SISU

We just got back from a week sailing on Sisu with our two daughters. We had such a wonderful time in the BVIs, Frik and Petro were wonderful hosts. Between Petro’s cooking, Frik’s sailing and 5:00 cocktails and all great snorkeling and dining stops, it was a jam packed trip but also one of the most laid back ways to spend a week.<br />
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We don’t get to spend a lot of time with our college aged girls, so this was a perfect “closed quarters” trip that was much needed for us as a family. Frik and Petro had a general agenda drawn up to start the trip but welcomed any input from us to customize the trip in a way that best fit our wants as well, which in our case was extra snorkeling stops! Frik and Petro are global travelers and had so many interesting stories to share. Thank you again for helping us have such an awesome trip. We hope to see you all again one day.<br />
~Dan, Kay, Ashley and Elise Egger

Thank you both for an incredible 5 days aboard Sisu. From the moment we stepped on board you made us feel relaxed, welcomed and cared for.<br />
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Frik - Thank you for guiding us safely through such beautiful places and for sharing your knowledge (shake steaks 🙂) throughout the trip.<br />
Petro - Every meal was amazing, we looked forward to each one and were so impressed by the care and creativity you put into everything.<br />
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This trip was a very special experience, and so much of that is because of you.  We are leaving with wonderful memories, full stomachs and a hope to come back someday.<br />
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Thank you again for everything and for making our time on Sisu so memorable.<br />
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Warmly<br />
Lauren and Nathan

We had a wonderful time! Thanks for the great intro to the BVI.  The recommendations and your cooking were amazing.<br />
~Gary & Vicki Walston

You both brought authenticity, respect, care and genuine effort to our vacation/charter/exploration on the waters here in the BVI. <br />
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We can honestly say that nobody is a better Captain or Chef than you both are. You guys inspired us and also challenged us in just the right ways. We learned so Much!! 👏🏼👏🏼<br />
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We seriously are Uber-Happy we chose to go sailing with Sisu  - LOVED every minute of it !!<br />
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We hope we can recommend people your way because they will love the connection with the both of you like we have. <br />
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Hopefully, next time we party together we’ll do it side by side in our own Leopard cat! And we’ll keep the questions coming!! Promise. <br />
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll hear all my great music, especially Eminem 🎵<br />
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Let’s stay in touch and update each other as to how the winds are treating us. <br />
Again, Thank You Frik and Petro‼️<br />
You’re both AMAZING 👍🏾👊🏽💪🏽<br />
~Ernest & Jasmin

We recently had the pleasure of chartering a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands with Frik & Petro, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped aboard, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism that made us feel right at home.<br />
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The attention to detail was impeccable; Frik & Petro were incredibly knowledgeable about the local waters, ensuring we visited the most beautiful spots while keeping our safety a priority. Their insights into the islands enhanced our adventure, making our journey both enjoyable and informative.<br />
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The meals prepared by PETRO were simply fantastic! Each dish was a delightful culinary experience, and flavors that left us wanting more. It was clear that she put a lot of thought and care into every meal, and we appreciated the personalized touch.<br />
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We cannot recommend Owner Operators Frik & Petro enough! If you're looking for a professional, enjoyable, and memorable sailing experience in the BVI, look no further. We can’t wait to return!"<br />
~Will & Aimee

Thank you so much. Your energy and kindness are wonderful. You made the trip so great! We appreciate all your efforts and attention to every detail. Hope you have a relaxing few days. Take care.<br />
~Dave, Gina, Olivia & Tilly

We just completed the most wonderful five days on our Sisu Charter and only wish we had another five days to Sail the BVI’s with Frik and Petro who did everything they could to make our Sail special- Even before we boarded the Sisu- they spent time with us on a call to find out about us, what we liked to do and especially what we liked to eat and drink so that they could plan our meals and our destinations before we arrived.<br />
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I love to Scuba dive so I was thrilled to learn that Captain Frik was also a master diver and he accompanied me on a wonderful and beautiful and safe dive always evaluating my abilities and making sure I was safe.<br />
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Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner and Drinks by Chef Petro were literally exquisite in both taste and presentation -incredible - and even took into consideration my dietary constraints.<br />
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Of course the beauty of the Ocean surrounded us but the best part were the company of both Frik and Petro and our friends who we travelled with.<br />
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Thank you to Emily from Charter Smarter and to our Host for an unforgettable five days.<br />
~Jody and Olivia

Sailing with Captain Frik and Chef Petro, aboard the beautifully maintained 45-foot catamaran, Sisu, through the British Virgin Islands (BVI) was one of those rare trips that feels almost unreal while you’re in the middle of it.<br />
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Our journey started departing Tortola’s Nanny Cay Marina to sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel into a mooring spot at Peter Island; our first night with a beautiful sunset and delicious Italian dinner. Throughout the next five days our boating adventure continued with ports of call at Marina Cay, Cane Garden Bay, Jost Van Dyke and Norman Islands. We enjoyed a mix of activities: snorkeling stops at coral reefs, several beach walks, touring a rum distillery, visiting local restaurants, playing on the boats’ fun island and swimming in the balmy tropical water, once with a large turtle circling beneath us  <br />
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During our time in the BVI the weather was quite blustery and made for exciting sailing. Our group had complete confidence with Frik’s navigation skills and handling of the yacht in rough waters and windy conditions. He and Petro are clearly experienced sailors who know the BVI waters and reefs well, whether traveling between islands or slipping effortlessly into marine moorages or island moorings and anchorages.  <br />
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Due to the weather conditions a modification to our original sailing itinerary was needed.  We trusted Frik and Petro to provide us with options of things to see and do that peaked our interests and allowed for smoother water travel. We wisely accepted the changes needed making for the most enjoyable of seafaring and sightseeing experiences.  On board, our captain, Frik was welcoming and generous with his time answering our numerous questions about sailing and the operating systems on the yacht.  Off board we really appreciated how Frik ferried us back and forth from shore and kept his eye on us all from the dingy while we were snorkeling around the Pirates Caves and along the shore reefs of Marina Cay. He also outfitted us with good snorkeling equipment which made that experience very satisfactory.<br />
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The ‘icing on the cake’ that truly elevated our Sailing Sisu experience was the high-quality dining experience, every meal a culinary surprise and delight. Morning, noon and night, Petro prepared dish after dish that was worthy of a fine restaurant. Each meal was beautifully prepared and presented, including mouthwatering appetizers and drinks before dinner. Days began with breakfast on the catamaran’s open-air dining deck, with warm breezes blowing through which started the day wonderfully. After breakfast daily Frik discussed with us activities desired for the day. <br />
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Evening meals included steaks, fish, ribs, salads and decadent desserts- ending each day on a sweet note. Petro even surprised us with a gorgeously decorated and delicious chocolate birthday cake to celebrate our friend's special day which we much appreciated. Dinners included fun themes with a lot of laughter and good conversations shared.   Dining in the open air with tropical breezes and sunsets melting into the turquoise sea, turned every meal into an extraordinary event. It was hard to believe such refined cuisine could come from a yacht galley, but from Petro’s galley indeed it did.  Impressively, on our days having meals on land, Petro went out of her way to recommend places to eat and even made reservations for us.<br />
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The combination of superb sailing, breathtaking islands, and unforgettable chef-prepared meals made this trip extraordinary. A 45-foot catamaran is the perfect way to experience the British Virgin Islands, and with a skilled captain such as Frik and the talented chef Petro, the journey became something beyond special. It wasn’t just a vacation and a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday with great friends —it was the kind of experience that is staying with us all long after the sails have come down.<br />
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We are hopeful to be Sailing Sisu with Frik and Petro again in the future!<br />
~Liz, Daniel & Sharon

We had an amazing time with you Petro and Frik!!  Everything was fantastic, and we felt so comfortable and taken care of 💙🩵💜 <br />
The communication from Frik planning our trip ahead of time and then continuing throughout regarding when and where it’s best to snorkel, hike, and anchor the boat was spot on. He was adaptable depending on our changing needs, and also the weather. <br />
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The food, table scapes, conversation and warmth from Petro were above and beyond. We absolutely recommend our friends with kids travel with you both, the opportunity to snorkel and see so much marine life is extraordinary. You both made it even better with the care and commitment you put into your guests. THANK YOU and see you soon!!<br />
Love Tracy, Evie and Chris 💜

Frik and Petro were fantastic hosts to say the least, and Sisu was very well suited for our group's needs.<br />
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I honestly can't say what we enjoyed most, but the entire trip was one we will never forget.<br />
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We hiked through hillsides to spectacular views, snorkeled secluded coves, took in the Baths in all their glory, slept under the stars, experienced ultimate luxury, went diving on wrecked boats and airplanes, bar hopped some famous (and infamous!) watering holes, and truly enjoyed some downtime with our new friends.<br />
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Petro's culinary skills and food presentations were superb; hard to believe it was the work of just one chef in a small galley. Frik's experience and genuine concern for the well being of all on board was very reassuring.<br />
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10+ star rating!<br />
-Scott & Jacky

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We had an amazing week aboard Sisu and cannot stop talking about all the great times we had. Frik was there throughout the week to make sure we had what we needed, a cold drink in hand, and were always having fun. Petro is a fantastic cook and the meals and tablescapes were unbelievable. They truly went out of their way at every turn to make sure we were having the vacation of a lifetime and we couldn’t be more appreciative. Our week in the BVIs is one that we will never forget and we’ll cherish forever!<br />
-Chris & Angie<br />
-Mike & Raquel

Could not have asked for a better experience... the company of you both, Sisu, the food, the fun. Will look forward to more nights that may be hard to remember (🥴) but with new friends we will never forget!<br />
-Scott and Jackie

BEST! VACATION! EVER!<br />
-Jason and Christi

We absolutely loved our time with you both and on the beautiful Sisu! <br />
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Petro, you are truly a gifted and talented chef! Your food was beyond delicious and beautifully plated. You put so much love into your food. And your themes and tables scapes were so fun and creative. It was so wonderful to get to know you. We loved your positivity, warmth and humor. <br />
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Frik, thank you for the endless dingy rides, in the newest and nicest dingy we’ve ever been in! You were a wealth of knowledge of the islands and the sea. We all felt so comfortable knowing you were at the helm as such an experienced Captain. We also loved your humor and your stories were so entertaining! Thanks for helping us plan our days and shuttling us to all our adventures in style!<br />
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We had the most amazing week and made the best memories and hope we will be able to come aboard again in the future. Until then, we hope we remain at the top of your “favorite guests” list;) Or at the very least, your #1 guests that conserved the most amount of water and resources;)<br />
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Wishing you a smooth rest of your charter season!<br />
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Happy sailing,<br />
The Zone family

This was a 'real' charter, on a real liveaboard with actual owners who have sailed this boat 30K+ miles.   Typical charters are bare boats with Captains and First Mates who shuffle between different boats and can't tell you a lot about the boat you are on.   Chartering with Sisu allows one to:<br />
* See downwind sails in action (charter boats don't have this capability)<br />
* Night sail (charter companies don't allow this)<br />
* Go places outside a charter company's allowed cruising area<br />
* Get drone footage to document your vacation.<br />
*  See how a proper liveaboard is provisioned<br />
*  Scuba dive (charter boats have snorkeling and paddleboard gear, but dive gear is not typically included on catamarans).<br />
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I learned a bunch from Frik on sailing craft and technique, and this added to learnings from previous charters. In addition, he had a lot of background knowledge about boat upgrades and maintenance, lessons learned, options he would and wouldn't take if he had to do it again, etc.<br />
And Petro has a wealth of experience on how to efficiently provision a boat, plan meals, and how to manage all the logistics.  And her meals were amazing.<br />
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If owning a sailing catamaran is in your future, this is a great crew from which to learn.<br />
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Greetings<br />
Rob

Our recent catamaran charter aboard Sisu was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we stepped on board, we knew we were in for an extraordinary adventure. Captain Frik and Chef Petro created an experience that far exceeded our expectations, combining impeccable service, local expertise, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made us feel at home in paradise.  The catamaran was spacious, luxurious, and immaculately maintained.<br />
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Captain Frik was the cornerstone of our adventure. His professionalism, knowledge of the islands, and friendly demeanor set the tone for an incredible trip. Frik’s ability to navigate the waters of the BVI with ease and his skill in selecting the best anchorages made every day feel like a new discovery. Frik even ensured we arrived at the perfect time to avoid crowds. His storytelling and knowledge of local culture added depth to every destination.<br />
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Chef Petro was nothing short of a culinary magician. Every meal she prepared was a masterpiece, combining fresh, local ingredients with world-class technique that rivaled any five-star restaurant. The dining experience aboard Sisu was elevated by her creativity and passion for her craft.<br />
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What truly made this trip extraordinary was the warm hospitality of Frik and Petro. They went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect, from greeting us with welcome drinks to creating special moments. Their genuine passion for what they do was evident in every interaction, and they made us feel not like passengers, but like family.<br />
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We cannot recommend this experience highly enough and are already dreaming of the day we can set sail with Frik and Petro again!<br />
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Curt & Lizzie

Dear Frik<br />
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I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the incredible sailing experience you provided during our recent voyage aboard your catamaran. As both our captain and gracious host, you went above and beyond to ensure that our time on board was not only safe and enjoyable but truly memorable.<br />
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Here are some highlights from our experience:<br />
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Warm Welcome: From the moment we stepped onto the catamaran, your warm and friendly welcome set the tone for the entire journey. Your genuine hospitality made us feel right at home, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere on board.<br />
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Expert Navigation: Your skilful navigation of the catamaran was nothing short of impressive. Your confidence at the helm and your ability to smoothly navigate through various conditions showcased your expertise and instilled a sense of trust in your capabilities as our captain.<br />
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Educational Insights: We appreciated the way you seamlessly blended sailing expertise with educational insights. Your willingness to share your knowledge about the surrounding waters, marine life, and sailing techniques added a fascinating dimension to our journey.<br />
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Attentive Service: Your attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction did not go unnoticed. From ensuring our comfort on board to anticipating our needs, you consistently demonstrated a high level of attentiveness that contributed to the overall enjoyment of the trip.<br />
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Flexible and Accommodating: Your flexibility and willingness to tailor the experience to our preferences did not go unnoticed. Whether adjusting the itinerary to accommodate our interests or providing additional insights into local attractions, your flexibility enhanced the overall experience.<br />
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Safety First: Your commitment to safety was evident throughout our journey. Your thorough safety briefings and constant awareness of our well-being reassured us and allowed us to relax and fully embrace the sailing adventure.<br />
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In summary, our time aboard your catamaran exceeded all expectations, thanks to your exceptional skills as a captain and host. We left with not only beautiful memories but also a deep appreciation for the art of sailing, all made possible by your dedication to providing an outstanding guest experience.<br />
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We look forward to the opportunity to sail with you again and will enthusiastically recommend your services to friends and fellow adventure seekers.<br />
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Fair winds and sincere thanks,<br />
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Mike Budreau<br />

My wife and I have had the pleasure of being hosted by Petro, many times. Without doubt, Petro’s cooking is one of the best we have experienced.<br />
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She has a wide repertoire of cuisines and can cook a delicious meal from simple foods available, or a multiple coursed affair. We have been lucky enough to sample a range of these.<br />
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Petro is clean and personable. She has a great sense of humour but can be calm and gentle when the situation demands. She is an incredible hostess and knows intuitively what to do under different circumstances. She is very safety conscious and would not endanger herself or clients.<br />
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Her galley is immaculate, and her food hygiene impeccable. My wife has certainly noticed this.<br />
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We have known Petro for a long time and can highly recommend her catering and culinary skills, and also her as a person.<br />
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Petro will cater for any dietary needs.<br />
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Sun downers at the end of the day, tend to be mainly cocktails, and are absolutely amazing.<br />
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Petro has endless talents with her cooking skills, I’d never call her a cook but a chef, and would welcome her on any vessel that I sail as Master.

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Petro van Biljoen is a skilled culinary artist with a wide repertoire of cooking skills demonstrated by her ability to produce delicious meals from simple to fancy, single course to many courses, intimate appetizers to large groups.<br />
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In addition to her exceptional skill creating delicious food in her galley, she keeps her workspace immaculate, has a sunny and positive disposition, is an incredibly hard worker and is the most gracious of hosts. I would recommend her without hesitation for any position but especially on a yacht where she understands living in close quarters, getting along with other people, tidiness, cleanliness, and the value of a positive attitude.<br />
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As a person with many years of experience on and around yachts I cannot think of a more qualified cook and/or host. Time aboard Sisu with Petro in charge of the food is a first class experience.

My husband and I joined SISU for a crewed charter in March of 2023. They were so kind to bring us aboard for a week long adventure. They not only taught us so much about sailing, they also fed us with the most delicious meals. Petro was our chef for our charter and she makes amazing food. We woke up to breakfasts with pancakes, eggs, bacon, potatoes, home made bread and fresh fruits. While we were eating these amazing breakfasts, Petro was already preparing our feasts for dinner. We enjoyed a delicious lamb shank dinner with homemade gravy and veggies.<br />
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She was so gracious with her cooking and the variety of foods she prepared for us. One evening we had a group of at least 14 adults over for evening sundowners and Petro made this beautiful charcuterie board with a vast variety of meats, cheeses, veggies, fruits, crackers and bread. Her food was simply made from love and her passion to serve others some of her favorite foods. Petro also made us some delicious drinks that were always island themed.<br />
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Petro was so kind and by the end of our charter we felt like family. Together they made our sailing vacation so enjoyable and gave us memories we will never forget. They made us feel very special and we left very happy with our choice to charter with them as our crew.<br />
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There was also a crew member who was gluten intolerant and Petro made sure to prepare foods for them as well.<br />
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Sincerely yours, Kimberly Budreau