Morning Star | 2023

We had the best Chef Cleona and Captain Chrisjan Kotze. They were very welcoming and overly attentive.
Cleona prepared the most wonderful meals, amazing she could do that on these boats. Chrisjan provided us we an excellent itinerary and history of the islands we visited. We had friends who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and Captain Chrisjan even officiated a renewal of their Vows. Cleona even made an incredible wedding cake for them. Excellent crew - can't say enough good things about them. Our original boat, the MorningStar,had mechanical issues but they were able to move us over to Bavarian Bliss within 24 hours so that our sailboat trip could continue as planned. Everything went off as planned and other than having a different boat, the trip was fabulous and the crew exceptional. We will definitely be booking another trip with Cleona and Chrisjan.

We were part of a three-couple sailing trip in the BVls with Chrisjan and Cleona in April aboard Bavarian Bliss.
Their primary yacht is Morningstar, but just 24 hours before our arrival, Morningstar required unexpected upgrades that temporarily took it out of service. The Authentic Yacht Charters team truly stepped up. Captain Kerry graciously allowed Chrisjan to captain her boat so we could still enjoy the trip we had planned.
We later learned that the unloading and reloading between boats was no small feat, yet it was handled behind the scenes with such care and professionalism that we never felt the disruption. That level of dedication is exactly why we will be lifelong customers of Authentic Yacht Charters.
The trip itself was unforgettable. Chrisjan is an exceptional captain who trains sailors professionally, and his knowledge and skill are outstanding. He also welcomes guests to be as involved in the sailing experience as they wish, taking the time to teach and explain the boat and the art of captaining-something we thoroughly enjoyed.
Cleona is a phenomenal chef. Every meal was beautiful, creative, and delicious. The boat was extremely comfortable, with great accommodations and wonderfully comfortable beds.
The trip was especially meaningful as it coincided with our 30th wedding anniversary. Chrisjan presided over our vow renewals, and Cleona created an incredible wedding cake, making the celebration truly special.
Beyond all of this, we genuinely loved getting to know Chrisjan and Cleona-they are wonderful people, and it felt like sailing with family.
This is a trip we will never forget, and when we book our next one, we will absolutely book with Chrisjan and Cleona again.

From April 11 to April 18 my 2 sisters, my niece and I had a magical experience aboard the Morning Star. The Yacht was elegant, pristine and immaculate with comfortable private cabins. For 7 days we sailed through secluded bays and inlets, little known islands and open turquoise seas. Swimming, snorkeling, hiking and relaxing were daily pleasures. But in reality, it was the captain and first mate, Chrisjan and Cleona Kotze that made this trip so unforgettable. Chrisjan's navigational skills and knowledge of the islands was amazing. I knew I was in capable hands. Cleona presented us with gourmet meals, snacks, beverages and both provided delightful conversation and company. Our every request was fulfilled immediately. From daily itinerary briefings,
"Captain's afternoon cocktails "
', and the history of each place we visited, this trip checked every box. I will
remember it always

We recently returned from an amazing week aboard with CJ & Tilley. They were incredible hosts, exceeding our expectations!

Tilley was so thoughtful, adding special touches to ensure we had a wonderful time - e.g. making my birthday celebration special, having chocolate martinis waiting for us upon return from a trip onshore, etc. We all agreed that Tilley's Painkillers were much better than any others we had at the various stops.

CJ created a great itinerary of snorkeling stops, an island tour, jumping off Willi-T's, visiting land, and just sun-chilling! I tend to plan everything out, but decided to let CJ do the planning - we couldn't be happier with each stop we made!

Every meal was terrific! We especially loved the recipes that CJ and Tilley brought from home. And, Tilley did a great job managing our picky eaters and allergies.

Utopia is a beautiful catamaran! We loved sitting at the front, in the netting or at the helm, while traveling to the next island. We especially loved the Sun Chill!

CJ & Tilley were such a pleasure to spend the week with, even joining in on our family games and jokes!

This was the best vacation we have ever had, in large part to CJ & Tilley. Our entire family would love to do this again with CJ & Tilley!

We spent an amazing week on aboard for my husband's 50th birthday. CJ and Tilley were great hosts and went over and above to make sure we had a wonderful trip. We had just the right mix of activity and relaxing. The boat was clean and comfortable and more than enough room for our party of 6 people. CJ gave us options every day for our next adventure and Tilley made great meals for us. Our favorite part of the day was planning our next meal with her. :) She also went out of her way to accommodate my teenage picky eater. By the end of the week they felt like friends and we are looking for a time we can go back and spend another week aboard with them!

We had an amazing family spring break trip with CJ and Tilley. Before we even landed back home, all three kids were begging us to book again for next year.

For each of our days on the boat, CJ and Tilley worked with us to create the experience we wanted to have that day. They found great places to snorkel, built an itinerary that allowed us to meet up with friends, created opportunities for us to try water sports and took us to secluded beaches we could enjoy as a family. Tilley prepared incredible meals -- always keeping in mind each of our preferences.

CJ literally doesn't rest as he works to ensure the boat is safe and his guests are getting the experience they want. Tilley never breaks her friendly personality as she takes care of every detail. They're an incredible team. They're great people, and they're passionate about their jobs.

The boat had all the space we needed and was immaculate. We love to travel as a family and have been fortunate to go some great places. All three kids agree that this was the best family trip.

Our recent vacation aboard Utopia was a dream come true! CJ and Tilley were the best hosts and made sure we had anything we ever wanted. I initially had no idea what to expect but in the end I was blown away and consider it the best vacation I have ever been on!!

Coming at the low season was absolutely the way to go- amazing weather, no crowds! We had a spectacular week, with Travis and Mirvet spoiling us the whole time. Travis found the best spots for snorkeling and exploring the islands. Mirvet made us the best food and anticipated all our needs, even when we didn’t know we needed something. We were celebrating 3 milestone birthdays and an anniversary and Mirvet was there with cards, decorations and a cake! All of us on the trip agreed that we would do it again, exactly the same!

This is our third trip on the Utopia. Every single time has been an incredible adventure with new places to see and new things to do! We have done the BVI’s, USVI’s and the Puerto Rican islands. Captain Jake was a wizard at the helm and took us to one beautiful place after another. The scuba, snorkeling, beaches or just swimming around the boat were all fantastic. The boat is very comfortable, beautifully decorated and well thought out. There were 6 of us on the last trip and 7 the trip before. I highly recommend! We will be back!

6 of us stayed on Utopia recently and what an experience. We’ve never sailed or been to the BVI’s before so everything was new. Captain Jake and Chef Richard made us feel right at home right away with great food, conversation and great music.
Jake took time as we were sailing to point out historical events around the islands which was awesome. His knowledge of where to go to see the best things wether it’s snorkelling, beaches , fishing or dancing was immense. Numerous dance parties were had among Utopia on top deck!
Richard’s love for food and sharing that with us was evident right from the start. From Ribeye dinners, to sea bass risotto (my favourite), and making a fresh civiche appetizer with a Spanish mackerel we caught was amazing.
I can’t say enough of the experience myself and my family had on Utopia. Anegada was a highlight, as was soggy dollar and a reef that Jake has a specific spot to anchor. It’s a secret. But the marine life and corral were absolutely amazing. Sorry I couldn’t catch the blue lobster Jake! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing way to travel around the BVI’s. Would definitely do it again and would absolutely ask for Captain Jake and Chef Richard to crew the boat!
Lobsters and Kkallabassass all day!!!

This was my first sailing trip ever! … and I had a blast! I’m no sailor, and I did not grow up near the ocean. Needless to say, I was nervous before the trip. …. I just didn’t know what to expect. Would I get seasick? Would I feel trapped on a boat? ( more like a yacht) would I be responsible for putting up the sails? Well, I’ll tell you! I did NOT get seasick and I did not have to do anything but have fun. It’s a catamaran, which is a smoother ride, in fact, my favorite part of the trip was having the sails up and actually sailing!!! Without the motor.

We had Captain Jake, who put up the sails and managed the yacht. He was cool and relaxed, but always aware of the yacht and our safety. I was also very glad to have chef Nina ( I highly recommend having a chef) who took care of all the meals….and the clean up. I didn’t have to plan or decide meals, I could just relax and enjoy…. Seriously great! A true vacation.

Don’t bring too many clothes, you don’t need them. No shoes needed on the boat. Just bring a few bathing suits and some SPF shirts and you’re good to go.

I almost forgot! I went snorkeling, I actually put my face in the ocean… I learned that fins don’t float! Remember, keep your fins on until you are back on the boat. I didn’t…it was a rookie move, but luckily the fin was saved.

What a spectacular vacation!! Had the best time ever. Highly recommend this trip on the Utopia. Our Captain Jake made the trip. His knowledge of the BVI and all the right spots to see and explore, helped make it fantastic time. Not to mention, tons of fun and dancing…..be sure and ask him to show you a few moves! 😜
Our chef Janine prepared amazing meals and is just such a special person!
Miss you guys like crazy, you can count on seeing us again!

Your adopted Mama
Now, don’t do anything I wouldn’t 😉

Absolutely the most relaxing week we had!!
Captain Jake took us to amazing spots and great snorkel reefs. He is a very talented and safe captain always watching his guests and commanding his boat. He has a wide variety of song lists that fits the mood of the day or evening! His dancing abilities are phenomenal and we had so much fun!
Chef Janine prepared and presented our meals with such class like you see in magazines that can't be real. She always accommodated our needs with food options if needed. She worked with Jake handling of the boat with ease. Enjoyed her company and conversations of travels.
I can't wait to book again with you both as i felt my youth reappear!!!
Cheers,
Tom Toth

We are a group of eight who have travelled together frequently several times on cruise ships. The Utopia is obviously much more intimate and much less crowded and we had a blast to say the least.From the time we were welcomed on board by our crew Captain Jake and our chef Janine we felt like family.Jake was an excellent captain who really took pride in his work and responsibility’s. Our safety always seemed to be his top priority.He also was very knowledgeable about our itinerary and he really seemed to hit all the hot spots in the British Virgin Islands.We departed from Sopers Hole Tortola and enjoyed stops at Jost Van Dyke for fun at the famous Foxys Beach Bar and the can’t miss Soggy Dollar beach bar.Soggys is appropriately named as you have to swim from the Utopia to get there.Not very far or difficult.Captain Jake will make sure you make it safely.This was a very fun stop. Then a stop at Anegada where Jake recommended we rent an open air transport truck that he would navigate us around the island for a very nice tour.Highly recommended. Several nice stops and you will even see pink flamingo 🦩. And your visit to Anegada would not be complete without dinner at The Lobster Trap,delicious. Virgin Gorda was another of our stops.It is a great stop where yo go on a self guided tour through what are called “the baths’. Beautiful stop. And of course you can’t sail the BVI without a visit at the famous Willy T’S. This is a double deck floating bar and restaurant permanently moored off the coast of The Bight Norman Island. Just a forewarning it can and will get a little crazy😄 lm sure Captain Jake and chef Janine will love to tell you all about it.If you are fortunate enough to have Chef Janine on board you won’t be disappointed ! She did an amazing job feeding us and would go above and beyond to make sure we were all comfortable and having a great time.After our trip with them both I think we made some new friends for life.Thanks again Jake and Janine! We miss you. HIGHLY recommend The Utopia and crew! We were very comfortable and well satisfied.

Utopia was a week of fun and adventure around every corner. We spent a glorious week with friends aboard Utopia. I had never been on a crewed charter before and I loved every second of it. It was true relaxation. Everything was planned out and taken care of beforehand by the captain and options for day trips, restaurants and activities that I didn’t even know existed were offered.

The food was amazing and the chef made every meal an experience. I loved that our preferences for food and drink were taken into consideration and this produced delightful culinary experiences every time. The BVI is extraordinary with all the options for fun, we had days full of exciting activities every day we were aboard.

I can’t wait to book our next trip in 2025!