March 2023
I wanted to provide some feedback for you on our recent trip on the Zingara. We had a fabulous time, and it was an exceptional vacation for us all.
We were very worried after our last trip with Captain Lee and Cami, we would never be able to replace the experience. However, Captain Hugh is so young and energetic. He is light-hearted, but very serious when it comes to the safe operations of the boat therefore you feel a ton of confidence in his capability. Perhaps since he is only 24 and recent to the charter business there is no burn out. As you know so well charter clients can be so demanding, and I am sure after a period of years the lifestyle would wear on most anyone. I think this Captain is really excited to make a career of this, and I sensed his ambition and desire to create a great experience for us. The day trips planned were wonderful, and we found the suggestions of things to do very helpful. The logistics of our day trips were well coordinated, and we had a fabulous and diverse experience. The kids of course also loved the water sports, spontaneous snorkeling, and random treasure hunting hikes along various rock formations.
Maxime the chef is one of the more talented I have encountered in terms of both presentation and food quality. I have been on a yacht called the Victoria Del Mar several times (170 feet I think), and I would match Max’s food with that experience. Every meal was different and all home made and fresh ranging from fresh pasta and homemade bread all the way to elegant seafood dishes and beautiful salads. She is also a total delight to be around, and did things like made cookies with my kids in the afternoon. She was very detailed and sure to have everything on the provisions list.
Gabi and her are quite the pair. Gabi never hesitated to get us anything we needed, and she always took the time to check on us wherever we may be on the boat. She has an incredibly warm personality. Her table settings for all three meals of the day were gorgeous, and she spent umpteen amounts of time teaching my daughter how to fold napkins and set the table. She also spent a lot of time making seashell necklaces with Elizabeth.
Kyle assisted us around the boat and off the boat. He was always there lifting and helping us move my 84 year old Dad in and out of the tender. He is a very quiet professional, and makes anyone feel well cared for on the Zingara.
This is an exceptional crew. They cooperate and work together beautifully, and it is evident in the joy and positive energy they have each day. My kids are still sending videos and crying about missing them so much.
March 12 023
A HUGE THANK YOU Captain Hugh and your crew, wonderful words of praise for them!
I wanted to provide some feedback for you on our recent trip on the Zingara. We had a fabulous time, and it was an exceptional vacation for us all.
We were very worried after our last trip with Captain Lee and Cami, we would never be able to replace the experience. However, Captain Hugh is so young and energetic. He is light-hearted, but very serious when it comes to the safe operations of the boat therefore you feel a ton of confidence in his capability. Perhaps since he is only 24 and recent to the charter business there is no burn out. As you know so well charter clients can be so demanding, and I am sure after a period of years the lifestyle would wear on most anyone. I think this Captain is really excited to make a career of this, and I sensed his ambition and desire to create a great experience for us. The day trips planned were wonderful, and we found the suggestions of things to do very helpful. The logistics of our day trips were well coordinated, and we had a fabulous and diverse experience. The kids of course also loved the water sports, spontaneous snorkeling, and random treasure hunting hikes along various rock formations.
Maxime the chef is one of the more talented I have encountered in terms of both presentation and food quality. I have been on a mega yacht several times (170 feet), and I would match Max’s food with that experience. Every meal was different and all home made and fresh ranging from fresh pasta and homemade bread all the way to elegant seafood dishes and beautiful salads. She is also a total delight to be around, and did things like made cookies with my kids in the afternoon. She was very detailed and sure to have everything on the provisions list.
Gabi and her are quite the pair. Gabi never hesitated to get us anything we needed, and she always took the time to check on us wherever we may be on the boat. She has an incredibly warm personality. Her table settings for all three meals of the day were gorgeous, and she spent umpteen amounts of time teaching my daughter how to fold napkins and set the table. She also spent a lot of time making seashell necklaces with Elizabeth.
Kyle assisted us around the boat and off the boat. He was always there lifting and helping us move my 84 year old Dad in and out of the tender. He is a very quiet professional, and makes anyone feel well cared for on the Zingara.
June 2021
This is an exceptional crew. They cooperate and work together beautifully, and it is evident in the joy and positive energy they have each day. My kids are still sending videos and crying about missing them so much.
My wife and I just finished a 6 night charter on the Zingara with our 4 adult kids and their significant others. Our party of 10 was completely comfortable with the 5 suite floor plan. My wife scheduled our cruise and we were both a little cautious about a 24 y/o captain and young crew but could not have asked for a better experience. Hugh was an absolute professional who takes great care of the passengers and the boat. Safety was always his priority. Gabi and Kyle catered to our every need and it was fantastic to have 2 scuba instructors on board. And then there was the food…. Maxime is a fantastic chef who blew us away every day with her amazing meals, 3 times a day!
This was the sixth charter for my wife and I, two in France and four in the BVI. There were none better or even as good as the Zingara. Congratulations on your magnificent sailing yacht and fantastic crew.
All the best,
“What a fantastic crew. They took care of everything and were always quick to help on and off the boat.”
I recently spent a few days aboard Zingara in the US and British Virgin Islands. Zingara is a luxury catamaran that is loaded with fun water toys, including quality scuba diving and snorkeling gear. Because Zingara is a catamaran, even when we hit fairly rough waters, she sliced through the waves and was exceptionally smooth.
The awesome food and beverages were always a highlight of the day, and eagerly anticipated. Thanks to Captain Lee and his fantastic crew for making my stay aboard Zingara a fabulous experience.
Vikram Balasubramanian
Conditions were perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
“This was our first time on a sailing yacht, and we could not have enjoyed the experience more. The whole trip was a perfect blend of activity and relaxation. We greatly enjoyed snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the boat with our friends.
The meals were truly outstanding. Our hats go off to the crew; they were super-friendly and very accommodating. We would highly recommend the Zingara to anyone!”
Greg & Sarah Merrill
“It was a phenomenal experience. The crew and the boat exceeded our already high expectations!”
“Thanks to Lee and crew, we had a wonderful time onboard Zingara, and in the water! Zingara is a beautiful boat, in spectacular part of the world, with a friendly yet professional crew that really made our trip unforgettable. Leanne is a wizard in the kitchen. The food was exceptional, from the snacks to the full course meals. It was a feast for the senses with something for everyone. The biggest surprise was how much there was to do. We enjoyed our time on, in and under the water as much as we did our time relaxing on the boat. The snorkeling was stunning. Camille took us to an awesome spot, with crystal clear water and buzzing with wildlife… and the odd shark!”
Nigel & Debbie, July 2019
The joyride to Zingara!
Dear Lee, Tyler, Camille and Andres
Thank you for making our return to the beautiful BVI’s as special as before. It’s been 17 years since we last visited and post hurricane it is back in great shape. The bars, beaches, restaurants, quiet bays to anchor overnight etc are all wonderful, even The Baths were not crowded…..bliss! You all made us feel so looked after, nothing was too much trouble, so helpful, creative, fun and friendly…..it felt like having friends on the boat with us! Calm Camille was brilliant with my 12 year old and his first diving experience, All Action Andres kept my 14 year old adrenaline fuelled up (…and us with the best ever mojitos!), Tyler with a Twist kept us well fed on glorious food and new tastes (the scales back home show that!) and oh so Likeable Lee……thank you for putting it all together in a beautiful Zingara package. Here’s hoping for the Grenadines one day very soon!!
Maria & Dale & Archie & Paddy (April 2018)
“Zingara was all we thought it would be and more!”
Hi Lee
We were all talking over dinner tonight in the Miami airport about what an amazing time we had with you , Andres, Camille and Tyler this past week. Frankly, we were expecting the BVI’s to be a bit war torn after the hurricanes , but were pleasantly surprised to see things nearly back to normal. The St Thomas airport was in fine shape and the islands in the BVI ‘s as beautiful as we remembered. Dinner on Anagada was great, the Soggy Dollar bar was a lot of fun and scuba diving in several very cool spots was a definite highlight.
Zingara is a beautiful boat. Extremely comfy and your crew very attentive. We all loved Tyler’s cooking and the cocktails were tasty and plentiful.
My family was pleased to see the BVI’s as beautiful as ever and we appreciate you creating a wonderful week for us !!
New Year Charter, 2018
I want to thank you for a wonderful journey aboard Zingara this past week! For those who are hesitant to visit the US or the British Virgin Islands in the wake of the hurricanes that hit this past fall, I would suggest that now or later this season is the exact right time to visit! While certain restaurants and bars may be closed, new ones have cropped up and some of the old stalwarts, like Soggy Dollar Bar, are up and better than ever. The waters are a lot less crowded and tranquil bays and overnight spots that are normally packed with sailboats and yachts are much more accessible. My entire family felt the lack of crowds was a huge positive on our trip allowing us to go where we wanted when we wanted and also, helped us with water activities without the normal crowds etc.
We have been on an array of boats in the British Virgin Islands, and really felt our experience on your boat with yourself, Tyler, Andres, and Camille was our best ever. The food on the boat was exceptional, More important, the personal touch and service provided by the entire crew made us all feel at home and excited about each and every minute onboard. It was an experience we will cherish forever. Thanks again!”
Joe , Cindy, Kaplan and family
“Wow, you two are amazing! I’ve been to the BVI numerous times, but THIS was the MOST fabulous time I’ve had!! You are a perfect couple, doing a perfect job, showing us a perfect time!! The meals were out of this world, the sailing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, games, jokes all were great! BUT the hospitality and company was beyond our greatest expectations. All of you have been the most amazing Captain, Chef and friends to all of us. You catered to our every need and were always one step ahead!”
Julie Fedorenko – Arizona