GAMBIT
Yacht Specifications
Yacht Type
Catamaran
Flag
BVI
Last Refit
2021
Cruising Speed
7 kts
Air Conditioning
Full
AC All Night
Yes
Water Capacity
254 L
Water Maker
Yes
Engines & Generator
Twin 75hp diesel engines 11.5 Kw & 7.5Kw generators
Accommodation
Additional Accommodation Details
Gambit offers sleeping accommodations for 6 guests in 3 queen size cabins and 1 twin bunk room (suitable for kids/teens). All offer AC and ensuite head and shower. Stbd bunk head has wet head/shower.
Photo Gallery
Yacht Gambit is a beautifully appointed Lagoon 500 catamaran offering charters and scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
We would love to welcome you all aboard and share with your group the highlights and secrets spots of one of the world's most sought after cruising destinations.
-
Gambit anchored near the beach!
Gambit's cockpit with outdoor dining
Gambit's forward cockpit seating
Gambit's port side looking forward with steps to the top deck.
Bright and airy salon on Gambit
Gambit queen berth
Aft Guest cabin on GambitVideos/VR
Watersports & Toys
Other Toys
Scuba Diving
Scuba Availability
Yacht offers Rendezvous Diving only
Number of Divers
4
Dives Per Week
3 Dives pp
License Info
Master
Dive Tanks
10
BCs
8
BCS/Regulators
Included
Regulators
8
Air Compressor
Not Onboard
Weight Sets
8
Cost - Resort Course
N/A
Cost - Full Course
N/A
Diving Information
Rendezvous Diving only.
Costs - 2 Tank dive is $140 per person.
Diving Costs Information
Amenities
Communication
Green Initiatives
Drinking Water Tested for Purity
Yes
Re-usable Water Bottles
Yes
Yacht Crew2 Total Crew

About the Crew
Doug holds a Yachtmaster Offshore Qualification, reinforced with many ocean crossings and coastal voyages. Doug started sailing in his mid twenties, based off the east coast of South Africa, where sailing and weather conditions are notoriously unpredictable and the coastline hazardous. Having grown up on the ocean with surfing, free diving, spear fishing, scuba diving, sailing and yacht racing as his main activities; sailing charters was a natural progression for him. Weekends were occupied with local and coastal racing as well as family sailing with the children. In 1995, in pursuit of our joint ambition to travel to remote places, we left on an extended 6 year cruise aboard our 30 foot yacht together with our two children, then 4 and 6 years old. This adventure took us across the Indian Ocean and back to South Africa, and then across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. During our cruising years we explored remote archipelagos, traveled by yacht many miles up the Amazon River, visited new and unique places, experienced diverse cultures and were exposed to many and varied challenges and opportunities. In 2012, the urge to travel again resulted in the acquisition of Katlyn, our first catamaran, and once again we set off across the Atlantic from Cape Town, spending a year en route, before establishing ourselves in the charter industry in the Caribbean. Along the way we have redeveloped our awareness, appreciation and respect for the ocean, the sky and the weather in all its diversity. In 2018, we upgraded and purchased Gambit, our current charter catamaran, and brought her 4500nm from Italy to the Caribbean.
Doug has been an avid adventure, sport enthusiast throughout his life. After several years of service in a special forces airborne unit, he became involved in Skydiving. He is an advanced skydiver with 2500 jumps, competed on a national level and was the chief instructor at his skydive club prior to his involvement with sailing; he is an experienced paraglider, loves scuba and free diving, as well as water and snow skiing and has completed a number of arduous long distance marathons. He is a natural storyteller and entertainer with a great sense of humor, a charismatic and attentive host, willing to go the extra mile to ensure you get the most out of your vacation whilst ensuring your privacy when appropriate.
Val grew up on a vast dairy farm in the Drakensberg farming district of South Africa, and attended boarding school, before qualifying as a private secretary and then a primary school teacher. She traded horse riding and hiking for sailing, and was perfectly positioned to home school the children while cruising. She is a qualified scuba diver, and enjoys snorkeling, skiing and hiking, and living the island life. She takes pride and pleasure in creating inviting spaces through tasteful choice and use of fabrics and decor, and is an accomplished seamstress. This is evident in the decor aboard Gambit. Many years of monohull sailing and galley responsibilities have enabled her to become a competent and creative chef aboard, fine tuned by various short courses in the culinary arts and bolstered with hundreds of satisfied charter guests.
Doug and Val have a passion for traveling and a special affinity for the African bush, it’s wildlife, beauty, solitude and wide open spaces, and have been fortunate to do an extended three month 4x4 camping safari with roof top tent through some of the most unspoiled and rugged areas of Southern Africa. The freedom of traveling without boundaries inspired a six week camper van tour of New Zealand, wild camping without the constraints of official campsites in the winter wonderland of mountains and fjords. During this time we took the opportunity to try our hand at dog sledding, abseiling and caving. We have spent a month touring Sri Lanka traveling by train and staying in local B&B’s, visited Egypt and driven off the beaten track through the Western Desert, camping in the splendor of the White Desert en route. We have driven across the USA and would love to follow this up with a longer RV trip in the not to distant future.
After 17 years of sailing together, we team up on deck to offer you a fun filled sailing vacation, and when the anchor is down, a companionable, relaxed yet attentive atmosphere is created for you to escape your normal routine and create memories which will live with you forever.
We would love the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you in the BVI, offer you our hospitality aboard Gambit, and show you around some of our lovely anchorages and must see spots that we’ve come to call home.
Meet the Crew

African adventure

Paragliding in the Grenadines

Hiking in the BVI
Yacht Menu
Culinary Experience
Sample Menus
menu1
menu2

menu3

menu4

menu5
menu6
menu7

menu8

menu9
Guest Reviews
Amazing trip!
Mackie, Bruce, Jenni and Brian
Wedding Anniversary
Fondly, Jan, Joel, Kristen, Andrew and Marjan.
The Kirby Clan
The Kirbys
Birthday celebration
Tom, Sue, Nick and Colette
Trip #4
Frank and Valorie
Blew us away
Rick and Sue
Legendary Trip
Sarah, Hans, Henry and Colt
Simply doing nothing!
Tim and Deanne
Relaxing and Island Hopping
Christine and Joe
Theme party group
Rosie and Mark
Together as a family
Laura
Bat Cave Enthusiast
Small and Grand moments
Lucia
What more can I say?
Steve
WOW! WOW! WOW!
Dessie and Jay
60 Never felt so good!
Ben and Susan
Captain and Admiral
Hunter & Missy
Made our lives richer
Tom & Connie
Introducing Delilah
Mountaintop Experience
Ann
Decade long bucket list
Tom
Girls' Getaway Adventure
Cathy 'the water's cold'
Elena 'the conch fart champion'
Juli 'the silent one'
Lisa 'the how about a night cap one'
Maybe the Grenadines next...
Catherine, Teddy, Peter, Hugh and Willa
Heaven for a week
Louise and Ridge
The perfect vessel
George and Kathy
Loved every minute
Betsy and John
So much fun
The Schaumburg family
Hidden Coves
Lori
Sea and snorkeling
Sarah
Katie all the way from Aussie
Katie
The Dawn and the Stars
Bob and Lynell
Treasured memories
and a heaven in a wild flower,
hold infinity in the palm of your hand
and eternity in a hour..."
William Blake
This week may be but a grain of sand, but it will stay in our hearts forever. Treasured memories, treasured friends. Thank you for everything.
Mike & Shelia
A true revelation
Richard & Anne-Marie
Dices away
The Ckarks
How did a week go by so quickly?
Nancy, Glenn, Jess, Ashley, Dan and Owen
Journeys and Discoveries
Kim and Dave
An author aboard!
Bill and Emily
Phenomenal
The Sears
Thank you
Kathy and Rod
Some trepidation...
Dwight and Sandra
Mike from Memphis
Mike and Cindy
Memorable Week
Fondly
The Howards
A great time
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Beto, Rafa, Laura, & Pedro
Trip we'll never forget
Mike and Lea
Magnificent once again
Scott and Whitney
Best vacation ever!
Jody and Cheryl
18th Wedding Anniversary
The Pelletier gang
A floating toy box
With gratitude,
Matt, Jill, Finn and Rory
5 Star!
Danny and Merilin
Trip #3
Frank and Valorie
On the 13th June, 2022.....
Wonderful trip
Monique and Chris
Back to my paradise
Teresa and Greg
The Tennessee Crew
Karl and Janice
Extraordinary
Tom and Dorothy
All round amazing vacation
Carolyn and Don
4 Generations
Seriously you provided our family an awesome time and were very accommodating given 4 generations! Until next time keep your wind at your back and sun on your faced keep smiling, you have created an amazing lifestyle
Your 3rd mate
James
Kiddos aboard
Tracy
Wonderful trip
Pat
Val, every meal was so wonderful, I don't know how you do it so consistently! Doug, thank you for safe passage and sharing your military experiences. Best of luck with the new truck! God bless you always and congratulations on the upcoming wedding
Gary
Delayed vacation
Love Tom and Julie
The Minnesota Crew
Rick and Susan
We enjoyed and appreciated being dropped into so many great spots for our swims and fish watching - and good discussions on the 'State of the State'
Tom and Jackie
What a great trip. You are wonderful hosts. The meals were excellent and your friendliness and professionalism is much appreciated. It is a bonus when I learn little things along the way and I picked up some useful tips. Thank you
Tim and Kathy
We had no idea what this trip was going to show and teach us. It has exceeded our expectations. Your kindness will never be forgotten - thank you! Food waste notch every single day - Val you are fantastic. Meals, planning, activities were absolutely outstanding. You both are gracious hosts. If my toenail floats up on shore and you find it, just leave it!
Hoota and Jeanette
Unforgettable experience
Thanks for everything.
Maria and Rob
Six decades celebration
What an amazing experience... the perfect five days! Dan and I loved every single moment! You both are exceptional as charter crew but mostly as the most welcoming and fascinating people I have ever known. I'd love to have this experience again! ~ Dan and Alexa
"Take me to the ocean, let me sail the open sea. To breathe the warm and salty air and dream of things to be"
LOVED IT!!!
thank you Doug and Val for showing us the hidden wonders of the wind and sail. It is with heavy hearts that we leave you both and the beauty of the Virgin Islands that you showed us. But we take amazing memories and lessons home with us, as well as the possibility of being guests on Gambit once more. It was a Spring Break for the books ~ Devin, Linda, Jason, Nico, David & Robin
Three generations
Carters return
All our thanks
Dan and Alexa
Bow Lake Crew
As Michele said.... thanks so much!!! What a wonderful week with wonderful hosts. A great captain, fantastic chef... just a wonderful time ~ Peter and Elizabeth
Yes Doug and Val, Jim and I feel like we've gained two wonderful friends. You really made our week comfortable, fun, adventurous and the food was superb. Thank you friends ~ Jim & Lynne
Doug and Val, thank you for an amazing time. Val, thank you for all the wonderful food and stories. Doug, thank you for getting me to go snorkel and taking us to the wonderful hidden pool. I believe I will snorkel again! ~ Dale and Dan
The Vances advance again!
IT WAS AN AMAZING TRIP - TRULY AMAZING! Always the food - it couldn't be better. The dives....so much fun for the gang. Anegada was unbelievable! The beaches and swimming so enjoyable. but the best of all is the two of you! Your are perfect hosts. We love you so much and thank you for being such a fun part of our family. some of the best memories. We can't wait until next time ~ Don, Vickey & the gang
Long awaited return
So happy to have spent more time with you and Gambit. We talked about the trip before this one for years with great affection and now we have more wonderful memories to share with our friends and family. We hope that you guys will always be our friends and that you feel like members of our family too. Until we meet again, safe travels and full sails ~ Randy & Carol
Thank you so much for welcoming us so warmly onto your boat and home. We felt comfortable and immediately at home, like old friends united. Cheers to you both, esp Val and her amazing food! Thanks again ~ Randi & Micah
Thank you so much for a wonderful trip that I will never forget. Val, your cooking and our astronomy lesson, and Doug, I hope you think of our family when you grab ice from your newly named machine Delilah. I hold you both dearly in my heart ~ Georgia
Oregon clan ~ 'this is the start to a beautiful friendship
Well, UNBELIEVABLE, is the best way to describe these last 9 days! For our 1st sailing trip we couldn't have scripted a better time, a better crew, a better experience with all of us, and it is because of you two. As Louie from Casablanca said to Humphrey Bogart "this is the start to a beautiful friendship". We hope our paths cross again very soon. Cheers, God Bless and see you at the next port of call! Billy aka 'the chum"
Val and Doug - you two have managed to create the perfect combination for a perfect getaway. Your enthusiasm, zest and love for what you do energized us all. I'll be pinching myself when I get home, thinking was it all a dream? Thank you for bringing this dream to life. Love you both and hope to see you in Oregon ~ Anne
Val and Doug ~ difficult to find words to express how wonderful our vacation has been. Many thanks for your warm hospitality, delicious meals and all your kindness 24/7. To be among special friends and the best hosts created memories of a lifetime. Thanks again - til we meet again ~ Cynthia & Jon
To our friends Doug and Val ~ such a privilege to spend 9 days laughing and living with you in your home Gambit. Everything about the vessel speaks of your ingenuity, your creativity and can-do spirit. We're grateful for all your hospitality, good cheer, guidance and companionship. May the two of you always keep expanding your horizons, chasing your dreams, living a big life, and loving the people around you. We can't wait to hear the latest chapters when we meet again ~ Carl and Kim
New Year Welcome
Barth family
Golden Anniversary for the Peterson clan
I'm so glad we made it onto Gambit after a year delay with Covid; well worth the wait. Thank you for a fabulous sail and your wonderful hospitality from your gourmet meals, interesting stories and diving expertise. And thank you for the special anniversary cake for my parents 50th ~ that was a lovely surprise! Memories were made that will last a lifetime ~ Karah
We have been so fortunate to have you as hosts on the amazing vacation. We could not have had a better experience that you provided for us. This has truly been a once in a lifetime that my family and I will definitely remember and treasure ~ Eric
The Easterleys blew in
I was a bit hesitant about spending a week on a boat with eight people. It was amazing though. Val and Doug made the trip so special - the food, friendship and great sailing. Lifetime experience for sure ~
It was a trip of a lifetime! Val and Doug, you could not have been sweeter or more accommodating. You have a wealth of knowledge about the area and we enjoyed the charter so much ~ Tom & Janice
Tennessee visitors
This week has been truly amazing! We have had the best time getting to know you both. the food was sensational, as were the sights. Thanks so much for your hospitality ~ Michael & Jodi
Thank you so much for the most amazing trip ever! thank you Val for the most delicious meals and for catering to my picky food requests. Thanks Doug for your inspiring stories and finding the most incredible places on the islands to explore. This was an unforgettable trip that we hope to experience again ~ Maggie & Carter
Summer Charter
Moms and teenagers
Well we're completing our 2nd trip of a lifetime with you! It's nice to know we have another family on the other side of the world - I have a feeling you haven't seen the last of us!! ~ Felicity, Leo & Claudia
Covid concerns drift away
Great Expectations
It was our 3rd BVI trip. All have been memorable but you went above and beyond. Believe me when I say we noticed all the 'behind-the-scenes' hard work and 'extras'. Doug, thank you for getting me out of my comfort zone and taking me diving ~ Robert, Joseph, Reggie & Wendy



A puzzle building family



4th Wedding Anniversary



The Gerbers visit - A South African element!
Thank you for everything you did for us and for being such amazing hosts. We all had a fantastic time and will cherish all the memories. It was truly an honor to meet you and hopefully we will see each other again in the near future. All the very best to you! - Mike and Lynn



Elise and Jeff



Susan's Birthday



Jamey and Denise



Zinkl Voelkel McGlynn Visit
Thank you for a wonderful, wonderful, tremendous charter! It was a challenge to get here (1 year delayed)but well worth the wait. So fun to stay at anchorages that we have never seen before - thank you for that! We can't wait for our next charter with you..... Grenadines?? Susan & Ray
From two non boat people, we had an amazing time. We can not say enough about our fantastic charter. The food, hospitality, knowledge of the area and everything else, truly spectacular. Thank you for an awesome trip of a lifetime - Tracy and Chris



Our Missouri friends
I have enjoyed getting to spend these nine days with you. Thank you so much for the stories and laughs. Doug, I appreciate the time taken to take us on dives, and Val for the chats and amazing food. You two are one of a kind and such a joy to be around, thank you so much for allowing us into your home - Andy



A Gra'n'd trip by the Grad family
They are the ultimate hosts/experts to host a yacht vacation. Their easy warm style, great conversation and communication, sense of humor, world travel experience, nautical knowledge, bartending and culinary skills were all truly exceptional and exceeded our expectations. My family was just blown away every day of this trip.
Doug did a great job manuevering bad weather and managed to find the perfect and interesting anchorages every single day. He's happy to share his marine knowledge both above and below sea level and always has a great story to tell. What an interesting guy! We could have talked with him non-stop for weeks!
Val is a gem. While she comes across as quiet and unassuming, she was quick to get in on our family jokes and humor and truly helped take things to a whole other level that our gang will not soon forget. She works hard in the tiniest galley preparing thoughtful, well presented gourment food without it being too fancy. It was a real treat to be surprised everyday with the question and answer of "Gee.....What do you think she's making for lunch or dinner?" My family and I are real foodies and truly appreciated the labor of love she put into each meal. The whole food and dining experience was simply sophisticated and far exceeded our expectations.
I could go on and on raving about this trip. Simply a perfect 10. We can't wait to sail with Doug and Val again, and thanks for your terrific guidance and answering my dozens of questions. It was the most memorable birthday for me! ~ Marc
What a fabulous & unforgettable trip ~ certainly made turning "60" a lot easier. We will treasure the memories we've made until we meet again! Much love, Myriam, Marc, Max, Mara, Stuie & Judy
You guys were the most fun ever - both are you are now part of the memories that will last forever ~ Stuie



Family Renunion Charter
Leaving Gambit this morning after 8 nights aboard being spoiled by the best hosts ever: Doug & Val. Took hundreds of pictures with my brother, Raymond who invited me all the way from London! ~ Joyce



The Lovell Couple
Thank you so much for sharing with us. Sharing your love of this place, sharing your kindness and laughter and sharing these memories ~ Mick and Rhonda



A Second Visit
The only problem on Gambit is the time passes too quickly. We loved every speedy, sun filled minute. Thank you for another week of extraordinary hospitality, laughs, puzzles, delicious food, and left, right, centre. Much love until next time ~ Frank and Meg



New Year 2020!



Christmas Cruise 2019!
I had the best snorkel trip I have ever done, at The Indians! The water was beautiful and so is the boat. Thank you so much Gambit. We come from Sioux Falls and we don't get this kind of weather ...it is amazing. PS - Thank you Gambit Santa for the Christmas presents
Thank you so much for spending your Christmas with us. Thanks for the amazing activities we've done.Thank you for the outstanding food. Thanks for treating us like family



60th Anniversary!
Food fantastic, route amazing, crew ...was the bonding feature!!! ~ Ed



Thanksgiving week November 2019
Soooo many thanks. Now back to life in the rat race …….. may our wakes cross again !!!
E.W. and Family



The Richards return
This 2nd vacation with the tow of you and Gambit has been simply marvelous. We always feel welcome and cared for every single minute. Your desire to make our experiences personal and fun were apparent and appreciated. Thank you for being you! Until we meet again.... ~ Mark and Cheryl
You two sure make things look easy! However, we know the work you do is far from easy! You truly have made this week in the Grenadines the trip of a lifetime. We have made so many memories and experienced new things (scuba diving) thanks to you. Thank you for teaching us to truly enjoy life and to take the opportunity to do new things. We will see you both soon ~ Dory and Josh



2nd time around



4th Visit



Three generations aboard
Charter Rates
Base Charter Rate
Charter Details
Location Details
Additional Information
Gambit is a BVI based yacht currently accepting BVI ports only.
48 hours between charters except between Christmas/New Years.
GENERAL RATES NOTE: All rates are for 7 nights 8 days.
Gambit also accepts 6 night charters at the pro-rata rate. For charters 5 nights and shorter, please inquire for rates.
Tandem charters are subject to conditions, please inquire
Half Board Rates
Please inquire for rates.
Sleep-aboard
Inquire for availability. Rate is calculated as 1/2 the regular daily rate 7 night min. Discounts do not apply. Non Comm.
Gambit is a BVI based yacht. Permits and fees are included in the BVI only.
▶St Vincent and Grenadines charters are undertaken at the beginning and end of the BVI season (November and July), use BVI rates and add $1000.
Christmas 2026
1 - 6 pax - $30,000
New Year 2026/27
1 - 6 pax - $33,000
7 night minimum.
Christmas charters must end no later than the 26th December. New Years week charters cannot begin earlier than 27th December
Individual Rates
| 2 Guests | 3 Guests | 4 Guests | 5 Guests | 6 Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 24,000 | USD 24,500 | USD 25,000 | USD 25,500 | USD 26,000 |
Base Charter Rate
Charter Details
Location Details
Additional Information
Gambit is a BVI based yacht currently accepting BVI ports only.
48 hours between charters except between Christmas/New Years.
GENERAL RATES NOTE: All rates are for 7 nights 8 days.
Gambit also accepts 6 night charters at the pro-rata rate. For charters 5 nights and shorter, please inquire for rates.
Tandem charters are subject to conditions, please inquire
Half Board Rates
Please inquire for rates.
Sleep-aboard
Inquire for availability. Rate is calculated as 1/2 the regular daily rate 7 night min. Discounts do not apply. Non Comm.
Gambit is a BVI based yacht. Permits and fees are included in the BVI only.
▶St Vincent and Grenadines charters are undertaken at the beginning and end of the BVI season (November and July), use BVI rates and add $1000.
Christmas 2026
1 - 6 pax - $30,000
New Year 2026/27
1 - 6 pax - $33,000
7 night minimum.
Christmas charters must end no later than the 26th December. New Years week charters cannot begin earlier than 27th December
Individual Rates
| 2 Guests | 3 Guests | 4 Guests | 5 Guests | 6 Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 24,000 | USD 24,500 | USD 25,000 | USD 25,500 | USD 26,000 |
Base Charter Rate
Charter Details
Location Details
Additional Information
Gambit is a BVI based yacht currently accepting BVI ports only.
48 hours between charters except between Christmas/New Years.
GENERAL RATES NOTE: All rates are for 7 nights 8 days.
Gambit also accepts 6 night charters at the pro-rata rate. For charters 5 nights and shorter, please inquire for rates.
Tandem charters are subject to conditions, please inquire
Half Board Rates
Please inquire for rates.
Sleep-aboard
Inquire for availability. Rate is calculated as 1/2 the regular daily rate 7 night min. Discounts do not apply. Non Comm.
Gambit is a BVI based yacht. Permits and fees are included in the BVI only.
▶St Vincent and Grenadines charters are undertaken at the beginning and end of the BVI season (November and July), use BVI rates and add $1000.
Christmas 2027
1 - 6 pax - Please Inquire
New Year 2027/28
1 - 6 pax - Please Inquire
7 night minimum.
Christmas charters must end no later than the 26th December. New Years week charters cannot begin earlier than 27th December
Individual Rates
| 2 Guests | 3 Guests | 4 Guests | 5 Guests | 6 Guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 24,000 | USD 24,500 | USD 25,000 | USD 25,500 | USD 26,000 |
