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 Kwanzaa began today in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the U.S. and several other Caribbean Islands.  It is a seven day celebration that began in 1966.  Each day focuses on a principle that reaffirms the African commitment to themselves, their families, their community, and their black struggle for equality.  The daily principles are;

• December 26^th – Umoja – Unity
• December 27^th – Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
• December 28^th – Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility
• December 29^th – Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
• December 30^th – Nia – Purpose
• December 31 – Kuumba – Creativity
• January 1^st – Imani – Faith

The seven Kwanzaa principles are referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and are intended to serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living.  The greeting each day of Kwaanzaa is Habari Gani, and the reply is Habari Gani followed by the principle of the day. Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of African descent in North America, the Caribbean and other part of the world connected to African heritage.  It was created by M. Ron Karenga in 1966.

The St. Croix Source has the schedule for this week’s Kwanza events.  The events vary from a 7K run honoring the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, plays and songs, and much more. There will be family gatherings all over the Virgin Islands for the next seven days.  Also check out the local celebrations held in all of the Windward and Leeward islands.  Enjoy each of your Kwanzaa days. Habari Gani!

Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in the very traditional Africa and is now celebrated around the world.  There are seven days of celebrating family, community and equality.  Each December 26^th the Kwanzaa celebration begins and it ends on January 1^st.  Each day of the Kwanzaa celebration focuses on specific principle.

The seven principles are collectively referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living.  The greeting each day of Kwaanza is Habari Gani, and the reply is Habari Gani followed by the principle of the day. Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of African descent in North America, the Caribbean and other part of the world connected to African heritage.  It was created by M. Ron Karenga in 1966.

• December 26^th – Umoja – Unity
• December 27^th – Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
• December 28^th – Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility
• December 29^th – Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
• December 30^th – Nia – Purpose
• December 31 – Kuumba – Creativity
• January 1^st – Imani – Faith

Celebrations began all over the Caribbean today.  The traditional opening of Kwanzaa on St. John was in Cruz Bay near the ferry dock and the Beach Bar.  The Sigma Theta Omega Chapter again welcomed the community to the celebration which was made up of residents and tourists alike. The Love City Pan Dragons played the America National Anthem and Virgin Islands March. The 3 Sweet trio sang the Black National Anthem and South African Anthem.  There were other student performances, as well as the St. John Cultural Dancers.

No matter where you are in the Caribbean there will be celebrations this week.  There will be dinners each evening with family and friends who prepare Caribbean/African dishes to share with all who come.  Make sure you find a community of people with whom to celebrate this important traditional experience.  The principles are ones to integrate into all of our lives everyday, not just the last week of December.   Habari Gani!

What a blessing it is to get together with our loved ones;  feasting with them, toasting a glass or two, enjoying the blessings of life – and giving thanks.  Thanks for life all around us, underfoot, and overhead.

Thanks for the ability to remember those we love as well as to forget how much we’ve been hurt at times in our life; thanks for fine young bodies,  and old venerable minds;  for sun on our faces,  the wind on our sails,  the rain on the roof,  and the food on the table grown by people we don’t even know.

Thanks that the jets overhead that aren’t dropping their bombs,  that our healing hands have a place to practice,  that children are born every minute of the day,  and that death is there to gather us up at the end.

And thanks for at least one day a year when we all take the time to get some perspective.   AMEN - Patrick Finley

And, besides counting our blessings this week, did you know there was another Thanksgiving celebration last month on October 15th?   Many of you may not realize there are two Thanksgivings celebrated in the Virgin Islands – Hurricane Thanksgiving on October 15, and the traditional one celebrated this Thursday.

Every October since 1726, the residents of the US Virgin Islands offer thanks for their safekeeping during the potentially lethal hurricane season that officially lasts from July through the end of October. The day has historically been observed by offering thanks to God for his protection during the season. The event had been losing its significance through several years of relatively mild hurricanes until the tradition was revived by the devastating Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn in 1995. The day is a national holiday across the islands and is marked with prayer and often with a celebratory meal in the evening.

Thank goodness this hurricane season was milder than was expected.  So, there is another reason to raise our glasses in celebration this Thursday, for thirst is a dangerous thing.   I would enjoy having you let me know how your Thanksgiving celebration unfolds.  Until next time…fair winds!

The Caribbean is not just a place for adults to vacation and play.

Your kids are completely aware of the Caribbean.  Ask them if they have watched the movie Pirates Of The Caribbean .  I know many of you have never been to the Caribbean.  Your kids are now asking that you take them there for your next vacation.  I have done my homework, so here are some suggested Caribbean destinations for your first or next visit:

• Booking a cruise could be your easiest introduction to the Caribbean.  It allows you to scout out many different islands during a week cruise that is not possible by just vacationing on one island. ( A cruise vacation is not my favorite way to see the Caribbean, but it is a very Kid Friendly vacation.  Check out the 100-passenger Pacific Explorer  as a possible option for an unforgettable cruise. 
• The next step into the kid-friendly Caribbean is an all-inclusive resort.  Some resorts to consider for this type of vacation are; Jamaica’s Starfish Trelawny Resort; The Beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands; Iberostar’s resort on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera; and the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.  All four of these are great choices for you to consider as a destination your kids will love.
• The next step up in kid-friendly Caribbean adventures would be to choose a region.  Three of my family favorites are Jamaica, Mexico’s Yucatan with Cancun as the center of action,  and the Dominican Republic. You can visit each of these region’s with Google or Yahoo! as your resources.  Just put into their search bars “Kid Friendly Vacations In The Caribbean”, and then design your own vacation adventures.
• A charter sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands would be another one to consider a with your kids. You pick the can yacht together on the internet, or call me as your guide.  You decide your daily anchorages.  You decide on your daily adventures.  You even decide on your daily menus and beverages. ( This is my personal choice for a family adventure in the Caribbean.)
• A final destination to consider is a 5-star luxury resort like Azul Beach Resort on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. This all-inclusive resort even has “beach butlers”, luxury spas, hair braiding and fun manicures.  This resort is one of the most luxurious for any family wanting to have every one of their needs met at the resort.

So, here is the real deal…the Caribbean can be the most family-focused vacation destination you have ever experienced!  No matter how you decide to experience the Caribbean,  your kids will be eternally grateful you decided to provide a vacation that included them.  Contact me  any time for information on any of this family vacation options.  So, what have been some of your favorite family vacations!  Until next time…your Caribbean Islands lifestyle detective remains on duty!!!!

There is a very BIG disappointment In the sighting of your home port in the Caribbean islands after a week of decadence on a chartered yacht vacation!

It is always a challenge to end a crewed charter sailing vacation in the Caribbean.  It is when you know you are going back to the mainland.

Usually on the third or fourth day of a charter vacation in the Caribbean the watches seem to disappear, the conversation slows down, and books seem to be read at galactic speed in between the snorkeling and SCUBA diving. There is an amazing transformation that happens when you are in a tropical paradise on a yacht while being pampered 24 hours a day by your captain and 1st Mate, and 5-star chef.

Mark Twain was on a Caribbean voyage a 75 years ago and had a similar experience. This is how he described the moment when the yacht was coming into port:

“There is no unhappiness like the misery of sighting land after a cheerful and carefree voyage.”

I can’t tell you how many times this has been my experience.  Have you had a similar experience when you have ended your charter yacht vacation, or, really, any unforgettable vacation? Let me know your thoughts… Again, if you are on-island in St. Thomas the first week or so of November, look me up at Yacht Haven Grande during the VICL Caribbean Charter Boat Show.  I have done the internet reporting for this amazing week of previewing the most luxurious charter vacation yachts in the Caribbean.  And…I we would be glad to be your guide in setting up your Caribbean charter yacht vacation.

One of the many locations that celebrated Three Kings Day was St. Croix this week.  Three Kings Day honors the arrival of the magi bearing gifts to the baby Jesus.  After the Christmas gifts have been unwrapped and put away,  many communities in the Virgin Islands and Pureto Rico celebrate this holiday, also known as Epiphany or Dia de lost Reyes Magos.  Many European countries still celebrate it, too.

The Biblical story tells how the Kings or Wise Men or Magi – who according to legend are named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – presented the baby Jesus with gold, frankincense and myrrh. During this weeks holiday,  Three Kings Day was celebrated by giving gifts.  There was a parade, and afterwards families gather together for a community meal,  and for the gifts from the Wise Men are given to the children.  On St. Croix over 300 gifts were distributed.

It is also a National holiday in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and many others. It is looked upon as an extension of the Christmas holiday, and all government agencies and business are closed. There is a public procession in most of the local communities and it is focused on retelling the story of the magi to all the children involved in the celebrations.

If you participated in any of the Three Kings Day celebrations I would enjoy hear about your experience.  We need to find many more opportunities to celebrate life’s important traditions in all our cultures.  My observation is that we miss too many “moments” that allow us to take a break from the typical stress of our lives and get some further perspectives as to what is really important – family and dear friends.  Until next time…fair winds!

We are in the midst of the busiest weeks of the year for the Caribbean charter yacht fleet – December through New Years weekend!  These are the most popular charter dates for people all over the world to book.  You will find the majority of the yachts chartering in the Virgin Islands.  And, most of them are booked a year or two in advance.  Some of you may remember the millenium charter yacht frenzy.  Foxy’s  is generally one of the craziest spots in the Caribbean for “Old New Year’s Night”.  Foxy even did a major expansion of his world famous beach bar for the year 2000 celebrations, and even built a concert stage.  My memory is Foxy brought in the Beach Boys for that New Year’s celebration.

Those of you who have ever anchored or moored off of Foxy’s Bar on Jost Van Dyke have probably heard of the 400+ yachts that were rafted up for the 2000 New Year party.  No wonder the charter crews charge a premium for the last two weeks of December and New Year’s.  It is very intense work.

So, while your favorite charter yacht and crews are working night and day to create unforgettable memories for this Holiday Season,  they are also wanting you to know they are thinking of all of their special past guests by sending greetings to you!  Their messages have just started arriving so I will be posting them all on this article as they come in the next ten days. 

The first charter yacht crew greeting to arrive for posting in this article is from s/y Double Feature  and Captain Jonny and Chef Kelly:  “We are just coming to the end of our Christmas Charter tomorrow which has been great …. two adults and five children on s/y Double Feature, in tandem with another two boats from the same family … lots of children and lots of fun has been had!  We are now on to our New Year’s charter on Tuesday with four couples and a New Year’s celebration at Foxy’s, so that should be a very fun week!  Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  All the best for 2009!”

Next came Christmas news from s/y Three Moons  and Captain Randy and Shelly Tucker:   “We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas day!  Most folks know that they can open their presents on Christmas day while sitting around  wearing their PJ’s…but that rarely happens when you are a charter yacht crew with Holiday guests aboard.   Well, Christmas Day that is exactly what we did….opened our Christmas presents in our PJ’s as we were between charters and without any guests – a rare occurance for us Christmas week!  What fun we had!  We’ve really been working hard the last three weeks getting everything ready to go for a two-in-a-row with almost no turnaround time.  Other quick Holiday news:  Vice President elect Joe Biden is staying on Water Island for the holiday.  He finally arrived this afternoon.  The Department of Tourism wanted to know if s/y Three Moons and us would be available to take Mr. Biden out for a sail while on his vacation.   We immediately said YES!  Apparently, they were already doing a background search on us at the time they contacted us! Oh boy, we were hoping they didn’t discover any of our past “dirt”!  At any rate, it doesn’t look as though it’s going to happen due to some unforeseen delays on their part.  I suppose you can classify this tidbit as the “Holiday news that almost was!”  Click here for a copy of our Holiday newsletter being sent out to all of our family and friends.  Happy New Year!”

Well, Meredith and Jonny have checked in with their Holiday updates.  You may remember them from the USVI Boat Show on s/y Conundrum.  They had their wedding the day after the Boat Show in order to have as many of their crew friends join them for the celebration and party.  Those of you who have enjoyed them as your charter yacht crew know of their love for charters all over the Caribbean, no just the Virgin Islands.  Here are their greets to all of you.  “Well, the Reggae music is still playing as we say goodbye to our repeat Christmas guests – the Johnson family , and we are now getting ready to pick up the next family tomorrow in the Grenadines.  The wind is blowing and it is great sailing weather.  This is our second year in a row to spend a three-day stay over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day in Bequia.  It is wonderful to have the experience again this time with dear friends!  We unwrapped presents in the salon with the family and opened up our stockings. It is still amazing that Santa finds us in the middle of the ocean.  It was a very special morning with lots of laughs, music and delicious cuisine. We are really enjoying being based here this time of year and hope to be back after we cruise north for February through April.  This is a fantastic year for us chartering from the Virgins to Grenada, then back to Antigua, then to St. Martin,  and back to Tortola by Easter.  We wish everyone a wonderful New Year!  Cheers, Meredith & Jonny.”

Chris and Julie, from s/y Felicia just sent in their 2008 greetings to all of their friends, family and raving fans. Enjoy their summary of an exciting year…

We spent the majority of the season doing charters on Blu Moon, with some repeat and new guests.  In March, we flew to the Bahamas to look at a catamaran (many of you know that we’d been looking for a larger boat for several years) then back to Kansas to visit family and iron out the negotiations and purchase of the new boat, Yacht Felicia.  Following that, we flew back to the Virgin Islands, finished our season on Blu Moon, listed her for sale, and then we took her to Puerto Rico where she lays now in long term storage.  It remains a difficult thing for us to say goodbye to Blu Moon – she provided us with more than a home for 10 years – she provided safety and shelter, and a vehicle for us to meet many wonderful people. We’ll miss her.Once we took possession of Felicia, we sailed her straight to Trinidad, learning the systems and how to sail underway.  There’s only one yard currently in the Caribbean that can haul and store a boat of this size – and that’s Catamaran Village in Port of Spain, Trinidad.  When we arrived, we quickly organized some work to be done on our return and then we prepared her for the hurricane season.  Whew, if that wasn’t enough, we flew back to Kansas, where we stayed briefly with my parents in Leawood, picked up our two dogs, Mick and Hannah, and drove to Toronto, Canada where we picked up tickets for  Paris.   We chose this route to minimize the number of legs Mick and Hannah would have to fly.  What you do for your pets! Once in Paris, we drove to Southwest France, where we now live when we’re not chartering. Our summer in France was filled with catching up with our friends & neighbors, French and Ex-pats alike, and continuing a renovation project on our 250+ year-old stone farmhouse, La Tourderie.  This year’s main project included having a new tile roof built over both the old part of the house, and the new addition that we had built last summer.  The roof, which we had built in the traditional French style (exposed oak beams & Poplar backing boards)  preserved our original charpentes and turned out beautifully. We have three charpentes, which are A-frame-like structures that are the supporting trusses for the roof and are held together with wooden dowls.  It really is a piece of art.  Other projects for us there included organizing the start of our interior renovations – plumbing, plaster and electrics all have to be done.   We’ll be including a photo album in our next newsletter, as well as details on the progress of our new guest house – La Tourderie….that will hopefully be ready in 2010. 

As more crew Holiday greetings come in I will be adding them to this article so they can spread the good cheer to all of their family, friends and past guests.  And, here is my New Year wishes for all of you as we enter into 2009 with anticipations for a GREAT year.  “May the best of 2008 be the worst of 2009 for you and those you love!”   Please leave a comment with greetings to your favorite charter yacht crews.  I know they would love to hear from you, too.  Until next time, your Caribbean lifestyle detective is constantly on durty.

December 26^th the Kwanzaa celebration begins in the Caribbean.  It is an annual celebration in December that lasts seven days – ending on January 1^st.  Each day focuses on a principle that reaffirms the African commitment to themselves, their families, their community, and their black struggle for equality.

• December 26^th – Umoja – Unity
• December 27^th – Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
• December 28^th – Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility
• December 29^th – Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
• December 30^th – Nia – Purpose
• December 31 – Kuumba – Creativity
• January 1^st – Imani – Faith

The seven principles are collectively referred to as the Nguzo Saba, and are intended to serve as guideposts for meditation and daily living.  The greeting each day of Kwaanza is Habari Gani, and the reply is Habari Gani, followed by the principle of each day.  Kwanzaa is celebrated by people of African descent in North America, the Caribbean and other part of the world connected to African heritage.  It was created by M. Ron Karenga in 1966.

The St. John gathering is held in Cruz Bay in a small park near the ferry dock. Lucinda Parsons, Sigma Theta Omega Chapter President welcomes the audience of local residents and tourists each year.

The Love City Pan Dragons play the America National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March. The “3 Sweet” trio sings the Black National Anthem and South African Anthem. There are also student performances, as well as the St. John Cultural Dancers.

There are celebrations all week on St. Thomas and St. Croix.  Also check out the local celebrations held in all of the Windward and Leeward islands.  Habari Gani!  My family and I send you our best wishes for an unforgettable Kwanzaa celebration!!!

December is the time of year that all of us spend time with family and friends, and it is a time we remember the many blessings that we have received each day throughout the year.  One of our wishes for you to is that this Holiday Season is not the only time that is only focused on a few days in December, but actually everyday throughout the year.  There are so many grateful moments that we need to pay attention to each day!  There are people to love, to serve, and even to just take a moment and listen to that will improve whatever condition they are in.  There is a quote I really like, “If you are wondering if your mission in life is complete, it is not if you are still alive.”  Below is a prayer that we will be using at our Holiday celebration dinner.  Make a copy of it and review it from time to time.  It means a lot to us.

Dear God, this is the Season of getting together with our loved ones; feast, toast, enjoy the blessings of life – and give thanks.  Thanks for life all around us, under foot, and overhead.

Thanks for the ability to remember the things that we love as well as to forget how much we’ve been hurt. Thanks for fine young bodies and old, venerable minds; for sun on our faces, the rain on the roof, and the food on the table grown by people we don’t even know.  

Thanks that the jets overhead aren’t dropping their bombs, that our healing hands have a place to practice, that children are born every minute of the day, and that death is there to gather us up at the end. And thanks for at least a few days a year when we all take the time to get some perspective.

 We send our best wishes for a wonderful Tropical Holiday Season with your dear family and friends!  Until next time…fair winds for 2009!!!