Operating in the Caribbean
At Anchor
Al Fresco Dining
Sun Loungers & Jacuzzi
Outdoor Screening
Swim platform
Saloon
Saloon
Dining
Master Cabin
Guest Cabin
Guest Cabin
Guest Cabin
twin cabin
Bathroom
Bathroom
Tender
Stefan and Chloe - a BVI boatshow best in show runners-up crew couple - are intuitive creators of extraordinary health and wellness journeys. They have 7 years’ charter experience together and have been loving, living and sailing together since the day they met; 15 years ago outside a supermarket in Bali at midnight! They have clocked up enough miles to circumnavigate the globe a couple of times and stopped counting miles or dives years ago. They sailed their own yacht from Australia to the Caribbean before joining the world of crewed yachting.
Stefan, Chloe and the rest of their crew orchestrate a beautiful oasis for ultimate relaxation with your friends and family onboard Kings Ransom. Everything they do reflects their core values of integrity, heart-led communication, humility, excellence and authenticity. They offer a wide range of client-centred fun and uplifting activities aboard for guests to choose from - from watersports, such as e-foiling, diving and wakeboarding – to daily yoga practice, breathwork and icebaths (Chloe is a yogini with over 20 years’ experience). The crew love hosting dinner parties, underwater games, treasure hunts, murder mysteries, sip & paint, chocolate & rum tasting, fish ID challenges, trivia nights, horse-riding along the beach or even bonfire barbeques. The unique atmosphere curated aboard means that guests arrive as clients but leave as lifelong friends. If you are celebrating an extra-special occasion such as an engagement, anniversary or birthday and want a unique charter experience, Kings Ransom is definitely the right pick for you!
Captain Stefan Huebbe is a German Master Mechanical Engineer who has worked in aerospace, automotive and major civil projects. He has sailed all oceans, designed and built his own houseboats and is also a well-respected technical author and consultant on boatbuilding. He is an optimistic, open-minded, can-do, hands-on kind of guy, who creates an upbeat atmosphere for the guests and sets the tone for the rest of his crew to deliver the best charters filled with magical lifetime memories.
Commercial RYA Yachtmaster with >50,000nm sailing experience as captain
Masters in Mechanical Engineering
PADI Dive Instructor
Wakeboard & E-foil instructor
Emergency Response Instructor
Advanced PADI Freediver
Kite-, Wind- and Wavesurfer
Soundscape musician
Speaks German, English & Spanish
Chloe Salder used to be a university professor and has a background in project/event management and teambuilding. She is a part-time retreat leader who is passionate about wellness, education and the environment. As Purser and First Mate aboard Kings Ransom, she creates a bespoke, individualized service that goes above and beyond just incredible food and cocktails. Chloe’s attention to detail, intuition, maturity, flexibility and creativity makes every guest feel especially special and every charter seamless and wonderfully unique. Chloe creates a space for guests to feel truly seen, heard and surrounded by genuine warmth with next-level customer service.
Certified RYA yoga therapist (over 20yrs experience)
breathwork, free movement and meditation coach
PADI Rescue Diver
Musician, Astrologer, Dancer
Speaks English & Spanish
Lisa Mead – Celebrity Chef (Joining at the end of January, 2024. Prior to this, a very well-known guest chef will be joining the crew – please enquire for more info). Originally from Queensland, Australia, chef Lisa Mead has spent the past 25 years cooking between Australia, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. She has created epicurean delights for all walks of life including royalty, heads of state and a whole host of celebrities aboard luxury yachts, in 5 star villas and restaurants. Her gastronomy is inspired by her time spent living in South East Asia and her repertoire is certainly global, drawing from a variety of different countries and cultures, using only the freshest of ingredients.
Lisa features in her own TV show as chef and host of a series titled ‘Galley Gourmet With Chef Lisa’. She also has a podcast ‘Tales from a Luxury Yacht Chef’ and cookery book ‘Fine dining made easy – Galley Gourmet with Chef Lisa’ . Lisa is very flexible and creative in all aspects of her life and work. She enjoys dedicating time to guests and hosting sip and paint parties, chocolate/rum- tasting or even cooking workshops.
Sarah Doyle completes the crew as Deckhand /Stewardess /Dive instructor. Previously she worked as an Education and Event coordinator at Canada’s largest indoor aquarium before teaching scuba in Italy, Mexico and Bahamas. She is interested in Engineering and also holds a captain's license. Her love for the water and inherent kindness shines through in her interactions, as she finds joy in sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. Her love for the ocean is matched only by the desire to ensure everyone's enjoyment and safety. With a heart set on fostering positive experiences, she is dedicated to creating a space where everyone can bask in the wonders of the sea while feeling secure and content.
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Emergency First Responder Instructor
Photographer/videographer
Commercial Yachtmaster 200 tons license
Speaks English
Kings Ransom Sleeps 10 in 5 cabins
All cabins have:
En-suite bathrooms with separate frameless shower doors, wash hand basin and electronically operated toilets.
The beds are at knee level with walk around access
Luxuriously appointed wood and leather
Hanging and storage cupboards
Individually controlled air conditioning
Opening hatch
The Master cabin has a king size bed, spa bath, walk in closer and remote controlled blinds
The 4 Guest cabins have queen size beds (one converts into twin beds)
Day visitors bathroom
Crew/Captains cabin have separate companionway, heads and shower
Fan mail for the crew of KING'S RANSOM, from guests aboard in mid March, 2015 -
Pete, Niki, Martina and Daniel,
We want you to know that our cruise was the BEST EVER trip we have ever taken. It was a blast!
I can't believe I was worried about the children running out of things to do and our family being too close for a week to ever speak to each other again. Quite the opposite!
You kept us moving discovering,playing, sightseeing,shopping, doing card tricks and eating (Oh yes, we did enjoy eating at breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner).
You kept our itinerary running smoothly for the whole family - all ages, all interests and all already formed ideas. A time for everybody and that's not easy! You never disappointed, only impressed.
We hope to catch up with you one day and continue our new friendship. Best of luck on the Med and on your new boat. Keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Bobby, Mary, Bonnie, Tom, Thomas, Connor, Mary Louise, Reese and Gracie.
I can’t say enough how amazing of a trip this was…like I said “the trip of a lifetime I want to take again next year!!!” Thank you for sharing your skills with us, from cooking, setting tables, sailing and the general ways of the BVI seas, it was absolutely phenomenal. There were so many great moments along our 9 night journey it is hard to pick only a few. New experiences for the kids and us, seeing the kids learn without being instructed was great…there was such a natural element to their understanding in this part of the world. Thank you for being so patient with the kids and for making everything so special.
We ate at 5 star restaurants every night (thanks Niki), slept in the lap of luxury (thanks Martina), had the best tour guide by our side every moment of the day (thanks Pete) and access to all we could ever ask for (thanks Dan)…all while having the kids with us!!!
A truly special vacation! I am already looking forward to the next time!
Sincerely Joe
31st July 2014
The Fully Combined Holiday Experience-take 2
This has been an absolutely fantastic holiday. It has fulfilled our wildest dreams (and believe us, we have some pretty wild dreams!). As we leave you and set off for our return journeys we thought we would leave you with some parting thoughts as a homage to the various wonderful crew members…
Martina…your cocktails are second to none, the beds appeared to be made by magic in the morning, and your massage was as good as they come…a wonderful hostess!!!
Dan…thanks from the three divers for some amazing under water experiences, also your patience on the water skiing and ability to get us up in the end, and for the endless supply of water toys put out for our pleasure.
Niki…it has been amazing to visit so many beautiful bays, each remote but with our own a la carte restaurant on every one. A special thank you for the spectacular cake to celebrate 26 years since the honeymoon in St Lucia.
Pete…from leading dives to sailing instructor, you really do it all. We enjoyed sailing the boat under your watchful eye, thank you for being a wonderful captain and looking after us so well.
To all the crew, thank you for sharing some wonderful, funny and touching moments. We were particularly impressed with your willingness to join in our silly games and you have left us with some very special memories.
27th June 2014
Dear Pete, Niki, Martina & Daniel,
What an amazing week! Thank you so much for making every moment of this trip fantastic. I really could not have dreamed of having such a great crew.
From our early morning runs (great company Pete) to the dives with Dan, hot dogging, tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, sailing the hobie. It was all just excellent. Something for everyone!
The great massages, facials and even mani-pedis-thanks Martina!
And what awesome food! Niki, every meal was just great.
How well you managed to keep everyone happy and entertained! It was a vacation we will all remember…
We will see you next summer in the Med!
Christy
4th June 2014
Dear Captain Pete, Niki, Daniel & Martina,
I knew that this was going to be an amazing trip but I honestly couldn’t have foreseen how wonderful it really was.
The Kings Ransom is a beautiful catamaran-so luxurious and comfortable with all the lovely amenities, but I couldn’t have anticipated the fun, adventure, comfort and warmth your personalities and efforts provided. You made this absolutely spectacular for all of us. The children had the best times of their lives and so did the adults.
It takes very special people to be able to do that and I can’t tell you how much I am grateful to you all.
18th April 2014
April 2013
We had a wonderful time!!!!
Love love the crew! They were fantastic. Harley had two ear infections and the crew was so wonderful with her. Just can't say enough. Niki is a wonderful chef. Food was fantastic. We enjoy every morsel.
The BVI'S were just breathtaking. The perfect recommendation in both....Kings Ransom and BVI'S.
The boat was not only perfect but so much fun. Thank you for that!!!!
We are not home yet, we are all travelling American Airlines and the entire airlines shut down. We are stuck in San Juan for the night.
The trip was one we will never forget and will have many wonderful memories.
Thank you again.
Best Regards,
Rhonda
From guests aboard King's Ransom in mid-February, 2013:
I can say without hesitation that last week was the best vacation that my family has ever been on. The boat was georgeous but the vacation was made by the crew. Pete and Niki were amazing, the food was delicious and we were fortunate to have Ron and Anya Paxton (the crew on the Marmot) on our boat as additional crew. They all made us feel at home and there was not a desire that wasn't taken care of. I highly recommend them to other families.
You may be hearing from us for next year!
Patty
January, 2013 flotilla charter
‘’I am happy to report that the 2013 charter was extremely successful and, after fourteen consecutive programs involving yacht charters, this one was possibly the best yet according to many of the repeat guests. A great deal of coordination, cooperation and willingness to help on all fronts was shown by all the crews and Pete and Niki did an excellent job both before and during the charter. Their thorough attention to the details of the charter and the needs of all the guests plus their helpful communication was much appreciated. Their enthusiasm and often humourous attempts to engage the other yachts in friendly competition helped foster a fun spirit throughout the catamaran fleet.
It is well known that this charter places a great emphasis on dining and, with guests switching yachts for dinners, stimulates a good natured and unstated competition amongst the yachts. Niki and everyone on King’s Ransom did an outstanding job and received great comments from both their “home guests” and those that visited for dinner on the dine-around nights. This feat is not to be taken lightly considering the “competition” throughout the fleet.
We have received emails and letters from the King’s Ransom guests saying how wonderful the crew were and how happy they were with the yacht, the meals and the service.
King’s Ransom and her crew did a great job throughout the program and I will be pleased to provide positive references and recommendations for the yacht and the crew. We will be pleased to have King’s Ransom, Pete, Niki and the crew on future charters for these and any other clients.
Thank you again to everyone in the King’s Ransom family for such excellent service.’’
''The King's Ransom Magnificent! BVI magical! The food-delicious and beautifully presented BUT the crew 'tops the lot'. Thanks a million for a fantastic time'', Liz & Mike - January 2013
''I could not imagine a better place, better people or a better boat on which to unite as a family. You have helped us enjoy each other and our precious family time together-a rare gift. For the rest of our lives we will remember each of you and how easy it was to be with you and the wonderful care you took of us. Thank you so much for your expert sailing, your great sense of humor and your excellent taste in music! We had a wonderful vacation thanks to your efforts.'' The Fisher family, Christmas 2012.
''The crew of this ship has shown our family love, respect, patience, and generosity. We will be forever grateful for your endless ours of hard work in order to give us the trip of a lifetime'' Thanksgiving 2012
Name: Patricia
Yacht: S/V King’s Ransom
Date: August 4-11, 2012
Comment on the comfort onboard King’s Ransom:
- If we were to rate a from 1-10 it would be a 10, it was excellent
Comment on the condition of King’s Ransom:
- The boat has excellent conditions
Comment on the cleanliness of King’s Ransom:
- No problem at all spotless
Comment on the congeniality of the Captain and crew:
- Very attentive
Comment on the service of the Captain and crew:
- Excellent
Comment on the fun aspect of the Captain and crew:
- Very fun and accommodating
Comment on the expertise of the Captain and crew:
- Excellent
Comment on the quality of your meals:
- Top Notch
Comment on the presentation of your meals:
- The presentation where just excellent
Would you charter this yacht again? (Circle one) (YES) NO
Guests aboard KING'S RANSOM in July, 2012
Thank you both very much for creating a very enjoyable atmosphere, your services were very professionally carried out and we cannot think of anything that Yourselves and/or Andy along with Sara could have done to improve the enjoyment of our treasured vacation.
Niki: the food “Quality” “Taste” “Services” and “Presentations” were excellent, you provided what we asked for and gave us many options to choose from, perfect choices from a perfect Chef
With some Children as Guests, “Banter” was more or less a perquisite of the package, but the banter that you both gave to the Children was clever and thoughtful, and it came across as, you both genuinely enjoying your success at making some Children’s eyes and mouths wide open.
We as “Well Travelled Grand Parents” are fully aware that we should have left all “Table Clearing” away to you and your Crew, many times you all reminded us that it was part of your service, however, irrespective of how much we paid for the charter neither Hazel nor I, wanted the Children to lack the courtesy of a “Helping-Hand”
Pete: based upon our day to day dealings, you are definitely a “Class Act” you made us feel very much at ease, and secure in the knowledge that we were in very safe hands.
Your Parents must be very proud of you; we have never regretted not having a Son; however one in your mold would have been a blessing (“Yes Yes” Niki, roughly speaking you would have made a great fourth Daughter).
I have not mentioned Andy or Sara much above, as a separate letter is going to them, it goes without saying that they both served you well, With regards to the Children, Andy’s entertainment efforts were well over and above the line of duty. His interaction with us was excellent.
Sara provided the “On Board Services” that as Guests we could not have asked for a more thoughtful, mindful person to look after our needs
Thank You once again for giving all our Family memories that will be treasured for the rest of our lives
Safe Sailing, have a well-earned holiday back in England, Niagara Falls is only sixty miles from our home so if next July/August you would like to visit us please do not hesitate to email us, only cost to you- your airfares, VIP upon landing & leaving our nearby Toronto International Airport.
Best Wishes
Hazel & Chris
Ontario, Canada
Guests aboard KING'S RANSOM in June, 2012
We hope your charter lived up to your expectations. We would love to know some of your impressions about your yachting vacation. Please answer the following questions and add any comments you may have.
1. Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
We were never told "no".
2. Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
The yacht was beautiful, spacious, and very clean.
3. Was the yacht well ventilated?
We had AC on all the time. Never felt hot.
4. Was the food good and well presented?
A gourmet meal every time!
5. Did you like the area you sailed?
Yes, we told the Capt. where we wanted to go and even though we did not have a lot of time he made it happen.
6. Could we have helped you further in any way?
There were some questions that VI Sailing did not know the answers to.
7. May we post this review on our website?
Yes
8. Additional comments on your charter?
The crew made the trip. This is definately a "Can Do" vacation. They were extremely accomodating and friendly. We had 3 small boys and they were VERY upset when the trip came to an end. We will definately be coming back!