Thursday, March 11. 2010Festiva Sailing Vacations...Enjoy the new boat video!
Thursday, March 11. 2010USVI Tourism news for March 2010 This Summer, Families Play & Stay for Less in the USVI  The Department of Tourism is making summer affordable and fun for families with its newly launched Family Fun promotion. Families who reserve one two-person room receive 50 percent off the price of a second room for the kids. They also receive $200 in certificates to enjoy free dining and activities such as shopping, golf, spa and sailing. The Family Fun package is bookable through May 31, 2010 for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2010. “As one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, we want to offer parents the opportunity to give their kids an exciting summer vacation without breaking the bank,” said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “Family is one of the Territory’s niche marketing focuses for 2010 so we’re excited to kick off this promotion and entice families to visit the Territory this summer.” Hotels participating in the Family Fun promotion include: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Island Beachcomber Hotel, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef, Point Pleasant Resort, Sapphire Beach Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton and Windward Passage Hotel on St. Thomas; The Buccaneer, Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, Club St. Croix, Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino, Hibiscus Beach Resort, Hotel Caravelle, The Palms at Pelican Cove, Sand Castle on the Beach, Sugar Bay Condos and Tamarind Reef Hotel on St. Croix; Concordia Eco-Tents, Maho Bay Camps and The Westin St. John Resort & Villas on St. John. The Family Fun package is based on a five-night minimum stay with double occupancy per room, applies to new bookings only and cannot be combined with other promotions. Blackout dates may apply. This package can be booked by contacting any travel agent.  DOT Unveils Promotional Efforts Targeting The Dive Market In keeping with its strategy of targeting key niche segments that are most likely to visit the Territory, the Department of Tourism announces the launch its “Dive in Five” promotion. The campaign is designed to appeal directly to dive enthusiasts – a niche segment that has historically been less affected by economic downturns. The “Dive in Five” promotion allows divers to save up to $300 on dives and is supported through public relations efforts as well as online and print advertising.  The package, which is bookable through September 30, 2010 for travel between June 1 and October 31, 2010, includes a $300 certificate applicable for a six-dive pass for those who reserve a five-night-stay or more. The package is bookable exclusively through Caradonna Worldwide Dive Adventures and requires a five-night minimum stay with a limit of one $300 savings per booking. The DOT also invested $260,000 in an advertising campaign that began in November 2009 and will run through December 2010. The campaign includes placements in prominent diving publications such as Sport Diver magazine, online magazinesand Scuba sites including Scubadiving.com, Divebuddy.com, Dive-Spots.com and eDiving.com. “The dive market continues to be a high-priority target group and it's important that we invest in educating the world about the diversity of diving here.” said Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “Many are not aware that the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the few places in the Caribbean where travelers can experience five types of dives- wall, wreck, reef, shore and pier – in a single destination.” The Dive in Five package is bookable exclusively through Caradonna Worldwide Dive Adventures and requires a five-night minimum stay with a limit of one $300 savings per booking. The offer is not valid on preexisting reservations and does not include airfare taxes/fees and/or destination charges. This offer is not valid for consumers residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Restrictions apply. Springtime is Funtime in the USVI March and April are two of the most exciting months in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Department of Tourism is lending its support once again to ensure that music-lovers, sailing aficionados and culture-seekers from both near and far will be thrilled by the action taking place across St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas. St. John Blues Festival The Department of Tourism is proud to be a sponsor of the 8th Annual St. John Blues Festival -- the premier blues celebration in the Caribbean. The concerts take place from March 17-21. This year’s feature artists include Deanna Bogart, a Maryland-based blues and boogie pianist and saxophonist who combines the energy of the 1930's style boogie piano blues with contemporary blues sounds emanating from New Orleans, Chicago and Memphis; Shakura S’aida: World renowned jazz & blues artist and International Blues Challenge finalist and JP Soars and the Red Hots, winner of the 2009 International Blues Challenge, to name a few. For more information, visit www.stjohnbluesfestival.com.  37th Annual International Rolex Regatta The “crown jewel of Caribbean racing” will soon take place in St. Thomas and the Department of Tourism is pleased to work in tandem with the St. Thomas Yacht Club once again to ensure a selection of sailing journalists from around the world are present to witness the action. The annual International Rolex Regatta promises to entertain and excite onlookers, while pushing racers to conjure their most intense levels of determination and rigor as they compete against some of the world’s best sailors. The 2010 races run from Friday, March 26 through Sunday, March 28. Competitors and spectators alike can partake in the shore-side parties that happen at the end of each racing day. An award ceremony featuring a presentation of Rolex watches to the winners takes place on March 28. A DOT-sponsored group press visit will feature writers and editors from some of the world’s top sailing publications, including SAIL, Sailing World, Sail-World Canada, Canadian Yachting, Seahorse (UK), Bådmagasinet (Denmark) and Arte Navale (Italy). In addition to riding alongside the competitors during the Regatta, these journalists will experience St. Thomas’ attractions and restaurants to get a sense of the island’s cultural and leisure appeal to recreational sailors. For more information about the International Rolex Regatta, please visit www.rolexcupregatta.com.  Virgin Islands Carnival The annual Virgin Islands Carnival on St. Thomas begins on April 11 and lasts until May 1. This year the theme is “Bacchanal Again for 2010.” Carnival is always fun, charming, spirited and colorful, and this year’s festival promises to deliver on these experiences. Pageants, parades, a steelband jamboree, great food - it all adds up to a sunup to sundown party that lasts three weeks and creates a year’s worth of great memories. The fun includes the Prince and Princess Selection Show, the Carnival Queen Selection Show, Latin/Calypso Night and Calypso Spectakula. The finale on May 1 includes the Adult’s Parade, dazzling fireworks over Charlotte Amalie Harbor and the Last Lap. The music and performances scheduled throughout the three weeks include the Calypso Revue and the Virgin Islands Calypso Competition. For more information, visit www.vicarnival.com.  St. Croix Food & Wine Experience While residents and visitors are dancing in the streets on St. Thomas at Carnival, those on St. Croix will be celebrating a week of feasting on fine food and wine. From April 13-17, the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience will once again delight residents and visitors alike with a series of exciting and innovative epicurean events that showcase the rich and varied culinary traditions of the USVI. The multi-day event includes gourmet dinners, wine seminars and tastings, and meetings with celebrated chefs and vintners. The popular “Taste of St. Croix,” is the highlight of the week – an annual culinary competition in which restaurateurs, caterers and wine distributors put their best dishes and glasses forward in hopes of winning the coveted titles in seven categories. As a featured sponsor of the annual event, the DOT will host journalists representing top-tier culinary and lifestyle publications including ISLANDS, Caribbean Travel + Life, Tasting Table, Hemispheres, Entreé and BlackAtlas.com. Not only will the writers attend the week’s events, literally tasting their way through St. Croix, but they will experience the island’s historic charm and gastronomical appeal through visits to various attractions and local farms. Events are open to the public, and ticket prices vary by event. All proceeds benefit the St. Croix Foundation, an organization that fosters the economic and social development of St. Croix. For pricing and more information, visit www.stcroixfoodandwine.com. Department of Tourism Reaches Consumers through Sports Marketing Initiatives Looking to reach an audience of sporting enthusiasts, the Department of Tourism partnered with two nationally-recognized brands to promote the Territory during 2010.  St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas will all be featured throughout the year in two campaigns with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). PADI hosts Discover Scuba Diving Days (DSD Days), encouraging sports enthusiasts to try scuba. As part of the promotion, PADI will be hosting at least three DSD Days in conjunction with various adventure and travel shows across the nation. Participants and show attendees will be invited to experience scuba in a mobile pool located on the show floor. Anyone that tries scuba at one of these shows and enrolls in the PADI eLearning® Open Water Diver course online, will be entered to win a scuba diving vacation at either Hotel Caravelle on St. Croix or Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas. Simultaneously, PADI launched a Honeymoon Giveaway Sweepstakes in an effort to capture non-divers planning their perfect honeymoon. Promoted in major bridal magazines, at bridal shows across the country, and through direct marketing to PADI members, couples are invited to enter to win a dive honeymoon at either The Buccaneer on St. Croix or The Westin on St. John. PADI is the world’s leading scuba diving training organization. With more than forty years experience and 5300 dive shops and resorts worldwide, PADI training materials and services let you experience scuba diving from nearly anywhere. Combined, these two campaigns are expected to reach close to 1.3 million consumers with supporting advertising totaling more than $228,000. Whew...There is more, click through to the entire PDF copy for interesting reading here
Thursday, March 11. 2010Lionfish in the BVI and the USVI
Well on the heels of the first confirmed picture of a lionfish in the BVI, we also hear that one was spotted by Watermelon Cay on St John a couple weeks ago and it was successfully captured off Maho in about 40 feet of water as you can see by clicking here
 Shannon Gore of Conservation and Fisheries has been not only working with local Dive Operators here in the BVI and government, but also applied for a grant! This below in parenthesis is her words: "I was notified in February that I would be receiving £20,000. Once I receive the money, we will hold a couple of workshops anyone can attend that will have speakers from the USVI. I will also be purchasing equipment for all the dive ops to have on each of their boats. Of course all kinds of flyers, posters, etc. will be produced as well as a website. I've been in touch with Dr. William Coles in St. Croix and after talking with him, he said there is no methodology to catching these fish that is 100% so the idea of having people "trained" to catch lionfish doesn't make too much of a difference. You can go to youtube and watch how people catch them with nets. Spears are illegal but I am working on getting exemptions for selected people. As for the action plan, we are basically following what St. Croix is doing. St. Croix has been making "markers" (1000's of them) to give to people when they are out diving or snorkeling. If someone sees a lionfish, they can set the marker down and notify either us Conservation & Fisheries) or one of the dive ops (unless they are willing to try to catch it). These markers are made of a wine cork, 4ft flagging tape and a small weight of some kind. Since these fish don't move around too much, someone can usually go out even the next day and still find the fish near the marker. One of the things the crewed yachts can do is to save your wine corks. Whenever you are in Village cay, I can come and pick them up. Once we get a bunch of these markers made, we'll distribute them out to all the boats. " **** What makes her think that the crewed charter yachts have wine corks on board!  Which, by the way, may be less of in future as in the latest budget speech in the BVI it was alluded that alcohol and cigarette taxes would be going up as well as a progressive payroll tax and more fees... What I don't understand in the budget speeches, is HOW tourism can be down in the teens this past year, overnight visitors etc, financial services are down 30-40%, and YET the government revenue is only being stated at 5% less??????? Guess that is one of many reasons that I am not a politician... ****** I know that Shannon at the BVI SCUBA Organizations meeting this afternoon giving out information, so we will see what else comes out of that... The one that was seen at Ginger Island last week has not been found again yet. **** Tuesday, March 9. 2010Monday, March 8. 20102nd annual eco event, Bitter End, North Sound on St Patricks day!
Last year’s first running of this event was a huge success, yielding hundreds of pounds of beach “flotsam & jetsam.” Charter captains and their guests, private yacht crews, hotel guest families, and concerned local citizens all got involved. We hope that you will join us this year on Wednesday March 17th in North Sound for this landmark function. Come on your own boats, come by charter, or come by ferry. And please let your friends know as well (help us spread the word). The BVI are beautiful, and we want to help keep them that way.
  Sunday, March 7. 2010Stupidly left my phone in Palm Springs...
An hour and some away from me, so I will be without a phone until late Tuesday... Email me will have to be the method if you need to call me!
Sunday, March 7. 2010weekly Charter Yacht Specials- March 7th, 2010, by SaildiveBVI
All specials are based on 7 nights unless indicated otherwise, and are in the Virgin Islands, unless otherwise stated. You can click on each yacht name to go to the individual page with more informaton.
 Viking Dream (47') Surprised Viking Dream even has specials on, it is always a heavily booked boat! Good for charter guests though! Between the dates of May 29th to June 27th and July 17th to Aug 29th, you have several options. 1) 8 nights for the price of 7, Kids sail free, or a 5% discount. Please see our blog entry here for more details.  Nirvana (60' Fountain Pajot)- 30% discount on a brand new 60 catamaran in the Caribbean the remainder of the season, which brings the price for 7 nights, inclusive for 8 guests to $19051. Nirvana has the ability to split some of their queen beds into twins, making separate beds for those who require them!  Liberte (72' Monohull up to 8 guests)- For the month of June Liberte is offering 10 nights sailing for the price of 7 in the Grenadines! Here is Captain Gordon's March newsletter  Paradise (62' Irwin)- $6400.00 to $7600.00 for 2-4 guests, 7 nights inclusive. UP until the end of June 2010, you can take $1000.00 off the weekly rate with Paradise and SailDiveBVI discounts!  Quest (57' Alex Simonis) Rates for 7 nights 4-8 guests range between $14,500 and $17,500. From the end of April until the end of July, between Quest and SaildiveBVI we are offering a further $1500.00 discount! Quest has a video that you can see here.  Caribbean Dream (Robertson and Caine, 4700 up to 6 guests)- SaildiveBVI is offering a 5% agency discount on any charter week on Caribbean Dream besides the high holiday weeks of Xmas, Thanksgiving, Easter etc. Caribbean Dream is one of the better equipped 4700 having many upgraded amenities on board.  Pacific Wave (72' Giorgetti up to 6 guests)- Available throughout the Caribbean. Pacific Wave is offering a couple specials new this week. These include $1500.00 off all 7 night charters booked before the end of July 2010 and that take place before the end of December 2010. THIS DOES include Xmas, New Years etc. Additionally, only in the BVI, Pacific Wave is offering some complimentary diving with a value of $700.00 with UBS SCUBA diving. Enjoy TWO personal tailor-made 2 tank half day dives for up to 3 people. (additional divers pay $110 / half day) or ONE personal tailor-made 2 tank half day dive for 6 people. Dive only with your family and friends from private dive boats that rendezvous with Pacific Wave wherever she is anchored.  Good News (Marquesas 56' up to 4 guests)- Built in 1999 and refit in 2009. Taking only 4 guests on a 56' catamaran means you will have plenty of space! Their introductory rates offer a 20% discount and a 5% SaildiveBVI agency discount.  Nordic Lady (58' Motoryacht up to 4 guests)- Substantial discounts are being offered for ALL charters booked up until the end of November 2010. That is for BOOKING them before those dates, not OCCURING before those dates, and DOES include Xmas and New Years 2010! This will book quickly. Special rates are: 2 pak = $11,500 less 25% = $8,625 (savings of $2,875) 4 pak = $14,500 less 25% = $10,875 (savings of $3,625) And, there is 5 hours of day complimentary fuel (accumulatively over the 7 nights) included. All else is fully inclusive.  Taboo (Petersen/Aquastar 85' up to 10 guests)- Available throughout the Caribbean. Rates range from $22,000 to $29,900 for 10 guests, 7 nights inclusive. TABOO has on board SCUBA diving.  Safari - $1,200. off any" all inclusive charters" July through October 2010. OR 20% off on our all inclusive rates for Captain Plus Mate charters. Includes: Basic Necessities (Linens, TP, Cleaning Supplies, Condiments etc), Propane, Fully Fueled Boat & Dinghy, Full Water Tanks on departure (extra is at guest expense), and Use of all on board Water Toys. An Experienced Captain with an Expert Mate to sweat the details. Does not include: Food and Beverage, moorings and dockage, customs & cruising fees, excess dinghy fuel and water usage.  Promenade- (65' cat, up to 10-12 guests)- Summer Inclusive special of $17,990 available from the end of May through August for 10 guests.  Lady Angele Newly refit, and basing out of St Martin, Lady Angele is offering a whopping 25% discount on her rates until the end of May 2010. Rates are for 7 nights, plus all expenses
Sunday, March 7. 2010Charter Yacht Liberte 72' Monohull March Captains Newsletter ****Liberte is also offering 10 nights for the price of 7 in the Grenadines this season! Click through to our web page on Liberte**** FROM THE CAPTAIN, GORDON  Easter draws ever closer----what has happened to this year----speeding by with lots of little maintenance jobs but thankfully nothing serious as prices for parts and equipment escalate. As you will see from the body of our Newsletter and also pictures which have been posted by our resident Editor-in-Chief Jacques,we will be sailing to warmer climes in mid-May,but will of course remain available in the Leeward Islands of Antigua,Nevis,St Maarten and St Christopher. The Grenadines are very special to me.I cut my teeth by working out of Bequia and have fond memories of Jack Iron Rum (140 proof-----NOT to be 'stowed near boilers or taken aloft' on your flight home) and the warmth of the folks who live and work down there,especially Seth and Mary at Barefoot Yachts in St Vincent.Never to forget 'Charlie Tango' either,who looks over moorings in Young Island Cut in St Vincent and runs a reliable taxi service to and from the Airport which is,in itself daunting to behold with one runway ending at the foothills and the town,sometimes requiring interesting take-offs for heavy cargo aircraft.And then there are the Ferries which take the schoolkids and cars and others to the big Island every day from Bequia and come back with the mail. The Grenadines are fascinating and are excellent sailing.This no 'duckpond' and the sunsets and icy drinks in the cockpit after a days brisk passagemaking are to be savoured and will never be forgotten. As mentioned elsewhere in this (rather late but better late than never edition),we will be offering very special packages designed solely for Grenadines Sailing and Sightseeing,so come on down,make use of our extra few 'free days' offer and contact your own friendly Charter Broker,or Brokers. Brokers please call Flagship in the USVI and ask for our specials. The 'Windies' waters are user-friendly to heavy displacement,powerful mono-hull Yachts.... .........So,roll on May and June and even early July-----see you down there!.........' Our Top 10 Destinations To Visit When Chartering With Liberte' In The GRENADINES THESE 10 DESTINATIONS ARE OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT WHEN CHARTERING AND SAILING IN THE GRENADINES. WE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THESE WITH YOU!  1.St Lucia St Lucia is the Northernmost Windward Island in the Caribbean and is perfectly situated to service the Grenadines. This Island provides the best starting point and boarding location for your Grenadines vacation. In Marigot Bay,Liberte' will be on dock, all shiny and fully stocked awaiting her new guests. This small cove has a lot of history, but it is it's unique character that makes it's so special, the local folks are warm and friendly and the small sea side restaurants and bars make you feel at home upon arrival. St Lucia has so much to offer and so much for one to experience, its fresh unspoilt environment stimulates and relaxes anyone who sets foot on the Islands beautiful soil.  St Lucia also offers an amazing anchorage situated at the foot of the Pitons, St Lucia's most dominant part of it's landscape. These two magnificent peaks shade this comfortable anchorage in their breathtaking size and beauty. The Anchorage provides you with one of the best sunset views in the Caribbean, one that the crew on Liberte' love and always look forward to sharing with guests...  2. St Vincent And the Grenadines The Sail From St Lucia to St Vincent is a fast exciting sail filled with beautiful sights all the way down South. The Island of St Vincent offers so many beautiful beaches, Coconut palm forests, waterfalls, colorful local fishing boats, and magnificent landscapes, its hard not to stop, take a swim, take a breath and take it all in...  3. Bequia Bequia is a small island situated just South of St Vincent and is where Captain Gordon operated this charter boat out of for many years. The Island provides a quiet safe anchorage, with crystal clear waters, a small town, with very relaxed beach bars, entertaining local folk and of course the local Rusta market where Liberte' restocks with some of the freshest fruits, coconuts and fish in the Caribbean. Its an Island that will leave you smiling and contemplating about packing up your job and your house and moving there to live forever...  4. Mustique This sophisticated, world class, private Island is home to the rich and famous, with luxury Villas and restaurants situated on the Island it provides a once in a life time sneak peak into what it feels like to a celebrity. The landscape is as genteel as the Islands lifestyle, with green hills rolling into soft white sandy beaches which collide with turquoise waters and coral reefs. Keep your bathing suits on as the snorkeling is out of this world. Basils famous beach bar will make sure your pallet stays moist and your stomach full. The beauty and picture perfect setting this Island provides is dream world material and is a must see when visiting the Grenadines!  5.Tobago Cays When the Sun disappears over the horizon and the sky slowly changes from shades of orange to deep red, darker and darker, the first star seems magically appear, its not alone, as the sky deepens in color and the night approaches the sky fills with millions of stars, beautiful bright small specks. Too many to fathom, shooting star after shooting star, your mind wonders into its own world of happy thoughts and bewilderment. The sky illuminates and pierces the waters surface and if you peer over the side you can see the fish, sand and coral all by starlight.  The Tobago Cays offer some of the best snorkeling in the world, with the clearest waters in the Caribbean and the whitest beaches, these Cays are very difficult to sail away from. 6.Petit St Vincent This unspoilt Island lies south of Palm Island. It is located well off the tourist mainstream, and can sometimes be best described by what is not there, no television, no airport etc.But there is a very private well run resort. What the Island does offer, amid untouched nature, warm crystal-clear turquoise waters, windswept coconut palms and beautiful white beaches, is privacy. Walking on the beach and looking back to notice that your footprints are the only ones in the sand makes you sense that this Island is your own.  7.Union Island An Island packed with diverse cultures and a myriad of special celebrations. Union Island has a dramatic profile of ridges and peaks- the highest being mount Parnassus.  There is a great anchorage with beautiful spots for snorkeling and beach combing. With such interesting, friendly and hospitable people its easy to wind you clock back to Island time. The streets of Clifton, the main town, are bustling with people making their way through the eclectic alley ways and scrubby streets. There are great beaches to be discovered and many snorkeling spots to be explored... 8.Palm Island Previously known as "Prune Island", the new name reflects the hundreds of palm trees which line the beaches of this idyllic tropical paradise. This Island provides the utmost seclusion, the natural beauty and tranquility are incomparable. Palm Island is unique in its own way, the perfect Robinson Crusoe Island, magnificent clear waters, palm trees and white sandy beaches, the ultimate beachbum paradise.  9.Mayreau The windward side of Mayreau is one huge deserted stretch of beach, you could spend eternity exploring,swimming, tanning, building sand castles, or just relaxing. This Island is perfect for both a land and sea vacation, with some great spots to explore on land as well as in the water. The underwater world of this beautiful Island is breath taking and awe-inspiring, the colors of fish and coral intertwine and allow for an ecstatic snorkeling experience. The local folk are such humble, friendly people, they seem to always just smile. It's a happy place, and a place that will live fondly in your memories forever.  10.Carriacou Carriacou is the largest of the Grenadine Islands. Volcanic actions have created an interesting topography mainly of wooded hills, which rise up dramatically in places, and gives this Island it's irregular coastline. The many Coral reefs that surround the Island provide a strong base for the beautiful sandy beaches that scatter themselves on the fringes of this spectacular Island. There is a rich history and culture that has laid the foundation for the people of Carriacou. The Island offers interesting historical tours,small rum shops, easy beach combing/exploring and great views. The Island is off the beaten track and offers a welcomed break from most crowded tourist destinations. It offers a sublime retreat for those in search of a true Caribbean experience. Small multi colored wooden houses that lie restfully in the surrounding hills are bathed in the reflections of the strong turquoise waters. This picturesque setting creates a beautiful backdrop for any sunset.  LIBERTE' IS RUNNING A SPECIAL FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE!!!!ANY CHARTER BOOKED FOR THE GRENADINES WILL ATTRACT A GREAT DEAL, INCLUDING 10 DAYS FOR THE PRICE OF 7. THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY FOR THE VACATION OF YOUR DREAMS!  Liberte' Has a New Chef- And She Is Here to Stay  Mary Stratford has been working in and out of the yachting industry for 16 years. When she`s not working on a yacht, she is a potter in her home in Puerto Rico. She loves to cook and discovered her natural abilities while working in various restaurants in the United States. Her menus are diversified and spontaneous to accommodate the needs and desires of the owners and their guests. Meals are made strictly with fresh ingredients and special attention is given to presentation. Mary is a funny, well spirited person with a great sense of humour. She has gained a lot of experience and knowledge from working on many mega yachts here in the Caribbean as well the Meditteranean. Her cooking is natural and the food that comes out of the galley is out of this world. We are happy to welcome her on board and look forward to having her as part of the team. We are sure her presence on board Liberte' will only add to the excisting good reputation we have as a crew. Look forward to meeting her next time you sail with us! Drink of the Month Caipirinha Ingredients: Lime Sugar(2-3 tbsp) Ice Cane Spirit Its that easy! Cha Cha Cha Method: Originally from Brazil, this is a very refreshing and easy drink to make, filled with good spirit, perfect for a pool side party or Caribbean cocktail! 1-Cut the lime into wedges(not slices) 2-Muddle the lime over the sugar 3-fill the glass with Ice, Crushed or cubes 4-Pour the cane spirit over the lime and sugar, stir, and Enjoy    
Sunday, March 7. 2010Viking Dreams' newly announced spring and summer specials- Mar 7th, 2010Viking Dream (47') Surprised Viking Dream even has specials on, it is always a heavily booked boat! Good for charter guests though! Between the dates of May 29th to June 27th and July 17th to Aug 29th, you have several options. 1) 8 nights for the price of 7 2) Kids sail free. For each adult you have on board, one child sails free! 3) SaildiveBVI agency discount of 5% So, choose one, and have a week sailing on one of the best 6 passengers Catamarans in the BVI! Watch the very well done video on Viking Dream.....and then click through to our web page
Friday, March 5. 2010Dive BVI photographs first picture of LIONFISH in the British Virgin Islands
Yes, although we have had sporadic sightings of the Lionfish for the last couple years in the BVI, we did not either have a specimen in hand nor a picture of one actually here!
Dive BVI changed all that yesterday... This specimen was about 12' inches long and they photoed and videoed it at Gingers Back Door. In 20 odd feet of water. They are back today looking to capture it. And, from Shannon Gore at Conservation and Fisheries... nfortunatly, I received an email from Dive BVI out of Spanish Town tonight about a confirmed sighting of a lionfish in 25ft of water off Ginger Island. Photographs (see attached) and video were taken and efforts to capture the fish will be made tomorrow. Consider this as biological warfare on the fisheries of the BVI. THey will eat everything, leaving the reefs vulnerable to algal overgrowth and mortality. THey are also venomous and a potential threat to fishermen and tourists that try to handle them. Luckily we have received the grant (just waiting for it to actually show up on the books) and have been in touch with the USVI on how to go about dealing with lionfish. The first "goal" is to get the word out to every resident and visitor to the BVI if they see one, they need to let us know so CFD and the dive operators can start removing them. We will be producing flyers to get out and about to the community as soon as possible. Any assitance will be appreciated. Shannon Gore Marine Biologist Conservation & Fisheries Department Government of the Virgin Islands P. O. Box 3323 Road Town, Tortola 284-494-5681 / 284-494-3429 FAX 284-494-2670   Tuesday, March 2. 2010Boat on the rocks Green Island, Antigua..Nothing to do with the BVI or chartering!
Saw these pictures pop up in my feed reader. You can see where it came from on the web here
Always sad to see boats on the reef. Story has it that this boat was running drugs from Jamaica and was abandoned after being off loaded. Usually the boats are picked over long before these pictures were taken at 2 weeks out...   There is a couple more pictures if you follow the link... Sunday, February 28. 2010Sailing Yacht Taboo, 85' and available throughout the Caribbean for up to 10 guests!Just received an email from CHARTER YACHT TABOO (click for my web page and more pictures) wanting to remind all that they are not only 85' long, but also take from 2-10 guests with 7 different beds (very important sometimes with the larger boats to have this option!) and 5 full ensuite cabins with full air conditioning and a crew of 4. Additionally, Taboo will pick up anywhere from the Virgin Islands to Trinidad...with all inclusive rates running between $22,000 and $29,000.
Sunday, February 28. 2010Sophisticated Lady Charter Yacht Sailing Newsletter February
Received Captain Ricks latest newsletter in my in box yesterday and thought I would share some of the pictures that were taken on his latest trip through the Spanish Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Here it is in Sophisticated Ladys' own words:
Greetings everyone! We finally got back to some traveling these past few weeks, and managed to take in some new sailing grounds in addition to our normal charter areas! We set sail for Puerto Rico back in January, and totally enjoyed stopping in to visit St Thomas and St John in the US Virgin Islands... then on to Isle de Culebra and Isle de Culebrita in the Spanish Virgin Islands... spectacular! Then we continued on heading West to arrive at Puerto Rico and spend some time with some friends traversing the island by land and being introduced to some of the most famous historical places in the Caribbean! Of course, we never have enough room to accommodate all the photos here, but we've enclosed a few for your enjoyment.                 Rick offers several different types of charter onboard. There are usually specials running. As of now (Feb 2010) these are: -Mostly inclusive from $5800-7800.00 7 nights includes all breakys, most lunches and 2 dinners along with basic bar and wine. -Captain only (you pay all expenses) $4600.00 -Share the Sail on March 26th and April 22nd, you purchase a cabin at $1200.00 per cabin You can see many more pictures, links and info on my web page by clicking here
Saturday, February 27. 2010Cooper Island Beach Club, British VIrgin Islands
...new owners, new upgraded facilties, new restaurant, new menu, new website! Check it out... Sure to become an even more popular spot
 I like that they have had their furniture made out of colorful old fishing dories!  Saturday, February 27. 2010 |
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