It has been amazing the past month to see how the Caribbean wants a hero, too.  Sully Sullenberger has been adopted as the one they need right now.

I just returned from a trip to Europe  attending the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate International Conference in Paris.  Sully Sullenberger has been the topic of conversation everywhere I go, lately.

Many of you know that Sully and his family are dear friends of mine from the San Francisco Bay Area – Danville. You also have been following the whirlwind attention that has come to him because of the “Miracle On The Hudson”.  Sully was the right person, at the right time in history, with the right skills. His 35+ years as a jet pilot and as a glider training pilot was the perfect stuff for the first forced landing in water that had NO fatalities. Read the rest of this entry »

Geneva = International.  Of the ten families that make up my “Geneva Family”, twelve of them were born in some other country besides Switzerland.

After the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate Paris Conference  I took the TGV – the bullet train, to Geneva in order to spend time with my “Geneva Famiies”.  The reason why Geneva = International to me is because of the ten families waiting for me at the train station with most of them being naturalized Swiss who were born in other parts of the world.  Out of 20 people waiting at the train station, here are their countries of origin… Canada, USA, Scotland, England, Sweden, South Africa, Holland, France, Chile, Spain, Russia, Denmark, and Switzerland.  In addition, they all have second, third, and/or fourth homes outside of Geneva.  Here are some of the locations of their homes outside of Geneva:  Caribbean, Spain, France, England, Thailand, Singapore, the Alps, USA, Chile, and more.  So, even though we think of the Caribbean as a melting pot of the world,  this special group of friends is the definition of international in living breathing form.

From the Geneva train station we all car pooled to Champery, Switzerland  to my friends’ Swiss Alps chalet.  This was my headquarters for a three day ski trip.  This is one of my favorite European destinations for skiing.  The Champery ski resort allows you to ski from Switzerland to France any time you want – which we did.  Our lunch destination on one of the days was a goat village at the base of the French side of the slopes.  What an adventure of skiing on fresh powder all the way down the mountain to this quaint village for more food and wine.

The men took a side trip one day to the Chevalier de Bayard Winery  in Varen, Switzerland.  My past views of Swiss wines are typically sweet white wines such as the Alsace region of France.  What I didn’t know is that the Swiss do not export their wines so the world generally does not have the chance to enjoy the many varietals that they produce.  The other surprise for me was visiting a wine region that was covered in snow!  I have never seen snow covered vineyards.  We shared a wonderful day with one of the owners, René Bayard.  (The Knights Of Bayard have been in existence since the 15^th century!  Even the knight’s armor is at the winery.)  After wine tasting, we eat a typical Swiss meal of Raclette cheese, fingerling potatoes and baby pickles – plus, more great Swiss wine.  What a day of exploring new regions of the world and lots of new experiences – and some more great wines that I will never taste in the islands!

My last few days in Europe were spent exploring Geneva – the Old Town, the yacht clubs along Lake Geneva, and the many Swiss watch shops.  I wanted to make sure I stopped by the yacht club that holds the Americas Cup – Societe Nautique Geneva.  I still have a problem understanding how a country with no ocean is the holder of the cup.  Another cold moment was showing off my Obama t-shirt in Old Geneva.  A man from England asked where I purchased it.  I told him San Francisco.  He wanted a copy of it, so I decided to gave him the shirt off my back.  Another magical moment. 

I am blessed beyond measure to have such dear friends as part of my world’s extended family.  And, I am sick of being so cold!  The Caribbean is 85F degrees today.  Varen, Switzerland is 28F degrees.  I love Europe, but my next visit will be in the Spring or Summer.  Now, back to sunshine, warm turquoise waters, and the warm trade winds.  Contact me  if I can be of any assistance with your Caribbean real estate needs.  Until next time…fair winds.

The Virgin Islands are just one of the many regions that celebrate Three Kings Day!

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!

Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in traditional Africa and it is celebrated throughout the world starting December 26th.

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!!!

Jim and his family send you Holiday greetings and best wishes for 2008!  We know 2009 is going to be another unforgettable year!!!

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!!!

You never know who you might run into when on a November flight to Paradise - Santa Claus!

This Thanksgiving my whole family is spending it our favorite tropical Paradise.  Ann Marie and I got upgraded to first class and were settling in for another pleasant flight to our next sun-filled adventure.  As I am settling in to my cushy seat a man walked by me headed for the cockpit.  From just a fleeting glance he had a long white beard, white hair, a tropical shirt that had Santas on surfboards all over it, and shorts and flip-flops.  He was at least 70 years old and certainly had the belly that one would expect from Santa. 

As I watched him enter the cockpit, the pilots welcomed him as a long lost friend, and “Santa” took over the pilot’s seat and fooled around with the controls a bit.  The jet engines fired up and there was more conversation with the pilots and this man who was a dead ringer for “Jolly Old St. Nick”.  He said his goodbyes to the pilots and walked back past me to his seat.  This time I got a good look at his face and his spectacles that rested on his nose.

I got out of my seat and followed him to his seat.  Seated next to him was Mrs. Claus!!!  I was blown away at my good fortune to finally personally meet Santa and his wife.  I kneeled down in the isle and asked if I could speak with him for a moment.  I asked him, “Are you who I think you are?”  He said, “If you think you are talking with Santa, you are correct!”  What an unforgettable moment I was about to have.

There was a whole series of questions that I just blurted out.  The jist of it is that I learned he starts the logistics of his annual trip over 30 days before his sleigh fide on Christmas Eve night.  He and Mrs. Claus were on their way to the spot where they launch their annual adventuer and I happened to on the SAME airplane.  The conversation he was having with the pilots was to let them know they may be seeing some UFOs on their radar screens about a month from now, but not to worry.

We ended our conversation with him asking me some questions.  He started out with the tyical, “Have you been naughty or nice stuff?”  I let him know that he would have to ask my family and friends their opinion of that question.  We both laughed and he then asked if I would sit on his knee and let him know my favorite wish for Christmas.  It got a bit complicated when I started off on the topic of solving world hunger, clean drinking water for everyone, and world peace with every national leader being a woman since they never start wars. 

He interrupted me and asked if there was something just for me that I might want him to drop off when he visits our home.  I had to think a moment or two.  There is actually nothing I need in my life.  I am blessed beyond measure.  But, I did come up with a small request.  My earring that I have had since I sailed across the equator in 1997 broke a few weeks ago, so I let him know that it would be nice to find a new one.  He said,  “I will do what I can to find the perfect replacement and drop it off on my way by Christmas Eve.”  WOW! 

We ended our conversation with him thanking me for taking a few moments to chat, and his final words were, “Never stop counting your blessings, and never stop sharing them with others”  I promised I would and we said goodbye.  On Christmas Eve night, I will be waiting all night for his arrival so we can check in with each other again.  This was the most unforgettable Thanksgiving moment I have had in memory – meeting the real Santa Claus! 

We are sending you our best wishes as you spend time with your family and friends counting your blessings.  Remember, it doesn’t have to be just once a year.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

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

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.

The Caribbean charter crews and Brokers are congratulating Jonny and Mere on their wedding November 14th!

OK, so the 2008 VICL Boat Show  is in full swing today, and a fairy tail is unfolding before the very eyes of all the crews and the charter Brokers.  A wedding is being planned for the crew of s/y Conundrum – Jonny and Meredith on November 14^th – the day after the VICL Boat Show concludes!!!  What an exciting moment for all of the participants.  Jonny and Mere are two very popular members of the charter Crews and Brokers.

I learned from the ever-smiling Captain of Condundrum  that he grew up around salt water activities his whole life, however he is not an “old salt” yet.  Jonny as lived in the Virgin Islands since he was a teenager, and he has been a sailor for 18 years, and the Captain of several private yachts.  Jonny has the reputation of creating an unforgettable charter vacation experience.  I have heard Jonny say, “My biggest satisfaction is when our guests say at the end of the week, ‘That’s the best vacation we ever had!’ That puts a smile on my face.”

Meredith is from the Midwest.  She grew up in Missouri and has a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies from Kansas University. Interestingly, prior to becoming a chef, she obtained a Securities Exchange License Series Seven, working for three years with Morgan Stanley out of Santa Ana, California. Thank goodness she changed her profession in 2003.  We would have hated to have her be on the “sinking ship of security firms” during the last six months.  “I really enjoy seeing our guests experience a new environment, and I like to add little touches, like serving specialty drinks or having a themed menu for the day. I’m creating an atmosphere of informal elegance – nice but not stuffy, casual yet stylish. Simply pleasurable – every moment of the day”

Meredith, the bride to be, has years of culinary experience on private and charter yachts, with gourmet specialties in Caribbean, American, and Italian cuisine.  Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, lounge with a frozen cocktail in the cockpit as you watch the sun sink to orange with the “green flash”, and then dive into a luscious dinner served in the elegant salon. The perfect ending to a perfect day – and Mere makes it all happen for each of her charter guests.

The sailing yacht Conundrum is where the beautiful design of traditional yachting blends with contemporary conveniences. Their 62-foot sailing yacht, completely re-fitted in 2006, and features the latest in all the high-tech conveniences and simple elegance polished mahogany throughout. And, for they even have 6’6″ headroom for their tall sailing guests.  Go to the s/y Conundrum website for even more details.

More yachts to come and lots more fun awaits the participants as we continue our preview of another unforgettable VICL Boat Show.  This afternoon Sue Maki, the GM of Flagship  will be doing Part 2 of the new Broker training and certification.  The charter yachts are open for viewing until 5PM.   During the lunch event sponsored by Flagship, the Director of Homeland Security, Mel Vanterpool Homeland Security,  will be reviewing the issues his department is facing in the Caribbean.  And, you won’t believe the party that is planned tonight – The Paradise Party at the St. Thomas Sky Ride.  More yachts are yet to be preview…stay tuned!  Your charter yacht detective  is still on duty!