More Specifications
Flag:
USA
Homeport:
BVI
Yacht Permit:
1
Yacht License:
1
Water Sports
Dinghy Size:
12 Ft
Kayaks 1 Pax:
No
Kayaks 2 Pax:
No
Dinghy Hp:
25 HP
Floating Mats:
1
Dinghy Pax:
5
Swim Platform:
no
Water Skis Adult:
No
Boarding Ladder:
yes
Water Skis Kids:
No
Sailing Dinghy:
no
Jet Skis:
No
Beach Games:
Yes
Wave Runners:
No
Kneeboard:
No
Windsurfer:
No
Snorkel Gear:
Yes
Underwater Camera:
No
Scurfer:
No
Underwater Video:
No
Wake Board:
Yes
Paddleboard:
1
Seabob:
No
Sea Scooter:
Yes
Crew
Captain: Milla-Emilia Makela
CAPTAIN
Milla-Emilia Makela
Milla grew up in the coastal regions of Finland, and from the time she was just an infant, her parents had introduced her to the world of sailing. This early exposure turned into a lifelong passion, and as she grew older, she continued to sail with her father on their H-boat.
Professionally, Milla has had a dedication to social work, finding contentment in roles that have allowed her to support individuals of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. In the past four years, she turned back to her love of the sea, serving as a Captain in the Mediterranean. She approaches life with a strong work ethic, always striving to turn her passions into reality.
Milla is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves hiking and skiing. Her passion for the outdoors led also her to study to become a wilderness guide. Her journey from the Finnish coast to the warm waters of the Caribbean reflects her unwavering dedication to sailing and adventure, as well as her undying love for the sea.
CERTIFICATES
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Commercially Endorsed
• STCW Basic Safety Certificate
• VHF SRC Radio Certificate
• FRC First Aid Course EA 2®
CHEF
Elif Tolunay
As a graduation gift for completing her Masters of Law degree in the UK in 2015, Elif's mother gifted her a sailing course. Ever since, and at every opportunity she has sailed, while still practicing law. But she also has another passion, one for cooking and placing smiles on her loved ones faces via her delicious meals.
After practicing law for 12 years, Elif decided to combine these two passions of cooking and sailing and changed professions, becoming a chef with the courage that she gained from her beloved friend Milla, the captain of Apricity.
She completed the Professional Culinary Course at the USLA Academy of Topkapi University, after which, gaining a position at Soho House Istanbul until the beginning of summer 2024. Here she worked with guest and consultant chefs from India and Greece, which she felt built upon her strengths while at the same time expanded her knowledge into the Indian cuisine.
She spent the remainder of the summer cooking on sailboats for family and friends, becoming a guest chef on various charter yachts as well. She has special interest in the combination and Greek and Turkish cuisine and loves cooking with a Mediterranean flair. She is also very fond of cooking with local, fresh ingredients, and trying new recipes that incorporate what she can source locally.
CERTIFICATES
• Fundamental Occupational Health & Safety Training
• STCW Training of 130 hrs
• American Hospitality Academy Accreditation
• Turkish Ministry of National Education "Hygiene Training for Workers in the Food and Water Sector"
• Foundational Knowledge on Fermented Beverages and Tasting Techniques Certificate
• Urban Agriculture Certificate by Ek Bic Ye Ic
• Amateur Skipper Certificate
Reviews
July 2024
We just returned home from the best vacation of our lives. My wife, three teenagers, and myself spent 6 perfect nights on Apricity with Mente and Annick. I can’t even begin to tell you how thoughtful and attentive they were to our every need and want. They were thorough but not overbearing at all. Mente kept us safe while teaching my son and I the basics of sailing, mooring, and anchoring the entire trip. He was happy to answer any questions we had about sailing and the boat in particular. Mente was very particular to pick the very best mooring ball or anchorage at each location. I’m sure he could have chosen other locations which would have been easier for him, but he wanted us to have the best experience available. Everything on the boat worked flawlessly because they are maintain as if it were their own. Annick prepared the most splendid meals, snacks, and drinks that you can imagine. Every meal was an absolute masterpiece that kept us wanting for more! They catered to our desired meal times and preferences, and she even made a key lime pie for me on the fly!! It was amazing!! The drinks were incredible and she taught us some new recipes along the way. Our relationship started as a contractual agreement, but we left as friends! If you’re considering an all inclusive trip to the BVI, do NOT pass up this wonderful team. You can thank me later!!
June 2024
I've been visiting the BVIs periodically since 1999 (at least 10 times). Some of the visits have been in our boat, others in bareboat charters. This was the first time we went for a crewed charter. The decision was made in part because not all in the group had sailing / boating experience and mostly because we wanted to rest and not worry about logistics, provisioning, cooking, reserving moorings, etc. The result...best vacation ever in the BVIs. Perfect combination between a great group of friends, very nice boat, great weather and above all, a superb crew. Annick and Mente made our trip truly memorable. In the food department, every day we woke up to experience a new height in delightful meals, fruit, snacks, desserts, etc. They made sure our favorite drinks were available throughout the week + we got to try some of Annicks and Mente's delightful concoctions. On the cruising department, we felt very safe throughout the trip, testament to the crew's experience, judgement calls and professionalism. They got us to popular sites at times when these were not crowded and got us to less visited yet beautiful sites at peak times. They also kept the boat clean and in excellent working order. This is as far as I can go with words. Go ahead and book your trip. Life is short, enjoy!
May 2024
Having returned from a week aboard Apricity in the BVIs, we are frequently asked "what was your favorite part"? Our response's have been consistent - Mente and Annick made this trip exceptional! The BVIs are wonderful, but having their experience, expertise, and positive attitude was wonderful. The food was consistently amazing and they both endeavored to ensure no obstacle would interfere with our celebrations. The two of them worked non-stop to ensure we had the best time on our trip, and truly were the difference between a good vacation and an exceptionally wonderful experience!
-Alicia and Joey
First and foremost, we can’t say enough great things about Mente and Annick - they were fantastic. From the moment we met them at the ferry until the last day when they walked us to the ferry; they were awesome. They made our charter what it was - great.
They both are extremely skilled. We felt like we knew them for years; they were courteous, kind, humorous and simply fun to be around. We were spoiled by them daily and they made all of us feel welcome and at ease.
Having spent most of my life on boats, I was impressed daily with Mente’s seamanship skills; he taught me something new almost every day. One would have not known that they were new to the Charter business had we not asked. Annick is a skilled boater as well yet her forte was her cooking. We never had a bad meal and were impressed daily with not only her presentation but the amount of work and thought that went into most of the meals; impressive.
I could go on about them but you probably already know this since you hired them. Challenge them with increasing responsibility as I am confident they will not disappoint.
You have a dynamic crew with Mente and Annick - we can’t wait to see them again.
-Kelly & Debbie
March 2024
A week with the best
Mente & Annick - my family and I know this is see ya later not goodbye. We have made friends and memories that will last a lifetime! From the food to the boating knowledge nothing has gone for want!
Annick was fantastic, food was even better, and the attention given to my kids . . . the best!! She always met any want or need with a warm cheery smile! She curtailed her weeklong menu to meet our rather "plain" diet and managed to make even our simple food beautiful and delicious, she truly has a server’s heart! From wonderful chats to delicious food, she always goes above and beyond!
Mente, always eager to answer any and all questions from adults or kids. Always involved doing something. Making drinks (even a kid’s version to make the kids day). Do not miss trying the pina colada, honestly the best I've ever had. Mente's knowledge and willingness to share it is truly remarkable, from great conversation to "intense" card games. There is never a moment he isn't willing to engage! He was so thoughtful he even went very above and beyond to plan an anchorage where we had good cell service for an "important" baseball game we "couldn't miss". To say he is a great captain would be selling him way short!
In closing we are so sad our trip has come to an end but are filled with so much emotion recalling the memories made and there is no doubt that these are memories will be forever etched in our minds. We will see you again sweet friends!
January 2024
We don't really know where to begin. If we were to summarize our journey with THE best team - Will & Kylie :) Great itinerary planning - Norman, Peter, Salt, Gordon, Leeboy, Guana and Sandy Cay.
The best food and some super surprising dishes! So diverse, sophisticated and well prepared. Thank you Kylie!
The best captain in the BVI - you took such a good care of us! From water scooters to masks to dingy rides . . . Also - paddle boards, go pro camera and last but not least - the captain cocktail! - it's the best :)
Apricity will be remembered as an incredible experience in the BVI, one that will get us back sooner than later.
Thank you from all of us. P.S. If you ever come to PR - please keep in touch.
January 2024
A family sailed on Apricity, in the British Virgin Islands, filled with joy and glee. Father Andy, with daughters Abbey and Bella, Mother Reina, with son Barrett and daughter Quinn, oh what a stellar crew! They embarked on a New Year's trip, exploring the beauty of the ocean, on a catamaran ship. At Foxy's in Jost Van Dyke, the celebrated the night. With laughter and cheer, under the starry light. Snorkeling in Peter Island, they dove deep, discovering the wonders of the sea, in a world so unique. Hiking the Bath in Virgin Gorda, a true natural delight. Captain Will guided them with skill and grace, navigating the waters, at a steady pace. Chef Kylie prepared meals, delicious and healthy, feeding their bodies and souls with flavors so wealthy.
The Apricity sailed, with love and delight, a journey of togetherness, shining so bright.