SISU

We just completed the most wonderful five days on our Sisu Charter and only wish we had another five days to Sail the BVI’s with Frik and Petro who did everything they could to make our Sail special- Even before we boarded the Sisu- they spent time with us on a call to find out about us, what we liked to do and especially what we liked to eat and drink so that they could plan our meals and our destinations before we arrived.

I love to Scuba dive so I was thrilled to learn that Captain Frik was also a master diver and he accompanied me on a wonderful and beautiful and safe dive always evaluating my abilities and making sure I was safe.

Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner and Drinks by Chef Petro were literally exquisite in both taste and presentation -incredible – and even took into consideration my dietary constraints.

Of course the beauty of the Ocean surrounded us but the best part were the company of both Frik and Petro and our friends who we travelled with.

Thank you to Emily from Charter Smarter and to our Host for an unforgettable five days.
~Jody and Olivia

Sailing with Captain Frik and Chef Petro, aboard the beautifully maintained 45-foot catamaran, Sisu, through the British Virgin Islands (BVI) was one of those rare trips that feels almost unreal while you’re in the middle of it.

Our journey started departing Tortola’s Nanny Cay Marina to sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel into a mooring spot at Peter Island; our first night with a beautiful sunset and delicious Italian dinner. Throughout the next five days our boating adventure continued with ports of call at Marina Cay, Cane Garden Bay, Jost Van Dyke and Norman Islands. We enjoyed a mix of activities: snorkeling stops at coral reefs, several beach walks, touring a rum distillery, visiting local restaurants, playing on the boats’ fun island and swimming in the balmy tropical water, once with a large turtle circling beneath us  

During our time in the BVI the weather was quite blustery and made for exciting sailing. Our group had complete confidence with Frik’s navigation skills and handling of the yacht in rough waters and windy conditions. He and Petro are clearly experienced sailors who know the BVI waters and reefs well, whether traveling between islands or slipping effortlessly into marine moorages or island moorings and anchorages.  

Due to the weather conditions a modification to our original sailing itinerary was needed.  We trusted Frik and Petro to provide us with options of things to see and do that peaked our interests and allowed for smoother water travel. We wisely accepted the changes needed making for the most enjoyable of seafaring and sightseeing experiences.  On board, our captain, Frik was welcoming and generous with his time answering our numerous questions about sailing and the operating systems on the yacht.  Off board we really appreciated how Frik ferried us back and forth from shore and kept his eye on us all from the dingy while we were snorkeling around the Pirates Caves and along the shore reefs of Marina Cay. He also outfitted us with good snorkeling equipment which made that experience very satisfactory.

The ‘icing on the cake’ that truly elevated our Sailing Sisu experience was the high-quality dining experience, every meal a culinary surprise and delight. Morning, noon and night, Petro prepared dish after dish that was worthy of a fine restaurant. Each meal was beautifully prepared and presented, including mouthwatering appetizers and drinks before dinner. Days began with breakfast on the catamaran’s open-air dining deck, with warm breezes blowing through which started the day wonderfully. After breakfast daily Frik discussed with us activities desired for the day. 

Evening meals included steaks, fish, ribs, salads and decadent desserts- ending each day on a sweet note. Petro even surprised us with a gorgeously decorated and delicious chocolate birthday cake to celebrate our friend’s special day which we much appreciated. Dinners included fun themes with a lot of laughter and good conversations shared.   Dining in the open air with tropical breezes and sunsets melting into the turquoise sea, turned every meal into an extraordinary event. It was hard to believe such refined cuisine could come from a yacht galley, but from Petro’s galley indeed it did.  Impressively, on our days having meals on land, Petro went out of her way to recommend places to eat and even made reservations for us.

The combination of superb sailing, breathtaking islands, and unforgettable chef-prepared meals made this trip extraordinary. A 45-foot catamaran is the perfect way to experience the British Virgin Islands, and with a skilled captain such as Frik and the talented chef Petro, the journey became something beyond special. It wasn’t just a vacation and a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday with great friends —it was the kind of experience that is staying with us all long after the sails have come down.

We are hopeful to be Sailing Sisu with Frik and Petro again in the future!
~Liz, Daniel & Sharon

We had an amazing time with you Petro and Frik!!  Everything was fantastic, and we felt so comfortable and taken care of 💙🩵💜 
The communication from Frik planning our trip ahead of time and then continuing throughout regarding when and where it’s best to snorkel, hike, and anchor the boat was spot on. He was adaptable depending on our changing needs, and also the weather. 

The food, table scapes, conversation and warmth from Petro were above and beyond. We absolutely recommend our friends with kids travel with you both, the opportunity to snorkel and see so much marine life is extraordinary. You both made it even better with the care and commitment you put into your guests. THANK YOU and see you soon!!
Love Tracy, Evie and Chris 💜

Frik and Petro were fantastic hosts to say the least, and Sisu was very well suited for our group’s needs.

I honestly can’t say what we enjoyed most, but the entire trip was one we will never forget.

We hiked through hillsides to spectacular views, snorkeled secluded coves, took in the Baths in all their glory, slept under the stars, experienced ultimate luxury, went diving on wrecked boats and airplanes, bar hopped some famous (and infamous!) watering holes, and truly enjoyed some downtime with our new friends.

Petro’s culinary skills and food presentations were superb; hard to believe it was the work of just one chef in a small galley. Frik’s experience and genuine concern for the well being of all on board was very reassuring.

10+ star rating!
-Scott & Jacky

We had an amazing week aboard Sisu and cannot stop talking about all the great times we had. Frik was there throughout the week to make sure we had what we needed, a cold drink in hand, and were always having fun. Petro is a fantastic cook and the meals and tablescapes were unbelievable. They truly went out of their way at every turn to make sure we were having the vacation of a lifetime and we couldn’t be more appreciative. Our week in the BVIs is one that we will never forget and we’ll cherish forever!
-Chris & Angie
-Mike & Raquel

Could not have asked for a better experience… the company of you both, Sisu, the food, the fun. Will look forward to more nights that may be hard to remember (🥴) but with new friends we will never forget!
-Scott and Jackie

BEST! VACATION! EVER!
-Jason and Christi

We absolutely loved our time with you both and on the beautiful Sisu!

Petro, you are truly a gifted and talented chef! Your food was beyond delicious and beautifully plated. You put so much love into your food. And your themes and tables scapes were so fun and creative. It was so wonderful to get to know you. We loved your positivity, warmth and humor.

Frik, thank you for the endless dingy rides, in the newest and nicest dingy we’ve ever been in! You were a wealth of knowledge of the islands and the sea. We all felt so comfortable knowing you were at the helm as such an experienced Captain. We also loved your humor and your stories were so entertaining! Thanks for helping us plan our days and shuttling us to all our adventures in style!

We had the most amazing week and made the best memories and hope we will be able to come aboard again in the future. Until then, we hope we remain at the top of your “favorite guests” list;) Or at the very least, your #1 guests that conserved the most amount of water and resources;)

Wishing you a smooth rest of your charter season!

Happy sailing,
The Zone family

This was a ‘real’ charter, on a real liveaboard with actual owners who have sailed this boat 30K+ miles.   Typical charters are bare boats with Captains and First Mates who shuffle between different boats and can’t tell you a lot about the boat you are on.   Chartering with Sisu allows one to:
* See downwind sails in action (charter boats don’t have this capability)
* Night sail (charter companies don’t allow this)
* Go places outside a charter company’s allowed cruising area
* Get drone footage to document your vacation.
*  See how a proper liveaboard is provisioned
*  Scuba dive (charter boats have snorkeling and paddleboard gear, but dive gear is not typically included on catamarans).

I learned a bunch from Frik on sailing craft and technique, and this added to learnings from previous charters. In addition, he had a lot of background knowledge about boat upgrades and maintenance, lessons learned, options he would and wouldn’t take if he had to do it again, etc.
And Petro has a wealth of experience on how to efficiently provision a boat, plan meals, and how to manage all the logistics.  And her meals were amazing.

If owning a sailing catamaran is in your future, this is a great crew from which to learn.

Greetings
Rob

Our recent catamaran charter aboard Sisu was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we stepped on board, we knew we were in for an extraordinary adventure. Captain Frik and Chef Petro created an experience that far exceeded our expectations, combining impeccable service, local expertise, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made us feel at home in paradise.  The catamaran was spacious, luxurious, and immaculately maintained.

Captain Frik was the cornerstone of our adventure. His professionalism, knowledge of the islands, and friendly demeanor set the tone for an incredible trip. Frik’s ability to navigate the waters of the BVI with ease and his skill in selecting the best anchorages made every day feel like a new discovery. Frik even ensured we arrived at the perfect time to avoid crowds. His storytelling and knowledge of local culture added depth to every destination.

Chef Petro was nothing short of a culinary magician. Every meal she prepared was a masterpiece, combining fresh, local ingredients with world-class technique that rivaled any five-star restaurant. The dining experience aboard Sisu was elevated by her creativity and passion for her craft.

What truly made this trip extraordinary was the warm hospitality of Frik and Petro. They went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect, from greeting us with welcome drinks to creating special moments. Their genuine passion for what they do was evident in every interaction, and they made us feel not like passengers, but like family.

We cannot recommend this experience highly enough and are already dreaming of the day we can set sail with Frik and Petro again!

Curt & Lizzie