PARADIGM SHIFT

After talking about a sailing charter vacation for several years with friends, our family finally decided it was time to make it happen. Instead of going with a larger group, we chose to take the trip with just the four of us—my wife and I and our two children, ages 18 and 21. After researching numerous charter boats, reading reviews, and watching videos, we ultimately selected Paradigm Shift.

Like many people planning their first charter, we spent a lot of time comparing boats. The reality is that many of the sailboats are beautiful, well-maintained, and visit many of the same destinations. What ultimately convinced us to choose Paradigm Shift was Captain Kendell and Kari. Based on everything we read and watched, we felt that the crew would be the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. We were absolutely right.

Captain Kendell was outstanding from the moment we stepped aboard. His sailing knowledge, boating expertise, and familiarity with the islands were impressive. He seemed to know exactly where to go, when to go, and how to avoid crowds while maximizing our experience. Whether we were finding the perfect snorkeling spot, discovering a hidden beach, or enjoying a sunset sail, his local knowledge made every day special. What I appreciated most was his willingness to share his experiences. He took the time to explain sailing techniques, boat systems, and life aboard a sailboat, making the trip both educational and enjoyable. He was always approachable, professional, and clearly passionate about what he does.

Kari was equally amazing. The food she prepared throughout the week was simply exceptional. To this day, I'm still amazed at the quality and variety of meals she created from such a small galley. Every meal felt like something you would expect at a high-end restaurant, yet it was served in the relaxed atmosphere of our own private sailboat. Beyond her culinary skills, Kari has a remarkable ability to anticipate guests' needs. She seemed to instinctively know when we wanted conversation, when we needed something, and when we simply wanted to relax and enjoy the moment as a family. That balance is a rare talent and one that greatly enhanced our experience.

What made this trip truly memorable was how comfortable and welcome Kendell and Kari made us feel. By the end of the week, it felt less like we had hired a captain and chef and more like we had spent time with friends who happened to know the islands better than anyone else. They created an atmosphere that allowed our family to disconnect from everyday life, reconnect with each other, and make memories that we will talk about for years to come.

If you are considering a charter vacation and are comparing boats, my advice is to pay as much attention to the crew as you do the boat itself. Paradigm Shift is a beautiful sailboat, but Captain Kendell and Kari are what make the experience exceptional. They exceeded every expectation we had and made our first charter trip one we will never forget.
~Spears

Our trip on Paradigm Shift was amazing!! The boat was pristine and well equipped and Kari and Kendall were absolutely amazing!! Kendall set up a Zoom call with us prior to our trip and took down all of our wants and needs. And he ended up putting together an itinerary that was tailored to exactly what we wanted. And Kari's cooking was beyond our expectations. We ate like kings and queens. And finally, we got to know them so well that we are still in touch and they may visit us this summer. Such a lovely, lovely couple!
~Sybil

This was my first charter experience, and here's what I learned: It’s all about the crew! From the moment we met Chef Kari, with her warm and infectious smile, and Captain Kendall, who immediately made us feel welcome, we knew we were in excellent hands! This incredible team has a chemistry that will be hard to find on any other charter. They have a way of naturally creating a positive, fun, and authentic vibe that at the end of the trip, you won't want to leave. From start to finish, we felt at home.

They took incredible care of us throughout the trip. Everything we wanted to do was thoughtfully planned. For example, when we went snorkeling (only my second time!), Kari and Kendall went with us, making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable while still having an amazing time. Great peace of mind! Plus, I could relax knowing someone was keeping an eye on me.

They even provided pirate hats and fun accessories to make our visit to Willy T’s extra memorable!

Captain Kendall was knowledgeable, friendly, and fun, all while maintaining a strong focus on safety. He knew the best places to go - for white beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling, stargazing, sunsets and sunrises, and some secret gems along the way. We really enjoyed getting to know both of them and sharing stories over dinner and late night jam sessions (our group had 2 musicians).

The food and unique rum drinks were absolutely delicious and exactly what we were hoping for! Yummy seafood and breakfast dishes!

If you’re looking for a charter crew that anticipates your needs, checks in often, makes fantastic drinks and meals...and is ready to make your trip remarkable, I highly recommend Kari and Kendall. An unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to do it again!
-Mike and Diane

An Unforgettable BVI Adventure with Kendell and Kari!

My recent charter boat trip to the British Virgin Islands was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible experiences of my life, thanks in large part to our phenomenal crew, Captain Kendell and our amazing chef, Kari!

From the moment we stepped aboard, we knew we were in for a treat. Captain Kendell navigated the stunning BVI waters with expert precision and a fantastic sense of humor, ensuring every stop was perfectly timed for maximum enjoyment. He truly knows all the best spots and made us feel safe and relaxed throughout the entire journey.

And then there's Kari... oh, the food! Every single meal was a culinary masterpiece. Seriously, if you're a food lover, Kari's cooking alone is reason enough to book this charter. From fresh, vibrant breakfasts to gourmet lunches and decadent dinners, each dish was prepared with passion and skill, using the freshest ingredients. We were constantly amazed by the variety and quality – it truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant every day, but with the most breathtaking ocean views imaginable.

Our itinerary was packed with iconic BVI gems:

Foxy's (Jost Van Dyke): The perfect spot for a lively evening, great music, and vibrant atmosphere.

Willy T's: A rite of passage and an absolute blast!

Soggy Dollar Bar (Jost Van Dyke): Famous for Painkillers and unforgettable beach vibes.

Lime Out (St. John/Coral Bay): Tacos and cocktails in paradise – what more could you ask for?

The Baths (Virgin Gorda): An absolutely stunning natural wonder, perfect for exploring the massive granite boulders and grottoes.

Virgin Gorda: Beyond The Baths, its natural beauty and serene bays are captivating.

The Bitter End Yacht Club (Virgin Gorda): A fantastic spot to relax, enjoy the nautical atmosphere, and grab a drink.

Saba Rock: A newly rebuilt, fantastic spot to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and incredible views.

Every stop offered something unique, and Kendell ensured we had ample time to swim, snorkel, explore, or simply soak in the stunning surroundings.

This charter trip was more than just a vacation; it was an immersive experience that recharged our souls. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the BVI with top-notch service, incredible food, and a crew that feels like family, look no further. Kendell and Kari made this trip truly epic, and I cannot recommend them enough! We are already dreaming of our next trip back with them!


Thank you and stay safe,

Doug Hoffman

We have chartered with Steve and Bonnie twice, each time as part of our yacht club's annual cruise.  PARADIGM SHIFT provided the platform from which six of us would race our sailboat each day.  This was an unusual assignment because we were gone all day racing, but it put many demands on Steve and Bonnie which they lived up to with smiles and interest.  Not only did they need to move PARADIGM SHIFT to specific locations, they had to be there before we got there and be ready for us to raft up which they always did.  While Steve had to deal with our logistics, Bonnie had to deal with our meal schedule - breakfast early, lunch packed by 8:30 to start which she magically did each day.  Breakfast was different everyday and we each looked forward to what treats would be served to us. Whether it be blueberry pancakes, quiche or eggs with bacon, there was also plenty of fruit and everything was beautifully served.  Lunch each day was fun because one of us would "peek" to see what Bonnie had dreamt up for lunch.  Each meal was imaginative and delicious.  Dinner was always a highlight so we would try to hold back on the delish appetizers Bonnie served, but that was hard to do.  Everything was prepared and served with care, love, and graciousness.  One of our friends wanted to take Bonnie home so he could continue to enjoy the meals she prepared for us.  Bonnie and Steve do it all with huge smiles - you know they really care about their guests as people and want them to have the best possible experience.  I wish them all the best and hope to see them again next season.
Best,
Patti

Bonnie Carroll is a very talented chef, who went to great lengths to make sure we had the foods and beverages listed on our preference sheet. We had delicious, freshly made meals every day, inventive hors d’oeuvres with just the right balance re: frequency of meals and snacks! We felt very well looked after. She was also extremely accommodating when it came to having the occasional guest on board. It was a delight to cruise on Paradigm Shift and my husband and I look forward to our next trip with them!

Sealy & Mark Hopkinson

“We couldn’t have guessed that one of the most memorable, delightful parts of our Caribbean sailing adventure would be the onboard food and drink experience. As exciting and other-worldly as the overall journey was, it was Bonnie’s thoughtful touch and unbelievable capability in the galley that we keep talking about. We never had to ask for our cup to be filled with something delicious, nor did we ever pass by the salon dining table without there being a delicious, beautiful option for a snack or a meal. Bonnie’s ability to provision the perfect ingredients and then create a truly memorable dining experience was a highlight of each of the half-dozen cruises we’ve taken aboard Paradigm Shift.”

Chuck Allen & Rilla DeLorier

Late February, 2023, guests aboard catamaran PARADIGM SHIFT wrote their note in their own hand...

Dear Bonnie, Steve, and Sailor

I wanted to convey our appreciation and gratitude for the care and attention to detail you both showed us on our wonderful Christmas / New Years charter….Nicole and I had fabulous week, Bonnies’ food was exceptional... the freshness , variety and portions were perfect for us. Captain Steve was able to fast track the paperwork required to enter the BVI which was our goal on this trip as we had been denied entry in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. All in all an amazing trip, both relaxing and fun when we needed it…best charter ever! Thanks again Steve & Bonnie..

PS: We miss Sailor dog every minute and hope you are sneaking treats to her in our absence!!

Best,
Bernard and Nicole

Bonnie, Steve and the Paradigm Shift exceeded all expectations. This is not our first rodeo. We have enjoyed sailing in the BVI's many times but this was, by far, our best overall experience, even though Covid limited our cruising area. Bonnie and Steve knew where to take us to maximize our experience. Snorkeling off Culebra was a highlight. We will definitely be back on the Paradigm Shift!

Dear Bonnie, Steve and Sailor,
We knew this would be a trip of a lifetime but thank you for making it better than we could have ever imagined! You guys ROCK!

We miss the islands already! We try to keep the island vibe going 😊

Bonnie and Steve were awesome!! We can’t imagine a better week. They were more than accommodating!! The boat is perfect and you can tell they take pride in it. Bonnie is an awesome cook and nailed every meal....and drink😉

They are amazing people and we had a ton of fun with them. They were a perfect match for us. Hopefully they had fun with us 🙂

We can’t wait to get back!!!

We spent 8 magical days on the Paradigm Shift and as I was stepping off the boat on our last day I turned to Bonnie and Steve and simply said that sometimes dreams really do come true!! I also want a special shout out to Bonnie for being an amazing chef!! The quality of the food was unexpected from the relatively tight quarters of a boat galley!! In summary, I highly recommend Vine Yachts and Steve and Bonnie Carroll on the Paradigm Shift !! The sign of a fantastic vacation is in stating that my family and I can’t wait to do this again!!!!!

I live in the Virgin Islands and I am very picky on boat charters. Steve and Bonnie have the nicest boat in the VI that I have been on. They just arrived to the area with their absolutely beautiful boat and are the new game in town to beat.

We chartered it for a day for a work retreat with my New York office. Our group was 12. It was fantastic. The boat is new and spotless, Bonnie's food was outstanding (think high expectations for big-city foodies), and Steve was a great captain, making sure we went to the best places for our group and pulling out all the toys for us throughout the day (tubing, snorkel gear, SUPs, games, etc.)!

I have seen most of the charters in the VI so this review should save a lot of research time. If you like new and clean, high-quality food, the best layout of a catamaran I have seen, and a very professional and fun host couple, this is your boat. I will be taking my family on an overnight charter next.


Jeff Picket

Visited December 2015

Steve and Bonnie Carroll made our charter everything we had hoped for and more. From the moment we met them, after exchanging sincere hugs, their first priority was making sure we were comfortable with them and being on their boat. Bonnie was an incredible cook for us. She was always making something delicious and was extremely kind in doing so. On a few occasions we watched and helped her prepare meals. It was fascinating for us to learn new recipes and share some of ours with her. What a delight! Steve always made us feel as if we were in good, safe hands. He had total control over the boat at all times. We enjoyed watching him sail and navigate. He took the time to show us what he was doing, explain his high tech navigational system, and together we developed the itinerary that best suited us. In both of their respective roles, they were true professionals with personalities you dream of. They were always aware of everything. They had the perfect blend of asking if we need anything, and knowing when we wanted space. They had so many fun water toys and we all played on them together. Having them participate with us on their stand up paddle boards, walks on the beach collecting sea shells, meandering through island towns, and early morning swims, showed us that if you're lucky, you're crew can have a fun side to them. Steve was happy to show us how to drive the dingy, although i might have made him nervous :) Their dog, Tabasco, was adorable and never felt in the way. Every morning he would climb on my lap while I enjoyed Bonnie's delightful coffee. I'm allergic to dogs, but Tabasco, being hypo-allergenic, never gave me a single problem. Definitely the best dog I've ever met! Steve and Bonnie were genuinely interested in hearing about our lives and it allowed us to feel very easy going. This is a subtle but important trait you want on your charter. After all, you're sharing limited space together. Their casual and relaxed nature made us feel as if we made life long friends. The boat was always very clean, neat, and organized. Whenever we were looking for something, down to the littlest thing such as a toothpick, nail clipper, or tape; they knew just where it would be. This trip was an all time travel highlight for us, and we've been all over the world. While we were still on the boat, we were trying to make a plan for when we can get back on in the future.

Everything was perfect!! Bonnie and Steve were great!! Couldn't have ask for a more perfect day!!

We returned last night from the most amazing time! Bonnie and Steve were amazing hosts and made us so comfortable. All of my family - especially the birthday boy Steve, just had a wonderful time. The accommodations were great, the food was delicious and the activities were just enough. We still had plenty of time to just relax and get to know each other better. We had our two new members of our family with us- our future son-in-laws!

Our charter was fabulous! Paradigm Shift is modern, spacious, comfortable, plus great under sail. The Exumas are spectacular with their deserted beaches, pristine snorkeling, plus oh-so amazing water colors. We found the Exumas to have just enough establishment and entertainment on land to keep things interesting (with visits to some local marinas, bars, and restaurants plus a fun stop to see the swimming pigs), but what makes the location so unique is the feeling of truly being away from it all. In the end, what made our vacation so special was our crew of Steven, Bonnie and their little dog Tabasco. Steven is a great Captain, making you feel comfortable and safe in his care. He has a wealth of knowledge about the Bahamas and picked a perfect itinerary for our charter. Bonnie is a great Chef, producing one yummy gourmet treat after another. She's also a warm, fun, and friendly person and made us feel extremely welcome aboard. Together, they're an interesting and fun couple to spend time with and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. Their 3rd crew member, Tabasco, was a real treat to have around and made a perfect and lovable companion for our trip. We look forward to chartering the Paradigm Shift in the Exumas again soon.

We had a marvelous week on Paradigm Shift. It is an absolutely stunning part of the world and even though I spent a lot of time working I was glad that I was on a yacht in the Exuma Cays! Steve and Bonnie were great, excellent hosts and they took such good care of the kids which made a huge difference for Kate and I. The yacht itself is great, lots of space, modern and well set up. I would highly recommend Steve and Bonnie as hosts and Paradigm Shift as a yacht and as you know I am a little hard to please at times!! Rob Joseph

Karen - Just back from Maine so before it slips my mind. Steve and Bonnie, as you suggested were just terrific. Great outgoing personalities. Hardest working two person crew we ever saw (and we’ve seen a lot.) He’s a super boat handler, she’s quite competent and more importantly cooks up a storm. Gourmet class cook. In addition to which they cheerfully catered a cocktail party for our closest friends, found two hands to service arriving and departing ducks, and served two other meals at which we had three guests each. Full on first class effort with never a frown.

You will not be surprised that I went the full 20%, deposit balance plus check. For something that was lined up at the last minute it was great. Many thanks to you. If they ever need references, happy to provide (or you can just use this note!) Warm regards, G

PS - I won’t forget you for next year! With better notice.

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