First Impression: Three Moons

Date toured: November 2007

Three Moons, built in 1983, is one of several nicely maintained Irwin 72 sailing yachts that offer charters in the Virgin Islands (two others are Drumbeat and Sublime). Each of the yachts was specifically designed for charter, and though their interior decors differ, their layouts are virtually identical.
     And so it’s the crew and the way they run the boats that make all the difference. All have good reputations, but different reputations based on the services they offer—and in the case of Three Moons, the key services are in the spa and food categories.
     Owner-operators Randy and Shelly Tucker bought Three Moons ten years ago and have been offering charters since the spring of 1998. They’ve worked hard during the past decade to find ways to make her stand out in the market, including everything from installing air conditioning to making the most of Shelly’s background in spa services.
     “Shelly used to own a salon,” Randy told me as we sat onboard, “so she does mini-massages, manicures, pedicures, all that stuff.” His comment caught my attention because typically, spa services are available only onboard larger motoryachts, not charter sailboats in the size range of Three Moons.
     Shelly also serves as chef onboard and recently published the third edition of her cookbook, which features many of the favorite and award-winning dishes that she’s prepared for charter guests over the years.
    “It’s things like our Caribbean lobster—and we do the whole tail, not just half with six shrimp on the side—and pina colada pancakes, chocolate coma cake, that sort of thing,” she explained.
     I’ll tell you, some of the recipes looked so good that I agreed to trade Shelly a copy of my yacht charter book Dream Cruises for her cookbook, which I put to good use this holiday season. Her smoked salmon roll-ups were a hit at my annual Christmas party, which tells me that the food onboard Three Moons during charters is likely to be crowd-pleasing, as well. (For a sneak preview of a few recipes, check out the Tuckers' website.)
     The Tuckers have a third crew member working with them, stewardess Katy Bednar, who typically sleeps in a forward cabin with upper-and-lower bunks, but who will give up that cabin for guests’ children if the need arises. That gives Three Moons nice flexibility in terms of accommodations, whether you are traveling with a group of couples or with a few kids in your party.
     Three Moons is part of the Flagship fleet. Her weekly rate is inclusive (yes, food and liquor too) and ranges from $13,500 for four guests to $17,500 for eight guests, or about $2,200 per person with a full boat. Contact any reputable charter broker to book.—Kim Kavin