yacht amarylis- continuing the dream
Continuing the dream, as here is a couple who have had stints in the Caribbean before, as well as sailed across oceans with their children on board! They have recently bought Amarylis and are "renewed" into the charter fleet. I can only say that if they crossed oceans with children that they have patience! We met the crew and toured the boat at the Tortola May 08 Boat show. They struck me as a couple who would be enjoyable to spend a week with, and would have lots of tales to tell.
They also get points because they were the first crew who sent us a thank you note for viewing their yacht within 24 hours of the show being over!
Bruce Masterson dreamed of sailing in the Caribbean while crab fishing in the frigid Bering Sea. He bought a schooner, got his USCG captains license, and began his career as a charter boat captain in 1979, chartering in New England and the Virgin Islands. Like any smart captain, he married his cook and in 1987 he and Laura moved ashore to start a family on St. John. They bought their first catamaran in 1990 and began taking guests out for day sails while raising two children. In 1996 they traded that boat for a cruising catamaran which they sailed in the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic to St. John, and finally to Florida. After a 7 year hiatus in the U.S. to get the kids through school, Bruce and Laura have returned to the V.I. to resume what they do best, introduce guests to the joys of sailing in the Caribbean. You will find Bruce a gracious host, ready to share his extensive knowledge of sailing and Virgin Islands lore. He knows the best anchorages, the best places to snorkel, and makes the best rum punch!
Laura developed a passion for fine food and sailing while catering private parties aboard a classic sailing yacht in New York Harbor. She met Bruce, they sailed away to the Caribbean as captain and cook on a charter yacht, and the rest, as they say, is history. A versatile cook, she enjoys creating dishes from fresh ingredients using a wide variety of spices. She is happy to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions.
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Amarylis sailing
Saildive BVI boarding aft of Amaryllis at the spring boat show
Cabin 1
Cabin 2
Cabin 3
Cabin 3- a different view
Cabin 4
Another view of cabin 4
another view looking into the hallway
Bruce and Laura, owner operators of Amaryllis
Head, manual pumps
Sailbag on Amarylis
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A few more tidbits of information that I picked up, and who I think (our opinion only) this yacht would be best for. This is a privilage 45' from 1995. They have recently purchased it, so upgrading of features is not totally finished, and I am sure we will see additional options as they continue along. They do Rendez vous diving only. Although they have rates for 2, 4 and 6 guests, they think (and I agree) their ideal is 4, two couples or a family. If they have 6 then the third cabin has to share a head with the crew, and families would be better with 6 as opposed to all couples. They allow NO SMOKING on the yacht at all. Like all privileges of that size, the salon area is smallish, and the beds tend to be higher to climb up into. I think it would be not suitable for someone with mobility issues, or if you want a lot of pampering and 5 star service. The heads are manual pump. I think they would provide a bit of a funky laid back, good conversation charter. Having done day sails for quite a long time, I am sure they are adabtable to just about everyone. Their website has quite an extensive menu of different "theme" meals for dinner from Greek to Cuban. We enjoyed some great lemon shortcake bars while on board, that I could have ate a few of they were so good! Additionally, they do have an icemaker on board.
Rates for the 2008/2009 season. 2 guests $7500.00, 3 guests $8000.00, 4 guests $9500.00, 5 guests $10,000.00, 6 guests $10,500.00
5 and 6 guests are with prior approval only. The holiday season has a 10% surcharge on it.
Link to online brochures of Amaryllis
Link to Amaryllis's own websiteNote: Their website shows a picture of the boat under spinnaker sail, which they do not have at the moment.
Email us to check their availibility, ask questions, or look for comparable yachts.
