Exceeded Our Expectations!
Thank you Jake & Maddie for an incredible week on the Esperanza II. Your hospitality exceeded our expectations. We loved getting to know you guys. Every meal was a wonderful experience. We are going to truly miss your elegant food presentation.
We were introduced to new foods and catered to our requests for healthy, non-gluten options. We will be eagerly awaiting your “cookbook”. We loved our time at the table in the evenings.
We appreciated Jake’s daily meetings where we discussed our travel options. We always felt safe and knew he was taking us to the best spots. Sitting on the bridge with Jake’s “deep thoughts” i.e. “are there more eyes or legs in the world?” :)
All in all, it was a truly special adventure with friends and the both of you. We will never forget!!
Leigh & Tony
Scott & Stefanie
Hootie Hoo…
(Marginal notes:)
“Far out dude”
“Welcome”
“Dad” ❤️
What A Wonderful Trip With The Two Of You!
ake from State Farm + Maddie,
What a wonderful trip with the two of you!! The trip would not have been as nice without your love + hospitality ❤️
We have so many memories of this beautiful part of the world because you made it so informative + relaxing. Just what we needed for my retirement trip!
Maddie, your attention to detail + making every plate as beautiful to look at and oh so tasty to eat!! Bravo. Best restaurant in the Caribbean w/ you!
Jake, not only were you the best Captain but your table setting skills w/ the runner are top class! You always made us feel so super in every way!
We feel like you are part of the family + we look forward to watching your projects in France on Instagram!
If ever in NC please come + visit!
Love,
Angela + Ken
What A Week!
Dear Maddie and Jake,
What a week! Your kindness, professionalism, humor, and care blew us away!
Our BVI adventure topped our expectations in all ways, and we can’t thank you enough. From planning, to arrival, to the day-to-day activities, you both made our dream into a reality.
And the food, ooohhh the food, we are still talking about the beautiful meals you served out of that tiny kitchen. We appreciate the thought and time you took to accommodate all of our different taste buds, I can’t imagine how you provision for the week and satisfy everyone onboard.
You both were such fun to spend the week with, you tolerated all of our questions and curiosity with a smile and even jumped in to play games with us which we loved! Never have we been so cared for – towels, toys, smoothies, cocktails, reservations, snorkeling, sailing, torching the brulé, beautiful cheese and fruit boards….and the list goes on and on.
All you did behind the scenes to run the beautiful Esparanza II, keep everything sparkling, and manage our itinerary when the winds picked up did not go un-noticed. You are a wonderful team, we are grateful that by some luck we landed in your care, it’s not easy to pull off a flawless week as you did – from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!! We hope to see you again sometime soon, you always have a place, meal, or hockey game in DC! ❤
Sara.
One To Remember For All Of Us!
Dear Jake & Maddie,
Or should I say Jake from State Farm. I can’t thank you enough for a fabulous week. You have been wonderfully accommodating, changing itinerary as necessary. And I can’t say enough about the food. Maddie’s meals were phenomenal. Every one was so pretty and the flavors were wonderful.
Thank you again for making the week one to remember for all of us!
Peggy & Buddy
By Far The Very Best!
Dear Jake & Maddie,
Having been to the BVI many times, this venture by far has been the very best!
The two of you have the most amazing chemistry. You are so incredibly kind, funny & caring. We could not have had a better time.
Maddie, your culinary skills are unbelievably fantastic.
Thank you again for making this vacation a dreaminess!
Love,
Glenn & Rick
THANKS! THANKS!!
After spending all 5 days beautiful days onboard the Esperanza II. All I can say is THANKS! THANKS!
We had a great trip thanks to you guys. Starting with the accommodation, the service onboard and the points we visited. I didn't know what to expect but it definitely exceeded all expectations!
The food is simply perfect. Maddie, you are a Michelin star chef!!
I will cherish these days in a special place both in my heart and in my memory.
Again, thanks again to the both of you.
I am sure we will meet again. Meanwhile take care!!
Cheers, we wish you the best!
Estela, From Puruguay
Excellent, Highly Professional and Incredibly Kind.
23/02/26
I planned this trip with great excitement, as it was my birthday celebration and a very special opportunity to share this experience with dear friends.
From the very beginning we were warmly welcomed by our wonderful hosts, Jake and Maddie - excellent, highly professional, and incredibly kind.
Everything was perfect: the catamaran, the food, the drinks (carefully selected in advance), and the beautiful spots we anchored to explore, as well as the best places for shopping.
In short, we returned home filled with joy, having checked off a tye must on our wonder list, and having shared long hours of conversation and laughs onboard that will remain unforgettable.
It’s an experience I will gladly recommend to all my clients and the only Virtuoso agency in Paraguay.
I hope to see you again soon on another journey very soon!
Thank you, Gracias!! ♡
Alejandra from Paraguay
Unforgettable Week
Thank you Maddie & Jake for an unforgettable week long vacation aboard Esperanza II. You took us to all our favorite BVI spots and were just super helping to plan our time.
The best was “Dad appreciation night” for William. It was so much fun getting you two in on the festivities! Thank you for all your input, participation and coming up with drinks and games. “Whoi Knows Dad Best” was a gem of a time. Our look-a-like Dad was a hit at the run bar on Cooper Island.
The meals aboard were superb and exquisitely crafted. All six of us were satisfied every day. The presentations were gorgeous but the combination of flavors made every meal special. Fresh fruit platters every morning, yogurts with delicious mixed fruit flavors every morning and then the main breakfast meal! Lunches were fabulous — poke bowls were a hit, miso-tuna sandwiches, mahi or chicken tacos and a tasty Greek chicken bowl. And then “the snack” just in case we got hungry — crudités, hummus & charcuterie (sorry about the spelling) were a meal unto itself! Dinners were super special! Chicken katsu, salmon, amazing NYE filet mignon, perfectly prepared sea bass, burgers were all so wonderful!
Not only the presentation of the food, but the matching table scapes that made for every meal!
Every piece of this was so appreciated!!
The cocktails never stopped either — the jello shots w/ tahini cream rum, the drunken turtles, pain killers, aperol spritz, pina colada sangria — all the beer, wine, seltzers, vodka sodas & gin tonics. Nobody had any complaints!!
We saw an octopus in Little Harbor on Peter Island as well as a rainbow on 1st day! We snorkeled with so many beautiful fish, turtles. Nothing was ever a bother. to take us knee boarding, snorkeling, SUP boards.
You both went out of your way to make sure we were all very comfortable and happy. Your upbeat, professional styles were always paired with smiles!! 😊😊
All the best to you in 2026 and hope to cross paths again!!
Appreciate You Hard Work
Jake and Maddie
Thank you so much for your hard work. It was much appreciated!
It has been lovely to see you again and we hope to do it once again in the near future.
We will miss your smiling faces.
Excellent Care Of Us
Jake and Maddie
Thank you for being a wonderful part of our vacation. You made our trip even more enjoyable - you took excellent care of us.
We hope to see you again
Manfred and Carol
Kind and Thoughtful
Maddie and Jake
What a pleasure it was to get to know you both. We thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful attention while we were onboard.
We hope to see you again, but meanwhile, Happy Adventures!
Jordy and Marty
Real Treat!
Maddie and Jake
Thank you so much for making our summer 2023 charter a REAL treat!
You guys made our trip. Your attention to detail and the special moments your created did not go unnoticed.
All the best with your next chapter of travel adventures and a life of happiness together.
Renee and John
Happy Days
Emil and Sophie,
Thank you! Our trip was EPIC! I can’t be more thankful for the effort you guys both made this week for my family.
Emil,
Your personality and adventurous attitude made the trip so much fun. Absolutely enjoyed getting to know you and would recommend you as a “skip” to anyone considering a trip to the BVI’s, or anywhere in the world you’re the captain really! Thanks for putting up with my goofy family and acting like you were just one of the boys.
Sophie,
I can honestly say I have never had such amazing food for 7 days in a row. Everything you made was delicious and when I originally told you that my two older boys can eat a lot…you absolutely crushed it. Thank you for outperforming any of our expectations. Seriously, best chef in the BVI’s. Don’t believe me? She’ll prove it!
Side note…She actually made potato chips and cooked fresh bread…on a boat! Who does that?
This week was one of our family’s best ever and it was a pleasure to have you guys there with us. You two are the best and went well above and beyond to make it an amazing experience.
“Happy Days” for sure if you sail with Emil and Sophie! Hope to see you both again. Thank you for an EPIC week!
- Ryan L.
Magical time!
Thank you so much for a magical time! the food was so incredible, fresh and creative. we loved how "casual and go with the flow" everything was. The Baths were a truly out of this world experience! We loved learning about the both of you and the wonderful place you call home. Please let us know if you make a cookbook :)
Meg and William
Start to Finish Was Next Level
What a vacation of a lifetime for our family! Everything from start to finish was next level and went beyond our expectations. Both of you are a joy to be around and have the best vibe about you. Your easy going nature made us all feel at home. Sophie the food was truly SPECTACULAR! Not enough words to describe the incredible meals we experienced. You are a true talent! Emil was so great with all our excursions - especially the hike :) - was epic.
We have made friends for life. We wish you two all the success in the world.
xoxo
Jeanne and Bill C
Absolutely Incredible
Thank you both for the most amazing trip we have ever had!
The food was absolutely incredible at every single meal. We will be dreaming about these meals for a very long time. Especailly the cookie butter cheesecakes and Alaskan duck tarts. We had the most fun ever this week.
From soggy dollar, to snorkeling, to fishing, to rope swinging, to playing fish bowl with you two - there was never a dull moment.
Thank you both for all of your hard work this week to make our trip incredible. it was EPIC!
wishing you two the best and hopefully we all get to do this again.
Warmth, Fun and Genuine Happiness
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to both of you for an unforgettable 7 day charter in the Virgin Islands. From the moment we stepped aboard, we knew we were in for something special - but you both exceeded our expectations in every way.
Emil. your expert guidance, calm presence, and extensive knowledge of the islands made each destination feel like a hidden gem. Whether it was navigating into amazing snorkeling spots, sharing stories from the helm, pointing us to awesome beach bars or leading us on fun road adventures, you created a relaxed and confident atmosphere that allowed us to truly unwind and enjoy every moment on the water.
Sophie, your meals were absolutely incredible! Every dish you prepared was not only delicious but beautifully presented, and the care you put into tailoring each meal to our preferences did not go unnoticed. mealtimes became some of the highlights of our trip, something we will all be talking about for a long time to come.
From unforgettable dinners and so many laughter-filled moments getting to know you both throughout the week, the entire experience was filled with warmth, fun, and genuine happiness. Together, you made our journey seamless, safe and incredibly enjoyable. Your hospitality and professionalism turned this trip into a truly cherished memory.
THANK YOU for sharing your talents and kindness with us - we hope to sail with you again someday.
Brad, Jen, Adam, Sima, Jamie, Chase Michelle and Gabe
Teamwork, Expertise and Enthusiasm
Dearest Sophie and Emil
We wanted to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to both of you! The dedication, skill and camaraderie you brought to these ten days made all the difference - not just in navigating the waters but in creating an experience that is truly memorable. Though we've been coming here for 30ish years you helped us to see new places as well as old places in new ways.
Your teamwork, expertise and enthusiasm shine through. Whether it's handling the sails, cooking and serving Michelin starable meals, unwinding knots in the bridle or ensuring every detail onboard runs seamlessly, your efforts were extraordinary. Your professionalism and passion for the craft are inspiring, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been your guests.
You help and care in placing Danney in the Bight was thoughtful and made a difficult time more bearable.
Thank you for your hard work, your positive attitude and your commitment to making our trip an unforgettable adventure, to making our trip an unforgettable adventure ;)
Carl, Juchi, Pam and Paula
Top Notch Experience
What a wonderful week!! The two of you have made a top notch experience.
Sophie's meals and artful presentation are beyond expectations! I especially want to thank you for catering to my gluten free meals - some of the best GF food I have ever eaten - anywhere!!
Erik and I have traveled all over and dines in some of the best restaurants and your food competes. You have a real talent.
Emil your mariner skills, confidence and natural ease as well as your bartending skills have created an EPIC experience. It has truly been an amazing adventure. We wish it would never end! We would love to keep up with your adventures.
We wish you all the best and know you will have much success with all you do
Thank you
Michele and Erik N.
All Beyond Expectations!
No words can ever begin to explain this amazing trip. The food, the locations, the atmosphere --all beyond expectations!!
Thank you for making our "bucket list" everything we dreamed it will be!
Will truly miss you guys and wish you the best of luck in your future.
Brian and Stephanie
EPIC!
Our group was a bit concerned about how young Emil & Sophie were.
We were dead wrong!
They were beyond amazing! So hospitable, inviting and made us feel at home.
Sophie’s talents rival any chef we’ve ever encountered. She is a true culinary treasure!!
Emil is so knowledgeable, professional, caring and went above and beyond to make our experience “EPIC”! (His favorite word 🤣)
Our group honestly can’t imagine doing this trip without them. We cried when we left.
To sum it up, all the islands are beautiful and offer such unique experiences. But none measure up to having a phenomenal crew!
We are all forever grateful to have been on this journey with Emil & Sophie.
Incredible Adventure, Incredible People
Wow!! What can we say! This has been an incredible adventure with incredible people. The Esperanza II felt like more of a home than a boat with your amazing hospitality, Michelin quality food, your perfect orchestration of our sailing destinations, as well as your collective warmth, charm and wit.
It is obvious that your focus on every detail of the Esperanza only enhances the experience of your guests - it is TRULY next level! The layout of the boat was perfect for our 8 pack - plenty of room, beautifully appointed and operated. We really appreciate everything that you did for us and it was certainly a magical journey. You are a special team and we are grateful to have sailed with you. It is hard to believe that this experience would have been remotely the same without the both of you. Thank you again for everything
Josh and Kelleigh R
Wow!
I'm struggling to find words to describe what a magical experience our group has had.
You have provided such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Every detail made such a huge impact. "Nice & Tight" beds, catering to the anti-fish girl, the best wine selection, the beyond "delicious" meals, catering to the gluten free gals!!
I can go on and on .....but why give up the secrets!
Thanks once again for your easy going, trip and meal planning magic.
Kiki and Gregory S
Hard Work, Hospitality and Expertise - Amazing
We love y'all so much! We knew this trip would be amazing, but it exceeded all our expectations because of your hard work, hospitality and expertise! Sophie, your meals and presentation were absolutely incredible!!!
We are wondering how we will survive life after this without you.
We made so many special memories aboard the Esperanza II! From wakeboarding and tubing to snorkeling with turtles, barracudas and stingrays to hiking Virgin Gorda (and eating at the wrong restaurant) from sunset cocktails to 'sailing naps", these memories will remain with us forever. this was the very best way to celebrate Chris's 40th birthday (and Michael's 39th). We can't imagine having a better crew than the two of you. May God bless you and bring you joy and love in the years to come.
We hope to stay in touch! If you ever want to spend your holiday in Georgia, we would love for you to visit us in our home!
INCREDIBLE!
We were three couples going on charter for a seven-night catamaran cruise through the BVI. AN INCREDIBLE time was had by all! Our broker was wonderful to deal with the entire time. Our crew was Emil and Sofie from South Africa. If I could rate them a 20 out of 10 I would. Emil was an expert sailor with knowledge of everywhere we went. Set the guys up for fishing and made sure our floats were in the water day every
or us. Extremely helpful and always available. Gave us cocktails at night and was a joy to talk to. EVERY meal from Sofie was incredible. The presentation was gorgeous, and the food was outstanding. A better cook than chefs in Manhattan. We could not believe the quality of the food for EVERY meal. Sofie was also a complete delight to talk to. We had appetizers delivered to us at 5:00 with our specialty cocktail sitting on the upper deck with a breeze. Some nights we played games with the crew and had many laughs. Can not think of a better vacation we have had. Truly-if you travel with Emil and Sofie you will remember it forever!!
Cindy G.
Broker Review
Review sent to the broker.
We cannot express enough how amazing our charter experience was for our family. The boat was well appointed (Esperanza 2). The crew (Emil and Sophie) were awesome and really added to the wonderful trip! Emil is well experienced and extremely friendly. Sophie is a phenomenal chef and all of our meals were excellent. I am sure there are other crews that are great, but if it were up to me, we would request none other! You can feel confident in recommending them to all of your future charters
We Love Y'all!
Emil and Sophie
Y'all are so awesome. Thank you for helping us bring in the New Year in the best way possible! This trip was more special than y'all will ever know for our family and we couldn't have ended up with a better crew! New Year's at Foxy's was a blast! Every meal was AMAZING! Glad we could teach each other some new things....cards against humanity was fun. we can totally say without a doubt there are no better guides in the BVI!
We LOVE Y'ALL, STAY COOL
The R's
Magical
Snorkeling was amazing. Our favorite island was Anegada.We also loved Guana!
So beautiful. We loved using all the water toys, especially the SUPS.
This week has been magical.
Broker Reveiw
Here's a feedback on Esperanza II - Dec 16-23, 2024
Scale 0-5
Would you like to share your feedback?
Yes, feel free to share my feedback with the crew
So overall, how would you rate the charter?
5
Thanks! Now for a little more detail.
Boat Layout?
5
Were your cabins comfortable?
Yes
Was the yacht exterior spacious and comfortable?
Yes
Was there enough shade?
Yes
Cleanliness?
5
Was the yacht clean and well-maintained?
Yes
Location?
5
Crew?
5
How would you describe your Captain and crew?
Hard Working, Very Knowledgeable, Created a safe environment, Adventurous, Out-Going, Interested & Interesting People
And last but not least, the food?
5
Tell us about your meals.
All of our meals were outstanding! Sophie is a phenomenal cook and Emil is a great bartender!
Great! Now, do you remember what you liked best about this trip?
The crew made the trip! They were so excited and it rubbed off on all of us.
And what did you like the least about this trip?
Leaving the boat.
Thank you. Please tell us how did you find the pace and the itinerary of your vacation?
We left the dock as soon as we arrived and sailed into the dock on our last morning, so we felt like we got 100% out of the trip! We had 3 dinners off the boat, 1 lunch off the boat. That should speak to Sophie's great cooking. Emil took the kids Tubing, Wake Boarding, Knee Boarding. We fished all the time. It was excellent.
Would you charter this yacht again? If not, please explain:
This was our 2nd charter. The 1st boat was 46 Feet, this boat was 50 Feet, so the next boat will most likely be 54 feet. But certainly we'd love to have Captain Emil and 1st Mate Sophie with us.
Incredible Week
Emil and Sophie
Thank you for an incredible week on the Esperanza II. We had an amazing time. I think my favorite day was in Long Bay, Virgin Gorda when emil took everyone kneeboarding. My favorite meal were Sophie's Biscoff pancakes! So so yummy! I loved our sail from V.G. to Jost and the day at Sandy Spit.
Every day was an amazing adventure!
Patrice D.
Wouldn't Have Changed A Things.
I had such an amazing trip and wouldn't have changed a thing. You guys always made sure we were entertained and happy which made a seven day boat trip fly by. Sophie your cooking was amazing. I never had crumbs left on my plate. Also, loved your cocktails too!
Emil, you were such an amazing captain. I always felt so safe and excited to see where you would take us next ! Thank you for everything this week! I'm going to miss this trip and you guys.
Nina D
Great Vacation
We had an amazing time onboard with Captain Francois and Chef Eden. They provided great experiences. The boat's cleanliness and amenities were very good.
Everyone enjoyed the meals, swimming and family time.
Thank you for a great vacation
Most Incredible Hosts!
Eden and Francois are truly the most incredible hosts. Francois easily navigated around hurricane Beryl, keeping us safe and in the best possible weather. Eden's meals were unreal - Michelin star level if we're qualified to say that!
The yacht truly felt like home - clean, tidy and a place for everyone to have their own space or be all together.
Could not have asked for a better experience exploring the BVI.
Relaxation, Exploration and Exceptional Service
We recently had the pleasure of embarking on a sailing trip around the Virgin Islands, expertly crewed by Francois and Eden. From the moment we stepped on board, Francois and Eden made us feel incredibly welcome. Their attentiveness to our needs was exceptional, striking a balance between being available when needed and allowing us our own space to enjoy our time on the boat.
Captain Francois's extensive knowledge of the area allowed us to explore some truly breathtaking locations. We enjoyed each destination, which providing us with a perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
The food Eden prepared for us was excellent in both presentation and taste, and her cocktails were the perfect complement to the beautiful surroundings. Each meal was a delightful experience that added to the overall enjoyment of our trip.
Our group included myself, my 8-year-old son, and my parents. We all found the yacht to be the perfect vessel for our adventure. One of the highlights for my son was the forward trampoline, where he loved jumping as the boat rose and fell with the waves.
Our time onboard was immensely enjoyable, thanks in large part to the efforts of Francois and Eden. Their professionalism, hospitality, and expertise made our sailing adventure in the Virgin Islands an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend this crew to anyone looking for a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and exceptional service on the water.
Amazing Views and Experiences
Four couples set sail on a wonderful trip to the BVI's with Francois and Eden
Our food was 5 star quality and the boat was fantastic.
Captain Francois and chef Eden took very good care of us and we saw and experienced amazing views and experiences during our trip.
This is a second time for us to do this trip.
***** Star Quality
Eight of us had the time of their life with Eden and Francois on our recent 6 day trip as we were celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
Eden's food was 5 star quality!
Each day was different from the day before. Snorkeling was excellent and we even got in a hike or two. The coves we spent the night in were beautiful and quiet with unbelievable water colors.
We were very well taken care of by Eden and Francois and both of them were extremely flexible if we wanted to change our plans.
Thanks for a great trip.
Booking Our Next BVI Trip
Every meal was truly awesome and Eden really catered to my disdain of seafood.
Jage fitted right into our merry crew and joined in our antics. We learned new words and shaged our asses off!! The DRINK OF THE DAY always packed a punch.
We all sit here looking for tissues on our last morning and planning our next BVI trip!!
Until then fairwinds
Excellent Trip
Excellent trip!
This is our second time sailing the BVI's and by far the best.
Having a chef just made the trip more enjoyable.
Jage knows these waters and took us to new places!
5th BVI Charter - Best Experience
This was our 5th BVI trip and by far the best experience!
Great captain who catered to all our needs. He knew his boat well! We saw new sights we had never seen before - just blew us away!!!
First time on charter with a chef. Eden was an outstanding addition. Beautiful person who's presentations were awesome.
Thanks for a great time!
Your Love For Sailing and The Sea Is So Evident!
Jage, this has been a bucket list trip for all of us, which has greatly exceeded our expectations! From the beginning, we thoroughly enjoyed our adventure to the abandoned cottage. The shipwreck and snorkeling was amazing. We appreciate your sailing lessons and allowing us to handle the equipment.
We would also like to thank the amazing chef, Eden, for fantastic meals and desserts. We loved having the opportunity to feel like guests and not have true boat responsibilities as we normally would.
The wakeboarding and tubing in the rain at Guana Island was epic.
Your stories and the knowledge you shared about the islands helped us learn and experience so much in a short time. We are especially grateful that you and Eden joined us at Saba Rock. It was great to get to know you both a little better.
The celebration that you both planned for the birthdays in the group was fantastic. The love that you have for sailing and the sea is so evident, and it has been a privilege to be part of your story this week. And you are a part of ours! Thank you to you and Eden for giving us so many fantastic memories to last a lifetime!
Amazing Voyage
Captain Jage's ever present smile and positive attitude kept us on course everyday. Could not have asked for a better captain and chef. They made everyone feel comfortable at all times.
Jage was a great leader and host.
The crew made sure everything was always ship shape and clean on a daily basis and often entertained us with the history and interesting points of the BVI. I will never forget my 70th birthday on board Esperanza II. They made it special, of course along with my great friends on our amazing voyage.
Exceeded our expectations on every level.
New Friends!
New friends!!
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. Your professional, accommodating and friendly personalities cannot be matched.
You both spoiled us and took great care of us. Just remember
Treated Like Royalty
We had an exceptional adventure on Experanza II. We looked forward to this trip for almost 10 months and can tell you we had the time of our lives. A trip we will never forget.
Our days were filled with beautiful sights and the crew shared all the history of the USVI and BVI which we greatly enjoyed. The yacht itself was awesome. Sailing with full sails a highlight.
We were treated like royalty!
Compliments to the chef. Our meals were great and always served with flare.
Could not have asked for a more enjoyable trip.
This Was An Unforgettable Trip
Wow! What a week. This has been the BEST vacation ever! Captain J and Chef E are both amazing. Jage truly made this an unforgettable trip. His knowledge of the islands, picking the perfect spots, making sure we all were safe and comfortable at all times. He helped me come out of my shell and being comfortable doing new things. The meals and snacks were delicious and served with a beautiful presentation! We loved that they both catered to our needs, interacted with us and made this an unforgettable trip.
Thank you both and we hope to see you guys again.
Forever Grateful
As the birthday girl, I could not imagine a better adventure than the one with this crew took us on.
They customized our trip to make everything we wanted to do Willy T's, lobster dinner and beach dancing, snorkeling, massages and a tour of Virgin Gorda, just to name a few.
They made us feel like family. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to sail with them and experience "all the things".
Better Than Ever Imagined!
Bucket list trip for a 60th birthday. We were very excited about this adventure but the experience has been better than we ever imagined. The hospitality and experiences that Jage extended to make sure we had the best time, made this trip exceptional. His skillful navigation, care of the vessel and charming and fun personality made the most fun and safe voyage. We loved not having to think about cooking and the delicious meals prepared all week long by our chef. She was also so very kind. We all loved that they both joined in our favorite game of Mexican Train.
Many thanks to both for the amazing snorkeling and just overall being responsible for us. Best time ever
We Are So Lucky
We're on our last day of an 11 day charter and it has been a wonderful voyage!
The recurrent remarks of everyone on board " we are so lucky".
Captain piloted us around the USVI and BVIs hitting all the highlights as well as some less frequented and beautiful beaches. Chef had a great menu selection and all the meals were delicious as well as beautifully presented. We had a couple of special celebrations during our cruise and the home made cakes were great!!!
I can't imagine a more knowledgeable and professional, as well as friendly, crew who were always attentive to our wishes. It's been a wonderful 11 days that will be remembered for a long time.
It's Great To Be Us
Our recurrent theme was "IT'S GREAT TO BE US"
Jage was an awesome captain, safety first, fixer of all, dinghy driver extraordinaire and overall good guy. Our breakfast, lunch and dinner by Erika was outstanding, creative, delicious and beautiful. She has a kind spirit besides and A-1 chef.
Thank you both for making our voyage so special and unforgettable.
A True Sailing Vacation
The 8 of us have wanted to do this trip for a long time. So nice to be together with great friends. Our crew were the best, the attention to detail was unbelievable. We really enjoyed exploring so many quiet beaches. I really was thrilled that Capt. sailed most of the time, instead of motoring, it was a true sailing vacation. We are all competent sailors but it was so nice to have a captain that was on top of every aspect of the voyage. Chef's cooking was fabulous with fantastic presentations. Overall the best vacation ever.
Smiles To Our Faces Forever
Where do we begin.....from the first day at St. Thomas it has been an absolute joyful experience. It was so great to meet Captain Jage - quite the sailor and a gentleman. Erika - First mate/chef was fabulous treating us with exquisite delights from different parts of the world. Captain Jage navigated us through the US/BVI into all the main islands - the best bays and cays! Beauty abounds. During this voyage we celebrated our 49th Anniversary and the subsequent day my "48" birthday - haha. Jage and Erika celebrated with us with special food, drinks and gifts.
This vacation has been so memorable with our special friends who we have sailed with to many parts of the world. We are so grateful for every moment we have shared with our friends and Captain Jage and First Mate Erika. Thank you for an amazing vacation with so many experiences that will bring smiles to our faces forever. Wishing you all the very best today and always.
Unforgettable Trip
We had a great time exploring the BVI's with Jage and crew. We loved the quietness and seclusion when mooring at Great Dog and then had fun at Saba Rock, Soggy Dollar and Foxy's and will always remember Erin's tattoo at Willy T's :)
Thank you for an unforgettable trip. We hope to see you back in the islands again somemtime.
The BEST Time!
Captain Jage and Chef Erika went above and beyond to make sure Birthday dreams came true. Thank you for the water sports, site seeing, sand-castle building and DELICIOUS food. We had the BEST time!
With Heartfelt Thanks
Jage and Erika
Thank you both so much for everything you did to make our family vacation so wonderful and unforgettable. We truly appreciate the attention to detail, customization, and care you put into all that you did for us. You are an exceptional team.
Meals and snacks were a true highlight. Everyone looked forward to seeing what would come next, and enjoyed the mix of local and international flavors. Erika did a remarkable jog catering to our diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Jage, you ensured a seamless and safe voyage, allowing us to relax and fully immerse ourselves in the beautiful scenery we were touring. Thank you also for helping customize our itinerary and for showing us some hidden gems in the BVI's.
Thank you both for your professionalism, hospitality and unwavering commitment to making our charter so special. We left Esperanza feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and grateful for the memories. We all had such a good time, we are already talking about coming back and doing it all again.
With heartfelt thanks
Beyond Fantastic!
Our week with you on Esperanza was beyond fantastic! The best part of our trip was how well we were taken care of and how easy you made our decisions about how we wanted to spend our time here in the BVI's. We feel like royalty after all of the delicious gourmet meals CC consistently delivered each day. Our every need and want was met and exceeded and the bonus was that we enjoyed the crews' company more than words can express. All of this experienced in absolute paradise. This will definitely be one of our favorite vacations and has set the bar high for future trips
Took My Breathe Away
Captain Stephen, CC and Charli
We will not forget this week. When I first stepped on the boat it took my breath away. I felt like family from the get go. Chefs preparing our meals was the icing on the cake. Every site we visited had its beauty to offer us. We trly had a dream come true vacation. Lots of love, light and gratitude.
Great Family Vacation
Thank you for our great family sailing vacation! Sorry CC you had to put up with all our food item restrictions after the fact but your meals were excellent!! Stephen the places we visited and spent the nights were so beautiful! Thank you.
Perfect Vacations!
Thank you fo an absolutely perfect vacation. You made us feel at home and we loved getting to see all the things at each beautiful spot. The food was fab and we enjoyed your company and stories. The girls loved this trip and we made so many great memories!
Hope to be back someday.
Amazing Places To Visit
Thank you for such an amazing adventure! You both have given our families memories that will last a lifetime. Words cannot express our gratitude. Everything was perfect from the yacht to the food, to the many amazing places we got to visit.
You are both amazing hosts.
So much love from Orange County, CA
BROKER PROVIDED SURVEY
Yacht Name: Esperanza II
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew: 5/5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
Yes
Was the food good and well presented?
Yes
Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Stephen and CC were great hosts and perfect sailors. Stephen set us up for three days of diving and one day of diving off the boat with extra tanks. Food was out of this world good!
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes, USVI and BVI were perfect.
BROKER PROVIDED SURVEY
Your overall star rating:
5/5
Was this your first charter yacht experience?
Yes
How did you enjoy your cruising vacation?
Yes! Very nice boat. Captain was knowledgeable and got us to the best places at the right time to secure a great spot. Also, the food was fantastic! CC was awesome.
How is the yacht? Is she clean and well-maintained? Were your cabins comfortable? Was the cockpit comfortable? Was there enough shade?
Yacht was in great shape! Cabins were nice and cool at night. Seating was comfortable and laid out well. Shade was good and weather was pleasant
Did you use all the water toys? If you were diving, how did you like the area?
We used most of the toys and enjoyed the snorkeling. Visited great spots!
Where your meals excellent and fresh? Spiced with variety and beautifully presented? Did the menus meet your expectations? Did your Chef and Crew pay close attention to your Preference Sheets?
Meals were fantastic! CC's cooking was spot on and everyone had their favorite meal at least once. It was well presented and tasted great. Really could have done with smaller portions but the kids managed to wolf it all down without any problems.
How would you describe your Captain and crew? Were they Courteous? Helpful? Friendly? Attentive? Knowledgeable?
Both Captain Stephen and Chef CC were the best! Knowledgable, friendly and extremely helpful to meet our needs. One couldn't ask for a better grouping.
Was it easy to get to your yachts destination?
Yes (USVI pickup and drop off)
How do you feel now after your vacation?
Completely relaxed and refreshed!
How did you find the pace and the itinerary of your vacation?
Perfect! got to move at our pace, yet managed to get in a wide range of islands.
This Trip Was Unforgettable!
Many memories were made on Esperanza II that will last a lifetime. Thank you to Chef CC with her food that exceeded our expectations in every way! Thank you Captain Stephen for not only your knowledge of the sea but your knowledge and stories of any given topic we discussed.
A few of our favorites were diving the scuttled Willy T, walking and swimming The Baths, the Rum bar, scooters and dancing at Potters to name a few.
The best part not only spending time with old friends and making new ones but ere our fund quotes of the trip.....
Overall this trip was unforgettable.
We had an amazing crew and know that we are secretly the best guests of the season :)
Thank you for the memories to last a lifetime!
The Food - OMG!!!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience! Every day was an adventure. The kids absolutely loved snorkeling and diving. You took us to amazing spots. Our bad weather day was a success due to your quick thinking.
The food - OMG ! So much and all so GOOD! The surf and turf was a fan favorite and so were the yummy lunch pastas and wraps. Every meal was creative and cooked perfectly! I've never sen my kids each so much :)
We truly appreciate your kindness and hospitality and wish you both the very best in the future!
Experience of a lifetime!
Going on a charter for the first time is a lot like going to you first day if school. Excitement is mixed with anxiety. Stephen and CC could not have been more warm and welcoming. Each of them did an exceptional job at putting us at ease, anticipating our every need and being so patient with our decisions that sometimes changed like the winds, as our journey through the USVI and BVI comes close, we will take home experience of a lifetime as well as two new close family friends Stephen, thank you for being our guide and great orator.
CC, you have set a new standard by which all other culinary experiences will be judged.
We are so grateful for you both, thank you, thank you, thank you.
A bucket list trip!
From the moment we we stepped on the boat we knew it would be an amazing trip. We enjoyed Stephen's knowledge of the islands and hit many of the "hot spots". Cece's food was amazing! She quickly picked up on our picky teenagers preferences and catered to that. There were many unplanned events on our trip but you guys adjusted with grace. Thank you for a relaxing slowdown which our family needed very much!
So many sea turtles!
a 40th Birthday celebration and what a celebration it was! Every meal and location was. top notch- wach with different experiences, memories and wildlife. Captain's knowledge of the islands is bar none and we are all still baffled at how Cece just started cooking a few years ago! Salt pond was our groups favorite place to stay (So many turtles) and we are still debating our favorite meal. Oh and Lime Out is a must!!
Thank you to Captain Stephen and Chef CeCe for the most incredible and relaxing vacation. We are happy to have entertained you with our music, jokes and antics, and feel so special that we have been your favorite group!
A Trip of a Lifetime!
Not sure a more memorable, fun, delicious & sun filled charter would be possible.
Each day a unique experience- from the turtles and rays to our snorkel trip in waterlemon key, to every eloquent meal CC treated us to, and all the sprites Captain Stephen poured, we had the most wonderful trip. Thank you for your hospitality and enjoyable companionship. This was for sure the BEST 50th birthday a girl could ask for. THANK YOU
Awesome trip in every way!
Thank you for the most amazing trip EVER! loved every second and can't wait to do it again. So many amazing sails, meals, snorkel trips, storytelling, Disaranno pouring and all the desserts!
Thank you Stephen and CC for all you did aboard Esperanza to make it the most memorable week!
It was just perfection! Food and EVERYTHING was just so delicious and amazing!
Fantastic!
What a fantastic four days in the U.S.V.I ! A huge thank you to Stephen and C.C. for taking such good care of us. Stephen knew all the good spots to see rays, turtles, fish and an unexpected live band performance on the back of a boat- so fun!
My favorite was the beautiful beaches! C.C. prepared the most amazing food- best chef ever!
We survived four days with two adults and five teenagers and are already planning out next trip with Stephen and C.C.! Sad to leave this beautiful place.
WOW!
What a great week. Food and fun was over the top!
Absolutely awesome!
on our week long adventure celebrating the life of our dear friend, we felt every ripple of his spirit egging us on to adventure and mischief! He was with us in rainbows, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles and nearly every fish on the card. Not to mention, dice games and shots, wrestling not the lily pad and rum punches in hand on the beach reminiscing on the good times.
BLOWN AWAY by every single meal chef CiCi and all of Captain Stephen's stories.
Heaven on earth.
See you guys next year!
Trip of a lifetime!
Thank you so much Captain Stephen for making our first overnight trip aboard a catamaran unforgettable! And to Chef CiCi for a group who are foodies- you left us very impressed with your culinary skills!
The Esperanza is a beautiful yacht and we were honored to have spent 3 wonderful days at sea.
We could not have asked for a kinder crew. You both are so kind, thoughtful and caring.
Thank you for the incredible, wonderful memories- we will never forget this trip of a life time!
An experience that far exceeded anything we could have possibly imagined or hoped for!
Some of the most special highlights include Stephens extensive and super interesting knowledge of all that is USVI, CC's incredibly delicious and camera ready food, our times seeking and swimming with sea turtles, enjoying some of the prettiest sunsets we have ever seen and stargazing.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced such a unique vacation!
We've had amazing adventures together as 3 couples but this has got to be the best!
Our 20th anniversary celebration was incredible thanks to Captain Stephen and Chef CeCe. We've had amazing adventures together as 3 couples but this has got the be the best. Thank you Stephen for showing us the most beautiful spots.The hike, paddle boarding and snorkeling was all fantastic! Wow- Watermelon Cay!
CeCe we all want to take you home with us. You have spoiled us at every single meal. You Truly are talented.
Most Relaxing Vacation
Many thanks to captain Stephen and Celia for being so kind and patient with us through the entire charter. This was the most relaxing vacation we have ever been on . Chef CC's food was out of this world!
Where To Start?
Where to Start? First, I want to thank both captain Stephen and cherf CC for the fabulous time. I loved visiting all the different places around the islands.
the food on and off the boat was incredible! The sites were amazing! Thank you both for one of the best vacations we could have had. Keep up the great work
Every Was A New Best Day
This was such an amazing experience.
Captain and CC were the best and accomodated every need/want we had. Every day turned into the new best day. We cannot thank you enough.
Everything was truly wonderful
Beautiful Memories
Thank you Captain Stephen and CC for a wonderful week on the water.
We really appreciated your expertise in skippering and the culinary arts.
We sadly leave the USVI with beautiful memories of the sky, the water, and the "island vibes"
Memorable Gift
After months of planning and working around COVID to surprise my husband, we boarded Esperanza II for 6 days of glorious relaxation.
Captain Stephen and CC took care of our every need. We haven't eaten so well in a very long time. thank you guys for a memorable gift for my hubbie!!
A Great pause From Life!
Our time on the Esperanza II was fantastically relaxing. We are now sadly going back to negative degree weather. This week was a great pause from life.
Thanks to you, Stephen and CC!
Underwater Treasures and Turquoise Blue Waters!
What a wonderful and relaxing way to sail in the USVI.
Thank you captain Stephen for the smooth and safe sailing and for every site you chose for us, full of underwater treasures and turquoise blue waters.
Thank you CC for your wonderful and artful cuisine.
Can't wait to be back again!
Epic Charter Through the USVI!
Epic charter through the USVI! Captain Steve plotted our course through 7 islands in 7 days including New Years Eve 2021. The highlights of this trip included snorkeling with the turtles in Maho, sunset at Windmill Bar, paddleboarding in Magen's Bay, shopping in Love City, sailing to Lovango and chilling in Secret Harbor.
All of these stops had the cool island vibe and gracious hosts.
Stephen and CiCi were simply amazing. They managed the six of us with patience and grace.
The food was so tasty and I can't get over how much time CiCi spends repairing all of our meals and presenting them so artistically. She was able to manage the different tastes and dietary preferences and delighting everyone.
Thank you so much for delivering an epic charter.
Beautiful Coves
Thank you Capt Stephen and CC
Thank you both for a wonderful adventure here in the USVI. The trip was so enjoyable! Many beautiful coves you shared with us for wonderful snorkeling.
Enjoyable Week
Thank you for a very nice and most enjoyable week.
Stephen and CC have been marvelous. Stephen is a great captain and took care of our needs and desires and CC is a wonderful chef and all meals were fabulous.
They both wear so many hats and do all of their jobs exceptionally well.
Awesome Service and The Best Food!
I'd like to start this note by saying thank you to our captain and chef (Stephen and CC)
Awesome service and some of the best food I've ever been served. I would recommend the twice baked lobster to everyone.
So we are leaving with a few more sayings than when we came.
"Going to be a little bumpy, going to get a little wet, going to have a lot of fun"
The treat of seeing the sunsets, sunrises, tropical fish, the occasional cold beer is a privilege that we'll never take for granted.
Here's to the success of the Esperanza II, Stephen and CC as the years pass.
Incredible Week
Thank you for an incredible week. St. Barths is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
Captain Stephen and Chef CC - you are a fantastic duo! Your thoughtful attention to detail from A to Z has left us wanting more!
We look forward to seeing you again and wish you both the best
Wow! Speechless!
Wow!!
I'm truly speechless about this most memorable trip. Beautiful location, delicious food, great company - what more can we ask for :)
Thank you captain Stephen for making us feel so welcome. CC, your are truly and angel and a phenomenal chef. I am a crazy foodie and she fulfilled all-my wildest culinary desires!! i will be craving CC's delicious cuisine the second I step off the boat.
Incredible Sights, Food and Drinks
The past 6 days have been quite amazing for this wolfpack 5 family!
We could not have asked for better hosts. Stephen and CC you made the trip. Thank you so much for showing us incredible sights, food and drink. We have memories for a lifetime. As we depart today it's not a goodbye - but see ya soon.
True Fun In The Sun
What an amazing unique adventure doing something we have never done in a place we have never been.... now that's what we call living life!
Gathered together the 9 of us celebrated 2 of our friends birthdays.
Stephen was the host with the most! Snorkeling with "tortugas", seeing tarpon at night the size of sharks, LOL, having wrestling matches on the lilypad and not taking a regular shower for almost a week, was just what our friend-souls desired.
True fun in the sun!!
A Trip of a Lifetime!
Not sure a more memorable, fun, delicious & sun filled charter would be possible.
Each day a unique experience- from the turtles and rays to our snorkel trip in waterlemon key, to every eloquent meal CC treated us to, and all the sprites Captain Stephen poured, we had the most wonderful trip.
