Copper Penny Description
Copper Penny - An Innovative and luxurious offshore cruising catamaran, professionally crewed and available for charter in the pristine waters of the British Virgin Islands. Spacious, and well-equipped with both toys and technology, Copper Penny, a 2011 Lagoon 560, is the perfect vessel for experiencing the beautiful British Virgin Islands.
Copper Penny accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 spacious cabins each with a queen sized bed and en-suite. Enjoy a Blu-Ray DVD on the 18´ flatscreen tv in your room or keep in touch and read the news online via the boat´s wireless internet. Watch your favorite college football team play on the 42 flatscreen 3-D TV in the salon or spend your time on Copper Penny completely unplugged its your vacation, your way.
If you like to be active, weve got the gear. Strap on the waterskis, snorkel a reef teeming with tropical fish or throw a line in the water as we sail to Anegada - activities and options abound on Copper Penny. Your captain is also a Padi Divemaster so if youre a certifiied diver, you will definitely want to check out some of the great dives in the BVI like the Wreck of the Rhone or Diamond Reef. Your weight integrated BC and dive computer make it easy.
What more to say? Swimming, snorkeling, hiking, wakeboarding, tubing or just relaxing with a book and one of the captains specialty rum drinks. Copper Penny what could be better?
Cruising Area of Copper Penny
Specification
Accommodations
COPPER PENNY can accommodate 6 guests in 3 cabins. The Master cabin has a queen size bed, walk around floor level , dry head shower and toilet. 2 Guest cabins have a queen size bed, walk-around step up access on both sides , dry heads, shower and toilet. COPPER PENNY is fully air conditioned through out. Crew has a separate head and shower.
Water Sports
2 Stand-Up Paddleboards
2 Bladfish-adults only
underwater lights, underwater camera
42´ Satellite blueray TV, 3D movie capability
18´ flatscreen TVs and Blue ray DVD players in each cabin
free internet
Scuba Diving 
SCUBA DIVING ON COPPER PENNY
The Virgin Islands are ideal waters to dive in. The water temperatures remain constant between 79F in winter & 85F in summer months. Average dive visibility is 80Ft. The BVI has over 75 dive sites that range in depth from 50 - 85Ft. No wetsuit is necessary in the summer and a 3mm shorty is suitable for winter months. A dive skin or rash guard is advisable to wear anytime.
With reefs teeming with large fish and healthy corals, the Virgin Islands are the ideal place to SCUBA dive. There are many shipwrecks to explore including the RMS Rhone and the Chikuzen. The water is crystal clear and most dive sites are protected from the waves providing for comfortable entry and exit from the water. The Virgin Islands sits atop a plateau so most dives are fringing reefs and shallow pinnacles, the reef face is protected by excellent mooring systems, maintained by the BVI´s National Parks Trust.
Up to 3 dives during the week are included, as are ´Discover Scuba´ resort courses.
Entertainment
Cuisine
Green Initiatives
Eco-friendly cleaners, soaps and shampoo Reef-safe sunscreen Cloth napkins Recycling where possible Educating guests about protecting our reefs and oceans
Copper Penny Crew Profile
Captain
Chef / Mate
Two Crews!
Jim & Amanda - October through February
Dan and Alli - March through July
_______________
Jim & Amanda Grant - Your aboard COPPER PENNY
Jim and Amanda are ready to welcome you aboard the catamaran COPPER PENNY. They are an outgoing couple who love to entertain, and look forward to leading their guests on new and exciting adventures
Jim and Amanda´s love for adventure drew them together, and they were married in 2000. When they met both were weekend whitewater raft guides and kayakers. Soon they discovered sailing and bought a boat. After 7 years of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, they decided to leave corporate America for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. They sailed for two years aboard their own boat exploring the Caribbean.
Jim, your captain, grew up sailing on Lake Ontario. His family has always owned boats and Jim began his sailing instruction while attending summer camp. As a young adult Jim moved to Virginia, were he became bareboat certified and began chartering. In his corporate life Jim was a stockbroker. He was televised on Charlottesville, Virginia´s NBC 29 nightly news for seven years sharing his market commentary with viewers. While working as a stockbroker, Jim found time to become a delivery captain for a Lagoon catamaran dealership, and began transiting the East Coast of North America. There he found his love for the open ocean. He obtained his United States Coast Guard Masters License, and later obtained a MCA 200-ton Offshore Certificate. Jim is also a certified PADI Dive Master, and looks forward to taking you diving. In addition Jim enjoys windsurfing, kite surfing, and skiing.
Amanda, your chef, is from Virginia. She grew up as a competitive swimmer and spent time backpacking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Later, she discovered triathlons, and spent many hours training and competing. Jim introduced her to sailing, and life was never the same. She began sailing the Chesapeake every weekend, and accompanying Jim on some of his deliveries. Amanda´s career as an engineer was demanding and gratifying, but soon she began dreaming of warm waters. During her years sailing the Caribbean, she developed a love for cooking and exploring local cuisine. To prepare for life as a charter chef, Amanda attended a mega-yacht cooking school in Fort Lauderdale, where she honed her skills. She looks forward to serving you beautifully presented delicious meals. In addition, Amanda is a certified PADI Dive Master, and a kayak instructor. Amanda´s other interests include windsurfing, kite surfing, and skiing.
_________________
Dan and Alli Shivone
Captain Dan and Alli come to Copper Penny after 3 successful seasons onboard Kelea, a 65ft Catamaran. Over the past 3 seasons, they enjoyed showing their guests all the Virgin Islands had to offer. Dan and Alli are both PADI Divemasters, avid hikers and snorkelers, and enjoy sharing their love of the islands with those that join them on charter. Whether enjoying leisure time onboard or getting to know the friendly locals, their goal is to make their guests feel at home.
Captain Dan´s passion for the water started at an early age along the coast of Delaware. He truly developed his skills after moving to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, where he learned to read the wind and the water for both surfing and sailing. He obtained his Captain´s license in North Carolina, and quickly began guiding on the water and sharing his love of nature and the sea. Dan holds the US Sailing Association Certification and American Sailing Association Certification, as well.
Alli was born on the East Coast, where as a young girl she grew up with a passion for the ocean and adventure, passed on by her father. Alli has grown up with a passion for cooking food, that not only tastes good and looks good, but that is good for you. She began cooking at a young age, preparing meals for her family of five, and continues to create beautiful dishes with love and artistry. Alli was awarded 1st Place in the Culinary Competition during the Annual Yacht Show in 2016 and later studied at Ashburton Culinary School where she obtained her Certificate in Culinary Arts.
Dan and Alli met in the Summer of 2009 on Bald Head Island, North Carolina, where they worked running kayak trips and sailing excursions. After sailing their personal sailboat, Goose, over 2,500 miles from North Carolina to the Bahamas and back, Dan as Captain, Alli as crew and chef, they discovered their love for the islands. ... They soon married knowing if they could survive that, nothing could stop them.
The couple moved to the Virgin Islands in 2014 and have been sailing together and helping others enjoy the islands to the fullest, ever since! They love to make their guests feel like family, and always start every charter with the simple phrase “Welcome Home!” They now look forward to welcoming you to the Copper Penny Family!
__________________
Taking the helm of COPPER PENNY in March, 2023:
Meet the Crew of Copper Penny
Captain Ben Raley and First Mate Rachel Haskovec are an
energetic, professional yachting and charter host team. Together they
have a deep passion for all of the adventures that the Virgin Islands have
to offer and enjoy sharing them with others. As a couple they offer a
charming graciousness that helps people to feel comfortable and fully
relaxed. They work closely with every charterer to match their guest´s
level of interest with the right level of activity, dining, and relaxation.
This year will be their eighth season chartering together in the BVI.
Captain Ben Raley
Ben was born & raised on the Gulf of Maine, and has harbored a love of the sea his entire life. Building his first rowboat with his father at the age of six, Ben knew that the ocean was where he belonged. At eight, he started sailing aboard a Rhodes 19´ and by the age of 18, he made his way from Portsmouth, NH to Hawaii via the Caribbean islands and Panama Canal aboard various sailboats. Eventually settling in Washington State´s Puget Sound, Ben taught sailing in a community sailing program during the summer months and apprenticed under a local shipwright in the winters. Finally, aboard his own 32´ sailboat, he was able to fulfill a dream of sailing back to New Hampshire. Adventures along the way to fund his dream included, working as a deckhand aboard ocean going tugboats hauling freight through Southeast Alaska, commercial fishing for giant bluefin tuna, delivering sailboats along the west coast of Central America, and working as mate aboard a luxury charter yacht based in Petersburg, Alaska where he learned the finer points of running top quality charters. Tropical seas calling him, Ben focused his efforts on the Virgin Islands and has successfully Captained three charter catamarans based in the BVI. Ben is excited to be aboard Copper Penny, sailing the crystal-clear waters and trade winds of the US & British Virgin Islands.
First Mate/Chef Rachel Haskovec
Rachel was born with an adventurous spirit, and grew up hiking, camping, fishing, and eagerly exploring her love for the outdoors near her childhood home in Boulder, CO. With a degree in Business Marketing, she worked in sales for DEWALT power tools in Boston, quickly developing a passion for the ocean, enjoying swimming, SCUBA diving, sea kayaking and catching and cooking the freshest seafood. Her fascination with sailboats also started in New England, where she called on and worked with the manufacturing facilities of Hinckley Yachts in Maine and observed the construction process from start to finish of some of the finest yachts in the world. Rachel has also pursued her passion for food and entertaining, working with the Culinary Institute of Montana where winters included skiing and working in fine dining establishments while the summer months involved rock climbing, rafting, and racing sailboats on the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US. Missing the salty air & vastness of the ‘big blue´, Rachel left the US to live and work aboard a sailboat and deliver her from Florida to Bocas del Toro, Panama. Eventually spending extensive time in Central America, Rachel founded Nicaragua Energetic Flow Yoga, working as a full-time traveling yoga instructor at 6 resorts in the southwest corner of Nicaragua. She also managed and cooked at a B&B guesthouse in the jungle outside San Juan del Sur. As an athlete and yogi, Rachel is adamant about using the freshest quality local ingredients to create healthy and delicious meals that feed the body and the soul.
Together, Ben and Rachel look forward to sharing their passions with guests. Ben is an avid angler, with a particular interest in fly fishing, and has spent many hours discovering techniques and places in the Virgin Islands that can be productive for catching Tarpon, Bonefish, and several other species of hard fighting saltwater fish. As a surfer and kiteboarder Ben knows where the conditions will be best on any given day. Rachel is a passionate Yoga practitioner and Licensed Yoga Instructor. Over the years in the VI Rachel has found some unique and beautiful outdoor “studios” where she loves to bring interested guests for a yoga class. Her teaching style reflects her belief that yoga should be accessible to everyone, whether they have been practicing for years or have never been to a yoga class. These activities can be incorporated into your charter aboard Copper Penny and can add another layer of excitement or relaxation to your experience.
Copper Penny Calendar
AvailableBookedHold (can be challenged)Unavailable| Nov 2022 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
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| Dec 2022 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | |||
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
| May 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | ||
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Copper Penny Reservations & Port Locations
| Start Date | End Date | Details (Holds can be challenged) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 | Hold: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Dec 07, 2022 | Dec 14, 2022 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Dec 27, 2022 | Dec 27, 2022 | Unavailable: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Dec 28, 2022 | Jan 04, 2023 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Jan 08, 2023 | Jan 18, 2023 | Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* |
| Jan 19, 2023 | Jan 27, 2023 | Unavailable: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Jan 28, 2023 | Feb 05, 2023 | Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* |
| Feb 07, 2023 | Feb 15, 2023 | Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* |
| Feb 18, 2023 | Feb 26, 2023 | Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* |
| Feb 27, 2023 | Feb 28, 2023 | Unavailable: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* |
| Mar 03, 2023 | Mar 11, 2023 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Mar 13, 2023 | Mar 23, 2023 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Mar 27, 2023 | Apr 03, 2023 | Booked: Cruz Bay, St John, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* |
| Apr 08, 2023 | Apr 15, 2023 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Apr 16, 2023 | Apr 22, 2023 | Unavailable: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Apr 23, 2023 | Apr 30, 2023 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Jun 17, 2023 | Jun 23, 2023 | Booked: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Jun 26, 2023 | Jul 03, 2023 | Hold: Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI to Tortola, Nanny Cay, BVI |
| Jul 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2023 | Hold: British Virgin Islands* to British Virgin Islands* |
Copper Penny Rates / week
The prices shown are for the entire yacht for a week-long (7 nights) charter.Low price: $27,000
High price: $30,000
| Season | 2 Pax | 3 Pax | 4 Pax | 5 Pax | 6 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 Winter | $27,000 | $27,500 | $28,000 | $28,500 | $29,000 |
| 2023 Summer | $28,000 | $28,500 | $29,000 | $29,500 | $30,000 |
| 2023/24 Winter | $28,000 | $28,500 | $29,000 | $29,500 | $30,000 |
Yacht terms: All Inclusive
An all-inclusive charter covers all provisioning and running expenses. This includes a captain and crew that is fully trained and committed to your safety and enjoyment of your trip. A chef will provide the kind of exceptional, personalized meal preparation that you would expect of a five-star restaurant. The listed rate may not include all local taxes, cruising permits, premium beverages and scuba activities. Inquire for more information.
Send us an inquiry to get specific pricing for Copper Penny.
Copper Penny Guest Reviews
Early March, 2020, guest aboard Copper Penny wrote:
I must admit Jerry & Dawn were the finds of our trip. Their help & assistance made the adventure a tip my family will cherish for years.
Both Jerry and Dawn kept the ship in tip top shape. Each worked full time from when they arose to when they went to sleep to keep the ship in fit shape. One does not realize what is involved in maintaining a catamaran.
The food was exquisite, planned and cooked by Dawn and Captain Jerry fully took his time in preparing and assisting my four adult children in their scuba diving.
I have visited and chartered here in 1982. Many things have changed, but the Virgin Islands allow for many alternate coves and bays. It continues be a very relaxing place to visit. The itinerary is determined by what each person desires. Jerry asked us what we were interested in and planned our sailings accordingly.
Dawn was very personable and she planned a menu that one would expect in a fine restaurant. Dawn is “perpetual motion’ as she has so much to accomplish within her day.
As I indicated, Dawn sent us a proposed menu taking into account our desires, likes and dislikes. The menu was like that of a fine restaurant.
The Shanes
Vacation fun
We LOVE YA ALL!!
Thanks for such a fun sail.
Thank you so much for everything, we had a fun time and you are the BEST.
Thanks Dawn for all the great meals we loved them all.
Uetrecht family
Dawn & Jerry we cant thank you enough for your hard work in making sure we all were treated like Kings & Queens.
Another incredible trip! Thank you
Charter guests aboard catamaran COPPER PENNY with Jerry & Dawn wrote:
To say we had an amazing time and loved everything is an understatement.
Jerry & Dawn were wonderful hosts and did everything we asked for and more. We had an idea of things we wanted to see but their knowledge of the area was a huge plus to help us craft the most enjoyable itinerary.
Even though the BVI is still recovering from the awful hurricanes of last year we thoroughly enjoyed the weather & water activities, Scuba diving & seeing some really cool stuff. We all felt comfortable with Jerry´s expertise to provide fun experiences but more importantly, safe ones.
Dawn´s meals & Jerry´s cocktails were highlights of the trip. We enjoyed variety the menu offered. Meeting our dietary special needs isn’t easy for anyone, Dawn took it in her stride and never made us feel like it was a bother.
Copper Penny was a beautiful vessel with many comforts of home. We all enjoyed our rooms, the dining areas & especially the bridge up top. It was great fun to sit up there enjoying the quiet of the sail while reading or listening to Jerry fill us in on areas we saw or watching the crew at work getting the sails in place and back again.
We would highly recommend the team of Dawn & Jerry aboard Copper Penny to anyone looking for a bucket list vacation.
Return guests May 2018
ONCE AGAIN an UNBELIEVABLE EXPERIENCE.
Food was outstanding. Service was great. TRIP OF A LIFETIME.
Dawn your an absolute workhorse !!
This has been one of the most INCREDIBLE Trips.
Cant thank you two enough for your WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY.
Early March, 2018, guests aboard catamaran COPPER PENNY with Jim & Amanda Grant wrote:
Jim and Amanda were awesome. They are great people and were superb hosts. We found them to be very knowledgeable and they were always willing to answer our questions and provide information about what we were experiencing. They also struck a perfect balance of attentiveness without being overbearing.
We were waiting for there to be at least one so-so meal but it never came. Our only complaint (if it could be a complaint) was that the portions were too big for us to
finish! Delicious.
That was an amazing and memorable trip. We would highly recommend Jim and Amanda and the Copper Penny for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing adventure.
Don Madeo
Repeat guests with Jim & Amanda in July, 2017, on catamaran COPPER PENNY recently wrote:
This was our second charter with Jim and Amanda and it was fabulous. Words cannot describe how perfect our trip was. The two make you feel at home and are there for your every need. Jim took us on some of best adventures that anyone could dream of and Amanda could not spoil us enough with her food and drinks. When my husband and I, kids and friends, look back on these trips, we cannot help but smile and reminisce about the great times we had. Jim and Amanda have made each trip special; we were even blessed to have Captain Jim officiate our 25th wedding vow renewals on Anguilla. They are not only a captain and first mate to us, they are good friends. I guess to sum it all up - We are booking another trip with these two...that should tell you how awesome it was and how awesome they are!
Early March, 2017, guests aboard catamaran COPPER PENNY said:
NAME: Ross Wallace
YACHT: COPPER PENNY
CHARTER DATES: 1-9 March, 2017
Was the crew friendly & accommodating?
Exceeded all expectations. Jim and Amanda were professional, friendly and attentive to all passengers needs. They even took us on some special side trips that added immensely to the overall experience.
Was the yacht comfortable & clean?
COPPER PENNY was pristine and well-maintained throughout. The large flybridge greatly expanded living area.
Was the food good & well presented?
This is the area that blew us away the most as Amanda delighted us at every meal with gourmet fare presented beautifully. This was truly over-the-top quality.
Do you feel your vacation lived up to the expectations set by your Broker?
Exceeded all expectations!
Additional Comments on your charter.
I would not hesitate a moment in recommending COPPER PENNY and Jim and Amanda.
Guests aboard COPPER PENNY on late January, 2017, said:
Name: Stacy Mangum
Yacht: Copper Penny
How did you find your crew, Jim & Amanda Grant were they friendly, knowledgeable, attentive and accommodating?
From the very first phone conversation to the last hug on the dock, Jim was friendly, warm and very engaging!!! He was extremely entertaining and seemed to have an intuitive gift for what was needed at the time he´s a great conversationalist who can discuss a broad range of subjects. I immediately felt like he was my new friend.
Amanda is absolutely precious and so accommodating, helping Jim in any capacity!!! If she´s not in the kitchen preparing the next scrumptious meal, she´s assisting Jim in whatever he needs regarding the boat. She is ´a jewel!!!!´ We all fell in love with her
Was Copper Penny comfortable, clean and well ventilated? What was your favorite aspect of the yacht?
Copper Penny was impeccable!!!! Jim and Amanda take pride in keeping her clean!!! I literally walked up the stairs one night around 9:00 after forgetting something and found Amanda on her hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor!!! What a testimony to an extremely strong work ethic!!! It´s hard to say what the favorite aspect was but I will say as a group we seemed to gravitate to the fly bridge with its gorgeous views and wonderful breezes. Just fun hanging out with Captain Jim too!!!
Was the food enjoyable and well presented? Did the chef customize the menu to your preferences?
The food was simply amazing!!! Not only was it scrumptious but the presentation was most impressive!!! We basically didn´t have limitations on our preference sheet and we´re open to trying new dishes. Amanda even baked us a chocolate cake with each of our Anniversary years written on top such a thoughtful way to end the celebratory trip. The impressive thing is she was always in a mode of preparation for our next meal and I would observe her cooking through even (what we considered) rough waters she never missed a beat!!
Did you enjoy the itinerary and the area you sailed?
We found each day unique and interesting !!! Jim planned just the right mixture of beach walking, bar hopping, snorkeling, hiking, shopping, floating, skiing, kayaking, and simply vegging, drinking adult beverages, listening to our favorite tunes, enjoying conversation and observing a part of God´s creation we had never experienced with our lifelong friends and our new friends, Jim and Amanda!!!
We are all six interested in a repeat trip together with Jim and Amanda in the next three years. Stanley and I are in the process now of trying to organize another group for next January, hopefully the same week or at least around the same time. This trip would be a little different in that it could be some of our customers/friends. The trip last week was our very best friends with whom we´ve traveled for years. The upcoming trip would be with folks we have never traveled with so that´s a little caveat of sorts in my mind in planning.
The only potential change we would make is to eliminate the first night stay in St Thomas. With earliest possible flights out of Jackson and connecting flights into St. Thomas it may be impossible. However, the money we spent in St. Thomas could go to an extra night on the boat if we could make it happen.
Easter Week 2016 guests aboard Copper Penny said:
The food: Beyond expectations. We can no longer fit into our clothes.
Bryan and Ava could not have been more accommodating and welcoming!!
All were so pleased with all aspects of the trip that they tried to figure out a way to bring Bryan and Ava home with us!!!
Well worth the investment :-)
The BEERS Group, MONTANA
Kent and I had a wonderful time during our week with you. Our memories and adventures will last for many years to come! The food was beyond 5-star Ginny.truly impressed! You both took such good care of us and made sure our every need was met. We had such a good time snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding and just hanging out!
Julie and Kent Beers
A vacation of a lifetime - Gord, excellent captain, gracious host, very knowledgeable tour guide, and entertainer. Ginny, extraordinary chef with every meal ***** the taste, presentation and variety for 7 days was so perfect. The stories of their travels and of the BVI were fascinating. Both Gord and Ginny went out of their way to provide sodas, drinks, beers and food choices we indicated. We both enjoyed the snorkeling immensely the equipment fit perfectly and the sites we visited were great. We loved the tour of Virgin Gorda and the Baths the Pirate entertainment Saba Rock Tarpon feeding sailing around the islands and all the local flavor of the Soggy Dollar and Foxys. I really enjoyed the hike from the Bitter End. Kenny was fascinated to learn about sailing and the boat equipment. I must repeat A Vacation Experience of a Lifetime!
Kenny and Dianne
How can we top this! Its been such a great trip with great people. Good times! Fantastic food! Such a memory of a lifetime! The mix of activities: snorkeling, hiking, shopping, visiting local bars. Gord and Ginnys individual attention to the interests of our party made it a vacation tailored just for us! A great Captain, a fantastic Chef! Perfect people to place your vacation and leave all the details to them. Thanks Gord and Ginny for being the best!
Ann and Greg
Ginnie, Kat, Caroline and Lindsey
Thank you so much for such a wonderful trip through the BVI. It has been such an amazing sail accompanied by exceptional food and drink. Your hospitality and generosity has truly made this an unforgettable vacation and we cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us. Hope to see you again in the near future. From the girls!
Nancy & Sharon, Jan & Kim, Cecilia & Beau
What a fabulous trip! The two of you helped to make each day memorable. Great snorkeling and superb food. My best trip ever! I would go anywhere with Gord and Ginny Thank you so much for all your hard work. Your attention to detail was amazing. We are so happy for this trip to remember you made it special!
Karen, Doug, Scott and Wendi, CHICAGO
Thanks Gord and Ginny for an amazing week away from the maddening crowd. We are grateful for your part of our great escape. WE WILL BE BACK!!!
The Lecamps, SWITZERLAND
Captain Gord and Ginnylicious - I will dream of this wonderful week for many years to come. Thanks for making it so fun, relaxing and yummy! -- Audrey Lecamp
Thank you both for a great week in paradise! The attention to detail and ALL THE WATER TOYS made this week FANTASTIC! Thanks Ginny for the amazing food and hospitality, and Gord for organizing our kayaks, paddle boards, windsurfs, skiing, wake boarding and sailing. Adventures beyond all of our dreams!
May the best of winds be in your sails and we hope to see you again soon either in paradise, or in Switzerland.
The Daughurtys, TEXAS
Arrrrrgghh! Darr I say twas times a gud had all by da mates and wenches on board da boat!
We truly enjoyed every minute of our trip on Copper Penny! Thank you for everything - the food was wonderful and we loved hearing the travel stories. You both took very good care of us and were excellent hosts! We had a blast and a wonderful honeymoon.
The Luetkemeyers Jefferson City, MO
Gord & Ginny, Thank you for an amazing, unforgettable week full of adventures and relaxing - the vacation of a lifetime! From the sailing to Willy T´s to Foxy´s and all the way to the Bitter End - it was all new to us and we will never forget it. And we will never eat this well ever again - the food was absolutely awesome. Thank you so much!
Karen, Rob, Kris, Kevin and Katie Saltiel, TEXAS
Thanks so much for an amazing Christmas adventure! We all loved the Christmas secret package game! Ginny, thank you for all the yummy food and for taking such great care of us! Gord, you are an amazing captain. Thanks so much for showing us the best of the BVI. We had so much fun and will NEVER forget this wonderful vacation!
Curt & Nikki, MN
December 2, 2013
Thanks so much for an amazing week. Ginny-your cooking is incredible and Gord-you made this such a relaxing adventure. We had fun learning about the BVI and playing games with Ginny. What a fun week with great friends and the best way to celebrate our 20th!
Bill & Darci IOWA
What an incredible way to celebrate our 20th Anniversary, right down to the special cake and champagne too! Thanks for sharing stories of your sailing experiences and your knowledge of the BVI. The snorkeling was unbelievable and the beaches were beautiful. Thank you Ginny for all the amazing meals you prepared for us. We had such a good time on the trip and will forever enjoy the memories.
Pat & Sharon
Cap´n & Chef Extraordinaire! Thanks for spoiling us with smooth sailing and exceptional food. This was a fantastic way to see the BVI. Your familiarity with the area made it all so much more interesting. The food and drink was plentiful and made us feel like royalty. We had a wonderful time thanks to you too! Happy Holidays!
Bob & Denise, DALLAS, TEXAS
We really appreciated the fine experience we had and a great deal of it was due to your outstanding service. Can´t tell you enough how impressed we were--I can´t imagine a greater crew in existence. You are both very fine people and we have the utmost respect and admiration for your skill and devotion to your craft.
I hope to see you again on the CP and if you´re ever in Austin, please let us know--you have a place to stay and we would love seeing you.
Ron and Heidi, Mike and Cindy, Hollyann and Aubrie
We would like to thank you for opening your boat and sharing this way of life with us. This was the trip of a lifetime for our families and would like to thank you for making it special. We will be back.
Uetrecht May 2018
Dawn & Jerry we cant thank you enough for your hard work in making sure we all were treated like Kings & Queens for the week.
Another OUTSTANDING TRIP.
Sonya Tucker PEACHTREE CITY, GA
Can´t say enough good things about Gord and Ginny. They were professional, fun to talk to, skilled in their own roles, and had a good sense of when to engage and when to leave us to ourselves. They were very safety oriented and knowledgeable about the whole sailing adventure. Gord and Ginny were great with wonderful experience and stories they could share about their travels around the world. They both focused on making the trip enjoyable for us. They made the trip what it was. Awesome. The food was outstanding. Ginny is not just a cook and first mate; she is a true CHEF! The meal presentations were beautiful, the food choices were varied, fresh and interesting. Outstanding cuisine! The sailing vacation was everything we had hoped for and more. We had a fantastic time and would recommend this trip to others.
Tina Aubuchon, WACO, TX
It was very reassuring to receive an email from Ginny prior to departure. She took care of our last minute dietary requests and made us feel that everything was in order for our trip. Ginny and Gord are your most valuable asset in this biz. Highly skilled and attentive to the needs and wishes of guests, we cannot imagine that any charter at any price could match the top drawer service and hospitality they provide. We are referring friends at every opportunity. Gord & Ginny planned our itinerary in a way that met the desires of our group. Because of their superior sailing skills, we enjoyed 3 weeks worth of fun and sights in only 1 week. Ginny prepared wonderful meals and snacks, accommodating difficult special dietary requests. The meals magically appeared at the perfect time, just as we were all ready to eat. Best of all the food was both delicious and healthy. Ginny and Gord made this an unforgettable trip of a lifetime for us - our best vacation ever! Ginny and Gord are a delightful and amazing couple. We treasure our special time together and new friendship. This pair is truly your best asset in this business!!! We are referring our friends at every opportunity, so long as Ginny and Gord are crew.
Irene Sanders, GRANDE VALLEY, ON
Everything was exceptional. Captain Gord and Ginny were amazing guides. They are seasoned Sailors and Gord´s expertise with handling the catamaran, his keen eye for weather variations, his expertise on the water, and his diligence in caring for his passengers is exemplary! Ginny´s ability to entertain and feed the guests is second to none. She is truly a gifted Chef in First Mate´s clothing! Ginny´s skills as a Chef are exemplary. She was able to maintain her duties as a First Mate as well as feed the people on board with excellent meal plans and presentation! It is because of Captain Gord and Chef Ginny that we will be back for sure! Their friendliness, skills, attention to detail, and overall love of the BVI made this the most memorable vacation for us!
Barry Power Elkhart, IN
Best crew out of 4 previous cruises. Extremely personable friendly professional. Like talking with a friend. Flexible and knowledgeable as adverse sea conditions required changes. Ginny is a gourmet chef extraordinaire, an amazing cook. As a cook myself I got some great inspiration for my future meals. She needs to publish a cook book.
Teri Stucki ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Five Star accommodations are jealous of ´The Ginny & Gord Experience´. My husband and I had the time of our lives sailing with Ginny & Gord! They are gracious, fun and delightful in every way. We quickly became comfortable with the hospitality and fun atmosphere created by our hosts. Our every wish was scheduled for us as we enjoyed breakfast each morning. Our days were filled with diving, snorkeling, land tours, entertainment and even quiet time to relax under the stars. Their sailing skills are expert and the food was fabulous. Honestly I cannot understand how 2 people could do so much. The level of hospitality and service they provided could not be duplicated by a much larger crew.
Gary Forster EDMONDS, WA
The BEST crew ever - we have comparisons and have sailed with others. Gord and Ginny were by far the most professional, capable, attentive, and wonderful crew we have ever had the pleasure to know and to sail with. The food was beyond great! Gords skills are beyond anything. Their relationship with each other and us was perfect. I cant say enough great and excellent things about them. I would never want to be with another crew!
Liz Kohler NORFOLK, VI
We had the time of our life sailing with Ginny & Gord! They are expert sailors and navigators. They are also extremely sweet and fun people, as well as very patient with difficult guests. We always had a great time, and we always slept well knowing Gord and Ginny had all of the sailing and navigation under control. Ginny is an amazing and creative cook. She prepares delicious meals with fresh and local ingredients. The crew are both excellent tour guides, and they took us to all of the best spots in the British Virgin Islands.
