Tuesday, September 30. 2008Village Cay Hotel and Restaurant Specials until October 31st, 2008 And for those who remember the charter yacht Creole, ran by Oliver Deligny, he has moved ashore in St Thomas and is finishing up touches on a Villa overlooking Frenchmans Bay in Charlotte Amalie. Here is a PDF of the letter I recently received. No website yet, but it sounds like it will be nice. Sunday, September 28. 2008BVISO-Sink the Flying Cloud Project. September updateSeptember 28th, 2008 UpdateIt has been awhile, but when you combine off season with being in the Caribbean, things move slow. We have had enough people searching the horizon expecting The Flying Cloud to be coming around Round Rock any second, that an update is in order.
When we first started working on obtaining the Windjammer Flying Cloud to sink in the British Virgin Islands, almost a year ago, it was tied up at a dock in Trinidad, with the Marine Museum, who did not want it. Windjammer, the corporation, thought that it was a great idea for her to come home to be sunk in her "home waters" and basically told us we could have it for a dollar. This is what she looked like at the time. Of course, the Windjammer Corporation ceased operation and somehow, in the midst of all that, the Flying Cloud was sold to a scrap dealer. We re-examined our plans for obtaining her, and decided that even if we had to pay scrap price for her, that it was an important ship to obtain in the British Virgin Islands. At that point, we came to an agreement with the scrap dealer on price and hired a Trinidadian lawyer to take care of our interests. We also, sent Kevin Rowlette of Husky Salvage down to take pictures and to give us a status report, as the scrap dealer, alluded to there having been some vandalism on the ship and the front was a "bit underwater". Our agreement with the scrap dealer was for the price to be paid upon the Flying Cloud being pumped out and floating. You can see here that the Flying Cloud was, indeed, a "bit underwater"!
In some ways, this potentially saved us money, as the rigging was already taken off, you can see it below stored in the yard, and a portion of the ship would have been cleaned out. If you can call sitting in the mucky waters of Trinidad cleaned out! We knew once it was up and floating, we would be able to get it hauled at Burkes yard down there, and patch it enough for us to tow it back to the BVI. This was already agreed upon.
It was disheartening for us to see what damage had been done to the Flying Cloud in the few months since we started the project. However, it is in a murky, dangerous, commercial area of Trinidad where you have NO visibility in the water. We also knew that they would be eager to get it up and out of there as it is blocking a commercial dock and the yard owner, and indeed the Ports Authority have given a directive that it needs to be gone. So, what is our next step? We know that we can get it off the bottom, it is just a matter of how much money it will cost us. We are looking at our options. Other obstacles: We had originally thought we were getting it floating on a mooring for a dollar. Then we were paying the scrap value upon floating, no floating ship, no payment. With the price of steel going up, we may have to pay more for it as it is worth more, from the scrap dealers point of view. We now additionally have to pay to get if off the bottom. If anyone has any expertise and/or ideas to help us meet our goal, please let us know! We have received a lot of positive encouragement and support from individuals, BVI Government and Media. From the August Issue of All at Sea From The August Issue of the Caribbean Compass From the August Issue of the BVI Yacht Guide The response from people sending in stories and pictures has been wonderful! The Flying Cloud, and indeed, the entire Windjammer Fleet has touched many peoples heart and soul! Keep them coming and we will continue to update you on what is happening with our "Sink The Flying Cloud Project"!
For more information please see the Windjammer Flying Cloud Project Site or the BVISO Site Tuesday, September 23. 2008Fall Newsletter from Catamaran Amaryllis- Complimentary Rendez-Vous Dive this winter! Hard to believe the summer season is already over! Hopefully the hurricane season is over as well. AMARYLLIS is currently in Grenada getting a 'face-lift' (i.e. refit and alwgrip job). We'll be returning to the VI at the end of October and you'll be able to see the results of all our hard work at the VICL November Charter Boat Show. AMARYLLIS is ideal for two couples or families of four. Our all-inclusive rate is $10,000. With 20 years experience sailing in the VI, we know we can provide our guests with the vacation they've dreamed of, whether they are first time visitors to the VI or repeat charterers looking to revisit favorite spots and discover new ones. We offer the best in food and drink and a variety of water sports including snorkeling, wind-surfing, kayaking, tubing (for the kids) and a complementary rendezvous dive. As a promotion for the 2008/2009 season we will be offering our guests a free rendezvous dive. We love rendezvous diving because our diving-certified guests get to go for a two-tank dive with professionals who can give them a first-rate diving experience and we can attend to our non-diving guests, taking them to a beach or snorkel spot or secluded anchorage. It's win-win for everyone. No sitting on a mooring at a rolly dive site waiting for divers. Everyone gets full attention and a day tailored to their interests. Our web page on Yacht Amaryllis  Back to our Main Site!Tuesday, September 16. 2008Latest newsletter from Yacht Liberte with the history of Water Island in the US Virgin Islands
Captain Gordon gave some interesting trivia bits on Water Island in this months newsletter. He is enjoying the off season in South Africa.
 Water Island's first inhabitants were the Arawak Indians during the 1400's. There have been four separate Indian campsites discovered with pottery, tools and human remains. During the piracy era it was a popular stop where boats could get their fill of fresh water from several ponds found there - thus 'Water' Island. In the late 1600's, as Europeans began colonization it became a good place to graze livestock - cattle and goats - used to feed the enterprising colonists that began arriving to build plantations and trade centers, such as the Danish West Indian Company. Records show that in 1710 a sailmaker named William Breitz owned the entire Island, passing it on to Albert de Ruyter in 1719. It then gets confusing with no documented ownership until 1769 when Jean Renaud, a free mulatto owned the Island, built a plantation and worked it with 18 slaves. He was one of only two colored planters in the entire Danish West Indies (now the Virgin Islands). St Thomas had more free Africans than other islands during the slave trade era. Africans lived on St Thomas and worked in the trade shops in Charlotte Amalie. St John and St Croix were based more on agriculture and therefore used slaves on the plantations for laborers. Thus when emancipation was declared - which coincided with the European discovery of the sugar beet - the Islands were in desperate financial trouble until tourism happened. Water Island changed hands a few more times from 1793 - 1860 with two plantations working the land. Many of these owners were of African descent. In the 1860's (emancipation was declared in 1848) Joseph Daniels acquired both plantations and melded them into one. His heirs sold Water Island to the Danish East Asiatic Company for $21,000 in 1905. Now the US bought St. Thomas, St John and St Croix in 1917 but Water Island remained in the possession of the Danish East Asiatic Company. When WWII rocked the world, the United States decided they wanted Water Island and purchased it in 1944. They immediately began construction of Fort Segarra to protect military installations on surrounding islands. Plans included barracks, watchtowers, gun emplacements and underground bunkers. WWII ended before all construction was completed but in place were transportation, water, sewer and power systems. The US Military did find a use for this uninhabited island - they used sections for testing poisonous gasses. In 1950 the Department of Defense turned the Island over to the Department of the Interior who then leased the land to Walter Phillip. His twenty year lease had an annual rent of $3,000. The developer constructed a hotel and homes. Phillip sold his master lease to Edward McArdle in 1965 under the name of Water Isle Hotel and Beach Club. Some say this was the setting for Herman Wouk's 'Don't Stop the Carnival'. Others say the book was based on Hassle Island or Protestant Cay, St Croix.  This lease was renewed in 1972 for another twenty years, but when hurricane Hugo destroyed the hotel it closed and when the lease ran out three years later there was no renewal. The Federal government transferred ownership to the Territorial government in 1996 making Water Island the fourth US Virgin Island. Residents were then offered the opportunity to purchase their homes. Today 161 residents live on this largely uncommercial island. It is maintained by members of the Water Island Community Association and residents with some help from the US Virgin Islands territorial government. Liberte can be viewed at our page here Liberte's week long rates for the Leeward islands range between $10,000 and $17,000 for 2 to 8 guests. Liberte is a 72' Irwin Monohul Back to our Main Site!Wednesday, September 10. 2008Sea of Love to offer a cabin only sailing over the busy Christmas holiday season 2008 Another very popular Catamaran, is the 2006 Lagoon 440, Joe and Carol, the proud owners of this lovely yacht are also in the process of putting Sea Of Love into crewed charters next spring when it becomes their home! They are testing out the waters this winter and have put on a hard to find Cabin Only Sailing over Christmas. The dates are December 20th through 26th for 6 nights and 7 days. Sea Of Love, for the Xmas period is a bareboat with captain/cook, as they will not be putting on all the homey touches and fine linens until next summer when they gear up for fully crewed charters, but "they make up for it by truly liking what they do which is sailing a beautiful yacht, meeting people and managing a service industry to ensure their guests happiness, whatever it takes!" (in their own words!)  Their Xmas charter runs between $1000.00 and $1400.00 per person based on double occupancy, depending on the options taken and is an excellent rate on a nearly new yacht.   Take a look at their (sketchy for now, they are not gearing up for full charters until June and the boat is heavily booked in the bareboat market still this winter) website at http://www.sv-seaoflove.com/ and then email me for more details, I have emailed back and forth with Joe a fair bit lately. Do I know how they are and do charters like personally, No. But, everyone has to start somewhere and have the first guests on board. Typically a reason why yachts price themselves lower when they come into the industry. It seems like it would be a good way for the casual sailor and guest to come down to the islands on a nice yacht for Xmas and then you can tell us about it! All photos on this page belong to Sea Of Love! Back to our Main Site!Wednesday, September 10. 2008Voyage Catamaran Indigo Lady- Select Bed and Breakfast Plus or Captain Only sailings in the BVI this winter If you are looking for a reasonable deal on a Voyage 440 Catamaran between these dates this winter, then look at Indigo Lady! They are available between Oct 25th and Dec 13th 2008 as well as the high season dates of Feb 17th through March 31st, 2008. Normally Indigo Lady has been doing bareboat charters in the BVI, but their owners, Ken and Bernice are in the transition stage of taking it out of bareboat charter and putting it into crewed charter. They are offering some very good rates during this period. Ken and Bernice, are however, quite experienced, having offered charters sporadically since they have owned the yacht and Ken has his 200T license.  They offer a bed and breakfast option which INCLUDES 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners, Admiral's daily sundowner, domestic wine and beer, sodas, snacks, standard ships bar, fuel, water, moorings, sports gear carried aboard, BVI cruising and park permit fees also included. The weekly charter rate ranges between $6000.00 and $8000.00 for 2 to 6 guests. They are also offering a captain only rate which INCLUDES fuel, water, moorings, sports gear carried aboard and BVI cruising / park permits. Above rates DO NOT INCLUDE meals, beverages and standard ships bar. Provisioning available upon request. Indigo Lady's captain only rate ranges from $5000.00 to $5900.00! I don't believe you can get a much better deal than that at the moment in the British Virgin Islands.  INDIGO LADY is a Voyage 440 catamaran. This charter yacht design won the "Best Cruising Multihull and Overall Boat of the Year" awards in 2002 from Cruising World Magazine. CRM said, "well deserved honors, the Voyage 440 is one of the most unique, functional, and well executed catamaran designs I have seen in many years!" In addition to the Captain's cabin, INDIGO LADY includes three additional equal sized cabins with two additional "single berths" if you have children willing to sleep anywhere just so they can come to the BVI. Their berths are accessed through the forward deck hatch and the forward cabins but are not recommended for adults. INDIGO LADY boasts a bright and airy interior offering plenty of room for six charter guests to spread out and enjoy all the British Virgin Islands have to offer. Each cabin has an in-suite head with shower providing complete privacy. You'll find excellent hanging locker and storage space for all aboard.  You can see their website at Sunstar Charters and I will be happy to give you the advance information that i have on this boat and crew, and we will await to hear more about them as they transition. All photos on this page belong to Indigo Lady Back to our Main Site!Saturday, September 6. 2008Wednesday, September 3. 2008It is almost charter yacht boat show time again for brokers here in the British Virgin Islands
This year the Tortola BVI Boat show is November 5th through 8th and the USVI charter boat show is in St Thomas November 10th, 11th and 12th. These are strictly for brokers where the crews put forward their best foot to convince the brokers to book them in the coming season. It is mandatory for new boats to do these shows and even the yachts "that have been around for a long time" should do them every few years. I think in my chartering career we missed one or two at the most in over a decade! The VICL of which we are member of under Promenade Cruises LTD sent around this cute reminder to the boats today on signing up!
TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SHOW YOUR BOAT AT THE FALL VICL BOAT SHOW IN NOVEMBER. 10. FACE IT YOU NEEDED TO CLEAN UP THE BOAT FOR THAT FIRST SEASONAL CHARTER ANYWAY. 9. YOU CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THOSE LITTLE HOT DOGS WRAPPED IN PUFF PASTRY. 8. FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A ROW YOUR CHEF GETS TO EAT OUT!! 7. IT'S A GOOD TIME TO REPLACE THAT TATTERED OLD VICL BURGEE WITH A NEW SHINY ONE. 6. SWAP 'CHARTER FROM HECK' STORIES WITH THE OTHER BOATS SO YOU KNOW ITS NOT JUST YOU. 5. SHOW OFF THAT NEW ELECTRONICS SYSTEM YOU HAD INSTALLED IN THE OFF-SEASON.(WHAT'S THE LINE ABOUT BOYS AND THEIR TOYS?) 4 YOU KNOW ITS RUDE TO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN OPEN BAR. 3. REGISTER BY OCTOBER 1ST AND SAVE MONEY FOR MORE SHINY NEW ELECTRONICS. 2. COMPARE TAN LINES WITH THOSE BOAT CREWS WHO HAULED OUT FOR THE SUMMER. I can't wait to see some of the yachts that I am interested in seeing this year and of course, taking tons of pictures! Back to our Main Site!Wednesday, September 3. 2008Alton Brown's "Feasting On Waves" aboard Chef De Mer
Alton Brown and his producers chartered two of Select Yacht’s catamarans this spring to film Feasting on Waves. Be sure to see the voyage on board Chef de Mer from St Kitts through the British Virgin Islands in a four part series on The Food Network. The program airs September 7th at 10 pm, there are also subsequent show times.
 This is a great promo for the islands and the charter industry! The feast awaits, don’t forget to tune in! Are you ready to dine yourself on Chef De Mer? Inside or out???    Back to our Main Site!Wednesday, September 3. 2008One of our favorite catamarans, Viking Dream is STILL open for Thanksgiving and is offering 8 nights for 7!! Thanksgiving Special of 8 nights for the price of 7! Including full Thanksgiving dinner with a complimentary bottle of Champagne I have raved about this yacht and the crew many times on my blog posts, as well as on my web page on them! My webpage on Viking Dream Viking Dreams own website More blog postings and reviews on Viking Dream Back to our Main Site!Wednesday, September 3. 2008Red Hot Sale at Voyage Charter yachts! Bareboat charters Red Hot SAIL weeks 20% discount October 22 – 29 2008 November 11 – 18 2008 Dec 9 – 16 2008 Crewed charters Red Hot SAIL weeks 20% discount October 22 – 29 2008 Dec 9 – 16 2008 Bareboat charters White Hot SAIL weeks 25% discount Nov 7 – 14 2008 Dec 9 – 16 2008 January 13 – 20 2009 April 22 – 29 2009 May 13 – 20 2009 June 3 – 10 2009 *Not available on the VOYAGE 500 Premier Plus yachts Back to our Main Site!Sunday, August 31. 2008USVI Tourism Newsletter
Hello All!
Time to get back on board updating touristy things on here. Here is a link to the USVI Department of Tourism's September/October newsletter in PDF fashion...NEWSLETTER  Thursday, August 28. 2008Monday, August 11. 2008Delta increases flight to St Thomas
This bears repeating on both my blogs, as it is very good news for those coming into the islands for charter.
Delta is increasing the number of flights to STT One more daily roundtrip flight between St. Thomas and Atlanta. During high season, Delta currently flies one daily roundtrip between Atlanta and St. Thomas. - Two more weekend roundtrip flights between New York's John F. Kennedy Airport and St. Thomas. During high season, there is currently one nonstop flight between JFK and St. Thomas on Saturdays. - Adding four more weekly flights between Atlanta and St. Thomas. These flights will land on St. Thomas at night and leave for Atlanta the next morning. Back to our Main Site!Thursday, August 7. 2008Viking Dream Summer Info I just received an end of season newsletter from Viking Dream, so thought that I would share parts of it with you! They are always so bubbly and ambitious, it sounds like they have came up with some great ideas in the galley! "Sally has been creating new and exciting recipes, such as, ‘Croque Madame’ for breakfast, ‘Trio of Mouselline of Fish Terrine’ or ‘Swordfish Kebabs’ for lunch, and ‘Veal Schnitzel’ or ‘King Prawns in Sweet corn and Coconut Sauce’ for dinner. Plus Mark got mixing some wicked, some new, cocktail concoctions, including for the adults, the very popular ‘Viking Vibration’, ‘Rum 4 Your Life’ and ‘Champagne Sangria’. For the kids ‘Virgin Dirty Banana’ (has a little chocolate surprise in it!), ‘Strawberry Decadence’, or ‘Virgin Mango Colada’. Unfortunately during a busy cocktail hour making virgin cocktails for the Dailey family, Marks blender blew a gasket and we had ‘Strawberry Decadence’ all over the floor ceiling and walls, and over Cap’n Cocktail too! We continue to pride ourselves in planning individual itineraries and menus to suit your clients needs for their special vacation. We’re still open for ‘Thanksgiving’ this November ’08! Additions to Viking Dream: · Spinnaker for a Spectacluar Downwind Sail · Hammock for deck chillin’ · Improved selection of Beach Toys, Books, Games, DVDs. Further additions planned for the November Show! If snorkelling is their thing, Mark has lead some amazing ‘Snorkelling Safaris’ this season. At Monkey Point recently apart from giant Tarpon we found a 6ft Nurse Shark asleep, an Octopus, Spotted Drum, and a giant Puffer Fish. We have also been investigating trails and walks on the islands, especially the extensive trails on Norman Island with amazing views, for those clients who like to stretch their legs ashore." I asked Viking Dream what they were doing in the off season, as I think it is always interesting to hear what various crews are doing. It is their 25th Wedding Anniversary! Congratulations guys!! After getting the boat ready for any potential hurricanes, they are going to visit Sallys mom in Wales and then on to Cyprus for some hiking. Ambitious! We all want to get off the boats at the end of the season for awhile. When they return to the boat in early October, they will haul it and then continue on their projects, including bean bag chairs for the outside (the easier for Captain Cocktail to just pass you one!), a couple 2/3 man kayaks (in a color to match the decor of course), and other things that are essential on a yacht to keep it in good condition, but not necessarily exciting, like soundproofing the engine room. Surprisingly something that most people don't think of when booking a yacht, that some boats are much better then others at making their generator quieter! All this and great testimonials too! It is my favorite yacht in this size range. SUMMER 2008 TESTIMONIALS “Dear Mark and Sally, It’s hard to put into words how special this trip has been for us. This trip has surpassed our highest expectations. The ‘Viking Dream’ is absolutely wonderful, and you guys add SO much to the experience! Your graciousness and hospitality are just incredible! Thanks so much for being such a special part of our 25th Anniversary celebration! We will remember it always! We’re also looking forward to our next adventure on the ‘Viking Dream’! Love Kat & Pat Casey,” 6th June 2008.  “Mark and Sally Thank you so much for the wonderful 10 days on the ‘Viking Dream’. She’s a beautiful boat and we enjoyed all of the time on and off of it. You are great hosts! Air Guitar ‘Viking’ Style!  The memories we made on this vacation will be some of the best ever! This trip will go down as one of our most fondest. The food was outstanding. Thank you Sally for sharing some of the recipes’. The drinks were poisonous! Thank you Mark for keeping us hydrated. We will miss our morning chart meetings and the sights. This was the best vacation ever and thanks again for making it so memorable. Jonathan and Melissa, Gretchen and Gary,” 20th June 2008 Plate Lickin’ Good!  “Mark and Sally Thank you for a wonderful time on your beautiful boat. You really know how to make your guests feel welcome. The islands and snorkelling sights were all beautiful. Sally your meals were outstanding. Thank you for your recipes. I hope I can come close to the wonderful cook you are. Mark your bartending skills are great. I never enjoyed so many different kinds of drinks. The children had so much fun learning how to kneeboard and windsurf. You both made our ‘dream vacation’ unforgettable. Hope to see you again. Love The Dailey’s,” 28th June 2008  “Dear Mark and Sally Thank you for taking us on a trip of a lifetime! We have all had a fabulous time, and have experienced many new things. Many thanks to Sally for ALL your delicious meals you so lovingly cooked, and to Mark for all your wonderful Cocktails and excursions.  ‘Vikings’ in Training! This trip has FAR exceeded our expectations, and we will be forever grateful. You two are simply ‘THE BEST!’ Abundant Blessings, Terry, Jacque, Sammy and Mitchell”, July 2008 We have written about Viking Dream a couple times before, and we can thoroughly recommend this yacht and crew, see our other entries on Viking Dream Here. Back to our Main Site! |
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