OCEANA

From our Group:

This was a bucket list trip and delivered in every way. James and Julia made the trip perfect in every way the route was planned exceptionally so we could experience the best of the BVI Julia‘s wonderful menus and hospitality made us all satisfied and welcome. They also were incredibly well as a team. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime.
-Susan


Dear Julia and James there are so many things to thank you for but most importantly you made us feel safe and that allowed us to completely relax coming off a four year medical Odyssey we were excited to join our friends on the trip but had some concerns about accommodating our medical considerations from the initial phone conversation our fears were put to rest James your calm leadership and extensive knowledge of the waters definitely enhanced our trip. You had a knack for finding the most beautiful spots Julia your food was amazing. Every meal was just perfect taste wise and visually truly I didn’t even care if we ate in restaurants because I knew your food was better in conclusion. Thank you so much for such a relaxing beautiful week will be back.

I’ve been Jerry‘s caregiver for three years with him finally healthy. This trip was an opportunity to celebrate life with good friends. What I didn’t anticipate was the opportunity to relinquish the caregiving role and let two lovely teammates. Take care of me. You gave me the gift of total relaxation and for that I am very grateful.
-Lynne


James and Julia, thank you for allowing us to have the most relaxing vacation ever you truly spoiled as Captain James took us to The bluest water spots and best spots for snorkelling chef Julia whipped up the most amazing food like it was nothing she made gluten-free look easy best chocolate cake ever James and Julia made the best team for a perfect vacation
-Heidi


We had so many questions so much patience by you both as a fledging sailor I enjoyed having those questions answered and to be able to experience being involved with the Sailing. The attention to detail was evident and choosing moorings in noticing what we were enjoying and adding to that moment by participating, making amazing cocktails and food is truly a once in a Lifetime vacation but now we need to come back
-Sherman


Captain James and Chef Julia you deliver an amazing vacation and memories will last a lifetime you navigate around some storms you found spectacular Blue water all while being safe and delivering service beyond expectations cheers!
-Drew

Everyone of us in our group are seasoned travelers and have had the good fortune to experience some pretty spectacular vacations around the world. So I’ll just cut to the chase and say that this was one of the greatest vacations any of us have ever experienced. Everything exceeded our expectations starting with our fantastic Captain James Cotter and Chef extraordinaire Marie Levraud. Two absolutely delightful people. James handled OCEANA, our Bali 48 catamaran, with ease, confidence and professionalism. It was clear almost immediately that he was an expert yachtsman and that we were in very capable hands. James worked with us prior to our charter to put together the best possible float plan. He blended many beautiful and tranquil locations with a few livelier spots like the Soggy Dollar Bar, Saba Rock and the Bitter End and the Wonky Dog on Anegada for the best lobster dinner I've ever had. I also enjoyed some of the best snorkeling of my life when we stopped at George Dog for the afternoon. Four of us had been to the BVI twice before, bare-boating both of those trips. However, after experiencing a BVI charter with a captain and a chef we would be hard pressed to do it any other way. It allowed us to fully relax and enjoy a stress free week on the water. There were countless highlights on our trip but the first one that came to mind for me was the cuisine. Chef Marie far exceeded our expectations. Every meal, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, was five star, carefully and thoughtfully planned out. Marie always took the time to explain every meal, the region that inspired each dish and the various ingredients she used. In my lifetime I have never had so many excellent meals back to back for nine days straight. James and Marie also discerned quickly our personal tastes for both food and drinks. Marie always had creative alternatives available just in case there was a food item one of us didn’t care for and James knew exactly the right moment to hand you the perfect cappuccino, cocktail or glass of vino. James and Marie always kept OCEANA clean and organized including our bedrooms and bathrooms. Yeah, they spoiled us big time.

The Oceana was the perfect fit for our family, not only the right size, but the best capitan and chef. Umbi is an amazingly kind and warm person. He took us to amazing locations and hikes and did everything to make sure we were well taken care of. Lindsey was awesome. She worked tirelessly cooking so many delicious dishes and accommodated everyone's dietary restrictions, from vegans, to gluten free. No small feat. Everything was perfect. The only way to really experience the BVI.

Umbi and Kylie - We knew coming into this trip that it would be amazing. What we did not know was that you two would have a huge impact on making it a once in a lifetime memory. From beginning to end you both were beyond Five Stars. Your wonderful personalities and exceptional care did not go unnoticed and definitely not unappreciated. Kylie - the presentation and unbelievable variety of tastes is like something I have never had. I will be contacting you for a couple of recipes :) Umberto your smile is contagious and you took such care in the attention to detail to make sure this trip was like something out of a dream. Thank you both for the kindness, it made the week even better than we could have hoped for. We came in as good friends, and we leave as scallywags! Until we meet again!

Umbi + Judith,

Thank you for an amazing week. You were kind and so accommodating to our entire family. We had so much fun. The food was tasty and beautifully presented. Thank you for taking such great care of us. We gathered from all over the US for this week – Florida, Texas, and Houston. Your service allowed us to have an unforgettable week as a family.

Sincerely,

The Revard and Morris family

Umbi + Judith,

Words can’t express what this trip meant to us! It far exceeded our expectations. Not just the incredible scenery but the meals, the thoughtfulness of each, place chosen and attention given to us to ensure this was a trip to remember. We look forward to seeing Umbi and Judith again for future trips!

Best,

The Price, Hall & Barnes
AR

Pure perfection! Everything was amazing! You even ordered up our request for nice weather and (almost) always smooth seas. This was the most unforgettable trip - the food you made was truly 5 star, but the presentation was equally stunning. Great captain! We felt truly cared for with your kind and knowledgeable personality. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you'd like to visit the Midwest and stay at our home. Sorry my cooking will not come close to yours. We would love to sail with you again soon.
Karen & Bruce

We just experienced an unforgettable week aboard beautiful Oceana. You both made the trip top notch with the best chef on the ocean and the incredible captain! Thank you for making our first trip to the BVI so memorable!! We hope to sail with you again.
Bill & Dara

The final day has arrived, sadly! Thank you both for this wonderful experience. It is memorable for the things I learned about sailing, for the beautiful places we visited, but mostly for the warmth and welcoming felt from you both. My only regret is the 5-6 pounds I likely gained from not being able to turn down a morsel of the incredible cuisine offered. Thank you and smooth sailing through life.
Greg & Sandy

We had a great experience with Umberto and Judith. As I stated in a previous email, they exceeded our vacation expectations and they covered any and all of the details to provide our group with an exceptional vacation. The boat was amazing, Umberto is a great captain and Judith provided us with consistent 5 Star meals each day with amazing presentations that were absolutely delicious. Judith is very skillful to accomplish this in a small kitchen on a boat. I think that I speak for everyone to say that they provided us with the ultimate vacation experience.

The final day has arrived sadly! Thank you both for this wonderful experience. It is memorable for the things I(Greg) learned about sailing, for the beautiful places we visited, but mostly for the warmth & welcoming felt from you both. My only regret is the 5-6 pounds I gained not being able to turn down a morsel of the the incredible cuisine offered. Thank you and smooth sailing through life!

-Greg & Sandy

A week on board Oceana was a trip. We will never forget. Everything was perfect from state start to finish. I’m Bree and Judith were amazing host/they are kind, gracious, and fantastic cooks. We would take this trip again tomorrow. Thank you!

- The SXXXXER family

Judith & Umbi were the best! We had such a great time in the BVIs. We couldn't have imagined a better trip! We had amazing food and saw fabulous destinations all week. We would love to sail with you both again.

-Philip + Camille

Umberto & Judith,

Ya'll were so amazing. We can't thank you enough for your generosity, thoughtfulness and the greatest meals we've ever had. We had the best seven days in the BVIs. Thank you. We will see you again!

-Kanssa & Nas

Thank you so much for having us on board! Umbri and Judith were amazing! From turtles to nurse, sharks, piña colada’s to painkillers we have had eight days of heaven!

Thank you so much for the most incredible week! From the first class service to the most delicious meals. I couldn’t think of a better way to escape!

A magical week of perfect disconnections and impeccable meals. A special time we will never forget. Thank you both so much!

-George

This was Reese’s first trip out of the states!
We have had a blast. Looking at fish, snorkeling, eating, good food and seeing the beautiful sites. We have memories to last a lifetime.

-Reese & Ainsley

Thank you so much for your hospitality. Everything was perfect!If you are ever sailing up near Bedford, NC, we have a dock for you!

-Noah+Melissa Abrams

Judith & Umbi are amazing, very sweet, respectful and thoughtful people. Their food, service, and hospitality are amazing. I would give 5 out of 5 starts. The Pain Killer drinks were especially amazing!

- The Baldwins, 2023

We had a wonderful week. We’ve been looking forward to this trip for 10 years to celebrate my 50th in the BVI’s. On my 40th birthday my wife asked what are you going to do for your 50th I said I want to celebrate in the BVI’s. You all made my trip a dream trip, it was the best birthday ever!

You all are the best crew of all! Keep up with me on Instagram and I’ll follow you back!

-Michael & Brad Nevil

Best cruise and crew of my seven BVI chargers! Thank you!!
Simply awesome! We had a wonderful time. Thanks to our fantastic crew!

Merritt & Newborn, NC

Thank you for an AMAZING trip! Your hospitality was absolutely incredible. Our family had a great time and we will definitely be back! Thank you for everything!

-The Apkin Family, Judith & Bryan

Thank you for an amazing trip! Your hospitality was absolutely surreal. Our family had a great time and we will definitely be back! Thank you for everything.

We just experienced an unforgettable week aboard beautiful Oceana. You both made the trip top notch with the best chef on the ocean and the incredible captain! Thank you for making our first trip to the BVI so memorable!! We hope to sail with you again.
Bill & Dara

Judith’s food was amazing, and she was also super friendly and professional at the same time. I really liked her and was super content with the food the whole week. Exceeded my expectations for sure

What isn’t there to say about Judith!! She’s simply amazing! Personality out of this world and caring the entire time! She created dishes and created the perfect atmosphere for us all! I’m certainly gonna miss her smile, beauty, humor, kindness, and most of ALL… FOOD! She’s apart of the family now!

Her food was incredible. She was the sweetest! A crew member turned life long friend! So thankful for such an amazing host!

Judith is an absolute ray of sunshine. Every meal she made was amazing, had many options and full of color. She made sure everyone was taken care of and happy and showed us some amazing spots everywhere we went.

Umbi was great. He always communicated important information and provided helpful guidance throughout the week. His calm and kind demeanor as well as approachability was very appreciated and contributed to a wonderful experience overall.

Umberto went above and beyond for our crew. He made our week so memorable with being so accommodating, amazing recommendations and was always proactive in planning and making reservations. He is THE MAN and also a pleasure to be around. Umberto was punctual and always remained in a professional manner and still provided a fun safe environment.

Umbi did an outstanding job! So incredibly happy and fortunate to have had him as our skipper. Overall great energy, amazing recommendations and just flat out great at his job!

Umbi was a really great skipper, had super chilled vibes and very friendly and always updated us when needed. Felt really safe too with him as our skipper 10/10!!!

Umbi was an enjoyable and knowledgeable skipper with great personality that provided exceptional service. He did more than enough & even went out of his way for us to have an unforgettable experience. I would definitely want him to be my skipper again