For the ninth year the Virgin Islands Charter League and the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce have hosted the parade of lights of decorated boats from all over the Virgin Islands.

Imagine the most spectacular decorated home for Christmas – lights, Santas, reindeer, and the whole works.  OK, now you have a bit of an idea of what it is like to see yachts decorated in the same manner cruising past “Miracle On Main Street” along the waterfront at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas.  This incredible event will happen on the evening of Friday December 19th with a $1,000 first prize for the best decorated yacht. 

After speaking with the VICL Director, Erik Akerson, he asked that I imagine the St. Thomas Harbor lighted up with boats of all types on parade for the Lighted Boat Parade.  Boats are judged on the originality and creativity of their decorations and lighting.  Judging categories include holiday lighting, creative use and amount of lighting, special effects and ornamentation.  Prizes are awarded to the top three placing boats.  The VICL and the Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce its partnership with Yacht Haven Grande for this year’s event.  To entice boats from the East End and Red Hook area, the marina will be offering free overnight slips to furthest traveling participants.  Call Kristen Galloway, YHG marina manager at 774-9500 for boat slip reservations. 

The after parade party will be at the Fat Turtle Bar & Restaurant at Yacht Haven Grande.  You may remember the Fat Turtle from the articles I wrote about the VICL Charter Yacht Boat Show last month.  There are a lot of after hours parties at the Fat Turtle for that event, too.  This is such a fun event, that I hope many of you stop by downtown St. Thomas the evening of December 19th for the fun and festivities.  Until next time…enjoy the planning for your Holiday celebrations. 

Recently I asked the Owners/Crew of s/v Three Moons, Randy and Shelly,  to write down their observations of what happens with a charter guest as they enter into the unfamiliar experience of a Caribbean charter yacht vacation.  Enjoy their response to my question.

So, let’s see if we can get into the mind of a first time charter yacht guest.  “I wonder if I will get sea sick during this vacation on a boat?  How much sunscreen will I need?  Will I really like being in such a small space for a week?  Do I need to be worried about safety issues – both on the boat and when I am ashore?  What about bug-bites?  Are the promotional photos really representative of the boat and the color of the water?  Do the fish bite if I get in the water?  What about sharks and barracuda?  Will I have enough to eat and drink, and will it be good food? I really hope I find the beautiful post card beaches, swaying palm trees, azure blue waters, some local culture and everything that embodies the “good life”.  But, will it really happen for me, or was this a bad choice for a vacation?”

The guests stayed over night at Secret Harbor Resort on Friday night, and they are now walking down the dock Saturday at noon at American Yacht Harbor, after eating breakfast at Molly Malone’s, and they see their crew for the first time.  “Well, they look friendly enough, but what is a Captain supposed to look like? They appear a bit young for this work.  WOW!  They really are nice and they even know my name.  I walked aboard our floating home for the next week, and they already have Tropical drinks waiting me.  I can’t believe they asked me to take off my shoes before I climbed on board.  Why did I buy “deck shoes” if I am required to be barefoot on the boat?  We have a brief crew meeting where the safety issues of a charter yacht are discussed and I learn where the life preservers are located.  This is very important information I need to remember.  And, I learn that whatever I want to happen on this vacation may really happen.  Another WOW!  I hope it does.

“Next, I have a tour of the boat and I am directed to my bedroom, and I am given instructions regarding the use of the toilet called a head.  I learn that the shower actually works, even though it is in the same space as the toilet.  I am actually surprised at how efficient space planning is on a yacht.  The storage locker for my clothes is pretty small for all the stuff I brought.  As I meander back up to the deck, what awaits me are some beautifully prepared appetizers before we shove off for Norman Island.  Another WOW!  I am being swept away with the reality that my Crew is taking all the vacation hassles away so I can just stay in the moment of Paradise for seven days. I haven’t taken my watch off yet, because it is always important to know what time it is.  I wonder where I will be able to read a book since the boat is always rocking?  Boy, I hope this vacation works out O.K.?

“What I am discovering within the first few hours is that the Caribbean Sea is allowing me to dump all of my typical daily “baggage” for just a few days.  I am starting to realize that there may be some remarkable thoughts that I will hang with for a moment or two during my Caribbean sailing adventure.  I didn’t realize that the need to feel cared for is such an important part of the experience I have been secretly craving,  since my “real world” expects ME to always do the caring.”

We, in the charter vacation industry understand this is not the typical vacation experience most people have.  AND… it is the one we deliver to each of our charter guests every moment of everyday.  In the past eleven years of having our charter yacht business, we’ve discovered that our guests are not just looking for the 5-star service and quality of a vacation.  They are actually looking to be more in the “moment” each day, and have an “extraordinary experience” of pampering and discovering new adventures during their time away from there personal rat race.  Anything less yields just the same old run-of-the-mill vacation where we’ve all said the following: “We went, we saw and we can check that one off our list.”   A really devoted charter yacht crew realizes the importance of having an awareness of what is going on around them without having to be told about anyone’s needs. A good charter is not complete without a crew that intuitively anticipates what you need before you realize that you need it, or even better, they know right before their guests even ask for something.

Here is what we deliver for every charter guest…the realization that your Crew is delivering an extraordinary experience, from their hearts, in order to create another raving fan for the Caribbean sailing experience.  99.9% of our guests say, “I didn’t expect it to be this nice!” Later on it’s another comment that we hear,  “Boy, you guys work hard, yet you make it look so easy”.  Or, “Wow! How did you find enough time to prepare an appetizer, meal and dessert like that when we were all out doing water sports together this afternoon?”  Other funny comments are: “Are you guys’ psychic?  As I got out of the water, you were there to hand me a towel and my favorite drink”.

We have to admit that some of our charters are just “vanilla” and others are “double decadent fudge chocolate” topped with a dose of pure joy.  We can honestly say after eleven years and hundreds of charter guests, we’ve only had two guests who really would have been happier at a resort or on a crowded cruise ship.  Lucky for us, we have had wonderful mentors in this business. Everyday we are part of a very large “village” of Crews from all different backgrounds, many different countries, many levels of experience,  who are willing to offer their advice and support. The collective commitment of all charter vacation Crews is to deliver to their charter guests the BEST experience of their entire life.  Extraordinary experiences are what makes a Caribbean charter yacht vacation so special.  Because of the experience we deliver to them each day, 80% of our charters are returning guests!  Most of our charters are now like “family reunions”.  We invite you to experience a transforming moment on a charter yacht vacation, too!  We have never found one person who wants a charter yacht vacation to end.  And all of our guests start planning when they can return for another unforgettable Caribbean sailing experience, before their charter vacation with us is even over!  It is very hard work.  There are times we are actually tired.  And, we love our charter career so much, that we can’t wait for our next guests to arrive, in what we call “Paradise”!   Fair winds until we meet again…and I know we will.   Captain Randy & Shelly Tucker - s/y Three Moons

The Boat Show is over, and today the Crews and a few of the Brokers started their day relaxing at the Yacht Haven Grande pool and some even moved the party on to Secret Harbor Resort beach.

Yes, there was an after-party today!  Many of the Crews have charters that start on Saturday, so they had one more day to relax before they started their provisioning details.  Since their yachts are all charter-ready, it gave them one more day to relax and enjoy the time off before their real work begins – six to seven months of hosting charter guests.  And, some of the Brokers are stay an extra day or two, since they are already on-island.  The day started pool-side at Yacht Haven Grande, and then transitioned in the afternoon to Secret Harbor.

Since many of the charters will be starting this Saturday at American Yacht Harbor, it made sense to move to the Red Hook side of the island for the rest of the after-party.  Secret Harbor is the perfect location for any party.  Even some floaties showed up so cocktails could be consumed while sunning in the water.  There even was some fun happening at the outdoor showers.

The sunset set with more goodbyes, and some were even planning on participating in Jonny and Meredith’s wedding tomorrow.  Remember them?  they are the adorable crew from s/y Conundrum.  Yes, they have been planning a wedding for months so it coincided with the Boat Show.  That way their family and friends could fly down for the wedding, and all of their very special Crew friends could join them, too.

The light started to dim and we watched another glorious Caribbean sunset.  The “Charter Gang” started to dispurse for the actual start of another very successful charter yacht season.  And, the mantra we talked about several times today that many are now going to post in their crew quarters to read each morning when they get up to face another day of customer service is;

“Today I will declare a commitment to a result that has no present evidence of possibilities.  Let’s make miracles happen today!”

Fari winds to all, as your Boat Show internet reporter signs off until November 8th – 11th, 2009 at next year’s VICL Boat Show!  Contact me  any time with updates on your adventures.  I will glad to post them for all to read.

Almost a year of planning, blood, sweat, and some tears went into producing one the best Boat Shows VICL has presented.  It takes an army of people and sponsors/ vendors to pull it off. A sincere thanks to all of them!

What a Boat Show!  Now for the list of “credits”.  I know there are many more contributors I may have missed.  If you are one of them, please contact  me  and I will be sure to add you to the list.  The Boat Show Stars were actually all the Crews and Yachts that dazzle our charter guest all season and make the Brokers proud of the businesses they are in.  The “Charter Life”  may not always be easy, but it is certainly fun and very satisfying when you see your clients’ smile from ear to ear because of the experience delivered to them on their most unforgettable vacation – a crewed yacht charter vacation in the Caribbean.  Fair winds to all of you.

Presenters & Honored Guests – In Order Of Appearance

• Erik Ackerson – VICL Director
• VICL Board of Directors:
• President Mike Calhoun…s/v Southern Comfort
• Vice President Franz Gradler…s/v Hanalei Bay
• Secretary Kevin Mare…s/v Instant Karma
• Vince Stracener…s/v Drumbeat 1
• Brian Johnson…s/v Sublime
• Gordon Monsen…s/v Liberte’
• Sue Maki, Gen.Mgr. Flagship – New Broker Seminars
• Charter Chef Ashley Lynn Hotchkiss
• Bill Canfield St Thomas Yacht Club
  Lt. Cmdr. Tim Grant U.S. Coast Guard
• Gov. John deJongh
• Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis
• Senator Louis Hill
• Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson Doty
• Lt. CMDR. Tim Grant – USCG
• Director Mel Vanterpool Homeland Security
• Mike Fitzsimmons (Maritime Law) 

Sponsors & Vendors

• Yacht Haven Grande
• Flagship
• Treasure Hunt Grand Prize – Donated By Owen & Mary – s/v Fidelity
• The Workbench Limited at Virgin Gorda Marina
• Frenchmen’s Reef Resort Hotel
• Budget Marine
• Hooters
• Premier Wine and Spirits
• Bad Ass Coffee
• Southern Trades
• V.I. Wine Wholesale
• Gourmet Gallery
• CharterPort – Boat Show’s Virtual Office
• The Real Estate Center
• Dolphin Cove Resort
• Fat Turtle
• Bellows International
• V.I. Dept. of Tourism
• Yacht Haven Grande
• ONDECK Racing
• Theodore Tunick and Company
• CYBA
• Paradise Point
• The Pirate’s Chest at Paradise Point
• Reefco
• Marshall Islands Yacht Registry
• A.H.Riise,
  Island Marine Outfitters
• Virgin Islands Canvas
• Custom Canvas and Sails, Inc.
• High Tech Water Sports
• The Pegasus Group
• Caribbean Islands Realty  - Internet Reporting

How about a traditional Caribbean/Hawaiian Luau as the final night’s celebration of this year’s Boat Show?  What a great night of old and new friends saying farewell!

 Bare feet, flip-flops, colorful shirts and dresses, and even some plastic leis!!!  ( I did hear some say they got “leid” at the Luau.  I am not quiet sure what they meant.)  The 2008 Boat Show’s final night of celebrations was highlighted by a sense of great accomplishment of the VICL Boat Show committee and Director Erik as the stars!  The ingredient for a GREAT party is good food, more than enough to drink, and awesome music.  Tonight has it all!

 The headline entertainment tonight was Ras Abijah & Friends!  The scoop on Abijah is a reggae voice with positive messages: modern and distinctive, but steeped in Reggae’s tradition, drawing on R&B, roots, soul and world flavors.  His international flair is an example of the flamenco-tinged musical influence of his music.  Jamaicans have given Abijah his moniker “Ambassador of Peace” for his work promoting One Love philosophies before thousands of Caribbean kids.  He has even performed at Harvard and Oxford Universities.

The real deal tonight was the fun relationships with the Crews and charter yacht Brokers as they expand their connections for the 2008-2009 charter season.  There are charter yachts whose season has been guaranteed because of their success at the VICL Boat Show.  In every industry the cream rises to the top, and this show had the best of the fleet as participants.  A quote that has stayed with me for years is…

 “Let my boat of life be light,  packed with only what I need – a homely place to stay and simple pleasures,  a few friends worth the name,  someone to love and someone to love me,  a cigar or two,  enough to eat and enough to wear,  and a little more than enough to drink,  for a thirst is a dangerous thing.”   – Jerome Klapka Jerome

This may be the mantra for many who are living the sailing life in the Caribbean.  It is such a pleasure to be a part of community that is supporting the success of the charter yacht vacation experience.  I look forward to my next time with all of the Crews and Brokers.  And…I have heard rumors that there is an after-the-Boat-Show pool party tomorrow at the Yacht Haven Grande swimming pool.  I assure you that the Crews are glad the focus is off of them, and they are excited to begin another charter season.  In my conversations with many of the Crews, they hope the Brokers enjoyed the previews of their “floating villas”.  My guess is you will hear from me tomorrow from the pool party…until then,  FAIR WINDS  as many of you are heading back to your homes and families.  What you have experienced with my articles regarding the Boat Show has only been from my eyes.  I welcome any other articles and photos that you may send to me and I will post them for the charter vacation yacht crowd to see.

Who says that the charter industry is just for the young energetic sailing entrepreneurs?  You are about to meet two crews still showing the charter industry that age and a young heart are still the best combo!

So, did you stop by and spend time with s/v Fidelity  and s/v Glory  at the show?  If not, before they leave the docks tomorrow, make sure you meet Captain David from s/v Glory and Captain Owen and Chef Mary from s/v Fidelity.  Bring a pad of paper and be prepared to glean some GREAT STUFF from these “old salt” crews that have contributed so much to the charter yacht industry over the years.

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, every charter yacht has a “story”, and Captain David Kummerle from s/v Glory is one of a kind.  He was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY and grew up with boats.  After graduating from State University of New York in 1965, he moved to St. Croix “for a year or two”.  He taught high school there in science and art for nine years, SCUBA diving for two years, owned and operated several businesses.  Well, the two years have turned into over 40 years!

Within two years of moving to St. Croix, David bought a 30′ yawl as a bare hull. He completed the boat and logged more than 10,000 miles in the Caribbean. David then logged another 7000 miles racing and cruising a variety of his own and other people’s boats. “I know the United States and British Virgin Islands quite intimately” says David. “Besides printer’s ink, I guess I have boats and saltwater in my veins.”

David bought s/v Glory in 1987 as a home for him and his daughter with chartering as something to consider in the future.  Well his daughter grew up and moved away a new adventure of creating a charter yacht business was staring him the face, and he went for the gusto!  David’s reputation is as a “sailor’s sailor”.  Glory is a 3-PAX, and David is the Captain and the Chef.  Also, if you want to learn how to sail, this is the charter for you!  He is a Master sailing instructor, too.  David is probably one of the longest standing members of the Charter League and someone that all of can learn from.  Please meet him.  I promise you will enjoy every moment!

Then there is Captain Owen Jones and Chef Mary Jones of s/v Fidelity.  Even though Owen and Mary are member of “old salt” charter yacht society, you will be hard pressed to keep up with either of them.  So, I walk up to Owen and the second or third sentences out of his mouth was, “So, a man was telling his neighbor, “I just bought a new hearing aid.  It cost me $4,000, and its the state-of-the-art of hearing aids. It’s the best one I have ever had.”  So, the neighbor replied, “Really…what kind is it?”  The man said, “Twelve thirty!”   Do you now get a sense of what you are in for with Owen and Mary?  They have the warmest hearts, and they love to laugh.  Plus, they are incredible sailors and charter yacht owners.

Mary and Owen had been really quite ordinary people before deciding to live their dream of living the sailing life full time.  He was a university professor and Mary an employment manager at the same place of higher education. They retired and traveled the world for ten years with sailing as a major part of those adventures in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Mary and Owen now own s/v Fidelity, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.2, with the best of all configurations… three staterooms with three cabin-accessible heads. Over the past five years they have sailed her all over the British, U.S. and Spanish Virgin Islands as well as down-island through St. Maarten, Antigua, Montserrat and Dominica, and completing their island-chain sailing experience through St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Grenada.  Booking s/v Fidelity for charter vacation adventure is not to be missed.  You see, age is still in your mind and heart.  You have just met two crews that may be in the “old salt” charter yacht society, but you will never believe it by hanging with them for a day or a week. 

OK, so we all better get cleaned up and ready for the Hawaiian Luau awaiting us tonight on the great lawn of Yacht Haven Grande.  I learned that shoes are even optional.  Barefoot, or flip-flops are my choice of foot attire.  See you there!

The charter industry is in a constant state of change.  The evolution over the past years has been at galactic speed!

Who would have ever imagined that a company would have the vision and money to fund the dream of a world class charter yacht racing company?  Well, ONDECK  has done just that.  Last year they showed up to the VICL Boat Show in force with race-ready Beneteau 40.7′s and created two match races a day for the charter Brokers and charter yacht Crews.  They have showed up big-time again this year.

ONDECK has regatta racing yachts that can be chartered with a full crew so those novice race enthusiasts can participate in any one of the Caribbean Regattas and actually be part of the excitement as a crew member.  They allow for the opportunities to develop your racing skills, match racing, and entering any or all of the Caribbean Regatta Series.  You can imagine that I have enjoyed the conversations with the ONDECK crews, and the great concept they have created for serious yacht racers who don’t have the finances or time to own their own $2.5 million racing yacht.  Today’s morning match race with the Boat Show guests dropped in $10 a person, and the winning yacht would split the pot.  What a great idea!  The competitive juices were boiling with the morning race crews.

I have raced in both the San Francisco Bay Winter Races and in several of the Heineken Regattas. Two more of the Caribbean Regattas that interest me are the International Rolex Regatta  in St. Thomas.  For 35 years, St. Thomas has been running this annual sailing regatta.  It starts in March each year with three days of very competitive racing.  The Antigua Sailing Week Regatta  is now in its 42^nd year.   It is scheduled for the last week of April 2009.  This event which started in 1967 with a handful of local yachts has grown to become one of the World’s premier regattas.  More than 1,500 participants including Olympic, America’s Cup and round-the-world sailors in more than 200 boats pit their skills against one another in a fun and fierce contest in the waters around Antigua.  Last year one of ONDECK’s chartered yachts took second place at Antigua Race Week!  Be sure to sign up today for the thrill of your sailing life.

Another major change over the last ten+ years has been the growth of the catamaran fleet in the Caribbean.  There are still an army of mono-hull purests,  but for pure comfort for the charter guests who are not sailors, catamarans are the perfect yacht to see the Caribbean.  Our friends, Captain Chris  and Chef Julie,  own the very popular s/v Blu Moon – a Beneteau 51.  During the off-charter season they made the leap to a catamaran charter yacht s/v/ Felicia - a Privilege 65!  ( If one is looking for a “turn key” charter yacht, it is for sale and you may want to check it out, and tell your sailing friends.)

At last year’s Boat Show I was rushing by s/v Blu Moon  when I saw Chris and Julie rocking in their hammock.  I immediately knew I wanted to get acquainted with this very relaxed and laid back couple.  My instincts were correct. What has evolved is fun friendship with two top professionals in the charter industry.  

They have owned and operated their charter yacht business for over eleven years and have been married for almost 25 years.  They met in Kansas with another story of paths that would seem to have never crossed, but they did.  Their favorite chartering area is the Spanish Virgin Islands.  After 40 years of sailing in the Caribbean, I have still not been to the Spanish Virgins.  Any time you get them talking about their favorite anchorages in the Spanish Virgins their eyes gleam and big smiles are plastered across their faces. 

They sailed s/v Felicia up from Trinidad the last month completing the refit for the yacht.  They completed it just before they arrived at the 2008 VICL Boat Show.  They now have their “finger prints” all over their sparkling “floating villa” s/v Felicia.  I just heard from Julie that they are getting rave reviews from all of you.  If you haven’t stopped by yet, make sure you spend some time on their yacht.  Contact me  if you want more information!

Charter Crews and Brokers know how to party – it was demonstrated again tonight!

So, I began my late after noon tradition of walking over through Havensight  to have a “final-final”  rum at the Rum Hut with the bartender, Amber, after wandering the docks all day as I shared time with the best Crews and Brokers in the world. ( Be careful of Amber’s Voodo Punch.)  After one drink I caught a cab back to my hotel to freshen up for THE PARTY night of the VICL Boat Show.  You know it doesn’t matter if you take a shower or not in the Caribbean, especially before a dance party at Paradise Point,  because you will be wringing wet with sweat in just a few moments of stepping off the St. Thomas Sky Ride tram.

Director Erik  continues to deliver on his promise to have this be one of the best VICL Boat Shows ever, and he has kept his promise all week.  And, tonight’s party was no exception.  It is still amazing to me to see a ski lift system in place from Havensight that takes us to Paradise Point,  on top of a mountain overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Murray Pridham has built a Caribbean “party headquarters” on top of this mountain and the Boat Show has enjoyed the hospitality of his Team for the past few years.

As you step off the tram you are blasted by the group Top Notch, one of the local club bands on St. Thomas.  They kept the Brokers and Crews dancing all night. You learn what it was like to hangout with 36+ yacht crews and Brokers when they don’t have anyone to worry about other than how to get back to their yachts and hotels after the party. What a FUN time. Great music, food, and drinks for the Boat Show participants.  Next time you are there make sure you meet the bartender, Elroy – one of the best.  Plus, the view of the Caribbean is over the top.  It is an incredible environment that Murray has created for those who want to have fun in the Caribbean.  And, I even found a sign that said “Keep Off Grass!” behind one to fences. Only in the Caribbean!

Paradise Point gave the revelers all they expected and more. I did not see any of the Boat Show attendees ever sitting the entire night. It will be interesting to see what condition the Brokers and Crews are in tomorrow.  I know that ONDECK charter racing will have two races tomorrow, so those signed up will want to make sure they have sturdy stomachs after such a night of partying. 

Also, don’t forget that the lunch speaker tomorrow is Carolyn Lanclos from the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.  This government agency is a key reason why tourism is so healthy in the Virgin Islands compared to many other destinations.  More yacht interviews will be in tomorrow’s articles.  Sleep well, and remember the charter yachts are all open for preview tomorrow from 9AM to 5PM.  Then ANOTHER PARTY is planned by Director Erik – the “Hawaiian Luau” at the Yacht Haven Grande’s  big lawn.  Until tomorrow…your Boat Show detective is determined to pace himself better on Wednesday.  Time will tell.

As you wonder around the viewing docks today, the questions that are being asked by the CREWS over and over again are, “What got you into the charter yacht lifestyle?” 

Everyone of the charter yacht Owners/Crews have their own unique stories that should inspire us all.  The common theme is,  “… .following their dreams, not being afraid enough to step off the ”shore”, and the love of meeting people and sharing the Caribbean experience through their own eyes.”  You all know that with that mind-set the customers keep coming back for more of the Caribbean life they experience with each of the special charter yacht crews and vessels.  And…all of the vessels are NOT sailboats.  And, not all charter yachts are BIG 8-PAX cats! 

Take s/y HONIARA I – a Beneteau 45′ 4-PAX, and her unforgettable crew…Captain Pierre and Chef Adele are the proud owners of s/y/Honiara I.  Two unlikely paths have crossed. Pierre was born in Canada and is a professional electrical engineer who worked for the Canadian Coast Guard.  Adele was also born in Canada where she worked for 25 years in the dental field.  What a team has unfolded with their 21 years of sailing, which included 10 years of high level racing.

They are now living their dream of sailing the Caribbean, and they open their arms and hearts to anyone who joins them on a chartered sailing adventure.  You will be blown away with their adventuresome spirit, their joie-de-vivre, and the great food and wine that is presented to their guests.  And there is a bit of rum that passes their lips, too.  We have shared stories and I even told them about a Beneteau 51′ I heard was for sale in Caracas, Venezuela that peaked their interest.  But, they admitted that most of the charter fleet stay clear of Venezuela because of the fear of Chavez nationalizing everything, including charter yachts.

Next, checkout s/y SEMPER FI – a 64′ Horizon 6-PAX motor yacht, and her exceptional crew…who would ever have imagined that Captain Jay and Chef Kris would have met.  Jay was born in Florida and Kris was born in Vancouver, B.C.  Jay started his boating career before he could even drive, working at his uncle’s marina.  Kris began her career as a school teacher, and she loved the outdoors and the water as long as she can remember, but never dreamed she would be a part of the Caribbean charter yacht community.

After four years in the Navy Jay expanded his cruising grounds to the South Pacific, the Bahamas, and even the New England coast.  Eight years ago, Jay moved to the Caribbean and fell in love with the lifestyle.  Jay knows the Virgin Islands because of cruising eight years in this special slice of Paradise.  He is even an avid surfer.  ( With me growing up in Redondo Beach  on a surf board and having Barbados as my favorite Caribbean surfing spot, there is much more to talk about with Jay.)  Jay is also pretty darn funny,  with a mix of Southern hospitality and a dash of Caribbean limin’. 

Kris relocated to the Caribbean six years ago.  She is a graduate of the American Yacht Institute and has studied with gourmet and charter yacht chefs all over the Caribbean.  Kris’ international flair sparkles in her colorful and delicious menu presentations.  She is on her game whether it is an elegant formal dinner, to a causal BBQ.  Teamwork and communication are the watch words for Jay and Kris.  They have worked and sailed side by side for the past six years and have non-stop repeat customers coming back for more.  You will enjoy meeting Jay and Kris during the show.

So, the real deal while meeting the charter crews and viewing their yachts is to discover each of their “stories”.  As all charter Brokers know,  over 50% of the successful charter vacation yacht experience is the crews.  The Brokers work very had to match up their clients with the crews, so it is critical to know their “stories” which makes up the unique package of each charter yacht.  Now, back to showers, and getting your dancing shoes/flip-flops on.  The Paradise Point Party starts at 6PM so make sure you get to the St. Thomas Sky Ride  early.  This is night where everyone lets their hair done.  ( Well, those that know me understand that I believe hair is overrated.)  See you at the PARTY in an hour or so!

This year’s BVI Boat Show is now concluded with a Sunday sail and party at Deadman’s Bay on Peter Island!

The BVI Charter Yacht Society  concluded another amazing boat show for both the charter yacht Brokers and the charter yacht Crews.  The Saturday night BASH was memorable for some, and some may not even remember it.  It was pure FUN!  So, those who were able to rally this morning, a group of the charter fleet sailed to Peter Island’s Deadman’s Bay  for a day of water sports, more rum, and a lot of farewells.

The charter yacht community of Crews are an extended Caribbean family from November to June.  And, the Boat Show is one of the few times they are all in one spot.  It is a community of professionals that clearly understand they are members of a very special group.  No matter what a member of this community may need, they are willing to help – anytime.  They all know that this Crew community takes care of each other.  I remember a bareboat charter I captained where I lost my dingy under sail.  I put out a message on Channel 16 for boat captains to keep an eye out for it.  Within less than an hour Captain Whitey from s/v Tamerin called me and let me know he had found it and would meet me at Norman Island with the dingy.  It is an amazing community that always takes care of each other.

So…now to the last day of FUN of the BVI Boat Show experience – Splish Splash at Peter Island.  Lots of water sports, drinks on board and at Deadman’s Beach Bar, and just hanging out in the water.  This year’s show was a bit quieter than past ones, but it was still the place to be in the Caribbean the first week of November for the Charter Yacht Society members and vacation yacht Brokers.  Contact me anytime  for information about the charter yacht vacation experience.  Until next year’s show…fair winds to all of you.