ZINGARA

The Menu aboard Yacht Zingara is a fusion of local flavors and continental techniques. We take pride in featuring the freshest ingredients supporting on island producers at every opportunity. Our breads and baked goods are either crafted in our galley or sourced from on shore bakeries. We select our meats and seafood carefully and are committed to a sustainability approach where possible. Yacht Zingara caters to most dietary requirements, be that for those with more particular tastes or medically diagnosed needs, we are here to accommodate you. Enjoy a personalized dining experience that is both satisfying and mindful of your needs.

 

BREAKFAST

Fresh fruit salad of cubed watermelon, dragonfruit, mango and blueberries. Full English Breakfast with crispy bacon and sausages, confit tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, avocado and homemade sourdough topped with your eggs just the way you like ‘em.

 

Golden french toast coated in cinnamon sugar served with crispy bacon and caramelized bananas or fresh raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, drizzled in maple syrup and dusted in powdered sugar.

 

Authentic German Pancakes with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon slices, local avocado and dill sour cream, topped with shavings of red onion and micro herbs, finished with cold pressed olive oil and a grind of black pepper.

 

Freshly baked walnut and blueberry scones served the classic way with melted butter, topped with strawberry jam preserve and shredded mozzarella finished with chantilly whipped cream and fresh strawberries. 

 

Fruit parfait with layers of greek yogurt, stewed pears and cinnamon honey granola, topped with toasted almonds slices. Stacks of fluffy American pancakes topped with melted butter, and dollops of maple cream with a drizzle of vanilla bean syrup.

 

Eggs Benedict or Florentine with a toasted and buttered English muffin topped with perfectly poached eggs on a bed of wilted spinach or Canadian bacon, spoon of hollandaise sauce and served with a side of scorched mushrooms.

 

Caramelized onion and manchego omelettes with a dollop of melted cream cheese, crispy bacon bits, bell peppers and sliced spinach, accented with fresh thyme and basil, and served with fire roasted tomatoes.

 

LUNCH

Freshly baked hamburger buns served with a juicy BBQ Beef patty, melted Swiss cheese and topped with fresh slices of tomato, caramelized onions and baby leaves, accompanied with a Mediterranean salsa and garlic aioli fries.

 

Succulent chicken tenders dusted with herbed seasoning served on a bed of leaves, drenched in a homemade Caesar salad dressing and topped with bacon bits and crunchy croutons, finished with Parmesan shavings.

 

A Niçoise salad with “sushi grade” Tuna, pan-seared to perfection and sliced, served on a bed of leaves and basil with blanched green beans, baby tomatoes and black olives with quartered eggs, topped with spring onion and drizzled with olive oil.

 

A Rack of ribs rubbed and slow cooked with a sticky BBQ marinade and served with coconut rice and cajun wedges, accompanied by a baby green salad and sweet, local plantain chips. 

 

Soft flour tacos filled with slow cooked pulled pork and topped with an asian slaw, julienne red bell pepper, thinly sliced avocado and diced fresh pineapple, drizzled with a spicy mayo and garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

 

Chef Ed's Signature fish and chips (fries); with golden, beer battered pieces of fish served with a pea puree and triple fried, thick cut potato chips and homemade tartar sauce with tarragon and dill. 

 

Rustic flatbreads with a fire roasted tomato marinara topped with Parma Ham, avocado, parmesan shavings and bunches of arugula with balsamic glaze; topped with bacon, sun-dried tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella rounds with fresh basil and chili oil.

 

CANAPÉS

Ham and manchego croquettes with a smoked paprika bravas sauce.

Arancini, deep fried Italian rice balls with Arrabbiata sauce.

Caribbean tempura prawns with a homemade sweet chili sauce.

Chorizo scotch eggs on crispy leek nests with piccalilli.

Beet, cilantro and vodka cured salmon, sliced and topped with dill crème.

Home favorite and homemade Mac ‘n cheese bites with bacon bits.

Mezze platter with hummus, falafel, tzatziki and freshly made Pitta breads.

 

STARTERS

Cubes of fresh salmon seasoned and chilled with shallots, mirin, salt and sesame seed oil, combined and moulded, with a wasabi and avocado mousse, topped with baby leaves and drizzled with a dill oil. 

 

Scallops pan seared with a knob of butter and served with a turmeric and paprika, pumpkin squash puree and topped with crispy bacon crumbs and sliced spring onion and finished off with a chili oil. 

 

Thinly sliced Beef Carpaccio, complimented with a caper and fresh herb vinaigrette, shaved parmesan and wild arugula, finished off with cracks of black pepper, lemon zest and thinly sliced red onion.

 

A salad of baby spinach, roasted cubes of butternut squash and cherry tomatoes, served with a relish of mint, cilantro and red onion in a sugared red wine vinegar, doused in rosemary oil and topped with crumbled feta and roasted pine nuts.

 

Crispy battered squid rings served on a bed of pea shoots with a tomato jam and doused in Maltaise citrus emulsion and drizzled with a soy, honey and sesame warmed dressing.

 

A Beetroot and pear tartlet with slices of red and golden beets, pear and caramelized onion on a pastry base, topped with goats cheese and garnished with micro chard and beet shoots.

 

Gambas Crostini with shrimp panfried in a chili, garlic, parsley butter, tossed with lime drenched avocado cubes and cherry tomatoes; placed on a crunchy crostini  and garnished with cilantro leaves and droplets of soy reduction.

 

MAINS

Herb crusted rack of lamb served with charred broccolini and Pommes Dauphinoise on a parsnip and smoked celeriac puree with honey glazed carrots and redcurrant sauce; garnished with micro greens.

 

Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Risotto with fire roasted bell peppers, surrounded by a Manchego cream and topped with a mushroom duxelle and Shiitake caps; laced with truffle oil and garnished with crispy sage.

 

Al dente linguine tossed with shaved fennel, garlic and fresh chili, and topped with steamed crab, cherry tomatoes and samphire, garnished with red bell peppers and drizzled with a spicy seafood oil.

 

Fillet steak, marinated and sous vide for 2 hours, served on a bed of wilted spinach with Pommes Anna, roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine and charred asparagus spears; topped with wild mushrooms and finished with a chimichurri butter.

 

Pan Roasted Salmon fillets with couscous and seared baby bok choy , accompanied with Caponata Sicilian, a relish with tomato, aubergine, capers and olives; garnished with baby kale leaves.

 

Succulent Pork tenderloin, sous vide for 4 hours and pan seared, served on a beetroot and  apple puree with fondant potatoes and roasted cauliflower florets, finished with a Tarragon and Cider Sauce.

 

Chilean Seabass finished off with butter in the pan and served with charred courgette ribbons, sautéed baby new potatoes and surrounded by a mint, ginger and white pepper pea puree, finished with brunoise green bell peppers and beetroot shoots.

 

DESSERT

A tropical twist on the classic Creme Brûlée with a passionfruit, ginger and toasted coconut notes. 

 

Sticky Toffee Pudding on a layer of Dulce de Leche, topped with a white chocolate creme and served with macadamia nut soil and salted caramel ice cream.

 

Shards of vanilla and coconut meringue topped with a mango gel and fired pineapple cubes infused with rum, garnished with fresh coconut shavings.

 

A decadent chocolate brownie with chunks of white chocolate and snaps of honeycomb brittle, topped with an almond tuile and finished with Italian meringue.

 

Caramelized Lemon tart with crushed “Pink Lemonade” strawberries and served on a drag of creme fraiche with a “Raspberry and Rose” gel and garnished in sugar art.

 

Apple Tarte Tatin, with layers of decorative apple slices placed on a pastry base and caramelized, served on a fudge dusting with a cinnamon ice cream.

 

Peanut butter and dark chocolate mousse with espresso paint, topped with chantilly cream and caramel popcorn and garnished with white chocolate beads.

• Off-grid air conditioning (powered by batteries or generator)
• Sun awning
• Hammock
• BBQ
• Inverter
• Floating mats
• Beach games
• Zingara now features the amazing Starlink High Speed Wifi service around the boat for your use while in the BVI.
• WIFI onboard
• Scuba

• We have a queen cabin that can be changed to 2 twin beds.
• All sheets and blankets are new, and we have luxurious comforters and bathrobes on order.
• All toilets are electric fresh water flush.
• Zingara now includes the amazing starlink internet service.

• TENDER: 19 ft, 115 HP engine, with room for 10
• Water skis for adults
• Water skis for kids
• 2 standup paddlebooards
• Snorkeling gear
• Inflatable tube
• Wakeboard
• Fishing Gear
• Underwater camera/video
• SCUBA gear onboard

Scuba Overview

Dive Pricing Details

Your professional crew aboard catamaran ZINGARA

The crew of Zingara offer a polished and luxury experience for all their guests. They look forward to having you aboard and showcasing this beautiful part of the world to you and your family and friends.

CAPTAIN: Capt. Jason Van Groeningen (SA) has extensive navigational experience, particularly within the Caribbean and with over 200+ charters during his time in the BVI. He holds a Yachtmasters, over 45 000 nautical miles and 3 Atlantic crossings - you can rest assured that you are in good hands. He grew up on the west coast of South Africa and is an avid sailor, surfer and free diver, with a love for fishing. He has a diverse set of interests, having studied at the Campus for Performing Arts prior to embarking on his yachting career, and plays classical piano and guitar. Jason is friendly, flexible and goes above and beyond to make your time aboard memorable.

DECKHAND/DIVE INSTRUCTOR: Reece Hayward (SA) joins Zingara in the role of deckhand/dive instructor, adding his extensive diving experience and knowledge of the BVI to the team. His dedication to safety in and out of the water is paramount, whilst offering instruction for all skill levels. Reece is actively involved in marine conservation efforts, volunteering with Beyond The Reef (BTR) in the British Virgin Islands. He is certified to treat corals affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) and has contributed to cetacean research surveys and shark tagging projects. Reece looks forward to sharing his passion for the ocean with guests aboard.

STEWARDESS/DIVE INSTRUCTOR: Margret Church (SA) not only serves as stewardess aboard but she is also a qualified dive instructor, ready to join in your underwater adventures. Her involvement in marine conservation projects and initiatives in the BVI is a passion of hers, combined with a lifelong love for the ocean, she is now able to share her knowledge with guests who would like to learn more. She met Reece on the east coast of Africa, whilst they were both completing their PADI scuba instructor and freediving instructor courses. Since then, they have been traveling and exploring together and they cannot wait to show you the BVI’s secret spots.

CHEF: Ed Stacey (UK) is back aboard and more determined than ever to tantalize your taste buds! Ed has amassed a lifetime's worth of culinary knowledge and expertise from a broad spectrum of hospitality settings, including private households, Michelin-star and AA Rosette fine-dining restaurants, luxury wedding and banqueting venues as well award-winning gastropubs. Prior to becoming a chef, he worked in sales and marketing in the UK, where he was born and raised. In 2005, he moved to Sweden where he worked as a translator. But, his passion was cooking and after the birth of his son, Ed decided to retrain as a professional chef, graduating from the highly-acclaimed Ashburton Chefs Academy with distinction in every one of the assessment categories. He continues to improve and embellish his culinary repertoire and is excited about welcoming guests aboard and treating them to mouthwatering dishes inspired by flavors from across the world.

Mid November, 2024 guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA said:

Jason was excellent, he really paid a lot of attention to detail. He spent time learning us quickly and turned every day into a dream full of endless activities that we thoroughly enjoyed! I don't think it would be possible to find a better captain than Jason.

Reece, Margy, and Ed were the perfect combination of crew members for this boat. Ed's food was exceptional, every meal was truly a 5-star experience. Reece worked around the clock to make sure we were all having the best time possible. Margy's attention to detail was unbelievable for someone her age. The cleanliness of the boat and the quality of the drinks was impeccable! The food and drinks may have been the biggest surprise of the trip. Everyone in our group was impressed with every aspect of the food and drinks on this trip!

We loved the yacht, plenty of room for our group of 9 to spread out and it was super clean and comfortable. The itinerary was awesome, we had a perfect mix of beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. We would not change a thing! It was a perfect balance of sports and leisure activities, we packed a lot into each day so we were never feeling like we needed to do more.

It was the most memorable trip of our lives, we can't wait to start planning the next one!

The Van Dyke party

The Sullivan's Said:

Our family recently enjoyed an incredible week-long charter on the Zingara in the British Virgin Islands. It was spectacular! From the moment we stepped aboard, we were greeted with warm smiles and exceptional hospitality from the crew.
The sailing catamaran yacht itself was a beautiful - spacious, luxurious, and impeccably maintained, it provided the perfect setting for our family vacation. The cabins were comfortable and well-appointed. The multi-story deck was our favorite spot, where we spent countless hours soaking up the sun, enjoying meals, and marveling at the breathtaking scenery. It was particularly fun when we travel “under sail” – what a neat experience!
What truly made this trip special was the crew and the chef. They went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. From preparing delicious meals and drinks tailored to our preferences to organizing fun activities like snorkeling, diving, tubing, beach picnics, they made every moment special.
The itinerary allowed us to explore the best of the BVIs. Each day brought new adventures, from visiting secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs to experiencing the local culture and cuisine. The crew’s knowledge of the area and their ability to customize our journey based on our interests made the trip even more memorable.
In summary, our yacht charter on the Zingara was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all our expectations. The combination of a beautiful yacht, an amazing crew, and the stunning backdrop of the British Virgin Islands made it a vacation we will cherish forever. We highly recommend this charter to anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable getaway.

The Sullivan’s


15 -22 April 2024 Charter

We had a fantastic vacation aboard the Zingara! We were expecting it to be a great trip, but it exceeded our expectations. The catamaran was roomy, including 5 guest bedrooms each with their own bathroom, large front and back decks, and interior lounge area with a bar, table and sofas. It also was well equipped with all the amenities we could ask for. But what made our experience truly amazing was the crew. They did a fantastic job in every aspect and ran the boat seemingly effortlessly. Chef Ed’s meals were always something to look forward to and never disappointed. Reece seemed to never stop working including helping with diving, snorkeling, the fishing lines and of course his singing and guitar playing. Margy’s attentiveness to us was amazing, including never letting our drinks get empty and somehow keeping all the cabins cleaned and clothing folded, as well as making her famous Margy’s Painkillers! Captain Jason was phenomenal with his running of the boat, knowledge of the Caribbean waters and islands, helping plan our itinerary and keeping ahead of the weather, as we didn’t have a bad day even when they were calling for “iffy” weather. The entire crew went above and beyond every day of our trip. Leaving the Zingara the last morning, the 10 of us traveling together truly felt like we gained 4 more friends on the trip. We can’t wait to meet up with all our friends again on another charter!





Jan.6th-13th.24 charter guests had this to say:

Ulla,
Thanks for following up. We thought our last trip we booked with you was a trip of a lifetime and never thought we could get better. This trip was even better, by far. Maybe because it has been 2 years and of course we certainly enjoyed the last trip, but this boat and crew was over the top. They certainly customized the trip to us and what we wanted to do. Hugh was an amazing Captain and our personalities all meshed so well. His friend Maxine did a great job with the food. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. Every meal was over the top perfect. I really think the highlight of our trip was Gaby. She brought everything to our table every meal and made whatever drinks we wanted anytime. I don’t think you could ask for any better combination of crew having 2 couples serving us all the time. Kyle was the first mate and dive instructor and Gaby’s back up. The boys wanted to wreck dive, so Hugh and Kyle took us to 3 wrecks We didn’t want to spend a lot of time in bars but did want to spend time at the beach and go to the Soggy Dollar, so they took us there.
I think their true colors came out when Nicole hurt her shoulder. They handled it so well, ALL OF THEM, Hugh got her quickly to the doctor and Gaby rode along and stayed with her, Hugh then repositioned the boat so when Nicole got back from the doctor, we were all seated and ready for dinner. Nicole is recovering just fine. We can’t think of anything we wished we would have known before we went. If you get a chance to send any more clients on this boat, please do, I can’t imagine anything better.
At the end of the trip we all sat around the chart of the BVI and outlined where we had been for the week. We then took the chart with us and it will be framed on our wall at home. It’s something that Hugh does with his clients every trip. What a great way to end the trip.
In the end we felt like we spent a lifetime that week with the crew.

Thanks for your help setting this all up. We hope to book again someday.

Mid-March, 2023, guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA wrote:

I wanted to provide some feedback for you on our recent trip on the Zingara. We had a fabulous time, and it was an exceptional vacation for us all.

We were very worried after our last trip with Captain Lee and Cami, we would never be able to replace the experience. However, Captain Hugh is so young and energetic. He is light-hearted, but very serious when it comes to the safe operations of the boat therefore you feel a ton of confidence in his capability. Perhaps since he is only 24 and recent to the charter business there is no burn out. As you know so well charter clients can be so demanding, and I am sure after a period of years the lifestyle would wear on most anyone. I think this Captain is really excited to make a career of this, and I sensed his ambition and desire to create a great experience for us. The day trips planned were wonderful, and we found the suggestions of things to do very helpful. The logistics of our day trips were well coordinated, and we had a fabulous and diverse experience. The kids of course also loved the water sports, spontaneous snorkeling, and random treasure hunting hikes along various rock formations.

Maxime the chef is one of the more talented I have encountered in terms of both presentation and food quality. I have been on a yacht called the Victoria Del Mar several times (170 feet I think), and I would match Max’s food with that experience. Every meal was different and all home made and fresh ranging from fresh pasta and homemade bread all the way to elegant seafood dishes and beautiful salads. She is also a total delight to be around, and did things like made cookies with my kids in the afternoon. She was very detailed and sure to have everything on the provisions list.

Gabi and her are quite the pair. Gabi never hesitated to get us anything we needed, and she always took the time to check on us wherever we may be on the boat. She has an incredibly warm personality. Her table settings for all three meals of the day were gorgeous, and she spent umpteen amounts of time teaching my daughter how to fold napkins and set the table. She also spent a lot of time making seashell necklaces with Elizabeth.

Kyle assisted us around the boat and off the boat. He was always there lifting and helping us move my 84 year old Dad in and out of the tender. He is a very quiet professional, and makes anyone feel well cared for on the Zingara.

This is an exceptional crew. They cooperate and work together beautifully, and it is evident in the joy and positive energy they have each day. My kids are still sending videos and crying about missing them so much.


March.12th Charter Guests Said:

A HUGE THANK YOU Captain Hugh and your crew, wonderful words of praise for them!

I wanted to provide some feedback for you on our recent trip on the Zingara. We had a fabulous time, and it was an exceptional vacation for us all.

We were very worried after our last trip with Captain Lee and Cami, we would never be able to replace the experience. However, Captain Hugh is so young and energetic. He is light-hearted, but very serious when it comes to the safe operations of the boat therefore you feel a ton of confidence in his capability. Perhaps since he is only 24 and recent to the charter business there is no burn out. As you know so well charter clients can be so demanding, and I am sure after a period of years the lifestyle would wear on most anyone. I think this Captain is really excited to make a career of this, and I sensed his ambition and desire to create a great experience for us. The day trips planned were wonderful, and we found the suggestions of things to do very helpful. The logistics of our day trips were well coordinated, and we had a fabulous and diverse experience. The kids of course also loved the water sports, spontaneous snorkeling, and random treasure hunting hikes along various rock formations.

Maxime the chef is one of the more talented I have encountered in terms of both presentation and food quality. I have been on a yacht called the Victoria Del Mar several times (170 feet I think), and I would match Max’s food with that experience. Every meal was different and all home made and fresh ranging from fresh pasta and homemade bread all the way to elegant seafood dishes and beautiful salads. She is also a total delight to be around, and did things like made cookies with my kids in the afternoon. She was very detailed and sure to have everything on the provisions list.

Gabi and her are quite the pair. Gabi never hesitated to get us anything we needed, and she always took the time to check on us wherever we may be on the boat. She has an incredibly warm personality. Her table settings for all three meals of the day were gorgeous, and she spent umpteen amounts of time teaching my daughter how to fold napkins and set the table. She also spent a lot of time making seashell necklaces with Elizabeth.

Kyle assisted us around the boat and off the boat. He was always there lifting and helping us move my 84 year old Dad in and out of the tender. He is a very quiet professional, and makes anyone feel well cared for on the Zingara.

This is an exceptional crew. They cooperate and work together beautifully, and it is evident in the joy and positive energy they have each day. My kids are still sending videos and crying about missing them so much.


Guests aboard ZINGARA in late February, 2023, wrote

My wife and I just finished a 6 night charter on the Zingara with our 4 adult kids and their significant others. Our party of 10 was completely comfortable with the 5 suite floor plan. My wife scheduled our cruise and we were both a little cautious about a 24 y/o captain and young crew but could not have asked for a better experience. Hugh was an absolute professional who takes great care of the passengers and the boat. Safety was always his priority. Gabi and Kyle catered to our every need and it was fantastic to have 2 scuba instructors on board. And then there was the food…. Maxime is a fantastic chef who blew us away every day with her amazing meals, 3 times a day!
This was the sixth charter for my wife and I, two in France and four in the BVI. There were none better or even as good as the Zingara. Congratulations on your magnificent sailing yacht and fantastic crew.
All the best,

Early July, 2021, guests in the BVI aboard catamaran ZINGARA said:

This was our first family charter ever and we have already decided that we need to go on another charter on Zingara. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute. It is truly like sailing in a 5-star hotel, only you have beautiful sunny days sailing on crystal clear waters. The crew, the meals, and all the activities were top notch. The amenities are all as described and even better. Who can resist being waited on by staff ready to provide all requests expertly and always with a smile? None in the family wanted the trip to end. We could have stayed another week if we could have.
The Aguera Family

June, 2021 guests on catamaran ZINGARA wrote:

We just returned from an epic adventure on board Zingara. Captain Cami was very professional and extremely knowledgeable with every detail of Zingara. She tailored our vacation so that we could sail, allowed us to explore islands and take us to some of the best dive spots in the BVI’s. We were so appreciative of her efforts helping us obtain our BVI entry approvals and PCR testing for return to the US.
Our chef Katie was outstanding! She worked countless hours in the galley preparing delicious meals and snacks for us. Katie made each meal using local foods and even grows fresh herbs on board! The highlight at each meal was of course dessert. We are still raving about Katie’s banoffee (banana and toffee) pie!
Alex and Uri, our deck hand and stewardess and dive instructors were so fun and entertaining! They had many interesting stories to share about their world travels and took the upmost care of us. Uri was always ready to take us wakeboarding and water skiing whenever we wanted. Both Alex and Uri are exceptional divers. They put those of us who were beginners at complete ease and built our confidence and appreciation of sea life. The best part of each afternoon was trying Alex’s “cocktail of the day” which was her own unique concoction and a huge hit with all of us! Zingara is beautiful, in pristine condition and is very spacious even for our party of 9, but the warm and friendly crew on Zingara was what made our vacation truly unforgettable and a trip of a lifetime!
The Stern Family - June 2021

Guests for 10 days in aboard ZINGARA in June, 2018 said:

Our family of seven sailed on Zingara from June 7-17, 2018. It was almost impossible for us to even put our trip into words for this review because it was such an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Zingara is an incredible boat with every amenity you could want—complete with chocolates on the pillows every night and spacious, impeccably-maintained guest suites. The boat is fully equipped for almost any type of fun imaginable. Pool noodles, inner tubes, a party float, waterskis, a complete set of SCUBA and snorkeling gear, and a crazy fun tubing tube are just some of the water activities available. The nets on the front of the boat are a great place to relax with a book or just lay out in the Caribbean sun, but there are also some great shaded areas in the aft cockpit and the bridge if you prefer to stay shaded.


The SCUBA certification course was expertly executed and all of the dives were memorable and full of exciting marine life. We had a mix of uncertified and certified divers at the start of the trip, but even those of us who were certified did not consider ourselves particularly SCUBA-savvy. By the end we all felt comfortable and excited by all the underwater adventures SCUBA diving offers! Camille and Andres are truly exceptional instructors beyond compare.

Every day held a new and exciting adventure in the BVIs, complete with incredible excursions ashore. We loved exploring the Baths at Virgin Gorda, hiking to the bubbly pool, scootering around Anegada, and playing beach volleyball at the Soggy Dollar. The BVIs have the opportunity to create endless memories; it is almost impossible to pack it all into 10 days there—we will just have to come back!

Beyond the island adventures, every single meal was an artistic and culinary masterpiece that never failed to delight us and perfectly complement the activities of the day. We are still dreaming of Tyler’s cooking! Part of the excitement of a new day in the BVIs was a whole new menu of culinary surprises from Tyler’s kitchen. We were initially worried about our group’s many food intolerances, preferences, and allergies, but Tyler adapted the meals with expert ease.


Above all, the crew is what makes Zingara so incredibly special. Lee is an incredible captain who navigates the Caribbean waters with a relaxed confidence. He was also happy to entertain all of our questions about sailing and life on the water! He is funny, wonderful to converse with, and even included us on a fun provision run ashore! Not really stuffy at all!! 😜 Camille is so kind, helpful, and awesome to adventure with. She keeps the cabin looking incredible, makes amazing lemonade and cookies, and is also an awesome yoga instructor! She makes sure every guest is comfortable and happy throughout the day and is an excellent underwater guide—she finds amazing wildlife that you might miss otherwise! Andres is another essential part of the Zingara experience. He instructed two new divers through their SCUBA certifications with ease. He helped us catch a Jack fish and Tarpon off the stern, and was always excited to help us fish and adventure on the water! He was a great captain of the tender boat and even helped a first-time tuber feel safe enough to try it out. He is also an expert crafter of cocktails and the beverages of your dreams—be sure to try the Painkillers! His fun-loving attitude keeps spirits high throughout the trip. Tyler is an incredible chef worthy of a Michelin star or two, but he is also an excellent conversationalist with great stories and jokes. We loved chatting with him and learning all about the inspiration for his incredible culinary creations.

They are all fantastic crew-members, but, more importantly, they are all truly incredible people. By the end of the trip, we counted every one of them among our friends! Zingara is a magical place where dreams come true!

They entitled their letter "Zingara Magic"!

Guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA in June, 2018, wrote:
Lee, Andres, Camille, and Tyler:
The week with you on the Zingara was our BEST family vacation EVER!!!!! The catamaran was very beautiful, and the vacation was totally spectacular. Tyler, you prepared such delicious meals which were elegantly presented, and Camille, you created a uniquely beautiful table setting for each meal. We appreciated so much that we all interacted so comfortably and really enjoyed laughing and talking together throughout the week. Camille and Andres, you were such energetic and enthusiastic “leaders” for our teenage grandchildren! Because of you, they will always cherish special memories of fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, and best of all, jumping from the halyard swing. And Lee....we know you are the BEST captain in the Caribbean!!!!!
We all will remember you fondly and will always be grateful for your constant effort to create a magical vacation for our family. Thank you so much!!!!!!
Mimi, Bob and family

April 2018 guests on catamaran ZINGARA said:

Dear Lee, Tyler, Camille and Andres
Thank you for making our return to the beautiful BVI’s as special as before. It’s been 17 years since we last visited and post hurricane it is back in great shape. The bars, beaches, restaurants, quiet bays to anchor overnight etc are all wonderful, even The Baths were not crowded.....bliss! You all made us feel so looked after, nothing was too much trouble, so helpful, creative, fun and friendly.....it felt like having friends on the boat with us! Calm Camille was brilliant with my 12 year old and his first diving experience, All Action Andres kept my 14 year old adrenaline fuelled up ( ... and us with the best ever mojitos!), Tyler with a Twist kept us well fed on glorious food and new tastes (the scales back home show that!) and oh so Likeable Lee......thank you for putting it all together in a beautiful Zingara package. Here’s hoping for the Grenadines one day very soon!!
Maria & Dale & Archie & Paddy
April 2018

Late January, 2018, guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA said:

Just back from a week in the British Virgin Islands on Zingara. The boat was beautiful and the crew friendly and accommodating.
Best of all the islands are back in business and the water and beaches as beautiful as ever, with the added bonus of being less crowded than usual.
Thanks again!

New Years guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA said:

Hi Lee
We were all talking over dinner tonight in the Miami airport about what an amazing time we had with you , Andres, Camille and Tyler this past week.
Frankly , we were expecting the BVI's to be a bit war torn after the hurricanes , but were pleasantly surprised to see things nearly back to normal. The st Thomas airport was in fine shape and the islands in the BVI 's as beautiful as we remembered. Dinner on Anagada was great, the Soggy Dollar bar was a lot of fun and scuba diving in several very cool spots was a definite highlight.

Zingara is a beautiful boat. Extremely comfy and your crew very attentive . We all loved Tyler's cooking and the cocktails were tasty and plentiful.

My family was pleased to see the BVI's as beautiful as ever and we appreciate you creating a wonderful week for us !!

2017 Yuletide guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA said

Just wanted to drop a short note thanking you for a wonderful journey aboard Zingara this past week. For those who are hesitant to visit the US or the British Virgin Islands in the wake of the hurricanes that hit this past fall, I would suggest that now or later this season is the exact right time to visit. While certain restaurants and bars may be closed, new ones have cropped up and some of the old stalwarts, like Soggy Dollar Bar, are up and better than ever. The waters are a lot less crowded and tranquil bays and overnight spots that are normally packed with sailboats and yachts are much more accessible. My entire family felt the lack of crowds was a huge positive on our trip allowing us to go where we wanted when we wanted and also, helped us with water activities without the normal crowds etc. The hurricanes did nothing to affect the beautiful waters of the area, the plentiful fish, and other types of wildlife. The airports were very functional and very easy to go through. The residents were friendly and appreciative of our visit and our contributing to the local economy and their rebuilding efforts. Back to Zingara, we have been on an array of boats in the BVI’s, and really felt our experience on your boat with yourself, Tyler, Andres, and Camille was our best ever. The food on the boat was exceptional, More important, the personal touch and service provded by the entire crew made us all feel at home and excited about each and every minute onboard. Please feel free to use th

Recen guests aboard catamaran ZINGARA said:

The staff on the Zingara was amazing from the time we stepped onto the boat to the time we left. Our group needed some extra help with travel arrangements and the crew didn't hesitate to accommodate our needs. (Some people couldn't get into port on time for departure so they rerouted and picked us up on another island!) It made us feel at ease knowing the crew would help and arrange our various arrivals. Daily we woke up to smiles and unprecedented service. The meals were OUTSTANDING and touched on every guest's dietary needs and wants. The crew was jovial yet very professional making us feel at home and comfortable! I wouldn't ask for another crew! Thanks again for a trip of a lifetime!" (Jessica & Chris Cunningham)

June, 2017 guests for 10 nights on board ZINGARA said:

Thank you for a wonderful time.

The ten days on Zingara could not have been better.

One complaint, your chef and crew, they caused me to gain 10 pounds. How is that possible in ten days. George also gained a lot. I guess the food must have been crazy good and the drinks just kept on coming.
All your staff was great, constantly offering more drinks and looking for ways to please us at every turn.
I have had a couple of captains before, on my 60' sport fisher, and by far you were the most professional and concerned for both the safety of the boat and the passengers. It showed in your anchoring, tying up to the other yacht, or avoiding a rainstorm on the way to our next anchor spot.

Thanks again for an unforgettable time.

Early June, 2017, guests aboard ZINGARA said:

Lee,

I just wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU to you and your staff for the trip of a lifetime this past June on the Zingara! It was simply the best family trip we have ever been on!
This was my first time on a BVI trip and I was simply blown away. First off, the Zingara and its accommodations are simply First Class - but then you and your crew take the experience to another level and truly make the trip a once in a lifetime event!
Chefs Leanne's talent for creating amazing food to satisfy all kinds of tastes and preferences is unparalleled – not to mention her infectious laugh and outgoing personality made her an absolute joy to be with!
The crew were simply endless in their pursuit of accommodating each and every one of us and making sure all were taken care of – all of the time - no matter the situation or activity! Their attention to the smallest of details was outstanding! Not to mention they are just fantastic people and a pure joy the be with and around – especially in hanging out with us [err, putting up with us] late into the night only to get up early to do it all over again!
And thanks to you for your experience and professionalism – first off in dealing with the slight change of pick up port plans we needed to make due to flight delays and cancellations - and then for taking us to the most beautiful spots in and around the BVI and taking care of us in general all week. You are great captain and it was a real pleasure being with you and getting to know you!
This was a trip we will always remember – in large part because it felt like we had lifelong great friends acting as our captain and crew! Thanks again for a fantastic week and we all look forward to joining you again one day soon! Cheers!

-Hunter L.

June, 2017 guests aboard catamarana ZINGARA said:

Lee,

We want to thank you for a wonderful trip this June on the Zingara. It was the perfect family trip for our large group. From the beautiful accommodations to the fun and professional crew to the unbelievable food. It could not have been nicer!

You took us to the most beautiful stops. It will be something that we will always remember. We all look forward to our next trip with you one day soon!

Bobby and Mary Cobb and family

Recent ZINGARA guests said:

Dear Lee, Kirin, Michelle & TJ:

We are still ‘floating’ from this most amazing adventure in the BVI’s. There were so many highlights from our trip - the different islands we sailed to each day, taking advantage of all the activities the Zingara had on board - snorkeling, paddleboarding, scuba, tubing to name a few! But what made this trip really special was the level of service we all encountered, which enabled each of our families to spend the relaxing, quality time we all very much needed! The food was amazing and so was the boat itself. Thank you for being so accommodating and fun to be around. We all really enjoyed ourselves and cannot wait to go back to the islands! Hope everyone had a great vacation off the boat and enjoy all of the tours for summer. Take care!

Fondly,
Erika, Harrison, Reilly, Logan & Olivia





New Years week guests aboard ZINGARA wrote:

We are experienced yacht charterers, as we have been many boats with many different crew. First of all, the boat. Zingara is a perfect layout for 8 or 10 people (we had 10). There is plenty of space and different areas on the boat to spread out. Not only that, but she is provisioned well with many toys and activities. The SCUBA equipment in particular is new and very nice, which is important. The new owners have put money into the boat and it clearly makes a difference. Nice linens and towels, in addition to the little things that make a boat nice are all on board. Of all the boats we have chartered, Zingara offers the most for the best value.

Now, on to the important part of any charter, the crew. I can say unequivocally that this is the best crew, across the board, and that each one of the four individuals on board with us were the best at what they did of any crew we have ever had.

Let me start with the chef, Teej. We had very different tastes in our group, from kids who only wanted kid food, to adults who will settle for nothing less than the best fine dining. We also had a few picky eaters and a shellfish allergy. At the end of the trip, EVERYONE of the 10 of us said that EVERYTHING they ate from Teej was the best food they have ever had, not just on a boat, but anywhere! Teej was so good that all of us are fighting over having him come to our homes when the charter season is over to cook for us personally. The meals were all creative with great flavors, and perfectly proportioned (except for the monster cookies). Teej never said no; if one of the kids wanted a PB sandwich, it would appear. Everything, from breakfast to lunch to appetizers to the amazing dinners and deserts, were Michelin star quality.

Next, Kieran. The hardest thing to do in a confined space for a week is to keep the kids (ages 7-14) entertained and interested. Kieran did that wonderfully. At every stop all of the toys were instantly in the water and Kieran was ready to go with whatever they wanted to do. And he never got tired, if they wanted to be on the dingy for 4 hours, Kieran was there with energy and a smile. The new things he introduced us to were great, including the HaliJump, the SubWing, and the secret cliff jumping pool, all highlights. And I havent even talked about SCUBA yet, Kieran was awesome with the SCUBA, encouraging dives every day. By the end of the trip, he had certified two new divers, gave resort lessons to two more, and did multiple dives with the three pre certified divers. From beach dives to more advanced, everyone LOVED the diving. I can not say enough about Kierans great spirit, temperament, and energy.

Kieran was accompanied by Michelle, who is simply wonderful. I will start with the diving, Michelle loves to dive too and she was involved with all the dives. It was helpful to have both Kieran and Michelle on dives as we could break up the group based on skill level. From the boat standpoint Michelle was always on the spot. There was never a towel out of place, a glass half empty, or what you needed not instantly available. The fact is, Michelle is just a VERY nice person, and pleasant to be around at all times. She was warm and made the entire group welcome and comfortable. And, she was pretty funny!

Finally, Captain Lee. From the time we got on the boat, everything was about us, and what we wanted. There was never a no said the entire time we were there. Not only that, but any side comment was heard, and acted on. So when one of us wanted something to eat that wasnt on board, Lee snuck away and that afternoon it was on board. He truly listened and cared about us and what we wanted. He put together a great trip and at each stop showed us new and interesting things (remember, we have been to the BVI many times). Lee is so pleasant to be around and was really vested in making sure that each one of us was having a great time. It was clear that Lee was passionate about us, and passionate about Zingara. That passion was infectious and really made each of us have the trip of a lifetime.

The personality of the crew makes a charter, and when 14 people are together for 7 days on 80 of boat, it is the personality of the entire crew that makes the trip work, or not work. Not only did this crew make the trip work, but they made it the best trip we have ever taken, both for each individual, and as a family. I would highly recommend this crew to anyone looking for a wonderful week in the Caribbean.

Anonymous Family

Holiday Season guests aboard ZiNGARA wrote:

Lee, Michelle, Kairan and TJ,

The best way to describe how GREAT our trip was this past holiday is "Nobody wanted to get off the boat". I think if the next week wasn't booked, we would of all stayed on.I don't think they make a better captain anywhere in the world. The crew was wonderful and was on top of everything. I told Michelle one day that we truly appreciated how they knew when to be around, but also not be right on top of us all the time. We didn't appreciate the 2-3 pounds we came back with to Texas from TJ's delicious food!!! The water sports were wonderful on the boat. My great niece and nephew up to myself had so much fun. Looking forward to our next adventure together.

You can be sure we will book again. All our best,

Jamie, Bert, Brett, Zachary, Natalie, Jenn, Cary, Eli and Sophie.

We miss you all

Guests aboard ZINGARA in late February, 2016 said:

What a fantastic week in a fantastic location, spent with fantastic friends, and a FANTASTIC crew. The crew made this trip absolutely wonderful from start to finish! They were always there for anything and everything!! Phenomenal food, drinks, and snorkeling sites every day. Our sincere thanks to Captain Lee, his lovely bride of one year, Nadine, Kieran and Michelle!!
Great job by all!!
Mike and Cathy Stewart

Guests aboard ZINGARA with Lee & Nadine said:

Hello Nadine!

We are back in Naples and missing the Zingara and crew. I am doing laundry and yes I must cook dinner tonight! Such a shock to my system after being pampered for a week!
Mark and I had the best time last week! You all treated us as royalty! Your attentiveness and professionalism was accomplished in such a warm and friendly manner. Thank you to each of you!
And thank YOU for the 5 extra pounds! Haha! The food was amazing! You are such a talented chef!
Our crew has anointed me the "author" of the Zingara 2016 Cruise Cookbook! So if you would not mind sharing some of your amazing recipes, it would be greatly appreciated! Of course whenever it is convenient for you!
Thank you for a perfect week and for the recipes!

Fondly,
Debbie Wilhelm

Here goes

Pina Colada Cheesecake
Focaccia Bread - the 1st day and also the variation of the focaccia served with bar b q chicken
Pita Bread
Puff Pastry Tarts with cheese, sundried tomatoes and balsamic reduction
Crab Money Bags
Duck and the delicious sauce you served with the duck
Slaw and the dressing
Seared Tuna and the sauce that you served for lunch
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Chocolate Chile for the beef tenderloin
Brussel Sprouts
Shrimp served atop Tenderloin.
EVERYTHING WAS WONDERFUL and we would love all of the recipes, but have chosen these so as to not totally overwhelm you and your kindness!

Guests aboard ZINGARA for Thanksgiving week

Our family had one the most wonderful charters ever with Zingara!We have been chartering for many years so I feel very comfortable saying that Zingara is top notch and this was our second charter with her.
The crew took such wonderful care of us and anticipated our every need.
We all had a ball and we look forward to chartering again !
The crew made certain every evening anchorage was comfortable for us.
The food was amazing and even our pickiest eater was happy!
Happy Sailing!
The Brickman Family

Thank you so much for absolutely everything. It was the best experience and every day more memorable than the day before. Truly World Class.

Kaled & Jill



Where can we begin to thank you for the most wonderful holiday EVER! The food was delicious, the scenery gorgeous, the boat beautiful and the crew the best. Cant wait to come back.

Jim & Lisa



A big thank you to the fabulous crew! You all did such a great job and made this holiday in paradise even more special!

Juliana



Everything was perfect! The dive stories were awesome, food excellent, We look forward to next year.

Cheryl



Thank you so so much. To tell you the truth, this was the best week of my life! Great food, great fun and amazing crew, like family!

JB



What a journey you took us on! Beginners in Paradise we experienced dives on Instructor Level! The food was of Michelin Level.

Alex



We are lucky, happy and above all very gratefull for the super stay we had on Zingara. Colleen the food was amazing, Pete and Ru, the diving was so nice and you are really the one who made Quentin a dive addict!.

The Cloeys



Zingara Crew!
Thank you for a DELICIOUS and ADVENTUROUS filled week! The boat and our attentive crew exceeded out greatest expectations. The diving, snorkeling and sailing showed us the BVI and Spanish Virgins as weve never seen before. Zingara is truly magical our family has relaxed and reconnected we will treasure our memories and hope to see you again soon!

The Asbury family



HOSPITALITY IS:
The art of making others feel welcome, comfortable and at home.
Its the talent for speading warmth and kindness that will be remembered always.
Your hospitality was all this and so much more. Thank you.
Our best trip yet!

The Carltons






Guests aboard Zingara in December, 2011

Dear Neil:
Glad to hear from you: We have all had a very hectic time since we returned from Zingara . The gratuity was all of our pleasure, yourself Karen, Reita & Gys made the whole trip wonderful.
The boat Zingara was itself a dream as were the other facilities, the diving, thehobie cat etc, and of course the wonderful scenery and location. Not to mention great food and copious wines.
The thing that made the trip for Judith & I, was the huge effort that you all made to make us welcome and happy on board. Nothing was too much trouble for you, you were all so professional, smiling and willing to help with the slightest whim. Never a sharp word, just a lovely calm happy and ultra helpful smiling approach. You were brilliant with Mike`s boys.. We all had a great time.
So what more can I say excepthope to see you again soon and, most sincerely, very many thanks to you all for a superb trip.
Kind Regards
Mervyn Clarke


Fun in the Caribbean





Enjoy the watersports!




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