 Date toured: November 2006
Sayang is one of several 54-foot sailboats built by Jenneau that are available for charter in the Virgin Islands. This particular boat was built in 2005 and purchased new off the factory line by Paul and Ratna Crossby, whom I met during an industry-only charter yacht show in Road Town, Tortola, about a year into their experience of offering crewed charters.
As you might expect of a brand-new boat, Sayang is in gorgeous condition. She has four cabins altogether, with the Crossbys using one of them. The other three cabins are for guests, with two that can combine into a larger master suite. I personally thought that configuration would be most comfortable on this boat, which seems ideally sized for one couple with children.
(Note: If your kids are TV junkies at night, bring a laptop with movies for their room. While there’s a television with DVD player in the main saloon, there are no televisions in the cabins onboard Sayang.)
The Crossbys have been boating together for years, primarily on bareboat vacations that convinced them they wanted to own their own yacht. Paul, who is British, is now a licensed captain, and Ratna, who is Malaysian, serves as chef/stewardess. She trained at the Edinborough School of Food and Wine in Scotland, and she says that while she can cook anything, her specialty is Asian fusion using locally caught fish and Caribbean spices. She doesn’t do sushi, but she does do plenty of rice, teriyaki and chili dishes.
When I caught up with Sayang, the Crossbys had completed a dozen charters—with three of the clients already having booked repeat visits for 2007. That’s a pretty good ratio for a new charter yacht, which tells me that Sayang must be doing something right.
The yacht charges an inclusive rate (pretty much everything except gratuity) of $6,250 for two guests or $8,900 for four guests, which averages out to $2,225 per person before adding in the gratuity).
You can learn more from management company Regency Yacht Vacations, or by contacting any reputable charter broker.—Kim Kavin |
Nicole Caulfield is licensed, bonded, and a longtime member of FYBA and AYCA. She brings a unique perspective as a broker, having worked aboard yachts for nearly 10 years. Email Nicole
Shannon Webster is a longtime AYCA member. She books yachts worldwide from 80 to 400 feet long. Email Shannon
Michael Sawyer of Infinity Yacht Charters has unique access to charter yachts and crew from Alaska to Mexico. Contact Michael.
Beverly Parsons has been chartering since 1969. She is a licensed, bonded broker and a founding member of the professional groups AYCA and CYBA International. Contact Beverly.
Ed Hamilton has worked in every part of the charter industry over the last 37 years and heads one of the largest, most respected charter brokerages.
Trina Howes has 10 years of experience in the charter industry finding great pleasure in creating the best yachting vacations possible. E-mail Trina
Liz Howard joined Fraser Yachts as a charter broker in 2002 after more than 15 years in the maritime industry. E-mail Liz.
Sharon Bahmer is an expert at booking charters in the Americas, from Alaska to Brazil. She's also a member of FYBA and CYBA. E-mail Sharon
