When I first read the reviews, I was a little skeptical. 98% five star? Really?
However, after a week aboard A3 with captain Jake and chef Maia, our group of four couples were believers!
Three of the couples in our group have been sailing together for the last 12 years, usually chartering in the BVI, Windward‘s, Greece, Croatia and Italy. None of the cats we chartered compared to A3 in terms of comfort and layout. I normally bring a queen sized air mattress to put under the mattress in our cabin, sort of like box springs. That was not necessary on A3 since the bed was extremely comfortable. The cabin and head were ample in size, with more than ample storage. The flybridge seating, salon and aft dining area were all well laid out , with refrigerators at each location, and a sink and icemaker in the aft dining area. Perfect!
Captain Jake was personable, and a knowledgeable seaman and dive master. He makes a dangerously good painkiller or lime-in-da-coconut and was a serious competitor in any game from corn hole to dice games. Chef Maia, though, stole the show! From the lobster rolls awaiting us when we boarded, to the chocolate croissants she prepared the morning of our departure, her meals were delicious, mostly healthy and beautifully presented.
We would all jump at the chance to sail with this crew again!
Many thanks to Jake, Maia for a delightful week!
Sandy S.
- A3 Charter Guest
We had a fantastic vacation adventure on the beautiful A3 with Captain Jake and Chef Maia. My husband and I have sailed all over the world and the A3 is, hands down, the best lay out, most comfortable and super luxurious boat we have chartered. The spacious berths with a queen sized bed and access on each side was an unexpected plus. We enjoyed the multiple comfy cushioned seating areas with access to near by refrigerators filled with beverages.
We were very impressed with Captain Jake and had total confidence in his abilities not only as a superb captain but as a professional dive master. He made sure our itinerary was both active and relaxing. He was easy going and fun but also very professional and you knew his top priority was to provide the best experience for his guests. And, his speciality drinks were a big hit with our group!
Chef Maia stole the show with her beautiful presentation of her from-scratch, delicious gourmet meals. She was warm and friendly and always had everything under control. We were amazed at her expertise and creativity in the meal planning and execution. The attention to details and service was top notch.
We would highly recommend the A3 and crew Jake and Maia for an unforgettable first class vacation experience.
We can’t wait to go again!
Diane D.
- A3 Charter Guest
It's been a week since our return from a fantastic trip on A3 with Jake and Maia, and our group is still on Cloud 9! We can't stop sharing the experience with our friends - accompanied with great stories and photos.
Personally, I've logged over 110 nights on charters, both bareboat, a few with a skipper, and two trips with a cook. Destinations include BVI (5), USVI, Windwards (2), Bahamas, Greece (3), Italy, and Croatia. All have been great, but nothing compares to A3 and the wonderful crew of Jake and Maia! Two other couples have been with us for most of those trips, and they too were astounded by this trip. Our newbie couple are now completely spoiled and thought all sailtrips were like this one.
Jake was professional from the get-go, starting with a safety briefing as soon as we were underway. He got us where we wanted to go, listened to a couple of my suggestions, and offered some of his own. Boat toys were always ready, and he kept A3 in top condition. Jake pitched in during meal service, and, of course, with great drink concoctions. He served as dive master for one of our friends, who was very impressed with Jake's skill under the water.
Maia absolutely blew us away with her food in preparation, style, contents, and presentation! How did she do that in A3's galley? And how great was it that A3 had all the food storage space for Maia's three meals a day? I think she started with 144 eggs! That gal does far more than cook! The table presentation was a piece of art, with decorations, different placemats, candles, and lights. And then she presented the meal...Oh My! I've been on over 50 cruise ships, Maia's meals beat them all. Dressings and sauces made from scratch, fresh baked bread, flaming deserts, fantastic fruit plates. Her culinary skills are unbelievable.
&Beyond Yacht Charters is very lucky to have such a great boat as A3 in their fleet, accompanied by the wonderful crew of Maia and Jake. Hold 'em tight, give them praise, don't let them go, they do your proud! They are A Number One, on A3. Debbie and I are counting down the days until we are sailing on A3 again. Is it June yet?
Jock H.
- A3 Charter Guest
I recently tasked my broker to find a last minute charter for myself and my 3 teenage children. He provided me with 3 exceptional catamarans to choose from and worked tirelessly to meet my family’s needs.
With his help I chose the 56’ Lagoon ‘A3’. Captain Jake and First Mate Maia from ‘A3’were exceptional in every way. Captain Jake provided an outstanding itinerary that included 6 days of cruising to the best spots in the BVI. Our floating home for the week was perfectly maintained and fully equipped with everything needed to enjoy the islands.
First Mate Maia’s hospitality was well beyond our expectations. Every meal onboard was made from scratch including fresh baked focaccia for grilled Chicken and Mozzarella paninis.
I can honestly say that after many years of chartering sailing yachts I have never experienced such a high level of hospitality, service and professionalism as I did on Captain Jake’s and Maia’s ‘A3’.
Tim
- A3 Charter Guest