So how does a charter yacht secure the honor of “Best Of Show” at any Boat Show given there are almost a hundred from which to select?  Sweat, Sweat, and more Sweat is how it happens!  Captain Ian Phillips and Chef Polly Pairman were the right ones for the job when they took over as crew of s/v ReACTION six years ago.  After several years of a complete re-fit they showed up at last year’s Charter Yacht Society boat show and took the honors.  The judging committee was made up of ten Charter Yacht Brokers and a mix of their peers.  This really assisted them with launching a fabulous year of charters in the midst of a global economic meltdown.  What also helped was a total of eight years of creating raving-fan charter guests.  Their repeat business is amazing given the fickleness of people looking for the latest greatest yacht for their Caribbean charters.

Their story began when they met as teenagers in Devon, England during their music studies. Polly was perfecting her flute skills and Ian was focused on being an accomplished jazz pianist.  At their early age, they dreamed of careers in the world of music.  What unfolded was not what they ever imagined.  Ian has been sailing since he was a young child in Devon.  Polly’s love for Ian brought her into the sailing community – a life I love.  In their early twenties, they decided to give chartering a go and heard about the Moorings yacht management company with charter bases around the world.  They decided that while they were young they would follow their dreams.  They decided on the Moorings because it was known they liked to hire crew members that were couples.  They hired on for their first year of chartering and have never looked back.  I asked them why they decided on the BVI.  They said it was no contest regarding any other location – weather and water.

When they showed up for their first year they were one of the youngest crew in the charter fleet.  Now they are viewed as the oldest “young couple” of the fleet.  After years of resisting, Ian finally asked Polly to be his wife last year.  They were married this past September on the same day as Jonny and Kelly did.  Ian and Polly were married in Devon, England and Jonny and Kelly were married in Wales.  Ian told me that there had never been so many charter crews in England as were their the weekend of both these special weddings.

What you will discover when you first see s/y reACTION is a Jeanneau 55 Lagoon catamaran, one of more popular cats in the Caribbean.  It is fast and wide – up to 18 knots, a 30 foot beam.  One of the benefits of a cat is the lack of heeling and rolling when under sail or at anchor.  The deck space is enormous.  She has four spacious suites with each having an ensuite with a shower.  It is an eight passenger charter yacht with a main salon that will seat up to twelve people comfortably.

The unique layout of ReAction, with three queen size staterooms and one bunk room with two single beds is ideal for any combination of families with children, couples or singles The spacious, shaded outside cockpit will seat ten at two tables, the aft deck also has two lounging mats for sunning and two fresh water showers for your comfort.  Some of the most appealing features of a charter yacht vacation in the BVI is the sailing and exploring “Nature’s Little Secreet”.  All of the Caribbean water toys are a part of your adventure with Captain Ian and Chef Polly. Minutes after casting off, the adventure aboard s/y ReAction begins and you will find discover yourself sailing in quite and protected anchorages, mash potato sand beaches surrounded by palm trees and crystal clear color waters.  This is your perfect headquarters for a family vacation, an unforgettable honeymoon, or an adventure with some of your favorite friends.  You will have the time of your life with s/y ReAction!  Until next time…fair winds!