MANTA Yacht

Sometimes you just have to go big. So we went REALLY big. To kick off spring, the Tastemakerschs met up on the MANTA Yacht for some sunset sips and seriously good seafood to support a few really great causes. (So basically just a quick trip to heaven).

The MANTA has a big story of its own. What started as a businesswoman’s private yacht turned into a marine research vessel for College of Charleston students and staff after she donated it to MANTA- a Marine Science Non-profit Organization. When the pandemic struck and restrictions prevented the boat from being used for scientific trips and classes, they converted it back to a vintage yacht to host private guests. The best part? Proceeds from booking the yacht go to MANTA nonprofit, giving high school and college students the opportunity to learn about the marine environment and participate in marine science research and conservation projects.

As if stepping foot on this beautiful 80-foot behemoth wasn’t enough of a treat, the boat was stocked with CudaCo. seafood, Sea Salt Wines, and Rusty Bull Beer. As we sailed around the Charleston Harbor, some took swigs of Rusty Bull’s bright and citrusy Juice Juice IPA or their hoppy and clean Sun’s Out Pale Ale while others tasted Sea Salt Wines light and slightly effervescent Dry Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc.

The lively libations set us up perfectly for the fleet of food we indulged in. CudaCo supplied us with a masterful array of raw oysters, smoked local fish spread, Coconut Sticky Rice Bowls, chilled shrimp, and Crudo. Their Crudo came with chilled fish, trout roe (those wonderous little orange specs), cucumber lime juice radish, chilies and olive oil. It was powerfully refreshing and equally as exciting. Their Coconut Sticky Rice Bowl came with fresh fish, avocado mousse, cucumbers, carrots, radish, seaweed, spicy mayo, scallion, and benne. Who knew something so simple could hit all the right notes! We must also mention their cajun chips, which were to die for

Overall, their presentation was astonishing- full or color and texture like you’ve never seen, and it all tasted just as incredible. CudaCo may be the new kid on the block, opening in Charleston just this year, but we have a hunch they are here to stay.

Is it just me or does seafood taste even better when you can feel the salt in the air?

As part of our Charity Partnership Program, we used this opportunity to promote Be A Mentor’s “The World Is Their Oyster” campaign kicking off in just a few short months- a week-long fundraising campaign in June to raise money for their efforts to help children on the brink of success through mentorship. The campaign ends with an oyster roast to celebrate their work! Make sure to follow @beamentornow on Instagram for the latest updates with this fun campaign, and don’t miss out on booking the MANTA Yacht for your next birthday, bachelor/bachelorette, graduation, family reunion or hang with friends!