the british virgin islands, experience it for yourself!
Our charter yachts come in all shapes and sizes, one is just right for you!
Make use of our experiences of living, sailing, diving & chartering on the waters of the Caribbean for over 14 years. This movie clip below will give you a pretty good idea on what the charter yachts in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean offer..
We have...
... yachts that specialize in SCUBA and finding all the famous wrecks like the RMS Rhone and the Chikuzen...
... yachts that specialize in Snorkeling...
... yachts that teach you how to sail...
... yachts that have all the toys you could want, from wakeboards and waterski's to kayaks and kite surfing...
... yachts that are perfect for romantic honeymoons...
... yachts that are captain only - that allows for charters with less structure, more hands on experience and a bridge between bareboating & fully crewed...
... yachts that offer spa services...
... yachts that delight in going off shore...
... yachts that specialize in bird watching...
... yachts that specialize in Eco Sailing...
... yachts that can teach you how to catch the large Tuna you have always wanted while fishing...
... yachts that heel in the wind as much as you like...
... yachts who let YOU take the helm...
... yachts that DON'T heel at all! If you can dream it, we have a yacht with crew that is perfect for you!...
Capt Bob and Sueno are sailing the Spanish Virgins on charter April 10 to 16..This yacht is available just before it and after it if you are looking for a yacht in the Spanish Virgin Islands...
This boat is well traveled, it seems like only yesterday I put up an entry about their summer plans chartering in the Grenadines!
Good Medicine is sailing St Vincent & Grenadines August, September and October. Here is a sample itinerary:
Day 1 St George's, Grenada (spend first night at Port Louis Marina in St George's)
Explore the most beautiful town in the Caribbean, St George's. This is the heart of The Spice Island with a fascinating open market, waterfront restaurants and historical landmarks.
20 nm
Day 2 Rhonde Island, Grenada
This is a very secluded spot off the regular route where you can simply relax away from it all with great snorkeling that is rarely visited.
14 nm
Hillsborough & Tyrell Bay, Carriacou (Grenada) {customs check out}
7 nm
Day 3 Petite Martinique, Grenada, or Petite St Vincent, SVG
These quaint islands are part of a large reef that is gorgeous and offers great snorkeling. Take a stroll through the village on Petite Martinique or visit the resort on Petite St Vincent.
5 nm
Day 4 Union Island, SVG
This island has it all: a shark pool, an open market, restaurants, trails and hiking. Happy Island is a must for the best rum punch sundowner in the Grenadines.
7 nm
Day 5 Tobago Cays, SVG
Just a short sail away and you are in the amazing atoll of Tobago Cays. Fabulous snorkeling, diving, beaches and vistas that you will fall in love with. This is our favorite spot in the Caribbean.
5 nm
Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, SVG
7 nm
Canouan, SVG
13 nm
Day 6 Mustique, SVG
This is the island of the rich and famous where you can visit Basil's bar and see who walks in. Horseback riding, spas, beautiful palm tree lined beaches and more.
8 nm
Friendship Bay, Bequia, SVG
7 nm
Day 7 Admiralty Bay, Bequia, SVG (can take ferry to St Vincent airport)
Very popular with cruising yachtsmen, Bequia has a charm all to itself. It's great fun to stroll the waterfront path visiting the restaurant, bars and shops on the way as waves lap at you feet. See the local's colorful wooden boats on the beaches and out sailing in the bay. Be sure to browse the model boat building shop and the local craft stores.
Well...somewhat..They were chosen for Quebec Lotto to shoot their new commercial on. Being a Canadian I could make several jokes but I will refrain
"We're very excited that Good Medicine has been chosen and chartered to shoot the new Quebec Lotto commercial. In fact we're on location right now in the BVI, making a few modifications to allow for better camera angles, and filming will be later this week!
We hope to get a video link to the final product and will share it with you when available."
Good Medicine offers several specials, with a 5% discount this winter, to a 10% discount for any charters within 60 days..as well as half board rates and offering continuing education credit courses for Physicians! A bit for everyone... Fully inclusive rates for up to 6 guests range between $10,000 and $12,400 for 7 nights...
For anything up to 10 guests..I am impressed with any owner operator's that have operated this long! Good availability between approx $24,000 and $29,000 inclusive for 7 nights.
Karuba 5 victorious in the Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta 2012! This stunning yacht is equipped for racing and luxury crewed charters. Karuba 5 is an impressive custom Danish X Yacht design which accommodates 2- 6 pax.
And to start things off they are offering special rates for short charters in February out of the St. Martin area... Book Wednesday through Sunday for $10,000 inclusive...
Her sleek flush deck and spacious cockpit offer a luxurious layout for relaxing, sunning and sailing comfortably. Carbon spars and an endless sail inventory magnify the performance of the yacht. The attractive modern interior design offers the choice of four cabins with massive 7ft headroom throughout. The spacious saloon is accommodated by white leather and holds the dining area, open kitchen and navigation area. Each cabin offers ensuite head and shower, beautiful cabinetry and wood floors. Forward of the saloon is a very comfortable masters cabin with queen size bed, white leather settee with an expansive head and shower. The center starboard cabin is has a queen size bed followed by a private head. Aft starboard cabin is laid out with two single bunks, private head and a large connecting shower with the center cabin. Port aft has a queen bed with a single bunk above, followed aft by an ensuite head, and this is usually occupied by the crew. However the aft cabins can be alternated if required.
Sailing on this high performance cruising yacht with her professional crew will make for an incredible adventure and a unforgettable experience.
The attractive modern interior design offers the choice of four cabins with massive 7ft headroom throughout. The spacious saloon is accommodated by white leather and holds the dining area, open kitchen and navigation area. Each cabin offers ensuite head and shower, beautiful cabinetry and wood floors. Forward of the saloon is a very comfortable masters cabin with queen size bed, white leather settee with an expansive head and shower. The center starboard cabin is has a queen size bed followed by a private head. Aft starboard cabin is laid out with two single bunks, private head and a large connecting shower with the center cabin. Port aft has a queen bed with a single bunk above, followed aft by an ensuite head, and this is usually occupied by the crew. However the aft cabins can be alternated if required.
62' Lagoons are sure popular! Here is another new one, which takes up to 8 guests, Foxy Lady.
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"the blurb" on the yacht.. I am hoping to get on the yacht for the broker viewing next week (Feb 2012) and then I will have my own pictures to put up...
"Foxy Lady" is one of the latest Lagoon 620 catamarans launched in June 2011. She is available for charter in the Caribbean and is based in the British Virgin Islands.
Designed specifically so that you can experience the art of living whilst sailing in some of the most beautiful locations, this is one of the most popular sailing catamarans available.
"Foxy Lady" can accommodate 8 people in four spacious air-conditioned double cabins each with its own separate washroom and shower. Each cabin has large hull windows so that you can enjoy your surroundings from every part of the boat.
The spacious 360-degree viewing saloon is the perfect place to relax after a day in the sunshine. With the boats extensive Apple TV movie library, you can relax in front of the saloons 37" LCD TV or listen to some music whilst taking in your surroundings. For those that would like it links to the outside world "Foxy Lady" is equipped with satellite broadband WIFI internet and telephone. The saloon is modern, bright and airy with a light oak wood finish and comfortable seating area, even a "chaise lounge". You have a choice of eating within the saloon at its extension leaf dining table or you may prefer to eat al fresco at the outdoor dining table.
The outdoor entertaining deck is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy one of the delicious meals prepared for you on Foxy Lady. You can enjoy a fantastic vista from the stern of the boat. The fly-deck above is the hub of action whilst we are sailing between anchorages but is also a fantastic seating and viewing area, perfect for an evening aperitif. There is cold drink fridge on the aft deck with a barbecue and also a drinks fridge on the fly-deck.
Foxy Lady charges a flat all inclusive 7 night rate of $28,000 for 2 to 8 guests. Her British crew, Brendan and Lois, certainly seem to have some yachting experience!
I had posted this a couple weeks ago, and they are still looking to fill this week, and have reduced their offering to an even less expensive package!!!!
Normal rates on Nemo for 7 nights all inclusive range between $11,950 and $18,950 for 2 to 10 guests.
This brand new 62' Lagoon charters in the Caribbean for the winter and the Balearics (Palma, Spain) in the summer.
FIREFLY is the new version of the Lagoon 620, with interiors designed by Nauta. Even more luxurious and comfortable, Firefly accomodates 6 guests in 3 double cabins with queen beds and ensuite bathroom (separate showers). The master 's cabin has 2 entrances (from the deck and in the saloon), a queen bed, a nice sofa, a desk, large TV& DVD etc.
Her winter rates for between 2-6 guests, 7 nights inclusive (except for beverages) range between $24,000 and $27,000.
Any charter that takes place between March 25th and April 12, 2012 features a discount! That means that 8 pax can go out for 7 nights all inclusive for $16,900!
18 February – 30 June 2012 - BVI (with USVI pickups available) – Inc Presidents Week & Easter
1 July – 31 July 2012 – Grenadines
20 October – 31 October 2012 – Grenadines
1 November 2012 – 30 June 2013 – BVI (with USVI pickups available) – Inc Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year
Our Winter Caribbean Special valid until 30 April 2012 - $1,500 discount
6 pax $18,000 less $1,500 discount = $16,500
4 pax $17,000 less $1,500 discount = $15,500
2 pax $16,000 less $1,500 discount = $14,500
The above rate includes for BVI Charters:
FREE Ships Bar, FREE Diving for Certified Divers, Rate includes BVI Cruising Taxes, and St Thomas pickups & drop-offs with NO additional charge.
Excluded are Champagnes, Fine Wines & Special Spirits, Dockage & Comms (if used).
Honeymooners will receive a FREE bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
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Lyn sent me the new pictures that were taken of the interior of Pacific Wave today along with the pictures of the gorgeous new large tender for them as well.
They go along well with the blog entry I did several days ago on them...
Pacific Wave's Brand new large SCUBA and play tender NEW Caribe Deluxe DL 15ft 6” dinghy with NEW Yamaha 70hp 4 stroke engine
And some very nice interior pictures of the stunning yacht as well..
Anton and I have now settled back to reality after our wonderful week at sea in the BVI. We had a great time and got to see and do all the things that we had wanted to J
Captain Pat is an excellent captain and host – very friendly and accommodating. Just before we set sail we were able to compile a list of the places that we were interested in visiting with the hope that the weather conditions would facilitate us. In the end, even with strong winds from the east on our last two days, Captain Pat was able to adjust our schedule so that we were always safe but got to visit the Baths and Sandy Cay (the last two places on our list)! In Anegada, we rented a car and Captain Pat showed us around to a few nice snorkelling beaches and even a special spot which was stunningly beautiful, the local grocery, a bakery and even an iguana farm. We were very happy that he is as knowledgeable and familiar on land as well as on the sea. Anton was able to get some hands on experience sailing which he enjoyed and we did get to do quite a bit of snorkelling.
Oteka is in great condition. Captain Pat is meticulous in taking great care of her. Everything looks new and she had all of the facilities and amenities that we needed.
Fully crewed ranges between $11,000 and $15,000 for 7 nights up to 6 guests and captain only ranges between $7000 to $8000 plus all expenses...
This yacht is seriously beautiful, take a look at my pictures of it here
Xante Chalwell is a 15 year old BVIslander attending International College Spain. He is working on a project entitled, "How Tourism Affects the Environment in the BVI". One of the aims of his project is to educate visitors on how they can reduce their environmental impact during vacations. We hope that you will take the time to read a few of his tips to see what you as a visitor can do to reduce your footprint!
Along the same lines, we have a new commercial put out by the BVI Tourist Board- The British Virgin Islands Vacation Recipe
I had come across the limitations of the blogging platform I was using on my sites quite awhile ago, and I have been working to get them all changed over to a new system, which would allow me to not only make it easier for my readers to search past posts, but also allow my blogs to be easily viewed on mobile phones and IPADS. I know that I use my phone or IPAD more and more every day, and just boot up the large computer to do web work and editing.
It will also be easier to track past related blog entries, as well as to make comments on the entries.
I have spent the last couple months double posting the entries from this blog onto my new wordpress site. I had changed my personal blog over to Word Press (self hosted) a few months ago.
Let's start off by mentioning that Catatonic has a new chef on board working with Owen since earlier this month. Growing up in St. Michaels, Maryland with the Chesapeake Bay as her backyard, Liz Lacoco can’t imagine any other lifestyle than one on the water. Her pursuit to travel has taken her on many adventures. With a global circumnavigation and several cross-country trips under her belt, Liz enjoys exploring new places. After graduating from Towson University, she relocated to Northern California. While living in the Pacific Northwest, Liz became an experienced sushi roller while spending her spare time hiking the Redwoods. Passionate about cooking, sharing food with friends and family has always been a major part of her life. She likes to infuse her artistic flare and creativity in everything she does. With heaps of enthusiasm, Liz looks forward to sharing your next adventure with you.
Liz just completed her first charter with Owen in the SXM area, and the guests have positive reviews to send in on both crew members.
"We wanted to say that sailing on the Catatonic with Owen and Liz was a joy.
The youthful energy they brought to the Catatonic was comforting and they made this one of the best vacations we’ve ever had.
They were ready for anything, always positive and remarkably talented.
After sailing with Owen, my other sailing trips were actually put to shame. He makes the Catatonic work as a real sailing vessel should and doesn’t just limit it to motoring around with the sails up. He knows how to tweak every setting and milk out every bit of speed he can. And in down time he is constantly working on maintenance leaving no detail untouched. As a chief engineer myself -- I was very impressed that he does not simply jerry rig some patch leaving the final fix to the future. He fixes things right the first time so he doesn’t have to go back and do it again. In my organization that’s what separates the best engineers from the wanna be’s.
We know Liz just joined the crew but had be not known we would not have guessed. Her cooking is excellent and she even goes the extra mile with appetizing detail. Marie loved her healthy, thought out menu’s. And although my unhealthy vacation eating habits were much different – Liz always found a way to adjust my meals to my more fried meaty tastes.
Marie was very impressed with Liz’s sushi.
When she isn’t cooking, Liz always kept us engaged with interesting conversations and fun little games. Liz will always have a place in our memories.
Marie described the pair as a perfect fusion of east and west coast personalities. They both made us feel at home and we were never once uncomfortable having them with us 24 hours a day for eight days."
**
I also recently had guests of mine on Catatonic at the beginning of January...and they kindly sent me in their impressions of the yacht and crew (Liz was not the chef on this charter)
It was a great vacation. We said that we wanted to sail and snorkel and that’s exactly what we did. Owen figured out quickly that we were not the party types so he found nice quiet coves for the nights. It was just very relaxing. The boat was excellent. It was clean, we had enough space and plenty of food. The kids (young adults) also enjoyed the Wii. We had a very good time. The family rated this vacation as one of our best. Owen and Heather quickly figured out our likes and dislikes and adjusted the trip and meals accordingly. It was especially nice that we did a lot of actual sailing because we have been on “day sails” before where the sails barely went up. The one bad moment was when I got into trouble snorkeling in some heavy swells and had to bail for the rocks along the shore or drown. This should have been a lesson for Owen to carefully monitor and assess the people who are snorkeling because he will likely run into many people like me who remember how good they used to be snorkeling but no longer have the stamina.
(That is a good reminder for not only crew, but also guests, even I have been caught out in situations like he described above and I have lived her for 15 years, and am still a very good swimmer...)
**
The owners on Catatonic had made up a flyer comparing what you receive on a charter on catatonic compared to a bareboat charter. I thought it was an interesting comparison and yes, the industry is fairly saturated here and competitive that it IS possible to find this situation when comparing costs on many crewed charter yachts.
This is a heavily booked yacht, although Catatonic still has some good opening slots from May onward this season.
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November Blog entry on Catatonic
Another popular Lagoon that my guests always seem to enjoy themselves on is Catatonic. This Lagoon has had a crew change this season, as Rick and Missy have bought their own yacht, Tara Vana and are running it. Owen and Heather are the new American crew on Catatonic. This yacht is always heavily booked so finding space on it can be a challenge, but as the season goes on, there is still some room...
This yacht mainly takes up to 6 guests comfortably and her rates range from $9000. plus all expenses for Captain Only to $13,500. fully inclusive for 6 guests, 7 nights.
Had to giggle while editing this entry to put up on the blog...I took updated pictures of the staterooms, the only problem is that my metadata on my pictures tells me I have pictures of about 7 staterooms on Catatonic, and unless it went through a large stretching job over the summer, I hope that I have sorted the proper photos out that belong to it here!
Captain Owen Johnson joins us from Boothbay Harbor, Maine with excellent qualifications in diving, yacht maintenance and operations. Owen boasts both transatlantic deliveries as well as several charters and deliveries in the British Virgin Islands. He is also an experienced lobsterman! Owen looks forward to sharing his life long love of sailing with you. He may even show you his favorite surfing spots!
Heather Grindle relocated to St. Thomas last year looking to return to her love – the Caribbean Sea. Heather hails from Pennsylvania but spent several years as an English teacher and vocation counselor in North Carolina. She has excelled as stewardess and mate aboard several large yachts sailing from St. Thomas to the BVI. Heather’s expertise in the galley will amaze you.
Together Heather and Owen make a great team. They will show you the time of your life aboard S/Y Catatonic. Don’t just say “we’ll do that some day” – Some day is NOW.
Good Medicine is sailing St Vincent & Grenadines August, September and October. Here is a sample itinerary:
Day 1 St George's, Grenada (spend first night at Port Louis Marina in St George's)
Explore the most beautiful town in the Caribbean, St George's. This is the heart of The Spice Island with a fascinating open market, waterfront restaurants and historical landmarks.
20 nm
Day 2 Rhonde Island, Grenada
This is a very secluded spot off the regular route where you can simply relax away from it all with great snorkeling that is rarely visited.
14 nm
Hillsborough & Tyrell Bay, Carriacou (Grenada) {customs check out}
7 nm
Day 3 Petite Martinique, Grenada, or Petite St Vincent, SVG
These quaint islands are part of a large reef that is gorgeous and offers great snorkeling. Take a stroll through the village on Petite Martinique or visit the resort on Petite St Vincent.
5 nm
Day 4 Union Island, SVG
This island has it all: a shark pool, an open market, restaurants, trails and hiking. Happy Island is a must for the best rum punch sundowner in the Grenadines.
7 nm
Day 5 Tobago Cays, SVG
Just a short sail away and you are in the amazing atoll of Tobago Cays. Fabulous snorkeling, diving, beaches and vistas that you will fall in love with. This is our favorite spot in the Caribbean.
5 nm
Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, SVG
7 nm
Canouan, SVG
13 nm
Day 6 Mustique, SVG
This is the island of the rich and famous where you can visit Basil's bar and see who walks in. Horseback riding, spas, beautiful palm tree lined beaches and more.
8 nm
Friendship Bay, Bequia, SVG
7 nm
Day 7 Admiralty Bay, Bequia, SVG (can take ferry to St Vincent airport)
Very popular with cruising yachtsmen, Bequia has a charm all to itself. It's great fun to stroll the waterfront path visiting the restaurant, bars and shops on the way as waves lap at you feet. See the local's colorful wooden boats on the beaches and out sailing in the bay. Be sure to browse the model boat building shop and the local craft stores.
Well...somewhat..They were chosen for Quebec Lotto to shoot their new commercial on. Being a Canadian I could make several jokes but I will refrain
"We're very excited that Good Medicine has been chosen and chartered to shoot the new Quebec Lotto commercial. In fact we're on location right now in the BVI, making a few modifications to allow for better camera angles, and filming will be later this week!
We hope to get a video link to the final product and will share it with you when available."
Good Medicine offers several specials, with a 5% discount this winter, to a 10% discount for any charters within 60 days..as well as half board rates and offering continuing education credit courses for Physicians! A bit for everyone... Fully inclusive rates for up to 6 guests range between $10,000 and $12,400 for 7 nights...
