Looking for the best crewed catamaran charters in the BVI? These yachts were officially recognized at the 2024 and 2025 Virgin Islands Yacht Shows, taking home awards for Best in Show, Best Crew, Best Chef, Best Dessert, and more.
Our team attended the shows, stepped onboard, and met the crews—so we can confidently recommend these award-winning catamarans for your next sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.
Broker insight
Every year at the USVI and BVI charter yacht shows the whole fleet is judged in the open: attending brokers vote for their favorites in class and for best crew, and a panel of professional judges scores the food, the presentation, and the tablescapes. It is one of the most reliable signals of a genuinely high-standard boat, because a yacht cannot fake its way to an award in front of that many experienced eyes. The cats here won, and several win repeatedly year after year, which is exactly the proven, consistent standard we like to book. We keep the list current with each season's winners.
Marcelle Hailwax
Charter Broker
6. EMYSA
First Place, Best in Show 51-60 ft
Emysa took First Place for Best in Show (51-60 ft), and the trophy was sitting in her saloon when we came aboard.
She is a 2019 Leopard 58 sleeping six in three cabins, and she feels like a considerably bigger catamaran than that. The foredeck lounge is properly protected from the breeze, which makes it the spot for morning coffee, and the saloon opens straight onto the aft deck.
For the money she is one of the best-value award winners in the fleet.
A Welcome That Sets the Tone
We stepped aboard to Thai-inspired snacks and a cold drink, then a proper tour rather than a quick walk-through. The small touches are what stay with you: a branded bathrobe and slippers waiting in every cabin, and a crew who are energetic and genuinely full of life.
The master is the standout, with an espresso machine, a TV, and a bathroom far larger than the boat’s length suggests.
Pizza Oven, Fire Pit, Movie Nights
The flybridge is where Emysa separates herself from the rest of her size class. There is a pizza oven up there, and a fire pit for s’mores once it gets dark.
Add a projector for movie nights and you have a boat that keeps children happy without the adults feeling like they are on a family holiday rather than a charter. If you are travelling with kids, this is the one on the page to look at first.
5. MUCHO GUSTO
Best Crew in Show – BVI Yacht Show 2024
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 Baldzuhn and Hannah Staddon (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.
4. OMAKASE
Best Motor Yacht in Show – BVI Yacht Show 2024
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. SIETE MARES
Four Awards in a Single Season
Siete Mares picked up four awards in one season, among them Best in Show for her size class, Best Flavoured Water and Best Dessert.
She is a 2025 Lagoon 78 for eight guests in four cabins with four crew, and the styling is genuinely well executed throughout rather than just expensive. There is a record player in the saloon, which tells you most of what you need to know about the mood aboard.
At the top of this page on price, and the newest boat on it by some margin.
The Tablescape That Won
Her yacht hostess, Sarai Ben Ari, won the tablescape competition with a strikingly original Nordic theme, Nordic Ports: Echoes of the Viking Seafarers.
Pinecones, pale linen, stone and candlelight, and a menu built to match: Swedish cardamom buns, sourdough blinis with caviar, pistachio petit fours. It is the kind of detail that tells you what a week of dinners aboard would actually be like.
Best Flavoured Water and Best Dessert
Two of her four awards went to things most people never think to ask about before booking: the water and the dessert.
Between those, the tablescape win and Best in Show for her class, she was the most decorated catamaran at the show, and she is the one we would put in front of a group who care about how they eat as much as where they anchor.
2. SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL
Runner-Up Best Crew in Show – USVI Yacht Show 2024
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.
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL
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.
Captain Lukata’s 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
Best Yacht Hop in Show – USVI Yacht Show 2024
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
Follow Nadja Asmus for a Tour of Aeolus
Charter broker Nadja Asmus is onboard Aeolus during the 2024 BVI Yacht Show, and it is clear she was impressed. Her tour highlighted standout features like the spacious master cabin with its rare walk-in wardrobe and a private “coffee balcony” overlooking the water—a perfect spot to start the day. Nadja’s excitement was evident as she shared her impressions, emphasizing the yacht’s thoughtful design and luxurious details, making Aeolus an exceptional choice for a Virgin Islands charter.
