COOL RUNNINGS

AMENITIES

CD library DVD player Local television

DVD library Stereo system Fishing equipment

Air bed Towing ring

Wakeboard Dinghy: AB / 12ft 0in (3.6m) / 30HP

DECK & SYSTEMS

Air-conditioned: Fully Deck shower

Voltage: 110 Barbeque

Cell phone

WiFi and Internet

DIVING

Diving by arrangement / rendezvous

Snorkeling gear

COOL RUNNINGS Crew Profile

Geoff and Bambi are back in the very beautiful Virgin Islands!  After many many exciting adventures, (read more below), they have returned to the charter industry.  “Cool Runnings” a 45 foot Robertson and Caine catamaran stole their hearts and before they knew it they were the proud new owners.  This couple have had extensive experience, more than 12 years of sailing the oceans of the world covering in excess of 70 000 miles, in both mono hull and catamaran.  From November 2003 to November 2008 they chartered their catamaran ” Alexis “, hosting 70, one week charters, they got to know  guests from all corners of the world, introducing them to  the beauty and tranquility of this outstanding sailing ground.

In 1998 Geoff and Bambi first crossed the Atlantic in “Alexis” their 33 foot Dudley Dix steel sloop.   They cruised sublimely, visiting St. Helena, Brazil and her many exotic ports including the Amazon. After a quick stop in French Guyana they sailed the magic pathway of the Caribbean island chain, up through the pristine British and American Virgin islands, then on to the beautiful Bahamas and finally a turbulent trip across the Gulf Stream to land on the East coast of America. 

While cruising this incredible route, they encountered many many other vessels, many shapes and many sizes, one particular design seduced them completely, THE CATAMARAN, these specimens sailed flat!  The “Cat” attacked their imagination and they were entranced by the swift seemingly effortless gliding,  spacious, upright sailing vessels.  This seduction led to envy, watching the occupants draped in various attitudes of relaxation all over the decks in 15 knots of wind with glittering glasses of gin and tonic resting resplendent on the cockpit table, while they themselves were braced to windward, hanging on for dear life, dying of thirst and exhaustion!

Before they knew it, the madness took hold and they had sold “Alexis 1” (for the record, there were many tears at parting) flown back to Cape Town, South Africa and taken delivery of the “hull, deck and bulkheads” of an Admiral 38 foot Catamaran which was to be “Alexis 11″    Ten months of slogging, with Geoff, the help of an electrician and a carpenter saw the boat finished and exquisite.  The exhausted pair found their new ” Cat” a thirsty beast that had lapped up what remained of their cruising kitty!  (Forgive the pun) In no time at all their dream of a slow circumnavigation was receding as fast as the bank balance!

The thought of drifting through the crystal waters of the Virgin Islands kept haunting them, along with this visitation came the answer to their problems.   They would cross the Atlantic once again and go chartering!  This time they chose to stop in Jamaica, Cuba and revisit the friends they made in America, sailing right up the east coast to Chesapeake Bay for a whole summer of fun before making passage for the British Virgin Islands and the challenge of chartering guests began. n their previous lives Geoff owned a Building company, and Bambi a partnership in a Catering company, food had always played an enormous roll in the well being of charter guests and her expertise in this field did not fail them.

This sojourn lasted five years, made up of 70, seven day charters, this was a period of growth, learning, making new friends and fun, until finally the cruising kitty was once again strong enough to take on the Pacific.

They headed down the Caribbean Sea to Trinidad where they could ready the boat for the major ocean passage.  A wonderful stop in Cartagena, Columbia for Christmas and then down to the awesome Panama Canal, unforgettable memories were made never to be forgotten.

The Pacific proved to be enormous, the distances between the islands long and sometimes arduous, the weather patterns isolated and difficult to predict, storms and rain squalls would pop up out of nowhere to shake them out of lethargy, the longest leg being 20 days between the Galapagos Islands and the French Marquises.   This is where the criticism ends, the rest was a dream, the islands exotic, stunning in their almost untouched beauty, above and below  the ocean was all as god made it, beautiful!

With all their dreams fulfilled, the plan was to sail on to Australia and to sell “Alexis 11″  and then to fly to New Zealand for a bit of a “walk about” and finally back to Cape Town to “settle down”,  after all, they had been sailing for 12 years, surely that was enough?

All the above happened as predicted, and “Alexis 11″ was sold to great Australians, what a wonderful brave little boat she was, with so many happy nautical miles under her hull. Geoff and Bambi replete with memories and travels returned home to take up Grandparent status and “settle.”     (Mmmmmmmmm…….)

One year later……….   they are once again excitedly relating news of their purchase of a 45 foot Robertson and Caine called “Cool Runnings!”   It’s back to the water, back to life aboard, and back to chartering in the British Virgin Islands!!

COOL RUNNINGS Specifications

COOL RUNNINGS Menu

COOL RUNNINGS MENU :



Listed below is a selection of Chef Bambi’s cuisine.

There is a Preferance Questionaire below for guests to complete, this enables us to prepare dishes to satisfy your individual tastes.



Breakfast is always served with freshly brewed coffee, tea, fruit juice, toast, breads and preserves.



* Fresh fruit plate

* Yogurts, muesli and cereals

* A selection of homebaked muffins, croissants or pancakes filled with fruits or served with bacon and syrup

* Creamy scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or cheddar cheese

* Cool Runnings Brekker : Eggs anyway you like, served with bacon, sausage and fried tomato

* Ham and swiss cheese omelette

* French toast wedges served with breakfast sausage and or maple syrup.



LUNCHES :

Below is a small selection of delicious dishes, we constantly add to and change the menu following the availability of the best seasonal ingredients.



All served with bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine and fresh baked crispy breads.



* Classic fresh tuna salad with green beans, baby potatoes, mimosa and calamata olives served with yogurt mustard dressing.

* Caribbean chicken salad. Served in iceberg lettuce cups. Grilled chicken, mango, red onion, cucumber, sultanas, lightly tossed in a creamy Caribbean curry dressing.

* Gaspacho. This spicey Spanish classic cold soup is served with chopped olives and sour cream garnish. A cheese board, crackers and homebaked wholewheat breads.

* Pan fried Flounder with capers, served with white bean, sweet peppers and feta salad.

* Smoked Mackerel or Shrimp salad. Romaine lettuce, baby tomatoes, green onions, cucumber batons and avocado with Cool Runnings own vinegarette dressing.

*Tortillas. Build your own scrumptious tortilla, a selection of fillings including chicken, beef, tomato salsa, cheese, lettuce, jalapeno’s and sour cream.

*Wild mushroom and bacon linguine pasta served with green salad or Bambi’s own take on Chow Mein.



STARTERS:

* Tuna tataki with asian seaweed salad and ginger dressing.

* West Indies watermelon and goats cheese salad with citrus dressing.

* Caramalized onion, grape and blue chees in feather light puff pastry.

* Asian spring rolls with peanut sauce

* Cape malay samoosas served with fruit chutney.

* Smoked salmon and dill roulades with caviar garnish.

* Mexican and black bean soup served with sour cream garnish.



ENTREES:

* Coconut lime and chilli barbecued shrimp. Island savoury rice and snap peas.

* Mahi Mahi with shrimp cake, grilled and served on sauteed bok choy with sesame, garlic, ginger and soy dressing served with basmati and stir fried red peppers.

* Deboned Cornish hens roasted with plums in red wine served with creamy mash potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

* B B Q Evening : Great steaks or ribs served with mushroom sauce, baked potatoes and ratatoulli.

* Thai shrimp and linefish green curry served with jasmine rice, thai vegetable fry and popadums.

* Pork Tenderloin roasted in mustard and honey sauce served with garlic potato bake, brocolli and almonds.

* Pan fried duck breasts with cranberry and caramalized onion, sauteed potatoes, asparagus.



DESSERTS :

* Pear and almond tart served with Amaretto ice cream.

* Ricotta Cappuccino with crushed Biscotti.

* Chocolate mousse cake with Ganache topping and strawberry garnish

* Fresh blackberry nepoleons with cream chees mousse.

* Amarula and Chocolate Fondue Fantasy.

* Pears in red wine with vanilla ice cream

* Rum crepes with banana flambe`



Bon Appetit !!

COOL RUNNINGS Testimonials

April 28- May 03/13

Eric and Connie

60th birthday



Bambi and Geoff, 

Our friends Viv and Michael were 100% Right On !  It has been the most incredible, fabulous, wonderful 60th Birthday trip I have ever had !!  We shall return!

Eric.



Delightfully relaxing and exciting too!  All our troubles drifted far far away.  So glad we came.

Connie



Bambi and Geoff,

Thanks for a wonderful holiday, for going above and beyond in hosting our stay. Such beautiful tasty food so thoughtfully prepared for all our tastes. We will have wonderful memories of this amazing trip. And,  Oh those margaritas!!!

Thanks for the sailing lessons, (sorry I spun the boat around in the opposite direction!)

Love Penny and David

Montreal. Canada 

Dear Bambi and Capt. Geoff,

 

This is sadly our departure day.  We loved the time of the yacht,

sharing delicious meals, gentle talks and everyday early snorkels into

another world.  For myself it is a dream of a lifetime come true.  As

a "Grannie" spending time with my daughter, her family and you as

supportive friends, thank you.  I will think of these days for many

years to come, I grew in confidence in the use of my titanium knee and

my spirit was renewed. It's been great.

Vicky 

New Jersey

 

Geoff and Bambi,

Incredible trip!  You both made it really specail for us.  We started

"thinking" about this trip over the summer - sort of day dreaming

about what would be fun, special and relaxing.  Honestly -  this trip

exceeded any expectations we had.  The chance to be together as a

family, play games, snorkel, sail, see beautiful things, eat amazing

food and generally be spoiled is something we loved. ( who would'nt)

Thanks for all you did to make it so special. You have BIG  fans and a

great referal source our in California.  We will be back for sure!!

Lots love

Courtney and Jeff.

California

 

Kids.....   Capt. Geoff and Bambi, What a trip, I had soooooo much fun

and I lovedit sooooo much. I loved tubing and having our sea glass

contest, snorkeling and all the amazing sea creatures and for letting

me stay on the boat.

Conner  13 years

PS: I loved the food.

 

Twins....  8 years   Dear Bambi and Geoff,

It has been fun hanging out with you.  Have you ever fell overboard?

If so did someone yell "Man overboard!"  I loved snorkeling and the

desserts, also very cool to steer the boat.

love, Kate

 

Thanks so much for having us on the boat, I loved it!

From Andrew.

From guests for a Spring Break Charter aboard COOL RUNNINGS, April 2013

 

Our dear friends Bambi and Geoff,

We are so honored to have sailed our 4th cruise with you!  From

"Alexis" to "Cool Runnings", the hospitality is superb as always.  We

are blessed not only to have met you many years ago on charter but to

have continued in friendship.  You two are an inspiration to us and

will always continue to be so.

Thanks also for all your special touches, my favorite foods and your

sweet and kind words, and, of course, the laughs are the very BEST!

Here's to many many more times together........ more laughs, fun and love.

Much love

Scott and Jeff

x x x x

 

Dearest Bambi and Geoff,

Thanks so much for taking care of us this last week.  I have learned

so much..... one, that I LOVE sailing and LOVE snorkeling, that I can

swim without a noodle!  (who knew??)   Thank you from the bottom of my

heart, to opening my eyes to the adventures that await us on the high

seas.  Hahhaha!

Wonderful food, wonderful memories and wonderful adventures.  We will

be back, OFTEN!

Crystal Van Hise

Virginia

 

Bambi and Geoff,  A fantastic journey aboard Cool Runnings!  Your easy

going way just made us feel like we were instantly on "island time."

The places we visited were breathtaking and I could'nt think of a

better way to spend my Spring Break.  Not sure how many pounds I

gainedfrom the amazing food and drinks, but it was well worth it !

Thanks for the hospitality and kindness, can't wait to do it all over

again.

Amy Kern

Virginia

---

From a family aboard COOL RUNNINGS the last week of March 2013

Mum, Dad and four children comment.....

Bambi and Geoff,

Thank you for such an enoyable week in so many many ways. it was so

great to go to a different port evryday and the destinations you chose

for us were all fantastic!  The kids benefitted from the experience to

sailing and learned a lot about the BVI's this week.  We only wish we

had taken a fully catered charter to take full advantage of  Bambi's

gourmet cooking every day!  Guess we will have to come back for that!

Thanks for being wonderful, considerate hosts and for sharing your

world with us.

Steve and Mary Ann Keithahn.

 

Thanks so much for amazing week, great hosts to our family, thanks again!

Harrison  (16 years)

 

Thank you so much for letting us stay with you on your boat. It was

REALLY cool sleeping on it  and the tubing, cool!  Hope (11years)

 

Thanks for being great hostess and Captain this week for our family.

Everything we did was so much fun and we will take away great

memories.

Helen (13 years)

 

Dear BaMbI and GeoFf,

thank You for lettiNg us stay wiTh you.  my  faVrot pAart was Going to

the BeChes.  thank yoU SO Mach !

Hazel K  (6 years)

---

Guests aboard COOL RUNNINGS in Mid-March, 2013

GUEST REVIEW

 

Name of yacht             : Cool Runnings

Dates of Charter         : March 2013

Name of Charterer      : Cathy Simpson

 

We hope you enjoyed your charter! We would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to complete this form. Naturally we hope that everything was perfect, but we also would like to know if there were any (small) problems. All comments are helpful!

 

When you arrived, your first impression of the yacht was:

Very comfortable! They showed us around and we unpacked.  Set sail and had a lovely lunch!

 

What did you think about your accommodation?

Cabins, beds, bathrooms: Cabins very clean, and tidy.  Loved the selection of books by the bed, and the chocolates.  Rooms were tidied every day; bathrooms very clean.

 

Salon, cockpit, deck  space: We spent all of our time outside on the deck or on the trampolines.  Very comfortable!

 

Was the boat kept clean during your charter (your cabins, the bathrooms/heads, your towels, bedding, the cockpit, the galley)? Very meticulous and clean!

 

Did you miss anything on board? No

 

What did you enjoy the most on board? The meals!! Unbelievable food prepared by Bambi and Geoff.

 

Please describe your Captain (professional/outgoing/friendly etc.)

Very responsible and friendly! Geoff educated us about sailing and how things worked on the boat.  He took care to explain where we were going and the weather conditions.  Always helpful as he would prepare us for a snorkel outing…went out of his way to adjust and fit all of our equipment. 

 

What do you think about your itinerary, the places and bays you visited and the activities you have done?

We enjoyed all of the islands we went to….I would have liked to have had a better idea in advance about some of them ( i.e. Peter Island – I would have booked a treatment at the spa).  We enjoyed amazing snorkeling at Cooper Island, and we loved Bitter End, Jost van Dyke and the Baths!

 

Please describe your chef (professional/outgoing/friendly etc.)

Bambi was incredible! Always went over and above with all of the meals….They were scrumptious.  We tried some new desserts and food that we all loved.  Every meal was a treat! She went out of her way to accommodate all of our needs.

 

Please describe your meals (presentation, quality, quantity)

Stated above; meals were fantastic.  Beautifully prepared with artistic presentation!



Do you feel the meals and drinks reflected the requests you made in your preference sheet? Yes

 

If you had children in your party, what did the crew do to make their vacation special (food, games, toys, etc)?

They made sure they had lots of goodies they would like – snacks, cookies, soft drinks and smoothies! In addition, we went tubing a few times which was really fun! Geoff let both kids’ sail which they loved. The TV’s were not working which was fine…

 

Did you receive enough information from us before your trip, was the description of the yacht and crew accurate?

 Yes!

 

Would you sail with us again? Yes!

 

Any other notes or special remarks you have:

We were totally spoiled!! And all of us felt very sad when we left the boat as we did not experience that kind of meal or snorkeling again! Knowing what we do now I would have had more meals off the boat though so that we could have experienced some other places.

 

---

Guests aboard COOL RUNNINGS in March of 2013

Bambi and Geoff

What an extraordinary holiday!  Gorgeous weather, scenery, sailing,

company and of course food!  Everything surpassed our expectations.

Thank you for all the little touches like good books, choc's in the

cabins, it all went towards making the trip memorable for our family.

We are officially "hooked" to continue exploring sailing vacations.

Thank you!

Cathy, Bruce, Clare and Mitch (aka "sailor boy")

---

Dear Geoff and Bambi,

This will be week 5 with Bambi and Geoff  -  as wonderful as all the

others, we do so enjoy all our adventures with you two, BVI's  3 times,

San Blas Islands Panama and now the Spanish Virgins.  Culebrita, Culebra,

Vieques beautiful anchorages, pristine beaches, isolated anchorages ( no

one in sight ) great great meals, mexican train and favourable winds and

weather that really co operated with our plans.

 

Your hospitality was greatly appreciated and your innovative meals,

(served by the  affable Capt. Geoff) were artful and delicious!  (Oy vey!  we didn't leave a crumb on our plates!)  Geoff's knowledge of

navigating these waters around the reefs were a comfort to all.  (Now try

to remember the napkins on the table at mealtimes!) Hahaaaaa!   After

spending these days with you in your home away from South Africa we feel

that you are apart of our family. THANKS for a memorable cruise.  We look

forward to a 6th, 7th, 8th...........

Elinor and Sid

Montreal, Canada.

---

FEB. 2013



Geoff and Bambi,

Thank you for the great sailing adventure. We had a great time and it was

much more than we could have imagined. The food and company was

outstanding and you were very accommodating to all of our needs. Every

meal was five star quality. The boat was always clean and you were always

willing accommodate any request we had. We loved hearing about all of your

previous sailing adventures. Learning to sail was an added plus and

hearing about the history of islands was great although Nick is still

looking for the sunken treasure. We would highly recommend your charter to

anyone considering this type of vacation. We have already had lots of our

friends and family ask about our charter and how to go about booking. Nick

wants you to name the new desert Banana's Nick with fireball and feel free

to use for future charters. Once again thanks for everything , we had an

amazing time. Feel free to give our names and contact info to anyone

wanting references. Hope we can do another charter some day.

Safe travels, Lisa and Nick 

---

    Guests aboard  COOL RUNNINGS in late January, 2013   

Geoff and Bambi,

Thank you for the great sailing adventure. We had a great time and it was much more than we could have imagined. The food and company was outstanding and you were very accommodating to all of our needs. Every meal was five star quality. The boat was always clean and you were always willing accommodate any request we had. We loved hearing about all of your previous sailing adventures. Learning to sail was an added plus and hearing about the history of islands was great although Nick is still looking for the sunken treasure. We would highly recommend your charter to anyone considering this type of vacation. We have already had lots of our friends and family ask about our charter and how to go about booking. Nick wants you to name the new desert Banana's Nick with fireball and feel free to use for future charters.

Once again thanks for everything , we had an amazing time. Feel free to give our names and contact info to anyone wanting references. Hope we can do another charter some day.

Safe travels,

Lisa and Nick Krosky



Hi Geoff and Bambi,

Leesa and I wanted to send our thanks for the incredible sailing adventure last week.  The only way I can describe it is that it far exceeded our expectations.  The sailing was a blast and the destinations you helped us choose were great.  It was some of the best snorkeling we've seen anywhere.  And, the meals you prepared for us were nothing less than stunning and definitely the highlight of the experience.

We've been fortunate enough to travel quite a lot so have had many different types of travel and holiday experiences.  We'd rate this one at the top of the list of anything we've done.  Rest assured that you will see us again in the future, hopefully sooner rather than later.  We hope you have an enjoyable and successful rest of the season.

With very warm regards,

Mike and Leesa Sausa



Dear Bambi and Geoff,

Thank you once again for a fabulous week in the BVI's !  Brian and I were confident our family members would enjoy this vacation as much as we did our first time.  But it was great to witness their amazement and pleasure with your exceptional hosting and execution.  We  enjoyed seeing familiar sights as well as experiencing new islands and snorkeling spots.  Geoff  is the BEST Captain, bar tender, dinghy

driver and sous chef ever. Words cannot describe Bambi's incredible cooking, presentation and overall caretaking.  The only concern we have is that wae are not spoiled, and all future vacations elsewhere will pale in comparison!  We are truly thankful and hope to see you again in the future.

Lauri and Brian Lewis

Colorado

 

---

Name:  Mary 

Yacht:  COOL RUNNINGS with Geoff & Bambi Alexander

Charter Dates:  July 28 - August 4, 2012

Area Cruised:  Virgin Islands



We hope your charter lived up to your expectations.  We would love to know some of your impressions about your yachting vacation.  Please answer the following questions and add any comments you may have.



1.  Was the crew friendly and accommodating?

Bambi and Geoff were very friendlh and accomodating!



2.  Was the yacht comfortable and clean?

Cool Runnings was very clean and comfortable.



3.  Was the yacht well ventilated?

Yes



4.  Was the food good and well presented?

Bambi's cooking is fabulous!!!



5.  Did you like the area you sailed?

BVI is beautiful



6.  Could we have helped you further in any way?

No, everything was perfect!



7.  May we post this review on our website?

Yes



8.  Additional comments on your charter?

Geoff and Bambi were perfect captain and first mate/chef! They were warm and welcoming and were very interested in making sure that all of us were comfortable, well fed and enjoying our trip.  They shared so much knowledge about the area, marine life and sailing.  They are very interesting people and expert sailors. My two daughters (13 & 16) enjoyed them as much as my husband and I did.  The trip was a spectacular family vacation that we will remember forever. We will undoubtedly be back!















July 2012

Thank you for the spectacular adventure!  We were so excited for this

trip and it surpassed all of our expectations.  From the beautiful

boat, gourmet meals, incredible sailing and stops and your lovely

selves........ what more could we ask for!

(and we will never forget the incredible variety of place mats and

settings, all the little details were so special)

You have turned us into sailors.  We cannot wait to get home and tell

family and friends.

Fond memories

Jessica,Michael,Neva and Nick

LA  and NY

 

 

  7th to 12th May 2012



Bambi and Geoff,

Where to start?? This has been an amazing time, a true indulgence of all our senses.  To start...... the food......  we can honestly say it has been some of the BEST  we have had.  Will not forget the incredible dishes , absolutely delicious!  The scenery breathtaking at times and the waves lapping against the hull, and best of all those great South African accents!!  Geoff in our minds you are everything a Captain is meant to be! You have been so accommodating, thank you for shuttling us in the dinghy ( a lot) laughing with us, and taking care of us all.  What a truly perfect vacation!!  Thank you.

Much love, Sarah, Shane, Kelly, Gary, Candy and Robert.

Pawleys Island

South Carolina

 

 

Guests aboard COOL RUNNINGS in April, 2012



This will be our fourth sailing adventure with Geoff and Bambi, we so enjoy your wonderful hospitality, the food amazing. ( as usual ) Congrats on your new boat "Cool Runnings" it is very very comfortable, we are already planning our 5th visit!!

 

Elinor and Sid

Montreal

 

Our bucket list is now complete!  This trip has exceeded all our

expectations.  Our crew has been incredible, our meals have been

outstanding, the scenery breathtaking.  What more could we need on our

bucket list........except another sailing trip with Geoff and Bambi on

Cool Runnings!!

 

Michael and Viviane

Quebec

Name:  Linda 

Yacht:  COOL RUNNINGS with Geoff & Bambi

Charter Dates:  March 19-22, 2012

Area Cruised:  Virgin Islands



We hope your charter lived up to your expectations.  We would love to know some of your impressions about your yachting vacation.  Please answer the following questions and add any comments you may have.



1.  Was the crew friendly and accommodating?

Bambi and Geoff were extraordinary! Genuinely warm and friendly, super helpful to me with bad knees. They went above and beyond to make us, including a child, comfortable and happy



2.  Was the yacht comfortable and clean?

Immaculate. Really well kept, spotless...not a hair or grain of sand (and I notice this stuff!)



3.  Was the yacht well ventilated?

Yes. Always a nice breeze, never felt claustrophobic, huge skylights over every bed. Loved the fresh air!



4.  Was the food good and well presented?

Amazing. I'm astonished at what could come out of a ships galley! Everything prepared to perfection, beautifully presented. Lots of detail in advance to be sure we'd be happy. Gorgeous food. Truly five star.



5.  Did you like the area you sailed?

Loved it! Hope to do it again longer. Again Geoff and Bambi found us the perfect spots to snorkel, beach, sleep. Clearly they know every cove inside out.



6.  Could we at have helped you further in any way?

Nope. Thrilled. Thanks 



7.  May we post this review on our website?

Yes



8.  Additional comments on your charter?

Really a home run. My husband was skeptical - "did you get references?" - in the end, it all came together in 24 hours with no prep, totally a "fly by the seat of our pants" gamble. Really an amazing trip! If only it hadn't rained as much, but beyond that...flawless. Loved it. Thank you! Please feel free to use us as a reference. I'd behappy to talk with anyone about it.  :)