Experience a British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter aboard the 2014 Victoria 67 Catamaran Yacht LIR and enjoy the exclusivity of your own crew and personalised itinerary, discovering the Caribbean’s most beautiful treasures. Luxury charter yacht LIR is a 2014-launched Fountaine Pajot Flagship Class Victoria 67 catamaran, available not only for BVI yacht charter, but also in the rest of the Caribbean (and the Mediterranean during European summer season). Her Caribbean yacht holiday destinations include the US Virgin Islands, Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, St Barts, Anguilla, St Martin and many other fabulous islands and islets. We have spoken to LIR’s dedicated and professional Captain, Chris Stollery, who was kind enough to reveal what it is like to spend your vacation aboard a luxury yacht, and even talked to us about some of his personal experiences. Enjoy the interview below and don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and your own customised itinerary.
Victoria 67 charter catamaran LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
INTERVIEW WITH LIR’S CAPTAIN, CHRIS STOLLERY
Captain Chris Stollery talks to CharterWorld about the Berret Racoupeau-designed LIR catamaran, his years of professional experience as well as life aboard this fantastic vessel. The British Virgin Islands charter yacht LIR measures 20.44 metres (67 foot) and provides comfortable and stylish accommodation in four spacious cabins to up to eight charter guests in total. All cabins have their own en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, and feature contemporary and elegant decor. The vast open plan living areas, both inside and out, are ideal for relaxation and socialising with family, friends or colleagues. For endless entertainment and fun, she is equipped with a great range of water toys, such as diving and snorkelling gear, donut, wakeboard, paddle surf, kayaks etc. …
Victoria 67 charter catamaran LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
What was your first encounter with yachts and how did you begin your career in yachting?
I sailed with my family for pleasure until I was eight years old when my brothers introduced me to the dinghy class. Since then I have been involved with different projects as crew, in charge of deliveries, maintenance and trimmer during regattas.
When I was eighteen years old I decided that the sea was my passion, and a perfect way to keep travelling and meeting people around the world. For this reason I followed my career path for two years obtaining different commercial certificates, and today, I continue updating and upgrading my knowledge and certificates.
What attributes does one need to run a yacht?
The ability to connect with all kinds of people to make them feel comfortable.
Be positive and kind with guests, to create a nice atmosphere on board.
Show good manners at all times. Be a leader whom people trust onboard to conduct all kinds of activities.
Entertainment and team work are key within the crew for success.
Victoria 67 charter catamaran LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
There are many aspects to working as a Captain on a Luxury yacht. What is the most pleasurable part and what, on the other hand, is the most challenging?
The most pleasurable part is showing people amazing places on the sea, the inland or under the water, and observe how they enjoy their holidays. It is challenging to please everyone and to be lucky with the weather.
Can you tell me about the most memorable or magnificent experience you have had on the water?
The most recent experience was after a perfect sailing day from Capri to the Aeolian Islands, just arriving at the Stromboli Island with a fantastic sunset at our stern and seeing the constant flowing of lava coming from the crater toward the sea ahead of us.
Last year in Montenegro sailing the salt water lakes, where we felt as if we were sailing in the fjords. We also really enjoyed diving around the wrecks from the Second World War.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As an active person I love to go with Natalia to wild places to practice Kite surfing, diving, find various adventures like renting a bike to discover new and different places and things to do. I also like to meet local people to share experiences with and have fun.
You work together with Natalia Sanchez, Stewardess and a talented Chef. Can you introduce her to our readers and charter guests?
Natalia, without a doubt, is the person on board who naturally loves to take care of all the small day to day idiosyncrasies, starting by connecting with guests to please them right from the beginning. Regarding Victoria 67 Catamaran LIR she is always giving that little touch to the interiors to be seen by the guests as if each day was the first day of their charter.
In the galley she is a real surprise due to her love of cooking based on the fresh food found daily wherever we might be, to complement the main dishes. As she has a strong background in catering she can improvise all week in different ways depending on each day’s needs or likes of the individual guests.
In the water she loves to teach people using the wake board, snorkel or jump into the water to tighten the stern line to a tree. Natalia always goes with the dinghy to find the local markets, to buy fresh food in the mornings and during sailing she helps me with everything, including skippering when needed.
In a few words Natalia is a joy on board and always smiling.
Victoria 67 luxury catamaran LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
LIR yacht spends the European season in the Mediterranean and moves to the Caribbean for winter. What is your favourite place in both of the destinations?
In the Med the top one has to be the Aeolian Islands in Sicily and Montenegro in the Eastern Mediterranean as an interesting destination with plenty of things to see and do. The Balearic Islands are also a fantastic place for a yacht charter.
In the Caribbean the British Virgin Islands as a well-organized place with a lot of different itineraries for a week’s charter, depending on the guests’ preferences. Grenadines are a great destination for guests whom prefer the wild and natural habitats.
Victoria 67 charter yacht LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
For those less experienced in yacht charter, what can guests expect when embarking on a holiday aboard LIR? Can you describe a typical day aboard charter yacht LIR / how do you determine a yacht charter itinerary?
First of all, we greet our guests with a really nice welcome cocktail, then we introduce ourselves, explaining our roles as a crew, followed by the captain. We continue with a safety briefing explaining how to behave on board a vessel at sea. We need to find out if any guests have allergies so that they can inform us of the best way to assist in case of an emergency.
Before taking them to their cabins, establish if any guests are sensitive to seasickness to allocate them the stern cabin.
Normally, before dinner, we talk about my suggested itinerary so that the guests can discuss this during dinner.
The following morning, during breakfast, I normally take the chart to the table to explain my initial plan and be ready to change it according to our guests’ suggestions. Following this I would set up a plan for the week, showing them the weather forecast and making sure that they are aware of the fact that if the weather changes the itinerary might change as well; this is to avoid possible misunderstandings during the week.
Before setting off, I will invite the guests for a swim to cool down and get used to the local sea conditions.
Normally on the first day I do a check dive for the divers, so that we are ready once we have arrived at the nice spots.
Lunch should be light and fresh, followed by an afternoon sailing, water sports, beach time, dive or siesta before cocktails.
Dinner time is when guests will find the cockpit and dinner table properly dressed.
After dinner we usually offer drinks, followed by the crew going to bed. Normally, for safety reasons, each night one of us will stay up until the last guest has retired.
Then improvise day by day by asking and recommending the options of each island, cove, village etc., and change the itinerary according to the weather conditions.
Would you recommend LIR to families with children as well as couples holidaying with friends?
Yes, why not, we love children and we are prepared with different equipment for them. We have experience with different types of charterers, from couples that don´t know each other to groups of guests invited by the company where they work or just families, friends etc…
What activities would you suggest for families with small or teenage children?
We have water sports for all ages excluding diving. When the child/children are older than 16 years and depending on the situation, I can, as a fully qualified dive instructor, conduct a Discover Scuba diving program. In addition we have plenty of films, games etc…
Victoria 67 charter catamaran LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
What would you say to clients that never chartered a yacht and are considering it, as opposed to staying at a luxury resort or a hotel?
On a boat there are many aspects that make a big difference as opposed to a hotel. Just arriving at the marina, where the boat is waiting for her guests, is a fantastic and more personal experience. The crew is ready and waiting for you, and that feeling of exclusivity and luxury is priceless.
During the entire trip guests will not need to organise any visits to places they would like to see, adventures to be part of nor take care of their dinner bookings. On board LIR, the crew will take care of all the guests’ needs at any time. LIR is well equipped with amenities and water toys, where guests can enjoy water sports, diving, snorkelling, going to the beach for a picnic or just relaxing in the hammock with a cocktail.
With reference to the food, LIR has a high quality galley where the chef cooks to the same standard as a luxury restaurant on land. There is no need to go out, unless of course the guests wish to go ashore.
The crew is well trained and qualified in all aspects, so that guests will receive an exclusive and professional service.
Holidays at sea are a totally relaxing experience where, in one week, there is enough time to satisfy almost everyone’s wishes and expectations.
A yacht can, for example, access coves that would result impossible to reach from land and the landscape is constantly changing during a yacht charter, compared to staying in a hotel in one place the entire time.
Victoria 67 charter catamaran LIR suite - Photo credit LIR Yacht
What do you think makes LIR unique, compared with other catamarans on the market?
What makes LIR special is the happy and totally professional ambience on board the most beautiful catamaran designed and fitted out to date. LIR is also the latest Fountaine Pajot Flagship Class Victoria 67 yacht and she was designed by Berret Racoupeau. At the moment it is the second unit afloat and possibly the only one offered for charter, as well as being a brand new catamaran launched in spring 2014.
“It could not be better. Chris – Great captain, smart, well-educated knows the area and very helpful. We saw much more things than last time we’ve been here. We owe this to Chris. Natalia – We never ate so well before. We had good chefs before, however, Natalia did a great job every day through the whole charter. She is a great chef and very nice! Steward – Connor is very helpful and friendly. Great team and nice cat! Maybe it was the best crew we’ve ever had.“
Charter Guests chartering Catamaran LIR in Italy, July 2014
Anegada - Photograph credit to BVI Tourist Board
A FEW WORDS ABOUT BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS YACHT VACATIONS
British Virgin Islands are located east of Puerto Rico and northwest of the Leeward archipelago, in the popular winter yachting destination, the Caribbean. BVI yacht charter is characterised by relaxed sailing around the world’s finest sailing destinations, snorkelling and diving in the crystal clear waters or simply enjoying the sun, light warm breeze and the tranquil sandy beaches.
Jost Van Dyke, a small and picturesque island, is amongst the most popular islands to visit on a BVI charter yacht vacation. The island is a perfect destination for those wanting to escape the busy holiday resorts, boasting lush green forests teaming with wildlife as well as white sandy beaches.
Virgin Gorda - British Virgin Islands - Photographs © BVI Tourist Board
Tortola, representing the main island of the British Virgin Islands, is famous for great tourist attractions and its natural beauty. Thanks to the island’s volcanic origins, Tortola is defined by rugged spine formations that merge with lesser ridges that undulate towards the sea. It is a treasure trove of natural wonders and breathtaking panoramas, and a great place to depart and explore other nearby destination including the Norman Island, Peter Island, Virgin Gorda, Marina Cay or the above mentioned Jost Van Dyke.
Situated 4 kilometres from Tortola, Peter Island is a good place to enjoy nature trails and hiking, in addition to scuba diving and snorkelling. There are various turtle species that survive in this region as well as other underwater wonders. For dining, there are a number of fine restaurants offering a good selection of international cuisine.
Devil's Bay National Park - Virgin Gorda - Photographs © BVI Tourist Board
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, Virgin Gorda is another sought after destination for a British Virgin Islands boat rental. This tranquil island is not frequented by very large crowds, thus offering pristine coastline with beautiful azure waters and fantastic beaches. It is renowned for some of the finest beaches around the world!
On the whole, BVI offer unforgettable holiday experiences and undoubtedly the best way to enjoy its numerous heavenly islands is by embarking on a yacht rental. Follow the link for more detailed information about Caribbean yacht vacations and don’t hesitate to contact our experienced brokers to find out more about chartering catamaran LIR or any other vessel that best suits your budget, style and desires.
Victoria 67 charter catamaran LIR - Photo credit LIR Yacht
Note: Victoria 67 Catamaran yacht LIR will be present at the 2014 Antigua Charter Yacht Show, to be held from 5th to 11th of December. Please, contact us for the possibility of viewing this outstanding vessel.
