Crew Profile
Captain: Ben Raley
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.
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.
Layout
COPPER PENNY can accommodate 6 guests in 3 cabins. The Master cabin has a queen size bed, shower and toilet. 2 Guest cabins each have a queen size bed, shower and toilet. COPPER PENNY is fully air conditioned through out. Crew has a separate heads and shower.
Testimonials
Early March, 2020, guests on catamaran COPPER PENNY said:
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
May, 2018, charter guests aboard catamaran COPPER PENNY with Jerry and 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.
Early March 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!
Additional Comments:
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.
March 15
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, TEXAS
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, MONTANA
How can we top this! It’s 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 Ginny’s 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, MONTANA
March 10
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!
Ginnie, Kat, Caroline and Lindsey, TEXAS
March 2
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!
Nancy & Sharon, Jan & Kim, Cecilia & Beau
Feb 22, 2014
Thanks Gord & Ginny so much for a terrific week in the BVI. The food and presentations were worthy of a 5-star restaurant! Your hospitality and professionalism was exemplary. Thanks for taking us to great places for entertainment. We are a group of old friends and we now consider Ginny & Gord old friends also. Having travelled the BVI before, we appreciated things we’d never seen before and new adventures. Thanks for helping us make great memories. We look forward to cruising with you again very soon. Love you guys.
Kevin & Tammy Doring, Dudley and Susan Katz, John & Jeannine Chatham
February 3, 2014
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!!!
Karen, Doug, Scott and Wendi
CHICAGO
January 24, 2014
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
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, paddleboards, windsurfs, skiing, wakeboarding 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 Lecamps
SWITZERLAND
January 6. 2014
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 Daughurtys
TEXAS
December 28, 2013
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!
The Luetkemeyers
Jefferson City, MO
December 20, 2013
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!
Karen, Rob, Kris, Kevin and Katie Saltiel
TEXAS
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!
Curt & Nikki
MN
December 2, 2013
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.
Bill & Darci
IOWA
December 2, 2013
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!
Pat & Sharon
IOWA
November 2013
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.
Bob & Denise
DALLAS, TEXAS
November 2013
What a fabulous week! Everything was absolutely perfect - from the cocktails to the dinners - from snorkeling to the beachcombing - and everything in-between. Thank you for a terrific time! Truly a memorable week with old friends and now new ones in you both. Ginny...your company and cooking (oh my!!) is without compare. Gord...is there anything you can't do? We're grateful to you both. We will return again and again!!
Suzanne and Jeff Potter
TEXAS
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.
Sonya Tucker
PEACHTREE CITY, GA
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.
Tina Aubuchon
Waco, TX
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!
Irene Sanders
Grand Valley, ON
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
Barry Power
Elkhart, IN
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.
Teri Stucki
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
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! Gord’s skills are beyond anything. Their relationship with each other and us was perfect. I can’t say enough great and excellent things about them. I would never want to be with another crew!
Gary Forster
EDMONDS, WA
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.
Liz Kohler
NORFOLK, VI
