More Specifications
Flag:
USA
Homeport:
BVI, St Vincent
Yacht Permit:
1
Yacht License:
1
Other Entertainment
Yacht offers wifi onboard, not to be used for streaming
Water Sports
Dinghy Size:
12 ft. tender
Kayaks 2 Pax:
No
Dinghy Hp:
30
Floating Mats:
No
Swim Platform:
Yes
Water Skis Adult:
No
Boarding Ladder:
Yes/Stern
Water Skis Kids:
No
Jet Skis:
No
Beach Games:
Yes
Wave Runners:
No
Kneeboard:
No
Windsurfer:
No
Snorkel Gear:
12
Scurfer:
No
Wake Board:
1
Paddleboard:
2
Seabob:
No
Sea Scooter:
Yes
Crew
Grant Surtees
Born and raised in Durban, on the east coast of South Africa, Grant lived around the water and mountains experiencing all aspects of the outdoors while growing up. Family vacations and weekends where spent taking part in water sports, fishing and riding off-road motorcycles. After finishing college he started a career in sales for Land Rover & Jaguar. While the company car was a great perk, he soon realized that he longed for the outdoors.
Looking for opportunity elsewhere, he gravitated towards yachting. Having a strong background with water sports and boats he found no difficulty adapting to that new life style which began in the South of France working on super yachts. He then made the move to the BVI working on catamarans and realized that the interactions with guests and being apart of something bigger, someone's happiness and memorable moments was really what drove him.
Outside of yachting, Grant's other passions are kitesurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing and golf. He looks forward to sharing those activities and stories with guests.
CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster sail 200T
• YT Master of Yachts 200T
• Open water PADI1
• RYA Personal Watercraft/Jet Skis
• RYA Power Boat 2
• MCA Yacht Rating
Ulrika Fredrikson
Ulrika was born in the northern part of Finland. As a child she would often go sailing with a family friend and was always fascinated by the sea. Every summer Ulrika spent months in the Swedish archipelago at her grandmother's villa. Her grandmother grew everything herself: a variety of different food crops, vegetables, herbs, fruit and berries. Her grandmother hosted countless beautiful family feasts that brought the whole family together. This experience built the foundation to Ulrika's interest in food and cooking at a young age.
While Ulrika was in high school, she went on an exchange year in Thailand where she spent the year living with the locals and learning about the culture and the language.
During her time in Thailand she also fell in love with the local cuisine. Ulrika soon realized how much she loved traveling and exploring new places, cultures and cuisines.
A few years later she got accepted into one of the world's top ranking art universities in Helsinki, Finland to study product design. During these years she would often find herself catering for events, exhibitions and vernissages and always dreaming of and planning the next adventure. She moved to Stockholm and ended up working in tech for some years. She longed for a change and decided to pick up her sailing skills and took a sailing course in Tenerife. After rediscovering her childhood dreams of sailing and falling in love with the sea all over again she decided to take a close friend's advice and combine her love for the sea and cooking.
CERTIFICATES
• STCW 95
• Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering
• Quarterdeck Hostess Academy
Reviews
April 2024
Grant & Ulrika,
This trip was my favorite trip I've ever been on. The food was absolutely incredible, words can't describe how much I loved it. Tubing was soooo much fun but I was scared for my life. I wish I could never leave. I hope you remember us!! We will be back. You made this place feel like home.
You guys were so kind and were so fun. Grant going tubing with you was the best you were whipping us around and we said many things while tubing. Ulrika I don't even know how to start with your cooking. It was the most/best food I have ever had. Going on this boat was the best thing I've ever done. I had the most fun in my life ever. You guys were so interactive and were so nice. I loved to be able to tell you stories of our days and set the table which I wish I did more. I hope you will be able to make more memories with you guys.
Thank you for an amazing week! Our family had a wonderful time, everything was perfect. You outdid yourselves from the hospitality, itinerary and delicious food. We hope to cross paths with you again soon! Please stay in touch and find us in Annapolis!
You guys are THE BEST! You created such an incredibly memorable trip! Thank you for everything!
March 2024
Broker Feedback:
THANK YOU for a fantastic charter for my clients last week! The clients were delighted with their charter with you. They said it was a “10 out of 10”, you “were great" and they "would love to sail with you again”, AD ASTRA was “absolutely” comfortable, clean and well ventilated, and the cuisine you provided was “maybe the best part”! Overall, they said “It was a great experience”!
- Charter Broker, March 2024 for 7 nights with 10 adults.
February 2024
The most incredible memory of a lifetime to celebrate my sons 30th birthday with our whole family! All was perfect, super clean and extremely comfortable. Plenty of various places to relax, had a very homey feel. The meals were outstanding. Ulrika was by far the best chef we have ever had. They were so attentive to our needs. The crepe birthday cake was magnificent! And sushi nigh....WOW!
Grant and Ulrika were not only an amazing crew, we truly felt like we formed a new friendship. They were incredible!! We miss them already!!
February 2024
Ulrika and Grant - A special thanks to the two of you for a wonderful week, you both made it all so special. The food was fabulous. What a chef! The sightseeing and Grant's captaining the boat was the best. Grant - I give you a special thank you for getting me on and off the boat. Wishing you both the best in your future.
Ulrika and Grant - I wish you many more travels. You both have provided to us a warm, wonderful experience. You should be most proud of your hard work. You make it seem effortless. I couldn't have felt more cared for. A vacation to treasure.
January 2024
Ulrika & Grant,
The "10 Topp 'G' Crew" had an awesome family trip in the BVIs! You 2 exceeded all our expectations. This was our 3rd catamaran trip and the boat & crew was by far the best of any! Grant & Ulrika, thank you so much for treating each of our family members and making them all feel so special! Food was innovative & Creative and we thought we were in a Michelin star restaurant! Drinks were awesome! Thank you for our family Christmas trip!
January 2024
Thank you both for guiding our family of seven through the BVI's. It was our first long trip with kids, and thanks to your generosity and wonderful service, it will definitely be a trip we look forward to repeating very soon. Amazing food and so much fun for the kids! We all loved it more than we hoped! Happy New Year!
December 2023
We have enjoyed the most fabulous week as three generations age 8 - 72. It has been, without a doubt, the best experience that we could have hoped for. Thank you.
Ulrika, your hospitality and sweet nature have been a pleasure. You are a talented chef and how you baked fresh delicious bread at sea is a mystery! Amazing!
Orlagh, your calm and patient nature and experience was so valued. You know the best places to see and we quickly learned to take every recommendation.
November 29 - December 6, 2023
Ulrika - Thank you for the wonderful creations we were treated to during this trip. The tuna bowl was amazing! Then there was the lobster. Everything beautifully presented. Sorry we did not meet Grant on this trip, hope you have a great season!
Hugo - What a refreshing presence you have been! Quick thinking in our medical issues! Great bartender, conversationalist and sailor. You are wiser beyond your years, with a talent to keep everyone happy no matter their age and interest. Thank you!
May 2023 - Broker provided survey
Name on Your Reservation: Dennis
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Ad Astra
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew: 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes, very.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
Yes, very.
Was the food good and well presented?
Yes, very.
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Our crew was absolutely fantastic. Everyone on my family had wonderful things to say about them. I would recommend them to any chartered.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes.
May 2023
Captain Tom & Ms Mollie,
We have done this trip multiple times in the past with a crew and cook and we can honestly say this was head and shoulders above all the past charters.
Captain Tom, your easy going directions and Mollie's incredible cooking made our charter a great delight. We came with 4 children and you made us all feel safe, fed and happy.
Our sincere thank your for making our charter so memorable.
Kindly,
Chris
PS I love Mollie & Tom
-Katie
Also, Ms Mollie and Captain Tom work together so well, while they are working hard in the kitchen and the whole boat, they still manage to keep us entertained.
PS Ask Captain Tom for magic card tricks
-Kiera
May 2023
Ad Astra Friends Charter
May 2023
It's hard to put into words how awesome and amazing our experience was onboard the Ad
Astra. The boat itself is gorgeous, stylish ,and truly functional. There is no better way to
navigate the BVI's and experience the beautiful islands. The service, food, and ease of travel
was all top notch. As soon as I arrived home on land my only complaint was not being back on
the Ad Astra!
If you want a trip of a lifetime, book Ad Astra. Not only was the scenery amazing and the island
hopping one of the most fun things we have ever done, but the boat was also a dream. It was
clean, spacious and had an upper deck area that was perfect for playing games, sunbathing, and watching sunsets. I am not exaggerating when I say that the food was some of the best I have EVER had in my life – sushi buffet, fresh fish, pasta, and more! The crew were top notch – they were fun, laid back and provided everything that we needed. We would go back in a second! Book now!
Ad Astra, my new 2nd home. What an amazing experience we had touring the British Virgin
Islands from this absolutely beautiful catamaran. Tom and Mollie added a lot of little personal
touches that made our time on the Ad Astra so special. You also can't beat the BVI's for short
sails and being able to feel like you are truly on your own adventure. We island hoped, wake
boarded, snorkeled, hiked, paddle boarded and explored everything that the BVI had to offer
and the Ad Astra had all the perks and tools we could have ever dreamed of needing to help us
along our adventure. The Ad Astra seemed brand new, and we felt like we were on its maiden
voyage. Everything was so clean and orderly and the finishes and little touches that make the
Ad Astra what it is were top notch. When we were in passage or simply anchored the Ad Astra
has so much free space for you to enjoy. From the fly deck where we played games to the hard
deck at the bow that made for comfy lounging and perfect spot to take in some sun and enjoy
the killer views and the stern and the spacious and open aft deck, the Ad Astra really felt like
our home away from home. Tom knew all the best spots to share with us, and every meal was
an absolute treasure. Fresh fish, sushi, pasta, fresh fruits, yummy breakfast, you name it, and
Mollie has you covered! It was the perfect mix of relaxing, activities, enjoying the beautiful
surroundings, action, party and rest that we could have hoped for. Everywhere we went we felt
like we were arriving as the envy of everyone around us! I can't wait to book the Ad Astra for our next adventure!
April 2023
Tom & Mollie,
Thank for for the most memorable week!
-Steve
Tom & Mollie,
What a memorable, beautiful, fulfilling week long adventure! We loved the sailing, the extraordinary meals, the adventures! You compliment each other so well and it's obvious you love this work. We are grateful for the experience!
-Val
I couldn't imagine a better experience with anyone else as our crew. Thank you Tom for allowing us to watch and help you with sailing - definitely the best day for sailing. Mollie, the food was all 5 star, plus your warm ness made all of us feel like each meal was the best meal!
-Kevin
Good food, very welcoming!
-Keaton (child)
April 2023
Mollie & Tom,
We thank you for your hospitality and kindness during our week on Ad Astra. You were perfect hosts, taking care of all of our needs and wishes. You are gifted with all you do Tom. You are a cool and calm captain. You always made sure we hit the best spots!! Mollie your love shined through cooking and over all the meals, snacks, and lattes you served us. We will miss you and we hope to sail again with you in the futures.
-Eric, Stephanie, Sophie, Lily, Brigg and Larry
April 2023
Mollie & Tom,
Thank you for giving our family such a dreamy week on the Ad Astra! The food was amazing and your hospitality second to none. Please keep in touch on your travels and adventures in the coming years. Perhaps we will meet again in the Med!
-Stacy
April 2023
Thank you so much for the most amazing week. Our family (grandparents, kids, grandkids, and of course the in-laws) had the greatest time. Your knowledge of everything - from the local seas, to cooking capabilities, to our family's varying preferences on everything - made it especially remarkable experience. We had the greatest time because of you two. We will share below some thoughts from our own children/grandchildren, to whom you were particularly amazing.
James (age 6): I love Mollie and Thomas. I had a great week with them. Thank you a lot from James.
Charlotte (age 8): Thank you Mollie and Thomas! This has been the most amazing week of my life. I will never forget you guys! PS best week ever!
With the utmost thanks and highest recommendations!
April 2023
What an amazing week we have had aboard this beautiful vessel! Our quarters were so comfortable and luxerious! Thank you so much for your over the top hospitality and catering - and favorite food! This is a trip we will never forget. The iguanas, the turtles, the sharks(!), the pigs, the beautiful beaches, the kayaking, the sunsets! Do we really have to leave you???
We have SO enjoyed getting to know you both, and we know your futures, whether yachting or doctors, will be bright!
Please, please, come see us when you come to New England! It is beautiful during hurricane season
We'll never forget either of you
-Judy & Alex
February 2023
Our family had a dreamy week on Ad Astra and Tom and Mollie were the most wonderful hosts, catering to our every need in the most comfortable, gracious manner. The boat accommodated us all so comfortably and was perfectly appointed so that we could take full advantage of relaxing among the natural beauty around us. We were so well taken care of from start to finish, from our fabulous itinerary, our sails, our excursions, and the amazing food and drinks, it was a week we will never forget. We are already thinking of when we get back on board with Tom and Mollie!"
February 2023
Tom & Mollie,
Thank you so much for all you have done for us this week! It's a sign of a great tip when by the end we all call our crew our friends. I'm so happy we could introduce your to the Flabongo for the first time! Extra special thank you for taking care of your "difficult passenger" (with all my sea sickness/hangovers/injuries). I wish we could join you for the next 2 weeks, but since we can't, I hope you both have some relaxing down time together. We will see you in Amsterdam!
-Melissa & Bart
February 2023
Client Review
January 4, 2023
Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. It was a delightful experience, being your guests, and even more delightful having Alan and I aboard in great company. Highlights include many braids, a puffer fish, schools of fish, some bright purple coral, and the smell of maple butter pancakes via a candle, the white beaches and Foxy‘s! We will certainly be back for more!
-Abby & Allen
January 2023
Client Review
January 2023
Client Review
January 2023
Client Review
December 2022
You did an amazing job, making Ad Astra an idyllic vacation destination. The boat is beautifully redone, and so comfortable! But the best part was you two; your welcoming spirit and enthusiasm for making our family vacation and Christmas so memorable! Tom, you are so calm & confident, we loved our sails this week! You take such meticulous care of the boat! Mollie, the food was absolutely amazing, and every day blew us away! We came away with so many memories from barracudas, amazing lattes, backflips, the caves, tubing, snorkeling, the sail from Anegada and Soggy Dollar. You guys are the best!!
-Carey, Dan, Cooper, Bradley, & Ben
December 2022 Charter
Client review
Tom/2022
He knew his stuff, he explained sailing questions we asked, he helped set us up with great reservations, experiences and great fun! I definitely say he is 5 star!
Tom/2022
Tom is amazing. He’s a really cool guy, always supportive and all the time willing to help and explain. Highly recommended
Thomas is the best skipper ever, so helpful with our crew and the other boats. Just compliments 😁😁😁
Tom was the best! So kind and accommodating of our requests. Truly went above and beyond. Will request him again
Tom/2022
Above and beyond, he did everything to make the experience amazing. Tom organized everything as well as taught us about the islands and a lot about sailing!
Mollie/2022
10/10. Mollie is also a legend. She cooked the most amazing meals, kept the place super tidy and became one of the crew. Will def miss her.
Mollie/2022
10/10. The most amazing food I’ve ever tried, meal after meal. Kept the boat super clean and tidy, was very organized, everything was on time and also loved to party with us which made the experience amazing
Mollie/2022
10/10. Hands down, one of the best culinary experiences I’ve ever encountered. Molly exceeded any expectations I had prior to boarding. Seriously, such a gem and a sweetheart through the entire trip.
Mollie/2022
10/10. Had to be the best ever!!! Mollie was kind, fun, engaging, an incredible cook, overall a wonderful person to be around. Would ask for her on any future yacht week bookings.
Mollie/2022
10/10. I have no words. I was absolutely blown away by Mollie. Everyday was another beautiful meal, and everything was so delicious. I wish I had a fraction of her cooking skills. She made things that I would never have chosen for myself, but I loved every single meal. She kept each day fun and fresh and creative. Not to mention, she was so organized and tidy. Our boat was definitely one of the cleanest and well kept after seeing a few other boats, and this was definitely because of Mollie. She had the best attitude all week and made sure we were well taken care of and always had fun! I never would have guessed she was new this year, she seems like she’s a veteran and definitely top tier!
Mollie/2022
10/10. Mollie was the best! Every meal was absolutely delicious, and she took great care of us. On top of that she spent ample time with us and is a great person to be around. She works and she plays, in the best way possible!
Mollie/2022
10/10. OMG her food was amazing and tended to our preferences, communicated very well, helped with tips about yacht week, different places, cleaned very well and fun overall! She is 5 start and recommend her if we could choose.
Dreamy Vaction
Our family had a dreamy week on Ad Astra and Tom and Mollie were the most wonderful hosts, catering to our every need in the most comfortable gracious manner. The boat accommodated us all so comfortably and was perfectly appointed so that we could take full advantage of relaxing amongst the natural beauty around us. We were so well taken care of from start to finish, from our fabulous itinerary, our sails, our excursions, and the amazing food and drinks, it was a week we will never forget. We are already thinking of when we can get back on board with Tom and Molly!
-Carey & gang