CHAMPAGNE

Thank you for the best week! We all had so much fun every step of the way and always knew we were well taken care of. I don't know how you put up with our crazy family this week, but I'm so glad you did :)

This has truly been a trip of a lifetime!
This has exceeded all expectations and has been my favorite family vacation yet ( and we have had some really great ones)
Thank you so much for your generosity, hospitality and sharing your knowledge.
We will be back!!

You know I was not excited about this trip but this has been the best vacay ever!!!!
From Maho turtles to the Indians snorkeling and fish.
And Donna you really need to sign yourself up for masterchef

I have been on a few great vacations in my life, but this one I will surely forever remember. A big part of this is because of you guys. The great food, great places we went and most of all your great personalities.

This may have been the best trip of our lives! Thank you for taking us into your world. I'm sad it is only a visit and not a place of residence. We plan to come back and do more adventures with you!

P.S. The food was amazing. I don't know how I am going to survive on my regular diet of cereal when we get back home. You spoiled me!

They say all good things come to an end....but this journey will live on in our hearts and minds forever!
Thank you for the wonderful adventures and great laughs! This has opened our eyes on sailing life and living on the seas! We will be back.

Thank you for taking such good care of us.

Thank you for an amazing week! Your hospitality and generosity are above expectations. Your choice of stops were exactly the perfect mix of solitude and social. The food was absolutely superb! We can't wait to come back.

What a week! Great food at every meal. We had the perfect itinerary for our group. Loved the new experience with my kids. Subwing and snorkeling kept them entertained and a little worn out. All topped off with a great wahoo catch.
Memories made for a lifetime!

Thank you for a lovely and unforgettable trip! Your attention to detail and active charter days made everything so enjoyable and yet seemingly effortless.

Here are some highlights we will carry with us:-
Breakfast ala Dolphins!
Every meal prepared by Donna (Lemon Orzo!!!)
Sailing and our perfect tack
Painkillers at sunset :)
Turtles and Barracudas
Our own deserted island
The RUM bar
A perfect Filet Mignon grilled by Kevin!

Thank you for being so kind to our 7 year old Grace! She will always remember this trip.
Fair winds, sunsets and gorgeous anchorages to you!!

Thank you for an amazing vacation. We cannot imagine a better captain and First Mate!
We loved the diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, hikes, amazing food and drinks and the sailing tips and tricks!

We felt 100% at ease with you and hope to meet you again in the future.

We just returned from a trip of a lifetime to the BVI and we could not have been happier with the top notch service we received from start to finish. Our broker matched us with Kevin and Donna on the beautiful catamaran Champagne. We can not speak highly enough about our experience!

The yacht was beautiful and had everything we could need and more! We loved sunsets on the upper deck munching on the amazing appetizers Donna made and sipping on Kevin’s signature cocktail of the day!
Captain Kevin was such a wonderful host of the boat, told us great stories of the areas we were in, and took us on some amazing scuba dives in the BVI. Go dive the Wreck of the RMS Rhone! Incredible!
Donna’s cooking was absolutely amazing and blew us away with everything she put in front of us. Not only was it delicious, but her presentation and spread was a foodies delight! Her food was so incredible we preferred it to any of the meals we had onshore. They truly made our time with them phenomenal! In conclusion, don’t wait…book your vacation on Champagne with Kevin and Donna! You will not be disappointed!

Thank you so much for making this a perfect family vacation. We genuinely appreciate all that you did to make sure we all had our favorite food, drinks and cocktails!

You are both gracious hosts who gave us the rare opportunity to all relax together as a family and truly enjoy our time together. We all have such hectic lives, it means the world to us that you took such care in spoiling us for the week.
Donna, you go above and beyond every day with your fabulous meals and beautiful presentation.
Kevin, you are the infinite captain and we appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us all.

We will always remember the fabulous week in the BVI's. We appreciate how you were able to take us to so many islands.
We love giving the family life experiences and this is one that we will always remember fondly.

We wish you a lifetime of happiness together and I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Donna & Kevin. Thank you & congratulations on the almost 1-year of grandparent life. Your care and generosity of spirit are contagious. We will always remember our BVI adventure under your watch. Our thanks to you for this part of life’s journey. You’re taught us about South Africa, circumnavigation, customs, adventure - and valuing the company of great friends. May the wind be always at your back.

Wow, wow, wow! What a spectacular week! We were blown by what a top notch experience you two provide! Captain Kevin, we loved your wit & humor, our awesome snorkeling adventures & our fabulous dives! The wreck of the Rhône was such an amazing experience! Donna, your amazing cooking had us blown away! Such an amazing spread at every meal! Far better than any restaurant we went to. Most of all, we loved spending the week sailing together & getting to know you both better. So many memories were made! It was a trip of a lifetime we will never forget! Donna - I expect you will be implementing our new drinking game we made up! What shall we call it? “Dice or Death” or perhaps “Liver Roulette” :) We will carry on using our new favorites phrase “Pigs Ass!”
Highlights of the trip - the rain squall - 43knot winds! That was fun! Shot-ski together at Willy T’s, drinks @ The Windmill Bar, conning both of you into joining us fro “Dice or Death”. Shut up liver, you’re fine. Swimming & SUP boarding @ Prickly Pear. Diving the Rhône. Watching Donna’s face as we played Cards Against Humanity and all of the amazing meals Donna made!

Thank you both fro truly extraordinary experience! Please let us know if you every made it up to the Pacific Northwest! Till next time!

One day left of our sailing tour of St Thomas & St John, and while sad that our time together (for now) is drawing to a close, we are so very appreciative of all you both do every second of the day to make our experience such a wonderful a memorable one. As a novice sailor myself, I appreciate all the tidbits you both shared in allowing me to hog up your captains bench while sailing each day. Donna’s meals, all the prep this went them 3x a day (+ appetizers) blew my mind…and my waistline! All the touches from the water toys to the multiple cute table settings made every day so special. Thank goodness I have pics of virtually every meal to share with my million kids who think food choices are supreme in their culinary choices…ha! We hope that we can do this again sometime or at the very least stay in touch as you embark on your own next steps. Please feel free to contact us if you are ever in the united DC area. All the best!

This was the first experience doing anything like this - not sure that anything else will ever compete! From the meals to the excursions to the cocktails to the stories to the first-class service and accommodation, this trip was perfect! You have both led an amazing lives and that made you the kind of people you are. We are new friends and will continue to send you our best cocktail recipes!

Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime!

This week-long sail with you was absolutely fabulous! We had such an amazing time - going to old places and discovering new! You two are such a terrific couple, it was so wonderful getting to know you. Laughing and joking. We will be forever grateful to you for making this trip truly unforgettable. and not to overstate the obvious, Donna, the meals were 5-star on steroids!! I think we gained 10 pounds!

Keep in touch and we’ll hopefully see you in Sept, 2024 in St Vincent!

Thank you for an amazing time on this charter, it was the perfect blend of fun, adventure and relaxation. We appreciate all your efforts to make it a special experience. It was so wonderful to feel or rather know we were in the hands of real pros - it was great to learn about the islands! Truly Donna is a wonder - It elevated the entire experience to be treated to such wonderful food, snacks and cocktails of course!

It has been such a great experience traveling with you. You are the best team to host this great boat. We felt so secured and protected during our sailing, diving and in every activity.
The food was absolutely delicious, I’m sure we will be coming back soon, also I hope you can go visit us in Mexico so we could host you in our territory.

Thank you so much and keep the passion that move you to be so kind and fun.
You are the best!

It was my first experience on a catamaran, I didn’t know what to except but I can tell you, you both guys make me feel so happy and welcome.

I admire your attitude, service and kindness.
I loved every meal you carefully prepared for us.

The sunset drinks were really perfect!
All was beautiful.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

It has been a pleasure spending 3 amazing days with you onboard “Champagne”! This is, with no doubt, the best way to visit the USVI.

You are the greatest hosts, your food, and you passion made us feel very special and very pampered.

I can’t leave without saying that this experience will remain in my heart and memory for a very long time and by far it is one of my top 10 trips!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

You are amazing!

Words cannot fully capture our gratitude and appreciation for your warmth and hospitality aboard Champagne and into your lives. Our entire family had the trip of a lifetime with you.
Zach (17) relished his experience learning from and sailing with Kevin.....that tack was so memorable.
Josh (14) deeply appreciated the extra miles and effort enabling him to track down his school buddy. Bryce (12) most enjoyed all of the fun facts and stories shared... and of course Donna's care and attention when the jellyfish left it's mark! Emily (6) I'm not quite sure where to begin - the morning captain briefings, "cooking lessons" from Donna, ringing the bell, setting the table!!

The adventures and the food were equally exquisite and pair perfectly together!
Both of you went way above and beyond to care for us in the most genuine thoughtful and loving way. You instantly made us feel like family and so welcomed in your beautiful home and lives.

Thank you for each and every effort and attention to fine details and especially the food particularly, it was beautiful as it was delicious. Donna, you are so lovely and talented too,. A pure joy to be with!

Kevin, the memories you made for our family we will carry with us for a lifetime. Between the dailing, turtles, snorkel adventures, zup boarding, hiking, th subwing..... I'm not sure we could have dreamed of anything more wonderful!

Happy Thanksgiving 2022 .... thanks for such a wonderful week together. When we count our blessings, we will count you and this trip, twice

Thank you so much for making this trip so wonderful!
From the activities, to exploration, to the meals, there was never a dull moment. The diving was so cool too! I do have to say, Donna you are an amazing chef and every meal was so delicious that it is impossible to pick a favorite.

My favorite part was helping sail the boat and experiencing the tack and jibe of a big boat. Another activity I really enjoyed was the subwing. Finally, thank you for sharing your knowledge of the land and water with me. It truly meant a lot and I couldn't be more thankful.

Our cruise was amazing! We will never forget you all!
Kevin the diving was terrific because you took the time to ensure we all were comfortable and safe. Donna your meals were AWESOME! Best breakfast ever. Both of you made sure we all felt cared for. Thank you for your patience and fun!

Thank you, Kevin and Donna, for the most wonderful 10 year anniversary trip. We could not have asked for a better Captain and Chef! You were so very patient with my young children and made them feel special with all the snack and boat toys. Our anniversary day was extra special - we love the decorations and celebration. Food was excellent and dessert was superb every night! my sons favorite thing was steering the boat and snorkeling. My Daughter loved the beach and paddle boarding. Thank you!

Kevin and Donna, I don't know how we can ever thank you enough for everything you did for us. It was always extraordinary and top shelf and even though you always made it look effortless. We all knew how hard you both worked to make it perfect and unforgettable! You both are so talented and knowledgable and your insights, educational and nautical experience will last forever. If we ever are able or lucky enough to do this again, hopefully you will welcome us back. We loved having you guys join in the "craziness" when possible. It was seven days of pure fun! As it should be. Hopefully you will consider a trip to our place. Please stay safe, healthy and just keep doing what you do so perfect. Hugs and love to you both

On November 6, 2021, six guests embarked on a fantastic seven day cruise around the USVI. We boarded the 46 foot Cat “Champagne” and were greeted by our hosts Captain Kevin Dawson and his able 1st mate ( and wife ) Donna. I know that I speak for all of us that we had just entered into one of the most memorable, enjoyable, relaxing and educational experiences ever.

First, the boat was absolutely gorgeous, seaworthy and most important, comfortable with all the needed amenities. The staterooms were modern, roomy and first class. She most definitely was designed to give her passengers whatever they would want or need. Plenty of sun and viewing areas, along with places to avoid the sun if needed, but still offer great viewing and comfort. The solon, cockpit and gallery were all superbly designed for comfort and functionality. She came loaded with numerous water toys for exercise, exploring or just floating with that special cocktail.

The best and most important experience we all agreed that made the trip so memorable was our “first class” crew. Captain Kevin and Mate Donna never ceased to amaze. From the sunrise coffee, to full out and delicious breakfasts, tasty and healthy lunches, afternoon appys and the Captain’s “drink of the day”, leading up to dinners that would challenge any 4 and 5 star restaurants in the world. And if you still had room, a night cap in the serene silence listening to the water lap against the side of the boat. Pure heaven !! This crew knows how to please. They always made us feel at home and like “family”. You cannot practice this, and they make it look so easy, but we all saw how much they worked to make us all feel special.

On top of their entertaining and culinary skills, they are both experts in seamanship. Both were always in total control of their vessel, performing their tasks properly, efficiently and most importantly had safety as their highest priority. They are true professionals and a credit to their craft. The Ocean Yacht Club folks have hit a homerun with Kevin and Donna on board.

So a heart felt THANK YOU goes out to Kevin and Donna for an experience never to be forgotten. Hopefully someday our paths will cross, and we will again have the opportunity to be with our “extended” family. Until then, stay safe and healthy and our wishes for calm seas, favorable winds and smooth sailing.

I just wanted to send out a MASSIVE thank you for allowing us to have such a fantastic holiday. I’m sitting here in Tortola at Sebastian’s on the Beach drinking a Painkiller while looking out at Jost Van Dyke while the sun is setting and thinking about how great of an experience it all was.

I’ve come to the Virgin Islands five times now, but this is my first time being on a crewed charter as a guest, and the crew completely blew it out the water. They were incredibly attentive and just lovely to be around. The Best! Hands down! Fabrizio's attitude, understanding of the boat and guest dynamics, ability as a captain made the entire trip. I would recommend everyone ask for Fabrizio as I know I will. I have never grown to appreciate someone and what they bring into our lives as much as he did. 10/10 is too low, truly. Life is better with Fabrizio as a part of it. Wouldn’t do it without him.

We hiked, snorkeled A TON, relaxed, sailed, and really showed off the islands to my friends who have never been here.

Dani was lovely - and an incredible cook. The girls couldn’t stop talking about her food and we even gave her a list of recipes that we want so we can recreate some of her dishes. The food always seemed very appropriate for the activities done and mood of the day. Highlights were the poke bowl, scratch blueberry muffins, peanut butter pie, and pan fried grouper - but honestly it was all fantastic.

As I mentioned earlier, my friends had never done a holiday like this before, and were a little apprehensive at first, but they all had such a wonderful time and didn’t want to leave. Rachel practically tied herself to the trampoline this morning and had to be dragged off! We’re already thinking about our next trip back in the future.

We feel like we hit the jackpot having you and Donna as our hosts! The food, cocktails and snacks were exceptional. We appreciated you sharing your knowledge of the area and introducing us to some amazing coves around St. John and St. Thomas. If we decide to tour the islands again in the future, we’ll be sure to look you up!