PERMABEAR

Our trip was great! From the moment boarded the boat and met Captain Ed, First Mate Erin, the cute little boat pup Gus we knew it was going to be a fun trip.

The boat is beautiful! Very well stocked, comfortable and had everything we needed to relax and have fun adventures.

Ed and Erin shared stories of their travels in so many exciting places. We had a few mechanical issues with the boat which Ed fixed immediately, while we were underway. He’s a very capable captain in so many ways. Erin was a fantastic chef! All her meals were so delicious and served beautifully! Honestly the best food I’ve ever had on vacation. Erin even gave us a few cooking lessons. We all learned how to make sourdough bread and she even sent us home with Sourdough starter, and her entire cook book on line. We were surprised to find out that Erin is also a licensed captain as well.

Ed surprised our guys with a little fishing along the way. The fishing excitement made our guys trip! They caught a couple tuna which Erin immediately turned into ceviche for a delicious snack. They are quite a team together.

We did have to deal with high wind warnings our entire trip but that didn’t stop our fun. The islands were so beautiful. We stopped at all the cute and famous beach bars, visited The Baths in Virgin Gorda (a must-see) and beautiful snorkeling spots. Erin guided us planned a perfect charter route for what we wanted to see and do.

We had a fun dance party on board one night where everyone showed off their dancing and singing skills with Erin as our DJ! The guys even helped crew the boat and learned a little more about sailing.

All in all it was the best trip!! We would all love to do it again and would definitely recommend Captain Ed and Erin (and cute little Gus! It was so fun to return to the boat from an excursion to find Gus happily greeting us)!

Vicky

Our experience on the Permabear the moment we stepped foot on board was first class.  Erin instantly welcomed us with the most delicious welcome drink and Captain Ed got us off the dock and and heading towards our first destination...  Maho Bay.  As soon as we got to the Bay and anchored, Captain Ed "opened the pool" with all the toys and paddle boards.  We saw turtles, fish and Berry the Barracuda.  Each day got progressively better and the attention to detail from both Captain Ed and Erin did not go unnoticed.  Erin cooked us the most amazing food and four course dinners had us coming home with a few extra pounds.  haha.

We had so many options....  we could just sit upstairs, relax and take in the scenery or we could snorkel, paddle board, go wake boarding, and even fish!

Thank you so much Captain Ed and Erin for giving us and our family the trip of a lifetime that we will always and forever remember.

It's not goodbye....  but till we see you again!

Best,
John & Sandra

Permabear is a large sailing catamaran and there was plenty of room for my myself and my five guests along with the two crew. The yacht was spotless and always kept very clean. The crew is amazing. This is the second time we sailed with them in two years and we already knew they were family. It was like a family reunion with the crew, we all love them, and they took great care of us. All the food tasted great and was presented very well. We had a couple of special requests that were accommodated without question and we were all extremely pleased, satisfied and stuffed.

The yacht and crew are first class all the way. If you want to be pampered well, on a comfortable, almost new yacht, Permabear and the Irwins are for you. he areas we cruised in were great and the special places that Captain Ed took us to were amazing.
Every day the destinations were beautiful. The snorkeling was always amazing and we had an opportunity to snorkel at least once every day. I had quite a bit of input in choosing our destinations every day, and it was not a scripted destination vacation.

Every minute of every day was a highlight. It’s difficult to say which one was better than the other, but we visited some amazing places. We sailed every day and most days did not wind up getting off on an island and that was my choice. We stayed on the boat and sailed every day. That was incredible and breathtaking! I expressed an interest throughout the trip in sailing. I probably asked hundreds of questions and I’m sure that would have driven many crews nuts! At one of our destinations, Chef Erin And Captain Ed presented me with a very special gift, the opportunity to sail in a small Hobie Cat and give me my first sailing lesson. Chef Erin was my teacher, she is a very skilled, accomplished sailor who grew up sailing, and it was an absolutely amazing and wonderful experience. I’m truly grateful for the interest they took in my endless questions about sailing throughout the week. Thank you!!! My wife and our 4 guests absolutely loved every day and every destination of our vacation.
Shawn

The week aboard the Permabear visiting the Eastern Caribbean islands was more than a vacation. It was a unique life experience. It was the time off I did not know I needed. Being able to rest, recharge, and reflect was priceless. I believe it should be in everybody's bucket list.

The charter started with a friendly welcome at noon on a Sunday at the Marina Yacht Heaven Grande in Saint Thomas, and it just got better with every passing day. Our initial idea to visit some of the best places in the Caribbean while living in a boat was elevated to an unforgettable vacation by a great boat captain (Ed) and superb chef (Erin), who treated us as like family.

While on board, were enjoyed fresh and delicious multi-course meals prepared daily by the chef, who would narrate how she prepared them. I believe was better than a restaurant.

Boat life was exceptional abord the Permabear, with every need cared for 24/7 by the experienced captain and his wife (the chef) in this friendly and relaxed environment, where we lived at own pace. Daily activities started or ended whenever we felt hungry or tired. We never felt hurried.

We spent the nights on board safely and comfortably in air-conditioned cabins at carefully selected bays by the captain to be protected from ocean winds and with minimal boat rocking from sea waves.

The breath of marine life in the reefs was spectacular, snorkeling at wrekeage of the RMS Rhone was almost unbelievable, visiting the beautiful natural salt water tidal pools at The Baths was awsome, dinner at the world famous (and newly renovated after hurricane Irma) Saba Rock restaurant was a worferful treat, and visiting the iconic Soggy Dollar bar and store at White bay beach in Jost van Dyke was picture-perfect.
By the end of the week you may want this to become your new home and life.

Thanks to Ed and Erin for a wonderful week aboard the Permabear. You took time to share bits of your life with us and taught us a lot about this part of the world.
We return home with great memories from this vacation wishing to return and have this much fun again.
Federico

Thank you very much for an amazing vacation! It definitely exceeded our expectations. The boys did not want it to end. Every day was full of new adventures. The adults enjoyed it as much or more than the kids! Food every day was delicious and you both were always patient with all of us. We will always remember the Permabear Crew!
Fede, Alberto, Luciana, Enzo, Franco & Luas

PS:The BIG fish we catched will be imprinted in the boys memories forever! And we even got to watch our soccer team win the “Copa America”. Ramos Argentina!! Also AZ and PR!

Ed & Erin far exceeded our expectation and helped make this a perfect family vacation. Ed is a very competent captain and gentleman that assisted our kids with all the water toys. Erin is simply as spectacular chef and has the ability to entertain as a class A professional. Her caring nature as a mom and Ed as dad was evident in their patience with our children. They are simply the best and cannot recommend them highly enough.
Sergio

Erin & Ed,
Thank you so much for making this trip amazing! I could go on and on about erin’s delish food! And a big thank you to Ed for dragging us around on all the water toys. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and ‘m so thankful for everything. I have memories I will cherish forever!
Thank you!
Candace❤️

Trip of a lifetime! We’ve all spent the whole year excited and anxiously waiting for this trip and I think it surpassed everyone’s expectations. Thank you for making everything about this trip so memorable. From every meal, to all of the different locations and toys, there’s nothing I will forget. You both made the boat feel so homey and welcoming. Thank you so much exclamation!
Alex

Ed & Erin,
Thank you so much! This was the best week of my life. You both did such a great job showing us the islands, explaining their history, and making sure we had fun. I loved all the activities and conversations we got to share. This was the best food that I’ve ever eaten in my life. Thank you Ed for taking us around and being a great captain. Erin thank you for the delicious food exclamation!
❤️Katie

We had a great time with our family on this cruise adventure. All of us 9 1/2 months to 60+ had so much fun. From the tubing, skiing, rafting, fishing, card playing, storytelling to the most wonderful meals, we could not have asked for anything more. It’s hard to think we have to leave today. It has been a great adventure. We loved Gus, he is such a great dog. Thank you Erin for all the great meals and thank you Ed for making sure you keep us busy with lots and lots of fun. Erin you were so wonderful with Mac. Thank you both
Kach

Thank you is not enough for all the fun and memories you guys created for my family. We had so much fun and I enjoyed every second (even when the waves on the open sea was a little rough). The food was so delicious and I know Mac loved helping. I can’t thank you enough! Thank you!
-Tara and Robbie
PS I even enjoyed the scary dark cave moment 😁

Thank you guys so much for everything you both did this week. We especially are thankful for them thought and time that was put into making Cullun’s crib! It was so sweet and allowed us to get great sleep while here! We wish we didn’t have to go and we can see why y’all chose this place as y’all Paradise!
❤️Connor and Gina

Ed and Erin,
What an unforgettable week! We cannot thank you enough for making us part of your family ❤️ The food, the sites, the water, the drinks- most importantly, the fellowship Will never be forgotten. If you ever make it to our corner of Kansas- we’d love to have you!
Love-
Lisa
PS always remember: you’re a man! Be a man!

This whole trip has been overwhelmingly incredible! You have both been amazing. It does not go unnoticed your kindness and passion. The food has been nothing short of fabulous as well as the experience. I have to say my favorite part was the both of you and all the stories :) you’ve impacted me and I’ll never be able to top this trip! ❤️❤️❤️
Love,
Elle

Thank you so much for a wonderful spring break!
We loved being on board with you both and Gus as well. Thank you for loving our kids and teaching them as many cool things. We have made so many memories the last few days that we will remember with the kids of grandparents forever! Thank you for making us feel at home and for taking care of us so well. The food was fabulous and the activities were spectacular. Lots of love from our family to yours!,
Nathan, Angela, Emilia, Cora Teddy, Colin & Elorie

Captain Ed + Chef Erin,
Thanks so much for the amazing Spring Break. ☀️ We had a blast! The BVI's are really heaven on earth. Easter morning was me for the books! Even the Easter Bunny showed up. Thanks for the wonderful food, drinks, & for fun stops for adults + kids to play in the water with!
Love, The J’s & the V’s

This was one of the absolute best vacations we've ever had. I especially, as the person who wrangles all of our family, cooks, etc. am especially appreciative of the relaxing atmosphere. I was grateful not to have to do ANYthing! The crew took care of absolutely everything. Captain Ed went above and beyond by scuba diving one morning to find a pair of prescription glasses that my husband lost off the boat. Erin switched up dinner one night on the fly due to an impromptu change in our group's needs. I liked the freedom to change our schedule whenever we wanted (flexible agenda). We liked the ability to travel from place to place without a bunch of people. My absolute favorite thing was just leisurely drinking coffee in the morning in a beautiful environment.
-Angela D.

Erin + Ed,

I truly cannot think of a better way to celebrate Wilson's 40th birthday - in a beautiful place with family, friends who are like family and a crew who became one of the best of this trip and we are so blessed to have had this experience. Thank you for allowing us to really "let go" and making us feel so special and taken care of. Until next time... because there will most certainly be a next time!

With Love,
Megan + Wilson Schultz

Ed + Erin,

Thank you for making this trip the absolute best one of our lives. Words cannot do justice to describe how wonderful every aspect of this charter was - the sights, the food, the conversation and the overall FUN. We are forever grateful to you both and are already looking forward to a return trip. Until then, give Gus some belly rubs for us.

❤️, Travis + Mallory Bowling

February 2024

What an amazing trip this has been. For the first time since I have had children, I was able to fully relax on a vacation. You all took care of everything and allowed us to fully enjoy all of the different activities and sights. Fishing, snorkeling, taking in the views, and the amazing destinations have made this a vacation that may be impossible to beat. Thank you for everything you did and can't wait to do it again.

Will and Megan
Anai

Previous Boat Reviews:

I wanted to reach out and let you know what an amazing trip we had aboard Katrina. Erin and Ed were so friendly and welcoming from the beginning! We had the best vacation with them! Erin is an amazing chef and put so much care into making sure everyone is well fed with fresh healthy food! My 3 adolescents are tough in that one has a gluten allergy and one is vegetarian and the youngest is still growing 15 year old needing extra food often! (We appreciated that She had a basket of snacks refilled and readily available while Ed kept the cooler iced and stocked with everyone’s favorite drinks).

The dinners were gourmet 3-4 courses and we enjoyed them so much that we requested many of the recipes so we could try to replicate them at home.
Erin also took such pleasure and has a true artistic flare to presenting the food and decorating the table with different table settings each day! We looked forward to her daily theme! We also looked forward to the drink of the day! Which was often accompanied by an afternoon charcuterie board. The local flowers that were adorning the boat enhanced the welcome atmosphere from the beginning.

Ed was such a safe and watchful captain, keeping an eye on everyone as they boarded the boat and snorkeled each day to ensure safety. He was also very aware and protective of my dad who is in his 70’s and loves to snorkel! He was quick to pull out the pool toys (noodles, paddle boards, splash pad and snorkeling gear) at every destination and we enjoyed all of it. They know the area well and directed us to the best snorkeling locations, were well equipped with reef safe sunblock, and also transported us ashore for some great hikes and even a beach day with a sun tent. We were comforted by Erin’s nursing background in taking this multigenerational family trip and felt safe in their very capable experienced hands with the threat of a storm early in the week!

Our family loves playing games and did so daily and there were plenty to choose from aboard the boat.

I should mention a few problems that they handled for us. The first night before we even left the yachting harbour, I dropped my flip flop in between the boat and the dock and ED was so quick on his belly to grab it- I was impressed! My 15 year old son dropped his air pods in a crack next to his bed and they ended up falling in the bilge!!!!!! We tried to stop both Erin and Ed from taking apart the room but they did so anyway after we disembarked and met us in Charlotte Amelie to deliver the saved AirPods!!

This truly was the best vacation we have ever gone on and we are already trying to find another week to sail with Erin and Ed!

We are experienced sailors but have never taken this sort of trip
Before and realized quickly how crucial a good crew is to the success if the trip.

Erin and Ed, Thank you so very much for a wonderful week of sailing, exploration and incredible food! Your hospitality was above and beyond as well as your attention to all the details. You both made us all feel welcome, comfortable, well fed and cared for. We enjoyed getting to know you both and look forward to the next adventure!

Erin and Ed, we thoroughly enjoyed the week. You were perfect hosts. The food was exquisite and plentiful. I really appreciated Ed's role as captain extraordinaire. Erin was so helpful to Andrea and I dealing with an awkward medical condition that came up! The sailing was great and the site selection was excellent. Overall, the two of you were amazingly accommodating and quick to ensure that all of our desires were met. Thank you!

Thank you for an amazing trip! Hoping this encourages our kids to take all the adventures in life..they loved it all! This is one of my favorite places on earth (made better by boat). The snorkels, hiking, sailing...it really doesn't get better then this topped off every night with the most amazing desserts. Thank you Chef Erin. We will be back.

Thank you Captain Ed, Chef Erin, and SV Katrina for the most memorable 40th birthday celebration throughout the BVI. From snorkeling in caves to exploring The Baths, playing fun games in Maho Bay to claiming Pickly Pear island our own (and in the rain!) - we had an absolute blast. Erin - your cooking/bartending skills earned praise (better than our meal on Saba rock, even!) and you should consider joining the next cast of Bake Off. Ed thanks for literally sharing the helm and teaching some of us to become captains of our own! It's a trip we will never forget!

Ed and Erin, this has been one of our favorite family vacations thanks to your hospitality! The food was spectacular and so was Ed's honor! Such a perfect combination of relaxation, snorkeling, hiking adventures, laughter, family gams, and naps. We all enjoyed this so much! We have for the last few days been trying to find some days and trying to find some dates where we can come back and do it again. This is definitely one of those trips that was so valuable to us. You can't put a price tad on! Thank you thank you thank you! We will see you in Maryland soon for crabs!

The 'man overboard' maneuver to save a hat and dive from the dinghy to save a pair of sunglasses were very much appreciated and shows your commitment to ensure the safety and happiness of all (human and material objects) aboard! Taco had amazing adventures and felt all the love - we cannot wait to return. Ashley and Dan can't wait to put their new sailing skills to use in the future and continue the fun with your game - hysterical memories in the midst of maho magic. Thank you for the delicious food, delightful drinks, incredible adventures, beautiful sights, perfectly appointed boat, entertaining conversation, sailing lessons, outfitting/personal styling, and providing relaxation on another level! We will miss paradise and feel very grateful for this trip and opportunity to get to know the both of you.

Dearest Ed and Erin,

We have been coming on this trip since 1991, sailing et al. This trip by far exceeds all previous sailing journeys we have experienced. Everything fired on all cylinders. From the awesome crew to the leisure, attention to detail, and wisdom of the team. Bar none every day was better than the previous. We have never chartered through a broker. [broker name] paired us with {management company] which included Ed and Erin. [Broker name] described the crew to a T and was attentive and dependable through the entire trip. We have to give a shout out to having a fabulous intelligent nurse onboard which provided security which provided help for everyone from seasickness and bands for relief to advice regarding other needs. Erin was and is nurse extraordinaire! Don't miss Leverick Bay for a fun night of pirate entertainment. ON this trip we saw and witnessed places and things we had never encountered previously.thanks to their advice and guidance. Captain Ed is the master of the sea navigating with speed and agility. Erin looks up to him in awe 'cause he is the leader we all adore. Erin is the culinary queen, her dishes are a sight to be seen. Her flavors are bold and full of life. A true artist with a kitchen knife. We're coming back forever and only with Ed & Erin @ the helm Love it! a little bit of heaven,
Sandra, Bruce, Amy, Dane, Danie,& Ken

It's been one very special week! What a unique experience to spend seven days traveling the beautiful US Virgin Islands! Ed and Erin, you were so kind and accommodating in every way. You made us feel truly welcome and completely pampered. Amazing food all day, every day a the chance to choose our activities for the day were any travelers dream! We loved our game times with you both, our new, dear friends! Blessings and safe travels.

Marc, Carla, Aidiya, and Connor spent a spectacular week on S/Y Katrina. The crew was attentive and skilled. We enjoyed great meals, awesome cocktails and scratch made treats that will leave our tummies pinning for the time we spent here. We spent our time snorkeling, laughing, hiking, playing games and star gazing. We watched our beloved Texas longhorns clinch the men's basketball Big 12 championship and advance to the field of 32 in the NCAA tourney. We celebrated the 1 year anniversary of 2 kids we love very much and we also celebrated a belated 52nd birthday. This is our 3rd vacation of this kid and Ed and Erin are the BEST!

Captain Ed and Chef Erin,

You make a great team on SV Katrina. This made our week long trip amazing. Everything from the details and flexibility of our itinerary to the delicious food prepared and presented onboard, to your expertise and knowledge on the water, to your openness and respect for allowing us to have our naked cruise and truly feel comfortable, you provided us an experience that we will not soon forget.

SV Katrina herself is a beautiful, well-kept vessel with plenty of well thought out spaces for relaxation. Her owner should be very pleased with how you care for her. We thank you both so very much for making our first time in the BVI's very special.

Erin & Ed, thank you for such an amazing week. Katrina is a great boat, but you two make it excellent. The food was incredibly delicious, for every meal. Each day of our trip jus got better and better under Captain Ed's guidance we always felt safe and secure. We all wish you the best finishing this season. And know our paths will cross again.