GRAND CRU

Grand Cru…
A wine of the most superior grade, or the vineyard that produces it.
“The best of the best!”
ABOUT GRAND CRU
There is usually a reason for a boat being given a particular name, and in the case of Grand Cru that reason is obvious…She is simply “the best of the best”.  Grand Cru is a 46-foot luxury catamaran, one of the Leopard 4600’s built in South Africa by shipbuilders Robertson and Caine.  She has been lovingly        up-fitted for private charter, and has on board every amenity imaginable for total comfort and entertainment…water-maker, ice machine, and chilled beverage coolers begin the list.
Grand Cru is designed to accommodate six guests and a crew of two.  Each of the four cabins is air-conditioned, and has a private bath, each with its own enclosed shower.  A queen bed, sumptuous linens, ample storage space, and a skylight and large window make each cabin comfortable and bright. 
On the main deck, the breezy and relaxing open-air cockpit is the gathering place for al fresco dining, lively happy hours, breathtaking vistas, or simply a comfortable place to get out of the sun.  The indoor saloon gives a full view of the beautiful island scenery and provides additional space for dining or watching a favorite DVD.  Music adds to the ambiance and the party, and can be heard from any area of the yacht.  And with Grand Cru’s library of over 20,000 tunes, your favorites are guaranteed!  For those who do want to stay connected to the outside world, WIFI is on board and available to guests who bring computers, iPads or Smartphones.
Kayaks, a stand-up paddleboard, and a full array of snorkel equipment make every anchorage an adventure.  With Grand Cru’s powerful console dinghy and a variety of water toys available, guests may choose to add even more excitement to their trip.  And of course, if sailing, sightseeing, relaxing and being pampered is what you’re after, your crew is dedicated to helping you have your dream vacation.
You are invited to experience “the best of the best”.  You are invited to experience GRAND CRU!

AMENITIES

DECK & SYSTEMS

DIVING

GRAND CRU Crew Profile

Upon meeting Peter and Bobbi you get the feeling that you have just reunited with some special, long-time friends.  Their easy-going demeanor, sense of humor, and love of meeting new people create an immediate atmosphere of warmth and relaxation for their guests.  As you sit and visit with Pete and Bobbi while enjoying that first welcome aboard cocktail, you will sense their love of the islands, sailing, the water, and adventure.  You will also begin to understand why their delightful partnership, extensive experience, and many talents and skills have caused them to be dubbed by many "The Grand Crew".

Although Pete and Bobbi have sailed together all over the world, they first visited the British Virgin Islands in 2005 on their own sailing vacation.  They fell head-over-heels in love with the islands, the people, and the lifestyle.  Making the decision to leave the 9 to 5 work world, they returned to the BVI's in 2007 as a full-time Charter Yacht Crew.  For the last 5 years, Pete and Bobbi have been exclusively aboard Grand Cru, entertaining more than 600 delighted guests on over 120 charters.  Understandably, many of their charters are repeat bookings from guests who ask for them by name…and only them! 

It is easy to understand why charterers arrive in the BVI's with high expectations…expecting their yacht to be beautiful, their accommodations spotless and comfortable, their cuisine fabulous, and their hosts gracious.  Pete and Bobbi do not disappoint!  Pete's mechanical and technical skills keep Grand Cru sailing smoothly, and he and Bobbi work tirelessly to keep the yacht immaculate and well appointed.  As for cuisine, Bobbi's culinary skills never fail to impress even the gourmets in the group, and she somehow manages to delight even the pickiest young guests.   Want to learn a bit about sailing?  Pete is an amazing, patient teacher, and will let guests do as much or as little sailing as they wish.  Want to simply sun on the trampoline with a cushion and cool drink?  Pete and Bobbi are a sailing team that makes it all look easy.

Hailing from Poole, England, Peter Small grew up on the water, and began sailing as a young boy.  His father purchased his first sailing yacht when he was 7, and Pete and his dad alone completed the delivery trip!  Since then, Pete has spent as much time as possible "at sea".  Following his passion for sailing, Pete became a RYA Yachtmaster in 1982, not realizing that the hobby he loved so much would one day become a profession.  Pete's sailing expertise, knowledge of the islands, and warm personality have made him a favorite among BVI Captains!



Bobbi Williams, chef and hostess on Grand Cru, is convinced that she has found her true vocation in life!  Also from Poole, England, Bobbi is an accomplished chef, has perfected her skills in culinary classes, yet brings a love for traditional home cooking to the table.  Her travels throughout the world have exposed her to many cooking styles and international flavors, which are evident in her exquisite presentations.  The "hostess" part of Bobbi's title is also well earned, as she continually works…successfully… to make every guest comfortable, entertained, and happy!

GRAND CRU Specifications

GRAND CRU Menu

GRAND CRU—SAMPLE MENU

Breakfasts

Tropical Fruit Parfait – A delightful layering of chopped fresh tropical fruits, Greek yoghurt sweetened with local island honey, and crunchy granola.  A delicious and healthy start to the day!

Breakfast Soufflé -- A warm ramekin holds savoury layers of croissant, egg, cheese, and Bobbi’s special seasonings.  A dish of hidden depths of flavors!

English Muffin Supreme -- Thin slices of smoked salmon and creamy scrambled eggs are served atop a toasted English muffin, and garnished with snipped fresh chives.

Omelette Your Way -- Two or three fresh eggs, folded around fresh peppers, mushrooms, onions, grated cheeses, diced ham…it’s your choice…cooked to order!

Virgin Island French Toast -- Sweet egg custard, dark rum, cinnamon, and delicious bread all add up to a real treat to start your day.  Served with crispy bacon and real maple syrup, this breakfast is one to remember!

Eggs Benedict -- Everyone's favourite classic breakfast done the traditional way, with juicy Canadian bacon, a perfectly poached egg, and silky Hollandaise Sauce.

All breakfasts are served your choice of coffee or tea, fruit juices, and a selection of cereals, yoghurts, breads and preserves.

 

Lunches

Surf and Turf -- Marinated steak sliced into thin strips, and tender juicy garlic shrimp, accompanied by warm red skinned potato salad, chopped green salad with Bobbi’s fresh homemade dressing, and served with fresh-baked rosemary bread.

Festive Tuna Salad -- Fresh Ahi tuna marinated in lemon, olive oil and seasonings, then seared to perfection, sliced, and served over mixed leaves tossed with homemade citrus dressing, along with a colourful festive salsa and a balsamic drizzle.

Beef Tacos -- These speak for themselves!  Everyone loves building their own taco plate using deliciously seasoned beef, freshly made guacamole, Bobbi's special tomato and cilantro salsa, and of course sour cream and tasty shredded cheese, all accompanied by a fresh green salad. Yummy and fun!

Home-Baked Quiche – A selection of freshly baked quiches…fresh vegetable, cheese and mushroom, classic Lorraine…with tender crumbly crust, served with a tangy Greek Salad and warm garlic bread.

Warm Asian Beef Salad – Slices of Asian-style strip steak, perfectly marinated and seasoned, crispy oriental vegetables, sesame egg noodles, and crusty whole grain bread to soak up the juices.  Heaven on a plate!

 

Hors d’oeuvres and Cocktails

Mini Caribbean Crab and Corn Cakes – Crispy bite-sized fritters with a sweet chili dip, and spicy avocado salsa.  This one must have a zingy Margarita to enhance the experience! 

Creamy Bleu Cheese and Caramelised Shallot Dip -- A favorite of many past guests, served with crisp homemade pita chips.  How about a nice refreshing Sea Breeze?

Spicy Thai Fishcakes – Freshly prepared, served with garlic dip and lime wedges to add some zing to your Happy Hour.  Add a cold and fruity Rum Punch to this one.

Homemade French Onion Soup -- A classic soup made with rich beef stock and a variety of onions and served with yummy Gruyere cheese croutons.  This dish with a nicely chilled Pinot Grigio is a marriage made in heaven!

Crispy Conch Fritters -- A favorite traditional BVI snack, served with a tangy seafood sauce.  It’s got to be a Captain Pete Painkiller to go with these tasty treats!

Your favorite cocktails are always available during Happy Hour in additional to these Caribbean classics!

 

Dinner

Savoury Pork Tenderloin – Marinated in honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and seasonings, slow roasted with red wine to tender perfection, served with a creamy tarragon sauce and accompanied by nutmeg sweet potato mash, and a fresh vegetable medley.

Panko Crusted Mahi Mahi -- Fillets of succulent white fish, with a deliciously crispy, tangy lemon and parmesan crust, baked in white wine and served with al dente asparagus and saffron rice.  A lemon, dill, and butter sauce finishes this nicely.

Mediterranean Red Snapper -- Crispy, pan-fried red snapper fillet, served on a bed of roasted Mediterranean vegetables and a lemon and garlic cous cous.

Shrimp Creole -- A tasty and tangy dish of juicy shrimp in the perfect blend of tomato and Creole spices, served atop wild rice with peas.  Always a Caribbean favourite.

Lamb Lollipops -- Frenched rack of lamb, slow roasted in red wine with mustard, rosemary, and garlic, and served with a creamy garlic potato mash, vegetables of the day, and topped with a rich, minted red wine jus.

 

Dessert

Rum Chocolate Mousse -- A favourite dessert for many of our guests, rich and decadent!

Eton Mess -- A British classic with strawberries marinated in Cointreau, crispy home-baked meringue, and whipped cream.  Truly a delight!

Bananas Foster -- No description needed on this one!  But, it is Bobbi's secret recipe!

Crème Brûlée -- Another classic, but with a twist!  

Poached Pears -- Pears poached in red wine and cinnamon, served with an Amaretto cream, and a wine and fresh berry reduction.

After dinner liqueurs are always available on request.

GRAND CRU Testimonials