Preview: Forbes Lifestyle Travel: Set Sail On The New Flying Frenchman Luxury Catamaran In The USVI

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08 Apr 2024

Forbes Lifestyle Travel: Set Sail On The New Flying Frenchman Luxury Catamaran In The USVI

More importantly, it has partnered with some of the world's most iconic, and top-rated luxury hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Autograph Collection, Waldorf-Astoria, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and Westin Hotels.

In fact, we just stayed at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and enjoyed a debut sailing on Red's newest luxury 65-foot catamaran, The Flying Frenchman, which docks at Dockside Watersports at Frenchman's Reef.

Let me just say here that the new Frenchman's Reef is idyllic. This beautiful resort is the epitome of anyone's beachside holiday dream. It is the product of a $425 million rebuild of two distinct properties – The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef, and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman's Reef, Autograph Collection. (As soon as I arrived, I took one look at the huge white floating daybeds in the azure water – and I was hooked.)

But let's get back to The Flying Frenchman – This elegant maritime vessel is truly an aristo-craft.

We loved our adventure on the The Flying Frenchman, the all-new “jewel in the crown” for Red Hospitality. We sailed for about two hours out of the USVI, and it was a wonderful experience (though it got choppy out there in the open water, but that's the wimpish side of me writing). Sparkling new, the world-class vessel features a gourmet dining area, custom-made shipboard grill, open bar (though I stuck to non-alcoholic ginger beer, as I tend to get motion sickness), and it can accommodate up to 125 guests. All sorts of sublime snacks were offered, including delicious hummus and crudites, Brie and roast beef sliders, organic chicken-salad sandwiches, fresh-caught local seviche, plus an open bar, which everyone enjoyed immensely. The vessel just debuted this year and its services are not limited to guests of Frenchman's Reef and The Westin. (Red Hospitality also owns and operates Cruz Bay Watersports.)

Being on board, complete with the wind running through my hair, was an extremely soigne and sophisticated experience – and everyone in the crowd looked so chic, it seemed like they had just stepped out of the summer issue of Vogue. My husband Bill and I just sat there and took in the beauty of it all, considering ourselves blessed and lucky to be enjoying such a lovely sunset sail. And meeting other passengers – some very interesting people from all over the world. That was one special thing I enjoyed about being on the Flying Frenchman – not too big and not too small, it afforded many opportunities to meet other people from all walks of life, and to enjoy some sparkling conversations about travel. (Just note – the vessel is a shoeless experience – your footwear is stowed while you sail.) And here's my personal recommendation — the haute-couture craft offers a picture-postcard beautiful setting that is ideal for snapping images for next year's Christmas card – so bear that in mind beforehand, and pick out your best outfits to wear!

For something completely different – you may want to consider The Flying Frenchman for The "Pizza Pi Snorkel Sail" - a unique and enjoyable six-hour adventure, combining luxury catamaran sailing with snorkeling and a distinctive culinary experience in the Virgin Islands – plus an open bar to cap off the day. It stops twice for snorkeling, and a notable feature of this trip is lunch at the Pizza Pi food boat, which is the only floating pizza kitchen in the Virgin Islands. Here, one can delight in freshly made pizza and tropical cocktails while afloat. Make mine a Margherita! (Starting from $159pp for adults).

Jason Campbell, SVP of Sales, Marketing, Brand and Product Development of RED Hospitality & Leisure commented to me on the company's partnership with the newly remodeled property: “We're so pleased to be in partnership with Fortress, Aimbridge and Marriott on the reopening of this iconic hotel in St. Thomas. Red has invested over $5 Million to create a world-class fleet of vessels and vehicles delivering curated tours, activities and signature experiences in the USVI, including launch of a luxury transportation company, custom-built catamaran, jet skis, power boats and a retail boutique at Dockside Watersports.” He added, “All of our trip itineraries were handcrafted by our local mariners and the menus were engineered by our on-island culinary and beverage teams to showcase the culture and cornerstones of island hospitality.”

Here are just a few of the other curated experiences you can enjoy on The Flying Frenchman.

● Sunset and Dinner Sails: Enjoy refined evening sails featuring gourmet hors d'oeuvres, sunset toasts over live music, and fully plated dinners served in Charlotte Amalie or the harbor's historic ambience.

● Snorkeling Adventures: Engage with the vibrant marine life of Brewers Bay and the renowned sea turtles at Buck Island. But as they say in Hawaii, “Don't harass the honu (turtles)!”

● St. John Discovery: The Best of St. John Sail immerses guests in the island's culture, including opportunities for dining, shopping, and relaxation on pristine beaches, highlighted by snorkeling in national park waters.

Red's fleet marine recreational and sailing equipment features a range of options from brand-new Yamaha Jet Skis (great fun – I felt like Ann-Margret riding with Elvis - don't miss it!) and Axopar luxury powerboats to Denali SUVs for elite black car service across the island. The private excursions on the Axopar go to the British Virgin Islands and St. John – a quick ride from Frenchman's Reef. Their beach services further enhance the experience with offerings such as luxury cabanas and private Hobie Cat sailing lessons for up to two people for one hour ($99 for single-person lesson).

So dive into it all – this is exactly where luxury goes overboard!