ESCAPADE – Bali Catamarans
Catamaran · US Virgin Islands

ESCAPADE | 2023

Bali Catamarans

  • 9 guests
  • 5 cabins
  • 1 bathrooms
  • 2 crew
  • 2023 built
  • 54ft (16m)

ESCAPADE

ESCAPADE · US Virgin Islands

About ESCAPADE

Best for: active families, with groups of friends seeking water-sport-packed days a close second.

ESCAPADE is a 2023 Bali catamaran sailing the US Virgin Islands, and her standout feature is a master queen cabin with direct access to the aft deck so you can step straight into the ocean from your bedroom. Four further cabins, including a small single available on request that works well for children or teenagers, sleep up to nine guests across five cabins, each with full air conditioning and individual temperature control.

Captain Mitch, a South Africa-born Yachtmaster Offshore and certified PADI Rescue Diver and Personal Watercraft Instructor, runs a genuinely activity-led programme. The toy list is serious: two SUPs, wakeboard, kneeboard, towable tube, two Subnados, floating mats, snorkel gear, fishing gear, and a 10-person dinghy with a 60hp engine to get you there fast. Chef Emma, also from Johannesburg, builds menus around fresh, locally sourced ingredients and caters confidently to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. With 21 reviews behind her, ESCAPADE is a proven, in-demand boat and a natural fit for families who want their days full and their evenings well-fed.

Specifications

9Guests
5Cabins
1Bathrooms
2Crew
54ftLength
2023Built
Air-conBBQ

Water sports & toys

  • 10 Person Dinghy With 60 HP
  • 2 Stand Up Paddle Boards
  • Kneeboard
  • Wakeboard
  • Towable Tube
  • 2 Subnados
  • Floating Mats
  • Snorkel Gear
  • Fishing Gear
  • Beach Games

Onboard amenities

Entertainment

Starlink Internet
Traeger BBQ grill
Ice maker on board (100lbs of ice per day)
Full sun awning on forward cockpit area

Accommodations

1 master queen cabin with dual entrances, one to the saloon and one to the aft deck. Jump straight into the Ocean from your bedroom!
The other 3 double cabins are all roomy and spacious, with full bathrooms. Two of which have separate showers.
All main cabins have full A/C and the temperature of each room is individually controlled.
Small single cabin available on request, entrance is through hatch on the deck. Great for children or teenagers.

Guest policy

PetsYes

Meet the crew

Mitch Nesbit
Captain · South AfricanMitch NesbitRead bio
Emma Hill
Chef/First MateEmma HillRead bio

Details

Yacht plan

yacht plan

Dive programme

Scuba onboardYacht offers Rendezvous Diving only
Certification-
CompressorNot Onboard
Tanks0
Regulators0
Wetsuits0
Weights0
Dive crew0
Night dives0
Dive lights0

Green initiatives

  • Yes
  • Yes
  • ESCAPADE's upgraded 48-volt lithium battery bank provides air conditioning throughout the night without relying on a generator. This eco-friendly energy solution eliminates the noise, fuel consumption and emissions, ensuring a quieter, more sustainable experience that minimizes your environmental impact while you slumber in total comfort. In addition, ESCAPADE has a special water conditioning system aboard, enabling you to enjoy mineral-enhanced water served in reusable insulated tumblers, reducing landfill waste and keeping you fresh and hydrated throughout the day!

General rates

Season rate - Summer 2026
2 Guests
3 Guests
4 Guests
5 Guests
6 Guests
7 Guests
8 Guests
Season rate - Winter 2026 to 2027
2 Guests
3 Guests
4 Guests
5 Guests
6 Guests
7 Guests
8 Guests
Season rate - Summer 2027
2 Guests
3 Guests
4 Guests
5 Guests
6 Guests
7 Guests
8 Guests
Rate notes

<p>Cruising Area<br>• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI)<br><br>Base Port<br>• Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) – St. Thomas, USVI<br>• Additional pick-up/drop-off available at American Yacht Harbor (AYH), St. Thomas<br>• BVI ports available on request (Contact us for details)<br><br>Yacht Status & Operations<br>• Based in St. Thomas, USVI<br>• STT-Foreign Based Unlimited<br>• USVI pick-up/drop-off preferred<br>• BVI pick-ups/drop-offs accepted with advance approval<br><br>Customs Fees & Cruising Permits<br>• Included<br><br>Rates & Terms<br>Minimum Charter Nights<br>• 5-night minimum<br>• Shorter charters considered on request<br><br>Short-Term Charter Rate Calculations<br>• 6 nights = weekly rate ÷ 7 × 6<br>• 5 nights or less = weekly rate ÷ 6 × number of nights<br><br>Crew Relocation<br>• $1,500 fee if guests request use of the twin cabin<br>• Advance inquiry required<br>• Not available on 24-hour turns<br><br>Sleep Aboard Option<br>Enjoy a relaxed evening onboard before your charter begins.<br>• Offered at 50% of the daily rate<br>• Boarding available after 4:00 PM<br>• Includes snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast<br>• Dinner ashore at guest expense<br>• Excludes Christmas & New Year’s weeks<br><br>Dining Options – The number of meals listed are based on a 7 night charter<br>Full-Board Plan – Great for guests who want a fully onboard culinary experience<br>• 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners onboard<br>• Standard plan included in your charter rate<br><br>Half-Board Plan – Ideal for guests who enjoy dining ashore<br>• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners onboard<br>• 3 lunches & 4 dinners ashore (guest expense)<br>• $150 per person discount<br><br>Holiday Rates 2026 / 2027 Season<br>Holiday season pricing is full-board only, 7 nights and a 48 turn is required.<br><br>Christmas Week<br>• $39,500 | 2–8 guests<br>• Must end on or before December 26<br><br>New Year’s Week<br>• $43,000 | 2–8 guests<br>• May not start prior to December 27<br> <br>Important Notes<br>• Charter waiver required in addition to standard contract</p>

Guest reviews

The 7-night charter with Mitch and Emma on the Escapade exceeded our expectations of the ideal BVI trip. We have a large family with varying personalities and food preferences, but the crew accommodated our "adventure days" and "chill days" like seasoned pros and had everyone walk away from this experience with a common theme......"this was a trip of a lifetime, and when are we going back!"



Beyond the natural beauty of the water and islands, the beauty of the Escapade cannot be understated, as it was professionally maintained, clean, spacious, outfitted with all of the necessary water toys and provided A/C for nighttime sleeping.



The trip was enhanced "ten-fold" by the exceptional hospitality provided by Mitch and Emma, who consistently went beyond the norm in making the experience great. Emma's culinary skills were amazing and Mitch's intimate knowledge of the islands helped maximize our coverage of a very busy itinerary.



My family will forever be grateful for this wonderful experience.
~Steve

June 2026June 2026

We spent six incredible nights aboard Escapade with Captain Mitch and Chef Emma, and everything exceeded our expectations in every way.

From the moment we stepped on board, the service, attention to detail, and overall experience were absolutely top-notch. Captain Mitch created the perfect itinerary, and Chef Emma’s meals were nothing short of amazing, every dish was a highlight.

If you're even thinking about booking a charter like this, don’t hesitate, just do it. You won’t regret it!
~ Kevin

June 2026June 2026

We absolutely loved our time aboard Escapade! From the moment we stepped on board, every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, and every need we could possibly think of was met. Mitch and Emma were incredible hosts—friendly, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to making our trip unforgettable. Their hospitality, professionalism, and fun personalities made the experience even more special. We couldn’t have asked for a better crew or a more amazing vacation. Highly recommend!
~Steph

June 2026June 2026

We had a fantastic trip thanks to Mitch and Emma’s top notch hospitality. The food was great, you’ll never be hungry! Mitch knew all the best snorkeling spots and they worked as a team to accommodate all our needs. Highly recommend!
~Karyn

May 2026June 2026

Six close friends sailed on Escapade this past spring. While we were all unsure of what to expect, we were beyond thrilled with our experience! Mitch and Emma are a perfect team-capable, experienced, and incredibly knowledgeable about the Caribbean-from which restaurants to eat at, what activities to participate in and which islands to visit. They took care of all of it! From reservations off the boat, hot coffee first thing in the morning and always a delicious midday snack, every detail was thought of! We were all also amazed at Emma’s ability to orchestrate three delicious meals every day from the catamaran’s kitchen. Truly it was their exceptional professionalism that allowed us to have one of the best vacations any of us have ever had. Without hesitation I’d say book it!
~Lori

April 2026June 2026

Mitch was great - very competent and professional, yet welcoming and personable. Emma was fantastic - very hospitable and accommodating, along with incredible meals and snacks! We were thrilled and our kids say it was their favorite trip we have done as a family!
~Andy & Jessica

March 2026June 2026

Luke and Chloe were the most amazing and professional captain and chef!! Luke extremely smart and bright knows exactly what he is doing knows where to go along with caution and safety! Chloe is beyond a wonderful chef , every single meal was gourmet from breakfast and on. Drinks were plentiful and fruity and fun. Highly recommend these 2 on Sail Escapade… you will not be disappointed you will be elated !!


While Luke worked extremely hard to provide wonderful spots to explore. Chloe made one amazing meal after another. Luke offered great water toys, a day of tubing, bonfire on the beach for sunset and Snuba. This team was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fabulous BVI vacation.

New Years Charter Reviews onboard EscapadeJune 2026

When ever I sat on a beach and looked at all the boats I always wanted to be on one of those boats. So for me a dream trip come true. We chartered with three other couple plus the crew. We loved the boat and had plenty of room for activities. Nothing disappointed. I was living a dream. They say find something you love to do and make money doing it. Our crew is quite possibly the best in the industry because I believe they followed that advice. Captain Luke's love of being a captain shined through in every thing he did. He checked with us every day on the agenda, made sure we had everything we needed, took us to some awesome snorkeling spots and knew the area well.

Chef Chloe created a lovely dining experience aboard our yacht. Her dishes and presentation are an expressions of creativity and passion that leave a lasting impression. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in every dish. Last but certainly not least was her lemon cheesecake—that can only be described as heavenly. It was smooth, silky and light with a soft lemon flavor that will forever linger in my memory. The perfect ending to a flawless evening and meal. I really hated to leave. I'lI miss the scenery, the boat, but most of all our two new friends.

Crew Review - Dream Trip in USVI and BVIJune 2026

We iust finished a charter with Captain Luke and I highly recommend not only the charter but the crew. They did a fabulous job of taking care of us. They knew exactly where to go and what to do. Captain Luke was professional and fun. He handled the boat with ease. He also made sure we discussed our daily agenda. He was accommodating with any changes we wanted to make, like snorkeling another day or a different location. Our chef was amazing. Everything they made was delightful. We had everything from wahoo and red snapper to lamb pasta and ribeye's. We never ended the day hungry! It was great to have them join us on a few of the excursions. Since it was our first time in the USVI and BVI, we weren't familiar with the area. We snorkeled, swam and did a couple small hikes. Near the end of the trip, they even created a little friendly competition, an Olympics style competition between couples. It was so much fun! It was a trip of a lifetime, that we plan on repeating with them!

Crew Review - Amazing Charter in USVI and BVIJune 2026

We had the best vacay ever aboard our charter yacht! The boat is the perfect size for four couples. Our crew was exceptional. Luke is very knowledgeable and confident and our chef was amazing. Honestly some of the best food we've ever eaten. Both of them are working before sun up making sure the boat is wiped down top to bottom. Both of them are also fun, caring and go the extra mile to ensure we had a great time. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. It sincerely exceeded any expectations we had. Thanks for a trip of a lifetime!

Crew Review - Catamaran Cruise 2024June 2026

My husband and I chartered in the USVIs and BVIs for a week's vacation with friends. There were 8 quests in total with two crew: Captain Luke and our Chef. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a Sunday to Saturday all-inclusive charter around the US and British Virgin Islands. Our crew were attentive to our dietary requests and entertainment preferences. We were collected in the marina near our hotel, which was immensely convenient. This is a vacation for relaxing and spending time with friends in the water and during brief shore excursions. We were well looked after and didn't worry about planning the agenda or travel details which provided us a most appreciated break from the norm. Thank you Luke and the team, we are eternally grateful and hope our paths cross again in the future.

Crew Review - Relaxing Vacation with FriendsJune 2026

We had a spectacular time and it was largely due to our excellent crew. Captain Luke was extremely helpful, friendly, and quite competent. Our chef was out of this world. The meals were fantastic, over the top. Both were kind, helpful, and personable. The overall experience was fantastic!

Crew Review - Fantastic Week Aboard Charter YachtJune 2026

Visiting the Virgin Islands on this yacht was a fabulous way to enjoy the views and unique natural resources of the Caribbean. Captain Luke expertly navigated the 8 of us to the Indians, the Baths, and Jost Van Dyke, to name a few. The golden hour on deck with a varying Caribbean background every night is what dreams are made of. We snorkeled, hiked, laughed and ate and drank like kings. We live in Austin and have more than our fair share of really good restaurants. Our chef surpassed my expectations of what could be prepared and served on the boat. In fact, I am making one of their recipes tonight! The only way I could be more satisfied with our epic vacation is if I were still there.

Crew Review - Epic Vacation!June 2026

Escapade's Captain and Chef made our charter experience absolutely unforgettable! The Captain was fantastic - we always felt safe and confident with them at the helm. They expertly built out our schedules, accommodating all our requests for different activities, and was proactive in keeping us on track. Our host and chef was simply phenomenal. Her culinary skills blew us away with every meal, and her attention to detail was impeccable. From preparing late-night snacks to ensuring we minimized our environmental impact, she consistently went above and beyond. Together, they form a dream team that perfectly balanced professionalism with a warm, welcoming presence.

Crew ReviewJune 2026

We couldn't have asked for a better crew than ours on Escapade! The Captain's expertise as a skipper was evident in their efficient handling of the boat and their ability to craft the perfect itinerary for our group. They both were incredibly knowledgeable and made us feel secure throughout the trip. The chef's role as our host was nothing short of spectacular. Her cooking was out of this world, and she had an uncanny ability to anticipate our needs before we even realized them. Both of them were incredibly perceptive, quickly tuning into our group's vibe and preferences. They complemented each other perfectly, creating an atmosphere that was both luxurious and comfortable.

Crew ReviewJune 2026

Four couples decided to explore the British Virgin Islands for a quick getaway before the holidays. We choose a 55 foot luxury catamaran called the ESCAPADE and it did not disappoint! This “cat” was comfortably appointed with 4 private cabins, full shower and bathroom and A/C when needed. There were many lounge opportunities on the bow, stern and upper decks. The Captain and Chef took great care of us. The food was amazing, every meal was different. We did some off shore exploring, snorkeling, and learned a lot about the BVI. IF you’re looking for a new adventure, try a fun, casual barefoot sail on the Escapade.

Sailing the ESCAPADEJune 2026
ESCAPADE guest review
ESCAPADE guest review
ESCAPADE guest review

The crew were great! The food was fantastic and the service was second to none.
This was our first time on a charter like this and they were very good in handling us first timers.

The crew were great!June 2026

My husband and I recently returned from an amazing trip to the BVI on ESCAPADE. We have chartered several catamarans in the past and this one is by far the nicest. This catamaran is brand new, absolutely beautiful, and extremely spacious. We spent nine days on this boat with 8 other people and we never once felt cramped. There are many areas to hangout together or escape for alone time. It is equipped with 4 paddle boards, an electronic swim platform and everything needed for the perfect Caribbean vacation. Also, the dinghy is large and has a fast engine which allows you to motor around with comfort and ease. The captain and chef were wonderful. Very accommodating and anxious to please. Every meal was gourmet and the chef made every attempt to wine and dine us. The captain enjoyed taking us to wonderful snorkeling spots, shuttling us to and from beaches, and assisting us whenever needed. I highly recommend ESCAPADE and we very much look forward to traveling on ESCAPADE again in the near future.

Fabulous trip on ESCAPADEJune 2026

If you have not sailed on a Bali 5.4, you should, and I would absolutely choose S/V Escapade again. We have chartered numerous cats and own a Lagoon. Bali has really done something special with the way they have opened the boat up with the 5.4. We had 4 couples plus the crew onboard and you always felt like you had a place to socialize with all 12 people or find your alone time. The captain and chef on Escapade were fabulous. They made you feel like family and took super great care of us. The food was tremendous. The sailing was incredible (very awesome having a captain that actually wants you to be involved if you want). The itinerary was great, captain gave recommendations based on the weather but left it up to us. Captain steered us to super fun little hang outs that I didn't know about in the USVI or BVI even though I thought I knew the area well. The Bali 5.4 makes the trip, it is an incredible boat. What made Escapade so special was how well the boat is kept, and the crew. The captain would routinely ask/suggest that if we wanted a happy hour swim platform he would lower the hydraulic dinghy platform and move the dinghy to the side giving a perfect play area (actually at any time of the day, but at happy hour having it just above the water line helped keep the drinks above the water line :-)). I can't say enough good things about the chef. The main reason to crew a boat is to take away all the hard jobs, and she made putting out fabulous meals and snacks look easy (and we all know it is not). She also handled our group of extremely varied dietary requirements very well. It was a trip of a lifetime and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Charter on S/V EscapadeJune 2026

We have enjoyed various trips to the islands, but this trip was like none other! We had four couples and the fabulous crew. I believe this SY is new and has all the creature comforts. The space on Escapade was perfect for the eight of us. If we all wanted to sit together, whether it was for meals or just playing cards at night, we could all gather around the dining table. But if you wanted some private time to sun bathe or have quiet conversation there were multiple places to take advantage of-and all with a beautiful setting. Our mornings we were greeted by the crew with our favorite coffee and discussions about where we were going to sail that day. At night, after one of the amazing multi-course meals prepared by the chef, we would lay out on the top deck and watch for shooting stars. Each meal was prepared carefully and was wonderful. The pitcher of pain killers was always welcome. We had a couple of windy days on the water, and at times a rocky boat doesn't agree with me. The Escapade handled the waters so smoothly and I felt great the entire week. Our captain shared some great spots around the BVI's. We snorkeled each day or explored around some of the islands. This boat has a remote control platform off the stern that we would use to get in and out of the water after snorkeling or paddle boarding, so convenient! It also holds the large dinghy when we set sail. I would say that this particular sailing yacht exceeded any of our other sailing experiences. It's great for a group of friends or a family or two. We are already planning our next fun get away on Escapade!

Our dream escape on ESCAPADEJune 2026

As soon as our family got on board, the crew immediately made us feel comfortable and at home. The Captain was so accommodating if we asked to take us to certain bays. They knew the area very well and would take us to the best views, beautiful waters, and best snorkeling spots. Every day they would set up floats and rafts for us and pull out the paddle boards, even helping show us how to do it! Every single meal was AMAZING. It was so nice not having to worry about what the next meal would be. Every meal delicious and picture worthy! The presentation was beautiful! They were also so accommodating to my picky eater kids and made them special meals if they wanted. Drinks were always flowing and delicious! Not only did they both make my family feel so comfortable but they truly went out of their way to make us feel special. We truly felt like they were friends. We hated getting off the boat and leaving them. We will always remember that trip as our favorite!

THE BEST!June 2026
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Dates:Select below

In demand — 7 weeks already reserved. Popular dates go quickly.

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Booked On hold Turnaround
Number of Guests:9 guests
Low season rate: €31,000 per week
High season rate: €32,000 per week

Rate shown for up to 8 guests · Caribbean Terms

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Good to know

We want to make sure you are well prepared and informed for your trip. Here are a few things you might want to know before you set off.
An APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) is an amount paid to the yacht before your charter. It's a fund to cover expenses such as food & drink eaten on board, fuel and mooring fees. At the end of your charter, you’ll receive a detailed document showing how the APA was spent, and any remaining balance will be refunded to you. if in doubt about what is included, ask your HELM broker.
The Captain will let you know if you're about to overspend and discuss your next steps, which wil generally be a bank transfer to top up the funds.
We recommend (10-15% for the Med) (15-20% for the Caribbean/Bahamas) of your charter fee, which will be split evenly among the crew (it's a nice touch to bring a blank envelope or a thank you card in advance).
We'll share your Captain's details with you a few weeks before your charter. We can set up a group chat with your group and the captain to discuss plans before you go.

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