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IARA is a 2017 50’ Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran, beautifully refurbished in 2023 for a fresh, light, and relaxed feel in the Virgin Islands. Sleeps 6 in 3 cabins: 1 Master suite plus 2 Queen cabins—each with a private ensuite. The bright saloon is practical and inviting, with panoramic windows, a convertible lounge area, and a well-appointed galley—plus smart storage throughout. Large cabin windows and an easy cockpit connection keep the sea always in view. Expect easy island-hopping with plenty of space to lounge, swim, snorkel, and enjoy classic on-the-water fun between beaches and sunset anchorages. Breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly polished—IARA makes every mile feel like vacation.
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IARA

2017 • 6 GUESTS • 3 cabins

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Specifications

Length: 50 ft.

Builder: Fountaine Pajot

Year: 2017

Terms: Inclusive

Beam: 26 ft.

Draft: 4 ft.

From $21,000 to $25,000 per week

See Price Details for premium holiday rates
RATES & availability

Questions?

Email us info@vitalcharters.com
Call us (407) 922-9696

Description

IARA is a 2017 50’ Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran, beautifully refurbished in 2023 for a fresh, light, and relaxed feel in the Virgin Islands. Sleeps 6 in 3 cabins: 1 Master suite plus 2 Queen cabins—each with a private ensuite. The bright saloon is practical and inviting, with panoramic windows, a convertible lounge area, and a well-appointed galley—plus smart storage throughout. Large cabin windows and an easy cockpit connection keep the sea always in view. Expect easy island-hopping with plenty of space to lounge, swim, snorkel, and enjoy classic on-the-water fun between beaches and sunset anchorages. Breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly polished—IARA makes every mile feel like vacation.

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Features & Amenities

  • Max Guests: 6
  • Total Cabins: 3
  • Queen Cabins: 3
  • Showers: 4
  • Heads: 4
  • Electric Heads: 4
View Yacht Layout

Comfort

  • Water Maker: Yes
  • Jacuzzi: No

Entertainment

  • Kids Okay: Yes
  • Minimum Age of Kids: None
  • Internet Access: Onboard WIFI
  • Salon Stereo: Yes
  • Salon TV / DVD: Yes
  • Board Games: Yes
  • Special Diets: Yes
  • Kosher: Inq
  • BBQ: Yes
  • Crew Smokes: Inq
  • Guest Smoke: No

Water Sports

  • Dinghy: Highfield 380
  • Dinghy Horsepower: 40
  • Dinghy Pax: 8
  • Wake Board: No
  • Tube: Yes
  • Knee Board: No
  • Snorkel Gear: Yes
  • Underwater Camera: No
  • Kayak: No
  • Stand Up Paddle Boards: 2
  • Floating Mats: Yes
  • Jetskis: No
  • Other Toys:

    8 Person Dinghy With 40 HP
    e-Foil
    2 Subwings
    2 Stand Up Paddle Boards
    Towable Tube
    1 Floating Mat/Dock
    2 Floating Chairs
    4 Luxury Noodles
    1 Flamingo
    4 Beach Chairs
    Snorkel Gear
    Fishing Gear With 2 Offshore 250lb Rods & Hand Line
    Beach Games
    4 Yoga Mats

  • Water Skis: Kids (0)

Diving

  • Tanks: No
  • BCs: No
  • Regulators: No
  • Scuba: Onboard
  • Air Compressor: Yes
  • Dive Lights: No

  • Summer Base Port: Tortola, BVI
  • Summer Operating Area: Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)
  • Winter Operating Area: Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Leewards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)
  • Preferred Pickups: Tortola, West End
  • Other Pickups: Inquire
  • Turnaround: 48 hrs preferred, Inquire for Hours
  • Flag: BVI

rates & availability

SEASON PASSENGERS
2 3 4 5 6
Winter 2025 to 2026 $23,000 $23,500 $24,000 $24,500 $25,000
Summer 2026 $23,000 $23,500 $24,000 $24,500 $25,000
Winter 2026 to 2027 $23,000 $23,500 $24,000 $24,500 $25,000
Summer 2027 $23,000 $23,500 $24,000 $24,500 $25,000
Price Details

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On Hold (not yet booked, can be challenged)

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Paul Bowring-Captain
Alexa DeRiggs-Chef/First Mate

the crew

In 2017, Paul and Lexy unknowingly began an adventure of a lifetime when they met working for Broadreach as a sailing instructor and scuba diving instructor respectively. During that summer season, they sailed up and down the Southern Caribbean leading groups of 13-17 year olds from all around the world. When parting ways after that summer, they knew somehow it was fate that they would come together again somewhere in the Caribbean Sea. Since then, the couple spent six years in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and stints aboard privately owned vessels across the Caribbean, the UK and the Mediterranean.

Captain Paul was born in the UK but was raised all over the globe. From living in South Korea to the Devon countryside, his fascination with travel and other cultures began quite early. When his family settled in Brixham, Paul and his father bonded through sailing. What started as a hobby soon became a passion, and that passion turned into a career. In 2015, Paul left his life in England as a hotel manager and sailed across the Atlantic. Along with a group of three others, he sailed from the Canary Islands and landed in the Southern Caribbean. After exploring the diverse islands, Paul made Bequia his home, where he captained the jewel of the Grenadines, The Friendship Rose – a classic 100-foot wooden schooner built in Bequia. After three years in this role, he moved on to captain Star of the Sea, a 35-meter motor yacht, for another three years. During this time, he also captained a wide variety of yachts, including his own catamaran, Cataja.

In his spare time, Paul volunteered with Bequia Junior Sailors, an organization that encourages young people to expand their knowledge and skills within the historical sailing community in the Grenadines. In 2019, Paul transitioned to freelance work, captaining a variety of boats throughout the Caribbean islands. Before embarking on his sailing career, Paul climbed the hospitality ladder, working in various hotels, bars, and restaurants, eventually earning a general manager position at Queen’s Court Hotel & Quayside Hotels in the UK. Paul holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification and an AEC 1.

Lexy was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but as an island girl at heart, the sea has always felt like home. While living in New York City, Lexy had a career in event planning and marketing, which she continued when she relocated to St. Vincent & the Grenadines (her father’s home country), working for the Bequia Beach Hotel. After a year behind the desk with the sea right outside her office door, Lexy quit her 9-to-5 job to pursue her career as a yoga instructor and started her own studio, Wild Thing Wellness, alongside her family’s Airbnb business, Ohana House Bequia.

In 2019, Lexy began her professional sailing career, acting as first mate and chef aboard Cataja and freelancing with Paul on multi-day charters throughout the Southern Caribbean. For Lexy, cooking is a form of creativity and exploration, so she invites her guests to savor the selections of her carefully curated menu, which is healthy, locally sourced, fresh, and delicious.

“Coming from a multicultural household with roots in the Caribbean and South Korea, my understanding of cooking has always been interlinked with one’s personal history and community. I’m so excited to prepare delicious meals for guests to enjoy as they spend quality time together in some of the most beautiful cruising destinations in the world.”

Each dish fuses luscious local flavors with global inspiration and is truly prepared with love. Some of the best memories are shared around a table with good wine, good food, and good company! Lexy holds a certificate in culinary nutrition and her Food & Hygiene Level 2, and she recently completed a culinary nutrition certificate from Leith’s School of Food & Wine.

As innate adventurers and people-people, Paul and Lexy’s passions for travel and hospitality come together magically through the yachting industry. “We really put in the effort to make our guests feel a true sense of adventure and ease while they’re aboard their home away from home. Through sharing our love for food & sailing we create a high-end adventure that is also authentic and true to us, so our guests truly enjoy a slice of paradise aboard the yacht.”

Yoga Charter Add On Brought To You By Chef Lexy
Lexy is a highly skilled yoga instructor with over 600 hours of training. Her journey began with 200 hours of basic training in New York, followed by 300 hours of advanced training in Portugal. Lexy also had her own yoga studio in Bequia, where she further developed her expertise and passion for teaching. She now offers personalized yoga sessions onboard during your charter, designed to help you relax, increase flexibility, and build strength.

1 session per day and is relative to the sailing itinerary and weather.Available for $150 per session and paid to the instructor.

Sample Menu

DAY BREAKAlways served with fresh tea, coffee, fruit juice, bread, and local fruit.
Choice of Sausage, Bacon, or Smoked Salmon & EggsCooked to preference with breakfast accompaniments.
QuicheSavory baked egg dish with seasonal ingredients.
French ToastGolden toasted bread with classic accompaniments.
PancakesFluffy pancakes served warm.
CrêpesDelicate thin pancakes with sweet or savory options.
ShakshukaEggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce.
Breakfast SandwichesServed on fresh bread with classic fillings.
FrittataOven-baked egg dish with mixed ingredients.
Omelets Made to OrderCustomized with a selection of fillings.
SmoothiesFresh blended fruit smoothies.
 
MIDDAYDuck BreastServed on a bed of arugula with pomegranate dressing and pistachio dukkah.
Baja-Style Fish TacosServed with corn, pineapple, and quinoa salad.
Grilled SquidServed with pear, arugula, and shaved parmesan salad.
Mixed Seafood PaellaTraditional rice dish with mixed seafood.
Grilled Chicken BreastServed over sweet potato and fig salad with chamomile dressing.
Orzo-Stuffed PeppersServed with lemon-baked chicken thighs.
Chicken SatayServed with peanut dipping sauce, jasmine rice, and green papaya salad.
Flank SteakServed with chimichurri and plantain frites.
Sea BassServed with lemon verbena beurre blanc over citrus green salad and chilled cream of beetroot soup.
 
HORS D’OEUVRESScallopsServed over pea and mint purée.
Truffle Mushroom AranciniCrispy risotto balls infused with truffle.
Smoked SalmonServed with hash brown, dill cream, and caviar.
Mango Tuna Tartare Wonton BitesFresh tuna with mango in crispy wonton shells.
Roasted GrapesServed with herbs, burrata, and prosciutto.
Greek Stuffed TomatoesTomatoes filled with Mediterranean ingredients.
Rosemary, Truffle & Parmesan Sweet Potato FriesCrispy fries with aromatic seasoning.
Zucchini Feta FrittersServed with tzatziki.
Tuna CrudoServed with passionfruit and lemon.
 
MAINPork Loin ChopServed with almond salsa, glazed figs, purple sprouting broccoli, and roasted carrots.
Crispy Skin SalmonServed in a lemongrass coconut sauce with mixed vegetables.
Braised HalibutServed with cherry tomatoes, tahini, and herb-stuffed tomatoes.
Lemon Pesto GnocchiServed with greens and Italian sausage.
Ginger Garlic Lobster TailsServed with brussel sprouts and lemon crumb spaghetti.
Marinated Tiger PrawnsServed with pil-pil sauce and cauliflower shawarma.
Ribeye SteakServed with cumin butter, sumac onion salad, and couscous.
Grilled FishServed with homemade babaganoush, beet purée, and wild rice.
Greek-Style Lamb ShankServed with couscous.
Thai-Style Steamed FishServed with garlic sautéed greens.
 
DESSERTRose-Infused Crème BrûléeClassic custard infused with rose.
Spiced Pears with Ice CreamWarm spiced pears served with ice cream.
Coconut Date TrufflesSweet coconut and date confections.
Chocolate Tahini MousseRich chocolate mousse with tahini.
Earl Grey & Dark Chocolate CakeFragrant tea-infused chocolate cake.
Blood Orange TartCitrus tart with blood orange.
Dragonfruit CheesecakeCreamy cheesecake with tropical dragonfruit.
Ginger & Lime CustardSmooth custard with ginger and lime.
Tropical PavlovaCrisp meringue with tropical fruit.
Coconut Panna CottaSilky coconut dessert.
Client Feedback
IARA

Our experience aboard the Iara with Captain Paul and Mate/Chef Lexy was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped on board, it was clear we were in the hands of true professionals who care deeply about both their craft and their guests.

Captain Paul curated an outstanding itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, exploration, and relaxation across the BVIs and USVIs. Each stop felt intentional and thoughtfully chosen, giving us a true sense of the islands while still allowing for spontaneity and discovery. Just as importantly, they struck a rare balance between engaging with our family and giving us the space to simply be together. Traveling as a family of five (with three daughters ages 9–14) that balance made all the difference.

Lexy was extraordinary in every sense. Her meals were consistently outstanding: creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. She somehow managed to accommodate a wide range of tastes, from kids to a pescatarian, without ever compromising on quality. Every meal felt abundant, with portions that were more than generous, and dinners were elevated by her fantastic craft cocktails. It’s not easy to deliver that level of culinary experience on a boat, but she made it look effortless.

They also went above and beyond in helping us celebrate two special milestones—hosting birthday celebrations on board for our 9- and 12-year-olds. They made each one feel thoughtful and memorable, adding a personal touch that meant a great deal to our family.

Beyond the itinerary and the food, what truly stood out was the warmth and attentiveness of both Paul and Lexy. Their service was seamless, friendly, and intuitive; they seemed to anticipate what we needed before we even asked. They created an environment that felt both elevated and completely comfortable.

This trip was, without question, a trip of a lifetime for our family – exciting, relaxing, and above all, safe. We will carry these memories with us for years to come, and we cannot recommend Captain Paul and Lexy aboard the Iara highly enough.
~Brad Trevillian

April 2026
IARA

We just returned from the most incredible catamaran trip in the British Virgin Islands with friends, celebrating a couple of 50th birthdays, and it was truly unforgettable!

The itinerary was perfectly planned by Captain Paul and Lexy, giving us the chance to explore beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and some of the most stunning spots in the BVI. Each stop felt like a new adventure.

Lexy’s food was absolutely fabulous—every meal was fresh, creative, and delicious. It felt like dining at a floating restaurant with a new island view every day!

Paul was fantastic—knowledgeable, professional, and fun—making the trip relaxed and enjoyable. The service throughout the trip was excellent, and they went above and beyond to make our celebration special. Truly a great team.

A special thank you to Zelda, our trip advisor with Charter Smarter, who was incredibly helpful throughout the planning process and made everything so easy for us. 🙌

If you’re looking for an amazing way to celebrate a milestone birthday or just want a truly memorable vacation with friends, a BVI catamaran trip is the way to go. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
~Candi

March 2026
IARA

We had a fantastic experience on the Iara with Captain Paul and Lexy. The crew was very friendly and accommodating. They were extremely knowledgeable about the area and had wonderful suggestions for excursions. They were a great resource in assisting travel for the excursions and to/from the airport. The food was absolutely amazing! The boat was clean and beautiful. Excellent overall! I would do it again for sure – no changes.
~Brenda Jones

March 2026
IARA

The boat was excellent and the crew even better. Paul and Lexy are a supremely competent and congenial team. They were calm and efficient handling the boat, even in the face of a squall with winds upwards of 40 mph. The food and drinks were fantastic and continually exceeded our expectations. They dealt well with the idiosyncrasies of our group, were patient and constructive as we fine tuned our itinerary, and were always fun to be around. The boat was immaculate, and we are especially appreciative of the high-end espresso machine. I could not recommend them more highly.
~Wetstone

March 2026
IARA

Our week aboard the 50-foot catamaran IARA was truly the ultimate family vacation — one that exceeded every expectation.

From the moment we stepped on board, Captain Paul and Lexy made us feel completely at home. They are the perfect balance of professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. Traveling with four children (ages 9–15) can sometimes be an adventure in itself, but Paul and Lexy made it seamless and unforgettable for every one of us.

Paul patiently taught the boys a little how to sail and got them involved whenever possible. The boat was stocked with plenty of toys and watercraft to keep everyone entertained, and there was never a dull moment. My husband’s favorite day was visiting the Bitter End and Saba Rock, where we used the BOBs (handheld underwater propulsion devices) — such a thrill!

Lexy is an absolute culinary star. She prepared breakfast every morning (cappuccinos to DIE for) and lunch and dinner on the days we opted for it, and every single meal was creative, beautifully presented, and delicious. Our entire family looked forward to each meal — and with four kids, that’s saying something! She has such a talent for combining fresh ingredients into dishes everyone loved.

We packed so much into our seven days, but my favorite day was visiting Anegada. Paul and Lexy connected us with the perfect vehicle rental, and we spent the entire day exploring the island — such a unique and memorable experience.

The boat itself was spotless, comfortable, and clearly very well maintained. You could tell Paul and Lexy take great pride in IARA, and it shows in every detail.

What speaks volumes is this: I am usually ready to head home toward the end of a vacation. This time? I could have happily stayed another week — especially with Paul and Lexy. Their hospitality, kindness, and attention to detail made this experience extraordinary.

This trip did not just meet expectations — it surpassed them. If you’re considering a charter, IARA with Captain Paul and Lexy is an absolute dream. We will treasure these memories forever.
~Dolniks

February 2026
IARA

Our trip on the IARA was fabulous. Paul and Lexy are superstars. The itinerary was great, the food was five stars and the boat was perfection.

We decided on an itinerary that was split between adventures (snorkeling, hiking, and local restaurants/bars) and time on the boat to relax as a family.

This was our first cruising vacation. We found everything to be organized and efficient. We had a video conference with Paul and Lexy prior to our trip to go over our itinerary and meals. We had done our research on what we wanted to do and see, Paul and Lexy offered some suggestions that turned out to enhance our trip.

Once on board it was easy to immediately relax because Paul and Lexy have such an easy and chill way about them. The food prepared by Lexy was as good and at times better then some 4-5 star restaurants we have eaten in.

The IARA was comfortable, clean, and totally relaxing for our family of six. Plenty of room to all be together and plenty of room to relax and escape when you wanted to. The IARA has a wide range of “water toys” that really enhanced the trip and Paul took us to some spectacular snorkeling spots that we really enjoyed.

We would highly recommend a trip on the IARA with Paul and Lexy.
~Fleming

February 2026
IARA

We had the most amazing trip aboard Iara! From the moment we met, Lexy and Paul made us feel so welcome, and by the end of the trip we truly felt like family. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and five days just didn’t feel like enough!
-Whitney & Tommy

January 2026
IARA

Our week on Iara was nothing short of amazing. Paul and Lexie took care of every detail. The food was delicious and the drinks were perfect. Best Vacation ever! Looking forward to doing it again.
-Zach and Wendy Smith

January 2026
IARA

What a way to ring in 2026! My wife, our two daughters, and I had the absolute best time sailing around the BVIs aboard IARA. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets bookended a week full of unforgettable adventures, both on the water and on land.

Lexi always had amazing aromas coming from the galley, and Paul made sure cocktail hour was consistently memorable. They were incredibly helpful in planning our menus for the week—everything was delicious, well-balanced, and never too heavy. The itinerary they put together was fantastic as well. We hit all the must-see spots and truly felt like we got a great sense of the BVIs.

One of the best parts was being on autopilot for the week, letting Lexi and Paul take the lead. No matter our mood, they could effortlessly tailor each day to be as active or as relaxed as we wanted.

The IARA itself was beautiful—very clean, modern, and well maintained. Even though we spent most of our time outside, the staterooms were spacious and extremely comfortable.

We couldn’t have asked for a better vacation and are already looking forward to the next trip.
-The Magruders

January 2026
IARA

What a treat to have Lexy and Paul plan ahead and make the travel happen aboard Iara – planning groceries, cooking gourmet meals made especially according to our requests, entertaining us and sharing space with another family…. Lexy and Paul did a great job navigating our family’s needs and also giving us space for family time in a gorgeous setting. Lexy’s food was delicious and Paul navigated a great adventure. Highly recommend!!!
-The Cummings

December 2025

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Whether you’re exploring options or ready to plan your escape, we’re here to make the process effortless.

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