Don’t Miss These 6 Award-Winning BVI Crewed Catamaran Charters

Takes Home 3 Awards!

Olivia Charles swept the awards at the 2024 BVI Yacht Show, taking home 1st Place for Best Designer Water, 1st Place for Best Dessert, and Runner-Up for Best Yacht in Show (54-59 ft).

But before we dive into why the crew deserves all the praise, let me introduce you to the yacht herself.

This catamaran is fantastic value, with a smart layout that makes good use of the space and a charming beachy décor. Think ocean vibes with shells and coral pieces and light blue and white fabrics that feel fresh and summerly.

The spacious flybridge features plenty of seating and even a small bar, making it perfect for relaxing with a drink in hand, which is sure to be served up quickly by the fantastic crew, Emma Clark and Tom Hemsley, that I am now about to rave about.

How You Can Win People Over with Water

Our visit aboard Olivia Charles was unforgettable. We stepped onboard during the heat of the day, craving something cold, and Emma greeted us with such warmth that we felt instantly at home. She offered us a taste of her award-winning designer water, and it was no surprise she took first place. Served in a martini glass with fresh mint, a giant ice cube slowly releasing fruity sweetness, and a bubble on top that popped with a delicate puff of smoke—it was both delicious and magical. (See photo below).

A Charter Vacation Full of Pampering

To top it off, Emma had laid out pain au chocolat and fresh fruit skewers, a simple yet perfect treat that truly captured the essence of summer.

Embarking on a charter with Emma and Tom, you can expect to be welcomed as if you were old friends while enjoying first-class hospitality.  This lovely couple knows exactly how to make you feel pampered, relaxed, and completely at home.

5. MUCHO GUSTO
65 ft Horizon

Nothing Melts Hearts Quite Like Ice Cream

Imagine stepping onboard a boat and being greeted with a: “Welcome, would you like some homemade ice cream?” This is exactly what happened when we stepped onto Mucho Gusto. But before I go on to talk about how much we loved the crew, who later, to no surprise, won 1st place in ‘Best Crew at Show,’ I want to mention a few things about Mucho Gusto itself:

Mucho Gusto is a power catamaran with great amenities, a luxurious layout, tasteful decor, and an excellent track record of satisfied charter guests. –One of the reasons this crew has stayed with the owner from a previous yacht.

A significant advantage of Mucho Gusto is her great speed (22 knots cruising speed). – She is the perfect choice for those who want to explore extensively in. (You can almost double your distance compared to most other Catamarans in the Virgin Islands).

Onboard from the Beginning

But the true highlight of Mucho Gusto is her crew, Dominic and Hanna (couple), who have been onboard since her launch in 2019. Originally from South Africa, they entered the charter industry shortly after they met in 2012. So, why did they sweep the “Best Crew” votes at the BVI Yacht Show?

Why the Crew was Voted Number 1

This is why: Dominic and Hannah’s warmth and positive attitude are infectious, their hospitality is unmatched, and their work ethic is next-level. Whether they’re keeping the boat in spotless condition, rolling with last-minute changes (like prepping for a week-long charter on the last day of an intense yacht show), or handing out their signature homemade ice cream, they do it all with a smile.

Check Out Mucho Gusto on Instagram

4. OMAKASE
68 ft Horizon

Our Favorite Flybridge!

Omakase winning 1st Place for Best Motor Yacht in Show was no surprise—it’s so well deserved! From the moment you step onboard, this brand-new yacht wows you with her spacious, luxurious, and beautifully designed layout. Light wood, marble countertops, and soft fabrics in whites and light blues give it a vibe that’s both elegant and homey. It’s super inviting.

The cabins are equally impressive, with stylish décor and great ensuite facilities, but the real star of the show is the massive flybridge. It’s well-protected, has a balcony towards the bow, and a big aft deck with sunbeds. There’s also plenty of seating, a bar top with chairs, and even a cooking area with a portable pizza oven. Honestly, this is the spot for a sunset party—cocktails flowing, food sizzling, and good vibes all around.

Sushi, Cocktails & Live Saxophone

We got a taste of this during the yacht hop, and wow, what a show! Omakase served a gorgeous sushi spread paired with delicious cocktails while a live saxophonist played on the aft deck under disco lights. It was pure magic.

The Crew Behind the Curtain

Big credit goes to the crew—Captain Wouter Hanekom and Chef/First Mate Kelly Sargent—who absolutely nailed it. They’re the heart of this yacht, making everyone feel welcome and ensuring every detail is perfect. Omakase isn’t just a yacht; it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

3. ONE LOVE
50 ft Leopard

Great Value – Lots of Fun!

I think the fact that One Love won Best Yacht in Show under 55 ft kind of says it all. This catamaran more than ticks the boxes! It’s a fantastic value, in excellent condition, with top-notch amenities, a great selection of water toys, and a crew that absolutely kicks ass.

– The crew even snagged Runner-Up Best Crew at Show this year. Taking home two awards is no small feat!

First, a bit about the yacht itself: One Love makes excellent use of space, has a vibrant and cheerful interior, and features 3 equally sized cabins—perfect for families or friends traveling together. Add in plenty of games and toys, and you’ve got a recipe for endless fun.

She’s got both aft deck al-fresco dining, foredeck lounging, and a seating area perfect for sunset cocktails on the flybridge.

“Food is Love,” Says Chef Laura

Now, let’s talk about the crew. Captain Christian grew up sailing, thanks to his dad being in the boating industry, so it’s safe to say the sea is in his blood. Laura, on the other hand, is a professionally trained chef with a passion for cultural foods and integrative nutrition. Her philosophy? “Food is love,” and you can feel that in every dish she creates. Her menu is a celebration of color and flavor, designed to make you feel amazing inside and out.

Chef Laura believes “Food is Love.” Her dishes combine cultural flavors with nutritious ingredients—delicious and good for you.

Check Out One Love on Instagram

2. SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL
72 ft Fontaine Pajot

A Full Dive into Caribbean Life!

If you’re looking for the real deal Caribbean experience, Some Kind of Wonderful is where it’s at. This is the only catamaran with an all-Caribbean crew, a Caribbean-themed interior, and a locally inspired menu. It’s luxury meets local culture, and it’s no wonder the crew stole the spotlight at the show.

With a whole life’s worth of local knowledge, they know the Virgin Islands the best of anyone. They love taking guests on farm tours and historic hikes and even meeting with local musicians and artists.

The yacht itself is as impressive as the experience. With a lightweight, high-performance design, it’s fast, smooth, and super comfortable. The flybridge is the real gem—a huge space with lounge seating, daybeds, cocktail tables, and even two fridges to keep the drinks ice-cold. It’s the perfect spot to hang out, whether you’re soaking up the sun or watching the stars.

From Historic Hikes to Sunset Yoga on the Beach

But let’s talk about the crew. Captain Lukata Samuel is a Virgin Islands local who discovered his passion for sailing right here at home. His career has taken him all over the Caribbean, but now he’s back doing what he loves most: sharing his home waters with guests.

His partner, Benita, the chef onboard, is just as amazing. With family roots spanning the Caribbean, from Cuba to Trinidad, she brings a true local explorer’s spirit. She’s spent years in the culinary and restaurant world. She says her favorite thrill is “watching her guests dance when they eat.” And if you’re into yoga or pilates, you’re in luck—Benita is a certified instructor and even offers yoga-focused charters.

1. AEOLUS
77 ft Lagoon

Our Team’s Favorite Catamaran

Aeolus stole the show for us at the USVI Yacht Show—and for good reason. The French-themed party during the yacht hop sealed it! Not only did Aeolus win 1st Place for Best Yacht Hop in Show, but she also took home Runner-Up for Best Yacht in Show and Runner-Up in the Mixology Competition.

Our first visit to Aeolus was memorable for an entirely different reason. A sudden downpour had us seeking refuge, and word had it that Aeolus had the best coffee at the show. The rain gave us time to really take in her stunning interior and get to know the crew—and honestly, both were brilliant.

Aeolus is brand-new, built in 2024, and already showing great promise, thanks to her exceptional crew of four: Captain Michael Wilson, Chef Casey, First Mate Christo, and Stewardess Chene.

Best Yacht Layout & Biggest Water Toy Selection

The layout of Aeolus is fantastic. Her main saloon is open, airy, and feels like a floating palace. The décor is modern, bright, and natural, with a meticulous attention to detail. The flybridge and cockpit are spacious and perfect for socializing, and the water toy selection is impressive—including a sailing Minicat 420, a standout feature on a charter yacht.

The Amazing French-themed party onboard Aeolus at the USVI Yacht Show – Yacht Hop 2024

The French-Themed Party Stole the Spotlight!

Now, let’s talk about the yacht hop—what a hit! The French theme was executed to perfection. Stepping onboard, you were offered a chic red French beret or silk neck scarf. In the cockpit, champagne and potent gimlets were flowing, and the dining table was a feast of French delights: croissants, cheese and charcuterie boards, olives, grapes, dips, and more. But the real highlight? The flybridge photo booth, complete with an Eiffel Tower backdrop, fun props, and those French hats and scarves. It was a total vibe and had everyone buzzing.

Each week, Chef Casey Strickland creates a new personalized menu for the guests

Check Out Aeolus on Instagram

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