Super Shelly!

Whenever I imagine a spa day, I think of totally pampering, including a delicious snack or meal to recharge my batteries. Really, what could be better? Actually, there is something better...Their advertisement says it all: "Ahh- Paradise. Rest, Relaxation, Rejuvenation and having your expectations exceeded. You are not dreaming. You are aboard Three Moons." Just think about combining the fun, adventure and relaxation of a sailing charter with the pampering of your own personal spa! Three Moons is a 72' Irwin sailing yacht with accommodations for 6-8 guests. There are four staterooms with overstuffed for comfort double beds with designer linens, air conditioning with personal control panels, private bathrooms and seated showers. Click for a virtual tour of Three Moons. Captain Randy Tucker, Chef Shelly Tucker and First Mate Charlotte Hancock will guarantee your holiday aboard will be full of special memories and lots of happiness. What really makes Three Moons stand out among other charter yachts is Chef Shelly. Shelly is an award-winning chef! Having been a winner in 10 Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League Culinary Contests, she just won 3rd placed in the 11th Annual Fall VICL Show Culinary Competition. Competing against 30 other chefs, she Wowed the judges with her Kiss-Me Lime 'n the Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake. If you are worried about your waist-line, she is happy to make health conscious and low carb meals available. Shelly, along with her husband, Captain Randy, is the author of the Three Moons Island Cookbook, now in its 3rd printing. In addition to being a chef extraordinaire, Shelly previously owned an award-winning salon in Tennessee. She can not only feed your body, but she can re-nourish your soul. Shelly brings a soothing and rejuvenating touch of the sea to your vacation by offering manicures, sculptured nails, enhancements, aromatherapy pedicure, facials , mini-massage and much more! In addition, Three Moons offers a complimentary foot massage at the end of the day! Just stretch out on the deck with an icy frozen drink and let the cares of the world disappear. On a charter aboard Three Moons, you will escape from the stress and cares of the world and your spirit will be lead to a better place. Don't you deserve to be pampered?! Every vacation should be this good!- Donna

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Like most of you, we will be celebrating the day around the table with all the fixings. The game(s) will be on the television and friends and family will gather together. Tomorrow, the holiday frenzy of shopping begins. But....what if you were on a catamaran charter somewhere in the Caribbean this weekend? Here is what you could be doing:

Foxy's Thanksgiving Feast on Jost Van Dyke, BVI. They take turkeys very seriously at Foxy's. Chefs put a Caribbean spin on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. After the wishbone is broken, the kids can play and bury the feathers in the sand!

Course De L'Alliance on St. Martin. This regatta is between St. Martin/Sint Maarten, St. Barths and Anguilla to cement the alliance between the islands. After each day, an evening program is put together to sample the typical local foods and atmosphere of each destination.

National Independence Day on Barbados. The day begins with an elaborate and impressive parade and ceremony. The celebration continues with sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious ceremonies.

Now, doesn't that sound like fun- and that is only a sample of what you can experience on a catamaran charter. Think about treating your family or friends to an adventure of a lifetime. How about putting a catamaran charter on your holiday wish list! From our families to yours- Happy Thanksgiving! - Donna
Bareboat Caribbean

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Leopard 38 (Sunsail 384) Wins 2010 Best Boats

For anyone that has taken a catamaran charter aboard a Leopard, you already know that these catamarans are designed for performance, comfort and an abundance of outdoor space. Now, everyone should know: The Leopard 38 (Sunsail 384) just won Sail Magazine's BEST BOATS 2010 for the Cruising Multihull category. She was up against the Lagoon 400 and the Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41. The new design results from a collaboration between Sunsail, Robertson and Caine (ship yard) and Morelli & Melvin (designers of high performance cats). The result is euro styling and a generous sail plan for the perfect combination of performance and fun on the water. The cat comes in 4 and 3 cabin layouts. The 4 cabin version from Sunsail has double berths with head/shower in each hull. Generous headroom throughout (6'5") plus substantial storage capacity as a result of under-bunk lockers in each cabin gives even more space for onboard relaxation. The interior features a spacious salon area and aft-facing galley with a serving window overlooking the adjoining cockpit area. A two-drawer fridge/freezer conveniently and easily holds all your provisions. The large vertical front windows provide superb panoramic visibility and allowed the designers to maximize interior volume in the salon area. In addition, these windows provide excellent sun and rain protection. The exterior of the Leopard 38 is equally well-thought out. The large cockpit features an outside dining area and ergonomic seating for up to 8 guests. A hardtop bimini provides excellent shade and weather protection to the cockpit area and helm station, where all the main sail controls are located for hassle-free maneuvers. A powerboat-style stepped transom makes for easier boarding. Other features include a convenient dinghy davit with electric winch that gets the dinghy out of the way without spoiling the view from the cockpit, a top-notch anchoring system with electric windlass and twin 30Hp diesel engines for good motoring performance. If you are going to charter, why not be aboard the "best". Click for more information about the Leopard 38 and other catamaran charters to sail in the Caribbean like a winner! -Donna
Bareboat Caribbean.

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BVI Kite Jam

A new annual event is coming to showcase the BVI's unique beauty and charm. Sir Richard Branson, an avid kite boarder, conceived the idea when he raced friends from his home on Necker Island to Anegada. The five day event is scheduled to be held March 1-5, 2010. With ideal wind and weather conditions necessary for kite boarding, the BVI Tourist Board hopes this event will not only showcase the BVI as the perfect destination for the international kite boarding community, but also be an opportunity to raise awareness of the popularity for this growing sport. The event will be aimed at both amateurs and professional boarders. In addition to the races, there will be technique clinics, parties and meals hosted at Necker Island, Moskito Island, Anegada and the Bitter End Yacht Club. Of course, since Sir Branson is ever conscious of the environment, this event will obtain a "Sailors for the Sea" certification which means that it will be an eco-friendly operation. For more information, go to www.bvikitejam.com . And for more fun events happening in the BVI and elsewhere in the Caribbean, see our 2010 calendar coming out soon. - Donna

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New Music Genre A Hit

"Island Pop" is quickly becoming a hit throughout the US, thanks to singers like Sean Kingston and especially a young BVI musician named Iyaz. The 22 year old singer recently released his Debut single, "Replay" and it appears to be making an explosive rise on the charts- number 6 on iTunes Top 100, number 6 on iTunes Pop Chart and number 13 on the current Billboard Hot 100- as well as taking over top 40 radio stations across the country. Amazing, since his debut album is not set for release until early 2010. So just what is "Island Pop" and who is this young smash success? According to Kingston and song-writer/music producer J.R. Rotem, it is a fusion of rap, reggae, pop and a perfect blend of island sounds. You can hear "Replay" by going to http://www.djbooth.net/. Iyaz, whose birth name is Keidran Jones, was born in the USVI, but raised in the BVI to a musical family (his mother was a church choir director and his father toured with singing groups). He studied digital recording in college and recorded a song, "Island Girls", which was a popular radio staple throughout the Caribbean. Singer Kingston "discovered" Iyaz's MySpace page in May 2008, liked the sound, made him a musical partner and introduced him to Rotem who has worked with such artists as Britney Spears and 50 Cent. Rotem has created most of the tracks on Iyaz' album, which should be released early next spring. In the meantime, look for a release of a second single early next year. And, if you like what you hear- be the first to write a review for us right here! The sounds of the Caribbean are always fresh, exciting and entertaining. Click to learn more about the music of the Caribbean. In the meantime, Kudos to the BVI - another "secret" that has been discovered! - Donna
Bareboat Caribbean.

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New Dive Site in Wreck Alley

There are more than 100 dive sites in the British Virgin Islands, and the underwater vistas are among the world's most breathtaking. Dives off the Sir Frances Drake Channel include ledges, caves, canyons, wrecks and sponge-encrusted walls. A popular place to dive is "Wreck Alley", an area of intentionally sunk ships located between Cooper and Salt Islands. The latest addition to this dive site is the large cargo ship, Island Seal. The Panamanian-registered container ship capsized August 2006 in Brandywine Bay due to "navigational errors and fatigue by its crew." It was moved to Fish Bay, where it remained partially submerged. It was eventually deemed unsalvageable, however, through a collaborative effort between the BVI Government, to salvage and towing company, the BVI Tourist Board, Virgin Islands Shipping Registry and the BVI Scuba Operators Association, the derelict vessel found a new purpose as a dive site. After careful study of sea, weather and the wreck's condition, the Island Seal was moved across the Channel to Wreck Alley, where it will be a welcome addition to this underwater playground. If you are on a catamaran charter and happen to snap some photos of the site, please send them in. We would love to see them. - Donna

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Dating Scene Caribbean Style

Madras fabrics are part of the traditional dress on many of the Caribbean islands, particularly Dominica, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Montserrat and Martinique. You will see skirts, head ties, and shirts made out of this brightly colored plaid fabric. I always thought the outfits were pretty but didn't know much about it except that the fabric was introduced from India and was usually worn historically for special dances, Sunday market and other special occasions. Today, it is part of the culture, and is often seen worn for special events. On a recent catamaran charter to St. Lucia, I was struck by how many of the women- especially waitresses, wore a white peasant blouse, a madras skirt and a matching madras head tie. What intrigued me was that the women had different knots or rather points that stood up stiffly on top of their heads. I finally asked a group of women and learned that historically, the head ties were worn to indicate the availability of a lady. The message was carried by the number of points on the head tie. For instance, one point means, "I am free"; two points means, "I am engaged but you can still try"and three points means, "I am married." I understood all that, but I was still curious. What about the women that have 4 points in their head ties? The response was peals of laughter and those amazing St. Lucian smiles.... "Well, dear," they grinned and gave a wink at my husband, "that means you may be married, but you are available!" There is nothing like Caribbean humor...check it out for yourself.

Exploring the unique islands of the Caribbean in a way that is stress free and super relaxing is aboard a crewed catamaran charter. The 55' catamaran, Frangines, tailors each charter to meet your expectations. She accommodates 6 guests in 3 spacious queen-sized cabins that are individually adorned to offer relaxation, elegance and plentiful lighting. Each state room is equipped with its own AC, ensuite head, shower and vanity for your comfort and privacy. There is ample storage areas for personal use. Frangines comes with many amenities, including an exceptional aft area for additional sunning. Captain Dustin has a wide range of sailing miles and diverse experiences. He is very personable and has a great understanding of the details that make a good time a great one. Let him take you skiing, sailing, snorkeling, and keep the smiles coming in every way. Chef Courtney has spent over nine years in the hospitality industry, and in her vast travels and variety of positions she has cultivated a love for food from many different cultures. After extensive experience working as mate and chef, she has found her own creative flavor in the galley. The love of this way of life is what keeps her motivated to make your experience aboard Frangines as unforgettable as any you have ever experienced. Click for more information on a Frangines Yacht Charter.

There is so much to experience in the Caribbean- the culture, the food, the music, the people, and yes, even the humor! Don't miss out; explore for yourself! - Donna

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Masterpiece in the Mountains

On a recent catamaran charter in Dominica, we stumbled across a most amazing artist while touring on shore. The Indigo Gallery and Tree Cottage are located near the village of Bourne. You follow the "Indigo" signs, and when you see some old abandoned ice-cream trucks being overtaken by the jungle, you turn down a rutted dirt road to the studio. The studio/kitchen is essentially a tree-house perched on a remote forested mountainside with the most breathtaking views of the rainforest. I would love to show you photos, but artist Marie is adamant about not having photos taken of her or her incredible piece of Eden. (Apparently some extremely rude tourists took advantage and invaded her privacy). Anyway- Marie was born in Normandy, France. In 1984 she came to Dominica and fell in love with this Garden of Eden. She also fell in love with Clem, a "man of the soil" and fellow artist who makes beautiful natural furniture out of wood and stone. Together, with their son, Isaiah, they have created an incredibly beautiful utopia. The walls of the studio are lined with Marie's work. She specializes in pen and ink, water color, acrylics and oil pastels. Many of her works include photos/pictures integrated into the work. The piece we bought has the face of famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo peering out a window of a rainforest cottage. While we looked around, exotic tropical birds were eating bananas and mango from a watering-can turned into a bird bath/feeder. Marie served us fresh-squeezed juice made from papayas, mangoes and passion fruit, as well as fresh-picked bananas growing from her "back-yard". We spent a delightful hour chatting with her and in the course of the conversation, I inquired how and why she had an autographed photo of Johnny Depp and herself standing in her mountainside retreat. Long story short: While filming one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies that was shot in Dominica, Johnny heard about Marie and her magnificent artwork. He sought her out, and although he remained on his own boat during filming, the two of them became very good friends. Since Indigo Gallery and Tree Cottage is so remote, (ie. no television and she had just began using a computer when we met her), she had no idea who he was. He loved the anonymity and found this a place to completely relax. They have remained friends, still in contact, and his costume designer still comes to visit Marie. If you are on a catamaran charter to Dominica, I really encourage you to seek her out. Part of the adventure is just getting there, but it is well worth it. If you do buy a work of art, Marie will wrap it up safely to survive the rest of your voyage. The Caribbean is filled with some incredible talent throughout the islands. Click to learn about other options to bring home. In the meantime, climb aboard your catamaran charter and let the adventure begin! - Donna
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Bareboat Caribbean.