped with toys, movies, life jackets, lots of good quality towels, great dinnerware/settings - all very impressive.
Very clean, well organized, plenty of snacks, and no shortage of any provisions.
As I am considering another Med/Adriatic sea cruise in Aug 2013, I would certainly charter this boat, if it were in the area!"
-RR
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Editor's note:
motoryacht Lady Bee is a 142' Caribbean yacht charter vessel, featuring accomodations for 12 guests in 6 cabins. After spending the winter in the lower Caribbean, the yacht will relocate and offer Bahama yacht charters out of her home port of Nassau.
Weekly charter rate is $110,000, plus all running expenses.
For more details about motoryacht LADY BEE, contact SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.
How Do You Get To St Barts?

"Dear SailAway - I love reading the blogs about the big yachts and all of the celebrities that hang out in St Barts during the holidays. I will be in St Martin for a hotel-based vacation, and while I can't afford a luxury yacht charter, I would love to see St Barts. What's the best way to get there?
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Editor's note: Thanks, Terry. You have several options:
BY AIR
There are daily flights from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in St Maarten (Netherlands, Antilles). It's a short 10-12 minute flight to St Barth’s Gustave III Airport, located on the island’s north coast. The descent is a real nail biter for the faint-hearted, necessitating a pass through a narrow break in a hilltop and a landing on the 280 meter runway that ends on St Jean beach.
Call +590 590 276541 for flight info.
BY FERRY
If you would rather avoid the short flight, several interisland high-speed ferry services operate regularly between St Maarten and St Bart’s. It's a 45 minute ride.
Voyager Ferry (daily travel between St Martin, St Barts and Saba)
+590 590 275410
www.voyager-st-barths.com
Master Ski Pilou (private water taxi transfer from St Barth’s to St Maarten Juliana Airport and Anguilla)
+590 590 279 179
www.masterski-pilou.com

As to not being able to afford a yacht charter, Terry, you might be surprised. The megayachts are certainly very expensive, but many travelers prefer smaller, more intimate crewed catamaran charters for their yachting vacations.
A family or group of 8 passengers can rent a crewed catamaran for under $15000/wk, all inclusive of meals, alcohol, crew, a LOTS of onboard watersports toys like bananas, wakeboards, snorkel gear, etc.
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For pricing, specials, and more general information to rent private yacht, contact the SailAway Caribbean experts at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html.
Skipper Impresses Guest On Luxury Sailing Charter In Caribbean

"To the owner:
I just completed a charter on Ma Ha, your beautiful yacht. First, thank you for making it available. I own a home on the ocean in Maine that I rent from time to time, and I know the angst it can cause.
I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know what an exceptional skipper you have in Andrew Ball. It can be very difficult for an absentee owner to evaluate management, so I thought I would share my observations
with you.
I am sure that you don't need me to tell you that Andrew is an excellent sailor and maintains your yacht with meticulous vigor.
What you may not know, is how far Andrew goes to ensure your guests' happiness.
By way of example, I wanted to surprise my wife with a massage. Andrew arranged to pick up a masseuse on the tender, bring him on board, and then return him after the massage. When the time came, there were substantial
swells and I fully expected to have cancel the massage. Andrew wouldn't hear of it. Instead he donned foul weather gear, brought an extra set for the masseuse and braved the elements.
This was but one of many examples.
I thought you should know. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the new year."
Andrew P. Gold
Florida"
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Editor's Note: crewed catamaran charters are extremely popular is Caribbean destinations such as St Thomas and the Virgin Islands. These comfortable, wide-body sailboats offer great stability, especially when at anchor, and carry large inventories of aquasports equipment; yet, the physical comforts and onboard amenities pale in comparison to the talents of the onboard crews. These skippers, cooks, and mates of crewed catamaran sailboats pride themselves on stellar customer service. It is their "can-do" attitude, as exhibited by captain Andrew Ball on sail catamaran MA HA, that brings the clients back to charter, time and time again...
To rent private yacht in the Caribbean, contact the destination specialists at SailAway Yacht Charters at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html today.
Go Green! Magical Time on Crewed Catamaran Charter Vacation

The vacation (on sail catamaran DREAMING ON) was absolutely amazing!!! It was such a magical experience and Geoff and Iza are two of the main reasons for that.
I can't say enough about the hospitality they offered, their kindness, the comfort - they are the ultimate in hosting this type of trip.
To say that they exceeded our expectations is an understatement.
The food was a 15 out of 10...every meal was better than the last. Homemade bread every day!!!! Iza made sure that all of our requests were met when it came to the menu. She was even considerate enough to remember which one of us didn't like eggs and also made the portion sizes perfect for each individual. The four of us all love to eat and enjoy good food and her food was above and beyond. I have requested all of her recipes but I don't think I will be able to replicate her touch when it came to preparing our meals.
The boat was always clean and unfortunately Geoff and Iza spent quite a bit of time picking up after us....

We found the boat to be the perfect size for us, the best part was the front bow with the trampolines. Laying out there when the sails were up and we were crashing into the waves was an experience we will never forget.

I should also mention the hammock and being able to drink a mimosa while laying out there in the morning sun was wonderful. The cabins were clean and bathrooms were always clean.

The outside dining table was the only place we ate. The fact that it was shaded and out of the sun was perfect and the seating was so comfortable. Oh, and I would be re-missed (sic) if I didn't mention the table settings that she had...the thought, the time, the effort that was put into our vacation is unmatched.
Geoff was a wonderful captain. Our itinerary was perfect and it allowed us to see what we wanted; the only flaw was that we didn't have more time to continue our journey.
We can't wait to book our next trip with Geoff and Iza and see some of the other islands we weren't able to squeeze in this trip. I have traveled all over the world and between the four of us on this trip we have covered most of the world. This was by far the best vacation I have had.
I have a villa booked in St. John for a week in January and we are trying to figure out a way to cancel and stay with Geoff and Iza instead. If we can't cancel then we will be with them for at least two nights and go to the full moon party.
I think this summarizes our experience...

Bottom line - Geoff and Iza are the best of the best! The trip wouldn't have been half as wonderful if we had a different crew. There hasn't been a day so far that we haven't said "I miss Geoff and Iza".
Name: Donna R

Editor's note: Launched in 2003 and refit in 2009, crewed catamaran sailing yacht DREAMING ON is one of the most popular vessels offering crewed arters. This Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
Onboard watertoys include towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, along with fishing and snorkel gear.
As part of the fleet's ongoing GREEN initiative, the yacht is equipped with wind scoops to limit the need for air conditioning. Solar panels have also been installed to provide clean electricity. The crew also purchases earth-friendly paper products, biodegradable cleaning products, and local organic produce when available. When not on charter, Geoff and Iza have been spotted helping with reef and beach clean-up projects.
Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands. Her published rate is $11,000 per week for 2 passengers, $12,250 per week for 4 passengers, and $13,250 per week for 6 guests. Rates are inclusive of meals and ship's bar.

Similar sailing catamaran yachts available in the Caribbean include the 56' catamaran sail yacht BACCHUS (€ 20,000 per week all inclusive), the 62' catamaran sail yacht AVALON ($26,000 per week, all inclusive), and the 65' sail catamaran WORLD'S END (€ 23,400 per week, plus expenses).
For more information about any of these catamarans or yacht charter cruises in the Caribbean or the nearby Bahamas, contact the SailAway reservation desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html
Luxury sailing charter: Couple Charter Yacht to Discover Meaning Of Life

"Dear Captain Terry,
Apologies for not replying before. A big work backlog on my return. Just to say that we absolutely loved the holiday. We would recommend 42...THE MEANING OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING to anyone and would hope to go again ourselves. John and Kath were completely brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They were fantastic hosts working I have to say extraordinarily hard. The sailing, the food and all the other features on the boat were so good. And John even got me diving for the first time which I loved. The whole experience was just amazing. So thanks to you for suggesting "42." I am quite sure we could have done no better.
Best wishes,
David P."
Editor's note: Launched in 2006, crewed catamaran sailing yacht 42 THE MEANING OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING certainly has the longest name of all vessels offering crewed catamaran charters. Affectionately called 42 for short, this Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
Onboard watertoys include towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, and fishing and snorkel gear.

Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands but will go south to St Martin, St Barts, Antigua and even into the Grenadines and St Lucia. Her published rate is $12,000 per week for 2 passengers, $14,000 per week for 4 passengers, and $16,000 per week for 6 guests. Rates are inclusive of meals and ship's bar.

Similar yachts available in the Caribbean include the 56' catamaran sail yacht BACCHUS (€ 20,000 per week all inclusive), the 62' catamaran sail yacht AVALON ($26,000 per week, all inclusive), and the 65' sail catamaran WORLD'S END (€ 23,400 per week, plus expenses).
For more information about any of these yachts or yacht charter cruises in the Caribbean or the nearby Bahamas, contact the SailAway charter desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html
Family Finds Serenity on Bahamas Yacht Charter

"Dear Captain Scott,
I wanted to thank you and your crew for the wonderful charter we had on board motor yacht Serenity. The yacht is of course absolutely beautiful, the food was spectacular but the service is what impressed us most.
We were so very thrilled with the level of attention your crew gave to us and our guests. To travel with children from the ages of 10 to 21 and find activities that everyone enjoys is certainly difficult, but you and your crew managed it effortlessly. The kids are still raving about the trip and are anxious to do it again.
Please thank your crew for making this one of our most memorable vacations. You will be our first call when we’re ready to book our next charter.
Sincerely,
SS"
Editor's note: Launched in 2008, Lazzara motor yacht SERENITY offers accommodations for 10 guests in 5 cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Onboard amenities include a 27 foot Intrepid tender, two waverunners, two SeaBob underwater scooters, and paddleboards, fishing and snorkel gear, and a water trampoline.
Available for Florida yacht charters as well as vacations in the Bahamas, her published rate is $53,000 per week, plus expenses.
A FALL SPECIAL is available for the Thanksgiving holiday: Book a 7-day vacation starting Nov 28 or 29, and get 1 extra day free (a savings of over 15%) ... or book a 3-day trip beginning Nov 28 or 29 and pay $22,000 (save $7,000). PLUS all delivery fees waived!
Other yachts available in the Bahamas include the 85' motor yacht SEAS THE MOMENT priced at $37,500 per week plus expenses, the 100' motor yacht PICNIC ($39,500 per week, plus expenses), and the 80' Lazzara motor yacht LA DOLCE VITA ($27,500 per week, plus expenses).
For more information about any of these yachts or yacht charter cruises in the Bahamas, contact the SailAway charter desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html
Superlatives for Yacht Sea Bass and Crew

There simply are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe an experience on motor yacht SEA BASS. Our week in the BVI provided a much needed escape, and we will return to Michigan rested, restored, slightly sunburned and happy. Kai and Alan, thank you for making our trip so special. We enjoyed every minute with you on “Sassy Bassy.” We know you worked really hard to make our trip perfect, and you succeeded and we are so grateful. We will miss you!
-Matt & Michelle
Editor's note: Launched in 2009, Sunreef 70 power catamaran SEA BASS offers accommodations for 8 guests in 4 queen berth cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Onboard amenities include individual climate control and DirecTV HDTV in all cabins, wireless Internet, a Harmon-Kardon sound system with iPod dock, and a hot tub on the flybridge.

Available for a Virgin Islands yacht charter, her rate is $32,000 per week, plus expenses. If you prefer a Mediterranean yacht charter, a nearly identical sistership named motor yacht DAMRAK II is available at a rate of €42,000 per week, plus expenses.
For more information about either yacht, contact our charter desk at http://www.1800sailaway.com/contact_us.html
Catamaran sailing yacht SURPRISE - amazing...
John Hennessee
Editor's note - sail catamaran SURPRISE is a 48' yacht with accommodations for 4 to 6 guests. Currently accepting Florida yacht charters and Bahama yacht charters for the summer and Fall of 2011, her weekly rates are:
2/$8,500
4/$9,950
6/$10,950(family)
Rates are all inclusive with standard ships bar, and good for Bahamas or South Florida charters. Children 10 and under sail free, limit 2 per charter!
Please add appropriate tax as follows:
Miami pick-up - add 7.0%
Key West pick-up - add 7.5%
Bahamas pick-up - add 4%
Come explore the Florida Keys, the Everglades, the Dry Tortugas, or the Bahamas aboard sail catamaran SURPRISE.
Contact our destination experts HERE to reserve your private luxury yacht.

Crew of Motoryacht Cocktails Serve Up Warm Memories
The yacht is currently in the boat yard, undergoing repairs in preparations for the upcoming winter Florida yacht charter season.
Anxious to see this crew put the summer incident behind them, here's an upbeat comment from a recent, highly-satisfied charter guest:
"It gives me great pleasure to recommend the fabulous crew and motoryacht Cocktails for your consideration. We booked a week's New England yacht charter for my precious mom's 80th birthday celebration...and the cruise far exceeded our expectations. The ship easily accommodated seven family members with several lounging spaces such that we never felt as if we were "on top of each other." I loved the open-air upper deck with bar and jacuzzi!
What's best of all, however, is the crew! Captain Todd was anxious to ensure the itinerary was exactly to our liking, and he was very receptive to any requests. Brandon, our Cordon Bleu trained chef, provided appetizers and meals that were so delicious that we always preferred to dine on board. My only complaint is that I probably gained five or more pounds on this trip! It was all too good to pass up (and I usually say no to desserts!). Mary, our sweet and attractive steward/bartender, took good care of us and worked non-stop to ensure our rooms were clean and fresh (she also mixes the best martinis ever).
In short, all of the Cocktails' crew members were kind, considerate, and helpful. They made our experience great fun -- a trip of a lifetime, which I hope you have the opportunity to experience as well!"
Name: Kathi R

Family fun on Bahamas Luxury Yacht Charter Vacation
We were so very thrilled with the level of attention your crew gave to us and our guests. To travel with children from the ages of 10 to 21 and find activities that everyone enjoys is certainly difficult, but you and your crew managed it effortlessly. The kids are still raving about the trip and anxious to do it again.
Please thank your crew for making this one of our most memorable vacations. You will be our first call when we’re ready to book our next charter.
Sincerely,
SS"
(Editor's note - Bahama and Florida yacht charters Lazzara motor yacht SERENITY offers accommodations for 10 guests in 5 cabins.
She features an open flybridge arrangement with an integrated hard top offering plenty of shade, tables for dining al fresco, and a large Jacuzzi for plenty of relaxation. Her interior is comprised of a light pecan finish, comfortable modern furniture, and a beautiful wood floor throughout the salon.
A unique custom feature of this yacht is her chair lift that assists guests with difficulties in getting from the main salon deck to the stateroom level.
All of these assets, combined with a friendly, outgoing, and adventurous charter crew, make SERENITY the perfect choice for your next yachting holiday.
They say, "It's Better in the Bahamas." Find out for yourself, and contact us HERE right away to book your perfect yacht charter holiday!

Fabulous!
The luxury mega yacht charter boat was lovely, the crew fabulous, food tooooo yummy, and once again, we had a perfect family holiday.
Overall impressions were - FIRST CLASS.
Professionalism of officers, deck crew, stewardess, chef - first, first class
Food quality and presentation - first class
Entertainment - first class
Watersports - first class
Only thing to single out once again was how completely wonderful the crew were. Absolutely brilliant. One really great touch was that during the charter, the crew took photos too and the First Officer spent hours putting them together onto a CD with music as a momento. Really, really special touch!
Itinerary and places we visited were faberoony...even the stinky mud bath on the volcano.
Name: Client review
E-mail:

TUONO charter
E. Torres

Wonderful time sailing in the Caribbean
Name: Mr. Rosvall
E-mail:
NewVida in St. Martin
Thank you for selecting this yacht for our holiday.
Name: K.D.
E-mail:
Our 2nd great charter on Motoryacht NAMOH
A great trip. Thank you for everything.
(And) thank you for a wonderful trip (Captain) Greg. We all returned safely, but miss being back there on Namoh. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Name: S Gordon
E-mail: