Reach - Crewed Catamaran Charter

Wow, wow wow! Some of us have sailed more than others, but as a whole, this was our first extended multi-day sailing. As a group of land locked Canadians, we had very little in terms of sailing expectations. But that really didn’t matter much in the context of this review. In the end, the sailing, incredible as it was, ended up being only a small portion of the overall experiences that we enjoyed.

TO DAVID AND NAOMI
First and foremost, you are two of the most incredible people that we have had the pleasure of meeting. During our holiday, our group continually commented on how diversely accomplished and professional the two of them were. To achieve this at their young age, is only more impressive.

David skillfully navigated the boat allowing us to enjoy the pleasures of the wind, but also safely placing us in coves and harbours, and along island edges for snorkelling right off the back of the boat. We have never before enjoyed so much time in the water on any previous vacation, of any type. David also provided morning briefings and lectures on the surrounding areas, and meticulously maintained the boat when not at the helm. And let’s not forget Davids’s bartending skills! We could hardly wait for 5:00pm to approach, when we would be introduced to Davids’s concoction of the day! Delicious, beautifully prepared, and even topical to the day’s ventures.

Naomi, simply, is one of the most accomplished chefs that we have ever come across. All of us in the group have been fortunate enough to travel the world, and Naomi is definitely of a world class! The food was beyond delicious, used many fresh local ingredients, and had a presentation fitting of a red seal chef in a posh 5-star establishment. The fact that she created these mostly “scratch” dishes in a very small kitchen with limited tools, counter space, and ingredients that had to be procured a week in advance is a marvel on its own. Including a 5:00pm appetizer, Naomi was creating up to 4 unique and intriguing dishes a day. Everything about our trip was perfect, but if we were to identify the one item that surprised and impressed us the most, it would have been Naomi’s meals. We are not the type to take pictures of our food as it is served, but in Naomi’s case, that is exactly what happened.

David and Naomi worked together to keep the boat clean, organized, and safe. With all of their incredible skills, it is easy to overlook the most appreciated offering of the two, their hospitality. Much younger than us of course, but we truly admired the way the two of them interacted and shared stories with us about sailing in the British Virgin Islands as well as their previous encounters. They were friendly and caring to our needs, they joined us in evening conversation and joyful banter, and in only seven days formed a friendship that we hope will continue well beyond this sailing. There is so much more that can be said of David and Naomi, but I think this last sentence will be a good summation…. You are very lucky that we can’t think of anything to do with a boat crew, in the rural prairies of Canada, where the water is only liquid for part of the year, or we would have already stolen them!!!

You listened to our desires and put together a trip that far, far exceeded our expectations. The initial forms were simple to fill out, and now we understand just how carefully you used our information to customize our destinations, menus, and even our cocktails into a holiday that catered to our most whimsical fantasy’s. We originally thought that “& Beyond” was just a catchy little name, but upon completing our sailing, we now fully understand everything that your name implies. You are “way beyond” being a simple chartering company. You create custom tailored dreams and memories, unique to each client’s desires. Good on ya! What an incredibly well executed business plan!

TO THE OWNERS OF REACH
We don’t have a contact for you, but if appropriate, maybe the others can forward this on. What a beautiful boat. The most beautiful and well laid out that we have seen. This was our first Leopard, and I would think that all of the other manufactures must be watching them very carefully. The boat that you have offered up for charter was in perfect condition. It was tastefully decorated, had all the right amenities, and just the right toys to make our trip exciting. “& Beyond” are doing a great job of managing the boats affairs, and David and Naomi treat it with the love of their own. I would like to think that we also treated your boat with the appropriate care and respect that it deserved. I have to tell you one little story that demonstrates the depth of the appreciation of this boat. We were returning to the REACH by dingy following an evening ashore. While navigating around the other 50 – 70 boats in the harbour I said to David. “Which is the nicest boat here.” David did a quick scan of the harbour, but with a smile and the eye twinkle of a proud parent he quickly replied, “The REACH”.

TO OUR BROKER
You listened to our desires and put together a trip that far, far exceeded our expectations. The initial forms were simple to fill out, and now we understand just how carefully you used our information to customize our destinations, menus, and even our cocktails into a holiday that catered to our most whimsical fantasy’s.

To &BEYOND YACHT CHARTERS
We originally thought that “& Beyond” was just a catchy little name, but upon completing our sailing, we now fully understand everything that your name implies. You are “way beyond” being a simple chartering company. You create custom tailored dreams and memories, unique to each client’s desires. Good on ya! What an incredibly well executed business plan!

TO ALL OF YOU
Thank you so much for offering us a unique experience that has created life long memories and friendships.

Canada, Britain, South Africa, US and British Virgin isles.
Bringing worlds together!
Till we meet again!

Thank you for what could have been a difficult trip to a very enjoyable journey. Thanks for keeping us all safe and serving us amazing meals. this was my third trip to the BVI and THE BEST!

Our first time on a catamaran and you made this an amazing experience.
Thank you for everything

Absolutely amazing week! Everything from exquisite meals, to arranging our outings, to your wonderful company! You were even nice when Mike and I left our window open and soaked the linens.
Thank you for being the best host and hostess ever!

This trip didn´t suck!!

We are set to go home to a foot of snow and below zero temps - we will certainly remember this trip as the week we escaped winter in Nebraska!

Thank you for being exceptional hosts!! A truly amazing experience! The food was delicious and service was top notch.
Friendships for life were formed and many great memories were made - we couldn´t have asked for more!
Until we meet again....

Dave and Naomi
This week was AMAZING! Everything was perfect! The best week we would have imagined.
We are already dreaming of our next charter.

Thank you so much for everything you have done for us this week. From incredible, plant-based meals to unforgettable trips around the BVI´s, this week was not one any of us will soon forget.
We loved getting to know you guys this week, especially over intense games of Uno. You two are both so incredible, and we all feel so fortunate to have been able to experience this past week with you.
Thank you for your everlasting patience, supreme hospitality, and overall kindness towards us over this trip.
All of us were super excited when we found out we would be living on a boat for a week in the BVI´s, but thanks to you two, this trip rose way past any of our expectations. This was truly such an unforgettable experience that we will all treasure forever.
I am so sad to be leaving, but know that these past days have been some ot the most special of my entire life. We are so grateful for you and best of luck in 2024.

What a week!
I am having trouble deciding where to begin: The yacht was absolutely incredible - a floating 5 star hotel! Then you add on the 100% gourmet meals 3 times daily, all prepared incredibly, just the way we eat. The beautiful table settings....Don´t forget the RIDICULOUS cocktails. I used to think I was decent at preparing drinks...What a Trip.

The sights were incredible. Dave, you were an amazing tour guide. All the snorkeling, watersports, hiking, local knowledge...just incredible.

For sure a trip that me and my family will remember and reminisce about for years to some. I know that trips like this don´t just happen by themselves. ´Thank You´ doesn´t begin to express our gratitude for all your guys did behind the scenes for making this all happen. You guys are the best, we will be singing your praises to all our friends back in Cleveland. When we come back to the BVI´s you guys will be our first phone call.

Thanks again for an amazing week and best wishes to you guys in your future.
You are both incredible individuals and we lucked out having you as our crew!

Thank you so much from our family for such an amazing trip. Where to start.... finding new harbours and beaches, unbelievable food every day and every meal, first-time adventures on land and at sea, and lots of laughs until the late evening (and at White Bay)

Thank you again for being such great hosts and captains. Please let us know when you are up in the NY/CT area

Our week on Reach was HEAVEN!!! The views, activities, food, cocktails and unbelievably comfortable layout.
This trip has been added to our top 5 list.
Thank you so much for making it all so easy and deliciously relaxing.

We met the crew in the harbor at St Thomas . We had never done anything like this and to be honest we were super nervous about being on a boat with two strangers …and with our two teenagers who might not get along with …anybody!

From the moment we met David who helped us with bags, we felt a great connection. He was so friendly, outgoing and capable. While loading the first day, Naomi (his better half) greeted us with cocktails and a beautiful spread of snacks and food. The days and nights that proceeded were absolutely wonderful -it’s very hard to put into words but we had David and Naomi create a first class experience. They secured all bookings with the dinners ahead of time, booked the best spots to moor in the evenings, gave us rides back and forth to bars and shops we wanted to go to and always made sure we were safe and never had questions.

Naomi was a first class chef - she was a master of the culinary arts. Every meal was prepared at time when we wanted. It was pleasing to the eye and flavorful. Naomi is so sweet and pleasant -she was like a sister to my wife and a great (almost big sister to the boys) person for us to hang out with!

David was a perfect captain. Although he (both) was so much younger than us, we were so impressed with his knowledge of charts, wind and passage around the islands. He also traveled us around on the tender and became quite close to the boys telling tales of island history, plans for the day (breakfast briefing :) and making sure the water sports went off without a hitch!

We were so glad that they played cards with us-SEQUENCE and dominoes about every evening. We played other games as we traveled so it made it so fun for the boys (we restricted their phones for this trip…and made it waaaaay better )

Daivd and Naomi are some of the best people we have encountered in life - kind, caring, mature, trusting and knowledgeable. I had no worries whatsoever leaving the kids to snorkel or hike with my wife. They are truly great people. We came as a family and left with a bigger family . We LOVE REACH and we love our new friends even more!

It was a 5/5 star experience for us-we will be back sailing in the BVI and we would only do it with David and Naomi. Deeply appreciate you both !

Our family of 4 (kids are 12 and 14) had the best time onboard REACH with Dave and Naomi! We’ve been to the BVIs a few times before, but exploring the islands on the amazing 50’ catamaran with SUCH AN AWESOME CREW was absolutely the BEST!! We were able to explore BEAUTIFUL bays, EXCITING snorkeling and swimming spots (Maho Bay (STJ), Indians, Baths, Anegada, Caneel Bay (STJ)), and FAVORITE hot spots (Willy Ts, CocoMaya, Soggy Dollar), just to name a few!

REACH was such an amazing boat with space to chill and socialize! The flybridge was SO great to feel the breeze while sailing. We even learned a few sailing tips from Dave on our trip to/from Anegada! We also took advantage of the comfortable trampoline with bean bags and seating area on the bow. Plenty of space for full sun, full shade, or a mix of both!

REACH had loads of activities as well. The adults enjoyed lounging on the floating mat and paddle boards while the kids loved the sea scooters, tubing and knee boarding! The entire boat had plenty of space especially in the master cabin PLUS each kid had their own cabin with queen bed and bathroom.

The BEST part of our trip was the CREW! Dave and Naomi provided such a welcoming and relaxing environment for our entire family. They work so well together with such fun energy!

Dave planned a route that EXCEEDED all our wishes! He even found a way to accommodate water activities for the kids on the afternoon when mom and dad stayed a little longer at Soggy Dollar, making everyone HAPPY!! Each day, we landed in bays with great views and snorkeling. We were able to see turtles, rays, and loads of various fish, as well as amazing coral! He provided sailing tips for the adults with both of us taking the helm for a bit PLUS he was constantly entertaining the kids with fun activities!

Naomi was SO sweet and such an AMAZING chef! We love exhilarating food experiences and Naomi’s meals are WELL BEYOND 5 STARS!! She was able to create the most EXQUISITE meals accommodating the family’s food intolerances and preferences! Every meal was VISUALLY STUNNING and ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Our favorites were the stuffed pasta shells, pad thai and handmade spring rolls, beef short ribs, and poke bowls! We also loved the cocktails from both Dave and Naomi, especially the WONDERFUL surprise cocktails at cocktail hour!!

It was SO FUN hanging out with both Dave and Naomi and learning more about them! A few fun quotes from the trip (albeit some of these are inside jokes):

I LIKE TURTLES!!
YOU LOOK NICE! YOU LOOK LIKE YOU LIKE CHICKEN AND RICE!!
THIS DOESN’T SUCK!!

Thank you DAVE and NAOMI for making our first (but definitely not our last) family yacht charter such a MEMORABLE experience! We will miss you until we meet again!

What can we say but WOW!! That was a fantastic initiation into The BVI’s, REACH and the amazing and professional treatment we received from both of you!! The handling of all the details, including sailing and introductions to the different destinations, water sports, the timely refreshments and of course the delicious Naomi 5 star meals!

Our night out at SABA ROCK was like one big family and we enjoyed learning more about the two of you. Tyler and I will never forget our birthdays!

David was the best captain ever! Not only is he very passionate and good at what he does, but he was an awesome person to get to know and hang out with for a week. Highest recommendation.

Naomi was an excellent hostess - she’s a fun, bubbly and very hard working person. The food we had all week was delicious and varied - we were greeted with beautiful spreads at every meal and a great selection of different dishes. Naomi had a great presence on the boat and she was always busy with a smile, she made us feel very welcome on the boat and we were very well looked after.

Dave was an absolute gem, legend, and expert navigator. He made us feel very safe and comfortable, and managed every situation with calmness. While he was serious about safety, he also ensured that we had heaps of fun on and off the boats. I will 100% book him specifically next time I’m on charter.

Naomi could not have provided a better experience for me and tour group. Every meal was picturesque, our boat was squeaky clean every single morning, and she was always on lookout to make sure the group was safe at all times. We had Michelin level food all week while she had fun with us, cooked, cleaned and took care of everyone.

Dave & Naomi were 11/10.

Dave was an amazing captain! He was extremely knowledgeable and made sure to keep us up to date with what was going on. And he was also massive amounts of fun to be around all week long!
Naomi was the absolute best hostess and exceeded all of my expectations! All of her food was incredible. She made us a huge variety of fantastic dishes and accommodated any of our crew’s dietary restrictions. She was so friendly from the very start of our journey and always helped us to feel at home on our boat!