Mystic - Crewed Sailing Yacht Charter

Who ever said that there is no gourmet food in the BVI has certainly not had the pleasure of
eating from the Mystic’s floating kitchen with B (Belinda Bentley) at the helm, and to
reference Rob as ‘just the captain’ would be like saying Luciano Pavarotti could sing a note
or two. We just returned from a week in the BVI with these two, and the experience was
absolutely fabulous!

B – everything, I mean everything, she made for us was absolutely over the top good. I am
not a big fan of pasta nor of lobster, and she made a lobster fettuccine that may be one of
the best dishes I’ve ever enjoyed in my six plus decades. The care and detail she imbued in
her cooking - from the wafting aromas, vast ingredients, and the stunning plating - left us in
awe three times a day for a week. Her desserts were the most imaginative, creative,
delicious delights that capped off every evening. Our suggestions prior to the voyage were
taken and delivered to us on a higher level than we could’ve imagined. B in the kitchen
always had a smile and was quick to jump in with a running commentary that was pleasant
and with a commitment to satisfy our culinary desires. I’m not sure how I am going to eat
out again after experiencing the quality of food I had on the Mystic.

Rob might be Jason Bourne – just sayin. He was able to eek out an additional knot here and
there with a rigging here and a trim there. Additionally, he was so accommodating and
always patiently willing to share his rationale for sailing actions and the principles in the
nautical journey. Rob’s four plus years of sailing around the world allayed any hesitations
about our safety on the trip. He has boundless energy and was primarily invested in making
sure that we had the best possible experience. One afternoon we went for a quick fly
fishing expedition off a point just outside our cove – forty five minutes later we are both
trying to pull the 3-4’ and 25-30lb tarpon out of the water ... the fly snapped, and that one
got away. Rob as a snorkeling guide was absolutely phenomenal – always keeping an eye
on us and directing us to the best sights. Ask him about the night snorkeling trip and how
that works! What else about Rob? Think mixologist, Ninja table setter extraordinaire, DJ,
dishwasher, pillow arranger, waiter – the list goes on.

Truly, B and Rob were all about our experience. The Mystic is a beautiful boat - very
comfortable and fully equipped with everything you would need. The week was spectacular.
If you can make your schedule align with Rob, B, and the Mystic, you will have a great time!

Rob was incredible - he led us on so many great excursions, showed us things we never would have seen on our own, and planned lots of fun adventured for our kids. He taught us a bit about sailing and shared so many great stories of his own sailing adventures. He was patient with our kids and just made the whole trip wonderful. We all felt very safe and secure the whole week knowing that we had such a capable and knowledgeable skipper in Rob!

Belinda´s food was INCREDIBLE. She is warm, friendly, loving, and was always asking if we needed anything. Bea was a funny, steady, caring presence on the boat, and I loved getting to talk with her. She was so kind to my children, and took their ages and preferences into account when planning our menu for the week. Her food is as beautiful as it is delicious!

The Mystic is a beautiful yacht! It was so clean that we felt like we were first people to ever sail on it. She beds were comfortable, and the air conditioning worked great in our rooms at night. The finishes on the yacht are beautiful and comfortable.

If I said that my trip with Rob and B and the Mystic was the number one best trip of my life, I wouldn´t be lying! Private sailing, crystal blue waters, snorkeling with turtles, and stingrays, and wonderful conversation with my favorite people, what could make it better? I´ll tell you what could make it better, ´B!!!´ Belinda took this vacation to another level. Each meal was part of the adventure. Exquisite in flavor, and designed to our tastes, she made exception after exception in making exceptional cuisine, and plated it like it was the art that it was. Rob was an amazing captain, who brought so much security and comfort to the group knowing that we were in such capable hands. If you are lucky enough to get them to lead your charter, get him to tell you his adventure stories of years of sailing around the world and his famous experience at Everest base camp. Well worth the investment to spend time with not only amazingly talented people in their own rights, but such wonderful people. I can´t wait to do another adventure with them!

We recently returned from a sailing trip with Rob and Belinda on the Mystic. This was our first sailing trip. It could not have been better. Belinda prepared amazing meals for us. We had a former chef in our group and even he was amazed and what Belinda came up with in a small boat kitchen. Rob was terrific. He was always happy to take us where we wanted to go. He had very interesting stories about his life on the sea and other places. It would be hard to imagine a better crew. The boat was also very well appointed. We hope to do another sailing trip in the future and would pretty much find where Rob and Belinda are going and then go with them.

There are experiences, and there are experiences! We had the time of our lives with Rob and Belinda. I struggle to imagine anyone performing better than they did. Rob was the consummate professional, always supporting any activity we wanted to do. Belinda created meals and eating experiences that were amazing. I still struggle to understand how she pulled it off from a tiny galley. I would follow them to any vessel they serve on.

We had an incredible trip. The boat, islands, food, weather, etc.. were all fantastic but Rob and Belinda really made the trip. They are an awesome team and did a great job not only hosting but engaging our entire family. We left after 7 days not only with a great vacation experience but two new friends.

We will definitely book again and look forward to it.

You can charter other Bali 5.4 catamarans, but unless you charter the Mystic 5.4 crewed by the couple Captain Rob and Chef Belinda Bentley, you’ll be missing half the experience of your BVI sailing adventure! This couple/crew are hospitable, knowledgeable, charming, warm, and funny with a great sense of humour. They complement each other so well as 1st mate and sous chef! They provided tips on and gave historical and nice to know facts of the islands we visited. By the time our charter ended I felt we were one happy family.

Captain Rob navigated the Mystic with skill and finesse, in and out of marinas and bays like he was eating a piece of his wife’s delicious cake. He ensured our safety on board and in the water. I personally have balance/mobility issues, and he made sure I could confidently access all areas of the Mystic. He and Belinda both used the hydraulic swim platform so I could safely enter and exit the water. He even snorkelled one on one with me so I wouldn’t miss out on that experience.

Chef Belinda…I can’t say enough about her culinary skills. Her meals were delicious, flavourful and the presentation/plating were indescribably beautiful. Without missing a beat, she was able to adapt her widely varied menus to meet the dietary requirements of all guests. I can’t thank her enough for the lengths she went to decorate the salon and provide a delectable cake for a surprise birthday celebration for 2 guests on the last night of our charter.

I can say without hesitation, were it not for the crew of Rob and Belinda Bentley on the Mystic 5.4, this sailing adventure would not have been the experience of a lifetime it was.

Merci infiniment, muchas gracious, gracie mille……I can’t say thank you to Rob and Belinda too many times or in too many ways….you’re The Best!!!

Valarie
Mystic: 7/15-7/22/2023

What a great adventure! To have such a wonderful and new experience with family made us feel very blessed, and it was topped off with such a fantastic crew of Captain Rob and Chef/First Mate Belinda Bentley on the Mystic 5.4 catamaran. Not only was the catamaran absolutely stunning and accommodating, but the Bentleys also ensured we enjoyed every minute of it!
Captain Rob is an experienced professional, all the while being polite, personable, and dedicated to not only the boat but also the guests. He shared his extensive knowledge of manoeuvring the boat, the sail functions (when and how to use them), and the complex navigation system with the guests interested in the operation of the catamaran.

Chef Belinda was meticulous in every meal’s preparation and presentation. Every meal was made with love and care while considering the guests’ specific dietary needs. Her incorporation of exotic, local flavours and spices elevated the meals even more! Not only did she prepare three meals a day, but she also provided a snack between meals. Never to disappoint the guests’ tastebuds! Her food is worthy of a James Beard Foundation Award!

Together Rob and Belinda took excellent care of the guests and the luxurious catamaran. While traveling to various islands, Rob and Belinda briefly described the island’s intriguing history, where the best places to swim/snorkel are, and the attractions, restaurants, and shopping available. Both made sure the guests knew water safety and the use of the equipment provided to ensure the guests had the best experience in the beautiful Caribbean seas. Captain Rob even led a group snorkelling and showed the best place to view the magnificence of the creatures in the water. While guests were off the boat or lounged on one of the decks, Chef Belinda was guaranteed to be in the kitchen preparing the next meal, snack, and dessert.

They work so well with each other and interact with the guests delightfully and sincerely. Captain Rob and Chef Belinda truly felt like family by the end of the adventure! No words can express how grateful we feel to have been with the Bentleys on our vacation. They have set the bar so high that we MUST have our future vacations with them on the Mystic 5.4! Sincere thanks to Captain Rob and Chef Belinda Bentley!

Belinda and Rob,

Its pitch black, at 5am, as I begin to write this. I’ve been the lucky one tasked to figure out how to somehow thank you both by putting words on to paper. It is no small feat, and as always, I’m concerned that I will somehow fumble my words along the way… but honestly, it will be typical of me!

Wow…Just…WOW. THANK YOU!

We can’t even describe how simply magnificent this whole week has been for us six. Honestly, the entire trip has far surpassed anything we could have imagined!!

We knew that the location would be spectacular when we planned the trip over a year ago, but to have lucked to have gotten you both as our guides through this life changing vacation was where we truly hit the jackpot!

We chose this charter specifically because of you both (your bios and experience) and we could not have found anyone better fit to handle such a crazy group!

Our entire trip felt perfectly created to our likings and preferences!

It was as if you both have known our group all our lives and created the perfect itinerary and menu just for us. (Seriously B, the food was absolutely, freaking phenomenal!) So much love was poured into each meal you made for us.

We were so impressed we received a 5-star meal from the confines of such as small space!

Thank you for the laughter, the lessons in sailing and for sharing stories with us of your life adventures!

Thank you for taking such great care of us the entire week, the time we have spent has been food for the souls!

Best of luck as you move on to Mystic. We look forward to hearing and seeing all your adventures. If you ever want to remember our group and charter, head over to Foxy’s to see Dave’s face on Caprice’s swimsuit!!

Hopefully, we will all be able to return to see it ourselves. In the meantime, we appreciate you checking in on it every now and then.

With the greatest Love, Respect and Appreciation Always

Belinda & Rob,

We had the time of our lives! Best time ever for us as a couple. You and Rob made our stay a true life moment from beginning to end. Your wonderful personalities, extensive experience and knowledge of the seas and sailing were exactly what we were looking for. We would like the Mystic’s owners to know that they could not have placed their brand new boat and investment in more caring or capable hands!

We look forward to seeing you again next year same time with our family, kids & spouses.

Best regards,

Linda& Rich

Rob & B
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!!
B – Your meals always exceeded our expectations!! Your chicken pasta, steak and scalloped potatoes, fish tacos, salsa, and salads were some of our favourites!
Then you topped it off with desserts that were memorable to say the least. I will never forget the Tipsy Tart!!

Rob – Thank you for being prepared with a plan, but also flexible. We loved the snorkelling, exploring the caves with the water toys and our island explorations! Most of all, thank you for navigating us safely through the swells between Anegada and Scrub Island!
Above all, thank you for sharing yourselves with us. The conversations, sharing your near-death experience on Mt Everest and allowing Dave to be part of the crew made us feel like family.
You are both so suited for this job.
Until we meet again.
Dave & Suzanne

We had the time of our lives!
Best time ever for us as a couple.
You and Rob made our stay a true-life moment from beginning to end. Your wonderful personalities, extensive experience and knowledge of the seas and sailing were exactly what we were looking for. We would like the Mystic’s owners to know that they could not have placed their brand-new boat and investment in more caring or capable hands!
We look forward to seeing you again next year same time with our family, kids & spouses.
Best regards,
Linda& Rich

The crew – Rob and Belinda were excellent! The food – Belinda is a phenomenal chef, we all gained weight eating her wonderful meals. Belinda was the best chef in the entire tandem flotilla and was really amazing. The attention to detail she puts into everything she serves is incredible. We had three great meals and a nice snack every day. Rob is a very capable professional boat captain and sailor. We felt safe and secure at all times. He does everything 110% and is a really nice, personable guy. We created our own itinerary but it worked out well. We had two windy days that made for more difficult sailing but otherwise it was fine. Rob and Belinda rock!!

Not one of our 20 members were disappointed with their trip.
It was our best trip to date, and we’ve been on a lot of other ones.
The itinerary was perfect and they catered to our every desire.
If we wanted to change plans mid trip they did their best to accommodate
us in every detail. We didn’t miss a thing!!! Plenty of play toys for the adults and children.
Snorkel gear was supplied for all, along with water boards and rafts and other toys.

I know everyone who has a good captain thinks
theirs is the best. I KNOW the captain on my boat
is the number one captain for a charter. In his
command we always felt safe and secure in his
knowledge and handling of our sailboat. Always he
greeted us with his warm smile and pleasant
disposition. He never seemed rushed or bothered
by all the needs of our family group of twenty. At
the end of the charter we felt like we were leaving
a dear friend. I cannot give him enough accolades!
He was easy to talk to, always trying to serve his
guests and accommodate them with any desire of
their hearts. Rob and his wife/chef Belinda are
such a pleasant couple. They truly compliment
each other and work well together. We were
beyond blessed to have them as our crew. They
made our trip enjoyable and pleasing. Rob never
got upset with our active, over the top family. He
continued to smile throughout our exploits. He
was helpful and quick to meet our needs. I could
go on and on about telling what a great captain he
is. You will not be disappointed if you are fortunate
enough to have him captain your sailboat!!! A Plus
Plus!!!

Now Belinda is amazing! She will not disappoint
pleasing you with her delicious cuisine. Every
one meal was a delight. She is an exceptional chef and
her recipes will make you want to arrive at the
table on time. She caters to your every desire and
wants to please you. She is most pleasant and has
a warm personality. My only complaint is the four
pounds she put on me during our week stay. You
will love Belinda and she will leave you with
wonderful memories of the scrumptious food she
serves. A true delight in every way!!!

The boat was very clean and well maintained. It
was very comfortable and spacious with lots of
places to get away!

What more can I say!!! Food was first rate and
drinks were readily available. We even got to enjoy
a few new concoctions!!!

Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5

Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
The yacht was absolutely spotless and beautiful. We were left wanting for nothing more. Everything we needed for the perfect vacation was available and in great working condition.

Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes, we had no issues (as I have in the past!) with air conditioning or wind flow.

Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
The crew was spectacular. They provided the highest level of service possible. Everything, from the amazing food to the fantastic guidance on where to go and what to do, was perfect. I truly can´t imagine a better crew to work with.
We left our trip feeling as if we´ve made life long friends.

Was the food good and well presented?
The food was fantastic. It was delicious and the variety was great. Belinda really worked to understand our likes and dislikes and adjusted every meal to fit our needs perfectly. Since arriving home we´ve been craving Belinda´s food!!

Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Rob was a fantastic captain. Not only did he work tirelessly to keep the yacht in perfect shape but he was also a great guide during the trip. He catered our itinerary around the needs of our entire group. Whether that was extreme amounts of snorkeling for some or extreme relaxation and bar hopping for others. We all got what we wanted out of our week long vacation of a lifetime!

Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
The BVI´s were incredible! I can´t imagine a more beautiful location. However, I would recommend traveling directly into Tortola as opposed to St Thomas and ferrying to Tortola which adds layers of complexity and cost that weren´t very fun.

The crew were very friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely fabulous and far exceeded our expectations. Rob and Belinda went out of their way to make our charter one of the best vacations we have ever had. We would love to charter with them again. BVIs are fantastic.

Thank you for an amazing trip Rob & B! I couldn´t have asked for a better crew. B´s vegan boat is the BEST around.
-Elyse & Eden
Miami, FL

Rob & B made this vacation!! There were so nice and accommodating. B made the BEST food ever and Rob knew all the best snorkeling spots! Thank you guys for everything and I hope to see y´all again!
-Tess
Louisiana

Rob & B,
Thank you!
This was such a special experience, I will greatly miss the islands as well as the both of you. B, your cooking is fantastic and you have a comforting presence. Rob, you remind me a lot of my dad, he is a virgo too!
-Zara
Hawaii

Lovely time with B & Rob. Our chaperons and second-parents on this journey. B is a Vegan Masterchef! and #1 for her vegan chocolate cake! I hope I see y´all again. Much love,
Casey
-Denver, CO

Rob & B were the BEST! The Belle Vie was such a wonderful experience. Probably never going to eat this good again. Thank you Rob & B!
-Lauren

Belinda and Rob,

THANK YOU for an amazing trip and the wonderful experiences.

We all had a blast and felt very blessed to have you be our hosts for the week. The food was amazing and the many stops between each meal were welcomed adventures. From jumping off Will T´s, to meandering through the Baths, to New Years on Anegada...we all had a ball!! I can assure you this trip will be talked about for many, many years!

Thank you again for your hospitality and always offering to help make our trip 5 star! Enjoy the next charter and may your 2022 be blessed and prosperous!

Brooks, Whitney, Mimi, and the girls

PS We are praying you get to connect with your Australian bound kids this year!! Fingers crossed!

Dear Belinda and Rob,
What a glorious time my family had sailing with you in the BVI’s! As we anticipate winter temps and probable frozen precip this evening, we are longing for Belle Vie, your hospitality and those warm, sunny islands!! I don’t think we can ever top the fun times and adventures we had with you. Thank you so much for giving all of us the trip of a lifetime. We had such fun!!!
Both of you were always right on hand to offer hospitality and adventures. Eliza, Brier and Lydia thought everything was amazing! What a fabulous array of delicious meals the “master chef” prepared. And the Captain was always spot on with a water toy or adventure. Indeed we were blessed to be on the Belle Vie with the two of you, who made our trip so memorable.
Thank you again so much. I hope 2022 finds you happily at sea enjoying your “empty nest” stage of life. Hope you get to see those Australian children of yours, too! Right now I wish you were close at hand to me with a rum punch!!! Do get in touch if you get to the States and near the Atlanta area. We’d love to connect again. God bless you in your travels.
Fondly,
Meriel

Hey Rob and Belinda,

We cannot thank you enough for such a wonderful experience!

I honestly do not have the words to say what you two did for me personally. You were so kind to show me the ropes, let me get in the way and share some of your knowledge about sailing and the lifestyle that I couldn’t get anywhere else. My desire to sail has gotten a million times stronger thanks to the both of you.

On top of that, you made sure we still had a vacation of a lifetime! The food was absolutely amazing (even with all of our crazy dietary restrictions) and you two were always so willing to make sure we were at all the spots we wanted to be at.

All this while sharing bits of your South African culture with us. After a day or two I just felt like I was hanging out with two old friends.

Please keep us in mind once you visit the states. We would love to buy to two a drink and see how the charter life is treating you.

We wish you all the best. Maybe we will see you out on the sea sometime!

Fair winds and following seas!
James, Amanda, Gena, Megan and Jason