Queen Honors Foxy!

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is bestowed upon persons who are deserving of public recognition of outstanding service to the community. Honorees have included community leaders and public servants, among others. And, now- Philicianno "Foxy" Callwood - the entertainer, musician, storyteller and the well known proprietor of Foxy's Bar and Restaurant on Jost Van Dyke, is the BVI's latest recipient of the medal as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Having been listed on the Queen's New Year's Honours List for his exemplary contributions to tourism and the preservation of the Territory's culture, Foxy received his medal from Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace last Wednesday, June 24th. BVI Premier Ralph T. O'Neal stated that, "as one of the Territory's prominent tourism ambassadors, Foxy has promoted our islands at many events, both personally and in conjunction with the BVI Tourist Board." Most of you probably know that his world renown establishment has been rated one of the best places in the world to ring in the New Year, but Foxy is also one of the economic drivers on Jost Van Dyke. Furthermore, he is the founder of the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society which is committed to the preservation of the land and surrounding marine environment as well as to the restoration of the island's cultural and historical sites. Foxy is certainly one of the BVI's national treasures. He is well deserving of such recognition. Congratulations, Foxy!!- Donna

Click for more information on a Caribbean Sailing Vacation.

AE Slashes Fares (Not Flights) to BVI

The numbers of flights from Beef Island's major carriers will not shrink this summer, despite lower-than-average traffic. Last week, Gerard Arpey, Chairman and CEO of AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, said the company was taking steps in response to a difficult demand evironment. American Eagle has announced that as of last month, flights have been bumped from 3 daily flights during the week and 5 daily flights on weekends, to 7 daily flights. The carrier has taken one flight off its schedule in June- merging the 1pm and 4 pm flight into a 2:50 departure. Although American Eagle is is flying at about 50% capacity, Carlos Garcia, AE station manager at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, said numbers should increase based on new prices being marketed. "There are really low prices, so we are expecting people to come to the VI", he said. Just how low? I just found a round trip AE flight from Tampa to Beef Island for the amazing price of $198.00! WOW!!!!

Many of the boats in the charter fleet are also offering incredible deals this summer. For instance, experience the ultimate sailing adventure aboard Jet Stream, a luxurious 45' catamaran and get a night free! With 3 queen-sized cabins with ensuite heads and showers, up to 6 guests can experience the most awesome adventures possible! Captain Tim has skippered charter boats professionally and taught sailing since 1988. He has interwoven his sailing career with a parallel career as a golf professional. Formerly Stanford University's Head Golf Coach, he has also directed an internationally acclaimed golf school and pioneered leading-edge teaching technology. Although the BVI (Jet Stream's main area of concentration) is not a hot-bed of gold, Captain Tim will be happt to design a cruise to islands that feature golf, for guests that would like to blend sailing and golf vacations. Chef Marsha is professionally trained. She specializes in Asian and Middle-Eastern cooking, but is equally happy to produce Western fare. Her personal favorites tend toward the high-taste, low-fat end of the scale, but whatever the tastes of her guests, Marsha can be counted upon to please the palate. Tim and Marsha enjoy sharing their love of the laid-back life of catamaran cruising with their guests. They will be happy to quietly facilitate a private vacation of a lifetime or they will actively involve guests with as much of the operation of Jet Stream as they might enjoy. Either way, you will have the ride of your life! Click to learn more about a Jet Stream Yacht Charter.

With incredible deals on airfare and charter packages, you really cannot afford to miss the opportunity to experience the BVI this summer! -Donna

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.

13th Annual St. Kitt's Music Festival Set To Hit a High Note

If you are looking for a uniquely Caribbean experience, the annual St. Kitts Music Festival, taking place June 25-27, is a one of a kind event that has grown out of the island's deep-rooted musical heritage and genuine hospitality traditions. In its 13th year, this fabulous festival combines music, island culture and elements of carnival type street parties with performances from a wide variety of internationally popular music genres, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music - all with a uniquely Caribbean flavor. The result is a "must-do" experience for those on a summer sailing charter! The Warner Park Stadium venue becomes a friendly block party atmosphere. Vendor booths ring the grounds with authentic West Indian dishes for sale, while both inside and outside the park, people dance and sway to the music as songs fill the night air. This year's festival will feature a unique line-up of artists that will please the entire family. Younger children can sing along with Regina Belle's song from the Disney movie, Aladdin, "A Whole New World", young adults are sure to be familiar with the hit songs of T-Pain, while the entire family can bop to the laid-back reggae rhythms of Stephen Marley, soca sounds of Nu Vybes Band International or one of the many other talented lcoal and Caribbean artists. After enjoying Music Festival at night, St. Kitts offers a wealth of attractions during the day for those interested in exploring the island's heritage and enjoying the wide range of activities that it offers. Music lovers from the US and Canada can get to St. Kitts via non-stop service on American Airlines from New York (JFK) or Miami, on Delta from Atlanta, and on US Airways from Charlotte, as well as via connecting service through San Juan on American Eagle or via flights on regional carrier LIAT from Antigua. Of course, an even better way to get there is on a sailing charter! - Donna

Click for more information on Sailing Charters.

BVI Culinary Teams Takes Bronze

The national BVI Culinary Team competed this past weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the regional "Taste of the Caribbean" competition, and brought home the Bronze Medals in both the team competition and the bartending competition. The 2009 BVI Culinary Team Members came from Treasure Island Hotel, Charlie's, Spaghetti Junction, The Boathouse, Peter Island Resort and Spa, and Road Town Bakery. Thirteen Caribbean countries competed throughout the weekend, with each country represented by 3 chefs, one pastry chef and one bartender. The 13 national teams hailed from Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, BVI, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and the USVI. Anguilla's national team took home the top prize in the team competition and the St. Martin bartender took home Bartender of the Year honors.

You may find culinary bliss for your tummy in the BVI, but what about for your soul? Check out the 58' catamaran, Bliss, where you will find bliss aboard. She and her crew will take you to one of the world's best aquatic playgrounds- the BVI. Enjoy secluded anchorages and private beaches or join the activities available onshore at the numerous beautiful islands scattered throughout the crystal clear waters of the BVI. She can accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins- all with queen sized cabins, heads and showers. She is also fully air-conditioned throughout. Captain Jim and Chef Amanda are an outgoing coule who love to entertain and look forward to leading you on a new and exciting adventure. Click to learn more about a Bliss Yacht Charter.

In the meantime, "Taste of Caribbean" selected their favorite chefs and bartenders. Who are yours? Send us the names of your favorite BVI restaurant or bar! -Donna

Click for more information on Tortola Yacht Charters.

CARIBBEAN SHOPPING TIPS

I’m still unpacking after spending 3 weeks in the islands! Although my husband hates to shop, we did enjoy looking at locally made crafts, jewelry and artwork. Caribbean craftspeople bring a rich and colorful blend of African, Native American and European influences to their handiwork – a combination that reflects the intriguing makeup of their culture. Unfortunately, I was limited in luggage space or I would have our house filled with reminders of our time spent in paradise. Anyway, here are some tips to make your shopping experience easier. First, regardless of where you shop, most vendors will accept dollars or euros, even if their island may have their own currency. To be on the safe side, however, you may want to exchange some money into East Caribbean dollars – the official currency of Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia. Second, in most the established shops, bargaining is not welcome and may even be considered insulting, although some vendors may offer a discount for cash rather than credit card payments. You might cautiously give it a shot at open-air markets or with street vendors. Remember, however, that profits from selling homegrown or handmade items are likely to be the craftsperson’s only income, so prices are not usually set artificially high. Finally, not all island sales clerks will know all the rules about duty limits and taxes. Find out before leaving home what you will be allowed to bring back and at what cost. By doing your research before shopping, you will avoid the risk of losing your purchase at customs, incurring a fine or being detained. Whatever you buy, a shopping trip to the Caribbean can be a wonderful chance to discover the striking uniqueness of this region. - Donna

Click for more information on booking a Charter Yacht vacation.

LOOKING LIKE A NEWBIE?

Oh boy! My husband and I have been spending the last 3 weeks in the islands of St. Lucia, Dominica, and Antigua. No doubt I will have lots to write about in the upcoming weeks, but today I want to point out how easy it is to recognize the “charter newbies.” They are particularly evident when it comes to leaving the dock!!!! I can’t tell you how many people I saw that forgot to disconnect the shore power line first before casting off! And, nothing gives a novice away more than motoring or sailing around with his/her fenders dangling over the side! I am not trying to pick on anyone. Whether you are about to take your first charter and you are unsure what you are letting yourself in for, or you are an old salty dog, when it comes to cruising, everyone can make mistakes. As they say in the islands, however, “No worries, Mon.” Click to find out some tips to look like a pro on your Caribbean Charter. – Donna

Click for more information on Sailing Charters.

ANTIGUA’S ROMANTIC RHYTHMS CANCELLED!

Due to the economic conditions, there will be no Romantic Rhythms for Antigua this year! Although several options were considered before reaching this difficult decision to postpone the festival, including using a lesser number of performers, shortening the days and using only regional acts, altering the festival would mean damaging the Romantic Rhythms brand. The Romantic Rhythms was first held last June 2008 and featured a number of stellar artists, including Damian Marley, Keyshia Cole, Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie. No doubt the people of Antigua are highly disappointed about the festival being postponed, however, the festival will be back in 2010 and negotiations have already begun to secure the best international performers! – Donna

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.