
OCEANS 8 | 2021
Lagoon
OCEANS 8
About OCEANS 8
Best for: couples and small groups of friends seeking a food-led escape in the Virgin Islands, with families of up to six a close second.
Oceans 8 is a 2021 Lagoon catamaran skippered by owner-captain Shawn Henderson, whose background as a chef, island guide, and Virgin Islands local sets this three-cabin boat apart from the typical crewed charter. Shawn built her reputation aboard a previous sailing catamaran before channelling that same hospitality into Oceans 8, and with 10 completed charters already logged she runs a tight, well-loved operation.
The two-person crew is the real draw. Shawn handles seamanship and island knowledge while Chef Julian Ayala, a Texan with a 28-year career behind him and a serious passion for fresh, bold cooking, runs the galley with customised menus built around your tastes. Six guests across three cabins have room to breathe, and on the water the toys, including two paddleboards, a Subwing, a floating mat, and noodles, keep active guests busy between anchorages. If you want a crewed catamaran where the food is genuinely considered and the crew knows the Virgin Islands from the inside, Oceans 8 delivers.
Specifications
Water sports & toys
- 2 Stand Up Paddle Boards
- Subwing
- Floating mat
- Noodles
Onboard amenities
Connectivity
Yoga - No Mats Onboard - No Instruction Available
Sailing Instruction - Will let guests help a bit - No Full instructon Available - No Certification Available
Guest policy
Meet the crew


Gallery

Details
Yacht plan

Dive programme
Green initiatives
- Yes
- No
General rates
Guest reviews
While this was not our families first trip to St John’s, this was our first time spending a week touring the BVI by boat.
The Oceans 8 is an incredible vessel.
Shawn + Julian were incredible hosts + captains. The food on board was amazing.
Thanks for the incredible service and making our family feel — just like family!
~Happy Sailing Mark, Mari, Parker + Sailor BURCH



I had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the "adventures." It was fun seeing things I hadn't seen last trip. Shawn and Julian were great!
~Karen

Our family vacation was filled with laughter, incredible food and the generous hospitality of Shawn & Julian. They made sure we had some unique experiences that were unlike previous trips to this region. Shawn & Julian often anticipated our needs way before we realized them. Over the week we got better at realizing our needs while getting on/off the dinghy. Thank you for the wonderful time away!
~Mary

Our family wanted to return to the BVI and we all had wish list wishes. Shawn and Julian listened and made sure all our wishes came true. This was a popular, tourist week so Shawn & Julian seemed to work magic to get us in and out of high volume areas. This trip was relaxing because of how well stocked the boat was (including sunscreen, towels, shampoo). Shawn and Julian were flexible and knowledgeable. Our group ranged in age from 16 yrs old to 75 years. We all had a wonderful time.
~Jenn, Brooks & Kyle

This was such a memorable trip that I will cherish forever! Shawn and Julian are phenomenal people!! Guana Island was my favorite (the prettiest water and very remote). Cooper Island was a very cute and fun spot. You really can't go wrong; it's hard to compare all the beautiful views.
-Margaret Addison


We had a BLAST on oceans & with Shawn & Julian island hopping around the BVIS and US VI. We had our family of 4 plus two friends. It was a very memorable time for our family. My favorite was Guana Island very remote and beautiful. We loved snorkeling and swimming around Monkey point. This was an adventure I will cherish forever! Annaberg was a beautiful hike and the views were breathtaking. The food was exceptional and the attention to detail Shawn & Julian provide is outstanding! The boys caught some fish & the girls enjoyed the front of the boat subathing. The trip was beyond our expectations! Plus We saw whales!
Love Katie, Ly God, Christian, Elise, Manavet Addison


The stop was amazing beautiful beaches and mountains. I loved sitting up front tanning (wear sunscreen !!!) enjoying the views they never get old. Foxy bar is so fun and upbeat music to dance to. The college flags all around is very neat as well. Definitely worth stopping at. Guana Island was very quaint & the water was such a pretty clear blue. Food was very yummy and Shawn + Julian are the best. Both very personable & sweet poopy!
-Elise

Firstly, let me say that I am a business owner, and am eerily aware of reviews that may not be from real customers. This is a legit review, from a very satisfied customer. Recently I booked a trip on Cashmere for a week of relaxation, in the USVI. I had never been there before, and had heard great things. A good friend of mine, had called and recommended this yacht trip. At first I hesitated, because it’s a different type of vacation. Stuck on a boat for 6 days, I thought…. ? No way…. Well, let me be the first to dispel that notion. This is a one of a kind adventure, that most people in this world, wouldn’t be privy to. If you are reading this, you need to seriously look into it. Imagine sailing from beach to beach, island to island 🏝. Taking a small boat ashore, while your vessel is moored in the bay, to investigate little towns and shop for local goods. It almost makes you feel like a Spanish Conquistador, when they landed on the beaches hundreds of years ago. Sleeping on the yacht in a different bay each night. Waking up in the morning, to a freshly cooked gourmet breakfast with hot coffee. Peering down into the clearest most turquoise water you’ve ever seen. Catching a glimpse of a passing 5 foot long barracuda meandering 6 inches from the surface, for some warm sunlight. Snorkeling twice a day in different bays, coming face to face with docile sea turtles, nurse sharks, puffer fish and thousands of different colorful species of fish. Star gazing at trillions of stars from the 3rd level of the yacht at night. Have I painted the picture for you yet ? I even proposed to my fiancé on the yacht at sunset in Maho Bay. Don’t limit yourself to the same ole vacation, where you book a room and then try to figure out an itinerary. Book your trip on Cashmere, and let them do everything for you. Like I said…. One of a kind vacation.
~David I
I recently embarked on a mesmerizing vacation with Boatique Yacht Charters. Words cannot fully capture the sheer beauty and unparalleled experience I had during my time aboard their Cashmere. From the exhilarating sailing to the snorkeling and beach hopping, every aspect of this trip was nothing short of extraordinary. One of the highlights of this vacation was the unforgettable snorkeling experiences. The USVI are renowned for their vibrant marine life and captivating coral reefs, and Boatique Yacht Charters made sure we experienced the best of it. Beach hopping was an absolute dream come true. The crew took us to some of the most idyllic and secluded beaches. Each day brought a new culinary adventure crafted with precision and passion. It felt like indulging in a five star restaurant, but with the added bonus of dining amidst the breathtaking scenery of the USVI. I can confidently say that my vacation with Boatique Yacht Charters was the best I have ever experienced. I am already counting down the days until I can return to this paradise and create more everlasting memories.
~Alanna
My husband and I (plus two other couples) took a six day cruise aboard the Cashmere in June around the US Virgin Islands. Without a doubt, it was one of the best vacation experiences we have ever had. The crew, which consisted of a captain and a chef, were amazing. We sailed to some of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see, and we were treated like royalty. The meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) were some of the best we have ever had. The Cashmere is a 50’ catamaran with a cabin and private bathroom for each couple. The beds were very comfortable, and the cabins are air conditioned at night for a good night sleep after long days of sailing, snorkeling, and beach visits. Including the crew, there were eight people on the boat,but it never felt crowded because it is quite a large boat. If you have never vacationed like this, I highly recommend it, it is truly a unique experience. If you decide to try it, I highly, highly, recommend booking with Boutique Charters, they are true professionals and there was really nothing to complain about. God willing, we will soon go back and sail on the Cashmere again. ~Mahely






