BACCHUS

Dear Evanne & Stijn,

Our week aboard Bacchus in the British Virgin Islands was truly the trip of a lifetime. From the moment we stepped onboard, we knew we were in for something special.

Captain Evanne’s extensive knowledge of the BVI, thoughtful itinerary planning, and flexibility made exploring the islands effortless and enjoyable. Each destination was carefully selected, offering the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Whether sailing between islands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoying the stunning views from the deck, every day brought something new to enjoy.

Chef Stijn elevated the experience even further with his incredible culinary talent. Every meal was beautifully prepared and presented, taking us on a culinary journey around the world. From breakfast through dinner, each dish was creative, flavorful, and worthy of a five-star restaurant. We are still talking about the meals and already miss dining onboard.

The Bacchus itself was spacious, comfortable, immaculately maintained, and perfectly suited for our group. There was plenty of room to gather together, as well as quiet spaces to relax, read, nap, or simply take in the surroundings. Every detail of the trip was thoughtfully organized, allowing us to fully unwind and enjoy our vacation.

What truly made this charter exceptional was the seamless teamwork between Captain

Evanne and Chef Stijn. Their professionalism, attention to detail, warmth, and genuine passion for creating memorable experiences made us feel completely at home. They anticipated every need and consistently went above and beyond to ensure our trip was unforgettable.

This was a dream vacation that exceeded every expectation and created memories that will last a lifetime. We cannot recommend Bacchus, Captain Evanne, and Chef Stijn highly enough. If you’re considering a charter in the BVI, look no further.

~The Costa, Krieg, Henkel & O’Neil Families

Dear Evanne & Stijn

If I could give this experience more than five stars, I would. Our week aboard this incredible yacht exploring the U.S. and British Virgin Islands was truly the trip of a lifetime, and it's something our family will be talking about for years to come.

From the moment we stepped on board, we knew this wasn't going to be an ordinary vacation. Traveling with my husband, our two sons, and their friends could have been a challenge for any crew, but Evanne and Stijn made every single person feel welcomed, cared for, and completely at home. By the end of the trip, they no longer felt like our crew they felt like family.

Evanne is simply exceptional. Before we even arrived, she took the time to understand exactly what our family enjoys and crafted the most thoughtful, personalized itinerary imaginable. Every day felt perfectly balanced between adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. We explored the breathtaking beauty of St. John, snorkeled the caves around Norman Island, visited charming Little Harbor, spent time on the famous beaches of Jost Van Dyke, and experienced the incredible Baths each destination somehow more spectacular than the last.

She always seemed one step ahead of us.

Every morning our coffee was ready before we even asked, the day's plan was thoughtfully explained, and every detail was handled seamlessly. Whether it was finding the perfect snorkeling spots, calm anchorages, or making sure everyone was comfortable, Evanne's professionalism, kindness, and genuine love for what she does made all the difference. She made every single day effortless.

Then there's chef Stijn... and honestly, words don't do his cooking justice.

Every meal was an experience in itself. Calling him a chef almost feels like an understatement because every breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer, and dessert felt like a work of art. His food wasn't just delicious it was a culinary journey. Every plate was beautifully presented, incredibly creative, and somehow better than the last. We found ourselves wondering every day how he could possibly top the previous meal, and somehow he always did.

This yacht is centered around wine and food, which made it even more special for us. My husband creates wine content, so each evening became a memorable dining experience as he paired wines with Stijn's incredible menus. Watching those pairings come together against the backdrop of Caribbean sunsets was something we'll never forget. It felt like dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant every single night except surrounded by crystal clear water and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Stijn also somehow managed to keep up with our very active boys. Between snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, SeaBobbing, and countless backflips off the yacht, they worked up serious appetites. Without ever being asked, he was constantly preparing fresh smoothies, protein shakes, snacks, and anything else they needed to keep the adventures going. It was such a thoughtful touch that really showed how much he cared about every guest onboard.

The snorkeling throughout the Virgin Islands was absolutely incredible. We saw beautiful reefs, colorful fish, sea turtles, and crystal clear water everywhere we went. The SeaBobs were an absolute favorite for everyone, and watching all of the boys spend hours laughing, diving, and backflipping off the boat made this trip even more memorable. There was never a shortage of fun, but there was also plenty of time to relax, soak in the scenery, and appreciate just how lucky we were to be there.

What made this vacation truly unforgettable wasn't just the luxury yacht, the beautiful islands, or the incredible food it was the people. Evann and Stijn poured so much heart into every detail of our trip. Their hospitality felt genuine, effortless, and incredibly personal. They anticipated our needs before we even realized we had them, celebrated alongside us, laughed with us, and created an atmosphere that felt warm, welcoming, and completely stress-free.

Thank you, Evanne, for creating the perfect itinerary and making every day feel magical. Thank you, Stijn, for feeding us some of the best meals we've ever had and making every dining experience unforgettable. You both exceeded every expectation we had and gave our family memories we'll cherish forever.

If you're considering chartering this yacht, don't hesitate for a second. Whether you're passionate about food and wine, looking for adventure, or simply wanting to experience the beauty of the Virgin Islands in the most unforgettable way possible, this is the experience you've been dreaming of.

We can honestly say this was one of the best vacations our family has ever taken. It was the perfect combination of luxury, adventure, incredible cuisine, outstanding hospitality, and lifelong memories. We only wish we could relive it all over again. We hope everyone gets the chance to experience something this special at least once in their lifetime.

~The Hurleys

One time per year we are blessed to spend 4 days on a vacation with our incredibly dear fiends. As a result, we want to make it a special trip and there is lots of planning. This year we chose to spend our trip with Evanne and Stijn hosting us on Bacchus. The boat was spectacular and the food and wine that was created and curated by Evanne and Stijn was remarkable. We have been blessed to enjoy many Michelin star rated restaurants around Europe and the United States. Our entire group of 8 felt like we were at a Michelin star restaurant throughout the entire trip. The service, the food quality, the wine quality, the hospitality and the graciousness provided by Evanne and Stijn was as good as any we have ever experienced. 

Beyond that Evanne and Stijn are smart, responsible, mature, fun, and kind. They both wanted to provide a memorable and comfortable experience. They far exceeded our expectations. Together they are an amazing team. We would encourage everyone to spend time with Evanne and Stijn as the crew, hosts, chefs, captains and leaders of your vacation on Bacchus.

All the best,
The November's and friends

Evanne & Stijn,

You guys have been absolutely awesome this whole month! From Stijn’s wonderful sourdough to Evanne’s deliciously refreshing drinks, everything has been exceptional. They prioritized our comfort and safety wherever we traveled to. Everything was always professional and on-point.

My favorite dish from Stijn was his tiramisu. It was so light and fluffy that you didn’t even feel like you ate anything once you savored it. It was very fun waking up early to bake with Stijn. We made some decadent white chocolate and pistachio cupcakes together that everyone loved. He has inspired me to cook at home regularly.

Evanne is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. She is a people pleaser and a huge overachiever. When we had a karaoke night at Little Harbour, Evanne sang beautifully!

Together, they both made sure that we had the best vacation ever!

We love you guys

Love,
Olivia

This was our second four-week charter with Captain Evanne and Chef Stijn, and somehow they managed to exceed the incredibly high expectations they set during our first trip. We enjoyed them so much that we have already booked our third four-week charter with them for next year.

After spending a full month onboard with a crew, you get to know them well, and what makes Evanne and Stijn so exceptional is that they consistently deliver a level of service, professionalism, and genuine care that rivals the finest luxury resorts in the world while making you feel like you're traveling with close friends.

One of the things that impressed us most was how attentive they were to every detail of our family's needs. Our daughter Olivia has significant food allergies, and Chef Stijn went above and beyond throughout the entire trip to ensure she could enjoy every meal safely and confidently. We never had to worry. The amount of planning, communication, creativity, and care that went into accommodating her needs was remarkable and deeply appreciated.

Over the course of four weeks, Evanne and Stijn created countless unforgettable experiences for our family. Some of our favorite memories included spending time at Oil Nut Bay, seabobbing alongside a sea turtle in Little Harbour, exploring hidden coves throughout the BVI, and the legendary karaoke nights that somehow became even more entertaining as the weeks went on. What made these moments special wasn't just the destinations—it was the atmosphere that Evanne and Stijn created every single day.

Captain Evanne's knowledge of the British Virgin Islands is second to none. Whether it was finding the perfect secluded anchorage, navigating us to the best beaches, arranging activities, securing reservations, or simply knowing exactly where to be at the right time, every day felt effortless because she had already thought of every detail. Her professionalism, confidence, and calm demeanor made us feel completely comfortable and cared for throughout the entire trip.

Chef Stijn's culinary talent was extraordinary. Every meal felt like dining in a five-star restaurant, yet somehow he was able to customize menus to accommodate everyone's preferences while ensuring Olivia's dietary restrictions were handled flawlessly. After four weeks onboard, we were still being surprised by the creativity, quality, and variety of the meals. It is hard to imagine a better chef anywhere in the charter industry.

The yacht was immaculate throughout the entire month, the service was flawless, and the hospitality was truly world-class. What sets Evanne and Stijn apart is not just their professional abilities, but the genuine warmth and kindness they bring to every interaction. By the end of the trip, they felt like part of our family.

Having chartered in the BVI for the past three years, I can confidently say that Evanne and Stijn are among the very best crew members we have ever experienced. Their professionalism, hospitality, and genuine care for our family are the primary reasons we continue returning year after year. In fact, after completing our second four-week charter with them, we have already booked our third four-week charter for next year.

A four-week charter is a significant amount of time to spend with anyone, and by the end of our trip we genuinely felt like we were saying goodbye to close friends rather than crew members. That is a rare gift and a testament to the kind of people they are.

If you are considering a charter in the British Virgin Islands, there is no captain-and-chef team I would recommend more highly than Captain Evanne and Chef Stijn. They turned an amazing vacation into an unforgettable experience, and our entire family is already counting down the days until we return next year.

Thank you both for another incredible month and for creating memories our family will cherish for a lifetime.

Appreciatively,
Seth

Evanne & Stijn,

This has been our second year with you as our crew, and you continue to exceed expectations with hospitality.

Stijn – every meal has been full of amazing flavor and presented beautifully. Also, thank you for accommodating our dietary preferences.

Evanne – you are so hospitable towards us, and we feel very comfortable with you as captain. Thank you for smooth rides and lots of great drinks!

This was a beautiful boat, and we are very fortunate for spending time on it.

This was an amazing experience, and we hope to be back next year!

~Liz, Ken, & Hannah
 

Evane & Stijn,

From the minute I stepped onto Bacchus, I immediately felt at home. You both have such welcoming, charming and warm personalities that made each day so special.

Evanne, thank you for being the best captain. You made each trip so enjoyable and accommodated every single need or want that we had. From handing me the perfect Americano each morning to making sure my vodka soda (with extra lemon!) was always full, there was never a time I didn’t have whatever I needed, or wanted.

Stijn, hats off to you my man. Each meal you served had so much thought, detail, and a level of extreme precision put into it. By far the best food I have ever tasted! You’re truly so very talented. I’m counting the days until I can enjoy the “Stijn Breakfast” again.

You two are the definition of what perfect hospitality is. I can’t thank you both enough for making my time in BVI so special and memorable. It’s surely a trip that I’ll never forget thanks to the both of you.

Thank you for everything! See you next year!
~Ryan Farist
 

Evanne & Stijn,

On behalf of Kirsten and friends, thank you both so much for such a wonderful time on the Bacchus truly a once in a lifetime trip and an absolutely incredible experience.

From the moment we stepped on board, everything felt effortless. You made us feel so welcome, and the whole trip was relaxed and seamless. Every day was a different day, with different vibes and activities, and we really appreciate getting to experience it all from fun watertoys and great snorkeling spots, drinking on the beach, spa day, and that unforgettable night at Willy T… and let’s not forget karaoke :)

The food was absolutely amazing every meal next level, creative, delicious, and beautifully presented. Stijn, you crushed it in the kitchen every single time. Food we didn’t think we liked, you made us love thanks to your talent.

Evanne, you were an amazing captain, bringing such a fun, calm, and easygoing energy that made everyone feel at ease and truly cared for every day.

You both are so kind and down to earth, and you made this experience unforgettable. We couldn’t imagine this trip without you it really feels like we made lifelong friends.

Thank you again for the unforgettable memories. We’re coming home so relaxed and will miss you all.

Lots of love,
Kristen & friends

Captain Evanne and Chef Stijn, 

Thank you for the most incredible vacation and experience for our family. Traveling with two young kids (5 and 9) can sometimes feel like a lot, but you made it feel effortless.

From the second we stepped onboard, you created something that felt like a floating five-star resort, but even better because it was so personal, warm, and just easy. Evanne’s quiet confidence and calm, elegant presence set the tone for everything. You have this way of being steady and grounding while still fun and personable. 

Stijn’s cooking was unbelievable, every single meal somehow better than the last. We appreciate how thoughtful you were with the kids adding in things like chicken tenders, steak bites, and sauces on the side let them stay in their comfort zone while still being exposed to new flavors. 

Every day felt like a new adventure, snorkeling, seabobbing, exploring, and somehow it just kept getting better. All of it set against the beauty of the USVI, with accommodations that were incredibly comfortable and luxurious.

We will never forget coming back from the beach and hearing our 5-year-old ask for “alone time” on the boat with you both. The way you just naturally took him in and cared for him like family meant everything. It gave us the freedom to explore, knowing he was completely safe and happy, and that kind of trust is rare.

We’ll never forget spotting eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and even a surprise donkey. Of course how could we forget, the teddy bear rescue after it went overboard (just one more example of how you went above and beyond). 

We’re leaving with tears in our eyes and so much gratitude for the experience you created for our family. It truly felt like the adventure of a lifetime.

Really hoping this isn’t goodbye, but “see you again.” We would sail with you both again in a heartbeat.

To our next adventure…

The Smith Family

Dear Evanne & Stijn

We are excited to give our recent Bacchus charter a 5 star review!
Evanne our incredible captain and Stijn our chef were extremely skilled. We were thoroughly impressed with how accommodating and helpful the crew was as they always wanted to make sure we had the best trip possible.

Evanne ensured that all of the preferences from the three generations of our family were considered in order to make a trip plan that kept everyone happy. Not only is she a skilled captain, but she is also a sommelier who paired great wines with the Michelin level meals prepared by Stijn. Stijn prepared, with enthusiasm and passion, tremendous meals that fit all of our food preferences and dietary restrictions. As a finale on our last evening champagne and appetizers were served on the fly bridge overlooking Caneel Bay! After toasting our crew, we descended to an incredible candlelit dining table and a heavenly six course Michelin style dinner.

Let us not forget the boat itself!! Bacchus is a brand new 59 foot charter! Its interior is stunning & spacious…. very comfortable beds & sleeping quarters plus an outstanding Salon! The Michelin level of dining is enhanced by a gas stove, big green egg and a pizza oven! The boat is outfitted with all of the toys needed to enjoy the perfect holiday. Stijn and Evanne happily helped everyone learn how to use the e-foil and sea bobs. They also encouraged us to take the tender to nearby places like the Bitter End and to beaches for beach walks.

All in all, none of our group could imagine a more perfectly orchestrated charter. Once again, thank you to Evanne and Stijn for creating an unforgettable family memory. We highly recommend Bacchus and its crew for future adventures in the Virgin Islands!
~The Stokely Family

Dear Evanne & Stijn,

I just returned from an incredible week-long vacation sailing around the British Virgin Islands aboard the Bacchus yacht. Bacchus is a beautiful, well-appointed 59’ catamaran that is spacious and comfortable.

The captain, Evanne Soeten, and first mate/chef, Stijn Van Der Bruggen, made the vacation even more memorable. They are two very professional, talented, and skilled people who went out of their way to accommodate my family and me.

Evanne is very safety conscious. She sailed Bacchus around the BVI with reassuring confidence, always finding the calmest anchorages for us to enjoy the many water toys.

Stijn is a professional chef who made every meal a culinary delight. It was a Michelin-like experience that exceeded our expectations in every way.

In addition to being the captain, Evanne is also a sommelier. She paired delicious wines with every dinner. Each nutritious meal was thoughtfully planned with the perfect mix of flavors, textures, and colors. I’ve never taken so many pictures of meals!

We look forward to planning our next vacation aboard Bacchus with Evanne and Stijn.

I also included several pictures of the meals. I hope the Bacchus owner gives both of you a raise—you deserve it. Have a great summer.

~Kennedy's

We came to cruise the Virgin Islands but ended up cruising the world!

What could be better than experiencing a brand new charter boat! The Bacchus is a a beautiful 59 feet cat that is fitted out so well.  The furnishings provided comfort and space for our party to both join together for wonderful meals and sunsets but also have plenty of room and different hideaways to enjoy personal time. 
We loved all the toys on the boat -- the sea bobs, paddle boards, floating sofa and lily pad, and the e-foil.  One of our party even achieved vertical lift off thanks to Stijn's expert tuition.

Evanne is a brilliant captain who briefed us daily on the plans for the week and specifics for each day  and mastered all the crossings from point to point both under sail and power brilliantly.  She is calm, capable and charming but very much in control as Captain.  She is also a knowledgeable sommelier and makes a mean margarita!

Stijn is an amazing chef!  He produced Michelin star quality food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never repeated himself.  We had delicious cuisine from around the world -- Italian, Mexican, Korean, Caribbean and Dutch to name but a few. He cooks with passion and a deep knowledge of how to prepare and present fabulous meals. When complimented with Evanne's sommelier experience this makes for very memorable meals which we looked forward to with great anticipation.

Together Evanne and Stijn are the perfect package, their commitment to make their clients feel at home with every wish anticipated and catered for, makes for an unforgettable experience.

We leave with massive smiles on our faces and definite plans to return. 

James & Victoria Corcoran

Sincere thanks and appreciation for everything you have done for us this past month. 
You both were beyond amazing, you are both so great at your jobs, and you are also such nice genuine people who really take pride in everything you do. 

We are so grateful (and lucky) that we landed you two as our crew this past month. As I’ve told you multiple times, you both made our trip special. So special, that when we come back for a month next year, we can’t imagine not having you with us. We have so much respect for you both, and for how hard you work all day every day. As we wrote in the Borrowed Bounty book, you represent your company so well, they should be very proud and appreciative to have you on their team. 
We view you both as friends at this point and look forward to staying in touch between now and our trip back to BVI next May. 

We wish you both the very best, and if there is every anything we can do for you please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thanks again for making this trip so memorable!

Evanne & Stijn 
Thank you for another great week in the BVI. You planned an excellent itinerary and worked diligently to make sure we had the best experience. 
The Borrowed Bounty was a new boat for you as a crew, and when there were A/C and generator issues, you never gave up and worked hard to resolve them—all while still making sure we were well fed and enjoying each location! 

Evanne, you always found the best mooring spots and you are both kind and joyful. 
Stijn, your meals were incredible! We felt like we toured the world through your cuisine. 
You catered excellently to dietary restrictions while maintaining variety and incredible flavor in each meal. 

Overall, we loved how well you worked together. It was a blast getting to know each of you—we look forward to more trips in the future!
 

Dear Captain Evanne & Chef Stijn, 

Sincere thanks for making our charter so memorable and special. 
Evanne, your positive attitude, constant smile, and exceptional customer service made it an absolute pleasure to sail with you. You are a highly knowledgeable and competent captain, and we always felt completely safe with you at the helm. 
Stijn, your food was impeccable. We looked forward to every single meal. The way you combined flavors and presented each dish made us feel like we were dining in a different five-star restaurant every day. 

Thank you so much for taking such thoughtful care with our daughter’s food allergies as well—it meant the world to us. Evanne and Stijn, over the course of our month-long stay, you became more than our crew—you became our friends. Every day brought something new, and you graciously adapted to our last-minute plan changes. 
The month flew by far too quickly. We highly recommend you to anyone lucky enough to have you as part of their crew. Your company is incredibly fortunate to have you representing them. 

We wish you both all the very best, and if there’s ever anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What an adventure! 

Pre-trip communications were easy, thorough and excellent. Stijn and Evanne organized a Zoom permeating to meet/greet, discuss menus and preferences regarding activities and destinations. 

They arranged reservations for meals out, transfers and logistics. They incorporated our preferences and provided alternate suggestions. 

Evanne’s professional ability and maturity are beyond her age. Winds gusting to 30 knots were abnormally strong. Her seamanship and marine critical judgement exhibited a calm professional demeanor. Her ability to manage many things at once was demonstrated during the maneuvering of the boat in open waters, tights spaces and high winds. 

Stijn’s passion for feeding people shines. His scratch cooking with fresh ingredients showcased his culinary knowledge of international cuisine. He adjusted menus to accommodate dietary restrictions. Our group of well-traveled fun-loving seniors have eaten at some of the finest restaurants around the world and have not had such consistently superb meals. He deserves a Michelin star! 

Evanne and Stijn worked as a seamless team. They supported each other and the passengers. Their hospitality created a tabling experience that was inviting and inclusive. 
We’re coming back to charter with Evanne and Stijn wherever they are!

Had the most amazing week on Ad Astra with Evanne and Stijn. 

We were a party of 10 and the level of service they provided was outstanding. So impressed with both of them. 
First - Stijn’s prowess in the kitchen is unmatched - we have used chefs before - he is #1 in our book. 
Evanne’s knowledge and professionalism as our captain was impressive. Not our first charter - would sail with her again. 
Their suggestions for excursions were awesome. We had so much fun and I feel they gave us the best of the BVI. 

This Boston crew will follow Evanne and Stijn anywhere.

Thank you to Evanne and Stijn for an amazing week in the BVIs! 

They were absolutely top-notch. The food was incredible, and everyone was happy. The yummy cocktails offered throughout the trip were a great touch of service, and they truly went above and beyond. 

Evanne was always calm and confident, making everyone feel safe. They took us to amazing spots—both off the beaten path and the well-known gems—and we appreciated both. 

We’ve done a similar trip before, and we all agreed: Evanne and Stijn are the very best of the best! Thank you from all of us!

How lucky are we to experience the best crew in the BVI with an incredible boat the Ad Astra. 

We are a group of 10, who always felt comfortable and safe while onboard. 
Evanne is caring, adventurous and so fun! She shared her knowledge and experiences with us and allowed us to experience the best of the BVI. 
Stijn knew how to amaze us in the galley! We had no idea we’d be eating in a 5-star restaurant each day! He kept our taste buds gong by taking us all around the world with his dishes! Spain, Greek, Italy, plus pops of Korean, wow! Amazing. 

Together Stijn and Evanne were at their best. They worked together providing us with a trip that will remain one of our very favorites. 

Thank you for the most amazing week, your kindness and care and for sharing your talents with us!

Evanne & Stijn We loved our first sailing adventure—thank you! 

Your care, professionalism, and hospitality were unmatched. We feel so fortunate to have had you as our hosts. Our BVI trip was hands down our best vacation ever! We had no idea we were in for the most amazing culinary experience. Evanne and Stijn’s professionalism and hospitality made us feel welcome and safe. 

Thank you for making our first BVI trip unforgettable!

Our week in the BVI was truly the trip of a lifetime, celebrating 30+ years of friendship. 

Evanne and Stijn provided such an amazing experience—wonderful hosts of the islands. Every meal was a visual delight, with no detail overlooked. 
Stijn’s creations will forever change how we approach dining out. Don’t be fooled by their youthful appearance—they are true experts in the field of hospitality. 

Thank you for a wonderful week!

Evanne & Stijn - The very best crew in the world! 

Thank you for the best week ever. You spoiled our family of 10 and contributed to our joy filled and memorable trip. 
Not only were you both very talented and professional crew, but you did it with such a great attitude and brought such joy and happiness to our adventure. 
Our family of 10 can be challenging to deal with at times but your patience and understanding were fantastic. 

Thank you for the best week ever! We love you and thank you for the best food, the most fun and the greatest adventures we’ve ever had!