Permabear Description

This brand new 2023 luxurious sailing catamaran, PERMABEAR, is definitely a fine example of what Bali can design. As you step on board in to a beautifully appointed cockpit, complete with teak floors and dining table for ten and a comfortable lounging bench, you immediately realize what a unique charter experience you are about to have. As you make your way up to the flybridge you’ll be blown away by the amazing turquoise water with 360° views and enjoy the up-close view of the sails. It’s also a great place to read your favorite book or a favorite spot for appetizers and cocktails at sundown. The main salon is comfortable and luxurious with open spaces and natural light fed by all the windows surrounding you. All five guest cabins are spacious with large windows and offer plenty of natural light. For your comfort, there are 3 cabins with queen sized beds and 2 twin cabins (1 that converts to a king) each private baths with dedicated shower stalls as well as flatscreen TVs and a stereo system for both central and individual cabin control. The high level of finishing throughout every cabin reflects the luxury that you would expect from a yacht of this caliber. With all the different areas, PERMABEAR is show-stopper and has enough amenities for everyone to enjoy!

Cruising Area of Permabear

Pref. Pick-upSt. Thomas, USVI
Other Pick-upTortola, BVI
Summer PortSt. Thomas, USVI
Winter PortSt. Thomas, USVI
Summer OperationsCaribbean Virgin Islands
Winter OperationsCaribbean Virgin Islands

Accommodations

Guests10
Cabins5
Crew2
Queen3
Twin2
Showers5
Wash Basins5
Heads5
TP in HeadsNo
Electric Heads3
Accommodation Details
2 twin cabins now convert to kings so we have the capability for 5 couples

Crew sleep in a queen in the starboard aft

Specification

Length54 Feet
Beam29 Feet
Draft5 Feet
Built2023
A/CFull
A/C NightYes
Sun AwningYes
HammockYes
DeckshowerYes
Bimini TopYes
Num HatchYes
Guest SmokeNot onboard
Children AllowedYes
Min Child AgeWater Safe
InverterYes
Voltages110v
Ice MakerYes
Internet AccessOnboard WIFI
GeneratorYes
Max Speed9
Cruising Speed8
Turnaround48 hrs preferred, Inquire for
Engines2x Yanmar 4JH80 (80.00 HP) ONAN Genset generator 21,5 KW 60hz with soundshield and remote control 110 V

Water Sports

Dinghy (Feet)Highfield
Dinghy Hp20
Dinghy Pax8
Snorkel GearYes
TubeYes
Wake BoardYes
Standup Paddle2
Swim PlatformsScoop Steps
Boarding LadderStern Sugar Scoops
Fishing GearYes
Other Toys
4 Stand Up Paddle Boards, Snorkeling Gear, Floating Circle with net, 1 Subwing, Big Maple Seated Towable, Large Inflatables, Wake Board, Fishing Gear, Floats

Scuba Diving Scuba Diving Symbol

ScubaYacht offers Rendezvous Diving only
Air CompressorNot Onboard

Entertainment

Salon StereoYes
iPod/Device HookupsYes
CDsYes
Other Entertainment
ELECTRONICS: Raymarine Electronic PACK including : Pilote auto P70S, GPS plotter AXIOM 7´ , MULTI I70S, VHF
RAY 63 + VHF RAY MIC at steering station, AIS receiver transmitter, 12 ´´ full touch screen at
steering station

Cuisine

Din-in10
Special DietsInq
KosherInq
BBQYes

Green Initiatives

Make Purified Drinking WaterYes
Re-Usable Water BottlesYes

Permabear Crew Profile

Crew Number2
Crew SmokeNo
Captain
CaptainEd Irwin
NationalityUS
Chef / First Mate
Chef / First MateErin Irwin
NationalityUS


Capt. Ed Irwin
I guess you can say I have spent most of my life trying to get lost in the outdoors. Born in Newfoundland, Canada I spent as much time as I could outside, fishing the streams for trout and getting lost in woods. As a small boy I would drive my mother crazy by wandering off only to come home with pockets full of the fish I caught, or birds and small animals I captured that I wanted to keep as pets.

I have enjoyed back country camping, hiking, canoeing my entire life. The Boundary Waters lakes and portages one of are my favorite places to get lost in. To ride my motorcycle, lightly packed for finding remote fly-fishing streams, not really having a destination in mind, is my perfect get away.

I grew up on the small lakes of Northern Illinois, driving to school in my small motorboat. The first time I was on a sailboat I instantly fell in love with the simple act of the wind taking my boat anywhere.

After sailing Lake Michigan for many years, Erin and I created a plan to take off on our own boat and sail to as many places of the world that we could. We found an abandoned Cape Dory 36 and rebuilt it and outfitted it for long distance travel. Years of hard work paid off in a beautifully restored and perfectly outfitted classic sailboat that allowed us to live our sailing dreams.

We have sailed and lived aboard our boat for the past 4 years. We have sailed the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake, off shore from Norfolk around Bermuda to the Caribbean. We then sailed back north to Maine, sailing “down east” for the summer and headed back down the eastern seaboard to head off shore again to the Caribbean.

We have spent the past 2 seasons in the Virgin Islands, US and BVI exploring and finding amazing coves, anchorages, becoming PADI scuba certified, and learning why everyone says that once you make it to the Caribbean- you don’t want to leave. I am looking forward to showing guests why the Caribbean is a sailing paradise.

Chef Erin Irwin
My childhood playground was Tower Marina in Saugatuck, MI. My family bought a River Queen houseboat when I was 10 and we spend every weekend and all of the summers until I was 18 playing on Lake Michigan’s waters. I loved everything about being on the water and was always the first and last one to jump into the water, no matter what temperature!

I am always up for an adventure and tend to do life in a bigger than life way. I am nearly 100% Irish and definitely have the gift of gab and will tell stories all day. I am a care taker, the oldest daughter of a big family, mother of 5 kids, a nurse/midwife for 25 years, and as professor for a good part of my life I am a natural teacher.

When cooking for my family I wanted them to have a healthy diet. Most of our meals were whole foods from our garden, cooked from scratch. My cooking style has an emphasis on a healthy balance of the Mediterranean foods, Asian cuisines, and comfort foods that are adapted to healthy, but rich versions. I have spent a good portion of my life in Chicago, and have become an obsessive foodie, constantly searching for the perfect meal at the perfect restaurant which is an endless quest that has taught me so much about the experience of eating well.

As the oldest daughter of a big family , and the mother of a large family, I was always the center of planning family gatherings and parties. I love finding unique themes and creating relaxed, special-moments and memories together. Ed and I have found the outdoors, especially sailing, to always be the perfect setting for finding that moment to connect to each other, but to something bigger. It has always been the best stage for us to find joy, peace, adventure and excitement and we want to share that.

We especially look forward to having families find that elusive real time together. There just isn’t anything like being on a sailboat to allow for everything else to fade away and be connected to the people you love. We can’t wait to help others find that perfect spot- that perfect moment that will be a memory that holds forever.


Very Friendly Oboard Dog ´Gus´

Meet Gus, our adventurous Cairn Terrier, a seasoned sailor of the high seas with over 30,000 nautical miles under his belt! At five years old, Gus is not just any yacht dog; he´s a true sea-faring companion with a tale that includes befriending a dolphin and a baby in Long Bay 9. With a love for kids, Gus is the perfect family-friendly crew member, known for his super quiet and well-behaved nature. Despite his loyalty, Gus has a cheeky side - mention cheese and sausage, and he might just be tempted to jump ship! Always up for an adventure, whether it´s a serene paddleboarding session or exploring new shores, Gus embodies the spirit of nautical exploration with a wagging tail and an eager heart. Gus has lots of friends ashore if you choose not to vacation with him.

Permabear Calendar

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Permabear Reservations & Port Locations

Start DateEnd DateDetails (Holds can be challenged)
Apr 15, 2024Apr 25, 2024Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI*
May 03, 2024May 06, 2024Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI*
Jun 17, 2024Jun 23, 2024Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI*
Jun 27, 2024Jul 04, 2024Booked: Red Hook, St. Thomas, USVI* to Yacht Haven Grand
Jul 14, 2024Jul 21, 2024Booked: Yacht Haven Grand to Yacht Haven Grand
Sep 01, 2024Nov 08, 2024Unavailable: Unavailable to Unavailable
Nov 09, 2024Nov 16, 2024Booked: St Thomas, USVI* to St Thomas, USVI*
Nov 20, 2024Nov 29, 2024Booked: St Thomas, USVI* to St Thomas, USVI*

Permabear Rates / week

The prices shown are for the entire yacht for a week-long (7 nights) charter. Inquire for lowest rate.
Low price: $31,700
(normal rate)
High price: $36,000
(normal rate)

Permabear Special Offer!
Discount: 10%!
Offer: Permabear is offering a 10% discount for charters booked and completed by April 30th, 2024. Cannot be in conjunction with any other specials.
Old price: $31,700 - $36,000 / week
New price: $28,530 - $32,400 / week (Save: $3,170 - $3,600 / week)
Minimum nights: 5
Travel before: Apr/30/2024

Season2 Pax3 Pax4 Pax5 Pax6 Pax7 Pax8 Pax9 Pax10 Pax
2023/24 Winter$32,000$32,500$33,000$33,500$34,000$34,500$35,000$35,500$36,000
2024 Summer$32,000$32,500$33,000$33,500$34,000$34,500$35,000$35,500$36,000
2024/25 Winter$32,000$32,500$33,000$33,500$34,000$34,500$35,000$35,500$36,000
2025 Summer$32,000$32,500$33,000$33,500$34,000$34,500$35,000$35,500$36,000

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.

ADDITIONAL RATE DETAILS


​​BVI COMPLIANCE FOR THE 2023/2024 SEASON
Cruising Grounds: ​​British Virgin Islands & U.S. Virgin Islands
​Pick Up/Drop Off: St. Thomas or Tortola
Yacht: BVI-Based
Crew: Permanent Annual Work Permits
​BVI Customs & Cruising Permit Fees: Included

LESS THAN 7 NIGHT CHARTERS: For 6 nights divide by 7N X 6N. For less than 6 nights, divide by 6N X number of nights.

MINIMUM NIGHTS: 5

HALF-BOARD OPTION: Includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners, happy hour canapes, standard ships bar and snacks. Other meals ashore at client expense.
2@$31,700 | 3@$32,050 | 4@$32,400 | 5@$32,750 | 6@$33,100 | 7@$33,450 | 8@$33,800 | 9@$34,150 | 10@$34,500

LOCAL FARE OPTION: Includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners, happy hour canapes, standard ships bar and snacks. Other meals ashore at client expense.
2@$31,850 | 3@$32,275 | 4@$32,700 | 5@$33,125 | 6@$33,550 | 7@$33,975 | 8@$34,400 | 9@$34,825 | 10@$35,250

SLEEP ABOARD: Available for half of the daily rate. Includes boarding after 4pm, snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast. Dinner ashore is additional. Select option upon booking. EXCLUDES: Christmas and New Year´s weeks.

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS: 7 night minimum, VIRGIN ISLANDS
CHRISTMAS 2024: 1-10 pax $44,000
NEW YEARS ´24/25: 1-10 pax $45,000

Permabear Guest Reviews

March 2024

Best vacation! Boy, we needed something, this was it! Thanks to the Erin and the magical appealing Captain Ed! Amazing food! Thanks so much!

March 2024

We have had such a great time aboard. This was truly incredible & it became our home. Thank you for teaching me to sail, it is so fun!
If you need a co-captain, let me know!
Abby, learned that strawberry days are never thing
Tracey, Still don´t like sharks

´Anytime you need a chaperone, let me know!´

March 2024

We appreciate everything! You knew that we needed when we did. Amazing meals & more adventures
Glad to have been the reason for the Titanic Ride.

February 2024

Erin + Ed,

I truly cannot think of a better way to celebrate Wilson´s 40th birthday - in a beautiful place with family, friends who are like family and a crew who became one of the best of this trip and we are so blessed to have had this experience. Thank you for allowing us to really ´let go´ and making us feel so special and taken care of. Until next time... because there will most certainly be a next time!

With Love,
Megan + Wilson Schultz

February 2024

Ed + Erin,

Thank you for making this trip the absolute best one of our lives. Words cannot do justice to describe how wonderful every aspect of this charter was - the sights, the food, the conversation and the overall FUN. We are forever grateful to you both and are already looking forward to a return trip. Until then, give Gus some belly rubs for us.

❤️, Travis + Mallory Bowling

February 2024

This was the best vacation I´ve ever had! The bar has been set for this loser ski patrol! Remember to always be kind to a child, Rita´s cheese, and to not let your guests swim through the devil´s **, I mean bay. Thanks for everything, we hope to see you again!

Alex Myles

February 2024

Amazing Trip. You an Ed definitely added to all our laughs. Food was amazing ERIN!! And everyone looked up to Ed as the all-knowing. The gentlemen want to be Ed when they grow up. This trip will be unforgettable. A lot of the thanks goes to you! Thank you ED & ERIN

Robyn Mays!

February 2024

February 2024

What an amazing trip this has been. For the first time since I have had children, I was able to fully relax on a vacation. You all took care of everything and allowed us to fully enjoy all of the different activities and sights. Fishing, snorkeling, taking in the views, and the amazing destinations have made this a vacation that may be impossible to beat. Thank you for everything you did and can´t wait to do it again.

Will and Megan
Anai

February 2024

ERIN + ED, FEB. 24

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY. YOU ARE A HUGE REASON THAT WE HAD A GREAT TRIP. ED MADE RUNNING THE BOAT LOOK EASY. ERIN DID A WONDERFUL JOB IN THE KITCHEN. RHONDA & I ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU BOTH FOR MAKING WILSON´S 40TH PARTY SO MEMORABLE.

TIGHT LINES,
RHONDA + COREY SCHULTZ

July 2023

Previous Boat Reviews:

I wanted to reach out and let you know what an amazing trip we had aboard Katrina. Erin and Ed were so friendly and welcoming from the beginning! We had the best vacation with them! Erin is an amazing chef and put so much care into making sure everyone is well fed with fresh healthy food! My 3 adolescents are tough in that one has a gluten allergy and one is vegetarian and the youngest is still growing 15 year old needing extra food often! (We appreciated that She had a basket of snacks refilled and readily available while Ed kept the cooler iced and stocked with everyone’s favorite drinks).

The dinners were gourmet 3-4 courses and we enjoyed them so much that we requested many of the recipes so we could try to replicate them at home.
Erin also took such pleasure and has a true artistic flare to presenting the food and decorating the table with different table settings each day! We looked forward to her daily theme! We also looked forward to the drink of the day! Which was often accompanied by an afternoon charcuterie board. The local flowers that were adorning the boat enhanced the welcome atmosphere from the beginning.

Ed was such a safe and watchful captain, keeping an eye on everyone as they boarded the boat and snorkeled each day to ensure safety. He was also very aware and protective of my dad who is in his 70’s and loves to snorkel! He was quick to pull out the pool toys (noodles, paddle boards, splash pad and snorkeling gear) at every destination and we enjoyed all of it. They know the area well and directed us to the best snorkeling locations, were well equipped with reef safe sunblock, and also transported us ashore for some great hikes and even a beach day with a sun tent. We were comforted by Erin’s nursing background in taking this multigenerational family trip and felt safe in their very capable experienced hands with the threat of a storm early in the week!

Our family loves playing games and did so daily and there were plenty to choose from aboard the boat.

I should mention a few problems that they handled for us. The first night before we even left the yachting harbour, I dropped my flip flop in between the boat and the dock and ED was so quick on his belly to grab it- I was impressed! My 15 year old son dropped his air pods in a crack next to his bed and they ended up falling in the bilge!!!!!! We tried to stop both Erin and Ed from taking apart the room but they did so anyway after we disembarked and met us in Charlotte Amelie to deliver the saved AirPods!!

This truly was the best vacation we have ever gone on and we are already trying to find another week to sail with Erin and Ed!

We are experienced sailors but have never taken this sort of trip
Before and realized quickly how crucial a good crew is to the success if the trip.

June 2023

Erin and Ed, Thank you so very much for a wonderful week of sailing, exploration and incredible food! Your hospitality was above and beyond as well as your attention to all the details. You both made us all feel welcome, comfortable, well fed and cared for. We enjoyed getting to know you both and look forward to the next adventure!

June 2023

Erin and Ed, we thoroughly enjoyed the week. You were perfect hosts. The food was exquisite and plentiful. I really appreciated Ed´s role as captain extraordinaire. Erin was so helpful to Andrea and I dealing with an awkward medical condition that came up! The sailing was great and the site selection was excellent. Overall, the two of you were amazingly accommodating and quick to ensure that all of our desires were met. Thank you!

June 2023

Thank you for an amazing trip! Hoping this encourages our kids to take all the adventures in life..they loved it all! This is one of my favorite places on earth (made better by boat). The snorkels, hiking, sailing...it really doesn´t get better then this topped off every night with the most amazing desserts. Thank you Chef Erin. We will be back.

June 2023

Thank you Captain Ed, Chef Erin, and SV Katrina for the most memorable 40th birthday celebration throughout the BVI. From snorkeling in caves to exploring The Baths, playing fun games in Maho Bay to claiming Pickly Pear island our own (and in the rain!) - we had an absolute blast. Erin - your cooking/bartending skills earned praise (better than our meal on Saba rock, even!) and you should consider joining the next cast of Bake Off. Ed thanks for literally sharing the helm and teaching some of us to become captains of our own! It´s a trip we will never forget!

May 2023

Ed and Erin, this has been one of our favorite family vacations thanks to your hospitality! The food was spectacular and so was Ed´s honor! Such a perfect combination of relaxation, snorkeling, hiking adventures, laughter, family gams, and naps. We all enjoyed this so much! We have for the last few days been trying to find some days and trying to find some dates where we can come back and do it again. This is definitely one of those trips that was so valuable to us. You can´t put a price tad on! Thank you thank you thank you! We will see you in Maryland soon for crabs!

May 2023

The ´man overboard´ maneuver to save a hat and dive from the dinghy to save a pair of sunglasses were very much appreciated and shows your commitment to ensure the safety and happiness of all (human and material objects) aboard! Taco had amazing adventures and felt all the love - we cannot wait to return. Ashley and Dan can´t wait to put their new sailing skills to use in the future and continue the fun with your game - hysterical memories in the midst of maho magic. Thank you for the delicious food, delightful drinks, incredible adventures, beautiful sights, perfectly appointed boat, entertaining conversation, sailing lessons, outfitting/personal styling, and providing relaxation on another level! We will miss paradise and feel very grateful for this trip and opportunity to get to know the both of you.

April 2023

Dearest Ed and Erin,

We have been coming on this trip since 1991, sailing et al. This trip by far exceeds all previous sailing journeys we have experienced. Everything fired on all cylinders. From the awesome crew to the leisure, attention to detail, and wisdom of the team. Bar none every day was better than the previous. We have never chartered through a broker. [broker name] paired us with {management company] which included Ed and Erin. [Broker name] described the crew to a T and was attentive and dependable through the entire trip. We have to give a shout out to having a fabulous intelligent nurse onboard which provided security which provided help for everyone from seasickness and bands for relief to advice regarding other needs. Erin was and is nurse extraordinaire! Don´t miss Leverick Bay for a fun night of pirate entertainment. ON this trip we saw and witnessed places and things we had never encountered previously.thanks to their advice and guidance. Captain Ed is the master of the sea navigating with speed and agility. Erin looks up to him in awe ´cause he is the leader we all adore. Erin is the culinary queen, her dishes are a sight to be seen. Her flavors are bold and full of life. A true artist with a kitchen knife. We´re coming back forever and only with Ed & Erin @ the helm Love it! a little bit of heaven,
Sandra, Bruce, Amy, Dane, Danie,& Ken

April 2023

It´s been one very special week! What a unique experience to spend seven days traveling the beautiful US Virgin Islands! Ed and Erin, you were so kind and accommodating in every way. You made us feel truly welcome and completely pampered. Amazing food all day, every day a the chance to choose our activities for the day were any travelers dream! We loved our game times with you both, our new, dear friends! Blessings and safe travels.

April 2023

Ed and Erin, thank you for everything, the great food, the snorkeling, and all the help you gave me Ed. It was a marvelous experience and I especially enjoyed with all 6 of you.

April 2023

Capt. Ed and Chef Erin – Many thanks for the amazing trip! We loved the awesome parts we stayed at, the fishing and snorkeling! You gave us a great gift of time on Gods great creation that we can´t forget! Blessings

April 2023

Thank you for a wonderful week in paradise! You made the experience perfect! We are headed home to start saving for the next trip with you! The dark and stormy´s are the best! Come see us in Texas!

March 2023

Marc, Carla, Aidiya, and Connor spent a spectacular week on S/Y Katrina. The crew was attentive and skilled. We enjoyed great meals, awesome cocktails and scratch made treats that will leave our tummies pinning for the time we spent here. We spent our time snorkeling, laughing, hiking, playing games and star gazing. We watched our beloved Texas longhorns clinch the men´s basketball Big 12 championship and advance to the field of 32 in the NCAA tourney. We celebrated the 1 year anniversary of 2 kids we love very much and we also celebrated a belated 52nd birthday. This is our 3rd vacation of this kid and Ed and Erin are the BEST!

March 2023

Captain Ed and Chef Erin,

You make a great team on SV Katrina. This made our week long trip amazing. Everything from the details and flexibility of our itinerary to the delicious food prepared and presented onboard, to your expertise and knowledge on the water, to your openness and respect for allowing us to have our naked cruise and truly feel comfortable, you provided us an experience that we will not soon forget.

SV Katrina herself is a beautiful, well-kept vessel with plenty of well thought out spaces for relaxation. Her owner should be very pleased with how you care for her. We thank you both so very much for making our first time in the BVI´s very special.

January 2023

Erin & Ed, thank you for such an amazing week. Katrina is a great boat, but you two make it excellent. The food was incredibly delicious, for every meal. Each day of our trip jus got better and better under Captain Ed´s guidance we always felt safe and secure. We all wish you the best finishing this season. And know our paths will cross again.

January 2023

Captain Ed & Erin, thank you for such a lovely, memorable week! We loved every minute and your wary hospitality was truly icing on the cake. We cant wait to host you in Austin someday! And we for sure will be seeing you again! We will miss you so much as we will the blue water. Gratefully!