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