The reason why it is called an adventure is because you have no idea what will unfold between the moment of your launch and the moment you drop anchor at your final desitnation of the voyage. All of the STUFF that happens in between is the reason why I can’t wait to launch on any sailing adventure. I eat up the STUFF in between! Some of the ”moments” that happen are unforgettable.  Some of those ”moments” are hopefully forgotten quickly. My last voyage I ended up at The Last Resort with my guests and was swept away with the music and the rum that ended up having me as the back-up singer for the BAND!  Most of the moments that need to be forgotten usually happen late at night after some Meyer’s Dark Rum and Caribe beer chasers. With that combination, anything can happen…and usually does.

Back to sailing…that is the real deal in the Caribbean. I am at my “spiritual center” when I am under sail, and with any job that is assigned to me. I have captained my share of sailboats, but I have also been the chef on many boat deliveries, and even been as lowly as a 4th Mate whose job is typically clearing out a clogged head - one of the worst jobs on the boat.  There is nothing like the feeling of the helm in your hands as you steer your course to your next anchorage.   Do you better understand why I can’t wait to step aboard my next sailboat going to who knows where? Contact me and I promise to set up this type of experience for you, your family and friends.  I am such a fan of this experience that I secured by charter yacht brokerage license in 1997 and I have arranged hundreds of sailing adventures.  Until next time.  Fair winds.

“The Rum Cover-Over War” was one worth fighting.  A war starts generally because one territory is angry with another, and they want to punish the people they are angry with.  Well, the offending party in this war is Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rico is angry that the giant liquor conglomerate, Diageo, did not renew an agreement with a rum distillery in their territory. It happens to be the distillery that produces Captain Morgan’s label representing significant jobs and BIG revenue to any territory that has the contract.

Because they didn’t renew their contract with Puerto Rico, Diageo contracted with the US Virgin Islands to build their new distillery on St. Croix with a 30 year lease and a rum production agreement.  The agreement has the USVI providing tax benefits for the contract and the USVI would begin to receive the Cover-Over funds that had been paid to Puerto Rico for so many years.  Puerto Rico didn’t like it that Diageo pulled out of their territory and are now setting up shop in the USVI.  So, that is why Senator LeMieus proposed the bill so he could appear to be a supporter of the many Puerto Ricans who live in Florida and are potential voters for his re-election.

Puerto Rico claims it is an inappropriate use of the cover-over money and excessively awards a foreign company.   The rum cover-over payment is currently based on the production of rum in a specific Territory.  Senator Lemieux’s proposal would have instead based the allocation on population. The population of Puerto Rico is 3.9 million, compared to almost 110,000 for the USVI territory.  Do you think he has Puerto Rico’s interest in mind?  Of course he did.   Gov. deJongh said the proposal ignored almost 100 years of federal precedent and counter to all Congressional intent,  and it would have severely harm the USVI economy in favor of Puerto Rico.

“The proposed amendment takes excise tax revenue paid by Virgin Islands rum makers on rum produced in the Virgin Islands and directly transfers it to Puerto Rico’s government coffers,” deJongh’s statement said. “Puerto Rico would end up with billions of dollars generated by rum production in the Virgin Islands. … Sen. LeMieux is directly attacked his fellow Americans in the Virgin Islands by doing Puerto Rico’s bidding.”  Gov. deJongh continued by stating, “By promoting this amendment,  Puerto Rico now seems willing to walk away from the long history of friendship and collaboration, which has linked America’s two Caribbean possessions.”

This phase of the “Rum Carry-Over War” has now ended.  Let’s hope that each of these Caribbean U.S. Territories can move on to addressing the needs of their citizens instead of wasting the Congress’s time by proposing bills that have business to even be addressed.  I look forward to any of your opinions and comments regarding this Rum War that just ended with the USVI – 1 and Puerto Rico – nil. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle reporter continues his work!

The VICL Fall Boat Show is also a time when new Charter Yacht Vacation Brokers are able to get certified so they can actually open their businesses.  Flagship is the clearing house that is providing the New Broker Training this year, with Sue Maki as the facilitator of this critical two part mandatory seminar.  Sue also was the instructor for the new Brokers taking their certification course at the BVI Charter Yacht Show.  Another important event of the Boat Show is the annual VICL Board of Governors meeting.  All VICL members are invited to attend so they are able to get updated on the issues and actions that will be enacted this next year.

At the end of the day on Tuesday, Erik arranged for what he called “The Champagne Dock Walk”.  All along the docks of Yacht Haven Grande, there were various Champagne and food stations.  The chefs from each of the yachts supplied some of their favorite recipes to accompany Champagne so the Brokers could get an even better sense as to what their charter vacation guests will experience on the most unforgettable vacation of their lives.  The music was provided by the very popular Ros Abijah.

Wednesday evening, Gov. John deJongh, Jr. invited the Fall Boat Show attendees to the Governor’s Manson at Catherineberg. The estate was built in the early 1800s by a Danish merchant.  It eventually became the Danish embassy during the period of time the Dane’s owned the islands.  Around 1917 the U.S. bought the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark as a base of operations to protect the Panama Canal.  During the reception at the Governor’s Mansion one of the bartenders didn’t show up, so I was called into action.  I now have first hand experience as to how much the Crews and Brokers can consume at a party.  What a great time we all had.  In addition, Gov. deJongh, Jr. gave some brief remarks regarding his appreciation for the Crewed Charter Yacht industry that is such a critical part of the U.S. Virgin Islands economy.  A great time was had by all.

Thursday wrapped up the Fall Boat Show with the “Taste Of Two Islands: Land and Sea”.  It was a fund raiser for WTJX Channel 12 Public Television. It featured the finest culinary offerings from over thirty local restaurants and resorts on St. Thomas and St. John.  In addition, it was the evening where the Best Chef awards were to be given to the finest Charter Yacht Chefs in the Caribbean.  There were several categories of the competition, from appetizers, main courses, desserts and even cocktails.  There were over 800 people who packed the docks for this grand finale to the best VICL Fall Boat Show in my memory.  Congratulations to Erik, Sue, Josie, and the entire army of charter yacht crews and volunteers. Until next time…fair winds!

After meeting at the water sports center in Wales, Andy introduced Elli to the love of sailing.  They transitioned from it being a hobby to now being a lifestyle.  Andy started expanding his Skipper experiences after his work with the offshore wind farm work to numerous yacht deliveries, including an Atlantic crossing from Antigua to Palma De Mallorca.   He has earned his commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster license, an RYA windsurfing instructor, and an RYA powerboat instructor.  Andy’s focus as all Captains is on safety first.  But, boy is he a real character with non-stop stories of his sailing adventures around the world.  He is perfect for those guests who want to learn to sail and windsurf.  And, along with his duties as Captain he is just plane entertaining.

As the 1^st Mate and Chef, Elli has a great passion for gourmet cooking non-stop customer service.  Having worked in the hospitality industry since her early teens, she earned her teaching credentials, and never tires of finding new ways to entertain kids.  With her love for sailing Elli has earned her RYA Day Skipper license, and completed the marine hospitality and cookery course at the internationally recognized United Kingdom Sailing Academy, plus the advanced cookery course at Ashburton Cookery School where she learned from world renown chefs to expand her culinary skills further. Elli delivers cuisine from all over the world as part of her world class gourmet experience.  She prides herself in taking fresh ingredients and enhancing their healthy, natural flavours, with a few decadent desserts for good measure!

Andy and Elli have also created the SWISH “Opulent Option Packages”. These include Connoisseur Wine, Spirit & Cigar Packages, Luxury Air-Tours, and Onboard Day Spa Services. So, if you want to explore an over the top opulent addition to your unforgettable Caribbean charter vacation, just let them know.  They will gladly deliver it to you.

Every crew is unique and very special.  The charter yacht vacation is based on having the professionals on board surprise and delight you.  You will be thrilled to spend a week or two with Andy and Elli on SWHISH – promise!  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle reporter remains on duty!

I stopped by their yacht today to find out what would cause a successful real estate family sell everything and jump aboard their Jeanneua 40 and head south.  One of the conclusions I made was they wanted to reset their life course and create a balance they had not discovered in many years of owning their business.  What I discovered is that the experience they have had the last five years has far exceeded anything they could have imagined.  When they decided to sail south from New Brunswick they never imagined that they would visit 51 islands, 17 countries and end up in Tobago in just one year.  Leopold we most concerned that his dream of the sailing life may not be fully embraced by Ginette.  He had no worries.  She has embraced it even more than him.  Selling everything, being disconnected from “things”, never watching television, and enjoying the most beautiful sunsets imaginable each evening has changed both of their lives.  Ginette told me that it took about six months to have all of the “stress” of their previous life finally melt away.  Now every relationship and every moment in nature has taken on new importance.

They definitely have brought a French flair to s/y Bleu Tourquoise – from the cuisine to the wines.  They will even assist you with learning French during your charter with them.  The yacht they represent is owned and managed by Vacances Sous Voiles, a charter yacht management company that owns five charter boats in the Caribbean.  The company is owned and managed by the very capable Michel Guerra and Michèle Riva.  During the off-season Leopold and Ginette travel back to Moncton, New Brunswick to spend time with their children and grandchildren.  And, they need to be back in Canada a certain amount of months a year to stay qualified for their health insurance – a concern for all of us that spend time exploring the world.

I have to admit, that I have had similar dreams asLeo and Ginette to jump off the world of owning a very large real estate practice, downsize everything, and set sail for places unknown to me.  My wife and I may consider an alternative to the cruising life, by finding a place in the South France to add to our San Francisco home, and one in the Caribbean.  It wouldn’t be too bad a life to travel between three of our favorites spots in the world.  Stay tuned…more to come as the Boat Show continues on for another three days. Enjoy the stories and the experiences shared from the charter yacht community.

My 60^th birthday celebration

Ben and Nikki first met at the Portside Pub in Seattle, Washington almost eight years ago.  Nikki was finishing her masters in elementary education, and Ben was engrossed in all aspects of the sailing world – from boat deliveries up and down the Pacific to rebuilding his own boat with blue water chartering as his dream.  If Nikki was going to hang out with Ben she would need to agree to the sailing life.  The final decision regarding staying with Ben was having him visit her elementary classroom as a judge of a science project.  What Ben didn’t know was that the students and teachers at Nikki’s school were going to “vote” on if Ben was “the one”.  It was apparently unanimous.  Nikki decided to take a break from her teach career and join Ben on an extended cruise that actually lasted for more than three years – all the way down to Ecuador, through the Panama Canal and on to the Caribbean.  Once in the Caribbean they were hooked on the sailing life and decided to join the community of Charter crews.

The catamarans are prevalent throughout the Caribbean chartering world.  Space is probably the reason.  You are not short on space on s/y Solterion,  and with her low draft you can easily navigate close to the beach and other hard to reach areas such as Anegada.  A sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands on s/y Soterion isn’t a camping holiday.  It is all about the warm waters of the Caribbean, gentle sails between islands, and gourmet dining from morning until night.

Each of the staterooms are designed for spacious comfort of the couple who wants to feel like home.  From the high thread cotton linens to the thick bath towels, you are certainly pampered.  Plus, there is plenty of storage space with even closets for your hanging clothes.  In addition, you even have your own TV, DVD player and VCR.  The full bathrooms have hair dryers but you probably won’t use them because you will be in and out of the water snorkeling, water-skiing, wake-boarding, kayaking and fishing.  SCUBA diving is an option using rendezvous dive services from Dive BVI.

Each of the charter yachts are similar in how they are fitted out for your every need.  And, with the correct advice you will find the most fun crews you will ever meet as your hosts for your unforgettable Caribbean sailing adventure.  Captain Ben and Chef Nikki are two to add to your list.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

During our conversation I asked what had changed in his life since we last met.  He gave me a great quote, “Nothing has changed sine we met two years ago except the light bulbs in my home.”  I knew there was more to the story so I probed a bit more.  He had actually moved from Miami to Seattle, and is now stationed in San Francisco.  What a fun surprise for both of us that he is just 35 miles from our Bay Area office.  During our conversation he asked if I had ever been to Alaska.  I let him know that I follow the sun wherever it is in the world.  He said, that before Alaska’s pristine beauty ends that I needed to get there.  Eddie has been flying since 1986, and as long as he still finds it interesting he will keep flying.  He did say that when he decides to quit he will buy a Winnebago and travel North America with nothing but is dog, Mason, and beautiful views each day.

As I was departing the plane, he let me know that I will see Tammy, another of the crew I met in November 2007, on my flight from Miami back to San Francisco.  I look forward to catching up to her, too.  This world is way too small.  If a person travels back and forth to the Caribbean as much as I do, I am bound to run into many of the same people who have become members of my fun community of friends.  Glad to see you again, Eddie.  I am now off to the Admrial’s Club to get a little rest before my last flights to Tortola.

I arrived in Tortola about 11PM, dropped my stuff off in my room at Maria By The Sea, and wandered over the line up of yachts to see if Jonny and Kelly from Best Revenge V were still up.   They were still up after four hours of hosting the boat brokers for a martini party.  Lots and hugs and then a bit of catching up since I had not seen them for over a year.  In addition, there were a couple of crew that had stopped by to help clean up and have a final-final.    Barry and Bridget ( Barry proposed to Bridget at Jonny and Kelly’s wedding last September in Wales!!! ) from s/y Ad Star, and Alastar from s/v Marmot are now new friends to add to the world of the crews that I look forward to following over the years.   Jonny served me a Rum Punch just for old times sake, and I was off for a few hours sleep before the marathon of four days writing and posting articles about this unforgettable charter yacht show.   Stay tuned…lots more fun to come in the next eight days.

So, I have started my travels to Tortola to begin my internet reporting of the 2009 BVI Charter Yacht Society Boat Show  that will be headquartered at Village Cay Marina.  This is the annual gathering of the charter yacht community from all over the world that shows up for four days of previewing the finest charter yachts you will ever see.  Each of the crew members have worked for a months preparing their yacht for this show.  The Brokers will be inspecting the boats and their crew in order to see which ones they will have in their inventory of vacation yacht charters they will recommend to their clients back in their specific regions of the world.  It is a stressful time for the crews to make sure everything is perfect, inside and outside of their yachts, for each of the four days of the show.  They will also be preparing dishes to be sampled and some of their favorite rum drinks will be mixed  in order to intice the Brokers to stay on their yacht long enough to get a sense of what it would be like to have clients on board for a week or more of fun in the sun on a fully crewed yacht.  I am fortunate enough to be the one that is doing the internet reporting on the show each day while posting my many articles on this site for the enjoyment of all those who are unable to be here personally.  I look forward to you checking in and leaving your comments over the next week of my reports from both shows.

2009 Charter Yacht Society Boat Show – Village Cay Marina, Tortola,  BVI

Thursday November 5th – Day One

Broker Registration: 8:30 am Village Cay Marina at the Gazebo

Viewing of Yachts: 9 am – 5 pm Village Cay Marina

Broker Scrabble/Yacht Hop: 6 pm – 8:30 pm on board participating vessels

Friday November 6th – Day Two

Viewing of the Yachts: 9 am – 5 pm Village Cay Marina

Expo in the Park:   6 pm – 10 pm Noel Lloyd Park – Includes the following events:

• Official Opening by the Premier
• Napkin Folding Contest
• Random draws
• VISAR presentation:

Exhibitors include:  A Looking Glass,  Aragorn’s Studio,  Bobby’s Marketplace,  Caribbean Cellars,  Cay Electronics,  Clear Water,  CYM/Proudly African,  Golden Pavilion Villa,  Green Technology BVI,  Horizon Yacht Charters,  Journeys Health Spa – Leverick Bay Marina,  LIME, Locally Yours,  Myetts Restaurant & Boutique,  Rainbow Visions Photography,  Riteway,  Romasco Group,  Royal BVI Yacht Club,  Samarkand Jewellers,  TICO,  TortolaExpress,  Trellis  Bay Cybercafe,  VISAR   Sponsored by: BVI Tourist Board

Saturday November 7th – Day Three  

CYBA Annual General Meeting: 7:30 am Nexus Restaurant

Viewing of the Yachts: 9 am – 5 pm Village Cay Marina

Culinary Contest:  Starting at 11 am – 3:30 pm.  See  Culinary Contest for details.

Governor’s Reception:  7 pm at the Governor’s House

Sunday November 8th – Day Four

Viewing of the Yachts:  9 am – 5 pm Village Cay Marina

Broker & Crew Dinner Party:  7 pm – 10:30 pm Nanny Cay Resort & Marina (shuttles provided from Village Cay & Maria’s)    Sponsored by:  Nanny Cay Marina & LIME

Monday November 9th – Lay Day

Broker Daysail to Peter Island:  9 am until 3:30 pm.  Drop off at Peter Island for transport by chartered ferry to St. Thomas – Yacht Haven Grande  for the Virgin Island Charter League Fall Boat Show  that opens on morning Tuesday, November 10^th. 

There are many yachts that will be sailing from their off-season anchorages to make sure they are on-deck to meet the various charter yacht Brokers during this very important three days of inspections each year the first week of November.  Two of the yachts that will be at this year’s show that I have personally chartered for sailing in the BVI are s/v Best Revenge 5 – a Lagoon 60 – with Captain Jonny and Chef Kelly as your hosts, and s/v Dream Catcher II – a Privilege 51 with Captain Jean-Pierre as your host.  I can tell you from first hand experience that both of these crews and yachts provide unforgettable experiences for whoever charters them for a Caribbean adventure.  However, as you read the many postings that I will be doing from the show as their internet reporter there are 50 or more yachts that will meet your needs.  I view all of them as Rock-Stars of the Caribean.  CLICK HERE if you would like more details about these very special crews and catamarans.

Each morning of the Boat Show the crews re-polish every inch of their yachts and prepare it for the viewing of their “Floating Villas” by the charter vacation Brokers.  From 9AM to 5PM each day of the show, the crews are welcoming aboard the people who will be promoting their business throughout the year.  The crews are dressed in their best stuff, and each morning they are prepare appetizers and beverages for all who come aboard.  Also, each day there are various events happening for the Boat Show participants;

• Service Provider Expos: Provisioners, Restaurants, Charter Yacht Services, and more.  They have live entertainment and various contests for the crews and Brokers.
• Education Seminars: “Best of Practices” presentations for both Crews and Brokers.
• BVI Governor’s Reception: Hosted at the Governor’s Residence.
• Contests: There is serious competition for Napkin Folding and Appetizers.  The chefs from each of the yachts create their best presentation of napkins and appetizers.  You will not believe what they create from their very small galleys.

Sunday, the day after the Boat Show ends,  a tradition has unfolded where the charter yachts who attended the show sail to Dead Man’s Bay at Peter Island for what is now titled “Splish Splash”.  It is quite a party with the crews taking the charter yacht Brokers on a day-sail to Peters Island and the fun three days of the show continues on.  Sunday is a day filled with water skiing, snorkeling, and cocktails.  The BVI Tourist Board takes care of the transportation of the ferry which takes everyone to St. Thomas and Yacht Haven Grande.  Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show – another week of viewing charter yachts and Broker/Crew events.  Stay tuned!  I will have several updates of the next week’s VICL Boat Show, too.  Until then…fair winds!