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SET SAIL FOR THE SUMMER OF LOVE

Drop out of the ordinary with Yacht Week this summer. Reconnect, recentre and renew with us, your friends and hundreds of like-minded adventurers. This year, Yacht Week celebrates the Summer of love. Seven days in paradise, living your best life at sea. In this haven, free spirits come together, forging connections as robust as yacht sails. Cupids guide hearts towards romances that blossom like sails in a gentle breeze —an experience of a lifetime. Welcome, dear dreamers and seafarers, to the Summer of Love.

YACHT WEEK: A SUMMER OF A LIFETIME

An adventure and festival like no other. Sail through the sun-kissed paradises of Croatia, Greece, and Sardinia. Join friends old and new on an adventure of a lifetime packed with sailing, exploration and an unforgettable parties on the high seas.

SAIL & EXPLORE

Drop out of the ordinary. Your canvas: gentle breezes, wild flower groves, and an atmosphere brimming with life. Immerse yourself in local culture. Uncover secret swim spots. Explore secluded beaches. And hike to heights that'll make your heart soar.

DANCE & BELONG

Turn on, tune in and party like there's no tomorrow. A refuge for free spirits, soundtracked by laughter, love, and lush tunes. Deepen friendships. Connect. And join a community for life.

OUR GUEST FEEDBACK

18 years of unforgettable experiences, crystal waters and exclusive parties

Lauren Boone

Yacht week was everything I imagined and more! We set sail on a monohull with a skipper and host that were both absolutely incredible and people that I now consider to be friends no matter where in the world we are.

Angie Kaminsky

I've made some lifelong friends throughout the course of the week and have memories I will treasure forever.

Lauren Stiene

The events were by far my favorite element of the trip. Epic once in a lifetime parties!

We were so lucky to make so many new friends on the boat, everyone was so friendly. We're already planning next summer and booking a yacht with all the new pals we met this year, can't wait!

Annelyse Malcolm

Our time with Yacht Week exceeded all expectations, and we cannot recommend this experience highly enough. The combination of a beautiful yacht, an incredible crew, and new lifelong friendships is a recipe for an unforgettable adventure.

Priscilla Andrade

The friendships you make are uniquely special and allow you to make connections all over the world!

Audrey Abizaid

Great decorations and venues! It was honestly pretty magical:)

I would need to write a novel to truly tell you the beauty that is The Yacht Week. This was my fourth The Yacht Week experience. I have met all of my best friends from TYW, ALL OF THEM.

SUMMER OF LOVE EVENTS

Catch immaculate vibes from the moment you set sail. Create core memories with friends old and new with our themed sundowners and all-day parties.

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Classic Monohull

Premium monohull, classic catamaran, premium catamaran, connections that last a lifetime.

I met my husband on YW Croatia 2013 (I’m American and he’s from Singapore). We lived in Germany the last 5 years and now live in Bali and have 2 kids together. - Megan Wend

The only word to describe Yacht Week is: INCREDIBLE! Amazing people, both staff and guests, top class organization, and the most beautiful party sites/venues!

I met my now husband on Yacht Week! Two years ago. Best trip I have ever taken! - Heather Lloyd

Morten and I met in August 2012 South Route Croatia…since then we got married, started a yacht charter business in the Caribbean, had three kids, took our kids sailing in the Mediterranean for a year…TYW was the biggest turning point in my life and I’m forever grateful. - Sarah Teigan

The three of us met in Thailand on The Yacht Week New Years trip in 2015 into 2016. We became fast friends and then ended up hiking around Banff, Canada together a few years later. - Jon-Erik

We had the best boat summer of 2018 in Croatia!!! 5 girls from New York and 3 boys from Sydney! And of course our amazing skipper Dan and incredible hostess Isabel! We have all met up several times in the last 5 years and the group chat is still active! Really hit the jackpot with this group! - Caroline Rago

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Prison Escapees Hijacked Boat of Missing American Couple in Grenada, Police Say

Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry were traveling on their yacht when three prison escapees took control of the vessel and “disposed” of the couple, the authorities said on Monday.

By Johnny Diaz

The authorities in Grenada said on Monday that they believed an American couple who had been traveling in their catamaran in the Caribbean were hijacked by three escaped prisoners who “disposed” of them last week.

The couple, Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, had departed from Virginia and were spending the winter cruising in the Caribbean, where they went missing while sailing off Grenada. On Feb. 21, their boat turned up empty in neighboring St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

On Monday, the Royal Grenada Police Force confirmed that three prison escapees in Grenada made their getaway after they hijacked the catamaran, called Simplicity, with Mr. Hendry and Ms. Brandel aboard.

“Information suggests that, while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, they disposed of the occupants,” Commissioner Don McKenzie of the Royal Grenada Police Force said at a news conference on Monday.

The police would not say explicitly that they believed Mr. Hendry and Ms. Brandel were dead but that they were still considered missing.

“We have nothing conclusive to say that the individuals are dead,” he said.

“What I can say to the family is my condolences,” adding that he was “still hoping for as what I consider a positive outcome which is, we still have the hope that a worst-case scenario will not be a reality.”

According to the Salty Dawg Sailing Association , a nonprofit that brings together sailing and cruising enthusiasts, a skipper notified it on Feb. 21 that a member’s yacht, Simplicity, was found anchored and abandoned off a beach on the southern coast of St. Vincent.

The skipper boarded the catamaran and noted that its owners were not onboard, the association’s statement said. The missing boat owners were identified as Mr. Hendry, 66, and Ms. Brandel, 71, by the association and Ms. Brandel’s son, Nick Buro.

Mr. Hendry and Ms. Brandel, who were married for 27 years, were experienced sailors who lived on their boat.

They recently completed their sailing club’s “Caribbean Rally” — cruising from Hampton, Va., to the island of Antigua to end 2023 with a celebration — and they were spending the remainder of the winter cruising the Caribbean, according to a statement from the club.

The association said that it had a tracking map to follow members’ boats and that it showed that Simplicity was anchored in Grenada before docking off St. Vincent.

Separately, the Royal Grenada Police Force said in a Feb. 22 statement that three men who escaped from a prison in Grenada on Feb. 18 made their way to St. Vincent using a yacht that had been docked in the St. George area of Grenada.

The prisoners were recaptured on Feb. 21, the same day that the couple’s vessel was found.

The authorities identified the prisoners as Trevon Robertson, 19; Abita Stanislaus, 25; and Ron Mitchell, 30.

They had been previously charged, jointly, in a violent robbery case in December. Mr. Mitchell also faced various separate charges that included causing harm, indecent assault and rape, the Grenada police said.

It was not immediately clear on Monday what charges they may face regarding the couple’s disappearance.

The police commissioner said a team of investigators from Grenada and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard were dispatched to St. Vincent to help in the investigation.

In a joint family statement on Saturday, Mr. Buro and Bryan Hendry, Mr. Hendry’s son, thanked the cruising community for its support and help in the search but asked them to stand down.

“We also want to applaud the St. Vincent authorities for their quick actions in securing Simplicity and their brave, swift response that led to the apprehension of three dangerous fugitives,” according to the statement.

Bob Osborn, president of the sailing club, described the couple as warmhearted and capable and called their disappearance “a very upsetting event.”

A GoFundMe page started by a family friend described Mr. Hendry and Ms. Brandel as “experienced adventurers” and said they had “spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters.”

Johnny Diaz is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news. He previously worked for the South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Boston Globe. More about Johnny Diaz

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Police suspect U.S. couple are dead after their boat was hijacked in the Caribbean

The Associated Press

The yacht "Simplicity", that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, on Friday. Kenton X. Chance/AP hide caption

The yacht "Simplicity", that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, on Friday.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — A U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were presumed dead and likely had been thrown into the ocean, police said Monday.

The accounts by police in Grenada and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were alive.

Don McKenzie, commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference that the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 from the South Saint George Police Station. They hijacked the catamaran Simplicity on the following day and then headed to St. Vincent, where they were arrested last Wednesday, he said.

"Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, they disposed of the occupants," McKenzie said.

McKenzie said he had no conclusive proof that the couple was dead but cited a "low probability" they were alive.

Jamaica and the Bahamas are pushing back against U.S. travel warnings

Hours later, the main spokesman for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force posted a video saying that while no bodies have been found, the couple is presumed dead based on the investigation so far.

Police report signs of violence aboard the abandoned boat

The suspects were being investigated for several criminal acts, including "bodily harm to the couple," spokesman Junior Simmons said in the brief recorded statement. There were signs of violence on the couple's boat found abandoned in St. Vincent, he said.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembles blood was seen on board," he said.

The nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association has said that Hendry and Brandel were "veteran cruisers" and longtime members of the association, calling them "warm-hearted and capable."

It said the couple had sailed the yacht in last year's Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean.

A son of Hendry and a son of Brandel did not immediately return messages for comment.

A GoFundMe page created to raise money for the couple's family noted that Brandel had recently become a first-time grandmother, and that the sailing community was "shattered" by what happened.

"Kathy and Ralph, experienced adventurers, spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters," the page stated.

A massive search for 3 missing American sailors off Mexico coast has been called off

McKenzie, Grenada's police commissioner, said a five-person team was sent to St. Vincent to help with the investigation.

After his brief announcement on Monday, McKenzie and other police officials took questions from local media, including one reporter who asked, "Who is really to be blamed for this massive failure to keep these prisoners under the control of the (Royal Grenada Police Force) which has now resulted in this tragedy?"

The prisoners' escape is being investigated

McKenzie said police have launched an investigation into the escape and are looking into whether it was "a system failure" or a case of a "slip up."

"All aspects of that investigation are on the table," he said, adding that the police holding station where the three men were being held has "sufficient safety to prevent an incident like that (from) occurring."

When the reporter asked why the three men who were arrested remained in a holding cell instead of prison, Vannie Curwen, assistant police commissioner, said the men first had to see a magistrate who would decide whether to grant bail or order them remanded.

The escaped prisoners, Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man; Abita Stanislaus, a 25-year-old farmer; and Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor; were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm, police in Grenada said.

Simmons said the three men appeared in court in St. Vincent on Monday and pleaded guilty to four counts each of immigration-related charges, including entering the island as a "prohibited immigrant" with no passport. They are scheduled to be sentenced on those charges in March.

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US Couple Whose Catamaran Was Hijacked Were Likely Thrown Overboard and Died, Grenada Police Say

Police in the Caribbean say they believe a U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked by three escaped prisoners were thrown into the ocean and died

Kenton X. Chance

Relatives stand nearby as investigators from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines stand aboard the yacht "Simplicity," which they say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people on board, now anchored at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Authorities in the eastern Caribbean said they were trying to locate two people believed to be U.S. citizens who were aboard the yacht that was hijacked by the three escaped prisoners from Grenada.(AP Photo/Kenton X. Chance)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were presumed dead and likely had been thrown into the ocean, police said Monday.

The accounts by police in Grenada and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were alive.

Don McKenzie, commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference that the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 from the South Saint George Police Station. They hijacked the catamaran Simplicity on the following day and then headed to St. Vincent, where they were arrested last Wednesday, he said.

“Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, they disposed of the occupants,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie said he had no conclusive proof that the couple was dead but cited a “low probability” they were alive.

Hours later, the main spokesman for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force posted a video saying that while no bodies have been found, the couple is presumed dead based on the investigation so far.

Photos You Should See

The suspects were being investigated for several criminal acts, including “bodily harm to the couple,” spokesman Junior Simmons said in the brief recorded statement. There were signs of violence on the couple's boat found abandoned in St. Vincent, he said.

“Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembles blood was seen on board,” he said.

The nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association has said that Hendry and Brandel were “veteran cruisers” and longtime members of the association, calling them “warm-hearted and capable.”

It said the couple had sailed the yacht in last year’s Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean.

A son of Hendry and a son of Brandel did not immediately return messages for comment.

A GoFundMe page created to raise money for the couple's family noted that Brandel had recently become a first-time grandmother, and that the sailing community was “shattered” by what happened.

“Kathy and Ralph, experienced adventurers, spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters,” the page stated.

McKenzie, Grenada's police commissioner, said a five-person team was sent to St. Vincent to help with the investigation.

After his brief announcement on Monday, McKenzie and other police officials took questions from local media, including one reporter who asked, “Who is really to be blamed for this massive failure to keep these prisoners under the control of the (Royal Grenada Police Force) which has now resulted in this tragedy?”

McKenzie said police have launched an investigation into the escape and are looking into whether it was “a system failure” or a case of a “slip up.”

“All aspects of that investigation are on the table,” he said, adding that the police holding station where the three men were being held has “sufficient safety to prevent an incident like that (from) occurring.”

When the reporter asked why the three men who were arrested remained in a holding cell instead of prison, Vannie Curwen, assistant police commissioner, said the men first had to see a magistrate who would decide whether to grant bail or order them remanded.

The escaped prisoners, Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man; Abita Stanislaus, a 25-year-old farmer; and Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor; were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm, police in Grenada said.

Simmons said the three men appeared in court in St. Vincent on Monday and pleaded guilty to four counts each of immigration-related charges, including entering the island as a “prohibited immigrant” with no passport. They are scheduled to be sentenced on those charges in March.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Caribbean officials search for 2 people who were on yacht allegedly hijacked by 3 escaped prisoners

Investigators from Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines stand aboard the yacht “Simplicity”, that they say was hijacked by 3 escaped prisoners with two people aboard, now anchored at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Authorities in the eastern Caribbean said they were trying to locate two people believed to be U.S. citizens who were aboard the yacht that was hijacked by the three escaped prisoners from Grenada. (AP Photo/Kenton X. Chance)

The yacht “Simplicity”, that officials say was hijacked by three escaped prisoners with two people aboard, is docked at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Service Calliaqua Base, in Calliaqua, St. Vincent, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Authorities in the eastern Caribbean said they were trying to locate two people believed to be U.S. citizens who were aboard the yacht that was hijacked by the three escaped prisoners from Grenada. (AP Photo/Kenton X. Chance)

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Authorities in the eastern Caribbean said they were trying to locate two people believed to be U.S. citizens who were aboard a yacht that was hijacked by three escaped prisoners from Grenada.

The Royal Grenada Police Force said in a statement released Friday that they were working on leads “that suggest” the two occupants of the yacht might have been killed.

“This investigation is in its infancy stage,” police said.

The nonprofit Salty Dawg Sailing Association identified the owners as Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel. It said they were “veteran cruisers” and longtime members of the association, calling them “warmhearted and capable.” A relative of Hendry didn’t return a message seeking comment Saturday.

The association said a cruising skipper had contacted the association about a member’s yacht, Simplicity, that was found “anchored and abandoned” off a beach on the island of St. Vincent.

“The good Samaritan had boarded the boat and noted that the owners … were not onboard and found evidence of apparent violence,” the association said in a statement Thursday.

The association said Hendry and Brandel had sailed the yacht in last year’s Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua, and were spending the winter cruising in the eastern Caribbean.

“This is a very upsetting event and details are still unconfirmed by the authorities, but this does appear to be a tragic event,” said Bob Osborn, the association’s president. “In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this.”

Family members of those missing met with authorities in St. Vincent on Saturday, where they were seen boarding the yacht that was hijacked. It was being guarded by officials, one of whom was wearing latex gloves.

Hendry’s family issued a statement Saturday thanking police, local coast guards and all those who helped authorities gather information.

“It means so much to us that so many people cared for Ralph and Kathy as friends and fellow cruisers that they are willing to stop and help in whatever way possible,” the family said.

They also asked that all those trying to conduct independent searches to “stand down.”

“The only way we feel this situation could be worse would be if anyone was hurt or endangered trying to conduct searches,” the family said.

Authorities in Grenada said they had dispatched senior investigators and a forensic specialist to the nearby island of St. Vincent, where the escaped prisoners were arrested Wednesday.

The prisoners, ages 19, 25 and 30, were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. The eldest inmate also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm, police in Grenada said.

The three men escaped from their holding cell Feb. 18, according to police.

Authorities said a preliminary investigation suggested the three men seized the yacht at Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, and traveled to St. Vincent.

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Revealing The True Cost of Yacht Week Croatia

• August 11, 2023
• 8 minute read

Dreaming of setting sail in the Mediterranean, swimming in sparkling blue waters, and dancing in outdoor clubs on private islands? The Yacht Week Croatia is an iconic, super fun event that draws thousands of people each year – but the Yacht Week cost can be overwhelming for some before they understand their options. 

The Yacht Week Croatia (the original Yacht Week route!) is on many, many people’s bucket lists. When I sailed with The Yacht Week Croatia, we had guests from as far away as the U.S. and Australia flying to Croatia to attend the event. If you’re dreaming about spending a week on the water, but aren’t sure how to start budgeting, I’m here to help you plan your Croatia Yacht Week adventure. 

We set sail with The Yacht Week in Croatia in July 2023 – and despite the amount of research I did in advance, very few articles or budget breakdowns mentioned the true extent of the Yacht Week Cost. The Yacht Week boat fee is JUST the start – there are lots of hidden fees ! So how much does The Yacht Week cost, really? Let’s get into it with my detailed budget breakdown. 

Not ready to read this article? Pin it now!

When is Yacht Week Croatia? 

The Yacht Week happens every summer – it’s the most iconic (and the original) rent-a-yacht-and-party experience in the Mediterranean. The Yacht Week runs what they call several different “routes,” meaning they sail in a couple different locations (more on that below). However, Yacht Week Croatia is the “original route” – and the one many people pick for that very reason. Each year, Yacht Week runs seven day routes from May to August . 

There are other Yacht Week routes. Nowadays, Yacht Week runs routes in Greece, Turkey, and even Tahiti! You can find a full list of their destinations here . However, the original route? That’s Yacht Week Croatia.  

How much does Yacht Week cost?

Most people know The Yacht Week costs a pretty penny – but just how much does it cost? 

The Yacht Week cost depends on several factors:

• Do you want a cabin on a boat, or will you rent out an entire boat with your group?
• If you do plan to rent out your own boat, how many people will be in your group to help split the cost? 
• Do you want a host, or will you handle your own food? 
• Do you want a simple boat, or will you upgrade to a luxury option (a bigger boat with air conditioning)?

Our group attended The Yacht Week in mid-July 2023 and opted to rent a single monohull with no A/C – the simplest, most affordable option. However, we did add a host to our boat to help prepare meals and tidy the boat, which added a small extra cost. It ended up costing us 10,500 USD for the entire boat with a host. 

The great part about The Yacht Week is that you have multiple price tiers to fit a variety of budgets. Let’s dive into the breakdown. 

The Core Yacht Week Cost (the Yacht Fee)

First things first: you’ll need to pick your boat. The Yacht Week offers four boat options:

• Classic Monohull
• Premium Monohull 
• Classic Catamaran 
• Premium Catamaran 

Each option comes with a skipper, entrance to Yacht Week parties, towels and linen, and boat cleaning at the end of the week post check-out. 

Though the costs change each year, generally, the classic Monohull is the most affordable option. When we sailed in 2023, the boat was 10,500 Euros total for the week. That’s the starting price, though a premium catamaran will cost quite a bit more (though it also fits more people!). 

You can see how small the classic monohull looks above, but don’t be surprised — it fits more than you might expect!

If you’re unhappy with these options, Yacht Week has a luxury option that allows you to pick your own boat – many of which are often more expensive. We won’t talk about that option here, as it changes a little each year, both price-wise and option-wise. 

Adding a Host to Your Yacht Week Experience

Above, we talked about the “Host” option for Yacht Week. What exactly is a host?

A host is your chef for the week – and she also helps keep the boat tidy and assists on deck when needed. The host will cook:

• All breakfast meals on board
• All lunch meals on board
• Two dinners on board

If you’re booking a single cabin on your Yacht Week boat, you may find the host is often, if not always, included in the price. 

However, if you’re booking your own boat to split with your friends, you’ll have the option to add your own host. The price of the host will depend on the amount of people you’re bringing on your boat. For six people, we ended up paying around 100 USD extra for the host each. 

Keep in mind your host and skipper will need their own cabin, so you’ll have fewer options to split the cost. Normally, the host will split a cabin with the skipper – taking 2 people off the total number of people to fill the boat.

Hidden Fees: Yacht Week Croatia 

There’s a significant amount of hidden fees many Yacht Week attendees don’t fully understand until they book their trip. Paying for the boat is only a portion of your full cost! Let’s dive into the parts of The Yacht Week they don’t discuss. 

• Refundable yacht deposit/ security deposit: One person will pay this amount upon check-in. This deposit covers damage to the vessel. Assuming there is no damage, you’ll get the deposit back at the end of the week. You’ll pay $2,500 Euros, and you will almost always pay by credit card. 
• The Cash Kitty : The biggest fee no one talks about? The Cash Kitty. The Cash Kitty is a name assigned to a group of miscellaneous fees collected at the start of your trip. These include port fees, yacht fuel, shore power, water, ice, and water taxis – among other things. The cash kitty will vary for each boat , because shore fees and fuel needs will be different for each boat. You can use this nifty calculator on their website (hidden way down at the bottom) to learn about your estimated fees. For a monohull on the Croatia Original Route, fees run around 1950 Euros total – or 200 Euros per person. For a catamaran, those fees run around 2500 Euros total – or 245 Euros per person. The breakdown assumes, of course, you’re filling the boat. If you don’t plan to fill the boat, each person will need to pay more. At the end of the trip, if your skipper has leftover money, they will hand it back to you. On our boat, we had no leftover money. 
• Tip : You’ll need to tip your crew at the end of the trip, too! Your tip should be around 10% to 20% of your total booking price . That means for a classic monohull, a 20% tip would be around 2,000 USD . You will need to tip your crew in cash. 
• Food & drink : If you’re booking your own boat, you’ll need to worry about food and drinks, too – no matter if you have a host or not. Not every spot you dock will have easy access to restaurants or food (though most major ports will, of course). That’s why you should go grocery shopping in advance. For an entire week’s worth of food and drink for six guests, a host and a skipper, we paid around 850 Euros. However, we also opted out of one dinner and therefore had less food. A word of advice about the food situation: the best grocery store you’ll find? It’s near the dock, about a 10 minute walk away. None of the other ports had as large or well-stocked stores. So stock up early, if you can – because there aren’t always food options everywhere you go. That’s also why I recommend a host: she’s familiar with the boats and storage space. There isn’t a ton of room in the fridge, so it’s usually a tough fit.  
• Host & Skipper Food Fees : During your charter, you’ll need to cover any costs for your host and skipper to have food. It’s tradition to invite them to dinner with you and cover their costs. If you don’t want to do that, you’ll need to give them cash to eat dinner. 
• Transport to/from the marina : You’ll need to get to and from the marina, which will be assigned to you closer to the date of departure. Don’t fret – if you can’t afford a taxi, there’s an excellent bus that runs often between Trogir, the airport, and Split for two Euros. 
• Additional speakers and/or cooler : I know the Yacht Week website says the boats come with speakers, but that’s normally not true. If you want to blast music, you’ll need to rent a speaker. The speaker will cost 250 Euros to 300 Euros, depending on size. The smaller cooler will cost 70 Euros, the bigger one, 90 euros. If you’re visiting in peak summer, opt for the bigger cooler for sure. Keep in mind these are provided by a third party and prices fluctuate year by year. Pro tip: You can’t actually play loud music at most ports past 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. And some days, you’ll be at port for the entire day.So keep that in mind! 
• Misc. Costs : Be sure to bring some spending money for miscellaneous expenses. That means dinners on shore, for the most part, and drinks when you’re out and about. This should cost around 100 – 200 Euros at most, depending on how much you drink and how much you eat. 

When you take the security deposit out of the equation, we brought around 500 to 1,000 Euros extra per person to cover the above fees – and spent all of it, too. 

How many people do you need for Yacht Week?

You can travel with as little people as you want – or as many (to an extent). 

If you want to go solo, you can book a bed in a cabin on a yacht. Alternatively, you can look on “Crew Finder” and other Facebook groups for groups looking to add people to their yachts. 

However, if you want to rent out your own boat, you can fill it up. The maximum depends on your boat and whether you opt for a host. Generally speaking, it’s a maximum of 6 to 12 people. You can bring less, of course, but everyone will have to pay more to cover the total cost. 

Do you need A/C?

Ah yes, the golden question. Do you need air conditioning when you’re booking Yacht Week? Let’s be honest: Yacht Week costs can add up, and it may seem a little pricey. 

Before getting on the boat, I read as many blog posts and forums as I could – and everyone recommended air conditioning. I was really worried because we booked a boat without air conditioning. 

We traveled in mid-July, and it was really hot. We’re talking 38 degrees Celcius our first two days. Did we make it? Yeah, it ended up being totally fine . Many boats have lots of space to sleep outside. You can bring cushions and camp under the stars. 

Half our boat opted to sleep outside, the other half, inside. Either way, everyone was surprised – it ended up being much easier to sleep than we expected. Later in the week, when it cooled off, most people ended up sleeping inside with no problems. 

So do you need A/C? It’s up to you. 

Remember: The reality is different, and not everything you read online is true. People we met with A/C on their boats told us the A/C had been broken…and was broken the entire trip and the entire season.

These are boats, after all. Things break, and they don’t always get fixed. If you book a boat with A/C, remember, there’s a chance it may be broken. In addition, remember you can only use the A/C when plugged into shore power (which was only 4 days on our route). 

Final Musings 

Yacht Week Croatia can be affordable – if you’re willing to skip out on some of the luxuries. One mentality shift? Think of it like camping! To optimize your Yacht Week Croatia costs, make sure to think about alllll the hidden fees and costs in advance. There’s nothing worse than being surprised with costs. Happy Sailing!! 

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News , The Adecco Group , and more .

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14 comments

Wow! This looks like an incredible adventure. My husband and I have been talking about spending a week on a catamaran around the Caribbean. This is definitely convincing me!

Thank you! Honestly, it’s so worth it (I even have sea sickness and loved it!)

Great tips and love the photos!

Thank you!!

Yacht Week sounds like so much fun! I love the idea of thinking of it a bit like camping if you can’t afford to splurge on all the luxuries. It’s good to know that it is an experience that most people can enjoy, even if you’re working with a smaller budget. Thanks for the comprehensive guide!

I had no idea about this. It looks very fun! 🙂

I would love to do this! Have not been to Croatia but have done flotilla sails in Greece, Caribbean and BVI. It is not cheap, but well worth it, I found. Thanks for the insights about this event.

That sounds amazing — it’s never cheap but it’s such a unique experience!

Have always wanted to do yacht week! Thanks for the info!

Oh this looks amazing! I’ve not sailed for years other than from a to b. I think I need to start considering more ways to travel around than the usual plane, train or car.

This looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go on a yacht in Crotia. Looks like a great way to explore the area. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Thank you for reading!! 100% bucket list!

This sounds like so much fun! I will definitely have to try it with the hubby one day!

It’s such a unique experience!

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The Yacht Week Tours: Are Yacht Tours Worth It? [Review]

Here we dive deep into the tour guide company The Yacht Week, giving you a guide into what they are, how they operate, and if it's the right tour guide for you. Read on to find out!

Miriam enjoys writing about travel, and other adventures abroad like studying or working as an English language assistant. Her favorite places she's visited (so far) include London, UK, Angers, France, and the entire country of Norway. When she's not dreaming of new locations to explore, you can find her singing, acting, or dancing (probably all three), binge watching cozy crime TV shows, embroidering, or trying to come up with clever puns.

Ever dreamed of sailing the seven seas with your friends on a yacht? If this is a bucket list item for you,  The Yacht Week  might be the perfect travel adventure for you. Hop aboard a yacht for seven days and sail through beautiful destinations while partying the night away.

Hesitant about traveling on a yacht and prefer seeing your options on land instead? Don't worry, sea travel isn't for everyone. Check out our reviews of popular tour guides, like EF Ultimate Break or ViaHero , to see if these popular tour guides are more for you instead.

However, if you'd like to learn more about sailing away into the horizon with your friends and family relaxin' on a yacht, read on! ‍

What is The Yacht Week?

The Yacht Week (TYW) describes itself as “an adventure like no other.” Through this company, you and your closest friends can embark on a seven-day trip on the water in a yacht to beautiful destinations. Or you can join a pre-existing yacht if you’re looking to do some solo travel.

To travel with TYW, you simply choose a destination, get your “crew” together (you can travel with up to 12 friends with your very own skipper), choose a package or build your own, and then put down a 10% deposit to secure your sails. For an in-depth look at how to book, check out TYW’s helpful  blog pos t!

When you choose your crew, you can opt to rent a full yacht or reserve solo cabins. If you get a full yacht, you’ll need to fill all 12 spots. If you’d rather not book a full yacht, there’s a  crew finder  option you can use to find already planned trips that have empty spaces. You can also book a double cabin with a friend and be assigned a yacht. 

You must be 20 years old by the date of travel to sail with The Yacht Week. 

Yacht Week destinations

When choosing where to go with The Yacht Week, there are many  destinations  from which to choose. Depending on your budget, and the time of year you’re looking to travel, different options will be available. You’ll have the freedom with your crew to decide the specifics of where you explore in your chosen destination (there’s no set itinerary beyond the starting port). 

Every trip has its own fun highlights, with some including music festivals. According to their website, the destinations and routes are the following:

• Croatia, Original route. Sails in May, June, July, and August
• Croatia, Circus meets the sea. Sails in September
• Croatia, Hideout Festival route. Sails in September
• Croatia, Ultra route. Sails in July
• Greece, Athens route. Sails in May, June, and July
• Montenegro, Adriatic route. Sails in June
• Sardinia, Emerald Coast route. Sails in September
• Polynesia, Tahiti route. Sails in April
• Caribbean, Martinique & St Lucia. Sails in December/January
• The Bahamas, Abacos route. Sails in March

How much does The Yacht Week cost?

Since there are different destinations you can sail to with TYW, prices vary. With every trip you book, several amenities are included. Every yacht comes with a skipper on board to navigate and sail you through your week at sea. Also included in the cost are seven days of yacht accommodation, access to exclusive events, international DJs, professional photographers, towels and bed linens, cleaning service, and a dinghy to help you get to shore. 

On Hideout and Ultra routes, VIP Festival tickets are also included. For budgeting tips straight from The Yacht Week, head  here ! ‍

Not covered in the price are port fees, a refundable yachting company deposit, transfers to and from the airport, water taxis, fuel, water, and shore power for the yacht, alcohol, eating out, and additional meals for the skipper. 

Since your week-long adventure at sea takes place on a yacht, prices reflect that method of travel. You can pay upfront or in three installments. Here are the starting prices (valid as of July 2021) per person for each of TYW’s destinations:

• Croatia, Original route. Starts from $931pp
• Croatia, Circus meets the sea. Starts from $931pp
• Croatia, Hideout Festival route. Starts from $726pp
• Croatia, Ultra route. Starts from $1,160pp
• Greece, Athens route. Starts from $847pp
• Montenegro, Adriatic route. Starts from $1,036pp
• Sardinia, Emerald Coast route. Starts from $1,029pp
• Polynesia, Tahiti route. Starts from $1,228pp
• Caribbean, Martinique & St Lucia. Starts from $1,302pp
• The Bahamas, Abacos route. Starts from $1,319pp

Since availability and pricing can change depending on where and when you want to travel, head to TYW’s  booking page  for the most up to date prices.

Food and drink extras

In addition to your base price, you can purchase food and drinks packages. You can add a host to your travels with a premium or luxury package. They’ll cook six dinners, six lunches, and two dinners for you and your crew. If you’re building your own package, prices start at €750. 

You can build your own food package starting at €650, or you can opt to provide your own with grocery shops. Mineral water is included in all luxury and premium packages, but you can build your own drinks package starting at €850. 

What happens in Yacht Week?

No two trips on TYW are identical, and your itinerary for each day will vary based on your destination, crew, and your skipper. You can expect to spend your day chilling onboard and sailing from port to port, with stops for lunch or a swim. Each day there will also be a Yacht Week party or event you can participate in, along with exploring each port of call’s scenery and local cuisine.

The Yacht Week Reviews

Reviews  for TYW are mostly good and seem to indicate that this is a perfect adventure if you want to spend a week partying on a yacht with some sightseeing. If you’re planning a trip and want to see all the sites, or you aren’t a big partier, TYW is unlikely to tick all your boxes.

Reviews also comment on the fact that your initial price payment doesn’t cover everything needed during the trip. This means you need to budget a sizable amount for all the other associated fees. 

Work with The Yacht Week

If you’ve dreamed of living life on the seven seas, sailing, and helping travelers have a great week on board a yacht, think about working for TYW!  Positions available  are mainly seaside, so get your sea legs on and apply!

Packing essentials

Packing for a week on a yacht might sound like a breeze, but to make it easier for you, The Yacht Week has published its own packing list for you to reference! Give it a read  here  so you can pack your bags with ease. 

All a-boat that yacht life!

If a week at sea onboard a yacht with your friends sounds like the perfect travel experience, The Yacht Week might be for you! It’s a unique and fun way to travel, and sure to be unlike any other adventure you’ve had.

Start planning your trip on Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

FlightDeck’s Editorial Process

's Experience

• Blogger for Global Opportunities Office at Queen Mary University
• Wrote my own blog posts for a personal blog while working as a language assistant in France
• Writer for Pilot
• English Language Assistant in France for two years
• Professional experience in higher education/study abroad for two plus years in the UK

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Missing Virginia couple were likely thrown overboard in the Caribbean, police say

An older U.S. couple whose catamaran was hijacked last week in the Caribbean by three escaped prisoners were likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday.

The announcement is a blow to those who were independently helping search for Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel and had hoped they were still alive.

Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference that the three prisoners escaped on Feb. 18 from the South Saint George Police Station. They hijacked the catamaran "Simplicity" on Feb. 19 and headed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they were arrested last Wednesday, he said.

"Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, they disposed of the occupants," McKenzie said.

When pressed for details, he said, "We have nothing conclusive to say that the individuals are dead. We still hold out hope that in spite (of) what might be a low probability, that they would turn up alive somewhere."

He noted that he was "quite limited" with what he could share with the public regarding the case because the investigation is ongoing, and because Grenadian authorities still don’t have much information.

"The information I possess is limited and can be considered second-hand as I have had very limited discussions regarding the details of the investigation with my Vincentian counterpart," McKenzie said.

St. Vincent police could not be immediately reached for comment.

Hendry and Brandel have been known to take trips to go cruising around Grenada. Their family told FOX 5 this is something they always do – live on their boat during the winter months. It's an escape from their home in Falls Church, Virginia.

According to reports from investigators in the Caribbean, their boat was found abandoned in Saint Vincent.

The reports claim it was "ransacked" and it was apparent that a violent act took place.

There are three men in custody in connection to the Virginia couple's disappearance. Detectives in Grenada say the men are prisoners who were already facing robbery and rape charges.

Ralph Hendry’s sister, Suellen Desmarais, is still trying to figure out what happened, but told FOX 5, she’s keeping faith alive.

"On Sunday, they went into the town around three o’clock because another boater saw them go into town. And then the other boater, when he went to bed, he noticed that they were there cause you always look to see who is around you and in the morning, when the boater woke up they were gone," Desmarais said. "Why would I presume anyone is dead with no body and DNA? I want to remain positive. I want to believe that they are alive."

Ralph and Kathy were part of a sailing association called the Salty Dog .

The president of the group, Rob Osborn — who also lives on the sea — received a message from a good Samaritan who saw the abandoned yacht. He called local authorities before informing the couple's family.

"This is a tragedy that has shaken our community," Osborn said. "There are literally 100s of people who do what I do in the winter. I just want everyone to know that this is very rare."

"When people ask us if we worry about pirates, the answer is ‘no.’ These are friendly islands," he continued. "Whether you are in NYC, Chicago or here, sometimes bad things happen. And this is heinous."

FOX 5 has learned that Kathy and Ralph's children are in the Caribbean at the moment working with local authorities on this investigation.

In a statement sent to FOX 5, a spokesperson for the State Department said, "We are aware of these reports involving U.S. citizens missing in the vicinity of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can. We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information. The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad.  We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families."

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Here's what to know about a US couple missing in the Caribbean

S AN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Authorities in the eastern Caribbean are scouring waters in the region in hopes of finding a missing U.S. couple who were aboard their catamaran Simplicity more than a week ago when police say it was hijacked by three escaped prisoners from Grenada.

Police have said that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are presumed dead . The search for them began on Feb. 21 after someone discovered their catamaran abandoned on the shores of St. Vincent and alerted authorities.

Police say the three prisoners escaped from a police station on Feb. 18 and hijacked the catamaran a day later. Authorities said the prisoners then illegally entered the southwest coast of St. Vincent on Feb. 19 and docked the boat. Two days later, the three men were arrested along the island's northwest coast.

Here's what to know about the case:

It's unclear why the escaped prisoners hijacked the couple's catamaran, but it was moored at Grand Anse beach, near to the police station where the three men escaped.

Police believe the men hijacked the catamaran with the couple aboard and then allegedly threw them into the water while traveling to St. Vincent, which is located north of Grenada.

They have noted that there were signs of violence aboard the catamaran.

Police in Grenada have identified the escaped prisoners as Trevon Robertson, a 19-year-old unemployed man; Abita Stanislaus, a 25-year-old farmer; and Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old sailor.

All were charged a couple of months ago with one count of robbery with violence. Mitchell also was charged with one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

Vannie Curwen, Grenada’s assistant police commissioner, has said the men had been placed in a holding cell rather than in jail, because a judge hadn't yet ruled whether they would be released on bail.

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association has described Brandel and Hendry as veteran cruisers and longtime members who were “warm-hearted and capable.” It noted that Brandel served on the association’s board for two years.

The association said the couple had sailed their boat in the 2023 Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua and planned to spend the winter cruising the eastern Caribbean. A GoFundMe donation page stated that Brandel had become a first-time grandmother.

Nick Buro, Brandel’s son, and Bryan Hendry, Hendry’s son, said in a statement Tuesday that they were “incredibly saddened” to hear that the couple was presumed dead, but added that they remain optimistic about the ongoing search.

“While the end of their life may have been dark, they brought light, and that light will never be extinguished from the hearts and minds of the people who knew, loved and cared so deeply about them,” they said.

Police in Grenada and St. Vincent have provided limited information about the case of the missing couple, noting that the investigation is ongoing, though they have said the couple is presumed dead.

Authorities haven't yet shared any specific evidence linking the three men to the couple’s disappearance. St. Vincent police say the men have been cooperating in the investigation.

The men pleaded guilty this week to immigration-related charges, and are scheduled to be sentenced on those counts in early March.

Authorities haven't said whether prosecutors in St. Vincent or Grenada would pursue the case involving the couple.

Grenada Police Commissioner Don McKenzie said the attorney generals and prosecutors on both islands “are in discussions.”

Meanwhile, Grenada police sent a team of five officials to help with the investigation in nearby St. Vincent.

Police in Grenada have launched an investigation into how the men were able to escape from their holding cell.

McKenzie has said the police station should have been secure enough to prevent such an escape, and that authorities are looking into whether it was a “system failure” or a “slip up.”

McKenzie has said no officers have resigned or been disciplined, although one supervisor at the station has been transferred to another location “to ensure a thorough investigation in this matter.”

Americans whose yacht was hijacked in Grenada were likely thrown overboard and died, police say

Two Americans are presumed dead after they vanished from their yacht in Grenada , leaving behind evidence of a bloody struggle, police in nearby St. Vincent and the Grenadines said Monday.

While loved ones of Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry are hopeful that the American retirees and sailing enthusiasts could still turn up alive, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Superintendent Junior Simmons offered a more somber assessment.

"Based on the investigation thus far, it is presumed that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel are deceased," Simmons said in a video statement Monday afternoon .

Hours earlier, police in Grenada said there's still hope to find the couple.

But Royal Grenada Police Commissioner Don McKenzie also said he's offering “condolences” to the family of the two American boaters, who were most likely “disposed of” at sea by escaped prisoners. McKenzie said there's a “low probability” Brandel and Henry might be alive.

Three accused criminals escaped from jail on Feb. 18 before they "commandeered" the couple's boat, called Simplicity, and headed north, McKenzie said. Police have said the escapees boarded the boat while it was docked in the St. George area of Grenada.

"They headed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St. Vincent, they disposed of the occupants," McKenzie told reporters.

Asked whether investigators have an idea where the "missing" Americans might be, McKenzie flat-out said, "No."

"We have nothing conclusive to say that the individuals are dead," he added. "We still hold out hope that, in spite of what might be a low probability, they will turn up alive somewhere, that they're alive."

Simmons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines left little doubt of his opinion in the probe “into the disappearance and presumed death of two United States citizens ... Ralph Hendry and his common law wife Kathy Brandel.”

In an interview that aired Monday on NBC Nightly News, Rob Maher, a friend of the couple who acted as their emergency contact, said that the situation was “like a bad Hollywood movie.”

“It’s hard to think of their last moments with the idea that they might have been thrown overboard alive. It’s difficult to conceive for a friend,” he added.

Couple's sons are in the Caribbean

The couple’s sons called the pair’s disappearance “the rarest of the rare occurrences.”

Brandel’s son, Nick Buro, and Hendry’s son, Bryan Hendry, told NBC Washington that they first learned the couple were missing after U.S. consular officials in Barbados contacted them.

A good Samaritan who found the pair’s abandoned boat contacted the Salty Dawg Sailing Association , whose flag was flying on the mast, and word made it to the two sons, too.

They said they were told the couple vanished after three men escaped from police custody Feb. 18 and boarded their boat in Grenada the next day, Buro said.

Buro said they were told an “altercation of violence took place" on the boat, adding that there was evidence of the violence and that the couple’s possessions were "strewn around all over." Items had also been stolen.

McKenzie said, "What I can say to the family is my condolences and we are still hoping for what I consider a positive outcome, which is we still have the hope that our worst-case scenario will not be a reality."

The scene on the couple's boat was "consistent with signs of violence," Simmons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines said.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembled blood was seen on board," he said. "There was no discovery of bodies on board the yacht."

The escapees were caught by police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday and are in custody there, according to Buro and officials.

Police told Buro that they have questioned the suspects multiple times, and he said the family expects charges soon.

Buro and Hendry are in the Caribbean and have been speaking with authorities, including the St. Vincent and the Grenadines police and coast guard, and they expressed their appreciation.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said it is aware of the reports involving two citizens missing in the vicinity of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines but did not identify the couple. The official added that U.S. authorities are coordinating with local law enforcement officials as they carry out their search efforts.

“We are monitoring the situation and seeking additional information,” the spokesperson said. “The Department of State has no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. We stand ready to provide appropriate assistance to U.S. citizens in need and to their families.”

Life on the water

The couple met in Virginia and have been married for 27 years. They raised the boys together in the state, where they lived until 2013, selling their home in Alexandria to trade it in for Simplicity and life on the water.

"They wanted to see the world. They wanted to experience life. They wanted to see what the world had to offer outside of their small window of living in one place and being mobile and being able to have a different adventure every day — that’s like the definition of living," Buro said.

Buro said that the family has always been close and that they talk often. He considers Ralph Hendry his father and Bryan Hendry his brother, and he said he knows Hendry feels the same way about him and Brandel.

The couple “lived with a sense of wonder and love,” Hendry said.

“They loved immersing themselves in different cultures and meeting people and spreading their love wherever they could,” he said.

Buro echoed his stepbrother’s sentiments.

“You’ll never meet more beautiful people than Kathy and Ralph,” Buro said. “They were there for people when they needed it most, and I just, they’re my inspiration for everything, and I can’t express how much I love them, and I know everybody else who knows them feels the same way.”

The couple had been planning the trip down to Grenada — their first to the Caribbean island — for “years and years and years, training themselves, preparing the boat, preparing themselves ... to make the trip,” Hendry said.

It was going to be a “very long trip, not to be taken lightly,” and the couple felt they had “prepared themselves adequately,” Hendry said.

They made the voyage down with the Salty Dawg Sailing Association, and everyone arrived safely, Buro said.

Bob Osborn, the association's president, said the situation was upsetting and tragic.

“In all my years of cruising the Caribbean, I have never heard of anything like this,” he said in a statement.

Yacht 'was their home'

Buro thinks his mother and stepfather could still be alive.

“We still think there’s a chance that they’re out there," he said. Because the investigation continues and St. Vincent and the Grenadines police were "quick to apprehend the suspects and are searching," there is hope.

"We still hope that they are OK and that we can bring them back," Buro said.

He said that the entire situation "is something that is completely unexpected" and that they are trying to understand the "senseless act of violence against two people that were just living their lives in their home."

Buro said the couple worked hard on their dream and had become seasoned sailors. Simplicity “was their home,” he said.

He said the couple’s top priorities were always safety and security, “to make sure everything they did was safe and was going to keep them safe.”

“To have that turn out in a way where something out of their control took that away from them is what’s so horrific about this and so sad, because they were just, this is just something that they’ve always wanted to do, and they did it, and it’s just, it breaks our hearts,” Buro said.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Mauricio Casillas is a reporter for NBC Washington.

David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

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Choose from two yacht categories, Classic and Premium, in both Monohull and Catamaran types. Select the one that fits with your crew's spirit and budget, and we'll match you with a yacht that fits the bill. Or, if you're crystal clear about your desires, go ahead and pick your own.

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Once you've chosen your yacht, it's time to make it uniquely yours. This is where you can add those exciting extras to turn your week into the dream you've always envisioned. How about adding a host to handle your meals while you soak in the adventure?

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You will only need to pay 10% at the time of booking to secure your space.

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As the lead booker, once you have added your crew to your booking they will create their own profiles and can view the booking and pay their share. That way you won’t have to send money back and forth between everyone in the crew.

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US couple likely dead after Caribbean boat hijacking, police say

Reporting by Robertson S. Henry in Kingstown and Sarah Morland in Mexico City; Editing by Leslie Adler

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Watch CBS News

Virginia couple missing in Grenada and feared killed after yacht allegedly stolen by escaped criminals

By Nikki Battiste, Tucker Reals

Updated on: February 27, 2024 / 4:48 PM EST / CBS News

Two Americans who planned to spend the winter on a yacht in the Caribbean were officially missing Monday, but feared to have been killed  after their boat was stolen by prison escapees in Grenada. Kathy Brandel and Ralph Hendry were last seen a week ago near a beach in the small island nation. Police found their sailboat, and captured three escaped criminals whom they believe stole it.

The couple was likely thrown into the ocean and died, police in Grenada said Monday. "Information suggests that while traveling between Grenada and St Vincent, (the suspects) disposed of the occupants," Don McKenzie, police commissioner of the Royal Grenada Police Force, said at a news conference .

Grenadan police were still searching for the couple, who are from Northern Virginia, and they told CBS News' Washington, D.C., affiliate WUSA that no bodies had been found.

Family and friends have described the couple as seasoned sailors who just last year sailed their yacht, named Simplicity, from Hampton, Virginia, to Antigua. They confirmed that the pair had been vacationing in Grenada, where their boat was docked.

In a statement Tuesday, the couple's family said that Hendry and Brandel sailed the eastern coast of the U.S., living on their yacht, "making friends with everyone they encountered, singing, dancing and laughing with friends and family."

"It's just really sad," said longtime friend K.C. McAlpin, who added that Brandel and Hendry had planned to make this their "last grand trip" on Simplicity.

Instead, things may have taken a very tragic turn. The couple went missing on Feb. 19, one day after police in Grenada say three convicted criminals escaped from custody. 

The three men — identified as Ron Mitchell, 30, Trevon Robertson, 19, and Abita Stanislaus, 25 — were arrested in December over an alleged violent robbery. Mitchell also faced one count of rape, three counts of attempted rape and two counts of indecent assault and causing harm.

All three were recaptured Wednesday, Feb. 21. The yacht was also found that same day, Brandel's 71st birthday, abandoned on a beach on the nearby island of St. Vincent.    

The police believe the men hijacked the couple's yacht in Grenada and then traveled to St. Vincent.

Police said they found evidence suggesting the pair were killed, but the Americans' deaths have not been confirmed and the investigation was still in its early stages, they stressed.

"Several items were strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that resembled blood was seen on board," said police spokesman Junior Simmons 

Over the weekend, family members released a statement thanking officials and those who had helped gather information, saying it "means so much to us that so many people care for Ralph and Kathy."

"We live in world that at times can be cruel, but it's also a world of profound beauty, wonder, adventure, love, compassion, caring, and faith," the family said on Tuesday. "Our parents encompassed all those values and so much more. If we have learned anything from this tragic event, it's that we know they left this world in a better place than it was before they were born."

McAlpin said the couple always made friends easily and he hoped they would be remembered for their big hearts.

"They were just a delightful couple and a real blessing in my life, and the lives of so many other people," he said.

• Missing Persons

Nikki Battiste is a CBS News correspondent based in New York.

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Va. couple missing in Caribbean likely killed, thrown off boat, police say

A Virginia couple missing in the Caribbean for more than a week were probably killed by three escaped prisoners who hijacked their catamaran in Grenada and threw the pair overboard as they sailed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, authorities said Monday.

Junior Simmons, superintendent of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, said at a news conference that Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel, a retired couple, are presumed dead, but that the search for them continues by air and sea in the roughly 100-mile stretch of the Caribbean between the islands of Grenada and St. Vincent. Public records show that two people by their names shared several addresses in Alexandria and Fairfax County over the past two decades.

Simmons said the joint investigation by his force and the Royal Grenada Police Force, aided by U.S. Embassy personnel, indicates that three men being held at a Grenadian jail on charges that include rape and robbery escaped Feb. 18 and kidnapped Hendry and Brandel, who were on board their 48-foot sailboat Simplicity, moored at a beach on the small island.

“While sailing from Grenada the suspects committed several criminal acts including bodily harm to the couple,” Simmons said. Don McKenzie, commissioner of the Grenada force, said at a separate news conference Monday that it is believed the suspects “disposed of the occupants” on their way to St. Vincent.

The couple had sailed from Hampton, Va., to Antigua for a boat rally in November and were spending the winter cruising the eastern part of the Caribbean, according to their boating group, the Salty Dawg Sailing Association. The two lived on the boat and were seasoned sailors, and Brandel had recently become a grandmother, according to a GoFundMe page.

The Salty Dawg Sailing Association said in a statement that a cruising skipper contacted the group on Feb. 21 to report that the Simplicity was moored and abandoned off the south coast of St. Vincent. The skipper also alerted the St. Vincent coast guard, and police were notified in turn.

“The good Samaritan had boarded the boat and noted that the owners … were not onboard and found evidence of apparent violence,” the statement said.

Simmons said that when investigators boarded the vessel, they found items strewn on the deck and in the cabin, and a red substance that appeared to be blood was found on the catamaran. The GoFundMe campaign organizer wrote that the catamaran had “chilling evidence of a violent struggle.”

Police launched a manhunt for the escaped prisoners and said the men were recaptured the same day the skipper found the boat.

Simmons said the three prisoners, all Grenadian residents, have been cooperating with the investigation and pleaded guilty to immigration violations in court. They are being held pending sentencing March 4. They have not yet been charged with crimes against Hendry and Brandel but are considered suspects, authorities said.

A spokesman for the Royal Grenada Police Force said an internal investigation has been launched into how the three prisoners escaped from the St. George Police Station. McKenzie said a supervisor at the jail has since been transferred.

The GoFundMe organizer wrote on the fundraising page that Hendry and Brandel were spending their retirement sailing on Simplicity. The Salty Dawg Sailing Association said in its statement that both were longtime members and that Brandel had served on the group’s board. The group described the couple as “warm hearted and capable.”

“Kathy and Ralph, experienced adventurers, spent their retirement sailing aboard Simplicity, spending summers in New England and embracing the warmth of Caribbean winters,” the GoFundMe page reads.

Nick Buro, a son of Brandel’s, and Bryan Hendry, a son of Hendry’s, said in a joint statement Tuesday that the couple “lived a life that most of us can only dream of.” Buro said in a text message that Brandel’s birthday was on Feb. 21, the day the Simplicity was found. She would have turned 71. Hendry was 66.

“We live in world that at times can be cruel, but it’s also a world of profound beauty, wonder, adventure, love, compassion, caring, and faith,” the statement said. “Our parents encompassed all those values and so much more. If we have learned anything from this tragic event, it’s that we know they left this world in a better place than it was before they were born.”

The statement said the couple made friends with “everyone they encountered, singing, dancing and laughing with friends and family.”

“While the end of their life may have been dark, they brought light, and that light will never be extinguished from the hearts and minds of the people who knew, loved and cared so deeply about them,” the statement said.