TRICKS & TREATS

Happy Halloween everyone! I am heading up North (brrr) to celebrate the weekend with my ghoulish-ly delightful niece, but I wanted to share some upcoming weekend Caribbean fun with you before I left!

First, if you happen to be in the BVI, head over to Jost Van Dyke and Foxy's Halloween party. No one throws a party better than Foxy! Wear a costume or come as you are, but show up for music, food, dancing and a great time.

Second, Dominica is hosting the World Creole Music Festival. This annual World Creole Music Festival in Rouseau brings together musicians, singers and bands from all over the Caribbean and features the unique rhythms of zouk, zydeco, cadence, compass and soukas.

Finally - and this is no trick - , check out the American Airlines fares to the USVI!!!! American Airlines has made it easier than ever. (And we all know that it is just a ferry ride away from St. Thomas to the BVI to start your charter, right?!) American, a founding member of the oneworld Alliance, has great low fares available for travel through mid December. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 3, 2009 and travel must be completed by December 17, 2009 and are subject to a two-night minimum and 30-day maximum stay. Fares from the US Mainland start as low as $91 and are available Monday through Thursday, both to and from the US Virgin Islands. Here are some samples of American's low fares. Fares shown are each way, in US dollars, based on round trip, Economy Class travel, purchased on AA.com.:

Miami-St. Thomas $91
New York- St. Thomas $118
Boston - St. Thomas $125
San Francisco - St. Thomas $195
Dallas/Fort Worth- St. Thomas $206

Fares shown are valid for off-peak travel beginning October 22-Dec. 15th, 2009 in US dollars in Economy class, with all travel complete by Dec. 17, 2009. Fares do not include all government-imposed taxes and fees.

Do yourself a treat----check out our special deals and promotions, find a last minute availability for a BVI charter, take advantage of the American fares and experience the trip of a life time! - Donna

Click for more information on booking a Caribbean Charter.

Paddleboarder Connects Windwards and Leewards

64 year old Susan Chaplin, a resident of the BVI, has completed a feat that was seven years in the making. She wanted to "connect" all of the major Windward and Leeward islands by crossing several channels on a surfboard-kayak hybrid called a paddleboard. Ms. Chaplin moved to the BVI 15 years ago. She began training several times a week on her paddleboard, which is propelled with the hands while alternating between a kneeling and prone position. She had previously paddled the channel connecting the Turks and Caicos Islands and connecting the Exuma islands from Exuma to Nassau, Bahamas. So, she decided to see how much of the island chain of the Caribbean she could paddle. Beginning 7 years ago, she packed up her 14-foot board and undertook a major trip somewhere in the Caribbean. Along the way, she has paddled across a handful of channels wider than 25 miles. Earlier this month, she completed the final stages of her long-term plan. She spent almost three weeks making a series of crossings, totaling almost 70 miles, from Montserrat to Saba, dodging sharks, unfavorable currents and headwinds along the way. She is the first paddleboarder to complete the series of journeys! And all at 64 years young!!!

There is a much easier way to cross the channels of the Windward Islands. The 60' catamaran, Lumahai, embodies refined design and workmanship into the essential luxury sailing yacht for discerning catamaran charter guests. Your crew enjoys making people feel at home on the water and will make every effort to cater to each individual on board. She can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 queen-sized cabins, all with ensuite facilities and full AC. Captain David previously operated his own boutique hotel and restaurant in England and has a catering & hospitality pedigree of some 20 years. He is no stranger to providing standards of excellence to make your time on Lumahai a memorable one. Having spent 10 years working with David in the Hotel and restaurant industry, First Mate/Chef Kim has developed an extensive gourmet catering repertoire. A qualified hospitality specialist, she has worked as a high profile events coordinator for British government cabinet ministers and politicians. For the past 10 years, they have lived the dream in these beautiful islands. To make this catamaran charter your dream, click to learn more about a Lumahai Yacht Charer.

Click to learn about the islands of the Leewards and Windwards. Whatever your destination, your catamaran charter adventure awaits! - Donna

Click for more information on booking a Charter Caribbean.

VIEC Update!

Several months ago, we blogged about the historic Beef Island case. The case involved judicial review of the former NDP Government's planning approval for a five-star hotel, marina and golf course that would destroy the scientifically documented biologically important Hans Creek Fisheries Protected Area in Beef Island, BVI. (Beef Island is the 6th largest of the BVI, 918 acres. It is situated directly east of Tortola and connected by a short two-lane bridge. For those on a catamaran charter, you probably know it for Trellis Bay and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport). The case received international attention and acclaim, including the support of Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Mosquito and Necker Islands. Sir Richard provided discounted flights on his airline for the legal team who came in from the UK. Anyway- we promised an update when the verdict came in....

The Virgin Islands Environmental Council emerged victorious when Justice Indra Harisprashad-Charles handed down a judgment finding the approval of the Beef Island project illegal. The two year legal battle began in July 2007 when VIEC, a group of concerned fishermen and residents, filed an application in the High Court seeking judicial review of the January 2007 decision by former Chief Minister Smith to grant planning approval of the project. The golf course and marina were located next to and partially within the Hans Creek Fisheries Protected area. Contrary to arguments by the Government and the developer, Justice Charles ruled that Hans Creek is a Fisheries Protected area within the meaning of the Fisheries Act. The Fisheries Regulations provides that no development activity can take place which may or is likely to adversely affect a fisheries protected area. Besides the fact that this was the BVI's first environmental case, the outcome was very meaningful for several reasons. First, it establishes that there are laws and procedures in place for the protection of the Virgin Islands environment and these laws should be observed by all, especially by the Government. Second, this is the first time Virgin Islanders and residents have come together as a group to take such a public stand on an environmental issue, and in this instance, the people's position has been vindicated by the court. Third, the ruling sets an example for others throughout the Caribbean that they can be heard when challenging these types of ecologically destructive mega-developments. The VIEC has focused on the Beef Island case since its inception, but now the group realizes that there are many other serious challenges facing the BVI community. It is their hope to expand its focus in the near future. Three cheers for the BVIslanders for protecting the natural beauty of their islands for all to enjoy- including those of us that spend time there on a catamaran charter! - Donna

Click for more information on booking a Charter Yacht vacation.

CSI.....Antigua?

On any given night, we have CSI Miami, Las Vegas and New York; and NCIS and NCIS LA. Don't even get me started about the Law and Order Series. But, they are all in the make-believe world of television. I bet you did not know, however, that the Caribbean region now has a real-life forensics lab! On September 25, the United States and Antigua officially opened a state-of-the-art regional cyber-forensics laboratory. The lab is a partnership between the government of Antigua and Barbuda, which provided the facilities, and the US, which provided over $500,000 to equip the lab and $200,000 to train technical experts from throughout the region in cyber-forensic investigation capabilities. This lab will have an immediate and lasting positive impact on the ability of law enforcement agencies throughout the Eastern Caribbean to detect, deter, and prosecute sophisticated crimes through the collection and analysis of information technology-related evidence.The US has committed to continue providing training and support for the lab and investigators. The lab will greatly enhance the capability of of police forces in the region to conduct Cyber Investigations. It will provide vital ongoing support to the police forces and build expertise in this new field of investigations.

You do not need to be an expert to know how important Antigua is to the sailing industry. There is no finer way to "investigate" it yourself than aboard your own Catamaran charter- especially one like Yes Dear. A 58' catamaran, Yes Dear is the perfect yacht for anyone who wants to explore more of the Caribbean in style and luxury. Sample locally grown fruits, feast on the freshest lobsters or seared tuna, step back in time and feel the rhythm of daily life in the Caribbean. She has 5 staterooms with full air conditioning and offers accommodations for up to 10 guests plus 2 crew members. One large guest stateroom has a king size bed, three large guest staterooms have queen-sized bed, and a slightly smaller stateroom has a double bed. All cabins have either an ensuite head/shower combination or an en-suite head with a separate shower stall. Each stateroom is equipped with its own flat screen TV/DVD player. Recreational equipment includes water skiing, tubing, wake boarding, a double ocean kayak and wind surfer. All the equipment for snorkeling and scuba diving is on board, including a compressor for tanks. Your professional crew of Ian and Jody will be your Captain, local guide, gourmet chef and water sport instructor. Click to learn more about the crew of Yes Dear. Yes Dear has gotten an extensive face lift this fall and she is ready for the 2009/2010 season. There is new bedding, cushions, and artwork by professional artist, Cathy Boyd. The galley has an ice-cream maker, a deep fryer and new pots and pans. A new computer has been ordered, and there is now a much faster wi-fi system for internet communication.

So, put down the TV remote, slow down, center yourself and come investigate your most memorable vacation ever aboard a catamaran charter!- Donna

Click for more information on Sailing Charters.

Sunset, Sax and Spinners

This summer, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the friendly and enchanting island of St. Lucia. Steeped in history and bursting with exotic beauty, St. Lucia possesses some of the finest natural harbours in the Caribbean- perfect for your charter Caribbean adventure! We spent some time at the fabulous resort- Anse Chastanet- an experience I will never forget! One night, we were invited to go on a sunset cruise. I was a bit hesitant because it is hard to beat the sunset from the deck of your own private charter, but when I heard that one of St. Lucia's finest sax players would be providing the entertainment- well- who could refuse! So let me paint the picture: The water is azure, the setting sun the color of lush mangoes, and we are lazily drifting at the base of the Pitons as Robert "Zi" Taylor is mellowing us all out with music from his new CD, "Rise Up." Zi is no stranger to the music world. In his early life, he opened for such artists as Maxi Priest, Beenie Man and Steel Pulse. In 1996, he opened a recording studio and formed a dancehall reggae group called Kronic Heights. He has performed at many prestigious events, including the Dutch Queen's Birthday celebration 2 years in a row, Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee Celebration, and other government functions. "Rise Up" is his long awaited original album. The 12 track cd displays his many styles of music, including jazz, funk, reggae, hip-hop, and creole fusion. So, where was I...Zi has the entire party in their "happy place" when someone spots a dolphin. Now, living in Florida, we see dolphins on a fairly frequent basis, but never have I ever seen 40 spinner dolphins putting on a display for over 30 minutes. I am convinced they were entranced by Zi's smooth tones! They played and frolicked around the bow of the boat, surfing in the wake and doing loop-di-loops to the delight of all aboard. The ever-humble Zi stayed focused, playing one arrangement after another. After a while, the dolphins moved on. About 20 minutes later, as the sun got lower to the horizon and we were all waiting for the "green flash", someone pointed out what we thought were the return of the dolphins. Instead, as Zi's music became more sensual, 6 pilot whales slowly glided past the boat. WOW- what a treat. You couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. I truly believe that Zi's music touched both man and beast and gave us a once in a lifetime gift! (to learn more about Zi, go to http://www.zionsax.com/) So, see what can happen on a charter Caribbean adventure! It is all there waiting for you to discover! - Donna

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.

BVI On Travel Channel

The British Virgin Islands will be featured on the television program, Affordable Caribbean, scheduled to be aired on October 10-11 on the Travel Channel. A film crew from the television program spent 3 days in August in the Territory capturing what to do for tourists visiting the BVI. The 30 minute program will feature activities on the islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Cooper Island. The program is one of many ongoing efforts by the Tourist Board to promote travel to the BVI in the North American market. Of course, if you have been a regular reader of our blog, you already know that a charter Caribbean adventure is like no other vacation! Just see the past few issues of our e-magazine, Charter Chatter to learn indepth what the BVI has to offer.

And, if you are really in the know- than you know the only way to really appreciate the BVI is on a charter Caribbean yacht! An absolutely amazing crewed yacht is Marmot. She is a luxurious 67' catamaran chartering exclusively in the BVI. At 37' wide and 67' long, she offers an abundance of space, comfort and sailing performance. The large cockpit has ample dining and lounging space for 8 people. Flat wide decks make for easy, safe movement around the yacht. With the oversized trampoline and lounging mats, there is no shortage of comfortable areas for sunning and star gazing. The interior boasts both style and elegance with a very spacious salon offering multiple seating areas and a 360 degree rotating 32' flat screen TV. Guest cabins comprise of 2 full size and 2 queen size cabins, each with their own ensuite bathrooms, TV/DVD player and air conditioning. Two top notch crews alternate seasons. This ensures that guests will receive the best service possible. Drawing on their wealth of experience and their intimate knowledge of the islands, the crews are able to customize your perfect charter Caribbean vacation. Your crew will make your vacation an experience of a lifetime that you will want to repeat time and time again. Click to learn more about a Marmot Yacht Charter.

Learning about the possibilities of a BVI vacation on television is one thing. You may be exposed to this fabulous charter destination for the first time or it may bring back memories of the perfect paradise vacation. But, you cannot truly appreciate the beauty, fun and relaxation of this area until you actually climb aboard a charter Caribbean yacht! Do you remember your first time in the BVI? We would love to hear about it! In the meantime, tune in next week to the Travel Channel and find out what you are missing....Donna

Click for more information on Caribbean Sailing.