ALIZÉ

Mid-April charterers aboard ALIZÉ said:

We are so grateful for this amazing vacation on your lovely boat /home. Your attention to detail in every aspect of this charter has not gone unnoticed. Carlos, I apologize for bringing the wrong type of luggage and perhaps that got us off on the wrong foot, but we quickly recovered! And you went out of your way to make sure we hit all the spots in our wishlist. We were lucky the weather picked up and were able to enjoy the beautiful BVI's in all their splendor. Maribel, your cooking was spectacular through and through. We are not easy diners, but you exceeded all our expectations. My favorites were the shrimp salad and the surf and turf.

Thank you both for an incredible vacation!!

Ceci and Chris

Miami

Mid-March, 2026, guests in the BVI aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,

We knew, as soon as we stepped on the boat, that we were in for an amazing treat!!

Coming from Toronto, Canada, we knew we wanted to escape the cold and the snow, and since we have wanted to do a trip like this for 30 years, we thought our friends' 30th. wedding anniversary was the perfect occasion.

Thank you for the BEST WEEK we could have hoped for: Sun, Sand, Swimming, Reading, Lounging, Drinking, and Laughing with our best friends filled our souls and provided us with memories to last a lifetime!

Thank you so much!

Nadi and Geoff and Kevin and Rachel

March guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,

Our trip with you couldn't have been any better! You knew just where to go and what to cook! We will carry these special memories with us for life. You are both the perfect example of hospitality.

Many Thanks!!

David, Susannah, Corinne, Lilly, Camille, David Jr.

February 2026 guests abaord catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Capt. Carlos and Chef Maribel,

Thank you for a wonderful sailing adventure. We've had a great time. You've kept us safe and well fed all week. ALIZE is a fine well kept Lady!

Safe seas!

The only thing that surpassed the breathtaking views and incredible meals was witnessing the beautiful partnership you share. Forty years of work, seamlessly sise by side is inspiring and added so much to the already adventure!

ALIZE and you both will forever be a part of our best memories.

All our love.

Amanda and Jason

Late January 2026 guests for catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Carlos and Maribel,

Such a wonderful time! Thank you for the snorkeling, the paddling, the hoking and the relaxation. We are sad to be leaving but our heart and bellies are full! And we (specially me) are grateful that we didn't have to walk the plank! ja,ja,ja.

We wish you all the best and hope ALIZE will be available for our 50th. anniversaries.

Michael and Nancy 



Dear Carlos and Maribel,

Thank you for welcoming us into your home and treating us to a wonderful week on the ALIZE. We loved everything about our stay , from the islands we visited, to your companionship, to the outstanding meals, from Chef Maribel. We can't imagine that this experience could have been any better, and it's all because of your personal touch. We are grateful to have met you and hope our paths cross again.

We wish you fair winds and following seas!

All the best,

Liz and Phil

Catamaran ALIZÉ's New Years week guests wrote:

Carlos & Maribel,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for a BEAUTIFUL, relaxing week aboard the Alizé!

Carlos, you are very good at suggesting things to do and sights to see: every suggestion was perfect!

Maribel, your food was delightful, and inspires us to become better cooks. The surf and turf on New Years Eve was phenomenal!

It was an honor to start 2026 with you. We hope you have a healthy, beautiful 2026 and will be praying for you, your family, and your country.

Dave, Diane

Ron, Hope

Mid December guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,

Our friends said: let's go sail around in the BVI with no other expectations other than sun, sand, and good friends. We said Yes!

Your attention to details, pride and passion in what you do exceeded all expectations. Maribel's cuisine was so much more than any of us could have imagined. Carlos' knowledge of the islands and surrounding areas was informative and always helpful.

In short; thank you for making it such an enjoyable experience. One we hope to do again. It was an epic experience, and no one had to walk the plank!! je,je,je.

Thank you

Michelle and David

Lakewood Ranch



Carlos and Maribel,

WOW!! Just WOW!!

We could have never imagined we would have such an amazing time. The food was so delicious, the snorkeling was amazing, the trip around Virgin Gorda was delightful. The sailing was so much fun, and the dinghy rides were always an event. je,je,je.

Thank you from the bottom of our heart for all you did to make this such a special vacation for us and our friends. And thanks for not throwing anyone overboard for the use of foul language used while playing cards. Ja,Ja,Ja.

To your success!!

With our love.

Rich and Steph

Bradenton

Early December, 2025, charterers aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,

Thank you for having us aboard the ALIZE. We appreciated the thoughtful tour of the BVI. Each place we visited was an absolute treat. We had so much fun snorkeling and visiting the islands! Seeing several turtles up close was a highlight. Encountering multiple manta rays was at first terrifying for Brandt, but was beautiful. Allergy friendly cooking is not an easy feat, but was greatly appreciated and Grace always felt safe.

Thank you so much for all your care and attention! We had an amazing honeymoon!

Grace and Brandt

Thanksgiving Week 2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Thank you for having us in your home and sharing your knowledge about all that these islands have to offer. The boat is beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the FOOD! Every dish was exquisite! Maribel, the time you put into our meals and taking great care to work around our dietary restrictions, is so appreciated. You,ve given me some great thoughts to take home, yet I know they won't be as amazing as what you prepared. The steak and lobster meal you prepared on our last night was over the moon for the guys. And my eggplant was equally delightful.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

The Dilworth Family

Bucket List charterers aboard ALIZÉ in November, 2025, said:

Carlos and Maribel,

There really are no words for how amazing this week has been. A few years ago, Paul and I agreed that we should start trying to do some of our "bucket list" adventures. A trip on a catamaran has always been at the very top, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. You welcomed us into your home and have been so wonderful! You never steered us wrong in your advice, and we loved hearing all about your local knowledge. We'll never forget the peaceful and still water at Bitter End, and finally swimming with a turtle! We loved every bite of Maribel's food , and can tell how much passion she has for what she does. We'll be dreaming about that final meal for a long time! We had a truly special 10th. anniversary, and are already figuring out how we can come back with the kids. Please let us know if you RV through Colorado!

Until next time...

Paul and Diana

Early July, 2025, guests aboard ALIZÉ wrote:

This week with Carlos and Maribel onboard the ALIZE was truly unforgettable. This was our second visit to the BVI and we enjoyed very much every minute of it. It was also a great experience for our son Martin. The beaches, the snorkeling, the sailing and of course, Maribel's cooking and Carlos' painkillers! We will definitely come again to share more great times with Carlos and Maribel.”

Bea, Fran and Martin.

June 2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ reported:

Dear Carlos and Maribel,

We can't thank you enough for a magnificent week aboard the beautiful ALIZE. Carlos, we so appreciated your expertise and sense of humor- not to mention your in-depth knowledge about the BVI and seamanship. Maribel, you are not only a master chef, but clearly the common ingredients in every delicious dish are thoughtfulness and generosity.

We hope that you enjoy your well deserved time off and look forward to another adventure on ALIZE.

Take good care!

Warnly,

Lisa and Eliza,

New York

Mid-June, 2025 charterers on catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Thank you so much for an amazing week of kindness, great food, beautiful places and the best snorkeling the BVI has to offer. We would definitely recommend this trip to others and would do it again ourselves.

If we can ever be of service to you, please let us know how.

With grateful hearts and respect.

Michael and Heather 

Florida 

Maribel and Carlos,

Thank you for an amazing week we will never forget. Your experience and professionalism was a great comfort, and your hospitality made us feel like we were home. Can't say enough about the delicious food...yum!

So many great memories formed, you are fantastic hosts. We wish you well in all your future journeys and look forward to seeing you again in the future.

With gratitude and appreciation.

Nabil and Christine

Florida 

Late May, 2025, guests aboard ALIZÉ said:

Dear Maribel and Carlos,

Muchísimas gracias por una semana de los sueños. (Thank you very much for a one week dream sailing vacation).

You introduced us to the beautiful BVI and we shall 150% return. If this is not paradise on earth then I don't know what is. Just beauty and calmness everywhere. Keith and I had the best time with empty heads, which means we really switched off and breathed in every moment. Our friend Reed's 40th birthday was the best reason to bring us here.

Maribel, Du bist die beste kochin. (You're an amazing chef! Carlos is a very lucky man!

With gratitude and respect,

Yassi and Keith



With Chef Maribel you will always eat well. With Captain Carlos, you are always in safe and knowledgeable hands!

Keith



Maribel and Carlos,

Thank you for an unforgettable trip!

The food was amazing and the views spectacular! A trip we will always remember.

Lacey and Reed

Late April, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Cuando María y Fernando nos invitaron, después de su experiencia del año pasado, tenía una idea de lo que me esperaba, pero todo ha superado AMPLIAMENTE mis expectativas. La simpatía, calidez y profesionalismo de Maribel y Carlos ha hecho realmente inolvidable esta semana. El esmero con que Maribel prepara cada plato, hace de cada comida una sorpresa y un deleite. Y todo con un plus: poder revivir los años pasados desde mi nacimiento en el velero de mi padre, Carlos Iriarte.

Gracias!, Muchas Gracias!!

Bibi, Alcides, Maria Delia y Fernando.

Argentina

When María and Fernando invited us, after their experience last year, I had an idea of what to expect, but everything has FAR exceeded my expectations. The friendliness, warmth, and professionalism of Maribel and Carlos made this week truly unforgettable. The care with which Maribel prepares each dish makes each meal a surprise and a delight. And all with an added bonus: being able to relive the years since my birth on my father Carlos Iriarte's sailboat.

Thank you! Thank you so much!!

Bibi, Alcides, Maria Delia, and Fernando.

Argentina

A family chartering aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in mid-April, 2025, said:

What an incredible family vacation in the BVIs!

We tackled a lot this week. We know that we aren't your typical sailing family and we want you both to know how incredibly appreciative we are with your flexibility in creating our itinerary, that was suitable for our family needs. After this trip we are leaving with a deep understanding of this area of the world. We could not have gotten here without your expertise and knowledge. Thank you for keeping our family safe and for letting us extend our time in Scrub Island. We truly had the best time exploring the various islands, snorkeling, and just creating such special family memories that truly are unforgettable.

Maribel, you are an exceptional cook. We are so lucky to have such a talented Chef onboard. 5Stars! If you are ever in central Mexico we are happy to host you in San Miguel de Allende.

See you all again soon!

Besos

Ezra, Sheryl, and Ezzie

Late March charterers aboard AWATEA said:

We had a wonderful time! 

The weather was perfect and it was a lovely, much-needed respite!

The crew was absolutely delightful. Captain Fraser was an excellent captain who showed us many beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. He found a perfect windy spot for Kenny to kite-board, twice. 

Olivia was an excellent cook with a lovely demeanor and Jess was very accommodating and so sweet. They were sweet enough to make a reservation for Kenny and I to dine at one of the restaurants while the kids stayed on the boat and had a blast playing board-games with the crew. The boat was very clean and comfortable. 

We have only glowing things to say about our experience on Awatea. 

Thank you again for a wonderful vacation. 

All the best,

Delphine & Kenny.

Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ for the last week of March, 2025, said:

Carlos and Maribel,

Wow, what an awesome life enhancing experience. We are so blessed to have had y'all as our Captain and Chef team through this BVI sailing adventure. Seven days of world class snorkeling and island hopping. Our dear friend Nancy Paschal said y'all were the best ever, yet that is so understated. Everyday built on the previous day! The focus on safety was so appreciated. We loved hiking on Norman Island, Cooper island was fantastic. Hearing the stories of the islands brought everything to life. Marina Cay so nostalgic. We hit the time just right with just a few others on the beach. Two days at Bitter End was perfect, The Baths-wonderful loved Miss Patsy. Maribel's love and kindness was evident in every meal. So dedicated to delivering world class meals everyday. So blessed with this trip provided by two very special professionals.

Thank You!

Vicky and Scott, Marianne and Robert, and Leana and John

Anniversary guests aboard ALIZÉ in late March, 2025, said:

Carlos and Maribel:

Thank you for helping to make our 25th wedding anniversary so special and memorable. It was such a magical trip for us and we loved exploring the BVI. This is one of those trips that we will reflect on for the rest of our lives. The beautiful color of the ocean, snorkeling with schools of fish, the scary barracuda, and the amazing hike on Norman Island. There is so so much more. We cannot express our gratitude enough for all you shared with us. Your stories are so captivating that I leave with wanting to learn more. Write that book! You are both amazing story tellers and your adventures are so amazing. Maribel, write that cookbook! That seafood broth you served us was worthy of awards. Oh, there is so much to say- the turtles, the food, the knowledge...

Thank you so much!

Kim and Jim

Colorado

March, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Maribel and Carlos,

We feel incredibly blessed that we've been able to travel the world with our kids, and this BVI catamaran trip was our favorite! What a gift to have your expertise on the islands. From our favorite excursion to the Baths early in the morning beating the crowds to our top islands:

#1: The Bitter End and Saba Rock.

#2: Cooper-get the ice cream!

#3: Norman-Pirates Bight. Snorkeling, hiking, ... every step of the way GOD truly showed up, from the turtles to the dolphins, to the flying spotted eagle ray jumping right in front of the boat!

Maribel cooks the beast meals on the islands, and we loved learning so much about your 30 years in the industry throughout the week.

THANK YOU for sharing your amazing floating home with us. We are eternally grateful for the fabulous memories!

Love,

The Hochart Family

Early March, 2025, charterers aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,

Thank you so much for letting us celebrate our 50th. wedding anniversary with you. The food, as always, was Michelin star rated. You helped us revisit many of our old haunts that we stayed at when we had our own boat. This was a memorable trip, one that we will never forget.

Guy and Sue 

Florida.

Mid-February, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Carlos and Maribel,

Thank you for such a relaxing and tasty trip. The different bays and cays were great and we got to experience some places we did not see on our first trip.

Thank you again and happy sailing.

Karl and Cindy 

And: 

Carlos and Maribel,

Thank you for inviting us into your home. The views around it are so amazing. Thank you for a magical week and another glorious visit to the BVI's.

Maribel, you are a special person and a wonderful chef. Everything was super tasty.

Best of luck in all your travels and sails. Now and Forever.

Karen and Jim 

Early February, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote

Carlos and Maribel:

We can not express how thankful and grateful we are that the Lord led us to you both for our family's vacation! You both are so kind, generous and full of wisdom and expertise at all you do. We have appreciated you accommodating our family of five, and specially our three adventurous boys. Carlos, your stories from your sailing for so many years and thoughtfulness on where/what we should do, has been perfect. Maribel, your very sweet spirit, and of course amazing cuisine, has been over the top. Thank you for accommodating our little guys food preferences. We have loved doing our first sailing trip with you both. You have spurred our love for this and we hope to have many more in the future. We thank you both for showing us this beautiful area of the world, and pray that you have many ,more fun filled adventures ahead!

Love always, and Lord bless...

The Jackovichs

Late January, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

This trip has been something we have wanted to do for a long time. When we were planning this I never could have imagined that finding the ALIZE would give us the two of you.

Carlos, your knowledge, experience and guidance landed us on some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable. The people you lined up for our excursions were top notch.

Maribel, Oh My!! The food!! You are so incredibly talented! Every meal was fabulous. We have loved getting to know you both and hearing your stories. It has been a truly amazing week! We will have to do it again!

Thank you for opening your home to us.

Kathy, Ralph, Kelly and Herb.

North Carolina

New Years 2024-2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Dear Carlos and Maribel,

We are so grateful for this experience with you!

You made our first boat trip as a family such an amazing adventure. We go back to St. Louis with a lifetime of memories.

From the way you took care of us so thoughtfully with your expertise on the water, to the delicious food and amazing locations, we could not have asked for a more incredible vacation.

THANK YOU !

You have made us catamaran boaters for life end we can't wait for our next trip!

All our best to you this season and all the seasons ahead!

Rachael, Brian, Abigail, William and Patrick