PERMABEAR Yacht Charter

Captain: Ed Irwin

Capt. Ed Irwin
Born in Newfoundland, Canada, I spent as much time as I could outdoors, fishing the streams for trout and getting lost in the woods. As a small boy, I would drive my mother crazy by wandering off, only to return home with pockets full of fish I caught or birds and small animals I captured, which I wanted to keep as pets.

I have enjoyed backcountry camping, hiking, and canoeing throughout my life. The Boundary Waters lakes and portages are among my favorite places to explore. Riding my motorcycle, lightly packed for discovering remote fly-fishing streams, without a set destination, is my perfect getaway.

I grew up on the small lakes of Northern Illinois, often driving to school in my small motorboat. The first time I was on a sailboat, I instantly fell in love with the simple act of the wind carrying my boat anywhere.

After sailing Lake Michigan for many years, Erin and I devised a plan to set off on our own boat and sail to as many places around the world as we could. We found an abandoned Cape Dory 36, rebuilt it, and outfitted it for long-distance travel. Years of hard work paid off with a beautifully restored and perfectly outfitted classic sailboat that allowed us to live out our sailing dreams.

We have sailed and lived aboard our boat since 2018. In that time, we’ve sailed the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake, and offshore from Norfolk around Bermuda to the Caribbean at least six times. During hurricane season, we sailed north to Maine, enjoying the "down east" summer, before heading back down the eastern seaboard and offshore to the Caribbean once again. At the end of 2023, we flew to the Mediterranean, picked up the Bali 5.4 “Permabear,” and sailed through the Med to Las Palmas before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. After around 30,000 nautical miles of sailing, we still love every moment.

For the past three years, we have been chartering in the Virgin Islands, both the US and BVI, exploring, discovering amazing coves and anchorages, becoming PADI scuba certified, and learning why so many say that once you reach the Caribbean, you don’t want to leave. Our guests often comment on how safe they feel aboard our boat, knowing I am always alert and cautious. We ensure that we create the most comfortable and enjoyable trip on the water for everyone aboard. I look forward to showing guests why the Caribbean truly is a sailing paradise.





Chef Erin Irwin
My childhood was spent on boats in our summer town of Saugatuck, MI. I loved everything about being on the water and was always the first and last one to jump in, no matter the temperature! I began sailing as a teenager and am seriously addicted to the magic of wind and water.

As the oldest daughter of a big family, and the mother of five kids, I was always at the center of planning family gatherings and parties. I love finding unique themes and creating relaxed, special moments and memories together. Ed and I have found the outdoors, especially sailing, to be the perfect setting for connecting with each other and something bigger. It has always been the best stage for us to find joy, peace, adventure, and excitement, and we want to share that.

I have been baking and cooking since I was a child, and it has always been a joy to create a meal. When cooking for my family, I wanted them to have a healthy diet. Most of our meals were whole foods from our garden, cooked from scratch. My cooking style emphasizes a healthy balance of Mediterranean foods, Asian cuisines, and comfort foods that are adapted to be healthy but still rich in flavor. Having spent a good portion of my life in Chicago, I’ve become an obsessive foodie, constantly searching for the perfect meal at the perfect restaurant. This endless quest has taught me so much about the experience of eating well.

We work hard to make the experience of coming aboard seamless. From the moment guests make their booking, we stay in touch to tailor their vacation to exactly what they imagine. From the food and the itinerary to even having the perfect sunblock, big straw hats, and beautiful beach gear — we want our guests to just bring a small bag and let go.

We especially look forward to helping families find that elusive real time together. There’s just nothing like being on a sailboat to make everything else fade away and allow you to connect with the people you love. We can’t wait to help others find that perfect spot — that perfect moment that becomes a memory that lasts forever.





3rd Mate Gus
Very Friendly Onboard Dog
Meet Gus, our adventurous Cairn Terrier and seasoned sailor with over 30,000 nautical miles under his belt! Gus is not just any yacht dog; he's a true seafaring companion with a story that includes befriending a mother dolphin and her baby in Long Bay, as well as making turtle friends who swim up to the boat just to see him. He's also an expert paddleboarding companion.

With a love for kids and hair instead of fur (making him hypoallergenic!), Gus is the perfect family-friendly crew member, known for his quiet and well-behaved nature. Despite his loyalty, Gus loves to snuggle and will always find a way to convince you to give him a moment to prove why dogs are amazing!

Gus has plenty of friends ashore if you choose not to vacation with him.