What this yacht offers
PERMABEAR is a 2023 Bali sailing catamaran designed for larger groups who appreciate bright interiors, easy flow, and ocean views at every turn. Her teak-floored cockpit features dining for 10 and a plush lounge bench, creating an inviting setting for long meals and unhurried afternoons at anchor. Above, the expansive flybridge offers panoramic 360° views, close-up sail watching, cool breezes, and a favorite perch for sundowners.
Accommodating up to 10 guests, PERMABEAR offers 3 queen cabins and 2 twin cabins, each with a private ensuite. Inside, wraparound windows fill the airy, modern salon with natural light, while multiple social spaces throughout the yacht make it easy for everyone to gather together or spread out comfortably. Spacious, sunlit, and made for shared adventures, PERMABEAR is the kind of charter guests will talk about long after the week is over.
Other toys
1 Subwing
4 Stand Up Paddle Boards
1 Wakeboard
Big Mable Seated Towable
Floating Mats
Floating Ring With Net
Large Inflatables
Floats
Snorkel Gear
Fishing Gear
Beach Games
Voyage in Motion
Delight served on deck
Read less more60 reviews
April 2026
The yacht was very clean and well maintained. It had plenty of room to lounge in various places, and we could access those areas whenever we wanted to. Very comfortable
Chef Erin did an incredible job! She prepared and presented all snacks and meals beautifully and to our preferences. All ingredients were fresh and meals were delicious.
We all enjoyed the areas we visited, and the planning of said itinerary was accommodating to our requests. The zoom meeting with the crew prior to our charter was particularly helpful to not only meet the crew, but to flesh out our plans ahead of time and be sure all were on the same page.
~Kory
April 2026
We were able to see so many sites, and they were able to easily pivot and provide us options when the weather impacted our plans. They had great connections on shore to facilitate our visit to Virgin Gorda and dinner on Saba Rock. They made the entire experience memorable.
The food was amazing—we ate so much! Each dish was prepared with care and had a special touch. A special part of the trip was when the youngest members of our group helped Chef Erin make pasta for dinner from scratch.
Our group included 5 children ranging in age from 7 to 14. Captain Ed did a great job facilitating fun in the water with snorkeling, rafts, and other toys. The boat was the perfect size for our party of 9. And we all loved first mate, Gus!
Our kids think this is the best vacation we have ever had! We can’t wait to go back.
~Nina
March 2026
Thank you so much for giving us the trip and experience of a lifetime!
From the delicious food, the perfect itinerary (with adjustments as needed due to weather), and your warmth and top-tier hospitality, we will never forget this truly unique and unparalleled visit to the Virgin Islands! You were all amazing and made us feel comfortable and at home from the moment we got on the boat.
This trip will be talked about for years to come, and we hope we can come again! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Love,
The Tyre & Rogers Family
December 2025
We especially appreciated the flexibility of the crew and their willingness to adjust plans when needed, which made the experience feel relaxed and personal rather than rigid. And having a dog on board was such a fun and unexpected bonus—we loved it!
Between the beautiful sailing, great food, sense of adventure, and the overall atmosphere the crew created, this was a trip we’ll remember for a long time. We would absolutely recommending sailing with Permabear again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
~ Amanda
May 2025
Thank you,
Brian Edwards
March 2025
Ed and Erin were so attentive to our every need. We had a 3 yr old and 6 yr old along with 8 adults. I was a bit nervous since neither kid was swim safe. But there were basic safety rules for the little ones which were easy to follow and life vests for each one for on the boat and in the water. The kids got to "drive" the boat and dinghy, help make banana bread, play with the variety of kid toys on board, play on the floaties and in the pool, catch and kiss a fish, and adored the dog, Gus.
All of the drinks and food items that we requested prior to the trip were on board and Ed even picked up some extras mid trip. The food was amazing -- from grilled filet mignon to homemade English muffins for our eggs benedict to homemade pasta, we were constantly amazed.
Ed and Erin know all the great places to go and tailored the trip to our family after getting to know us. Instead of a fancy dinner on Sabo Rock, Erin got reservations for the Pirate Show on a beach which was perfect for our group. Knowing to make reservations for a "lily pad" for the Pizza Pi boat was something we didn't even think to do but was one of our favorite memories. They made sure the young adults were able to go to the dive bar for St Patrick's Day fun, took us to beach clubs, shopping at Bitter's End yacht club, happy hour at a rum bar, made dive reservations, and dropped us at Sandy Spit Island, the bubbly pool, and of course Soggy Dollar.
Permabear is stocked with everything needed for a great vacation. Snorkel gear in all sizes, pool toys, SUP, floaties, wakeboards, beach towels, dry bags, games, and sunscreen . Although there were 10 of us on board, there were plenty of different spots to relax.
Knowing Erin was a former nurse gave me confidence that if we needed some medical aide we would have a qualified person on board. She knew the perfect solution to put on the jellyfish sting that our 6 yr old got while snorkeling.
The slide show of all our (and their) photos that they projected on the TV on the last day was a perfect way to end our trip. It was everything we dreamed it would be and Ed and Erin were a big part of making that happen.
If anyone is considering a trip to the BVI, they can't go wrong by choosing the Permabear with Ed, Erin, and Gus.
Carol
April 2025
The boat is beautiful! Very well stocked, comfortable and had everything we needed to relax and have fun adventures.
Ed and Erin shared stories of their travels in so many exciting places. We had a few mechanical issues with the boat which Ed fixed immediately, while we were underway. He’s a very capable captain in so many ways. Erin was a fantastic chef! All her meals were so delicious and served beautifully! Honestly the best food I’ve ever had on vacation. Erin even gave us a few cooking lessons. We all learned how to make sourdough bread and she even sent us home with Sourdough starter, and her entire cook book on line. We were surprised to find out that Erin is also a licensed captain as well.
Ed surprised our guys with a little fishing along the way. The fishing excitement made our guys trip! They caught a couple tuna which Erin immediately turned into ceviche for a delicious snack. They are quite a team together.
We did have to deal with high wind warnings our entire trip but that didn’t stop our fun. The islands were so beautiful. We stopped at all the cute and famous beach bars, visited The Baths in Virgin Gorda (a must-see) and beautiful snorkeling spots. Erin guided us planned a perfect charter route for what we wanted to see and do.
We had a fun dance party on board one night where everyone showed off their dancing and singing skills with Erin as our DJ! The guys even helped crew the boat and learned a little more about sailing.
All in all it was the best trip!! We would all love to do it again and would definitely recommend Captain Ed and Erin (and cute little Gus! It was so fun to return to the boat from an excursion to find Gus happily greeting us)!
Vicky
January 2025
We had so many options.... we could just sit upstairs, relax and take in the scenery or we could snorkel, paddle board, go wake boarding, and even fish!
Thank you so much Captain Ed and Erin for giving us and our family the trip of a lifetime that we will always and forever remember.
It's not goodbye.... but till we see you again!
Best,
John & Sandra
December 2024
The yacht and crew are first class all the way. If you want to be pampered well, on a comfortable, almost new yacht, Permabear and the Irwins are for you. he areas we cruised in were great and the special places that Captain Ed took us to were amazing.
Every day the destinations were beautiful. The snorkeling was always amazing and we had an opportunity to snorkel at least once every day. I had quite a bit of input in choosing our destinations every day, and it was not a scripted destination vacation.
Every minute of every day was a highlight. It’s difficult to say which one was better than the other, but we visited some amazing places. We sailed every day and most days did not wind up getting off on an island and that was my choice. We stayed on the boat and sailed every day. That was incredible and breathtaking! I expressed an interest throughout the trip in sailing. I probably asked hundreds of questions and I’m sure that would have driven many crews nuts! At one of our destinations, Chef Erin And Captain Ed presented me with a very special gift, the opportunity to sail in a small Hobie Cat and give me my first sailing lesson. Chef Erin was my teacher, she is a very skilled, accomplished sailor who grew up sailing, and it was an absolutely amazing and wonderful experience. I’m truly grateful for the interest they took in my endless questions about sailing throughout the week. Thank you!!! My wife and our 4 guests absolutely loved every day and every destination of our vacation.
Shawn
July 2024
The charter started with a friendly welcome at noon on a Sunday at the Marina Yacht Heaven Grande in Saint Thomas, and it just got better with every passing day. Our initial idea to visit some of the best places in the Caribbean while living in a boat was elevated to an unforgettable vacation by a great boat captain (Ed) and superb chef (Erin), who treated us as like family.
While on board, were enjoyed fresh and delicious multi-course meals prepared daily by the chef, who would narrate how she prepared them. I believe was better than a restaurant.
Boat life was exceptional abord the Permabear, with every need cared for 24/7 by the experienced captain and his wife (the chef) in this friendly and relaxed environment, where we lived at own pace. Daily activities started or ended whenever we felt hungry or tired. We never felt hurried.
We spent the nights on board safely and comfortably in air-conditioned cabins at carefully selected bays by the captain to be protected from ocean winds and with minimal boat rocking from sea waves.
The breath of marine life in the reefs was spectacular, snorkeling at wrekeage of the RMS Rhone was almost unbelievable, visiting the beautiful natural salt water tidal pools at The Baths was awsome, dinner at the world famous (and newly renovated after hurricane Irma) Saba Rock restaurant was a worferful treat, and visiting the iconic Soggy Dollar bar and store at White bay beach in Jost van Dyke was picture-perfect.
By the end of the week you may want this to become your new home and life.
Thanks to Ed and Erin for a wonderful week aboard the Permabear. You took time to share bits of your life with us and taught us a lot about this part of the world.
We return home with great memories from this vacation wishing to return and have this much fun again.
Federico
July 2024
Fede, Alberto, Luciana, Enzo, Franco & Luas
PS:The BIG fish we catched will be imprinted in the boys memories forever! And we even got to watch our soccer team win the “Copa America”. Ramos Argentina!! Also AZ and PR!
June 2024
Sergio
June 2024
Thank you so much for making this trip amazing! I could go on and on about erin’s delish food! And a big thank you to Ed for dragging us around on all the water toys. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and ‘m so thankful for everything. I have memories I will cherish forever!
Thank you!
Candace❤️
June 2024
Thank you so much for an amazing week! This trip was so fun and we are so grateful for you guys. I had so much fun on all the little adventures and using all of the toys in the water. But Erin’s cooking was amazing. Thank you guys so much!
Adriana
June 2024
Alex
June 2024
Thank you so much! This was the best week of my life. You both did such a great job showing us the islands, explaining their history, and making sure we had fun. I loved all the activities and conversations we got to share. This was the best food that I’ve ever eaten in my life. Thank you Ed for taking us around and being a great captain. Erin thank you for the delicious food exclamation!
❤️Katie
June 2024
Thank you for going above and beyond to create a magical, fun-filled trip for our family. From the many toys, parties, and secluded, pristine harbors, it was magnificent!
All our love,
Jen & Serg
June 2024
Kach
June 2024
Micah
June 2024
Thank you so much for all the great meals and hospitality. You guys are really kind and funny. Thank you for letting us aboard. Thank you for letting us tube, snorkel, swim and wakeboard. I had so much fun- Mia
June 2024
-Tara and Robbie
PS I even enjoyed the scary dark cave moment 😁
June 2024
❤️Connor and Gina
May 2024
Nick
May 2024
What an unforgettable week! We cannot thank you enough for making us part of your family ❤️ The food, the sites, the water, the drinks- most importantly, the fellowship Will never be forgotten. If you ever make it to our corner of Kansas- we’d love to have you!
Love-
Lisa
PS always remember: you’re a man! Be a man!
May 2024
Love,
Elle
April 2024
Thank you so much for a wonderful spring break! We loved being on board with you both and Gus as well. Thank you for loving our kids and teaching them as many cool things. We have made so many memories the last few days that we will remember with the kids of grandparents forever! Thank you for making us feel at home and for taking care of us so well. The food was fabulous and the activities were spectacular. Lots of love from our family to yours!, Nathan, Angela, Emilia, Cora Teddy, Colin & Elorie
April 2024
You have been a fantastic fun lifesaver for me! Thank you for the many times you caught me falling in and out of your dinghy. We have had an wonderful family holiday with you & the food has. been beyond belief; Thanks for working so hard for us!
Love you, Ronnie & Joyce
April 2024
-The G Family
April 2024
Thanks so much for the amazing Spring Break. ☀️ We had a blast! The BVI's are really heaven on earth. Easter morning was me for the books! Even the Easter Bunny showed up. Thanks for the wonderful food, drinks, & for fun stops for adults + kids to play in the water with!
Love, The J’s & the V’s
March 2024
-Angela D.
March 2024
Thank you Erin and Ed, You two Rock! WOW - you do it all and make it such an incredible experience for us. Thank you x a million! - Lynn
March 2024
Thank you for your care, grace, kindness and extreme thoughtfulness. It has been pure magic and we’ve all felt your love. Gus sure is one lucky dude. Deep gratitude, Sarah
March 2024
Thank you for a glorious week of sheer Perma-bliss with my remarkable tribe. You created the the perfect environment for magic to happen! Gratefully, Pam
March 2024
Thank you Erin, Ed (& Gus) for all you have done to make this a trip of a lifetime. Truly. We will always remember our time together! With love, Diane
March 2024
We are so grateful for your care and thoughtfulness in making this adventure filled with ease, fun, delicious food and so much relaxation. Thank you! With gratitude, Kim
March 2024
Best vacation! Boy, we needed something, this was it! Thanks to the Erin and the magical appealing Captain Ed! Amazing food! Thanks so much!
March 2024
If you need a co-captain, let me know!
Abby, learned that strawberry days are never thing
Tracey, Still don't like sharks
"Anytime you need a chaperone, let me know!"
March 2024
Glad to have been the reason for the Titanic Ride.
February 2024
I truly cannot think of a better way to celebrate Wilson's 40th birthday - in a beautiful place with family, friends who are like family and a crew who became one of the best of this trip and we are so blessed to have had this experience. Thank you for allowing us to really "let go" and making us feel so special and taken care of. Until next time... because there will most certainly be a next time!
With Love,
Megan + Wilson Schultz
February 2024
Thank you for making this trip the absolute best one of our lives. Words cannot do justice to describe how wonderful every aspect of this charter was - the sights, the food, the conversation and the overall FUN. We are forever grateful to you both and are already looking forward to a return trip. Until then, give Gus some belly rubs for us.
❤️, Travis + Mallory Bowling
February 2024
Alex Myles
February 2024
Robyn Mays!
February 2024
What an amazing trip this has been. For the first time since I have had children, I was able to fully relax on a vacation. You all took care of everything and allowed us to fully enjoy all of the different activities and sights. Fishing, snorkeling, taking in the views, and the amazing destinations have made this a vacation that may be impossible to beat. Thank you for everything you did and can't wait to do it again.
Will and Megan
Anai
February 2024
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HOSPITALITY. YOU ARE A HUGE REASON THAT WE HAD A GREAT TRIP. ED MADE RUNNING THE BOAT LOOK EASY. ERIN DID A WONDERFUL JOB IN THE KITCHEN. RHONDA & I ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU BOTH FOR MAKING WILSON'S 40TH PARTY SO MEMORABLE.
TIGHT LINES,
RHONDA + COREY SCHULTZ
July 2023
I wanted to reach out and let you know what an amazing trip we had aboard Katrina. Erin and Ed were so friendly and welcoming from the beginning! We had the best vacation with them! Erin is an amazing chef and put so much care into making sure everyone is well fed with fresh healthy food! My 3 adolescents are tough in that one has a gluten allergy and one is vegetarian and the youngest is still growing 15 year old needing extra food often! (We appreciated that She had a basket of snacks refilled and readily available while Ed kept the cooler iced and stocked with everyone’s favorite drinks).
The dinners were gourmet 3-4 courses and we enjoyed them so much that we requested many of the recipes so we could try to replicate them at home.
Erin also took such pleasure and has a true artistic flare to presenting the food and decorating the table with different table settings each day! We looked forward to her daily theme! We also looked forward to the drink of the day! Which was often accompanied by an afternoon charcuterie board. The local flowers that were adorning the boat enhanced the welcome atmosphere from the beginning.
Ed was such a safe and watchful captain, keeping an eye on everyone as they boarded the boat and snorkeled each day to ensure safety. He was also very aware and protective of my dad who is in his 70’s and loves to snorkel! He was quick to pull out the pool toys (noodles, paddle boards, splash pad and snorkeling gear) at every destination and we enjoyed all of it. They know the area well and directed us to the best snorkeling locations, were well equipped with reef safe sunblock, and also transported us ashore for some great hikes and even a beach day with a sun tent. We were comforted by Erin’s nursing background in taking this multigenerational family trip and felt safe in their very capable experienced hands with the threat of a storm early in the week!
Our family loves playing games and did so daily and there were plenty to choose from aboard the boat.
I should mention a few problems that they handled for us. The first night before we even left the yachting harbour, I dropped my flip flop in between the boat and the dock and ED was so quick on his belly to grab it- I was impressed! My 15 year old son dropped his air pods in a crack next to his bed and they ended up falling in the bilge!!!!!! We tried to stop both Erin and Ed from taking apart the room but they did so anyway after we disembarked and met us in Charlotte Amelie to deliver the saved AirPods!!
This truly was the best vacation we have ever gone on and we are already trying to find another week to sail with Erin and Ed!
We are experienced sailors but have never taken this sort of trip
Before and realized quickly how crucial a good crew is to the success if the trip.
June 2023
Erin and Ed, Thank you so very much for a wonderful week of sailing, exploration and incredible food! Your hospitality was above and beyond as well as your attention to all the details. You both made us all feel welcome, comfortable, well fed and cared for. We enjoyed getting to know you both and look forward to the next adventure!
June 2023
Erin and Ed, we thoroughly enjoyed the week. You were perfect hosts. The food was exquisite and plentiful. I really appreciated Ed's role as captain extraordinaire. Erin was so helpful to Andrea and I dealing with an awkward medical condition that came up! The sailing was great and the site selection was excellent. Overall, the two of you were amazingly accommodating and quick to ensure that all of our desires were met. Thank you!
June 2023
Thank you for an amazing trip! Hoping this encourages our kids to take all the adventures in life..they loved it all! This is one of my favorite places on earth (made better by boat). The snorkels, hiking, sailing...it really doesn't get better then this topped off every night with the most amazing desserts. Thank you Chef Erin. We will be back.
June 2023
Thank you Captain Ed, Chef Erin, and SV Katrina for the most memorable 40th birthday celebration throughout the BVI. From snorkeling in caves to exploring The Baths, playing fun games in Maho Bay to claiming Pickly Pear island our own (and in the rain!) - we had an absolute blast. Erin - your cooking/bartending skills earned praise (better than our meal on Saba rock, even!) and you should consider joining the next cast of Bake Off. Ed thanks for literally sharing the helm and teaching some of us to become captains of our own! It's a trip we will never forget!
May 2023
Ed and Erin, this has been one of our favorite family vacations thanks to your hospitality! The food was spectacular and so was Ed's honor! Such a perfect combination of relaxation, snorkeling, hiking adventures, laughter, family gams, and naps. We all enjoyed this so much! We have for the last few days been trying to find some days and trying to find some dates where we can come back and do it again. This is definitely one of those trips that was so valuable to us. You can't put a price tad on! Thank you thank you thank you! We will see you in Maryland soon for crabs!
May 2023
The 'man overboard' maneuver to save a hat and dive from the dinghy to save a pair of sunglasses were very much appreciated and shows your commitment to ensure the safety and happiness of all (human and material objects) aboard! Taco had amazing adventures and felt all the love - we cannot wait to return. Ashley and Dan can't wait to put their new sailing skills to use in the future and continue the fun with your game - hysterical memories in the midst of maho magic. Thank you for the delicious food, delightful drinks, incredible adventures, beautiful sights, perfectly appointed boat, entertaining conversation, sailing lessons, outfitting/personal styling, and providing relaxation on another level! We will miss paradise and feel very grateful for this trip and opportunity to get to know the both of you.
April 2023
We have been coming on this trip since 1991, sailing et al. This trip by far exceeds all previous sailing journeys we have experienced. Everything fired on all cylinders. From the awesome crew to the leisure, attention to detail, and wisdom of the team. Bar none every day was better than the previous. We have never chartered through a broker. [broker name] paired us with {management company] which included Ed and Erin. [Broker name] described the crew to a T and was attentive and dependable through the entire trip. We have to give a shout out to having a fabulous intelligent nurse onboard which provided security which provided help for everyone from seasickness and bands for relief to advice regarding other needs. Erin was and is nurse extraordinaire! Don't miss Leverick Bay for a fun night of pirate entertainment. ON this trip we saw and witnessed places and things we had never encountered previously.thanks to their advice and guidance. Captain Ed is the master of the sea navigating with speed and agility. Erin looks up to him in awe 'cause he is the leader we all adore. Erin is the culinary queen, her dishes are a sight to be seen. Her flavors are bold and full of life. A true artist with a kitchen knife. We're coming back forever and only with Ed & Erin @ the helm Love it! a little bit of heaven,
Sandra, Bruce, Amy, Dane, Danie,& Ken
April 2023
It's been one very special week! What a unique experience to spend seven days traveling the beautiful US Virgin Islands! Ed and Erin, you were so kind and accommodating in every way. You made us feel truly welcome and completely pampered. Amazing food all day, every day a the chance to choose our activities for the day were any travelers dream! We loved our game times with you both, our new, dear friends! Blessings and safe travels.
April 2023
Ed and Erin, thank you for everything, the great food, the snorkeling, and all the help you gave me Ed. It was a marvelous experience and I especially enjoyed with all 6 of you.
April 2023
Capt. Ed and Chef Erin – Many thanks for the amazing trip! We loved the awesome parts we stayed at, the fishing and snorkeling! You gave us a great gift of time on Gods great creation that we can't forget! Blessings
April 2023
Thank you for a wonderful week in paradise! You made the experience perfect! We are headed home to start saving for the next trip with you! The dark and stormy's are the best! Come see us in Texas!
March 2023
Marc, Carla, Aidiya, and Connor spent a spectacular week on S/Y Katrina. The crew was attentive and skilled. We enjoyed great meals, awesome cocktails and scratch made treats that will leave our tummies pinning for the time we spent here. We spent our time snorkeling, laughing, hiking, playing games and star gazing. We watched our beloved Texas longhorns clinch the men's basketball Big 12 championship and advance to the field of 32 in the NCAA tourney. We celebrated the 1 year anniversary of 2 kids we love very much and we also celebrated a belated 52nd birthday. This is our 3rd vacation of this kid and Ed and Erin are the BEST!
March 2023
You make a great team on SV Katrina. This made our week long trip amazing. Everything from the details and flexibility of our itinerary to the delicious food prepared and presented onboard, to your expertise and knowledge on the water, to your openness and respect for allowing us to have our naked cruise and truly feel comfortable, you provided us an experience that we will not soon forget.
SV Katrina herself is a beautiful, well-kept vessel with plenty of well thought out spaces for relaxation. Her owner should be very pleased with how you care for her. We thank you both so very much for making our first time in the BVI's very special.
January 2023
Erin & Ed, thank you for such an amazing week. Katrina is a great boat, but you two make it excellent. The food was incredibly delicious, for every meal. Each day of our trip jus got better and better under Captain Ed's guidance we always felt safe and secure. We all wish you the best finishing this season. And know our paths will cross again.
January 2023
Captain Ed & Erin, thank you for such a lovely, memorable week! We loved every minute and your wary hospitality was truly icing on the cake. We cant wait to host you in Austin someday! And we for sure will be seeing you again! We will miss you so much as we will the blue water. Gratefully!
April 2026
The yacht was very clean and well maintained. It had plenty of room to lounge in various places, and we could access those areas whenever we wanted to. Very comfortable
Chef Erin did an incredible job! She prepared and presented all snacks and meals beautifully and to our preferences. All ingredients were fresh and meals were delicious.
We all enjoyed the areas we visited, and the planning of said itinerary was accommodating to our requests. The zoom meeting with the crew prior to our charter was particularly helpful to not only meet the crew, but to flesh out our plans ahead of time and be sure all were on the same page.
~Kory
April 2026
We were able to see so many sites, and they were able to easily pivot and provide us options when the weather impacted our plans. They had great connections on shore to facilitate our visit to Virgin Gorda and dinner on Saba Rock. They made the entire experience memorable.
The food was amazing—we ate so much! Each dish was prepared with care and had a special touch. A special part of the trip was when the youngest members of our group helped Chef Erin make pasta for dinner from scratch.
Our group included 5 children ranging in age from 7 to 14. Captain Ed did a great job facilitating fun in the water with snorkeling, rafts, and other toys. The boat was the perfect size for our party of 9. And we all loved first mate, Gus!
Our kids think this is the best vacation we have ever had! We can’t wait to go back.
~Nina
March 2026
Thank you so much for giving us the trip and experience of a lifetime!
From the delicious food, the perfect itinerary (with adjustments as needed due to weather), and your warmth and top-tier hospitality, we will never forget this truly unique and unparalleled visit to the Virgin Islands! You were all amazing and made us feel comfortable and at home from the moment we got on the boat.
This trip will be talked about for years to come, and we hope we can come again! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Love,
The Tyre & Rogers Family
December 2025
We especially appreciated the flexibility of the crew and their willingness to adjust plans when needed, which made the experience feel relaxed and personal rather than rigid. And having a dog on board was such a fun and unexpected bonus—we loved it!
Between the beautiful sailing, great food, sense of adventure, and the overall atmosphere the crew created, this was a trip we’ll remember for a long time. We would absolutely recommending sailing with Permabear again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
~ Amanda
May 2025
Thank you,
Brian Edwards
March 2025
Ed and Erin were so attentive to our every need. We had a 3 yr old and 6 yr old along with 8 adults. I was a bit nervous since neither kid was swim safe. But there were basic safety rules for the little ones which were easy to follow and life vests for each one for on the boat and in the water. The kids got to "drive" the boat and dinghy, help make banana bread, play with the variety of kid toys on board, play on the floaties and in the pool, catch and kiss a fish, and adored the dog, Gus.
All of the drinks and food items that we requested prior to the trip were on board and Ed even picked up some extras mid trip. The food was amazing -- from grilled filet mignon to homemade English muffins for our eggs benedict to homemade pasta, we were constantly amazed.
Ed and Erin know all the great places to go and tailored the trip to our family after getting to know us. Instead of a fancy dinner on Sabo Rock, Erin got reservations for the Pirate Show on a beach which was perfect for our group. Knowing to make reservations for a "lily pad" for the Pizza Pi boat was something we didn't even think to do but was one of our favorite memories. They made sure the young adults were able to go to the dive bar for St Patrick's Day fun, took us to beach clubs, shopping at Bitter's End yacht club, happy hour at a rum bar, made dive reservations, and dropped us at Sandy Spit Island, the bubbly pool, and of course Soggy Dollar.
Permabear is stocked with everything needed for a great vacation. Snorkel gear in all sizes, pool toys, SUP, floaties, wakeboards, beach towels, dry bags, games, and sunscreen . Although there were 10 of us on board, there were plenty of different spots to relax.
Knowing Erin was a former nurse gave me confidence that if we needed some medical aide we would have a qualified person on board. She knew the perfect solution to put on the jellyfish sting that our 6 yr old got while snorkeling.
The slide show of all our (and their) photos that they projected on the TV on the last day was a perfect way to end our trip. It was everything we dreamed it would be and Ed and Erin were a big part of making that happen.
If anyone is considering a trip to the BVI, they can't go wrong by choosing the Permabear with Ed, Erin, and Gus.
Carol
Meet your crew
Meet your crew
Captain Ed Irwin, Chef Erin Irwin, and Third Mate Gus bring a warm, adventurous, and deeply personal approach to every charter. Ed and Erin have lived aboard and sailed together since 2018, logging approximately 30,000 nautical miles across the Great Lakes, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond. Their extensive cruising background, thoughtful hospitality, and shared love of nature shape a charter experience that feels safe, relaxed, and carefully tailored to each guest.
With Ed’s calm seamanship, Erin’s wholesome cuisine and eye for meaningful details, and Gus’s gentle companionship, guests are welcomed into an atmosphere designed for connection, discovery, and lasting memories.
Click each crew profile to learn more about their background, experience, and personal story.
Read more
Captain Ed Irwin
Born in Newfoundland, Canada, Captain Ed developed an early love for the outdoors through fishing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and exploring remote places. He later grew up around the small lakes of Northern Illinois, often traveling by motorboat, but it was his first experience aboard a sailboat that sparked a lifelong passion for being carried by the wind.
After years sailing Lake Michigan, Ed and Erin restored an abandoned Cape Dory 36 and outfitted it for long-distance cruising. Since 2018, they have lived aboard and sailed throughout the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, U.S. East Coast, Maine, Bermuda, and Caribbean. In 2023, they traveled to the Mediterranean to collect the Bali 5.4 PERMABEAR, sailing through the Med to Las Palmas before crossing the Atlantic.
With approximately 30,000 nautical miles behind him, Ed brings extensive offshore experience and a calm, safety-conscious approach to every charter. For the past three years, he and Erin have chartered throughout the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, discovering secluded anchorages, becoming PADI scuba certified, and deepening their knowledge of the region.
Guests often comment on how safe and comfortable they feel with Ed at the helm. He looks forward to sharing the beauty, adventure, and timeless appeal of Caribbean sailing.
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Chef Erin Irwin
Chef Erin spent her childhood boating in Saugatuck, Michigan, and began sailing as a teenager. Her lifelong love for the water, family gatherings, and creating meaningful moments naturally led her to a life of hospitality at sea.
As the oldest daughter in a large family and the mother of five children, Erin became skilled at planning gatherings, creating welcoming spaces, and helping people connect. She and Ed have always found that sailing offers the perfect setting for joy, adventure, peace, and genuine time together.
Erin has been baking and cooking since childhood, with an emphasis on whole foods, scratch-made meals, and fresh ingredients. Her culinary style blends Mediterranean flavors, Asian influences, and comforting favorites prepared with a healthy, flavorful approach. Years spent exploring Chicago’s food scene also shaped her appreciation for thoughtful dining and the experience of sharing a memorable meal.
From the moment guests book, Erin works to personalize every detail, including menus, itineraries, beach gear, and onboard comforts. She especially enjoys helping families slow down, reconnect, and create memories that last long after the charter ends.
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3rd Mate Gus
Gus is a friendly Cairn Terrier, seasoned sailor, and much-loved member of the crew with more than 30,000 nautical miles under his paws. His adventures include befriending dolphins and turtles in the Caribbean, accompanying paddleboard excursions, and keeping a close watch on life aboard.
Quiet, gentle, and well behaved, Gus loves children and enjoys meeting new guests. As a Cairn Terrier, he has hair rather than traditional fur and is considered hypoallergenic, making him a comfortable companion for many families.
Though loyal to his crew, Gus is also an enthusiastic cuddler and is always happy to demonstrate why dogs make excellent sailing companions. His calm nature and affectionate personality bring an extra layer of warmth and charm to every charter.
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