Turks & Caicos is a boater’s paradise
An incredible story of success in difficult times, driven by a man with a passion for boating, business, family and adventure.
Jeff Hodges is a lifelong boater from Charleston, South Carolina, who grew up sailing and powerboating. During the past two decades he and his family have explored the Turks & Caicos islands, falling in love with the seemingly endless beaches and crystal-clear waters, the warm and hospitable local people, and the unmatched ambiance of this Caribbean paradise. Whilst visiting the islands on a family trip during 2018, Jeff had the chance to charter an Axopar 37 Sun-Top, having been previously unfamiliar with the brand. He immediately fell in love with the boat. “It was so unique; so different, sexy and fast. A well-designed piece of kit for that type of business and a luxury boat like no other. I decided then and there that I had to have one of those boats, and that’s when the idea for Moana Charters was hatched.” Jeff ’s daughter, Alex, lives in Turks & Caicos with her fiancé, Liam, a world-class kiteboarder. As a local expert who grew up around the Turks & Caicos waters, Liam was the perfect captain for the new business. Turks & Caicos is a boater’s paradise, and an adventurer’s playground. Moana’s clients can jump from an old shipwreck, dive on wrecks, snorkel, wakeboard, wakesurf, cliff dive, watch sea turtles and even play with dolphins, who are known to get up close and play with lucky swimmers. “It’s like Axopar designed the boat for these waters. It turns on a dime, there’s minimal spray, it’s really comfortable for passengers and incredibly stable; almost like it’s on rails. It’s so different to most boats and it would be tough for me to change brands, ever.” Follow them on Instagram: @moanacharterstci