Great Adventure - Crewed Catamaran Yacht Charter

We would have had a blast with Conor and Taylor on a rowboat.

Our charter started well before we stepped on the boat with a comprehensive conference call with the crew. Conor and Taylor set a time to catch up for about an hour to talk through everything from activities to provisions. They also set up airport transportation which was a timely and professional delivery to the dock.

On our arrival day, Taylor and Conor greeted us at the boat with some bubbles and the orientation began. Both were extremely professional, informative and clear about how to get around the boat and what was off limits. We had tons of questions being newbies and they were very patient with us.

The boat was in pristine condition – every inch spotless, not a single thing out of place from what I could tell. Being one of the smaller boats we could book, I was expecting way smaller accommodations. Didn’t feel cramped at all. They did an excellent job to keep it tidy throughout the week.

A few things we learned about the crew along the way that might be helpful info in their bios – impressive facts, although understandable they don’t boast about it because they are pretty humble folks. The kind of humble that buys their guests a round of drinks for his own birthday (this happened). I believe Conor was a Sailing Junior Olympian and used to DJ. And Taylor spent some time honing her skills in NYC cooking schools and won an award at a yacht show for her appetizer. If anyone is apprehensive about a younger crew, might be good info for them.

More about the crew…Both are relatively young but bring some amazing experience for their age. Conor made us feel safe and comfortable at all times. There were a few challenging anchorages and dockings that he nailed. Being on and driving boats my whole life, I was amazed how precise he could be. We asked tons of questions about everything and he was extremely knowledgeable on things from tree species, island history and wildlife – and of course all things sailing. But also respectable, when we rarely stumped him, he wasn’t shy to say “I don’t know” and took it as an opportunity to look it up for the next time someone asked him. Classy. It was clear that our safety was priority #1 as he was courteous but firm if we did something or touched something we weren’t supposed to (damn newbies, didn’t happen too much, though hopefully).

Taylor always had the biggest smile on her face – such a fun person to be around and has the most contagious laugh. With all of us being pretty big cooks, it took all we had in us to respect the kitchen rules – which hopefully we did?! But we did ask a ton of questions on techniques, ingredients and hopefully shared a good tip or two with her. Every meal was precisely prepared, thoughtfully paired and seasoned to perfection. I couldn’t get over what she was able to accomplish in such a small galley. Her knowledge of food, ingredients, techniques and presentation were really impressive for a chef of any age.

Both have amazing personalities and are great judges of character which made the experience so much better. Everything from knowing the perfect music to put on, what cocktail to make, what types of jokes to crack all made us feel so comfortable. Once they got to know us (which didn’t take long), they adjusted the itinerary to perfectly match our interests. They made a huge effort to blend in seamlessly with our group and really make us feel like at home on the boat. Little surprises here and there were such personal and thoughtful touches. It really made the trip. We could tell how much work, preparation, planning and physical effort it took to keep food coming to the table, drinks cold and the boat comfortable and safe. But they just made it look so easy like they weren’t even working – and having a good time. Made us so happy.

It’s a boat – so things go wrong, it’s expected. Sometimes your true character shines through in adverse conditions. Although we weren’t on board, we witnessed the Great Adventure nearly getting hit by an amateur Moorings “sailor” multiple times – and they handled it with class and professionalism. Conor and Taylor probably saved a few other boats from getting hit too. We also had a small issue with the water maker aboard – which they explained clearly, honestly and remedied the situation very quickly. It’s easy to be calm and happy when things go right, but it’s clear our crew could probably handle some pretty gnarly situations and keep the boat and guests safe if a serious issue arose.

The boat was remarkable, but the crew made the trip. These two are awesome and we’d book with them again in a heartbeat!

Carrie & Ryan

Richmond, VA

April 2018

Dear Captain Conor and First Mate/Chef Taylor:

Well, we’re back to reality—the rainy, cold Pacific NW—but, three weeks later, still savoring our amazing adventure with you and our friends on the “Great Adventure”. Every aspect of the voyage was a fun and a memorable experience, thanks to you two and the glorious Virgin Islands and their people. The “Great Adventure” is a beautiful, well-designed and safe vessel, and under your management, we had no cares. The sailing, both on the big boat and the Hobie cat at Virgin Gorda, was a joy. And the gourmet food--Taylor’s meals were artfully presented and delicious.

Thank you for making our Caribbean experience a truly “great adventure”! Happy and safe sailing to you, and if/when you find yourselves in the Pacific NW, please look us up. We’ll get the gang together, eat well and reminisce.

God Speed, Conor and Taylor!

We just finished a remarkable week sailing on the Great Adventure with her wonderful crew, Captain Conor and Chef Taylor. The boat was first rate; beautiful, comfortable, safe, and well equiped with all imaginable amenities. The Caribbean, although recovering from the hurricanes of last Fall, is still amazing and welcoming. Rebuilding is well underway, the people are warm and seem very happy to resume hosting tourists, and the natural sights remain stunning.

Our crew was outstanding and a major part of our enjoyment of this vacation trip. Both Conor and Taylor are very hard working, attentive, and very focused on providing their clients with excellent service and care. Conor is so knowledgable regarding the region, the boat, navigation, and the destinations within the Virgin Islands. Taylor is an amazing Chef providing healthy, beautiful, and delicious meals. Together they are hospitable, professional, and very enjoyable people to be around, Our experience with them was, in fact, great (as in Great Adventure)!

Hope your next charter is off to a good start, also hoping that our paths will cross again soon,

Bruce

We were very pleased with both the boat and Taylor and Conor! The provisions were plentiful and they paid such close attention to our preferences. As I´ve shared we´ve been on four of these trips and after a bit of time for reflection off of the boat, Taylor and Conor were the best overall crew we´ve had. The food was so well cooked and consistently fantastic. We have a picky son who refuses to try anything beyond basic meat and breads...Taylor had a version of each meal special for him and was able to get him to try something new at most meals - the kid tried asparagus! She was very attentive and easy to talk with throughout.

One other note, our son has asthma and peanut allergies, and we were very concerned about medical facilities after the hurricane in the crazy event he needed it. We did not need any medical attention, but after sharing that concern with Conor and Taylor prior to the trip, they identified for us every facility that was open and what services they were providing. This gave us a greater level of comfort heading into the trip and was really above and beyond on their part.

Conor was equally as attentive to what we were liking or wanting to do and was flexible with the trip agenda throughout. We stayed longer where we wanted and left earlier when we wanted and he adjusted. Given that we´ve bounced around those islands a few times before, we are a bit of a challenge given that we´ve done most of the ´go to´ spots. He put us on fish, octopus, shark, turtles and lobster...we saw everything this round!

The boat was the smallest we´ve taken but it didn´t feel like it at all. The front lounging area was the best layout of any we´ve seen...so comfortable for the sailing and sun rise and sun sets. The bathrooms were the most functional we´ve had as well. The deck where we had most meals was very spacious and comfy.

Some of our favorite destinations on land were in different states of repair. Foxy´s was receiving people but was really not in shape to do so. We were glad to drop in and buy a few things to help but we didn´t stay long there. Everything under the water was the best it´s every been; the life was everywhere!

Finally, Anegada was the definite highlight for this trip. Conor got out exploring the island with us and we had the most amazing two days. Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay were both like post cards - beautiful and interesting. The Wonky Dog was our only meal off the boat and it was fantastic, at Taylor and Conor´s recommendation.

Overall, this boat and crew provided an amazing family experience. Conor and Taylor both have interesting stories and do a great job of balancing being in the group and also allowing personal (family time for us) time.

Highly recommend!

The S. family