The last night’s Pirate Party was a fitting end to an unforgettable 33rd Annual Virgin Islands Charter League Boat Show!

What a show! Shelly Tucker from Three Moons and her entire committee delivered one of the classiest Charter Boat Shows in recent memory. It officially ended tonight with the Pirates Party at the huge marina center right in the middle of the harbor.

The planning and work required to create a Pirates Of The Caribbean atmosphere allowed all of us to wander out of our boxes and step into the characters of the pirate world. I guess it is no surprise given that captains and crews are a bit crazy anyway.

I made some unofficial choices for best costume and best pirate pet. I wish you could have seen all of the candidates. If you had you may have disagreed with my selection process.

The rum flowed, there were plenty of wenches and pirates, with everyone remembering the pirates code of ethics – “Dead men tell no tales!” That means, whatever happens at the Pirate Party stays at the Pirate Party. It is similar to Las Vegas.

It was also a night of saying, “Until we meet again, mate!” All of the participants realize they will be together again soon, whether on a Caribbean voyage, or at one of the hundreds of bars as a pint is raised to good times ahead. There are two quotes I felt were appropriate for this posting. Enjoy! See you in the morning…

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

There is no unhappiness like the misery of sighting land again after a cheerful and carefree voyage. – Mark Twain

The Spanish Virgins are islands between St. Thomas and San Juan

Today many of the yachts will be shoving off for either charters or home ports to prepare for their charter season. This has allowed me to take it a bit slower today. While I was in the Yacht Haven Grande downloading the posting for last night’s Paradise Point Party, I ran into Captain Pierre and Chef Adele from Honiara I. They had spoken to me several times during the past few days and asked me to keep my ears open regarding any deals they might find in purchasing a Beneteau 51 so they could expand their charter capabilities this next season.

By keeping my ears tuned to conversations about yachts for sale, I kept hearing that there were yacht owners in Venezuela that were getting VERY nervous about Chavez nationalizing EVERYTHING in the next few months as he continues to want to be the next Castro in Latin America. Because of their fears, they want to liquidate as many of their assets as possible.

Margot Rose – a charter broker in St. Thomas, told me about a yacht in Venezuela that a friend of hers owned that was a great value at $150,000, that would likely sell for $75,000! (The typical yacht bargains are in April and May in Ft. Lauderdale after a new boat owner discovers that a season of sailing the Caribbean is WORK, and they want out.) I connected Pierre and Adele with Margot this morning at breakfast, but Margot shared with them that the boat had actually sold yesterday. (This is not the forum yet to discuss the ramifications to the Western Hemisphere of the mess that is going on in Venezuela.)

Late yesterday I rushed by yacht Blu Moon and only spent a moment with Captain Chris and First Mate Julie. So, after breakfast at my new favorite hangout, Wikked, I stopped by their yacht for an extended chat. I am so glad I did. They have chartered for over ten years and have been married for almost 25 years. They met in Kansas and the story is to long as to how they ended up in the Caribbean. What was most interesting to me was their favorite chartering area – the Spanish Virgin Islands.

I have seen them from the air when flying to the Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico, but I have never actually have sailed around them. The stories that unfolded let me know I have missed a very special part of the Caribbean the last 30+ years. And, the experiences they shared happened with their eyes gleaming and big smiles on their faces. They are passionate about the unspoiled beauty and very laid back style of the Spanish Virgins.

As I walked back down the Boat Show docks I waved to many new captains and crews that have been added to my list of Caribbean friends. One of those is Killian from ONDECK Ocean Racing. He was preparing one of the four racing yachts that were at the boat show providing daily match racing for the Charter Brokers. We sat and shared stories for a few minutes that focused on how some of the very best people we know are connected to sailing.

As we wondered why that was the case, I came back to the experiences I have had the last few days while mingling with courageous Captains and crews who are living their dreams everyday. You must be in a state of commitment to leave the comfortable “shore” of life – both figuratively and literally. You will never get to “new lands” standing on the shore and wishing you were there.

You must get in your “boat of life” and GO in order to have that happen. Everyday the captains and crews of yachts are demonstrating that commitment. It is very inspiring. As we were talking, Clive – one of the owners of ONDECK, stopped by for a bit of a chat. In the midst of our chat he realized I was the one doing the internet blog reporting for the Boat Show and asked if I would stop by their St. Thomas office in Havensight and speak with Pamela Busby – the actual manager of ONDECK, plus she is his darling sweetheart. How could I resist. (Hang with me on this posting. It is a bit long, but it will hopefully be worth the read.)

I took a stroll over to the ONDECK office and walked into to what appeared to be a sail loft. At first glance there was no one there. From the upstairs loft a voice said, “Welcome home!” It was Pamela, and she had no idea it is one of my favorite greetings. I looked up and smiled and asked if I could come up the loft stairs and join her in her office. She said, “Of course! They are around back.” The next hour that unfolded was another magical moment for me in the Caribbean.

What occurred were two strangers that actually happened to be old friends who had not seen each other in 40+ years. We started talking about the purposefulness of life and how no human connection is a coincidence – a life lived “on purpose”. So, since we were destined to meet today how could we create a spectacular experience in the time we had? That is exactly what happened. Not only did we explore the work required to participate in a purposeful life, but I discovered that Betsy, from “Betsy’s Bar” – the person I met and wrote about in my first posting for the Boat Show, is one of Pamela’s dearest friends.

I let her know that it was such a pleasure to share a dinner with Betsy on Tuesday night in Miami. She said that I really had no idea that I had spent an evening with one of the most special people in the Caribbean. I assured her that I was well aware of that fact because of the experience I had. Pamela wanted to know more about the power of blogging and it’s effect on getting you on the first page of Google or Yahoo!. I explained to her what I have learned and let her know that after you learn the “rules”, strategies always win over rules.

What I have been doing is the practicing of strategies and let her know how it could benefit ONDECK or really any business. There are many topics still waiting for Pamela, Clive and I to explore, but they will need to wait for another time – which there will be. Another magical Caribbean moment came to a close. The afternoon is young and there are more inspirational people to meet.

Plus, the Boat Show Pirate Party is tonight. My plane leaves tomorrow. I may need an ambulance to meet me at the San Francisco airport. See you soon…

Holy Moly! The Sun Kings and more from Paradise Point – St Thomas, USVI

The VICL boat show has been over-the-top for me as I am sure you can tell by my use of – Holy Moly – in my postings.

Well, Holy Moly, I fogot to attach some of the photos I had to my Paradise Point post, so I am doing so here.

First there is the shot of the Sun Kings. The Sun Kings kept it hoppin’, rockin’ & shakin’ all night long. What a tremendous time. Great tunes, food, libations and revelers. Throw in the fantastic view and you have a night to remember for a long, long time. Here is a link to Paul Dirk’s Facebook page.

Murray Pridham, CEO of Paradise Point – St Thomas Skyride next to a view that I should have caught a little earlier in the day when there was more light. But, HOLY MOLY – I was busy with people, food, drink and music. What an incredible environment Murray has helped to create.

A Flock Of Ducks Have Been Discovered At The Caribbean Boat Show

I am oblivious to the fanatical sports fans from Oregon that support all aspects of their Teams

So, I am minding my own business at the Yacht Haven Grande office logging in my latest posting today. A crusty Caribbean taps me on the shoulder and asks if I am Jim Walberg. I say “Yes” with a curious look on my face. He introduces himself as Dick Schoonover, the Charter Yacht Manager from CharterPort VI. The reason why this is of any note is because he and I have speaking and emailing each other for the past six months about my 60th birthday charter on Double Feature – a Lagoon 57 catamaran. (Remember, I posted a blog about the Cats taking over the Caribbean?)

It is rare that I meet in person the Charter Yacht Managers of any company since most of them are headquartered on the East Coast or in the Caribbean. His office is in Road Town, Tortola, and I found out that I have walked by it many times.

We start talking about all aspects of the charter business and for some reason he lets it slip out that he is an Oregon Duck. Well, I asked him if he saw their football game last week which catapulted them into the #2 spot in the BCS football rankings. He said, “Of course!” I told him that the odd part of this conversation is that I have never seen so many Oregon Ducks watching football games as I have seen at The Caribbean Saloon in Red Hook, St. Thomas. He said he was there last week. He pays $60 for a water taxi ride to Red Hook, St. Thomas from Tortola, BVI, in order to watch the Oregon games with all of his alumni friends who live in the Caribbean at that bar! It blew me away that there is a gaggle or a flock of Ducks all over the Caribbean and they are at The Caribbean Saloon on the weekends to cheer for their Oregon Ducks!

After that bizarre moment, I heard a rumor that there was a “cocktail” party on Clasship I. You remember that I mentioned them yesterday in my posting. They have one crazy crew headed up by Captain Simon. So, I wonder over to their BIG motor sailor and ask permission to come aboard. Holy Moly! They produced a great cocktail party with Phil, Neil, Debra, and Captain Simon pouring drinks and Chef Lisa handing out her world famous appetizers. It was a brilliant marketing idea because not only were the Charter Brokers on board, but many of the crews from other yachts were there, too.

Also, remember this is the yacht that cost about £3,000 a day to charter! I had a glass of Rosemont Cabernet/Merlot, and while I took my first sip I noticed an man who I learned was Gustavo Hamui – President of Blue World Yachts, smashing some limes in a glass with sugar with a BIG knife whose blade was in his hand. I immediately asked Chef Lisa if there was a first aide kit on board in case we needed a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. She said she was prepared, but all Gustavo was doing was preparing a Mojito for himself.

During my brief visit to the cocktail party I met Captain Greg and Chef Lana from La Dolce Vita – an Irwin 56” 6-Pax. They invited me to stop by and visit their yacht, so I did. What a lovely experience their guests will have! As I got back on the dock from visiting La Dolce Vita, Captain Chris and Chef Julie Bennett, from the yacht Blu Moon – a Beneteau 51 4-Pax, snagged me and suggested I might want to also check out their beautiful yacht. Again, this is a crew and a yacht that is not to be missed by one or two couples who want to explore the Caribbean in grand style.

I am on my way back home so I will stop at The Rum Hut to secure a taxi and to have my next to last cocktail of the evening. Amber is there to help me with taxi and to mix up a Voodoo Rum drink. I may need a nap before I head off the Paradise Point tonight for the Friday night Boat Show party. I will get back to you in a bit. Until then….

A Whole Different Caribbean Chartering Experience – Regatta Racing!

Forget about the laid back crewed charter if you love the excitement of competitive racing!

The Boat Show is open for business today.  Each evening the crews re-clean and polish their yachts for the next day’s inspections by the Charter Brokers.  After last night’s Governor’s reception there were some slow moving crews.  Not only do they present their yachts in their very best conditions,  but they also show off their cocktail skills and prepare an example of their finest on charter hor’doeuvres.  Again, if think it is an easy job to own and crew a charter yacht, you need to be with me for the past few days and see the attention to the details on which they focus.

The BIG deal today is a “race day” hosted by ONDECK – a brand new chartering concept.  ONDECK has purchased and fitted out a fleet of Beneteau 40.7s regatta racing yachts that can be chartered with a full crew so you can participate in any one of the Caribbean Regattas and actually be part of the excitement as a crew member.  They allow for opportunities to develop your racing skills, match racing, and entering any or all of the Caribbean Regatta Series.

ONDECK has up to four fully crewed racing yachts available for a match race on the waters of St. Thomas.  Killian is their representative at the Boat Show, so you can imagine I have enjoyed the conversations and the great concept they have created for serious yacht racers when they are not interested in owning their own $2.5 million racing yacht.  I overheard Killian speaking with one of the guest “crew” and let them know everyone would be dropping in $10 into the bucket and the winning yacht would split the pot.  What a great idea!  The competitive juices are starting to boil around the docks.

Two of the crewed racing charters that intrigued me are the International Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas and Antigua Sailing Week Regatta.  For 34 years, St. Thomas has been running this annual sailing regatta.  It starts Friday March 28, 2008 with three days of very competitive racing.  With new rating methods being implemented, the ’08 St. Thomas regatta promises to be an unforgettable experience.  Another major date for the yachtsman’s calendar, Antigua Sailing Week, is now in its 41st year.   It is scheduled for April 27 – May 3, 2008.  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 sportsmanlike but fierce contest in the blue Caribbean waters around Antigua.  Last year one of ONDECK’s chartered yachts took second place.  They hope to take the grand price in 2008 and you can be part of the crew!

I took a lunch break with Jason Kumpf from Raffles Tortola.  He joined me yesterday and has been meeting the same amazing characters I have, and is blown away by the charter community.  Jason has been on Tortola for about seven weeks and is continuing to expand his experience of the Caribbean as he prepares to launch the ultra-luxury resort at Lambert Bay.  He is off to Miami today for a few days off.  You will be hearing more about Jason over the next few months as we connect him up with our customers who want more information about this project.  A busy afternoon is awaiting me as I continue my Caribbean lifestyle detective work.  Until next time…

An opportunity for the Captains and crew to discuss ways to improve the Virgin Island tourist industry.

The preview of the charter fleet is closed for the day and I am headed back for a shower and to change into my “whites” for the Governor’s reception with Governor deJongh (right), Lt. Governor Francis, and Senator Hill.  Walking towards Havensight to find a taxi, I looked back at the fleet with the sun setting and snapped another example of why everyday is magic in the Caribbean.  The place to snag a taxi is at the Rum Hut, and the bartender, Megan, secures one for me.  The taxi driver, Joseph, picked Jason and me up, and I noticed a change of clothes in his Taxi.  It ended up that Joseph was going to stop by the Boat Show reception, too, in order to hear the Governor’s remarks.

I had told Shelly Tucker, the chairperson of the event, that I would volunteer to be a bartender at the reception so I could meet some more unforgettable characters.  Well, it worked.  Next to me were two guys, Kevin and Cheech, who had just opened The Tap Room, the second brewery in the U.S. Virgin Islands – St. John Brewers. ( A past posting had me visiting Fort Christiansen’s Brewery on St. Croix.)  They had an overwhelming response to their Virgin Islands Pale Ale.  My suspicions turned out correct.  I met a bunch of unforgettable characters and I ran into some of my new friends that I have met the past few days.  Holy Moly!  When the crews are not on charter they kick back and have fun! 

In the midst of serving drinks to the boat show crew and guests, I did have a moment with the three government officials and spoke about two questions I had prepared,  “What is the long term plan for creating a sustainable tourist economy in the U.S. Virgin Islands?”, and, “Is there any possibility that the “6-Pack” rule” will be changed in the near future which would greatly benefit the Charter industry?” It was a lively dialogue with each of the elected officials.  They are very concerned about how to sustain an economy that fluxuates with the ups and downs of the mainland economy.  ALL of the service businesses rely on visitors spending money on-island.  They have various ideas as to how to create an economic environment in the Virgin Islands that is so attractive that it will be hard to resist for tourists and investors no matter what the economic climate is on the mainland. 

The BIG issue for the charter industry is the “6-Pack” law.  The law states that no charter can begin in the U.S. Virgin Islands that has more than six guests.  This requires that the fleet of yachts that are able to accommodate more have to pick them up in a different country.  That country is almost always the British Virgin Islands, which allows more than six charter guests to be picked up from their ports. 

The impact on the charter fleet is a MAJOR expense for them to sail or motor to Tortola to pick up their guests instead of having them fly into Charlotte Amalie and walk right on to their yacht.  In addition, the loss of revenue to the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands is significant.  All of the 8-Pack charter guests spend all of their hotel, airport tax, taxi fares, restaurant fees before and after their charters in the BVI. 

I had an extended conversation with Lt. Gov. Francis and his wife Cheryl, and Senator Hill about this issue.  They clearly understand the problem and the hurdle they have in resolving it, is that the U.S. Federal government is the one imposing this law on the U.S. Virgin Islands.  So, as a protectorate they do not have much clout on Capital Hill to impact the law.

After the reception I decided to walk down the docks and breath in the salt air and saw that Clasship I was all lite up and having a party.  I didn’t stop by, but I snapped this photo.  Another day of interacting with some of the professionals I most admire – charter crews, has come to an end.  I will check with you in the morning.  A great day is planned tomorrow for the Boat Show.  Bacardi Rum is showing up for the Master Blender contest and there will be a BIG party for the participants at Paradise Point in the evening.  We will talk soon…

Never Judge A “Book” By It’s Cover In The Caribbean

From Simon Davies, to Lisa Mead, to Katy Bednar, to Big Mamma, to Jason Kumpf – all are equals in the Caribbean!

Simon Davies: He is the British captain of Clasship I and is one of the charter captains who is at the top of his game. Clasship I is considered one of the mega-yacht motor sailors. It sleeps 12, has a crew of five or more and cost almost £3,000 a day to charter. Simon is a Royal Yacht Association Yacht Master for both sail and power yachts. If you are the Captain of a yacht like Clasship I you are at the top of your game. His current crew of Phil, Debra, Lisa and Neil are in a similar category. Check out their website.

Lisa Mead: Executive Chef of Clasship I. Lisa is from Australia and comes to Clasship I with 15+ years of cooking experience on yachts ranging in size from 50 feet to 150 feet throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Australia. She was born in Malaysia, raised in Singapore which assisted her Asian Cuisine. Her cooking style also includes Mediterranean, Caribbean, Fusion, and Mexican. There is no way a charter will succeed without an unforgettable chef and Lisa is one of them.

Katy Bednar: She is the First Mate of Three Moons, a 72’ Ketch. Originally from Marblehead, Massachusetts, Katy Bednar always had a love for the ocean. After completing a major in Biology in 2005, she took a sailing trip down to the Virgin Islands with her family and the rest was history. After a season of crewing on another yacht she found Randy and Shelly who owned Three Moons. She was welcomed aboard without hesitation as their First Mate. Again, without some with the qualities of Katy as a First Mate, the charter experience is not complete. We discovered that her next adventure is to return to New England and become an orthodontist. Can you imagine the tales she will be able share with all of the patients?

Big Momma: If you want an unforgettable moment of shopping, stop by the Wikked Shack at Yacht Haven Grande and browse through the Wikked branded clothing with Big Momma. I just stopped by to take a look at their awesome baseball caps and before I knew it I had spent over $100 in clothing. When she handed me the credit card slip to sign there was a line for “tip”. I have never purchased clothing where a tip was suggested, but it didn’t seem to be odd with Big Momma. I left her a tip and she wrapped her arms around me and let me know that I needed to “divorce” Catherine – the manager of Wikked, and marry her. It was so confusing because I’m not sure who I am needing to pay alimony to – Catherine or Big Momma. I will sort it out over the next few days.

Jason Kumpf: Jason is the sales executive of Raffles Tortola - the ultra luxury resort development that is just starting it’s build-out at Lambert Bay, Tortola. I highlighted this full ownership resort project in one of my past blog postings. Jason decided to jump on a boat today and join me at the Boat Show. His entire career has been working with people of wealth, whether it was in money management in London to luxury developments all over the world. He is the go-to guy for those that have decided they want to own a piece of the Caribbean dream. We have a marketing agreement with Raffles that allows us to serve all of clients needs who are considering a purchase with any of the Raffles Resorts.

The reason I highlighted these five memorable people is because it is an example of how important each of them are to the Caribbean experience. Without each of them there would be something lacking in the total package of a charter sailing adventure. They are all required; captain, chef, first mate, retail sales person, and the resort executive. What a fun afternoon mingling with another group of unforgettable Caribbean characters! Until later…I will be meeting with the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands tonight for an interview.

Non-stop inspiration from courageous people following their dreams.

Where do I even begin today? A purposeful life continues to unfold at the Boat Show. I stopped by Wikked today for breakfast.

There was a woman waiting at the host desk waiting for a table to have a quiet breakfast. I asked her if she would mind if I joined her since I was also eating alone. Margot Rose is now on my growing list of courage people who do not stand on the shoring wishing they could see the world. She decided to change her life course in 1992 and has no regrets. She was the owner and captain of Southwinds for years before she sold her and opened her charter yacht vacation brokerage.

In 1992 Margot was deep into a very successful corporate career in Buffalo, New York. She had the opportunity to join a friend on a sailing vacation in the Grenadines that year, and decided to change her entire life direction. What she discovered is that she was a “sea turtle” who had been separated from the sea at birth and rediscovered that when she was on the water she was always at home. The manner in which she describes herself is “peculiar”. I would say she is one of the courageous few who follow their dreams. I look forward to when our paths cross again – which they will.

Victor Hugo aptly described this moment in his quote: “Each person should frame a life so that at some future hour their “fact” and their “dreaming” actually meet.”

My next stop was a moment with Captain Mike Calhoun of Southern Comfort – a Nautica 62 mono-hull. I am very familiar with this yacht because I got acquainted over the years with the previous owners, Mike and Sandy Lampe, and their son, Chris, who ended up being the Captain the last several years. Last year was Captain Calhoun’s first charter season as the new owner and he continues to deliver an unforgettable experience for his guests. Check out their website for more information.

I decided that there were so many yachts at the show that there was no way I would get to all of them. So, I had the bright idea of taking pictures of each of the boats and then go back and meet the captains and crew. Well, that idea lasted about ten minutes. When I took the picture of Honiara I – a mono-hull for one, two, or three couples, Adele Constantineau-Paré – the chef for Honiara I stepped off her yacht and asked if I had a moment to come aboard. How could I resist. She introduced me to her husband, Captain Pierre Boudreau and another amazing moment began.

The story that unfolded was of two French Canadians that had dreamed of sailing the world, and their “fact” and their “dreaming” had not yet met. Several years ago they decided to change that when they “practiced” a charter business on Lake Ontario. That single experience gave the confidence and courage to take the leap and see if they could create a business. The response from their first customers has already created a non-stop referral business. The experience they deliver to their clients is based on having them join Pierre and Adele for a week or more of sharing a sailing vacation with them. It was worked and they are have not looked back. Courage and having dreams come true seem to be a trend for this entire group of amazing professionals. I am off again to see what exciting experiences the day continues to bring.

Estate Maho Bay in St. John will soon become the largest expansion of the US Virgin Islands National Park in the last 50 years after its purchase was secured by a US conservation group.

The untouched tropical land will be handed off to the National Park Service during the next few years when the $19 million deal will be finalized. Its 419 acres hold ruins of colonial plantations and Indian village sites, making the preservation of the area vital to keeping the island’s physical history intact.

If negotiations for the property’s purchase hadn’t been completed by The Trust for Public Land, preservationists would have continued to fear that the untouched land might have turned into commercial developments. Unprotected parcels near the middle of the Estate Maho Bay had attracted numerous construction proposals over the years.

St. John is the smallest island in the USVI territories. Protecting whatever significant piece of land reminding us of the past is the least we could do for future generations.

- Joseph Natividad

The title of junior Tourism commissioner was up for grabs this weekend and V.I. high school students jumped at the opportunity.

Held last Saturday morning at the Legislative Conference Room in Frederiksted, the competition was aimed at introducing Caribbean youth to the important role that tourism plays in their region’s economic development. The position of junior Tourism commissioner is designed to inspire local teens to pursue a career in tourism and leadership positions.

No USVI student has ever won the contest – that is – until now. Kia Griffith of St. Croix Central High School impressed the panel of judges, which included Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty as moderator. The finalists of the competition were considered based on their vocal projection, their physical appearance and the appropriateness of their speech.

Griffith stood out among other competitors with her vision of promoting the Caribbean as health-and-wellness vacation spot and was the only student who opposed a hassle-free entrance into the USVI. Referencing 9/11, she said that “We should not let our guard down.”

- Joseph Natividad

image courtesy of The VI Daily News