The Yacht: A 60 ft long sloop. Ibis is definitely the most special among the ones listed on our website. She is a true classic "Gentleman's Yacht". She was custom built in Denmark in 1962 by boatyard Aage Waisted of oak, mahogany and teak. Her present owners gave her a complete refit when they bought her in 1996, she is now probably the most immaculately maintained 60ft yacht in the Caribbean! She has won and has been runner up in the "Concours d'Elegance" at the Antigua classic yacht regatta.

Sailing her is a delight, Ibis is very fast, yet sea kindly. Her owners are perfectly capable at handling her with two, but if you would like to experience her exhilarating performance yourself by lending a hand or taking the wheel you are welcome to do so!

More Features: It is hard to describe Ibis without resorting to superlatives: her center cockpit is a delight to behold,  shaded by an awning and protected from the wind by the wheel house it comfortably seats 6.  Lounge chairs are provided on the aft deck for "happy hour" all night long if you want, the perfect place to enjoy Caribbean sunsets and starry skies.

Accommodation consists of a large double stateroom aft  and a  guest cabin with two single berths. Each has its own bathroom and shower. Crew has separate cabin and bathroom forward.

The Crew: 

Dutch skipper Robert Ketelaar and his wife Nelliemarie are the owners/ operators of the Sailing Yacht IBIS.  Robert (Bobby), ex college teacher of Economics and sailing instructor for summer camps, and Nelliemarie, a former teacher of German language, are both in their late fifties. Both speak German, Dutch, English and Spanish.

They like to travel, to meet people, to read, to cook, to snorkel and have a wide musical taste, ranging from jazz and pop to classical music. They are very experienced, responsible sailors who in the last 10 years clocked more than 60,000 sea miles.

Nelliemarie and Robert left the Netherlands in 1990 on their lovely 43ft yawl 'Spirit of Olim', never imagining that about ten years later they would find themselves still in Caribbean waters that they know by now as well as their back pocket. In 1996 they decided to make a profession out of what had started as a hobby and they acquired IBIS, to charter with her in Caribbean waters.

Their relaxed and flexible lifestyle makes them very much appreciated as skipper, host and island guide.

Robert and Nelliemarie are both very good cooks and the battle about 'who will be the chef  tonight' is mostly won by Robert.  For stocking up with wines, cheeses or other delicacies they don 't hesitate to sail all the way to the French islands where the choice is the best. And of course they always trawl a line to catch their own wahoo, kingfish or mahi mahi.

It is a pleasure and honor for this crew to create the best conditions to let their guests feel at ease and to make each charter vacation on IBIS a memorable and unforgettable experience!

Minimum number of guests: 2

Maximum number of guests: 4