Sail Away is a 2014 Lagoon 620 in pristine condition having just undergone additional refurbishment and upgrades. She is one of the few charter catamarans that can take 10 guests in 5 double cabins with queen beds and en suite bathrooms with seperate showers. She is beautifully equipped with luxurious furnishings and extensive electronics and is the ideal boat for families or groups that want a luxurious, comfortable and fast catamaran.
With respect to water sports, her tenderlift is an ideal sunbathing plateform while its 17" and 90 HP tender is perfect for waterskiing, wakeboarding and kneebording. Besides snorkeling gear, fishing rods with stand, she is also equipped with a flybridge with a cocktail table, cushions, mattresses and a bimini. For Sail Away's scuba diving guests, rendezvous diving can easily be arranged.
Sail Away is available for charter throughout the year. She is based in the British and US Virgin Islands from November through May and in the Grenadines (based in Grenada) June though October. Special arrangements have been made with the exquisite Scrub Island resort in the BVI to allow stress free pick up and drop off of charter guests, minutes from the Tortola airport at Beef Island, where they will be greeted and shuttled to Scrub Island by private launch and pampered as VIP guests with preferential care and exclusive discounts for any stay before and/or after charter.
She has a wonderful crew of 3 who will exceed all your expectations including a renowned chef who will amaze you with her culinary skills and carefully adapt the menu to any dietary restrictions.
Crew Profile
Captain: Leon Venter (61)
Leon & Wendy Venter
Leon and Wendy Venter are South African and Zimbabwe born. Both are outgoing and have a love for sailing and water sports, deciding to leave their corporate and business world behind in South Africa to pursue their love for the outdoors in the stunning Caribbean.
In South Africa, Leon had his own engineering business for thirty years plus, doing on-site machining for the sugar, petroleum, paper and marine industries in South Africa and other African countries. Leon has been sailing recreationally since a young boy and has always had a passion for the sea and diving.
Wendy was involved in the corporate world of Mercedes Benz, being on the financial side for several years and with the Barlows Group previously. Her love for the outdoors, sailing since a young girl with her family in Zimbabwe and then South Africa, as well as her love for diving, made their decision to re-locate to the Caribbean, an easy one.
Wendy and Leon have sailed extensively up the East African coastline on their own catamaran and have raced several Vasco Da Gama yacht races, from Maputo in Mozambique to Durban in South Africa. They have sailed their own catamaran from Durban on the east coast of Africa, around the tip of Africa, up to Walvis Bay, Namibia, crossing the southern Atlantic Ocean to St. Helena and Ascension. Upwards to Suriname in South America and upwards to the bottom of the Caribbean chain, to Trinidad. Leon has his Master of Yachts Offshore to 200 tons Captain’s license as well as his South African Coastal Skippers License. Leon is a PADI certified Instructor of several years and Wendy has her Small Powerboat and Rib MCA certification. Both he and Wendy have been in the charter industry in the Caribbean since 2011, working from St. Vincent and the Grenadines to St. Martin and then the British Virgin Islands. Leon and Wendy have sailed various yachts from the British Virgin islands to Florida and back to the Islands, loving the adventures the trips had to offer.
Leon and Wendy look forward to having you on board the luxurious Sail Away, to pampering you and tempting your taste buds with the delights from the galley, indulging you in your favorite water sport, whether it be diving and re-living the history of the Virgin Islands, snorkeling with the abundance of sea life, testing your skills at paddle boarding, kayaking and exploring the coastline with your partner or just simply relaxing on the trampolines, soaking in the sun.
Chef: Lisa Mead (44)
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 celebrities on board luxury yachts, in 5 star villas and restaurants. In addition to her time spent living in South East Asia, where she gained valuable experience with the local cuisine, if asked Lisa would describe her cooking as global, pulling from different cultures, using only the freshest of ingredients.
Currently Lisa is being filmed in her own cooking show as chef and host of a series titled: "Galley Gourmet With Chef Lisa".
Joining Sail Away in November, 2019: Mike And 1st Mate Lizzy Hill (46)
Mike & Lizzy have been sailing together for nearly 10 years, in fact they met as crew racing on a yacht! Together they have sailed around Greece, throughout Croatia, along the picturesque Amalfi coast and the timeless Riviera, and across the Caribbean. They have so far logged in excess of 30,000 nm & over 100 charters. Most of this time has been enjoyed on yachts providing luxury vacations. Welcoming guests aboard with a friendly, warm attitude & an eye for detail they consistently provide holidays of a lifetime for delighted visitors.
Having sailed from an early age, Mike’s passion for boating in general has gained him a wealth of knowledge on sailing & motor yachts up to 80’ long. He likes to pass on his enthusiasm to everyone aboard, encouraging and teaching others more about sailing. Mike has been lucky to have sailed in many areas of Europe and the Caribbean, including logging over 20,000nm in the last 4 years alone on crewed yacht charters. A great sense of humour combined with a professional approach, an open and relaxed manner, not to mention his skills behind the bar, ensures Mike gets guests to enjoy every moment aboard.
Following a degree in Outdoor Pursuits where Lizzy learned to sail, she travelled the world by land & sea. The experiences Lizzy had at this time influenced her expanding repertoire. She adding finishing touches at the prestigious Ashburton Chefs Academy in the UK, Lizzy now takes great delight in serving her charter guests and of course, sailing!
Layout
Menu
A sampler from Chef Lisa's Galley
B R E A K F A S T
Thick cut grilled sour dough toast, topped with middle rasher bacon, smashed avocado, poached egg and sprinkled with fetaBreakfast Burrito filled with scrambled cheesy eggs and bacon crumble, served with home-made salsa and plain greek yoghurt
Buckwheat pancakes filled with smashed banana and toasted pecan nuts, served with a choice of dark chocolate sauce or kailua infused maple syrup and a side of breakfast sausage or bacon
Breakfast Pizza - A traditional Italian pizza crust topped with buffalo mozzarella , egg over easy, caramelised onion and crispy prosuitto.
Fluffy Omelette with your choice of filling with a side of grilled seasoned vine ripened tomatoes.
Frittata filled with roasted potatoes, black forest ham, gruyere cheese and baby spinach, with a side of mixed sautéed mushrooms.
Thick sliced Brioche French toast stuffed with Apple strudel
L U N C H
Bang Bang Vietnamese Noodle Salad, tossed with Jumbo prawns, dried shallots, crushed dry roasted peanuts, bean shoots and fresh torn mint with a light lime, ginger, rice- wine vinegar dressing. (dessert - Mango sorbet)Fillet of Blackened Mahi Mahi on a bed of roasted garlic and sweet potato risotto with a Summer salad topped with beetroot chips.
Made to order traditional Italian thin crust pizzas served with a green salad and poppy seed dressing, (dessert - mini citrus tart)
A medley of pork, chicken and beef satays (marinated meat kebabs), served with mildly spiced coconut, peanut sauce, with a sticky rice and Gado Gado Salad served on a banana leaf. (dessert - mini chocolate chip cookie cake)Grilled Wild salmon on a bed of lentils,brown rice, shredded carrot and roasted garlic with and orange, manuka honey miso dressing served with a garden salad. (a slice of lamington cake)
Middle Eastern dishes - (a selection of mint and cumin lamb balls, falafel , tabhuli, tkziki dip, humus and oven warmed pita bread. (raspberry sorbet for dessert)
Gourmet Steak Sandwich with grilled wagu beef, served in a brioche bun with Red onion jam, Gorgonzola, arugula, and a side of apple slaw. (dessert - warm gooey brownies with vanilla bean ice- cream)
D I N N E R
STARTERS
Shot glass with chilled watermelon and basil soup.
Thai Green mango salad
Mini Goat savoury cheesecake topped with red onion jam
Pumpkin Soup with cracked pepper and infused with vodka
Ensalata Caprese Salad
Tiered Asian pear with crumbled Stilton cheese and drizzled with a lemony honey dressing.
Pan seared in brown butter, sea scallops served in a petite Chinese spoon with a mirin, sushi vinegar dressing
ENTREES
New Zealand herb crusted rack of lamb, resting on a bed of pearlised cous cous with spring vegetables and a drizzle of tamarind balsamic reduction.
Beef Rendung - ( Slow cooked Balinese dry curry), served with ginger, coconut infused basmati rice and a side of Asian salsa
Linguini zucchini with pistachio pesto Jumbo prawns topped with a Parmesan lace wafer
Pan seared Ahi Tuna encrusted with Japanese seasoning and sesame seeds, on a bed of soba noodles tossed in a wasabi Japanese mayo so sauce, with a garnish of Wakame seaweed salad
Porchini dry encrusted fillet mignon on a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes with a confetti of oven roasted grape tomatoes,leeks and shitake mushrooms, with a drizzle of Port wine reduction sauce
Grilled Caribbean lobster on a bed of traditional peas and rice with a pineapple relish, and plantain crisp garnish
Herb crusted pork tenderloin, stuffed with fresh herbs,onion and garlic, on a bed of potato galette stacks with a rosemary mango glaze and pan seared baby bok choy
D E S S E R T
Dark chocolate warm flour less chocolate cake with a raspberry coule
Sticky croissant pudding with dolce leche ice cream
Filo flower filled with Chantilly cream and Summer berries with a soft toffee swirl
Apple and rhubarb crumble with creme AnglaiseMini New York cheese cake topped with passionfruit glaze and persian cotton candyCaramelised banana spring rolls with Nougat ice cream.Mini tirimasu
Testimonials
What the guests said... Charter guests aboard catamaran SAIL AWAY wrote of their Easter week charter:
Early July, 2017, guests on catamaran SAIL AWAY said:
Just returned home from a fabulous family 7 day vacation aboard Vacoa. Our family consisted of 9 people ages 13, 14, 17, 18, 25, 27, 50, 59. Fun for everyone from the water activities, destinations, cocktails and the food, we could not have been happier! Captain Jason, Steward Lucy and Chef Louis, treated all of us with professionalism and enthusiasm. Every request was greeted with a smile. We can't wait to book our next trip aboard Vacoa! Thanks again for an incredible time!
Jennifer A. - Atlanta
Had a great time on board Sail Away. The crew was wonderful and the boat was a dream. From the great food and music to the beautiful waters and water sports, my trip with Sail Away was incredible. I would highly recommend this boat to anyone looking to enjoy sailing the beautiful waters of the Virgin Islands.
Charles S. - San Francisco
Just got back from being on this boat for a week! It was so much fun. The staff is extremely professional and courteous. If you've never been to the BVI's I highly recommend chartering this catamaran.
Meredith A. - Jacksonville Beach
Mid-June reviews for catamaran SAIL AWAY -
It was our first cruise with friends at the BVI, April 2017. We had an excellent holiday at Sail Away. His crew was fantastic, Jason the captain always open to give us destination suggestions and access our requirements, we did many fun activities with the dinghy, Angie, the best, an exceptional chef delights us day by day with exquisite preparations and the best ever always with a big smile, Lucy was a wonderful hostess kept us at all times solving any issue we requested, with the best encouragement and always cheerful. We had an amazing time at Sail Away and would love to go back.
Rosario B. - Santiago, Chile
Sail Away with our Chilean Flag. What an honor!
May / June guests on Sail Away said:
This is the second time that we vacationed on Sail Away with friends and we had another fabulous week with great weather in the BVI! The crew kept us busy with multiple destinations and activities daily; we loved Oil Nut Bay, Scrub Island, Bitter End and the remote bays where everyone had a blast with multiple water activities! Captain Jason did an unbelievable job keeping us very active while Chef Will was back in the kitchen preparing fantastic breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners! Lucy, the second mate, was a joy to be with, she made delicious tropical drinks, cleaned up after us and kept us entertained! A great time was had by all!
Wendy M. - Marco Island
Charter 02th to 09th of July, 2016, Tortola-Tortola:
Message for the broker : I have no words (which everyone will tell youis unusual for me J)! The guests had a fabulous time on SAIL AWAY. The comments keep coming.
“The crew was amazing and Christine was just incredible. We ate likekings all week. Claire and Xavier were so nice and wonderful. Thevacation was amazing! We loved every minute of it....the best vacation ever”.
“It was incredible! I’m readyto look for next year. Call me!”
January, 2017 guests aboard catamaran SAIL AWAY said
We chartered Sail Away in the BVI in January of 2017 and enjoyed every minute of it. The boat is a 620 Lagoon (our second trip on the same model) and I would not charter in the BVI on any other model of boat. The fact that the top deck can accommodate all 10 guests beats any other boat in its class.
The boat is in great condition and the salon and state rooms are well appointed.
Jason and Team did a wonderful job and the food blew away our expectations (which were high from our previous trip on another boat). I'd recommend getting off the boat for cocktails here and there but eating on board as none of the island restaurants can match the quality and presentation of the food.
They had plenty of sports equipment on board -- everything from water skis to wakeboard, to kayaks, to paddle boards, etc.... Full service boat with fantastic crew -- perfect match.
The boat is in great condition and the salon and state rooms are well appointed.
Jason and Team did a wonderful job and the food blew away our expectations (which were high from our previous trip on another boat). I'd recommend getting off the boat for cocktails here and there but eating on board as none of the island restaurants can match the quality and presentation of the food.
They had plenty of sports equipment on board -- everything from water skis to wakeboard, to kayaks, to paddle boards, etc.... Full service boat with fantastic crew -- perfect match.
Charles G. - Dallas
Charter 15th to 22th of June, 2016, Tortola-Tortola:
Comment from the broker:
I just wanted to send you an email and tell you how proud I am of Xavier and his crew on SAIL AWAY! He is such a pleasure to work with. My clients had the best trip ever on board with them.
Thank you for all your assistance!
Charter 17th to 24th of April, 2016, Tortola-Tortola:
This charter was by far the best I have been on to date...maybe it was the yacht? Maybe it was the crew? Both were amazing and better than expected. The yacht's condition was impeccable, the accommodations definitely met with our expectations, perhaps even better. We did not fully appreciate the upper deck of the yacht; I think we hung out there most of the time. We also did not realize we had a fourth crew member which was terrific! The crew was phenomenal. Xavier and Claire were so professional and accommodating to all of your wishes. Christine our chef was 5 star!! Every meal was delicious and special - what she was able to accomplish with such limited provisions was truly amazing. The final dinner our last night was a special treat - surprise Pirate Party!! Maxim was our 4th crew member and such a delight. He really took care of all of us...day or night!! The week went by so fast even though it was 7 days on a boat...we went to every location we wanted plus some. Xavier knew exactly when the best times would be for snorkeling, seeing turtles, exploring the Baths (when all of the people had left); he even knew how to keep us out of the stormy weather! We enjoyed hiking on the islands, tennis at two resorts, sailing at Bitter End and spa treatments on shore. They really did an amazing job keeping all of us happy.
Charter 19th to 26th of March 2016, Saint-Martin - Saint-Martin:
I just want to thank you for your advice and organization of my charter on board SAIL AWAY during our Easter break.We had a fantastic tour on board a great boat, run by a very professional, knowledgeable and service minded crew. My family and I enjoyed every minute and we will certainly come back in not too distant future. I can easily recommend this boat with existing crew to anyone that want to have a time of their life experience. Thank you
Charter 24th to 31h of January 2016, Tortola-Tortola:
Just a quick check in after a most delightful week on the water with great friends and a fantastic crew! The chef Christine was also ‘over the top’ on professional skills and food quality/presentation, and always pleasant and open to teaching us about her dishes and how they were prepared. As a business owner myself, I know it is important to get prompt and direct feedback and consider this a ‘100+’ score, simply blew us away! It goes without saying that the captain and crew had our comfort and hospitality in mind 24/7; and clearly a ‘crack’ sailing team.
Charter 08th to 18th of December 2015, St Vincent-Grenada:
Well done! SAIL AWAY and crew were perfect for our team of six non-adventurers. I have already recommended them to other friends. I know we will be in touch again next year.
Feed back from broker:
"My clients had a wonderful time aboard SAIL AWAY. Thank you very much to you and your excellent crew for an excellent charter!"
Charter 9th-16th May 2015 - St Marteen-St Barth:
Estimado Xavier,
Te envío como recuerdo dos fotos del grupo de navegantes argentinos, de la semana del 9-5 al 16-5-15. Hemos pasado una semana muy linda y nos hemos sentido muy satisfechos por las atenciones de toda la tripulación.
Un cordial saludo para los tres y espero nos podamos volver a re-encontrar.
Cordialmente.
Charter 19th-26th April 2015 - St Marteen:
Feedback from the broker :
« I finally got ahold of M. XXX to get a report on their sailing vacation in St Martin with Xavier and Clare and Christine on SAIL AWAY and he has only superlatives for the boat, crew and experience. He was ecstatic about the food, the service, Xavier’s energy and flexibility with doing water sports with the kids, playing DJ and helping guide the itinerary choices.
They said they wouldcharter that boat again with that crew. »
Charter 05th -13th April 2015 - Tortola
« Our charter has been sensational! Xavier is very skilled and knowledgeable, first mate Claire has been wonderful, and chef Manuela extraordinary, fabulous cuisine.
All of the crew work well together. Susan and I speak French with them, some Italian with Manuela, but they are all fluent in English. They have been particularly patient and helpful with the grandchildren.
The boat itself is super, but the setup of the bathrooms could be better, which has nothing to do with the crew, of course.
I am glad that we held out for SAIL AWAY ».
