Begin a perfect day in the tropics aboard
Sandcastle, a 72-foot Irwin ketch owned and operated by Rik and Ann Allen.
Charter Yacht Sandcastle - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters
Virgin Islands Sailing and Scuba Diving Vacations
While most yachts this size are divided into four or more guest cabins, Sandcastle's focus is comfort and space. Sandcastle has two unusually large, well appointed staterooms, each offering king-size berths, ensuite bathrooms with large separate showers, and ample privacy. If necessary, the library (located just forward of the aft cabin) can accommodate an additional two guests with the settee converting into a queen berth, or as single upper/lower bunk beds.
In the layout diagram below, the two guest cabins are in blue.
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| Layout diagram |
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| Forward King Cabin |
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| Aft King Cabin |
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| Salon |
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| Forward King Cabin, Settee |
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Kick off your shoes as Rik and Ann Allen welcome you aboard for a vacation of barefoot comfort. Their warm and easygoing manner will relax you into the island pace.
Rik and Ann met sailing in the Virgin Islands. They began their chartering adventures on Sandcastle in 1987, enjoying years full of fun and friendship. They shared a dream of cruising the South Pacific and later, in their 38-foot steel boat, they sailed the trade winds to the Galapagos, the atolls of Tuamotu, French Polynesia, Tonga, Fiji and the shores of New Zealand. Here they "swallowed the hook" for a while and now the boat was home to snow skis, hiking gear and bicycles! But, the lure of sailing in the tropics is like no other and in 1997 Rik and Ann began chartering again in the Caribbean with Sandcastle. They love life on and in these waters as do many of their guests who return time and again.
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| Ann & Rik |
Rik, a USCG licensed captain, is an outdoor enthusiast. He grew up in the Northeast and played soccer for Penn State while earning a business degree. Rik was a ski instructor in Colorado before learning the ropes aboard sailboats. Since 1976 he has been working and living on boats. He shares with you his knowledge of the islands, the sailing, quiet anchorages, island walks with stunning views, or local night spots. He also enjoys chess and has a magic touch with Sandcastle's grill!
Ann, a native of Ontario, Canada, has a degree in zoology but has traded the lab for the living ocean. An insatiable water bug, she is an avid snorkel guide for any level of experience, and is glad to introduce you to our fragile coral ecosystem. Her love of good food and wine is reflected in her fresh and creative menus. Ann's menus reflect a wide range of dishes, both local and international, and she enjoys catering to your tastes.
Together Rik and Ann will share the island experience with you, from a morning snorkel, to cocktail hour spiced with local lore, to a perfectly grilled feast you savor under the stars.
Rik and Ann are keen on watersports and happy to give instruction in snorkeling, windsurfing, water-skiing or kneeboarding. They are trained in CPR and are certified divers. Rik is a dive master and offers diving to certified divers at $100/wk/diver. The number of dives is "flexible". Sandcastle is happy to arrange gear rental for you (BC and regulator rental at about $100/diver) and they'll have it on board for arrival, or you may bring your own.
2013 ALL INCLUSIVE RATES:
- 2 Guests: $9,900/week
- 3 Guests: $12,700/week
- 4 Guests: $13,200/week
Honeymoon Special: 6 or 7-night charters
- 7 nights: $9,900
- 6 nights: $8,500
Honeymoon charters receive 1 bottle of champagne per day plus either:
- one spa treatment for two, or
- two scuba dives for certified divers
Sleep aboard option:
- $175 per person per night.
Includes: hors d'oeuvres, snacks, sandwich upon request, bar and continental breakfast (dinner not included). Sandcastle aims to please and this option offers you a much more relaxed start to your charter eliminating the hassle of checking in and out of a local hotel.
Join Rik and Ann aboard Sandcastle for a relaxed, carefree vacation you'll always remember.
