MAH NA MAH NA
$17,000 / WEEK
MAH NA MAH NA is a 2023 Bali 4.4 designed for open-air Caribbean cruising with Bali’s signature “bow-to-stern” flow and a bright, modern feel. Sleeps 6 adults in 3 Queen cabins—each with a private ensuite—plus 2 compact forepeak berths suited for kids/teens or a young adult (accessed via adjoining cabins). Highlights include the full-width salon-to-cockpit layout with panoramic windows, a flybridge with daybed lounges and shaded seating, and a roomy interior with an L-shaped galley and seating for 8–10. Comfort and capability are dialed in with Starlink, solar + generator support, full A/C, watermaker, and a full-size fridge/freezer with ice maker. Add captain-guided ease and plenty of on-the-water fun, and MAH NA MAH NA delivers flexible, stylish island time.
3 Queen Cabins for Guests
1 Queen Cabin for Crew
New bow cushions coming early 25/26 season!
BUILT/REFIT
YEAR
2023
YACHT
LENGTH
43 Ft
NUMBER OF
CABINS
3
NUMBER OF
GUESTS
6
TOTAL
CREW
1
CHARGES
FROM
$17,000
| Accommodations | |
|---|---|
| Cabins: | 3 |
| Queen: | 3 |
| Single Cabins: | 1 |
| Showers: | 3 |
| Electric Heads: | 3 |
| Engine Details | |
|---|---|
| - | |
| Fuel Consumption: | - |
| Cruising Speed: | 7 knots |
| Max Speed: | 9 knotsUS Gall/Hr |
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Cat |
| Beam: | 24 Feet |
| Draft: | 7 Feet |
| Pax: | 6 |
| YearBuilt: | 2023 |
| Builder: | Bali Catamarans |
| JetSkis: | No |
| Flag: | USA |
| SatTv: | No |
| RegNum: | 1335627 |
| Jacuzzi: | No |
| A/C: | Full |
| Locations | |
|---|---|
| Winter Area: | Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI) |
| Summer Area: | Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI) |
| Pick Up Locations | |
|---|---|
| Pref. Pick-up: | - |
| Other Pick-up: | - |
| Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Salon Tv/VCR: | Yes |
| Salon Stereo: | Yes |
| Sat Tv: | - |
| Camcorder: | No |
| Books: | Yes |
| Board Games: | Yes |
| Deck Shower: | Yes |
| Water Maker: | Yes |
| Special Diets: | Yes |
| Kosher: | No |
| BBQ: | Yes |
| Minimum Age: | Any Age |
| Inverter: | Yes |
| Voltages: | 110v |
| Water Maker: | Yes |
| Ice Maker: | Yes |
| Sailing Instructions: | - |
| Internet Access: | Onboard WIFI |
| Hairdryers: | Yes |
| Guests Smokes: | Sugar Scoops only |
| Crew Smokes: | Inq |
| Pets Aboard: | No |
| Hammock: | Yes |
| Water Sports | |
|---|---|
| Dinghy size: | Highfield 360 |
| Dinghy hp: | 25 |
| Water Skis Adult: | No |
| Water Skis Kids: | No |
| Jet Skis: | No |
| Kneeboard: | No |
| Windsurfer: | No |
| Snorkel Gear: | Yes |
| Tube: | No |
| Scurfer: | No |
| Wake Board: | No |
| Kayaks 1 Pax: | No |
| Kayaks (2 Pax): | No |
| Floating Mats: | 1 |
| Swim Platform: | Yes |
| Boarding Ladder (Loc/Type): | Yes |
| Sailing Dinghy: | - |
| Beach Games: | - |
| Fishing Gear: | Yes |
| Gear Type: | 3 heavy weight rods for trolli |
| Rods: | 3 |
Captain
Zack Lanford
Languages: English
Captain Zack
Captain Zack grew up on the Lower Colorado River in Texas’ Hill Country, where skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing were year-round pastimes. Early travels across the United States ignited his wanderlust and fostered a deep curiosity for the natural world—on land and at sea.
After selling his business in his late twenties, Zack jumped aboard a sailboat with a seasoned Atlantic racer to master blue-water sailing. He co-founded a day-sail charter company in Texas, then went on to complete multiple Gulf of Mexico crossings, purchase his own sailboat, and captain voyages up and down the U.S. East Coast. Along the way, he honed his skills on Chesapeake Bay schooners and even lived out of a van while exploring New Zealand and Australia—before answering the call of the Caribbean and making St. Thomas his home.
When he’s not captaining charters for Paradise Yacht Management, Zack leads an inspiring youth sailing program in St. Thomas—teaching Scouts of America how to sail, cook, clean, and thrive aboard a vessel during multi-day island expeditions. He also loves incorporating fishing into the charter experience, especially aboard Mah Na Mah Na, which is equipped with top-tier fishing gear and lures. Sailing down the Caribbean island chain, he’s often in pursuit of the perfect Mahi taco or Ahi tuna steak—adding an extra layer of excitement (and flavor) to the journey.
Zack often calls the ocean “the last frontier,” a place where explorers still roam. As a former business owner turned professional mariner, he combines meticulous attention to safety and customer service with an irresistible enthusiasm for adventure. His genuine warmth and ability to connect with guests of all ages ensure every charter becomes the trip of a lifetime.
Captain Zack grew up on the Lower Colorado River in Texas’ Hill Country, where skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing were year-round pastimes. Early travels across the United States ignited his wanderlust and fostered a deep curiosity for the natural world—on land and at sea.
After selling his business in his late twenties, Zack jumped aboard a sailboat with a seasoned Atlantic racer to master blue-water sailing. He co-founded a day-sail charter company in Texas, then went on to complete multiple Gulf of Mexico crossings, purchase his own sailboat, and captain voyages up and down the U.S. East Coast. Along the way, he honed his skills on Chesapeake Bay schooners and even lived out of a van while exploring New Zealand and Australia—before answering the call of the Caribbean and making St. Thomas his home.
When he’s not captaining charters for Paradise Yacht Management, Zack leads an inspiring youth sailing program in St. Thomas—teaching Scouts of America how to sail, cook, clean, and thrive aboard a vessel during multi-day island expeditions. He also loves incorporating fishing into the charter experience, especially aboard Mah Na Mah Na, which is equipped with top-tier fishing gear and lures. Sailing down the Caribbean island chain, he’s often in pursuit of the perfect Mahi taco or Ahi tuna steak—adding an extra layer of excitement (and flavor) to the journey.
Zack often calls the ocean “the last frontier,” a place where explorers still roam. As a former business owner turned professional mariner, he combines meticulous attention to safety and customer service with an irresistible enthusiasm for adventure. His genuine warmth and ability to connect with guests of all ages ensure every charter becomes the trip of a lifetime.
February 2026
My Wife and 2 kids and I just had one of the best experiences we have ever had on the travel front. Everything was just so much better than expected which rarely happens when traveling. From booking the trip to the quality of the boat and the captain we got, we were just blown away at every turn. Highly recommend Captain Zack and the Mah Na Mah Na boat in the US and BVI... The boat was the perfect layout for a family with kids and Captain Zack knows the territory and how to take care of guests better than anyone ive ever come in contact with down there...Truly an exceptional 7 days and a core memory for all of us especially my kids. He's one of those people you meet in life that you just know you'll stay in contact with. Authentically looking out for our happiness at every turn of the trip, cant say enough good things about the A++ hospitality we received in paradise... Not only do we highly recommend to others, we are looking forward to doing this trip again sometime in the near future...it was that good.
~Tyler
February 2026
Hi Zac
I just wanted to personally thank you for the excellent job you did on this charter. Tyler reached out to me directly to say how fantastic the trip has been and how happy they all are, which is always the best feedback to receive.
From my side, you have been an absolute pleasure to work with, and ! will gladly recommend you to my clients going forward. Thanks again for everything!
-Lian, Broker
January 2026
Honestly I am still on a high after our week aboard Mah Na Mah Na.. We had an incredible time. Honestly there isnt much I can say regarding improvements. The boat is perfectly well appointed and laid out. Really glad we did the Capt360 thing as we had the perfect blend of cooking on the boat then eating a fabulous dinner at one of the many great spots on land. Captain Zack is great; always asking how he can help make our trip more special.. We wanted to do lots of sailing (as opposed to motoring from spot to spot) and Zack made that happen..
The only thing that wasn’t absolutely perfect was that the BVI standard itinerary has become very popular, thus the usual hot spots were quite crowded. Zack is aware and encouraged us to head to must-see stuff like the Baths early in the AM so we would arrive before the crowds.. but there are only so many safe harbor moorings to be had, so a couple nights we woke up in the middle of a sea of other boats, and joked that we might as well be in a Walmart parking lot.. so for our last night we asked Zack to find us a private harbor. And he delivered big time. We spent our last 24 hrs by ourselves with the turtles and the stars in a harbor by ourselves. It was magical. We are so thankful we booked with your group.
-Kristine
February 2025 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
Best Thing You Can Do!!!
Amazing Day!! Highlight of our trip. Captain Zac and First Mate Jamie were delightful and very professional. We always felt like we were in excellent hands. The only reason this company is not ranked #1 is the private small groups they cater to. For our 4 person party, it was not that much more than buying 4 tickets on a big excursion...but Oh the VALUE!!
January 2025 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
Zack and Jaime were the perfect hosts on our private excursion to Lovango and Honeymoon Beach. Zack took us to the best snorkeling spot of the USVI. We have been snorkeling the USV for years and saw more fish in one spot than the total of all the other trips. We felt like we were swimming in a fish bowl. Jaime prepared a gourmet lunch of grilled cheese with grilled onions, and a caesar salad with chicken that left every plate wiped clean. Jaime also made the best Painkiller that put all others to shame.
Sweet Pea raised the bar for fun, laughs, shenanigans and unforgettable memories. If you are choosing between Sweet Pea and another option, Sweet Pea is a slam dunk in providing you with everything you will want and need to create a lifetime memory. We are bringing our children and their spouses next time.
December 2024 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
This was our 2nd time with Sweet Pea! This time we had our 2 adult sons and our 85 mother. The day was beautiful! We had a great breakfast on board and set sail. We stopped, jumped in and snorkeled and saw great sea life. Grandma stayed on board and enjoyed the rum punch!
We then stopped at a beautiful beach and we all got in the water (even grandma). The snorkeling was wonderful there, too. After a few hours we had lunch (yummy) more rum pubch, and set sail again. We stopped and snorkeled again! I think the captain and Ist mate smiled as much as we did (and we got a good laugh at the selfie that was taken by captain when grandma asked him to hold her phone ). Definitely our favorite day of our vacation! Thank you crew of Sweet Pea for making it so great!!!
December 2024 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
Zach and Robbie were amazing! We had a great time on our charter. They were extremely knowledgeable and educated us about so much of St. John. They took us to three separate spots that were amazing for snorkeling! Robbie was very accommodating for one of our party who has food restrictions, and they were able to enjoy a delicious meal. They also were able to accommodate our grandparents, which allowed for them to also enjoy snorkeling and the day itself on the catamaran. We are so thankful to them for making our charter one to remember!
Rates are Plus Expenses
Cruising Area
• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI)
Base Port
• Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) – St. Thomas, USVI
• Additional pick-up/drop-off available at American Yacht Harbor (AYH), St. Thomas
• BVI ports available on request (Contact us for details)
Yacht Status & Operations
• Based in St. Thomas, USVI
• USVI pick-up/drop-off preferred
• BVI pick-ups/drop-offs accepted with advance approval
Customs Fees & Cruising Permits
• Included
Rates & Terms
Minimum charter nights
• 7-night minimum
• Shorter than 4-night charters considered on request
Short-Term Charter Rate Calculations
• 6 nights = weekly rate ÷ 7 × 6
• 5 nights or less = weekly rate ÷ 6 × number of nights
CAPTAIN360 Includes the Following Concierge Services; ★ denotes items new to the CAPTAIN360 program
★ Captain as concierge: local expertise + itinerary support for top moorings, dining, and onshore activities
• Provisioning assistance
• Assistance in the galley
• After meal clean-up assistance
• Preparing ‘Captain’s Cocktails’
• Making restaurant reservations
• Day trip / rendezvous reservations
• Onshore excursion reservations
• Daily salon tidying
• Mid-week linens offering for guests
• Hassle-free coordination of bookings for moorings, anchoring, trash, ice, etc.
• Capturing photos to present at end
• Orchestrates fun water sport activities
Local Knowledge
• Cruising grounds experience & knowledge
• Onshore activity recommendations
• Fun and engaging captain safety briefings
• Restaurant advice
★ Concierge-style itinerary planning support (mooring/anchoring plan, dining, onshore activities, and backup options)
• Custom itinerary maps provided for take-home
• Themed music & playlists
Included Yacht Amenities
• Snorkel gear
• Expanded water toy inventory
• Basic linens & indoor towels
• High quality linens & indoor & outdoor towels
• Shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Onboard WiFi
• Onboard & beach games
• Welcome yacht swag to take home
★ Curated ship’s bar included (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
★ Pre-packaged Snacks + light breakfast items included (coffee, juice, fruit, pastries/bagels)
Guest Benefits
• An overall superior Captain-Only charter experience
• A dedicated and knowledgeable Captain to ensure your vacation is easy & fun
• Immense value add compared to other Captain-Only & Bareboat charter types
• Access to advanced yacht amenities
★ No surprise expenses: mooring fees, trash disposal, ice, fuel, and customs fees included
Included
• Pre-packaged snacks
• Light breakfast items
• Ship’s bar (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
• Ice
• Fuel
• Mooring or Dock Fees
• Customs Fees
Excluded
• Food (beyond included snacks + light breakfast)
• Beverages (beyond included ship’s bar)
• Port and Immigration Fees
• Cruising Permits
• Airport Transfers
• Shore Excursions
Sleep Aboard Option
Enjoy a relaxed evening onboard before your charter begins.
• Offered at 50% of the daily rate
• Boarding available after 4:00 PM
• Includes snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast
• Dinner ashore at guest expense
• Excludes Christmas & New Year’s weeks
Holiday Rates 2025 / 2026 Season
Holiday season pricing is full-board only, 7 nights, and a 48-hour turn is required.
Christmas Week
• $19,000 | 2–6 guests
• Must end on or before December 27
New Year’s Week
• $21,000 | 2–6 guests
• May not start prior to December 28
Important Notes
• Charter waiver required in addition to standard contract
• Please inquire for BVI port availability due to annual limit
• Only Topless Nudity allowed
• Inquire about pets onboard
*Gratuities For Crew Accepted Directly Via - Cash, PayPal, Zell, Venmo, Apple Pay
• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI)
Base Port
• Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) – St. Thomas, USVI
• Additional pick-up/drop-off available at American Yacht Harbor (AYH), St. Thomas
• BVI ports available on request (Contact us for details)
Yacht Status & Operations
• Based in St. Thomas, USVI
• USVI pick-up/drop-off preferred
• BVI pick-ups/drop-offs accepted with advance approval
Customs Fees & Cruising Permits
• Included
Rates & Terms
Minimum charter nights
• 7-night minimum
• Shorter than 4-night charters considered on request
Short-Term Charter Rate Calculations
• 6 nights = weekly rate ÷ 7 × 6
• 5 nights or less = weekly rate ÷ 6 × number of nights
CAPTAIN360 Includes the Following Concierge Services; ★ denotes items new to the CAPTAIN360 program
★ Captain as concierge: local expertise + itinerary support for top moorings, dining, and onshore activities
• Provisioning assistance
• Assistance in the galley
• After meal clean-up assistance
• Preparing ‘Captain’s Cocktails’
• Making restaurant reservations
• Day trip / rendezvous reservations
• Onshore excursion reservations
• Daily salon tidying
• Mid-week linens offering for guests
• Hassle-free coordination of bookings for moorings, anchoring, trash, ice, etc.
• Capturing photos to present at end
• Orchestrates fun water sport activities
Local Knowledge
• Cruising grounds experience & knowledge
• Onshore activity recommendations
• Fun and engaging captain safety briefings
• Restaurant advice
★ Concierge-style itinerary planning support (mooring/anchoring plan, dining, onshore activities, and backup options)
• Custom itinerary maps provided for take-home
• Themed music & playlists
Included Yacht Amenities
• Snorkel gear
• Expanded water toy inventory
• Basic linens & indoor towels
• High quality linens & indoor & outdoor towels
• Shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Onboard WiFi
• Onboard & beach games
• Welcome yacht swag to take home
★ Curated ship’s bar included (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
★ Pre-packaged Snacks + light breakfast items included (coffee, juice, fruit, pastries/bagels)
Guest Benefits
• An overall superior Captain-Only charter experience
• A dedicated and knowledgeable Captain to ensure your vacation is easy & fun
• Immense value add compared to other Captain-Only & Bareboat charter types
• Access to advanced yacht amenities
★ No surprise expenses: mooring fees, trash disposal, ice, fuel, and customs fees included
Included
• Pre-packaged snacks
• Light breakfast items
• Ship’s bar (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
• Ice
• Fuel
• Mooring or Dock Fees
• Customs Fees
Excluded
• Food (beyond included snacks + light breakfast)
• Beverages (beyond included ship’s bar)
• Port and Immigration Fees
• Cruising Permits
• Airport Transfers
• Shore Excursions
Sleep Aboard Option
Enjoy a relaxed evening onboard before your charter begins.
• Offered at 50% of the daily rate
• Boarding available after 4:00 PM
• Includes snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast
• Dinner ashore at guest expense
• Excludes Christmas & New Year’s weeks
Holiday Rates 2025 / 2026 Season
Holiday season pricing is full-board only, 7 nights, and a 48-hour turn is required.
Christmas Week
• $19,000 | 2–6 guests
• Must end on or before December 27
New Year’s Week
• $21,000 | 2–6 guests
• May not start prior to December 28
Important Notes
• Charter waiver required in addition to standard contract
• Please inquire for BVI port availability due to annual limit
• Only Topless Nudity allowed
• Inquire about pets onboard
*Gratuities For Crew Accepted Directly Via - Cash, PayPal, Zell, Venmo, Apple Pay
What are "Med Rates" or "Med Terms?"
Med Term pricing is cost (cost of the boat) + VAT (country tax) + APA (operating and provisioning expenses). The cost is the weekly rate for the charter. The VAT and APA are calculated on the cost of the boat and paid in addition to that base price. The APA covers: fuel, water, food, licenses, alcohol, and any specific items you would like provided to you. APA money that is not used for provisioning would be reimbursed to you- or, if you spend over the amount, they would charge you. The Captain keeps track of expenses and would let you know if you’re reaching your APA limit. This is the industry standard for the region.
Caribbean Terms or Caribbean Inclusions refer to all-inclusive rates. These boats are typically catamarans and monohulls and are found in the Caribbean.
Most (but not all) motor-yachts and sailing vessels in the Med are Med Rate terms.
The yachts featured on our website will specifically state which type of pricing they offer.
X
Available
X
Booked
X
Hold
X
Unavailable
Vessel Specs
- : Cat
- : 24 Feet
- : 7 Feet
- : 6
- : 2023
- : Bali Catamarans
- : 7 knots
- : 9 knots
- : No
- : No
- : Yacht offers Rendezvous Diving only
- : Zack Lanford
- : USA
- : No
- : 1335627
| Accommodations | |
|---|---|
| Cabins: | 3 |
| Queen: | 3 |
| Single Cabins: | 1 |
| Showers: | 3 |
| Wash Basins: | 3 |
| Heads: | - |
| Electric Heads: | 3 |
| Engine Details | |
|---|---|
| - | |
| Fuel Consumption: | - |
| Cruising Speed: | 7 knots |
| Max Speed: | 9 knotsUS Gall/Hr |
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Refit: | - |
| Helipad: | No |
| Jacuzzi: | No |
| A/C: | Full |
| Locations | |
|---|---|
| Winter Area: | Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI) |
| Summer Area: | Caribbean Virgin Islands (US/BVI), Caribbean Virgin Islands (US), Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI) |
| Pick Up Locations | |
|---|---|
| Pref. Pick-up: | - |
| Other Pick-up: | - |
Water Fun
| Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Salon Tv/VCR: | Yes |
| Salon Stereo: | Yes |
| Sat Tv: | - |
| # of Videos: | - |
| # DVDs/Movies: | No |
| # CD's: | - |
| Camcorder: | No |
| Books: | Yes |
| Board Games: | Yes |
| Sun Awning: | Yes |
| Deck Shower: | Yes |
| Bimini: | Yes |
| Water Maker: | Yes |
| Special Diets: | Yes |
| Kosher: | No |
| BBQ: | Yes |
| # Dine In: | 8 |
| Minimum Age: | Any Age |
| Generator: | Yes |
| Inverter: | Yes |
| Voltages: | 110v |
| Water Maker: | Yes |
| Water Cap: | - |
| Ice Maker: | Yes |
| Sailing Instructions: | - |
| Internet Access: | Onboard WIFI |
| Gay Charters: | Yes |
| Nude: | Yes |
| Hairdryers: | Yes |
| # Port Hatches: | - |
| Guests Smokes: | Sugar Scoops only |
| Crew Smokes: | Inq |
| Pets Aboard: | No |
| Pet Type: | - |
| Guest Pets: | Yes |
| Children Ok: | Yes |
| Hammock: | Yes |
| Windscoops: | No |
| Water Sports | |
|---|---|
| Dinghy size: | Highfield 360 |
| Dinghy hp: | 25 |
| Dinghy # pax: | 9 |
| Water Skis Adult: | No |
| Water Skis Kids: | No |
| Jet Skis: | No |
| Wave Runners: | No |
| Kneeboard: | No |
| Windsurfer: | No |
| Snorkel Gear: | Yes |
| Tube: | No |
| Scurfer: | No |
| Wake Board: | No |
| Kayaks 1 Pax: | No |
| Kayaks (2 Pax): | No |
| Floating Mats: | 1 |
| Swim Platform: | Yes |
| Boarding Ladder (Loc/Type): | Yes |
| Sailing Dinghy: | - |
| Beach Games: | - |
| Fishing Gear: | Yes |
| Gear Type: | 3 heavy weight rods for trolli |
| Rods: | 3 |
Meet the Crew
Captain
Zack Lanford
Languages: English
Captain Zack
Captain Zack grew up on the Lower Colorado River in Texas’ Hill Country, where skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing were year-round pastimes. Early travels across the United States ignited his wanderlust and fostered a deep curiosity for the natural world—on land and at sea.
After selling his business in his late twenties, Zack jumped aboard a sailboat with a seasoned Atlantic racer to master blue-water sailing. He co-founded a day-sail charter company in Texas, then went on to complete multiple Gulf of Mexico crossings, purchase his own sailboat, and captain voyages up and down the U.S. East Coast. Along the way, he honed his skills on Chesapeake Bay schooners and even lived out of a van while exploring New Zealand and Australia—before answering the call of the Caribbean and making St. Thomas his home.
When he’s not captaining charters for Paradise Yacht Management, Zack leads an inspiring youth sailing program in St. Thomas—teaching Scouts of America how to sail, cook, clean, and thrive aboard a vessel during multi-day island expeditions. He also loves incorporating fishing into the charter experience, especially aboard Mah Na Mah Na, which is equipped with top-tier fishing gear and lures. Sailing down the Caribbean island chain, he’s often in pursuit of the perfect Mahi taco or Ahi tuna steak—adding an extra layer of excitement (and flavor) to the journey.
Zack often calls the ocean “the last frontier,” a place where explorers still roam. As a former business owner turned professional mariner, he combines meticulous attention to safety and customer service with an irresistible enthusiasm for adventure. His genuine warmth and ability to connect with guests of all ages ensure every charter becomes the trip of a lifetime.
Captain Zack grew up on the Lower Colorado River in Texas’ Hill Country, where skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing were year-round pastimes. Early travels across the United States ignited his wanderlust and fostered a deep curiosity for the natural world—on land and at sea.
After selling his business in his late twenties, Zack jumped aboard a sailboat with a seasoned Atlantic racer to master blue-water sailing. He co-founded a day-sail charter company in Texas, then went on to complete multiple Gulf of Mexico crossings, purchase his own sailboat, and captain voyages up and down the U.S. East Coast. Along the way, he honed his skills on Chesapeake Bay schooners and even lived out of a van while exploring New Zealand and Australia—before answering the call of the Caribbean and making St. Thomas his home.
When he’s not captaining charters for Paradise Yacht Management, Zack leads an inspiring youth sailing program in St. Thomas—teaching Scouts of America how to sail, cook, clean, and thrive aboard a vessel during multi-day island expeditions. He also loves incorporating fishing into the charter experience, especially aboard Mah Na Mah Na, which is equipped with top-tier fishing gear and lures. Sailing down the Caribbean island chain, he’s often in pursuit of the perfect Mahi taco or Ahi tuna steak—adding an extra layer of excitement (and flavor) to the journey.
Zack often calls the ocean “the last frontier,” a place where explorers still roam. As a former business owner turned professional mariner, he combines meticulous attention to safety and customer service with an irresistible enthusiasm for adventure. His genuine warmth and ability to connect with guests of all ages ensure every charter becomes the trip of a lifetime.
Chef's Table
Guest Reviews
February 2026
My Wife and 2 kids and I just had one of the best experiences we have ever had on the travel front. Everything was just so much better than expected which rarely happens when traveling. From booking the trip to the quality of the boat and the captain we got, we were just blown away at every turn. Highly recommend Captain Zack and the Mah Na Mah Na boat in the US and BVI... The boat was the perfect layout for a family with kids and Captain Zack knows the territory and how to take care of guests better than anyone ive ever come in contact with down there...Truly an exceptional 7 days and a core memory for all of us especially my kids. He's one of those people you meet in life that you just know you'll stay in contact with. Authentically looking out for our happiness at every turn of the trip, cant say enough good things about the A++ hospitality we received in paradise... Not only do we highly recommend to others, we are looking forward to doing this trip again sometime in the near future...it was that good.
~Tyler
February 2026
Hi Zac
I just wanted to personally thank you for the excellent job you did on this charter. Tyler reached out to me directly to say how fantastic the trip has been and how happy they all are, which is always the best feedback to receive.
From my side, you have been an absolute pleasure to work with, and ! will gladly recommend you to my clients going forward. Thanks again for everything!
-Lian, Broker
January 2026
Honestly I am still on a high after our week aboard Mah Na Mah Na.. We had an incredible time. Honestly there isnt much I can say regarding improvements. The boat is perfectly well appointed and laid out. Really glad we did the Capt360 thing as we had the perfect blend of cooking on the boat then eating a fabulous dinner at one of the many great spots on land. Captain Zack is great; always asking how he can help make our trip more special.. We wanted to do lots of sailing (as opposed to motoring from spot to spot) and Zack made that happen..
The only thing that wasn’t absolutely perfect was that the BVI standard itinerary has become very popular, thus the usual hot spots were quite crowded. Zack is aware and encouraged us to head to must-see stuff like the Baths early in the AM so we would arrive before the crowds.. but there are only so many safe harbor moorings to be had, so a couple nights we woke up in the middle of a sea of other boats, and joked that we might as well be in a Walmart parking lot.. so for our last night we asked Zack to find us a private harbor. And he delivered big time. We spent our last 24 hrs by ourselves with the turtles and the stars in a harbor by ourselves. It was magical. We are so thankful we booked with your group.
-Kristine
February 2025 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
Best Thing You Can Do!!!
Amazing Day!! Highlight of our trip. Captain Zac and First Mate Jamie were delightful and very professional. We always felt like we were in excellent hands. The only reason this company is not ranked #1 is the private small groups they cater to. For our 4 person party, it was not that much more than buying 4 tickets on a big excursion...but Oh the VALUE!!
January 2025 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
Zack and Jaime were the perfect hosts on our private excursion to Lovango and Honeymoon Beach. Zack took us to the best snorkeling spot of the USVI. We have been snorkeling the USV for years and saw more fish in one spot than the total of all the other trips. We felt like we were swimming in a fish bowl. Jaime prepared a gourmet lunch of grilled cheese with grilled onions, and a caesar salad with chicken that left every plate wiped clean. Jaime also made the best Painkiller that put all others to shame.
Sweet Pea raised the bar for fun, laughs, shenanigans and unforgettable memories. If you are choosing between Sweet Pea and another option, Sweet Pea is a slam dunk in providing you with everything you will want and need to create a lifetime memory. We are bringing our children and their spouses next time.
December 2024 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
This was our 2nd time with Sweet Pea! This time we had our 2 adult sons and our 85 mother. The day was beautiful! We had a great breakfast on board and set sail. We stopped, jumped in and snorkeled and saw great sea life. Grandma stayed on board and enjoyed the rum punch!
We then stopped at a beautiful beach and we all got in the water (even grandma). The snorkeling was wonderful there, too. After a few hours we had lunch (yummy) more rum pubch, and set sail again. We stopped and snorkeled again! I think the captain and Ist mate smiled as much as we did (and we got a good laugh at the selfie that was taken by captain when grandma asked him to hold her phone ). Definitely our favorite day of our vacation! Thank you crew of Sweet Pea for making it so great!!!
December 2024 - Previous Review from Previous Boat
Zach and Robbie were amazing! We had a great time on our charter. They were extremely knowledgeable and educated us about so much of St. John. They took us to three separate spots that were amazing for snorkeling! Robbie was very accommodating for one of our party who has food restrictions, and they were able to enjoy a delicious meal. They also were able to accommodate our grandparents, which allowed for them to also enjoy snorkeling and the day itself on the catamaran. We are so thankful to them for making our charter one to remember!
Availability / Rates
Rates are Plus Expenses
Cruising Area
• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI)
Base Port
• Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) – St. Thomas, USVI
• Additional pick-up/drop-off available at American Yacht Harbor (AYH), St. Thomas
• BVI ports available on request (Contact us for details)
Yacht Status & Operations
• Based in St. Thomas, USVI
• USVI pick-up/drop-off preferred
• BVI pick-ups/drop-offs accepted with advance approval
Customs Fees & Cruising Permits
• Included
Rates & Terms
Minimum charter nights
• 7-night minimum
• Shorter than 4-night charters considered on request
Short-Term Charter Rate Calculations
• 6 nights = weekly rate ÷ 7 × 6
• 5 nights or less = weekly rate ÷ 6 × number of nights
CAPTAIN360 Includes the Following Concierge Services; ★ denotes items new to the CAPTAIN360 program
★ Captain as concierge: local expertise + itinerary support for top moorings, dining, and onshore activities
• Provisioning assistance
• Assistance in the galley
• After meal clean-up assistance
• Preparing ‘Captain’s Cocktails’
• Making restaurant reservations
• Day trip / rendezvous reservations
• Onshore excursion reservations
• Daily salon tidying
• Mid-week linens offering for guests
• Hassle-free coordination of bookings for moorings, anchoring, trash, ice, etc.
• Capturing photos to present at end
• Orchestrates fun water sport activities
Local Knowledge
• Cruising grounds experience & knowledge
• Onshore activity recommendations
• Fun and engaging captain safety briefings
• Restaurant advice
★ Concierge-style itinerary planning support (mooring/anchoring plan, dining, onshore activities, and backup options)
• Custom itinerary maps provided for take-home
• Themed music & playlists
Included Yacht Amenities
• Snorkel gear
• Expanded water toy inventory
• Basic linens & indoor towels
• High quality linens & indoor & outdoor towels
• Shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Onboard WiFi
• Onboard & beach games
• Welcome yacht swag to take home
★ Curated ship’s bar included (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
★ Pre-packaged Snacks + light breakfast items included (coffee, juice, fruit, pastries/bagels)
Guest Benefits
• An overall superior Captain-Only charter experience
• A dedicated and knowledgeable Captain to ensure your vacation is easy & fun
• Immense value add compared to other Captain-Only & Bareboat charter types
• Access to advanced yacht amenities
★ No surprise expenses: mooring fees, trash disposal, ice, fuel, and customs fees included
Included
• Pre-packaged snacks
• Light breakfast items
• Ship’s bar (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
• Ice
• Fuel
• Mooring or Dock Fees
• Customs Fees
Excluded
• Food (beyond included snacks + light breakfast)
• Beverages (beyond included ship’s bar)
• Port and Immigration Fees
• Cruising Permits
• Airport Transfers
• Shore Excursions
Sleep Aboard Option
Enjoy a relaxed evening onboard before your charter begins.
• Offered at 50% of the daily rate
• Boarding available after 4:00 PM
• Includes snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast
• Dinner ashore at guest expense
• Excludes Christmas & New Year’s weeks
Holiday Rates 2025 / 2026 Season
Holiday season pricing is full-board only, 7 nights, and a 48-hour turn is required.
Christmas Week
• $19,000 | 2–6 guests
• Must end on or before December 27
New Year’s Week
• $21,000 | 2–6 guests
• May not start prior to December 28
Important Notes
• Charter waiver required in addition to standard contract
• Please inquire for BVI port availability due to annual limit
• Only Topless Nudity allowed
• Inquire about pets onboard
*Gratuities For Crew Accepted Directly Via - Cash, PayPal, Zell, Venmo, Apple Pay
• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI)
Base Port
• Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) – St. Thomas, USVI
• Additional pick-up/drop-off available at American Yacht Harbor (AYH), St. Thomas
• BVI ports available on request (Contact us for details)
Yacht Status & Operations
• Based in St. Thomas, USVI
• USVI pick-up/drop-off preferred
• BVI pick-ups/drop-offs accepted with advance approval
Customs Fees & Cruising Permits
• Included
Rates & Terms
Minimum charter nights
• 7-night minimum
• Shorter than 4-night charters considered on request
Short-Term Charter Rate Calculations
• 6 nights = weekly rate ÷ 7 × 6
• 5 nights or less = weekly rate ÷ 6 × number of nights
CAPTAIN360 Includes the Following Concierge Services; ★ denotes items new to the CAPTAIN360 program
★ Captain as concierge: local expertise + itinerary support for top moorings, dining, and onshore activities
• Provisioning assistance
• Assistance in the galley
• After meal clean-up assistance
• Preparing ‘Captain’s Cocktails’
• Making restaurant reservations
• Day trip / rendezvous reservations
• Onshore excursion reservations
• Daily salon tidying
• Mid-week linens offering for guests
• Hassle-free coordination of bookings for moorings, anchoring, trash, ice, etc.
• Capturing photos to present at end
• Orchestrates fun water sport activities
Local Knowledge
• Cruising grounds experience & knowledge
• Onshore activity recommendations
• Fun and engaging captain safety briefings
• Restaurant advice
★ Concierge-style itinerary planning support (mooring/anchoring plan, dining, onshore activities, and backup options)
• Custom itinerary maps provided for take-home
• Themed music & playlists
Included Yacht Amenities
• Snorkel gear
• Expanded water toy inventory
• Basic linens & indoor towels
• High quality linens & indoor & outdoor towels
• Shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Onboard WiFi
• Onboard & beach games
• Welcome yacht swag to take home
★ Curated ship’s bar included (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
★ Pre-packaged Snacks + light breakfast items included (coffee, juice, fruit, pastries/bagels)
Guest Benefits
• An overall superior Captain-Only charter experience
• A dedicated and knowledgeable Captain to ensure your vacation is easy & fun
• Immense value add compared to other Captain-Only & Bareboat charter types
• Access to advanced yacht amenities
★ No surprise expenses: mooring fees, trash disposal, ice, fuel, and customs fees included
Included
• Pre-packaged snacks
• Light breakfast items
• Ship’s bar (beer, wine, select spirits, mixers)
• Ice
• Fuel
• Mooring or Dock Fees
• Customs Fees
Excluded
• Food (beyond included snacks + light breakfast)
• Beverages (beyond included ship’s bar)
• Port and Immigration Fees
• Cruising Permits
• Airport Transfers
• Shore Excursions
Sleep Aboard Option
Enjoy a relaxed evening onboard before your charter begins.
• Offered at 50% of the daily rate
• Boarding available after 4:00 PM
• Includes snacks, welcome cocktails & continental breakfast
• Dinner ashore at guest expense
• Excludes Christmas & New Year’s weeks
Holiday Rates 2025 / 2026 Season
Holiday season pricing is full-board only, 7 nights, and a 48-hour turn is required.
Christmas Week
• $19,000 | 2–6 guests
• Must end on or before December 27
New Year’s Week
• $21,000 | 2–6 guests
• May not start prior to December 28
Important Notes
• Charter waiver required in addition to standard contract
• Please inquire for BVI port availability due to annual limit
• Only Topless Nudity allowed
• Inquire about pets onboard
*Gratuities For Crew Accepted Directly Via - Cash, PayPal, Zell, Venmo, Apple Pay
What are "Med Rates" or "Med Terms?"
Med Term pricing is cost (cost of the boat) + VAT (country tax) + APA (operating and provisioning expenses). The cost is the weekly rate for the charter. The VAT and APA are calculated on the cost of the boat and paid in addition to that base price. The APA covers: fuel, water, food, licenses, alcohol, and any specific items you would like provided to you. APA money that is not used for provisioning would be reimbursed to you- or, if you spend over the amount, they would charge you. The Captain keeps track of expenses and would let you know if you’re reaching your APA limit. This is the industry standard for the region.
Caribbean Terms or Caribbean Inclusions refer to all-inclusive rates. These boats are typically catamarans and monohulls and are found in the Caribbean.
Most (but not all) motor-yachts and sailing vessels in the Med are Med Rate terms.
The yachts featured on our website will specifically state which type of pricing they offer.
