
PHILOTIMO | 2018
Lagoon
PHILOTIMO
About PHILOTIMO
Best for: small groups of friends or couples, with families of up to six a close second.
PHILOTIMO is a 2018 Lagoon power catamaran based out of Nanny Cay, Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. Her standout is Captain Gavin, a skipper with ten consecutive BVI seasons, an RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean qualification, and a City and Guilds chef diploma earned through a dedicated six-month culinary course. That last detail matters: the cooking on board is not an afterthought.
Six guests fit across three queen cabins, each with an ensuite, including a master suite. The layout suits couples travelling together or a close-knit group after somewhere comfortable but unpretentious. Gavin's free-diving background and deep familiarity with BVI waters mean snorkel stops, fishing runs, and quieter anchorages are planned with genuine local knowledge rather than a generic route. Thirty-two charter reviews point to a boat that runs consistently and a crew that delivers. If you want a skipper who has lived aboard, cooked seriously, and logged Atlantic crossings, Philotimo is the one to book.
Specifications
Onboard amenities
Entertainment
*All amenities and water sports details are believed to be correct, but cannot be warranted.
Accommodations
Philotimo can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 cabins; 1 master queen suite and 2 queen cabins, all cabins offer ensuite facilities.
Guest policy
Meet the crew


Gallery


















Details
Yacht plan

Dive programme
Green initiatives
- No
- Yes
General rates
Guest reviews
Dear Gavin and Marie!
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Gavin we loved all the conversations and your knowledge. Marie your food was wonderful and thank you for being so accommodating to your picky guest!
Looking forward to our next adventure.
Kurt & Jennifer
Gavin and Marie,
We had so much fun with you last time, we had to come back and see you again! And let me tell you, it was even better the second time. I'm holding out hope for a third. Thank you both so much for a fantastic charter, all the laughs and amazing food.
Friendship Forever,
C & P
Thank you for a beautiful journey through the BVI. Our family loved every sunset, island, and your attention and kindness.!
Karolina & Family
Captain Gavin,
Thank you for making this adventure extra special! While the scenery, swimming/snorkeling, diving and excursions were incredible, it was evident that your skill, knowledge and mastery of cooking and presentation, local fishing sites and local bars, navigating beaches, rocks and open water ways - plus toss in a little bit of medic and mechanic as well - made a trip unforgettable! We wish you and your family all the best.
Ken & family
Gavin,
Thank you for an amazing time. Sun, awesome food, fishing and snorkeling; what else could one ask for. The service was amazing and this will be a trip to remember. Thank you for helping us create lasting memories.
Kami & Rick
Highlights Year 2
Logan 8 years: My highlight was Soggy Dollar, because I got a stuffed Gorilla named Banana.
Mason 11 years: Fishing with Captain Gavin.
Greyson 12 years: All of Chef Marie's meals!
Cayleigh & Karl: Swimming off the back of the boat at sunset, and every incredible memory we created thanks to the elevated experience curated by Gavin and Marie. A huge thank you for keeping us safe, well fed, well hydrated and always entertained with so many experiences!
We hope to be back next year for year 3!
Gavin & Marie,
Thank y'all so much for giving us the best trip and experience in the BVI. Gavin, you were such a great tour guide and we all couldn't ask for a better captain! Marie, you are the best chef in the world! You are so pleasant to be around and I loved dancing with you (especially the Mardi Gras Mambo). Y'all are the best. A truly fabulous trip - so relaxing and so special. Couldn't have dreamed of a better crew - Absolutely wonderful, one of our best trips ever! We love you guys.
Teddy & Blair
Gavin & Marie,
This was one of the best New Years of my life and it was not possible without you guys. You worked tirelessly to accommodate us and our every need, and to keep this boat in great shape so we could enjoy it. Marie, every dish was special and delicious and Gavin, thank you for getting us to all of the fun places we went to. Thank you guys again!
Best Wishes,
Wit & Selden
Christmas '25 Trip with the Hakes Fam!
It's another terrific vacation for the Hakes. It could not have happened without Cpt Gavin and the very talented Marie. The conversation was lively, the scenery was never-ending and always beautiful.
The boat is really lovely. Marie put her heart into the food, and we tasted love and beauty in every bite. Capt G gave us many great experiences, from snorkeling the caves to Foxy's and beyond.
There was not a thing missing on this trip. Plenty of relaxation, lots of fun and family!
Wishing you all the best and much love!
The Hakes
Captain Gavin and Chef Marie, thank you so much for making this trip so special and memorable. From 24/7 fishing and so many awesome snorkeling spots, we are so grateful for your kindness, knowledge, and hospitality.
Marie, you are so amazing and joyful all of the time. Your singing was incredible and made our karaoke nights the best. The food was amazing. I will so miss all the sauces and Italian dishes. Thank you for everything.
Gavin, thank you for supporting our little fisherman in catching both of his Mahi and always being kind. Your knowledge of the Virgin Islands was so fun to learn about and I am so glad you took us to so many awesome beaches, towns, islands, and more. You are awesome and made our trip one we won't forget!!
Until next time... The Jennings Family
Gavin - Thank you for an amazing experience on the Philotimo. You know all the perfect spots and when to hit them for maximum fun and relaxation. From secret coves to the Baths to a night of dancing at Foxy's, our adventure with you was fantastic.
Mo & Steve
Gavin - Thank you for a fabulous get away! Everything from the food to the logistics to the over the top travel has been beyond amazing! Looking forward to another adventure with you.
Jeanna & Adam
Dear Gavin - Thanks so much for a fabulous five days! When David told me about the yacht I never imagined it would be as top notch and perfect as it turned out to be. You are a pro and we appreciate everything you did to make out time in the BVI great!
Rici & Guy
Dear Captain Gavin & Jonathan,
We cannot articulate our extreme appreciation on one page, for an incredible week! From Grenada all the way up to Bequia and back - it was full of incredible memories. Gavin, your talent behind the helm is only eclipsed by your extraordinary culinary skills! Every meal was a celebration and the accommodations you made including the most delicious gluten free chocolate birthday cake! Each meal was delicious and completely different - The fresh fish! The pastries! The salads! The seasonings! All perfection!
Jonathan, your patience and provisions for our outings and the fishing was wonderful. A definite highlight were the night swims where our family was given the opportunity to see God's creation in such beautiful color; Tarpon, rays, eel, turtle, even a shark (day time only). You both made our daughters birthday truly celebratory with dinner and balloons!
Thank you for taking us back to our beloved PSV where we honeymooned in 1993! You have blessed our family with a week of lifetime memories! Thank you is not enough!
May God richly, fully encompass you, your families and your lives! May his favor rest on each of you for all the ways you patiently, kindly, enthusiastically served our family - Bless you!
P.S. Your two enigmatic smiles will take with us along with our other memories.
John, Ellen, Gardner, Margaret, Sarah & Jackson
We had the most unbelievable time on Philotimo and made memories to last a lifetime! It was everything and more that we dreamed it would be. Gavin was incredible - so patient, knowledgeable, and always up for any activity the kids wanted to do. He's a fabulous chef too!
This was our first visit to the BVI and Gavin did an amazing job of showing us around. This trip will be hard to beat but already hoping to be back again soon!
The Kinnings
We had an incredible time on Philotimo! Thank you Captain Gavin!
We saw the most beautiful sights and made memories to last a lifetime. This trip was to celebrate the first of us turning 30! and it will be hard to top... guess we'll just have to come back. We got to see so much marine wildlife snorkeling, Joey was happiest to find a baby shark.
It's been a perfect time to rest, relax, and enjoy the beautiful islands!
Thanks again to Capt. Gavin for working so hard to ensure we had a perfect trip! We also went viral on this trip!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
Joey & Abby
Brianna & Glen- Luke
'The Best Week Ever!' Our entire family agrees on that statement. We had wonderful adventures of paddleboarding, fishing, snorkeling, tubing, and exploring what each island had to offer.
Thank you Captain Gavin and Chef Marie for such a great time with the best food!
We hope to return to this beautiful place. Thank you!
Love the 'Gabes'
A truly amazing week!
"Marie would always ask for feedback and cared so much about what we ate. Gavin would do whatever we want – tubing, fishing, and finding the best spots!"
— Greyson, 11 years old
"Gavin helped me catch 3 big fish – he spent hours waiting there and teaching me. Marie made amazing filet mignon."
— Mason, 10 years old
"Gavin is the best captain. Marie made the best crepes with strawberry sauce."
— Logan, 7 years old
"Captain Gavin and Marie made our 7 days on Philotimo a truly unforgettable experience. They treated us like we were their own family. Truly grateful!"
— Kurt, dad, age unknown (but credit card known very well!)
"Gavin, Marie, thank you for the warmest welcome in this spectacular home away from home – the whole family had a blast, and we will definitely be back!"
— Cayleigh
Captain Gavin and Chef Marie,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the most amazing BVI trip. From the moment we stepped on the Philotimo, you took such exceptional care of us in every way. We enjoyed every minute of this trip and are so grateful you took a chance on a 6 women charter group. We can't wait for the next time!
Sincerely, The Millionaire Refugees.
Captain Gavin & Chef Marie -
What a wonderful week this has been - thank you!! Jackson loved the fishing! Every meal was delicious and we each had a different favorite! We wish we never had to go home. Captain Gavin had us in great hands. I still owe him a deck wash. I very much hope to be back and fulfill. Don't forget to take advantage of fishing opportunities, Gavin is very knowledgeable. He runs a tight ship!
The Bell family
Thank you Gavin and Marie for giving us the best, most memorable Christmas trip with our family. Every day was filled with fun activities and every concern was carefully considered. From Chef Marie's kiwi salad dressing to daily yoga with us, she brought joy and kindness and made us feel like we had known her for years. She went above and beyond to tend to dietary needs and helped cure unsettled stomachs with natural, creative remedies. She is a wealth of knowledge and is a genuine light.
Captain Gavin perfectly planned our routes and days based on each of our interests. His fishing experience and sailing stories entertained us and he stood by Emerson on his quest to catch a tarpon! His knowledge of the islands, navigation around choppy waters and fun facts was very appreciated.
What a team these two make! They went above and beyond to make a birthday special and we could not be more grateful! We can't wait to be back already! Thank you again, Captain Gavin and Chef Marie.
The Fanns
Captain Gavin & Marie... THANK YOU!
We greatly appreciated your hospitality aboard the beautiful Philotimo. It was absolutely wonderful enjoying the BVI during our charter and you each made our trip extremely nice.
All the best, Chad, Katy & Camden
What an incredible time our family had celebrating my husband's 50th birthday in the BVI on Philotimo. The sights were gorgeous. The boat was fabulous. But the best were having Captain Gavin and Chef Marie. What a team! They were incredibly warm and hospitable. And the food was on another level - so delicious!
We did a little bit of everything - the perfect adventure!
Thank you Captain Gavin and Chef Marie!
Paul & Madeline
Complete Happiness – because of Capt. Gavin and this beautiful boat! We got to see several islands, taste wonderful cooking, and enjoy a relaxed sail. Truly one of our happier trips. Thank you. We want more!
The Morrisseys
And from the kids:
We ❤️ Captain Gavin, he is the best.
Love,
Olivia and Julianna
See hand written message -

See image below.

My trip of the Philotimo was too good to express. From the quality of the boat to the good cooking, it was pitch perfect. Thank you for making my boat trip absolutely wonderful.
Ellanean Miller (10)
Dear Captain Gavin and Marie,
Thank you so much for an unforgettable vacation! The food, stories and company was beyond amazing. The yacht is gorgeous and I thank you for allowing me to spend time with my family which is rare these days when we are always on the go.
Hope to see you soon!
Jamie, Katie, Maggie & Turner
Captain Gavin and Chef Marie,
Thank you for this wonderful experience!! Hospitality was amazing. Everyday we had a wonderful time on this beautiful boat. We leave with a head full of unforgettable memories. Thank you for taking care of us and being aware of every detail.
Teddy, Brayden & Nancy
Thank you so much to Gavin and Marie for such a fabulous week aboard the Philotimo. We loved our fantastic meals aboard and ashore together and always felt safe and secure with our trusty captain.
Thank you!
Jeff & Sylvie
Capt. Gavin and Chef Marie are truly the Dream Team! Together they coordinated the most amazing trip for us. They are both professional, personable and FUNNY. We will miss Capt. Gavin's knowledge of all things and Chef Marie's yummy food and sunshine face. We miss you both already!
Friends forever ❤️
Chris and Patti
What an amazing experience! Thank you Capt. Gavin and Chef Marie. Professional and personable is a difficult combination that your team absolutely nailed. We'll miss the great food and the laughs that we shared. Exceptional from start to finish.
Eric and Jamie
PS: If you are ever in Southern California, give us a call!
Philotimo gave us the privilege to have the most amazing time! From the food to the beaches and the waters of the USVI - everything was just excellent! We are very sad to leave but very excited to come back and for the next guests to enjoy this beautiful boat and wonderful crew!
You guys are just tremendous, the yacht is amazing and the gourmet food was incredible too! What an amazing week, we wont soon forget!










