Cooking With Christophine

Whenever we go on a Caribbean charter and it comes time to provision, I am always fascinated by the new varieties of fruits and vegetables I come across. I used to be somewhat intimidated by the unfamiliar, but I learned that unless you ask, you will never know. I get a secret delight in asking a market vendor what something is and how to prepare it. Invariably, other vendors will get involved with the discussion and offer their versions of recipes. One staple of the Caribbean diet is the christophine, which belongs to the gourd family. Also known as chayote, it looks like a green pear. The thin skin is fused with the white flesh and a single large flattened pit. The flesh has a fairly bland taste and a texture described as a cross between a potato and a cucumber. It does not need to be peeled and it can be eaten raw in salads. Cooked or raw, it has a very mild flavor by itself, and is usually served with seasonings or in a dish with other vegetables and/or flavorings. Whether raw or cooked, christophine is a good source of amino acids and vitamin C. The tubers of the plant are also eaten like potatoes and other root vegetables. During a quiet night at Pirates in the Bight, Norman Island, BVI, one of the lovely waitresses shared her favorite recipe for mashed christophine:

2 1/2 pounds christophine, peeled and quartered
2 cups milk
2 egg yolks
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
1 Tbsp. chives, chopped
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. butter
salt and fresh pepper to taste
1/4 cup parmesan cheese; grated
1/4 cup bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Generously butter a 2 qt. baking dish. In a medium, non-reactive saucepan, combine the christophine and milk. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the christophine is tender about 10 minutes. Drain. Mash the christophine and milk. Add the egg yolks and blend. Add the ginger, chives, cream, butter and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle on the cheese and bread crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes or until the surface is golden and bubbling.

Hope you enjoy! And whenever you go on a Caribbean charter, remember part of the fun is exploring both at sea and on shore. The local market is a great place to start! - Donna

Al & Sarah Monro will be leaving Marmot in July 2011

We wanted to let you know early so you past guests can come back for one more charter with them. They say “it's going to be our best season and we look forward to sharing it with your clients”.

With over one hundred and fifty quality charters in their logbooks, Al and Sarah Monro have the crew skills, experience and professionalism that you may take for granted. Once on board you will find an enthusiasm for fun that will fill your days. The sky will be brighter, the water bluer, the food tastier because that's how your crew sees it.

For those of you who have not had the privilege of sailing with Al and Sarah, Marmot is a luxurious 67 foot catamaran chartering exclusively in the British Virgin Islands. At 37 feet wide and 67 feet long, she offers an abundance of space, comfort and sailing performance.

The large cockpit has ample dining and lounging for eight people. Flat wide decks make for easy, safe movement around the yacht. With the over-sized trampolines and lounging mats, there's no shortage of comfortable areas for sunning and star gazing.

The interior boasts both style and elegance with very spacious salon offering multiple seating areas and a 360 degree rotating 32" flat screen TV. The guest cabins comprise of two full size and two queen size cabins, each with their own en-suite bathrooms, TV / DVD players and air conditioning.
Marmot Charter Reviews Call Emily or Ellen to make a reservation. 800-382-9666 See Marmot Brochure

Last Chance for 2010 Breadfruit Festival

The month long Breadfruit Festival is coming to a close August 31, but if you happen to be on a Caribbean charter in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, you still have a chance to be a part of this cultural event! For many of the islanders, the breadfruit is seen as a symbol of St. Vincent, tied to the nation's culture and heritage. Its uniquely shaped leaf can be seen engraved into flower pots along the bay front of Kingstown. The breadfruit itself forms part of the country's national dish of roasted breadfruit and fried jack fish. The Breadfruit Festival is held annually in the month of August, and compliments the Emancipation Month activities since the breadfruit is associated with slavery since it was a cheap source of food to feed the slaves. On January 23, 1793, Captain William Bligh anchored the HMS Providence off Kingstown and completed his ambition of bringing breadfruit plants to St. Vincent from Tahiti. His first attempt resulted in the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. After being adrift for 47 days in the Pacific, Bligh returned and it is said one of the trees now growing in Kingstown's Botanical Gardens is a descendant of one of the original breadfruit plants.

Every weekend during August, the festival takes place in different communities through St. Vincent. Admission to the events is free. A variety of dishes made from breadfruit are exhibited, and both Vincentians and visitors on Caribbean charters are encouraged to support the farmers and to eat local. The dishes include breadfruit cheese pie, breadfruit puff, pizza, lasagna, bread sticks, quiche, sweet and sour candy, and breadfruit drinks. Local cultural activities are also a part of the festival, including dancing, drumming, and calypso performances. St. Vincent & The Grenadines boast over 25 different varieties of breadfruit. To sample even one, book your Caribbean charter to St. Vincent & The Grenadines- one of the world's most breathtaking charter destinations. Unlike Captain Bligh's experience-no one sharing your adventure will mutiny!!! -Donna   Charter the Grenadines.

Traditional Bateau Building on JVD Alive and Well

I've blogged previously about the efforts of the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society's efforts to preserve the culture, tradition and history of this tiny island in the British Virgin Islands. One recent event was both an educational experience for the students at the Jost Van Dyke Primary School and a rare insight and treat for those on a Tortola charter that happened to be in Great Harbour the last weekend in May when the bateau building tradition was revived. Bateau are small tin and wood canoes that were once constructed on Jost Van Dyke. For many members of the tiny community, these simple boats were their first experience on the water as children, however, it has been about 20 years since the last bateau were built on Jost Van Dyke. Originally, small rafts were constructed from the stalks of century plants, but around 1940, those rafts were replaced with the bateau when galvanized roofing material was introduced for housing construction. The sheets of galvanized metal were pounded out, often in the soft mud of salt ponds to muffle the sound. Pieces of wood were used for the transom, bow post and rails. The boats would be paddled with scrap wood or other makeshift paddles. The crafts would then be sealed with tar. Today, the student group used marine sealant to patch and seal the vessels under construction. The constructed boats were painted and named with names that have historical or cultural meaning for Jost Van Dyke. Once completed, the bateau were raced. The event was sponsored by the Jost Preservation Society with assistance from the community elders. Not only did the event ensure another generation of children will grow up with this tradition and have another way to get out and enjoy the water, but it gave visitors on a Tortola charter an opportunity to learn some of the history of the BVI and enjoy the fun.

There is nothing like enjoying the water on your very own sailboat. Why not start your own tradition by introducing your younger generation to this unique experience aboard the 59' catamaran, TIPUTA. Powerful and sleek, exceptionally built and designed, TIPUTA grants you with all the conveniences of a modern cruising catamaran, meeting the highest quality standards for optimum cruising safety and comfort. Stylish and elegant, this Privilege designed yacht is fully equipped and especially designed for cruising in the tropics. TIPUTA is an outstanding yacht providing all the luxury necessary to satisfy even the most demanding clients. Fully air conditioned, her beech wood interior amenities and luxurious furnishing harmoniously combine luxury, space and light. With accommodations for up to 8 guests, her three king-size cabins and one queen-size cabin convertible into 1 twin cabin on request - each with ensuite bath- provides maximum comfort and privacy. The large saloon lay out with two leather sofas and bar offers unrivalled space and a fully panoramic view of the idyllic scenery. You will enjoy the spacious cockpit (ideal for alfresco dinners) and her vast deck space with large sunbathing areas for the ultimate in true relaxation. The aft swimming platforms make ideal points for boarding the boat, swimming or just dangling your legs into the turquoise waters of your anchorage. You will be welcomed aboard TIPUTA by an expert and discreet crew of two who will make your cruise a unique adventure. Experienced in sailing the world's seas, your Captain and Chef/hostess will help you discover and appreciate the treasures of each port of call. CLICK to learn more about a TIPUTA charter. Let your wildest dreams of escape be fulfilled and start your own tradition of an unforgettable holiday experience! -Donna

TRUE NORTH Available in Belize & Panama

The owner and the crew of TRUE NORTH are pleased to announce that the yacht will head to the Western Caribbean for the summer of 2011. From mid-May through the end of July 2011, TRUE NORTH is available for charters in Belize. Crew John and Maxine White will then take TRUE NORTH south to Panama where the yacht is available for charters in Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands through October 2011.


Max and Whitey know this area very well, since they have in the past chartered their own yacht in Belize and Central America. One of their favorite itineraries is to welcome guests on board in Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, cruise along the Barrier Reef, to Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef with it's spectacular Blue Hole. Belize offers outstanding snorkeling and diving and, as always, scuba diving from TRUE NORTH is free of charge for certified divers!


Traveling to Belize is easy with direct flights available from many US cities, and then a short connecting flight to Ambergris Caye where Max and Whitey will be waiting to welcome guests aboard TRUE NORTH.

I personally spent a week with Max and Whitey sailing and diving in the San Blas islands of Panama.

It was a trip of a lifetime. Not only do they really know the area, but they are personal friends with many of the Kuna Indians and we got the insider's view of these lovely people. See a video of our trip: San Blas Video

Dates on TRUE NORTH's calendar are already booking -- don't miss an opportunity to charter this fabulous yacht in a beautiful and unique location. Tom


Yacht Charters and Sailing Vacations. Call Emily or Ellen at 800-382-9666

Moorings Opens New Grenada Base

Beginning October 1, 2010, The Moorings will be open for charter vacations at its new Port Louis Marina in St. George's, Grenada. Situated in the southernmost region of the Windward Islands, the Grenada base will provide easy access to the breathtaking cruising grounds of Grenada and the Grenadines with their countless islands and anchorages, sandy beaches, historic sites and friendly islanders. National parks, spice plantations, waterfalls and rum distilleries await discovery for those on a Caribbean charter. The Moorings will offer both bareboat and crewed charters on a fleet consisting of 35' to 51' catamarans and monohulls. The Moorings 4700, 4300 and 4000 catamarans will be available for charter, as well as the Moorings flagship catamaran, the Moorings 4600. This catamaran is luxuriously appointed with air conditioning, generator, large color chart plotter, raised helm station and 4- cabin accommodation plan with ensuite baths. Monohulls offered will include the Moorings 44.3, the 403 and the 352, as well as the Moorings 51.5. The Moorings 51.5 boasts state-of-the-art sail systems, aft-led controls, dual helm stations and navigation electronics suite. Onboard comfort is enhanced by a 5 cabin/5 head accommodation plan, spacious fore and aft galley, generator and air conditioning. In addition to several diverse itinerary options to explore the Eastern Caribbean, the Moorings will also offer one-way charters to Grenada from their St. Lucia or Canouan bases, creating the opportunity to explore the Tobago Cays, Mayreau, Mustique, Bequia, St. Vincent and St. Lucia along the way. Grenada is easily accessible from the US, Canada and the United Kingdom on both direct and indirect flights. The Port Louis Marina is situated just 5 miles from the airport and just a few minutes ride from the center of St. George's, Grenada's capital. The marina offers such amenities as a swimming pool, bar, restaurant and duty-free shopping. Come explore and sail in one of the world's best cruising grounds. To learn more or book your Moorings Grenada Bareboats. - Donna

Latest BVI Festival A Sweet Hit!

As if full moon parties, regattas, carnival and the music festivals were not enough, the latest (and newest) BVI festival was a huge hit! Tourists and residents alike filled the Noel Lloyd Positive Movement Park on Friday for the first one-day Mango Array and Tropical Fruit Festival. Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, it is hoped that this festival will become an annual event. Mangoes are at the height of their growing season during August, which means there are an abundance of them. The purpose of the festival, according to Arona Fahie-Forbes, Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer and event coordinator, was "to bring back some of the social life in the community. I remember when I was a child, we would go under the mango tree to eat mangoes and the older folks would tell us stories. We want to bring back that cultural life. We also want to promote creative ways of using the mango and other fruits in making shampoos, lotions, stews and jellies, and not just eating them fresh. We want to develop a cottage industry for our entrepreneurs." In addition to judging of mango recipes, other activities included food competitions, games, training on fruit tree propagation, nutrition and crop management, and of course live music. Farmers turned out with a whole array of tropical fruits for sale, but the mangoes sold out first. When provisioning for your Tortola yacht charter, be sure to try the mangoes, as well as other local delicacies. And, if given the opportunity, do not miss out on attending a BVI festival. It will give you a great sense of the culture, history and fun that is part of a Tortola yacht charter. - Donna

Hockey Festival in August?

Are the dog days of summer getting you down? A tropical heat wave is sizzling across the nation and perhaps the only way to cool off is to catch a hockey festival. Say what?! That's right...the 25th Annual Banks International Hockey Festival is ready to kick off in Barbados. For those lucky ducks that are on a Caribbean charter to the alluring and beautiful island of Barbados, they are in for a treat. With white sandy beaches, crystal blue seas, a wonderful tropical climate and some legendary partying, this festival is one not to be missed. The Banks Barbados International Hockey Festival was formed in 1986 by Mike Owen - well known hockey aficionado, Tony Cozier - well known cricket aficionado, and Winsmore Humphrey - then President of the Barbados Hockey Federation. Locally known as "The Festival", the Barbados Banks International Hockey Festival is sponsored by the locally brewed Banks beer. The festival has built an impressive reputation drawing some 65 teams from the Caribbean, Europe, South America, the United States and Abu Dubai participating in one of the largest and most competitive annual field hockey tournaments in the world. (Yes, I did say field hockey---you seriously did not think it would be played on the ice in the Caribbean, did you?). Open to teams in men's, women's, mixed and men's veterans categories, the festival usually takes place around the third week of August and lasts for approximately one week. This year, the festival is held August 22-28, however, it unofficially began this week, giving local clubs the opportunity to host friendly games and for visiting teams to acclimate to the heat, and of course, taste the traditional Banks beer and a few rum punches. The festival kicks off with some opening round games on Saturday, followed by the traditional Opening Ceremony on Sunday evening . Games take place throughout the week on both the pristine astro turf at Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex and grass pitches (including the famous cricket pitch, Kensington Oval) around the island. Depending on a team's success, they can play anywhere from 4-7 consecutive days. This competitive yet friendly festival prides itself on striking the balance between good hockey, good camaraderie and good social events on an island that is naturally a magnificent Caribbean charter destination. Surrounded by all the entrapments of Barbados, from white sands that meet blue waters, to the outstanding nightlife, the Barbados Banks Hockey Festival is a must attend for the sun and sport enthusiast. Why not start planning your 2011 Caribbean charter adventure to Barbados? Mixed with a carnival atmosphere, this festival is the place to be in August - Donna

2010 BVI Winemakers Dinners

Where else can you pair tropical breezes, turquoise waters, beautiful islands, exceptional wines, gourmet dinners, and Tortola charters - all for the benefit of local charities? It can only happen at the 2010 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners to be held December 1-7, 2010. Sponsored by the BVI Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation, the Food & Beverage Management Program at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the Youth Empowerment Project, and the Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town and the Rotary Club of Road Town, the proceeds of this very special event benefit BVI Special Olympics; Sailability BVI; the swimming pool project of Virgin Gorda Charitable Company, Ltd.; the Youth Empowerment Project and the Food & Management Program at the Community College. Seven, gourmet 5-course dinners and seven 3-course luncheons will be held at various special venues throughout the BVI. Each course will be prepared by a world-renowned master chef and paired with two wines poured by award winning winemakers. Wine and food pairings will be made by Richard Groshe, wine journalist from German wine magazine, Weinwelt, and manager of the international wine academy, MUNDUS vini. Founding Executive Chef, Vikram Garg of Halekulani Resort in Waikki will coordinate with local Chef, Alexander Yates, from The Restaurant at Leverick Bay to handle the various logistics, host the visiting chefs and order all the exotic ingredients from around the world. Last year, over 860 people in total attended 4 dinners, 7 luncheons and a VIP Reception which featured 74 separate courses of food and 87 different wines that were paired with these courses. If you are interested in attending the 2010 event, tickets usually sell out fast. Individual tickets to the 7 wine makers dinners are available only to sponsors. By becoming a sponsor, you will receive tickets to both the dinner and luncheon events. New sponsor tickets for the dinners are available September 15th. Individual tickets to the luncheons are available September 1. For information on becoming a sponsor or ticket purchases, go to http://www.winemakersdinners.com/

Those that attend the Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners are in for a treat, but you can also experience a no-stress, totally pampered tropical adventure on a sailing catamaran. Soul's Calling, a 50 foot 2007 Lagoon 500 is completely laid out for your relaxation, fun and adventure. She has it all, including the latest design with two deck seating areas, one up top with the helm, as well as a unique front cockpit so you can always find a special place to unwind while sailing along beautiful tropical waters. Whether on the front trampoline, in the spacious, covered back cockpit, or in the inside salon, there is always a gourmet snack, game to play, cozy nook for a book, cold beverage or your favorite cocktail waiting to be enjoyed. Looking for fun? How about some snorkeling, diving, water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, beach combing, tubing or just soaking up the sun on a floating cushion? Soul's Calling has accommodations for 2-6 guests. All cabins feature an over-sized queen bed with reading lights. Storage space includes a hanging locker, multiple drawers and cabinets. Bathrooms all have a separate shower enclosure from the sink area and have electric, quiet flush toilets. Each cabin has separate AC controls for your customized comfort. Large pane windows allow for ample sunlight. Top quality linens and pillows make each cabin a cozy place to unwind after a fun day. The totally private and beautifully appointed master suite almost fills the entire starboard hull, and includes a couch, desk, and separate rooms for the sink, shower and head, as well as a stereo, flat screen TV and DVD/CD player. This amazing yacht is served by Captain Alex and Chef/Hostess Carla. They have over twenty years experience to make sure every detail is perfect. Their local knowledge of the secret places and adventures will make your Tortola charter trip special. To learn more, Soul's Calling.

Whether you attend the 2010 Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners or spend time relaxing aboard Soul's Calling, your experience in the BVI is sure to be a special and memorable one. - Donna

The Lashing Dogs

The Lashing Dogs have nothing to do with canines. They are, in fact, the most popular fungi band in the BVI and are currently considered the best fungi music in the Caribbean. Fungi is the name given to the local musical form of the British Virgin Islands which shows the African and European influences. The name comes from the local cornmeal dish called fungi- a savory fusion of different ingredients that makes something new and delicious, and that is what fungi music is all about. A fungi band fuses a wide variety of instruments, many of which are homemade. Themes explored include love and relationships, folk lore and oral history, current events and social commentary. The music is festive, sometimes humorous and definitely made for dancing. The Lashing Dogs is a longtime group of local musicians which originated in Sea Cow's Bay. The group emerged out of a tradition in which, at Christmas time, musicians would parade around the community serenading their friends and relatives with folk songs. The group has now performed extensively throughout the British and United States Virgin Islands, as well as the rest of the Caribbean, Germany and the United States mainland on promotional tours for the BVI Tourist Board. The group's primary aim is to "keep culture alive" in the BVI. If you are on a Tortola charter, catching a live Lashing Dogs performance is a must, as these artists really mix it up with a blend of reggae, fungi, and a little American rock. They currently have 6 cds released, which you can purchase throughout the BVI. To hear what they sound like, go to the following YouTube sites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y0luTCKZC8; http://www.youtube.come/watch?v=1p2oafJSWhY; or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KztdHmJz-8k

If you want to buy their cds and forgot to purchase them while in the BVI, you can get your hands on their music by calling Mr. Varisse Hodge at (284) 494-2927. - Donna