PERMABEAR is a 2023 Bali sailing catamaran built for big groups who want bright spaces, easy flow, and nonstop ocean views. Step into the teak-floored cockpit with dining for 10 and a plush lounge bench—made for long meals and lazy afternoons at anchor. Up top, the expansive flybridge delivers panoramic 360° views, up-close sail watching, sundowners, and the best breeze onboard. Inside, the salon is airy and modern with wraparound windows that flood the space with natural light. Sleeps up to 10 in 5 cabins: 3 Queen cabins plus 2 Twin cabins—each with a private ensuite. With multiple social zones to gather or spread out, PERMABEAR keeps everyone comfortable, connected, and smiling. Spacious, sunlit, and seriously fun—PERMABEAR is the kind of charter you’ll talk about all year.

PERMABEAR is a 2023 Bali sailing catamaran built for big groups who want bright spaces, easy flow, and nonstop ocean views. Step into the teak-floored cockpit with dining for 10 and a plush lounge bench—made for long meals and lazy afternoons at anchor. Up top, the expansive flybridge delivers panoramic 360° views, up-close sail watching, sundowners, and the best breeze onboard. Inside, the salon is airy and modern with wraparound windows that flood the space with natural light. Sleeps up to 10 in 5 cabins: 3 Queen cabins plus 2 Twin cabins—each with a private ensuite. With multiple social zones to gather or spread out, PERMABEAR keeps everyone comfortable, connected, and smiling. Spacious, sunlit, and seriously fun—PERMABEAR is the kind of charter you’ll talk about all year.

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PERMABEAR

2023 • 10 GUESTS • 5 cabins

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Specifications

Length: 54.00 Ft

Builder: Bali Catamarans

Year: 2023

Terms: Inclusive

Beam: 29 Feet

Draft: 5 Feet

From $34,000 to $38,000 per week

See Price Details for premium holiday rates

RATES & availability

Questions?

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

Description

PERMABEAR is a 2023 Bali sailing catamaran built for big groups who want bright spaces, easy flow, and nonstop ocean views. Step into the teak-floored cockpit with dining for 10 and a plush lounge bench—made for long meals and lazy afternoons at anchor. Up top, the expansive flybridge delivers panoramic 360° views, up-close sail watching, sundowners, and the best breeze onboard. Inside, the salon is airy and modern with wraparound windows that flood the space with natural light. Sleeps up to 10 in 5 cabins: 3 Queen cabins plus 2 Twin cabins—each with a private ensuite. With multiple social zones to gather or spread out, PERMABEAR keeps everyone comfortable, connected, and smiling. Spacious, sunlit, and seriously fun—PERMABEAR is the kind of charter you’ll talk about all year.

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Features & Amenities

Max Guests: 10
Total Cabins: 5
Queen Cabins: 3
Showers: 5
Electric Heads: 5

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Comfort

Water Maker: Yes
Jacuzzi: No

Entertainment

Kids Okay: Yes
Minimum Age of Kids: Water Safe
Internet Access: Onboard WIFI
iPod / Device Hookups: Yes
Salon Stereo: Yes
Salon TV / DVD: Yes
Board Games: No
Special Diets: Inq
Kosher: Inq
# Dine In: 10
BBQ: Yes
Crew Smokes: No
Guest Smoke: Not onboard

Water Sports

Dinghy: 15'
Dinghy Horsepower: 50
Dinghy Pax: 10
Wake Board: Yes
Tube: Yes
Knee Board: No
Snorkel Gear: Yes
Underwater Camera: Yes
Kayak: No
Stand Up Paddle Boards: 4
Floating Mats: Yes
Jetskis: No
Other Toys:
10 Person Dinghy With 50 HP
1 Subwing
4 Stand Up Paddle Boards
1 Wakeboard
Big Mable Seated Towable
Floating Mats
Floating Ring With Net
Large Inflatables
Floats
Snorkel Gear
Fishing Gear
Beach Games
Water Skis: Kids (0)

Diving

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

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

rates & availability

SEASON	PASSENGERS
SEASON	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Winter 2025 to 2026	$34,000	$34,500	$35,000	$35,500	$36,000	$36,500	$37,000	$37,500	$38,000
Summer 2026	$34,000	$34,500	$35,000	$35,500	$36,000	$36,500	$37,000	$37,500	$38,000
Winter 2026 to 2027	$34,000	$34,500	$35,000	$35,500	$36,000	$36,500	$37,000	$37,500	$38,000
Summer 2027	$34,000	$34,500	$35,000	$35,500	$36,000	$36,500	$37,000	$37,500	$38,000

Price Details

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the crew

Ed Irwin Captain

Erin Irwin Chef/First Mate

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Capt. Ed Irwin
Born in Newfoundland, Canada, I spent as much time as I could outdoors, fishing the streams for trout and getting lost in the woods. As a small boy, I would drive my mother crazy by wandering off, only to return home with pockets full of fish I caught or birds and small animals I captured, which I wanted to keep as pets.

I have enjoyed backcountry camping, hiking, and canoeing throughout my life. The Boundary Waters lakes and portages are among my favorite places to explore. Riding my motorcycle, lightly packed for discovering remote fly-fishing streams, without a set destination, is my perfect getaway.

I grew up on the small lakes of Northern Illinois, often driving to school in my small motorboat. The first time I was on a sailboat, I instantly fell in love with the simple act of the wind carrying my boat anywhere.

After sailing Lake Michigan for many years, Erin and I devised a plan to set off on our own boat and sail to as many places around the world as we could. We found an abandoned Cape Dory 36, rebuilt it, and outfitted it for long-distance travel. Years of hard work paid off with a beautifully restored and perfectly outfitted classic sailboat that allowed us to live out our sailing dreams.

We have sailed and lived aboard our boat since 2018. In that time, we’ve sailed the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake, and offshore from Norfolk around Bermuda to the Caribbean at least six times. During hurricane season, we sailed north to Maine, enjoying the “down east” summer, before heading back down the eastern seaboard and offshore to the Caribbean once again. At the end of 2023, we flew to the Mediterranean, picked up the Bali 5.4 “Permabear,” and sailed through the Med to Las Palmas before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. After around 30,000 nautical miles of sailing, we still love every moment.

For the past three years, we have been chartering in the Virgin Islands, both the US and BVI, exploring, discovering amazing coves and anchorages, becoming PADI scuba certified, and learning why so many say that once you reach the Caribbean, you don’t want to leave. Our guests often comment on how safe they feel aboard our boat, knowing I am always alert and cautious. We ensure that we create the most comfortable and enjoyable trip on the water for everyone aboard. I look forward to showing guests why the Caribbean truly is a sailing paradise.

Chef Erin Irwin
My childhood was spent on boats in our summer town of Saugatuck, MI. I loved everything about being on the water and was always the first and last one to jump in, no matter the temperature! I began sailing as a teenager and am seriously addicted to the magic of wind and water.

As the oldest daughter of a big family, and the mother of five kids, I was always at the center of planning family gatherings and parties. I love finding unique themes and creating relaxed, special moments and memories together. Ed and I have found the outdoors, especially sailing, to be the perfect setting for connecting with each other and something bigger. It has always been the best stage for us to find joy, peace, adventure, and excitement, and we want to share that.

I have been baking and cooking since I was a child, and it has always been a joy to create a meal. When cooking for my family, I wanted them to have a healthy diet. Most of our meals were whole foods from our garden, cooked from scratch. My cooking style emphasizes a healthy balance of Mediterranean foods, Asian cuisines, and comfort foods that are adapted to be healthy but still rich in flavor. Having spent a good portion of my life in Chicago, I’ve become an obsessive foodie, constantly searching for the perfect meal at the perfect restaurant. This endless quest has taught me so much about the experience of eating well.

We work hard to make the experience of coming aboard seamless. From the moment guests make their booking, we stay in touch to tailor their vacation to exactly what they imagine. From the food and the itinerary to even having the perfect sunblock, big straw hats, and beautiful beach gear — we want our guests to just bring a small bag and let go.

We especially look forward to helping families find that elusive real time together. There’s just nothing like being on a sailboat to make everything else fade away and allow you to connect with the people you love. We can’t wait to help others find that perfect spot — that perfect moment that becomes a memory that lasts forever.

3rd Mate Gus
Very Friendly Onboard Dog
Meet Gus, our adventurous Cairn Terrier and seasoned sailor with over 30,000 nautical miles under his belt! Gus is not just any yacht dog; he’s a true seafaring companion with a story that includes befriending a mother dolphin and her baby in Long Bay, as well as making turtle friends who swim up to the boat just to see him. He’s also an expert paddleboarding companion.

With a love for kids and hair instead of fur (making him hypoallergenic!), Gus is the perfect family-friendly crew member, known for his quiet and well-behaved nature. Despite his loyalty, Gus loves to snuggle and will always find a way to convince you to give him a moment to prove why dogs are amazing!

Sample Menu

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

Gus 3rd Mate- Onboard Friendly Dog

DAY BREAKServed DailyFresh fruit, a variety of homemade breads and muffins, coffee, teas, iced tea, bush tea, fresh juices, mimosas & bloody Mary’s. Eggs are all locally sourced
Bagel Grazing TableHouse made fresh bagels served with a variety of cream cheese, pickled red onion, capers, tomato, and smoked salmon
Breakfast StrataA fluffy baked layered dish of eggs, sourdough bread with bacon, spinach, tomato, mushroom and gruyere cheese, or your choice of ingredients.
Brioche French ToastThick, rich brioche French toast with a Lazy Susan of toppings- fruits, nuts, real maple syrup, Nutella, lemon curd, powdered sugar, bacon
FrittataThe classic Italian pan baked omelet with a thinly sliced potato base, caramelized sweet onions, layers of vegetables, pancetta and ricotta cheese
Denver Omelet Breakfast SkilletPotato, ham, peppers, onions with loads of cheddar cheese served in a cast iron skillet with soft cooked egg
PancakesThe fluffiest pancakes EVER! Banana, blueberry, or plain stack with real maple syrup with a toppings bar
ShakshukaThe classic North African and Middle Eastern breakfast of eggs poached in tomato sauce with onions and bell peppers topped with feta cheese
Chilaquiles or Migas Tex-Mex eggs baked with tortilla strips, Chorizo, peppers, onions and topped with avocado and salsa
“Sunday” Breakfast Buffet A family style breakfast spread of scrambled eggs, spiral ham, bacon, sausage, roasted potato bites, fruit platters, homemade cinnamon buns
Muffin Rama! Grab & Go Omelets are 2 eggs baked until fluffy in muffin cups stuffed with all the omelet choices. Banana nut muffins, blueberry muffins & buttery corn muffins
Belgian WafflesLarge, fluffy, freshly made traditional Belgian waffles served with real maple syrup and a toppings bar.

MIDDAYCheese Burgers In ParadiseOrganic Grass-Fed Ground Beef Grilled to Juicy Perfection with Brioche Buns and a Self-Serve Lazy Susan with All Your Favorite Toppings, with a Side of Sweet Potato Fries & Crispy French Fries, Served with Jimmy Buffett’s Song!
Salad NiçoiseClassic French Salad with Butter Lettuce, Seared Tuna, Green Beans, Hard Boiled Eggs, Radishes, Tomato, and Potatoes with Homemade French Dijon Dressing
Mexican Street TacosHomemade Corn Tortillas with Grilled Mahi, Pollo, or Carne Asada, Topped with Mango Pico De Gallo, Queso Fresco, and Shaved Purple Cabbage
Greek Lamb Lettuce WrapsGround Lamb with Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce, Goat Cheese, Heirloom Cherry Tomato, and Cucumber, Served in Locally Grown Crisp Lettuce
Pasta PrimaveraGiant Fusilli with Grilled Green & Yellow Squash, Heirloom Tomatoes, Green, Red & Yellow Peppers, and Onions in a Homemade Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Make Your Own Poke BowlsHawaiian Sticky Rice Bowls with Seared Tuna or Sesame Chicken Topped with Your Choice of Grated Carrots, Cucumber, Edamame, Avocado, with Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
Shrimp PolentaGarlic and Lemon Sautéed Shrimp with Tricolored Peppers Served Over Creamy Cheesy Polenta
Loaded Chopped SaladRoasted Chicken, Chickpeas, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Shredded Carrots, Garbanzo Beans, Blue Cheese, Pecans, Dried Cherries, House-Made Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing with Kale and Spinach, Diced and Served with a Crustini of Homemade Sourdough Bread to Scoop and Eat
Pulled Pork SlidersSlow-Cooked Pork Shoulder Pulled with Tangy Sauce, Topped with Colorful Vinegar Slaw, Served on Sweet Hawaiian Buns and a Side of Warm German Red Potato Salad
Udon Noodles with Teriyaki Seared TunaTopped with Tuxedo Sesame Seeds, Seaweed Salad, and House-Made Yum Yum Sauce
Teriyaki Tuna Udon NoodlesSeared tuna topped with tuxedo sesame seeds, seaweed salad & house made Yum Yum Sauce
Creamy Poblano Pepper & Roast Chicken EnchiladasShredded roast chicken wrapped in homemade tortillas and baked in a creamy poblano pepper sauce.
Caribbean RotiTraditional curried chicken & diced potatoes wrapped in a fresh made roti

HORS D’OEUVRESChef’s choice amuse-bouches- small bites packed with flavors and textures served with a fun drink of the day
Baccala MantecatoVenetian whipped cod spread atop a crustini
Maryland Crab CakesCrispy lump crab meat patties with the classic Maryland Old Bay seasoning & house made tartar sauce
Baked Brie with Berry CompoteServed on freshly made baguettes
Flatbread PizzasVariety of tasting sized homemade flatbread pizzas
Warm BurrataHouse made burrata served warm with grilled heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar and fresh baguettes for dipping.
Philo Cups Light, crispy layers stuffed with spinach and artichoke dip
Shrimp Spring RollsServed with sweet Thai dipping sauce
Cowboy SalsaColorful and packed with flavor salsa of black beans, tomato, sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, avocado soaked in lime juice & olive oil with a dash of hot sauce served with corn chips
Charcuterie PlatterFrench cheeses, Italian cured meats, fruits, crackers & nuts
Crudités PlatterLoads of fresh vegetables served with hummus
Mediterranean TapasFrench rillettes, Moroccan curried chicken salad, Italian sausages, shrimp in garlic, served with sourdough crustini

STARTERSThese Chef’s pairings are tasting portions that are served to compliment a main course. The pairings, main & dessert create a memorable 4 course dinner each night.
Grilled Coconut Shrimp Served over baby arugula with a sweet & spicy Thai dressingSeafood Kallaloo Soup Traditional Caribbean soup in a rich broth with shrimp, crab, snapper, carrots, celery, onions, Caribbean spinach “kallaloo” and okra
Caprese Salad The classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar
Caesar SaladCrisp locally grown romaine lettuce with house made Caesar dressing & sourdough croutons
Spring Mix SaladFresh baby spring mix with walnuts, slivered purple onion, shaved granny smith apple, dried cherries with a house made olive oil, garlic lemon dressingPotato Leek SoupCreamy potato soup richly topped with leaks and garlic
Arugula & Ferro Salad Baby arugula and al dente ferro served with shaved parmesan and a house made French Dijon dressingFrench Provencal Fish StewSalmon, cod, shrimp in a tomato base with loads of garlic and tricolored potatoes topped with slivered black olives and a crustini
Ginger Carrot SoupSweet & creamy carrot soup with a pop of gingerWatermelon & Cucumber SaladCrunchy sweet pairing with aged balsamic and feta
Wedge Salad Classic iceberg wedge with chunks of blue cheese, bacon, rainbow heirloom cherry tomatoes and house made blue cheese dressingButternut Squash Soup Creamy butternut squash topped with candied pecans and crème fresh
Conch in MofongoPuerto Rican smashed plantains served with buttery conch simmered until tenderGoat Water SoupThis scary name for an incredibly rich beefy tasting soup (the National dish of Monserrate!), is slow stewed goat meat with spicy bonnet peppers and island spices
Cucumber GazpachoA cool, sweet crisp soup with honeydew, cucumber and topped with fetaFrench Carrot SaladGrated carrots, fresh parsley & scallions with house made Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Focaccia BreadHouse made with a variety of herbs and toppingsMinestrone SoupHouse made classic Italian rich broth with sausage, green & yellow squash, green beans, peas, celery, carrots, onions, tomato, cannellini beans and Italian spices
Zucchini Soup Bright summery, creamy zucchini with lemon and basilGreek SaladClassic Greek salad with locally grown lettuce, red onion, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, feta with a house made vinaigrette
Tomato GazpachoCool refreshing tomato/vegetable soupSpinach SaladBaby spinach, hard boiled eggs, bacon with warm bacon dressing
Melon wrapped with prosciuttoCantaloupe balls wrapped with smoky thin prosciuttoStracciatella SoupLight creamy broth- known as Italian egg drop soup

MAINGrilled Pork LoinThis smoky, sweet grilled pork loins is served with fresh tropical pineapple mango salsa & mango reduction with roasted red peppers served with steamed zucchini curls
Filet MignonThick, tenderloins cooked medium rare, served with a rich buttery béarnaise sauce & grilled asparagus
Caribbean Stewed ChickenSlow cooked chicken thighs with carrots, celery, onion, served with Pidgeon peas, rice & roasted plantains
Australian Lamb ChopsGrilled tender lamb medallions, encrusted with garlic & herbs served with jewel roasted vegetables- sweet potato, beet, brussel sprouts & red onion
Braised Short Ribs-Meaty short ribs, braised in red wine & mirepoix served with brie scalloped potatoes
Snapper CurryLocally caught snapper, vegetable yellow curry over a bed of basmati rice
Grilled Mahi MahiFresh caught Mahi Mahi (hopefully off our boat!), seared and served with a lemongrass aioli and organic jade pearl rice
ScallopsPan seared and served over risotto with grilled asparagus
Lobster TortelliniHouse made fresh pasta, and formed tortellini with sage, lemon garlic & white wine reduction
BolognaiseHouse made fresh tagliatelle with a slow cooked classic beef sauce
Argentinean Braised BeefSlow cooked beef roast served with house made chimichurri over smashed red potatoes
PaellaSpanish saffron rice dish packed with seafood, chicken and vegetables
Marbella Chicken RouladesThinly pounded chicken breasts rolled with prunes, capers, Spanish green olives, cooked until tender and moist in a sous vide with a veloute sauce over a rice pilaf

DESSERTAll homemade desserts are served with freshly made whipped cream or homemade ice creams
Key Lime PieReal key limes are used with a graham cracker crust for the perfect tart & sweet treat
Caribbean Rum CakeClassic Caribbean pound cake soaked in rum
Flourless Chocolate CakeThe most decadent chocolate cake ever, served soft & warm with homemade ice cream
Deconstructed PainkillerChef Erin’s ode to the Painkiller! A parfait of coconut cake with homemade pineapple ice cream, topped with homemade Soggy Dollar Rum Carmel & fresh ground nutmeg
Chocolate MousseLight fluffy chocolate classic, topped with berries and caramel lace
Fruit GalettesFlaky French version of pie, served with a variety of fruits and ice cream
Mango & Passion Fruit TorteCaribbean version of the fruit filled cake served with ice cream
CheesecakeDense New York style cheesecake topped with fruit compote varieties for you to choose
Crème BruleClassic vanilla creaminess with the crispy burned sugar topping-simple perfection!
Sticky Toffee PuddingThis British, rich date-based cake is topped with caramel and whipped cream
Banana FosterBananas sauteed in Dark Caribbean Rum caramel sauce, served with homemade rum raisin ice cream
Strawberry Rhubarb ShortcakesFluffy individual shortcakes with tart & sweet strawberry rhubarb compote topping, with freshly made whipped cream
Mirror Glaze CakeSpecial occasion cake with your choice of cake and colors
Variety of Homemade ice creams & sorbets, and warm cookies are options too!Challenge the chef to make you favorite dessert!!

SHIP’S BARVodka: Tito’s
Rum: Cruzan (3-4 Flavors, a Dark, and a Light)
Bourbon: Bulleit
Gin: Bombay Sapphire
Tequila: Milagro
Champagne: La Marca Prosecco
Red/White Wine ($12-$15 bottles typically): Josh, 19 Crimes, Apothic, Matua, Dark Horse, Oyster Bay
Cordials: Grand Marnier, Espresso Vodka, Amaretto. Frangelica
Beers: ST. John Brewer’s, Leatherback Brewery, Corona

Client Feedback

The Permabear crew was amazing. They tailored our experience to our requests, and we welcomed their suggestions for some unforgettable experiences. They were extremely professional, competent, and accommodating…not to mention fun! They went above and beyond to be sure we were happy and having the best time possible, while keeping us safe.

The yacht was very clean and well maintained. It had plenty of room to lounge in various places, and we could access those areas whenever we wanted to. Very comfortable

Chef Erin did an incredible job! She prepared and presented all snacks and meals beautifully and to our preferences. All ingredients were fresh and meals were delicious.

We all enjoyed the areas we visited, and the planning of said itinerary was accommodating to our requests. The zoom meeting with the crew prior to our charter was particularly helpful to not only meet the crew, but to flesh out our plans ahead of time and be sure all were on the same page.
~Kory

April 2026

We had a wonderful 6-night charter in the US and British Virgin Islands on Permabear. Captain Ed and Chef Erin made us feel welcome and safe from the first moment we arrived.

We were able to see so many sites, and they were able to easily pivot and provide us options when the weather impacted our plans. They had great connections on shore to facilitate our visit to Virgin Gorda and dinner on Saba Rock. They made the entire experience memorable.

The food was amazing—we ate so much! Each dish was prepared with care and had a special touch. A special part of the trip was when the youngest members of our group helped Chef Erin make pasta for dinner from scratch.

Our group included 5 children ranging in age from 7 to 14. Captain Ed did a great job facilitating fun in the water with snorkeling, rafts, and other toys. The boat was the perfect size for our party of 9. And we all loved first mate, Gus!

Our kids think this is the best vacation we have ever had! We can’t wait to go back.
~Nina

April 2026

Ed, Erin & Gus,

Thank you so much for giving us the trip and experience of a lifetime!

From the delicious food, the perfect itinerary (with adjustments as needed due to weather), and your warmth and top-tier hospitality, we will never forget this truly unique and unparalleled visit to the Virgin Islands! You were all amazing and made us feel comfortable and at home from the moment we got on the boat.

This trip will be talked about for years to come, and we hope we can come again! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Love,
The Tyre & Rogers Family

March 2026

We had an incredible experience with the Permabear crew and can’t say enough good things about our trip. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. The food was amazing—thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious—and the sailing itself was such a highlight. Every day felt like a true adventure.

We especially appreciated the flexibility of the crew and their willingness to adjust plans when needed, which made the experience feel relaxed and personal rather than rigid. And having a dog on board was such a fun and unexpected bonus—we loved it!

Between the beautiful sailing, great food, sense of adventure, and the overall atmosphere the crew created, this was a trip we’ll remember for a long time. We would absolutely recommending sailing with Permabear again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
~ Amanda

December 2025

We just returned from a week on the Permabear and wanted to let you know how great of a trip it was. Our family of 7 had an absolute blast and cannot wait to get another one on the books. We have been on the Heavenly and the Permabear and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Erin might just be the best cook we’ve ever eaten from!
Thank you,
Brian Edwards

May 2025

Our family vacation on the Permabear couldn’t have been any better. When we were searching for the perfect boat and crew for our trip, we looked at a lot of different options. Choosing the perfect crew was much more important than choosing a boat and we chose the best crew ever!!!!

Ed and Erin were so attentive to our every need. We had a 3 yr old and 6 yr old along with 8 adults. I was a bit nervous since neither kid was swim safe. But there were basic safety rules for the little ones which were easy to follow and life vests for each one for on the boat and in the water. The kids got to “drive” the boat and dinghy, help make banana bread, play with the variety of kid toys on board, play on the floaties and in the pool, catch and kiss a fish, and adored the dog, Gus.

All of the drinks and food items that we requested prior to the trip were on board and Ed even picked up some extras mid trip. The food was amazing — from grilled filet mignon to homemade English muffins for our eggs benedict to homemade pasta, we were constantly amazed.

Ed and Erin know all the great places to go and tailored the trip to our family after getting to know us. Instead of a fancy dinner on Sabo Rock, Erin got reservations for the Pirate Show on a beach which was perfect for our group. Knowing to make reservations for a “lily pad” for the Pizza Pi boat was something we didn’t even think to do but was one of our favorite memories. They made sure the young adults were able to go to the dive bar for St Patrick’s Day fun, took us to beach clubs, shopping at Bitter’s End yacht club, happy hour at a rum bar, made dive reservations, and dropped us at Sandy Spit Island, the bubbly pool, and of course Soggy Dollar.

Permabear is stocked with everything needed for a great vacation. Snorkel gear in all sizes, pool toys, SUP, floaties, wakeboards, beach towels, dry bags, games, and sunscreen . Although there were 10 of us on board, there were plenty of different spots to relax.

Knowing Erin was a former nurse gave me confidence that if we needed some medical aide we would have a qualified person on board. She knew the perfect solution to put on the jellyfish sting that our 6 yr old got while snorkeling.

The slide show of all our (and their) photos that they projected on the TV on the last day was a perfect way to end our trip. It was everything we dreamed it would be and Ed and Erin were a big part of making that happen.

If anyone is considering a trip to the BVI, they can’t go wrong by choosing the Permabear with Ed, Erin, and Gus.

Carol

March 2025

Our trip was great! From the moment boarded the boat and met Captain Ed, First Mate Erin, the cute little boat pup Gus we knew it was going to be a fun trip.

The boat is beautiful! Very well stocked, comfortable and had everything we needed to relax and have fun adventures.

Ed and Erin shared stories of their travels in so many exciting places. We had a few mechanical issues with the boat which Ed fixed immediately, while we were underway. He’s a very capable captain in so many ways. Erin was a fantastic chef! All her meals were so delicious and served beautifully! Honestly the best food I’ve ever had on vacation. Erin even gave us a few cooking lessons. We all learned how to make sourdough bread and she even sent us home with Sourdough starter, and her entire cook book on line. We were surprised to find out that Erin is also a licensed captain as well.

Ed surprised our guys with a little fishing along the way. The fishing excitement made our guys trip! They caught a couple tuna which Erin immediately turned into ceviche for a delicious snack. They are quite a team together.

We did have to deal with high wind warnings our entire trip but that didn’t stop our fun. The islands were so beautiful. We stopped at all the cute and famous beach bars, visited The Baths in Virgin Gorda (a must-see) and beautiful snorkeling spots. Erin guided us planned a perfect charter route for what we wanted to see and do.

We had a fun dance party on board one night where everyone showed off their dancing and singing skills with Erin as our DJ! The guys even helped crew the boat and learned a little more about sailing.

All in all it was the best trip!! We would all love to do it again and would definitely recommend Captain Ed and Erin (and cute little Gus! It was so fun to return to the boat from an excursion to find Gus happily greeting us)!

Vicky

April 2025

Our experience on the Permabear the moment we stepped foot on board was first class. Erin instantly welcomed us with the most delicious welcome drink and Captain Ed got us off the dock and and heading towards our first destination… Maho Bay. As soon as we got to the Bay and anchored, Captain Ed “opened the pool” with all the toys and paddle boards. We saw turtles, fish and Berry the Barracuda. Each day got progressively better and the attention to detail from both Captain Ed and Erin did not go unnoticed. Erin cooked us the most amazing food and four course dinners had us coming home with a few extra pounds. haha.

We had so many options…. we could just sit upstairs, relax and take in the scenery or we could snorkel, paddle board, go wake boarding, and even fish!

Thank you so much Captain Ed and Erin for giving us and our family the trip of a lifetime that we will always and forever remember.

It’s not goodbye…. but till we see you again!

Best,
John & Sandra

January 2025

Permabear is a large sailing catamaran and there was plenty of room for my myself and my five guests along with the two crew. The yacht was spotless and always kept very clean. The crew is amazing. This is the second time we sailed with them in two years and we already knew they were family. It was like a family reunion with the crew, we all love them, and they took great care of us. All the food tasted great and was presented very well. We had a couple of special requests that were accommodated without question and we were all extremely pleased, satisfied and stuffed.

The yacht and crew are first class all the way. If you want to be pampered well, on a comfortable, almost new yacht, Permabear and the Irwins are for you. he areas we cruised in were great and the special places that Captain Ed took us to were amazing.
Every day the destinations were beautiful. The snorkeling was always amazing and we had an opportunity to snorkel at least once every day. I had quite a bit of input in choosing our destinations every day, and it was not a scripted destination vacation.

Every minute of every day was a highlight. It’s difficult to say which one was better than the other, but we visited some amazing places. We sailed every day and most days did not wind up getting off on an island and that was my choice. We stayed on the boat and sailed every day. That was incredible and breathtaking! I expressed an interest throughout the trip in sailing. I probably asked hundreds of questions and I’m sure that would have driven many crews nuts! At one of our destinations, Chef Erin And Captain Ed presented me with a very special gift, the opportunity to sail in a small Hobie Cat and give me my first sailing lesson. Chef Erin was my teacher, she is a very skilled, accomplished sailor who grew up sailing, and it was an absolutely amazing and wonderful experience. I’m truly grateful for the interest they took in my endless questions about sailing throughout the week. Thank you!!! My wife and our 4 guests absolutely loved every day and every destination of our vacation.
Shawn

December 2024

The week aboard the Permabear visiting the Eastern Caribbean islands was more than a vacation. It was a unique life experience. It was the time off I did not know I needed. Being able to rest, recharge, and reflect was priceless. I believe it should be in everybody’s bucket list.

The charter started with a friendly welcome at noon on a Sunday at the Marina Yacht Heaven Grande in Saint Thomas, and it just got better with every passing day. Our initial idea to visit some of the best places in the Caribbean while living in a boat was elevated to an unforgettable vacation by a great boat captain (Ed) and superb chef (Erin), who treated us as like family.

While on board, were enjoyed fresh and delicious multi-course meals prepared daily by the chef, who would narrate how she prepared them. I believe was better than a restaurant.

Boat life was exceptional abord the Permabear, with every need cared for 24/7 by the experienced captain and his wife (the chef) in this friendly and relaxed environment, where we lived at own pace. Daily activities started or ended whenever we felt hungry or tired. We never felt hurried.

We spent the nights on board safely and comfortably in air-conditioned cabins at carefully selected bays by the captain to be protected from ocean winds and with minimal boat rocking from sea waves.

The breath of marine life in the reefs was spectacular, snorkeling at wrekeage of the RMS Rhone was almost unbelievable, visiting the beautiful natural salt water tidal pools at The Baths was awsome, dinner at the world famous (and newly renovated after hurricane Irma) Saba Rock restaurant was a worferful treat, and visiting the iconic Soggy Dollar bar and store at White bay beach in Jost van Dyke was picture-perfect.
By the end of the week you may want this to become your new home and life.

Thanks to Ed and Erin for a wonderful week aboard the Permabear. You took time to share bits of your life with us and taught us a lot about this part of the world.
We return home with great memories from this vacation wishing to return and have this much fun again.
Federico

July 2024

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