Catamaran Charters: My 3 Favorites in the Virgin Islands

One of my favorite times of the year is the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands Charter Boat Shows. It’s a fantastic time to view the yachts, meet new crews, see all the refits and upgrades that have been made to the yachts and reconnect with colleagues. 

This year was a lot different than prior years, as Hurricane Irma and Maria had a significant impact on the charter yachts. It was sad not seeing some yachts because of the hurricane damage, but it was also really exciting and encouraging seeing all the beautiful yachts that survived the storms. 

Photo Courtesy of Phil Blake

I had a great time speaking with all the crews and their eagerness and energy for the 2017-18 charter season was infectious! The waters are still the sparkling, crystal clear blues and the vegetation has sprung back to life tenfold. The Virgin Islands are open for business and the people are eager to welcome you and your friends/family.  

Anastasia

Trampolines, sunpads, bean bags and a flybridge to sprawl out on.

This 2008 Privilege 61.5 had a major refit in 2017, getting brand new cushions in the salon, cockpit and flybridge, new linens and bedding, new sails, generator, water maker and a state of the art sound system. The yacht and crew won several awards during the USVI Charter Yacht show, including Best in Show, Crew and Best in Show, and Yacht Over 51′. 

Chef Rebecca also competed in the culinary challenges and took home prizes for Best Dessert and Best Entrée. Privileges are one of my favorite boat builds, due to their impeccable craftsmanship and sleek finishes. 

Master suite with walkaround king-sized bed.

It won’t be easy to return home after spending a week on this yacht, with all cabins featuring king sized beds, spa-like shows with multiple jets, and a custom sound system that lets everyone play their own music in their cabin! 

Anastasia will be open to charters in the Virgin Islands as well as the Bahamas, so guests looking to explore different parts of the Caribbean can do so in ultimate luxury and comfort.

Shangri La

Spacious cockpit for alfresco dining.

Immediately, you’re drawn to this 2016 Lagoon 52 catamaran as she stands out from the rest in her class, with a sleek gray color painted on her hulls. The owner/operators Bernd and Daniela have put their heart and soul into this yacht and it’s quite evident as you throughout the yacht. 

With beautiful wood-built adornments both in the salon and cockpit, an eye-catching color scheme for their linens and cushions, and the large seating spaces a Lagoon offers, makes this catamaran a winner. 

Forward cockpit, the perfect spot for enjoying cocktails and snacks while sailing.

One of my favorite things onboard this cat was a karaoke machine, which is perfect for late night entertainment after a day of snorkeling, sunbathing and exploring the Virgin Islands. The other standout item for me on this yacht was the level of care put into the dining experience. 

Guests are offered an extensive wine list as they sit down to dinner, which really just brings a different level of service to guests while staying on Shangri La.

Euphoria

The salon, featuring the formal dining table and large sitting area.  

This 2016 60′ SunReef is all about that extra headroom.  The master cabin is stunning, with an extra-large bath and large walk-around queen-sized bed.  It’s the bathroom that makes this a standout  master suite. It features a walk-in shower, with enough clearance for even the tallest guest (this bathroom is so huge, it requires its own AC controller)! 

The next standout feature is the bright and airy salon, with windows wrapping all the way around and offering you views of your tropical surroundings. It’s great for formal dining or ending the night on the couch with a family movie on the massive 50′ retractable flat-screen TV. 

Crab cake with a blueberry, pomegranate and almond kale salad, prepared by Chef Jen.

And when you’re looking for that sunshine, the expansive flybridge is the perfect lounging spot.  With 360 degree views, plenty of sunpads to take a nap on, and a table to relax around with cocktails and appetizers, it’s no wonder guests will spend most of their time here. Captain Chester and Chef Jen immediately make you feel at home. 

I personally enjoyed a 3-course lunch onboard and was absolutely blown away by not only the tastes, but the presentation of each dish. Chef Jen can accommodate any food allergy/preference. Captain Chester puts you at ease with his genuine, carefree attitude and the many years of charter experience he’s spent in the Caribbean. 

There’s nothing I don’t like on this yacht and I guarantee you’ll experience nothing but “euphoria” while chartering Euphoria.