KINGS RANSOM

All cabins have been luxuriously appointed in wood and leather with ample storage cupboards. The beds are at knee level with walk around access and ensuite bath rooms with separate showers, wash hand basin, electronically operated toilets.

AMENITIES

DECK & SYSTEMS

DIVING

DIVING

Diving included for certified divers.
Resort Course $250.
Open Water Referral Certification Courses are by rendezvous please

KINGS RANSOM Crew Profile

Captain Peter Clapp



Pete is from the UK, born and raised in a seaside town at the mouth of the River Thames in South East England.  Growing up next to the sea, he soon developed a passion for water activities and became particularly proficient in kayaking. He went on to teach canoeing in France, leading groups and instructors on the River Ardeche, and also led an expedition kayaking from Switzerland to England, crossing one of the busiest shipping channels in the world. On returning to England he relocated to an outdoor pursuits centre on the South coast where he built his foundation of knowledge, skills and qualifications within the water sports industry, placing him as Principal of an RYA Powerboat and Sailing school.



A highly experienced and qualified captain, Pete has sailed extensively throughout Europe, North America and the Caribbean, including skippering his own yacht from the UK to the British Virgin Islands. For the past five years he has proven himself as a successful and capable Captain within the charter yacht industry, developing a fond following of satisfied guests. With his natural humor and personable, easy going nature you are assured an unforgettable time aboard Kings Ransom. From the ‘champagne sailing’ to sun soaked cocktails, Pete will make you feel at ease afloat, as he safely steers you through the beauties of Kings Ransom’s cruising grounds.



Chef Niki Payne



Niki is from the UK and grew up in East Anglia, home to some of the finest beaches in Britain. Growing up on a farm, she developed a passion for the outdoors and her adventurous spirit led her from the rural farm grounds of her home county, to travel and work throughout Europe, USA and the Caribbean.  Whilst studying for her Bachelor in Education, Niki thrived in the position of Entertainments Officer organizing all major balls, graduation ceremonies and social functions for the student calendar. After graduating from University with Honors in Physical Education and English, Niki moved to the South East Coast to start a teaching career which saw her hold a variety of notable positions within the profession.

 

Her sailing life started with dinghy sailing and her love for the purity of the sport soon led to the purchase of a small cruiser, which, a number of years later, turned into a 43 foot sailing yacht called home.  Niki’s endless passion for food has been encouraged by her experiences travelling and her love of entertaining. Since settling in the British Virgin Islands in 2007, she has proven herself as a successful chef aboard several yachts including three years on one of The Moorings most prestigious 62” yachts, ‘More Amore” before moving into the private sector on Best Revenge V. Niki’s menu reflects her careful use of fresh, local produce creating dishes full of flavor and skillfully served from the galley of Kings Ransom. Passionate about your culinary experience afloat, she invites you to a feast fit for kings!



First Mate Carl Coetzee

 

Carl (aka CJ) started to follow his dreams when he was only 16 as a freelance photographer for a local South African extreme sports magazine.

Shortly after completing the Scuba Diving Open Water course his passion for photography followed him into the water.  After a year of diving in the Cayman Islands every day he returned to South Africa to qualify as a Master Scuba Trainer.  CJ subsequently joined a team of under water filmmakers in Mozambique, and was fortunate enough to spend 6 months working on an educational documentary about over-fishing and the Shark Fin industry in Mozambique waters.



After completing Coastal Skippers course in Cape Town he left the Africa to work in the yachting industry in the Mediterranean, following which he ran a diving center in the South Pacific.

CJ continues to travel the world whist following his passion, his work now published in African Geographic, BBC, Scientific journals, multiple diving books and magazines.  



Stewardess Kim van Eyk

 

Kim, from sunny South Africa, spent her early days next to a motocross track and as soon as she could walk was on a quad competing. Fuelled by adrenalin sports, Kim enjoys sailing, scuba diving and sky diving. She started working in the corporate hospitality industry at a young age which inspired her to complete a degree in BCOM Marketing Management.



After graduating Kim decided to travel, working as a Dive Instructor in Mozambique, and later in the beautiful Pacific Islands where she lived in and amongst rainforest, volcanoes and waterfalls.   Before jet setting she completed her RYA Coastal Skippers from Cape Town, which started her carrer in the yachting industry.  In the past year she has gained valuable experience working as stewardess on high-end luxury motor yachts.  A trained massage therapist, Kim can relax and ease all your tensions with a Swedish massage.



A royal treat awaits those who grace the decks of Kings Ransom.  Experience the freedom of chartering in style, where you can relax and Indulge yourself in the luxury you deserve. From fine dining to champagne sailing, underwater adventures and stunning sandy beaches, Peter, Niki, CJ and Kim welcome you aboard for a vacation fit for kings.

KINGS RANSOM Specifications

KINGS RANSOM Menu

Emily?s Sample Menu

KINGS RANSOM Testimonials

April 2013



 We had a wonderful time!!!!

 Love love the crew!  They were fantastic.  Harley had two ear infections and the crew was so wonderful with her.  Just can't say enough. Niki is a wonderful chef.  Food was fantastic.  We enjoy every morsel.

 The BVI'S were just breathtaking. The perfect recommendation in both....Kings Ransom and BVI'S.

 The boat was not only perfect but so much fun.   Thank you for that!!!!

 We are not home yet,  we are all travelling American Airlines and the entire airlines shut down.  We are stuck in San Juan for the night.

 The trip was one we will never forget and will have many wonderful memories.

 Thank you again.

 Best Regards,

 Rhonda







From guests aboard King's Ransom in mid-February, 2013:



I can say without hesitation that last week was the best vacation that my family has ever been on.  The boat was georgeous but the vacation was made by the crew.  Pete and Niki were amazing, the food was delicious and we were fortunate to have Ron and Anya Paxton (the crew on the Marmot) on our boat as additional crew.  They all made us feel at home  and there was not a desire that wasn't taken care of.  I highly recommend them to other families.

 You may be hearing from us for next year!

Patty

January, 2013 flotilla charter

‘’I am happy to report that the 2013 charter was extremely successful and, after fourteen consecutive programs involving yacht charters, this one was possibly the best yet according to many of the repeat guests. A great deal of coordination, cooperation and willingness to help on all fronts was shown by all the crews and Pete and Niki did an excellent job both before and during the charter. Their thorough attention to the details of the charter and the needs of all the guests plus their helpful communication was much appreciated. Their enthusiasm and often humourous attempts to engage the other yachts in friendly competition helped foster a fun spirit throughout the catamaran fleet.

It is well known that this charter places a great emphasis on dining and, with guests switching yachts for dinners, stimulates a good natured and unstated competition amongst the yachts. Niki and everyone on King’s Ransom did an outstanding job and received great comments from both their “home guests” and those that visited for dinner on the dine-around nights. This feat is not to be taken lightly considering the “competition” throughout the fleet.

We have received emails and letters from the King’s Ransom guests saying how wonderful the crew were and how happy they were with the yacht, the meals and the service.

King’s Ransom and her crew did a great job throughout the program and I will be pleased to provide positive references and recommendations for the yacht and the crew. We will be pleased to have King’s Ransom, Pete, Niki and the crew on future charters for these and any other clients.

Thank you again to everyone in the  King’s Ransom  family for such excellent service.’’

Legal & General America Regatta 

''The King's Ransom Magnificent! BVI magical! The food-delicious and beautifully presented BUT the crew 'tops the lot'. Thanks a million for a fantastic time'', Liz & Mike - January 2013

''I could not imagine a better place, better people or a better boat on which to unite as a family. You have helped us enjoy each other and our precious family time together-a rare gift. For the rest of our lives we will remember each of you and how easy it was to be with you and the wonderful care you took of us. Thank you so much for your expert sailing, your great sense of humor and your excellent taste in music! We had a wonderful vacation thanks to your efforts.'' The Fisher family, Christmas 2012.

''The crew of this ship has shown our family love, respect, patience, and generosity. We will be forever grateful for your endless ours of hard work in order to give us the trip of a lifetime''  Thanksgiving 2012

Name: Patricia 

Yacht: S/V King’s Ransom

Date:  August 4-11, 2012

Comment on the comfort onboard King’s Ransom:

- If we were to rate a from 1-10 it would be a 10, it was excellent



Comment on the condition of King’s Ransom:

- The boat has excellent conditions



Comment on the cleanliness of King’s Ransom:

- No problem at all spotless



Comment on the congeniality of the Captain and crew:

- Very attentive

 

Comment on the service of the Captain and crew:

- Excellent



Comment on the fun aspect of the Captain and crew:

- Very fun and accommodating



Comment on the expertise of the Captain and crew:

- Excellent



Comment on the quality of your meals:

- Top Notch



Comment on the presentation of your meals:

- The presentation where just excellent







Would you charter this yacht again? (Circle one)     (YES)     NO

Guests aboard KING'S RANSOM in July, 2012

Thank you both very much for creating a very enjoyable atmosphere, your services were very professionally carried out and we cannot think of anything that Yourselves and/or Andy along with Sara could have done to improve the enjoyment of our treasured vacation.

Niki: the food “Quality” “Taste” “Services” and “Presentations” were excellent, you provided what we asked for and gave us many options to choose from, perfect choices from a perfect Chef

With some Children as Guests, “Banter” was more or less a perquisite of the package, but the banter that you both gave to the Children was clever and thoughtful, and it came across as, you both genuinely enjoying your success at making some Children’s eyes and mouths wide open.

We as “Well Travelled Grand Parents” are fully aware that we should have left all “Table Clearing” away to you and your Crew, many times you all reminded us that it was part of your service, however, irrespective of how much we paid for the charter neither Hazel nor I, wanted the Children to lack the courtesy of a “Helping-Hand”

Pete: based upon our day to day dealings, you are definitely a “Class Act” you made us feel very much at ease, and secure in the knowledge that we were in very safe hands.

Your Parents must be very proud of you; we have never regretted not having a Son; however one in your mold would have been a blessing (“Yes Yes” Niki, roughly speaking you would have made a great fourth Daughter). 

I have not mentioned Andy or Sara much above, as a separate letter is going to them, it goes without saying that they both served you well, With regards to the Children, Andy’s entertainment efforts were well over and above the line of duty. His interaction with us was excellent.

Sara provided the “On Board Services” that as Guests we could not have asked for a more thoughtful, mindful person to look after our needs

Thank You once again for giving all our Family memories that will be treasured for the rest of our lives

Safe Sailing, have a well-earned holiday back in England, Niagara Falls is only sixty miles from our home so if next July/August you would like to visit us please do not hesitate to email us, only cost to you- your airfares, VIP upon landing & leaving our nearby Toronto International Airport.

Best Wishes

Hazel & Chris

Ontario, Canada

Guests aboard KING'S RANSOM in June, 2012



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?

We were never told "no".  



2.  Was the yacht comfortable and clean?

The yacht was beautiful, spacious, and very clean.



3.  Was the yacht well ventilated?

We had AC on all the time.  Never felt hot.



4.  Was the food good and well presented?

A gourmet meal every time!



5.  Did you like the area you sailed?

Yes, we told the Capt. where we wanted to go and even though we did not have a lot of time he made it happen.



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

There were some questions that VI Sailing did not know the answers to.  



7.  May we post this review on our website?

Yes



8.  Additional comments on your charter?

The crew made the trip.  This is definately a "Can Do" vacation.  They were extremely accomodating and friendly.  We had 3 small boys and they were VERY upset when the trip came to an end.  We will definately be coming back!