A veteran charter captain has returned to Bermuda to launch a brand new venture with a new boat.

Vee McKey, who ran Exclusive Cruises in the 1990s and later a kayaking company, has set up Bare Foot Boat Charters.

Her specially-built $75,000 26-foot Beach catamaran, which can carry up to a dozen passengers, arrived on the island less than two weeks ago.

“I decided to get a smaller boat because there was nothing really here that caters to smaller groups and families at an affordable rate,” said Ms McKey.

“I did a big charter boat before, so I decided to do something smaller and more easy-going to give people something to do with their families when they are on the island.

Ms McKey, who gained her charter captain’s licence when she was only 19, decided to return home to start a business in Bermuda after eight years in Canada.

The 45-year-old former equestrian, who competed in dressage at last year’s Pan Am Games in Toronto and also ran a horse training school in Canada as well as a fitness and life-coaching company, suffered a shattered vertebrae when she was training for the 2011 Pan Am Games.

She battled back to fitness and made it to last year’s event, but decided to give up competitive horse-riding for a life on the water.

“I’m very happy to be back and I’m even happier to be back on the water. I missed that terribly when I was in Canada,” she said.

She saw a market for boat charters to both local customers and tourists, despite stagnant visitor numbers and the recession.

“There is definitely a market for the smaller groups,” said Ms McKey, adding that she expected next year’s America’s Cup to bring a major boost for business.

“I’ve already had people ask me about the America’s Cup and if they can charter it then.

“I definitely wanted to be in business for the America’s Cup.”

The catamaran, which is named Happy Dance, features a retractable bimini top, lounge seating and easy access to the water for swimming.

It also has a flushing toilet and fresh water shower and carries kayaks and water toys.

Ms McKey said she had moorings in St George’s and at Fairylands Creek in Pembroke. But she added: “We can pick people up and drop them off anywhere which is accessible by boat.”