Free Ingwe, a new Leopard 45' catamaran, was launched in late 1998 from the Robertson & Caine yard in Cape Town, South Africa. "Ingwe" means "Leopard" in the Zulu language. She is available now in the British Virgin Islands for fully crewed charters. Free Ingwe is owned and captained by Norman and Rose Welthagen of South Africa.

There are three air-conditioned spacious double guest cabins, each with ensuite walk-in shower and head. The ultra modern galley is on the same level as the saloon. 

Sue Gearan and Captain Louis DuPlessis 

 Let your hosts Louis and Sue welcome you aboard for an unforgettable Caribbean holiday.

Captain Louis, is from Cape Town, South Africa where he was involved in sailing as a sport since childhood and ever since boating has been in his blood. His love for the sea lead him to a naval career where he served as an officer for 20 years - ending on a high note as a commanding officer of a warship. Louis’ diplomatic skills were enhanced in this position by entertaining many high ranking officials and politicians. He has accumulated over 100,000 nautical miles in the Indian, Atlantic & Pacific Oceans, the Mediterranean and the Black & Red Seas. He has also circumnavigated the continents of South America, Africa and has worked onboard an Icebreaker in Antarctica. Louis was a naval diver and also holds a PADI dive master certification. He instructed sailing and navigation which involved training students to compete in national and international sailing regattas. He himself has competed on everything from dinghies, monohulls and catamarans and has participated in Olympic style, medium and long distance ocean races. He has worked on a variety of sail and motor charter boats and has completed many long distance yacht deliveries. Louis is a sports enthusiast whose interests include running, cycling, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, squash and tennis.

First Mate/Chef Sue, is from Boston, Massachusetts where she spent most of her summers in Newport, Rhode Island sailing with her family. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from Salem State College but found time to compete in sailing regattas as well. Combining her people skills with her keen interest in boating, Sue decided to follow a career in the yachting industry. For over 7 years she worked as a yacht charter broker as well as being a part-time crew and caterer aboard various private yachts. She is a self taught chef but has also received formal culinary training. Along with sailing, Sue’s other great passion is traveling. She has visited most of the US and Europe, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Fiji, Australia and of course New Zealand for the last Americas Cup! On these adventures she has taken in wild animal safaris & treks, whitewater rafting, jet boating, glacier hiking, rock climbing and the most insane of all - diving with great white sharks! Her other hobbies and interests include: tennis, biking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Louis & Sue met in the British Virgin Islands and decided that their common love for the sea, adventure and meeting people should naturally lead them into chartering. Prior to joining Free Ingwe they worked on several motor and sail yachts in the Caribbean. The last adventure for them was crewing on a yacht that was cruising the world!

Take a look at Free Ingwe's Sample Menu

Equipment & Toys

15' Dinghy with  15 HP
Kneeboard
Double Kayak
Windsurfer
Stereo CD system
Floating Sun Bed
Color TV
VCR and Library
Hairdryers
Fishing gear & Snorkeling Equipment
Ice Maker - Water Maker
Full Cockpit Bimini
Radar - SatNav - GPS
Fully Air-Conditioned