IARA is a 2017 50’ Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran, beautifully refurbished in 2023 for a fresh, light, and relaxed feel in the Virgin Islands. Sleeps 6 in 3 cabins: 1 Master suite plus 2 Queen cabins—each with a private ensuite. The bright saloon is practical and inviting, with panoramic windows, a convertible lounge area, and a well-appointed galley—plus smart storage throughout. Large cabin windows and an easy cockpit connection keep the sea always in view. Expect easy island-hopping with plenty of space to lounge, swim, snorkel, and enjoy classic on-the-water fun between beaches and sunset anchorages. Breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly polished—IARA makes every mile feel like vacation.
Yacht Description
“A 50ft Fountaine Pajot from 2017.”
Specifications
- Length overall
- 50ft / 15.24 m
- Beam
- 7.92m
- Draft
- 1.22m
- Builder
- Fountaine Pajot
- Year built
- 2017
- Refit
- 2023
- Type
- Sailing Catamaran
- Cruising speed
- 8 knots
- Top speed
- 15 knots
- Engines
- 2 Diesel engines
- Generator
- 0
- Guests
- 6
- Cabins
- 3
- Crew
- 2
Charter Price
From $23,000 per week (2 guests), all-inclusive.
All-Inclusive arrangement — expenses covered.
Weekly rate varies by guest count — $23,000 to $25,000 for 2 to 6 guests. Shorter stays: weekly rate ÷ 7 × nights. All prices generated as a guide. Availability subject to confirmation. Gratuity is at the charterer’s discretion.
This yacht charters on all-inclusive terms — fuel, food, drinks and standard running expenses are covered in the charter price, so no APA deposit is added.
Summer Season
Winter Season
- Total guests
- 6
- Total cabins
- 3
- Queen cabins
- 3
- Heads
- 4
- Electric heads
- 4
- Showers
- 4
- Basins
- 4
- A/C
- Full
- A/C at night
- yes
3 staterooms for 6 guests.
IARA is a 2017 50’ Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran, beautifully refurbished in 2023 for a fresh, light, and relaxed feel throughout the Virgin Islands. Panoramic windows brighten the inviting salon, while a convertible lounge area, well-appointed galley, smart storage, and an easy connection to the cockpit create a practical layout that keeps the sea always in view.
Accommodating up to 6 guests, IARA offers 1 master suite and 2 queen cabins, each with a private ensuite. Large cabin windows add to the airy feel, while generous spaces for lounging, swimming, snorkeling, and unwinding between beaches and sunset anchorages make every day easy to enjoy. Breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly polished, IARA makes every mile feel like vacation.
- Captain
- Paul Bowring
- Nationality
- British
- Languages
- English
- Crew size
- 2
Paul Bowring
Captain
Captain Paul Bowring Originally from the United Kingdom, Captain Paul was raised around the world, from South Korea to the English countryside, developing an early fascination with travel, adventure, and different cultures. After his family settled in Brixham, sailing became a shared passion with his father and eventually the foundation of his career. In 2015, Paul left his position as a hotel manager in England to pursue life at sea, crossing the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to the Southern Caribbean. After exploring the region, he made Bequia home, where he captained the iconic Friendship Rose, a classic 100-foot wooden schooner built in the Grenadines. He later spent three years captaining the 35-meter motor yacht Star of the Sea while also operating a variety of charter yachts, including his own catamaran, Cataja. Since transitioning to freelance work in 2019, Paul has captained yachts throughout the Caribbean while continuing to share his love of sailing with others. He also volunteered with Bequia Junior Sailors, helping introduce young people to the rich sailing traditions of the Grenadines. Before entering the yachting industry, Paul built a successful career in hospitality, working his way up to General Manager of Queen’s Court Hotel and Quayside Hotels in the UK. Today, he combines those hospitality skills with professional seamanship to create relaxed, memorable charters. He holds an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification and an AEC 1.
Alexa DeRiggs
Chef/First Mate
Chef Alexa DeRiggs Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Chef Lexy has always considered herself an island girl at heart. After beginning her career in event planning and marketing, she relocated to St. Vincent & the Grenadines, her father’s homeland, where she worked for Bequia Beach Hotel before deciding to pursue a more adventurous path. Leaving the corporate world behind, Lexy became a certified yoga instructor, opened her own studio, Wild Thing Wellness, and helped operate her family’s Airbnb, Ohana House Bequia. In 2019, she began her professional sailing career as First Mate and Chef aboard Cataja, later joining Paul on multi-day charters throughout the Southern Caribbean. For Lexy, cooking is an expression of creativity, culture, and connection. Raised in a multicultural family with Caribbean and South Korean roots, she creates fresh, healthy, locally inspired cuisine infused with global flavors and thoughtfully tailored to each guest. She holds certifications in Culinary Nutrition, Food & Hygiene Level 2, and recently completed additional culinary nutrition studies through Leith’s School of Food & Wine. Beyond the galley, Lexy is a highly trained yoga instructor with more than 600 hours of training and previously owned a yoga studio in Bequia. She offers personalized onboard yoga sessions designed to promote relaxation, flexibility, and strength, providing guests with another way to unwind while surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean. Whether preparing memorable meals, leading a morning yoga session, or helping guests discover hidden island gems, Lexy brings warmth, creativity, and genuine hospitality to every charter.
-
Crew
- Watermaker
- Yes
- Water capacity
- 700185
- Special diets
- Yes
- Kosher
- On inquiry
- Gay charters
- Yes
- Crew smokes
- On inquiry
- Children welcome
- Yes
- Min. child age
- Swim Safe
Onboard Entertainment
Defibrillator Eisenglass Weather Protection
Diving
Rendezvous Not Included
Sustainability
Registry & Permits
- Flag
- BVI
- Homeport
- British Virgin Islands
- License
- 1
- Permit
- 1
- Insurance
- One Global
Charter Reviews
While the boat was perfect, what really made our trip was Captain Paul and Chef Lexy. We felt safe, cared for and pampered. They quickly got the rhythm of our family and the things we enjoyed doing.
Captain Paul made sure we got to amazing snorkel spots, patiently taught the kids to e-foil and his golden hour cocktails were 10/10.
Chef Lexy”s menus were creative with multiple layers of flavors and were extraordinarily yummy. She leaned in and embraced our GF eater and killed it, including making an epic flourless chocolate cake. Lexy cooks with love and every plate is beautifully intentional.
We are grateful for Paul, Lexy and Iara. This adventure was spectacular! Thank you all so much!
~Karen
Paul did an amazing job at getting us boat ready. He is very knowledgeable and answered all our questions with patience, as if he doesn’t get asked them every charter! Don’t get me started on the bar skills he has… cocktail hour is one of the best times of day aboard Iara!
Lexy is a magician in the kitchen. She poured love into every bite! Every meal was delicious, fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Our group plans to try and recreate some of our favorites.
The Iara was the perfect size for our party of six. We loved all the gathering spaces and the views they provided. My favorite was star gazing on the top while sipping a drink and listening to music.
Between the wonderful staff and dream team of Paul and Lexy, we had a trip filled with memories to last a lifetime. We cannot wait to find our next adventure with them. Thank you Paul and Lexy!
~Katelyn Buckley
Captain Paul curated an outstanding itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, exploration, and relaxation across the BVIs and USVIs. Each stop felt intentional and thoughtfully chosen, giving us a true sense of the islands while still allowing for spontaneity and discovery. Just as importantly, they struck a rare balance between engaging with our family and giving us the space to simply be together. Traveling as a family of five (with three daughters ages 9–14) that balance made all the difference.
Lexy was extraordinary in every sense. Her meals were consistently outstanding: creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. She somehow managed to accommodate a wide range of tastes, from kids to a pescatarian, without ever compromising on quality. Every meal felt abundant, with portions that were more than generous, and dinners were elevated by her fantastic craft cocktails. It’s not easy to deliver that level of culinary experience on a boat, but she made it look effortless.
They also went above and beyond in helping us celebrate two special milestones—hosting birthday celebrations on board for our 9- and 12-year-olds. They made each one feel thoughtful and memorable, adding a personal touch that meant a great deal to our family.
Beyond the itinerary and the food, what truly stood out was the warmth and attentiveness of both Paul and Lexy. Their service was seamless, friendly, and intuitive; they seemed to anticipate what we needed before we even asked. They created an environment that felt both elevated and completely comfortable.
This trip was, without question, a trip of a lifetime for our family - exciting, relaxing, and above all, safe. We will carry these memories with us for years to come, and we cannot recommend Captain Paul and Lexy aboard the Iara highly enough.
~Brad Trevillian
The itinerary was perfectly planned by Captain Paul and Lexy, giving us the chance to explore beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and some of the most stunning spots in the BVI. Each stop felt like a new adventure.
Lexy’s food was absolutely fabulous—every meal was fresh, creative, and delicious. It felt like dining at a floating restaurant with a new island view every day!
Paul was fantastic—knowledgeable, professional, and fun—making the trip relaxed and enjoyable. The service throughout the trip was excellent, and they went above and beyond to make our celebration special. Truly a great team.
A special thank you to Zelda, our trip advisor with Charter Smarter, who was incredibly helpful throughout the planning process and made everything so easy for us. 🙌
If you’re looking for an amazing way to celebrate a milestone birthday or just want a truly memorable vacation with friends, a BVI catamaran trip is the way to go. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
~Candi
~Brenda Jones
~Wetstone
From the moment we stepped on board, Captain Paul and Lexy made us feel completely at home. They are the perfect balance of professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. Traveling with four children (ages 9–15) can sometimes be an adventure in itself, but Paul and Lexy made it seamless and unforgettable for every one of us.
Paul patiently taught the boys a little how to sail and got them involved whenever possible. The boat was stocked with plenty of toys and watercraft to keep everyone entertained, and there was never a dull moment. My husband’s favorite day was visiting the Bitter End and Saba Rock, where we used the BOBs (handheld underwater propulsion devices) — such a thrill!
Lexy is an absolute culinary star. She prepared breakfast every morning (cappuccinos to DIE for) and lunch and dinner on the days we opted for it, and every single meal was creative, beautifully presented, and delicious. Our entire family looked forward to each meal — and with four kids, that’s saying something! She has such a talent for combining fresh ingredients into dishes everyone loved.
We packed so much into our seven days, but my favorite day was visiting Anegada. Paul and Lexy connected us with the perfect vehicle rental, and we spent the entire day exploring the island — such a unique and memorable experience.
The boat itself was spotless, comfortable, and clearly very well maintained. You could tell Paul and Lexy take great pride in IARA, and it shows in every detail.
What speaks volumes is this: I am usually ready to head home toward the end of a vacation. This time? I could have happily stayed another week — especially with Paul and Lexy. Their hospitality, kindness, and attention to detail made this experience extraordinary.
This trip did not just meet expectations — it surpassed them. If you’re considering a charter, IARA with Captain Paul and Lexy is an absolute dream. We will treasure these memories forever.
~Dolniks
We decided on an itinerary that was split between adventures (snorkeling, hiking, and local restaurants/bars) and time on the boat to relax as a family.
This was our first cruising vacation. We found everything to be organized and efficient. We had a video conference with Paul and Lexy prior to our trip to go over our itinerary and meals. We had done our research on what we wanted to do and see, Paul and Lexy offered some suggestions that turned out to enhance our trip.
Once on board it was easy to immediately relax because Paul and Lexy have such an easy and chill way about them. The food prepared by Lexy was as good and at times better then some 4-5 star restaurants we have eaten in.
The IARA was comfortable, clean, and totally relaxing for our family of six. Plenty of room to all be together and plenty of room to relax and escape when you wanted to. The IARA has a wide range of “water toys” that really enhanced the trip and Paul took us to some spectacular snorkeling spots that we really enjoyed.
We would highly recommend a trip on the IARA with Paul and Lexy.
~Fleming
-Whitney & Tommy
Lexi always had amazing aromas coming from the galley, and Paul made sure cocktail hour was consistently memorable. They were incredibly helpful in planning our menus for the week—everything was delicious, well-balanced, and never too heavy. The itinerary they put together was fantastic as well. We hit all the must-see spots and truly felt like we got a great sense of the BVIs.
One of the best parts was being on autopilot for the week, letting Lexi and Paul take the lead. No matter our mood, they could effortlessly tailor each day to be as active or as relaxed as we wanted.
The IARA itself was beautiful—very clean, modern, and well maintained. Even though we spent most of our time outside, the staterooms were spacious and extremely comfortable.
We couldn’t have asked for a better vacation and are already looking forward to the next trip.
-The Magruders
-The Cummings
-The Gregory Family
- Kelley Nichols
After finally deciding to just do it, we had no idea where to start. So, we started where I’m sure most do and went to Google! After reading and researching many broker companies, we settled on Yacht Warriors!
Matt and his team were so responsive! He listened, gave honest opinions and direction, and really helped shape our charter. It was honestly his recommendation of the benefits of the boat and our research on the crew that we decided on IARA – and what a perfect decision it was! This was our first charter but definitely will not be our last and I would use Matt and Yacht Warriors every time.
IARA - The boat is gorgeous! So well maintained and the décor is beautiful. Never doing a charter before, we were concerned having 2 teenage girls that we would not have the space we would need for 7 days. This could not be more wrong! There are so many different spaces that we could be together as a family or spend time alone if needed.
Although IARA is beautiful, it was the Paul and Lexy that made our trip unforgettable. From day 1 they made us feel welcomed and ensured that everything we needed was taken care of. The food was amazing – Lexy is an incredible chef – every meal was perfection and Paul’s nightly cocktails weren’t bad either!! Each day was planned perfectly – from helping us secure a Moke rental and dinner reservations in Anegada, to the Baths and snorkeling Monkey Point, the Indians and the Caves – our family experienced a trip of a lifetime. Paul was always so patient in teaching Dustin how to sail – and even included our teenage girls!
As the week came to an end, we were so sad to leave. We made lifelong friends and cannot wait to sail aboard IARA again.
If you are still deciding whether to take the trip… TAKE THE TRIP! You will not regret it. This trip was epic and will be hard to beat.
Thank you so much Lexy and Paul for the memories! We will cherish them forever.
Jessica, Dustin, Madison and Mallory
We can’t say enough good things about Paul and Lexy! Their attention to detail and genuinely fun vibe put us completely at ease from day one. As first-time charter guests and first-time visitors to the Virgin Islands, we couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Paul and Lexy truly set the bar high.
Paul’s skill as a captain and patience answering our questions made the sailing a memorable and exciting part of the trip, while Lexy’s incredible meals will be talked about — and (attempted to be) recreated in our own kitchen — for years to come. They worked tirelessly to provide us with a great experience.
As a team, they’re thoughtful, kind and an absolute joy to spend time with. The itinerary was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of time to explore the islands, swim, snorkel, and simply float in the crystal-clear water.
We haven’t stopped talking about this vacation — I keep calling it the trip of a lifetime, and it honestly was. Yet even as I reflect on how incredible it was, I’m already looking forward to seeing Iara’s itinerary for next year, hoping we’ll have the chance to sail with Paul and Lexy again!
Thank you for a 5-Star vacation. Highest recommendation for the Iara with Paul and Lexy.
-The Bley Family
Captain Paul was a true professional — calm, patient, and always accommodating, even as our group made last-minute changes or had a range of requests. He also proved to be a top-notch bartender, keeping us well taken care of during happy hour and beyond.
Lexy’s meals were a standout. Each dish was flavorful, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. A few of us are self proclaimed foodies, and her cooking became a daily highlight we all looked forward to.
We also had a great time using the games on board — a few intense rounds of Clue got competitive quickly thanks to the two brothers in our group, and it added a fun, unexpected layer to our downtime after hours of snorkeling, island bar hopping, ship jumping, and more.
Overall, it was a fantastic trip full of great memories, thanks to the IARA and its amazing crew. We’re so grateful for the experience and are already thinking about when we can come back! Thank you again Paul and Lexy!
- The Cummings Crew
- Kurdelmeyers
We traveled throughout the British Virgin Islands, hitting every spot we'd heard about and some areas recommended by the crew. Our favorites included the Baths at Virgin Gorda, the bubbling pool at Jost Van Dyke, snorkeling around the Norman Island caves and making it to the Bitter End.
The crew was the best part of our trip. Paul and Lexy made our vacation so easy and fun. Paul ensured we had the right mix of adventure, water sports and relaxation. Lexy is a talented chef, and the meals were fresh and delicious. She somehow adapted her menu to please our picky kids. We lingered over gorgeous sunsets and different cocktails every evening.
We will never forget that trip! It was amazing!
Ramsey
Brockenbrough
Food: Lexi is a fantastic chef - she made every single meal feel gourmet, special, home-cooked…because it all was. From steak, to scallops, to fish tacos, to creme brûlée, to eggs Benedict, to fresh salads, to paella - it was all so satisfying. Paul made killer cocktails every night while we took in the sunset from the top of the boat. Then he’d bring delicious appetizers (that of course Lexi made!) Maybe mimosas with breakfast, definitely wine with dinner, fresh fruit and snacks before or after a swim - always right there, always easy. We were served by Paul and Lexi - always attentive, never lingering, always available and willing to chat when we’d strike something up.
Boat: a super-cool, Scandinavian/modern/sleek feel with so many great spaces. A sunny spot up top with a big, L-shaped couch. A front with cushions for laying out. A shady, comfy L-shaped couch/booth around a big table (that we incidentally played cards, jenga on at least as often as we ate there. (I also napped there several times. Another long couch in the shade for looking out the back. Another shady, cushioned reading nook. The bedroom(s) in the hull with more storage space than we could use. We took hot showers and woke up looking out the window of our bed watching the sunrise on mornings we faced East. My favorite spot by far: the webbing (Paul called it a trampoline) on the front of the boat where I laid out and caught sun and the splashing of waves when we were hopping from island to island. Literally one of my favorite things to do on the planet. It felt like being a little kid.
Activities: we snorkeled around more reefs than I can remember, virtually every day. We snorkeled around caves, the Indians (rocks/reef sticking up out of the ocean). We’d paddle board, float in the water, explore beaches, found iconic oceanside bars, hiked in some sort of rainforest, explored caves, and swam in a magical protected cove that was like a jacuzzi fueled by waves channeling through oceanside rocks. I’m sure there were more things that others would have explored but the range, ease, accessibility, and diversity of hitting a couple of these things each day was plenty for us. And Paul and Lexi listened to what we wanted to do and mirrored the pace and activities we sought. And always offered a cold beverage, meal, or bottle of bubbly when we would return.
In the end I think what I appreciated the most was how easy it was just to be. The only decision we needed to make: which part of the boat to sit on while we read, had a drink, or caught sun. Paul and Lexi owned ALL the responsibilities. Such a delight that they took on literally everything that the week required. If Paul and Lexi lived here instead of on a boat in the Caribbean, I know I’d be friends with them. We shared so many great conversations and laughs - I think that made it all that much more special. I’ll be talking about this trip for the rest of my life!
Randy
Stirling
Henry
and Lexy provided an expertly curated itinerary and menu. IARA is a spacious boat with comfortable bedrooms and all the amenities you need. We sailed swam and ate our way through the BVIs. Definitely a trip of a lifetime and we owe it to Paul and Lexy!
Lela and LT
We can not thank you enough for all your hospitality and service.
Our Holiday on Wonderland was magical.
We hope your future voyages bring you much happiness!!
Matt & Diane
We had such a relaxing week aboard Felicia with you both! We appreciated your calm dispositions and willingness to teach the boys. Thank you for taking them wake boarding, allowing them to explore the night life of the sea creatures, fishing, tipping over the kayak, exploring the shore and teaching them to sail! The report back to the parents was mostly about how cool Paul was! The food was wonderful! I really appreciated your calm, "all is well" disposition. It made for a wonderfully relaxing week for me, thank you! Most definitely one of our favorite trips of all time!
Blessings on your future adventures!
Traci and the gang
I tried to write an official sounding review but my thoughts feel so personal that I decided to write it in the form of a thank you letter to you both. I hope this is ok.
Thank you so much for an incredible week aboard Felicia! Wow— you exceeded our expectations on every level. Paul, you’re not only a great captain but your bartending skills are pretty epic! I’m still thinking about those spicy margaritas! Lexy, every meal was excellent and the variety of meals was incredible. You worked tirelessly in the kitchen— always with a smile on your face. Both of you were so patient with us— answering numerous questions, accommodating all requests, closing our hatches when we forgot, and the list goes on and on!
We were expecting the week to be wonderful but the 2 of you made it better than we could have dreamed. You helped us celebrate Tricia's big birthday in such a fun way— videoing our dance party, letting us hang up decorations, making specialty drinks, providing a birthday cake, and joining in on the fun.
You were flexible with the itinerary when suggestions were made and navigated us through some tricky wind and weather. We always felt 100% safe with the 2 of you in charge. (not sure we can say the same about Mark and Lee’s kayaking skills!)
It really was a trip of a lifetime with our dearest friends and we are grateful that you were our crew! Y’all are a Dream Team for sure and I hope we can return to Felicia (or whatever vessel you’re on) in the future!
All our best-
Kristy & Keith
The Frankel Family
Paul and Alexa were the perfect hosts Paul has abundant energy and is an excellent skipper- very confident and professional. He’s also a superb host which is an impressive combination. He knows the boat, the waters, the islands and the locals and made sure everyday was fulfilling He’s also a very attentive bartender and he is superbly complemented by his ever smiling Alexa. If there is a better chef in the Caribbean I’d be surprised Her range of cuisine was amazing and nothing was impossible! Felicia was an excellent way to see the islands Whether it was day trips to beaches, swimming, lunch or dinner, each day was an experience. Sparrow’s beach club on Union Island was a great afternoon with a lot of cocktails and lobster
Paul and Alexa, many thanks.We shall be back!
The Falconers
With love from us both
Duncan and Hilary
We had the most wonderful time with you on the Felicia. I was always amazed how you kept your calm - with coping with us old folks!! Getting us on shore - and back on board. I loved watching the sails go up. So we did the real sailing - cutting the engines - it was awesome! Alexa is SO the best cook on the high seas. And Paul was such a kind, courteous, and helpful skipper. The best really!!! We couldn’t of asked for more - I seriously recommend them.
With many thanks,
Bryan & Sara
-Carolyn & Jerry
They were delightful to sail with. Fun but relaxed and consistently working hard to make sure we got everything we wished for. Alexa’s food was sensational, happily catering for our young children while also putting on delicious food for my husband and myself later in the evening.
As they have been living in the area they knew all the best spots. Were able to advise us on some terrific restaurants on our nights out and introduce us to some of their friends at some idyllic locations.
We were blown away and have made sure to tell all our friends of what a fantastic family holiday we had.
We will definitely be keeping in touch with Alexa and Paul and are already planning our next adventure away hopefully sooner rather than later.
-Leandra
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