MORE INFORMATION

Summer location
Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)

Winter location
Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)

PERMABEAR is a 2023 Bali sailing catamaran built for big groups who want bright spaces, easy flow, and nonstop ocean views. Step into the teak-floored cockpit with dining for 10 and a plush lounge bench—made for long meals and lazy afternoons at anchor. Up top, the expansive flybridge delivers panoramic 360° views, up-close sail watching, sundowners, and the best breeze onboard. Inside, the salon is airy and modern with wraparound windows that flood the space with natural light. Sleeps up to 10 in 5 cabins: 3 Queen cabins plus 2 Twin cabins—each with a private ensuite. With multiple social zones to gather or spread out, PERMABEAR keeps everyone comfortable, connected, and smiling. Spacious, sunlit, and seriously fun—PERMABEAR is the kind of charter you’ll talk about all year.

Crew sleep in a queen in the starboard aft

Price Details
Cruising Area
• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI)

Base Port
• Tortola, BVI
• Inquire for additional pick-up/drop-off available in Tortola, BVI
• USVI ports available on request (Contact us for details)

Yacht Status & Operations
• Based in Tortola, BVI
• BVI pick-up/drop-off preferred
• USVI pick-ups/drop-offs accepted with advance approval

Customs Fees & Cruising Permits
• Included

Rates & Terms
Minimum charter nights
• 5-night minimum
• Shorter charters considered on request

Short-Term Charter Rate Calculations
• 6 nights = weekly rate ÷ 7 × 6
• 5 nights or less = weekly rate ÷ 6 × number of nights

Sleep Aboard Option
Enjoy a relaxed evening onboard before your charter begins.
• Offered at 50% of the daily rate
• Boarding available after 4:00 PM
• Includes snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast
• Dinner ashore at guest expense
• Excludes Christmas & New Year’s weeks

Dining Options – The number of meals listed are based on a 7 night charter
Full-Board Plan – Great for guests who want a fully onboard culinary experience
• 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners onboard
• Standard plan included in your charter rate

Half-Board Plan – Ideal for guests who enjoy dining ashore
• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners onboard
• 3 lunches & 4 dinners ashore (guest expense)
• $150 per person discount

Local Fare Meal Plan – A taste of Caribbean cuisine
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners onboard
• 2 lunches & 1 dinner ashore (guest expense)
• $75 per person discount

Holiday Rates 2025 / 2026 Season
Holiday season pricing is full-board only, 7 nights

Christmas Week
• $42,000 | 2–10 guests
• Must end on or before December 26

New Year’s Week
• $46,000 | 2–10 guests
• May not start prior to December 27

Important Notes
• Charter waiver required in addition to standard contract
• Please inquire for BVI port availability due to annual limit

Inclusive

PERMABEAR

Beam: 29

Draft: 5

Max Speed: 9

Total Cabins: 5

King Cabins: 0

Queen Cabins: 3

Single Cabins: 0

Double Cabins: 0

Twin Cabins: 2

Pullman Cabins: 0

Helipad: No

Jacuzzi: No

Toys:
4 Stand Up Paddle Boards
Snorkeling Gear
Floating Circle with net
1 Subwing
Big Mable Seated Towable
Large Inflatables
Wake Board
Fishing Gear
Floats

Entertainment:
ELECTRONICS
• Raymarine Electronics Pack, including:
• P70S Autopilot
• AXIOM 7” GPS Plotter
• I70S Multifunction Display
• Raymarine VHF RAY63 + Remote RAY Mic at steering station
• AIS Receiver/Transmitter
• 12” Full Touchscreen at steering station

Capt. Ed Irwin
Born in Newfoundland, Canada, I spent as much time as I could outdoors, fishing the streams for trout and getting lost in the woods. As a small boy, I would drive my mother crazy by wandering off, only to return home with pockets full of fish I caught or birds and small animals I captured, which I wanted to keep as pets.

I have enjoyed backcountry camping, hiking, and canoeing throughout my life. The Boundary Waters lakes and portages are among my favorite places to explore. Riding my motorcycle, lightly packed for discovering remote fly-fishing streams, without a set destination, is my perfect getaway.

I grew up on the small lakes of Northern Illinois, often driving to school in my small motorboat. The first time I was on a sailboat, I instantly fell in love with the simple act of the wind carrying my boat anywhere.

After sailing Lake Michigan for many years, Erin and I devised a plan to set off on our own boat and sail to as many places around the world as we could. We found an abandoned Cape Dory 36, rebuilt it, and outfitted it for long-distance travel. Years of hard work paid off with a beautifully restored and perfectly outfitted classic sailboat that allowed us to live out our sailing dreams.

We have sailed and lived aboard our boat since 2018. In that time, we’ve sailed the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake, and offshore from Norfolk around Bermuda to the Caribbean at least six times. During hurricane season, we sailed north to Maine, enjoying the "down east" summer, before heading back down the eastern seaboard and offshore to the Caribbean once again. At the end of 2023, we flew to the Mediterranean, picked up the Bali 5.4 “Permabear,” and sailed through the Med to Las Palmas before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. After around 30,000 nautical miles of sailing, we still love every moment.

For the past three years, we have been chartering in the Virgin Islands, both the US and BVI, exploring, discovering amazing coves and anchorages, becoming PADI scuba certified, and learning why so many say that once you reach the Caribbean, you don’t want to leave. Our guests often comment on how safe they feel aboard our boat, knowing I am always alert and cautious. We ensure that we create the most comfortable and enjoyable trip on the water for everyone aboard. I look forward to showing guests why the Caribbean truly is a sailing paradise.

Chef Erin Irwin
My childhood was spent on boats in our summer town of Saugatuck, MI. I loved everything about being on the water and was always the first and last one to jump in, no matter the temperature! I began sailing as a teenager and am seriously addicted to the magic of wind and water.

As the oldest daughter of a big family, and the mother of five kids, I was always at the center of planning family gatherings and parties. I love finding unique themes and creating relaxed, special moments and memories together. Ed and I have found the outdoors, especially sailing, to be the perfect setting for connecting with each other and something bigger. It has always been the best stage for us to find joy, peace, adventure, and excitement, and we want to share that.

I have been baking and cooking since I was a child, and it has always been a joy to create a meal. When cooking for my family, I wanted them to have a healthy diet. Most of our meals were whole foods from our garden, cooked from scratch. My cooking style emphasizes a healthy balance of Mediterranean foods, Asian cuisines, and comfort foods that are adapted to be healthy but still rich in flavor. Having spent a good portion of my life in Chicago, I’ve become an obsessive foodie, constantly searching for the perfect meal at the perfect restaurant. This endless quest has taught me so much about the experience of eating well.

We work hard to make the experience of coming aboard seamless. From the moment guests make their booking, we stay in touch to tailor their vacation to exactly what they imagine. From the food and the itinerary to even having the perfect sunblock, big straw hats, and beautiful beach gear — we want our guests to just bring a small bag and let go.

We especially look forward to helping families find that elusive real time together. There’s just nothing like being on a sailboat to make everything else fade away and allow you to connect with the people you love. We can’t wait to help others find that perfect spot — that perfect moment that becomes a memory that lasts forever.

3rd Mate Gus
Very Friendly Onboard Dog
Meet Gus, our adventurous Cairn Terrier and seasoned sailor with over 30,000 nautical miles under his belt! Gus is not just any yacht dog; he's a true seafaring companion with a story that includes befriending a mother dolphin and her baby in Long Bay, as well as making turtle friends who swim up to the boat just to see him. He's also an expert paddleboarding companion.

With a love for kids and hair instead of fur (making him hypoallergenic!), Gus is the perfect family-friendly crew member, known for his quiet and well-behaved nature. Despite his loyalty, Gus loves to snuggle and will always find a way to convince you to give him a moment to prove why dogs are amazing!