ESPERANZA II

What A Wonderful Trip With The Two Of You!

ake from State Farm + Maddie,



What a wonderful trip with the two of you!! The trip would not have been as nice without your love + hospitality ❤️

We have so many memories of this beautiful part of the world because you made it so informative + relaxing. Just what we needed for my retirement trip!



Maddie, your attention to detail + making every plate as beautiful to look at and oh so tasty to eat!! Bravo. Best restaurant in the Caribbean w/ you!



Jake, not only were you the best Captain but your table setting skills w/ the runner are top class! You always made us feel so super in every way!



We feel like you are part of the family + we look forward to watching your projects in France on Instagram!



If ever in NC please come + visit!



Love,

Angela + Ken

What A Week!

Dear Maddie and Jake,



What a week!  Your kindness, professionalism, humor, and care blew us away!  



Our BVI adventure topped our expectations in all ways, and we can’t thank you enough.  From planning, to arrival, to the day-to-day activities, you both made our dream into a reality.  



And the food, ooohhh the food, we are still talking about the beautiful meals you served out of that tiny kitchen.  We appreciate the thought and time you took to accommodate all of our different taste buds, I can’t imagine how you provision for the week and satisfy everyone onboard.  



You both were such fun to spend the week with, you tolerated all of our questions and curiosity with a smile and even jumped in to play games with us which we loved!  Never have we been so cared for – towels, toys, smoothies, cocktails, reservations, snorkeling, sailing, torching the brulé, beautiful cheese and fruit boards….and the list goes on and on.  



All you did behind the scenes to run the beautiful Esparanza II, keep everything sparkling, and manage our itinerary when the winds picked up did not go un-noticed.  You are a wonderful team, we are grateful that by some luck we landed in your care, it’s not easy to pull off a flawless week as you did – from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!  We hope to see you again sometime soon, you always have a place, meal, or hockey game in DC!  ❤



Sara.

One To Remember For All Of Us!

Dear Jake & Maddie,



Or should I say Jake from State Farm. I can’t thank you enough for a fabulous week. You have been wonderfully accommodating, changing itinerary as necessary. And I can’t say enough about the food. Maddie’s meals were phenomenal. Every one was so pretty and the flavors were wonderful.



Thank you again for making the week one to remember for all of us!



Peggy & Buddy

By Far The Very Best!

Dear Jake & Maddie,



Having been to the BVI many times, this venture by far has been the very best!



The two of you have the most amazing chemistry. You are so incredibly kind, funny & caring. We could not have had a better time.



Maddie, your culinary skills are unbelievably fantastic.



Thank you again for making this vacation a dreaminess!



Love,

Glenn & Rick

THANKS! THANKS!!

After spending  all 5 days beautiful days onboard the Esperanza II. All I can say is THANKS! THANKS! 

We had a great trip thanks to you guys. Starting with the accommodation, the service onboard and the points we visited. I didn't know what to expect but it definitely exceeded all expectations!



The food is simply perfect. Maddie, you are a Michelin star chef!! 

I will cherish these days in a special place both in my heart and in my memory.



Again, thanks again to the both of you.

I am sure we will meet again. Meanwhile take care!!



Cheers, we wish you the best!

Estela, From Puruguay

Excellent, Highly Professional and Incredibly Kind.

23/02/26



I planned this trip with great excitement, as it was my birthday celebration and a very special opportunity to share this experience with dear friends.



From the very beginning we were warmly welcomed by our wonderful hosts, Jake and Maddie - excellent, highly professional, and incredibly kind.



Everything was perfect: the catamaran, the food, the drinks (carefully selected in advance), and the beautiful spots we anchored to explore, as well as the best places for shopping.



In short, we returned home filled with joy, having checked off a tye must on our wonder list, and having shared long hours of conversation and laughs onboard that will remain unforgettable.



It’s an experience I will gladly recommend to all my clients and the only Virtuoso agency in Paraguay.



I hope to see you again soon on another journey very soon!



Thank you, Gracias!! ♡

Alejandra from Paraguay

Unforgettable Week

Thank you Maddie & Jake for an unforgettable week long vacation aboard Esperanza II. You took us to all our favorite BVI spots and were just super helping to plan our time.



The best was “Dad appreciation night” for William. It was so much fun getting you two in on the festivities! Thank you for all your input, participation and coming up with drinks and games. “Whoi Knows Dad Best” was a gem of a time. Our look-a-like Dad was a hit at the run bar on Cooper Island.



The meals aboard were superb and exquisitely crafted. All six of us were satisfied every day. The presentations were gorgeous but the combination of flavors made every meal special. Fresh fruit platters every morning, yogurts with delicious mixed fruit flavors every morning and then the main breakfast meal! Lunches were fabulous — poke bowls were a hit, miso-tuna sandwiches, mahi or chicken tacos and a tasty Greek chicken bowl. And then “the snack” just in case we got hungry — crudités, hummus & charcuterie (sorry about the spelling) were a meal unto itself! Dinners were super special! Chicken katsu, salmon, amazing NYE filet mignon, perfectly prepared sea bass, burgers were all so wonderful! 



Not only the presentation of the food, but the matching table scapes that made for every meal! 

Every piece of this was so appreciated!!



The cocktails never stopped either — the jello shots w/ tahini cream rum, the drunken turtles, pain killers, aperol spritz, pina colada sangria — all the beer, wine, seltzers, vodka sodas & gin tonics. Nobody had any complaints!!



We saw an octopus in Little Harbor on Peter Island as well as a rainbow on 1st day! We snorkeled with so many beautiful fish, turtles. Nothing was ever a bother. to take us knee boarding, snorkeling, SUP boards.



You both went out of your way to make sure we were all very comfortable and happy. Your upbeat, professional styles were always paired with smiles!! 😊😊



All the best to you in 2026 and hope to cross paths again!!

Appreciate You Hard Work

Jake and Maddie

Thank you so much for your hard work. It was much appreciated!

 It has been lovely to see you again and we hope to do it once again in the near future.

 

We will miss your smiling faces.

Excellent Care Of Us

Jake and Maddie

Thank you for being a wonderful part of our vacation. You made our trip even more enjoyable - you took excellent care of us.

We hope to see you again



Manfred and Carol

Kind and Thoughtful

Maddie and Jake

What a pleasure it was to get to know you both. We thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful attention while we were onboard.

We hope to see you again, but meanwhile, Happy Adventures!

Jordy and Marty

Real Treat!

Maddie and Jake

Thank you so much for making our summer 2023 charter a REAL treat! 

You guys made our trip. Your attention to detail and the special moments your created did not go unnoticed.

All the best with your next chapter of travel adventures and a life of happiness together.

Renee and John

Happy Days

Emil and Sophie,

Thank you!  Our trip was EPIC!  I can’t be more thankful for the effort you guys both made this week for my family.  



Emil, 

Your personality and adventurous attitude made the trip so much fun.  Absolutely enjoyed getting to know you and would recommend you as a “skip” to anyone considering a trip to the BVI’s, or anywhere in the world you’re the captain really!  Thanks for putting up with my goofy family and acting like you were just one of the boys.  



Sophie, 

I can honestly say I have never had such amazing food for 7 days in a row.  Everything you made was delicious and when I originally told you that my two older boys can eat a lot…you absolutely crushed it.  Thank you for outperforming any of our expectations.  Seriously, best chef in the BVI’s.  Don’t believe me?  She’ll prove it!  



Side note…She actually made potato chips and cooked fresh bread…on a boat! Who does that?



This week was one of our family’s best ever and it was a pleasure to have you guys there with us.  You two are the best and went well above and beyond to make it an amazing experience.  



“Happy Days” for sure if you sail with Emil and Sophie!  Hope to see you both again.  Thank you for an EPIC week!  



- Ryan L. 

Magical time!

Thank you so much for a magical time! the food was so incredible, fresh and creative. we loved how "casual and go with the flow" everything was. The Baths were a truly out of this world experience! We loved learning about the both of you and the wonderful place you call home. Please let us know if you make a cookbook :)



Meg and William

Start to Finish Was Next Level

What a vacation of a lifetime for our family! Everything from start to finish was next level and went beyond our expectations. Both of you are a joy to be around and have the best vibe about you. Your easy going nature made us all feel at home. Sophie the food was truly SPECTACULAR! Not enough words to describe the incredible meals we experienced. You are a true talent! Emil was so great with all our excursions - especially the hike :) - was epic.

We have made friends for life. We wish you two all the success in the world.

xoxo

Jeanne and Bill C

Absolutely Incredible

Thank you both for the most amazing trip we have ever had! 

The food was absolutely incredible at every single meal. We will be dreaming about these meals for a very long time. Especailly the cookie butter cheesecakes and Alaskan duck tarts. We had the most fun ever this week.



From soggy dollar, to snorkeling, to fishing, to rope swinging, to playing fish bowl with you two - there was never a dull moment. 

Thank you both for all of your hard work this week to make our trip incredible. it was EPIC!

wishing you two the best and hopefully we all get to do this again.

Warmth, Fun and Genuine Happiness

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to both of you for an unforgettable 7 day charter in the Virgin Islands. From the moment we stepped aboard, we knew we were in for something special - but you both exceeded our expectations in every way.



Emil. your expert guidance, calm presence, and extensive knowledge of the islands made each destination feel like a hidden gem. Whether it was navigating into amazing snorkeling spots, sharing stories from the helm, pointing us to awesome beach bars or leading us on fun road adventures, you created a relaxed and confident atmosphere that allowed us to truly unwind and enjoy every moment on the water.



Sophie, your meals were absolutely incredible! Every dish you prepared was not only delicious but beautifully presented, and the care you put into tailoring each meal to our preferences did not go unnoticed. mealtimes became some of the highlights of our trip, something we will all be talking about for a long time to come.



From unforgettable dinners and so many laughter-filled moments getting to know you both throughout the week, the entire experience was filled with warmth, fun, and genuine happiness. Together, you made our journey seamless, safe and incredibly enjoyable. Your hospitality and professionalism turned this trip into a truly cherished memory.



THANK YOU for sharing your talents and kindness with us - we hope to sail with you again someday.



Brad, Jen, Adam, Sima, Jamie, Chase Michelle and Gabe

Teamwork, Expertise and Enthusiasm

Dearest Sophie and Emil

We wanted to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation to both of you! The dedication, skill and camaraderie you brought to these ten days made all the difference - not just in navigating the waters but in creating an experience that is truly memorable. Though we've been coming here for 30ish years you helped us to see new places as well as old places in new ways.



Your teamwork, expertise and enthusiasm shine through. Whether it's handling the sails, cooking and serving Michelin starable meals, unwinding knots in the bridle or ensuring every detail onboard runs seamlessly, your efforts were extraordinary. Your professionalism and passion for the craft are inspiring, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have been your guests.

You help and care in placing Danney in the Bight was thoughtful and made a difficult time more bearable.

Thank you for your hard work, your positive attitude and your commitment to making our trip an unforgettable adventure, to making our trip an unforgettable adventure ;)



Carl, Juchi, Pam and Paula

Top Notch Experience

What a wonderful week!! The two of you have made a top notch experience. 

Sophie's meals and artful presentation are beyond expectations! I especially want to thank you for catering to my gluten free meals - some of the best GF food I have ever eaten - anywhere!!

Erik and I have traveled all over and dines in some of the best restaurants and your food competes. You have a real talent.



Emil your mariner skills, confidence and natural ease as well as your bartending skills have created an EPIC experience. It has truly been an amazing adventure. We wish it would never end! We would love to keep up with your adventures. 



We wish you all the best and know you will have much success with all you do

Thank you 



Michele and Erik N.

All Beyond Expectations!

No words can ever begin to explain this amazing trip. The food, the locations, the atmosphere --all beyond expectations!!

Thank you for making our "bucket list" everything we dreamed it will be!

Will truly miss you guys and wish you the best of luck in your future.

Brian and Stephanie

EPIC!

Our group was a bit concerned about how young Emil & Sophie were.  

We were dead wrong! 

They were beyond amazing!  So hospitable, inviting and  made us feel at home.  

Sophie’s talents rival any chef we’ve ever encountered. She is a true culinary treasure!!

Emil is so knowledgeable, professional, caring and went above and beyond to make our experience “EPIC”!  (His favorite word 🤣)

Our group honestly can’t imagine doing this trip without them.  We cried when we left. 



To sum it up, all the islands are beautiful and offer such unique experiences.  But none measure up to having a phenomenal crew!  

We are all forever grateful to have been on this journey with Emil & Sophie. 

Incredible Adventure, Incredible People

Wow!! What can we say! This has been an incredible adventure with incredible people. The Esperanza II felt like more of a home than a boat with your amazing hospitality, Michelin quality food, your perfect orchestration of our sailing destinations, as well as your collective warmth, charm and wit.



It is obvious that your focus on every detail of the Esperanza only enhances the experience of your guests - it is TRULY next level! The layout of the boat was perfect for our 8 pack - plenty of room, beautifully appointed and operated. We really appreciate everything that you did for us and it was certainly a magical journey. You are a special team and we are grateful to have sailed with you. It is hard to believe that this experience would have been remotely the same without the both of you. Thank you again for everything

Josh and Kelleigh R

Wow!

I'm struggling to find words to describe what a magical experience our group has had. 

You have provided such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Every detail made such a huge impact. "Nice & Tight" beds, catering to the anti-fish girl, the best wine selection, the beyond "delicious" meals, catering to the gluten free gals!!

I can go on and on .....but why give up the secrets!



Thanks once again for your easy going, trip and meal planning magic.

Kiki and Gregory S

Hard Work, Hospitality and Expertise - Amazing

We love y'all so much! We knew this trip would be amazing, but it exceeded all our expectations because of your hard work, hospitality and expertise! Sophie, your meals and presentation were absolutely incredible!!!

We are wondering how we will survive life after this without you.



We made so many special memories aboard the Esperanza II! From wakeboarding and tubing to snorkeling with turtles, barracudas and stingrays to hiking Virgin Gorda (and eating at the wrong restaurant) from sunset cocktails to 'sailing naps", these memories will remain with us forever. this was the very best way to celebrate Chris's 40th birthday (and Michael's 39th). We can't imagine having a better crew than the two of you. May God bless you and bring you joy and love in the years to come.

We hope to stay in touch! If you ever want to spend your holiday in Georgia, we would love for you to visit us in our home!

INCREDIBLE!

We were three couples going on charter for a seven-night catamaran cruise through the BVI. AN INCREDIBLE time was had by all! Our broker was wonderful to deal with the entire time.  Our crew was Emil and Sofie from South Africa. If I could rate them a 20 out of 10 I would. Emil was an expert sailor with knowledge of everywhere we went. Set the guys up for fishing and made sure our floats were in the water day every

or us. Extremely helpful and always available. Gave us cocktails at night and was a joy to talk to. EVERY meal from Sofie was incredible. The presentation was gorgeous, and the food was outstanding. A better cook than chefs in Manhattan. We could not believe the quality of the food for EVERY meal. Sofie was also a complete delight to talk to. We had appetizers delivered to us at 5:00 with our specialty cocktail sitting on the upper deck with a breeze. Some nights we played games with the crew and had many laughs. Can not think of a better vacation we have had. Truly-if you travel with Emil and Sofie you will remember it forever!!

Cindy G.

Broker Review

Review sent to the broker.



We cannot express enough how amazing our charter experience was for our family. The boat was well appointed (Esperanza 2).   The crew (Emil and Sophie) were awesome and really added to the wonderful trip!  Emil is well experienced and extremely friendly.  Sophie is a phenomenal chef and all of our meals were excellent. I am sure there are other crews that are great, but if it were up to me, we would request none other!  You can feel confident in recommending them to all of your future charters