This law states that a charter yacht vacation that has more than six guest cannot begin their voyage from the U.S. Virgin Islands!

You remember that last November at the Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show in St. Thomas, I was asked to be the internet reporter for the event.  Because taking on this fun and challenging task I had the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with some wonderful people within the charter yacht industry and several of the USVI elected government leaders; Gov. deJongh and his wife, Lt. Gov. Francis and his wife, and Senator Hill.  My last blog posting was about a letter I received from Gov. deJongh last week responding to a letter I sent to him about the Six-Pack law and how it may be time to have it changed.  One of the people at the show that I met was the chairperson for the show, Shelly Tucker - co-owner of the charter yacht Three Moons.  She immediately jumped on the band wagon regarding how to invite the government officials to address the Six-Pack law.  Below is the letter that I referred to in my blog that Shelly wrote and I edited.  IT IS A LONG LETTER,  BUT ONE THAT I BELIEVE YOU WILL FIND VERY INTERESTING.  Today, the results of this law are causing a BIG loss of income to the USVI because any charter yacht vacation with over six guests now picks them up in the British Virgin Islands - about 20 minutes away from American Yacht Harbor in St. Thomas.  ALL of those tourist dollars are spent in the BVI - hotels, restaurants, etc.  We are hoping that finally the USVI government administration will take this project on and get it repealed.  We welcome your input to these government officials by encouraging them to assist with this important issue.

To:  Governor Of The United States Virgin Islands - June 2008

Dear Governor John deJongh, Jr.

Thank you for your reply concerning the strategies to modify the “six-passenger rule”.  According to our files, the last time a position paper was written concerning this law was in 1994. The paper stated that the charter yacht industry contributed well over $100 million dollars to the U.S. Virgin Islands local economy. By 1993, the figure had fallen to below $30 million. The figure was further reduced after Hurricane Marilyn in 1995. Anecdotal evidence supports this contention. In June 1998, an article was published in the Daily News with the following quotes: Judy Knape, former director of the Virgin Island Charter Yacht League, said,  “The organization had 80 members in 1998. In 1991, the figure stood at 102, and in the mid-1980’s, it was over 204.”  Kathy Mullen, who at the time was the head of the Virgin Islands Marine Industry Association stated, “Within the last five years, the number of businesses that support the marine industry, such sail makers and those providing services to the yachts has dropped by 25 percent.”

In 2001 an official meeting was held with charter yacht captains, charter clearinghouse representatives, and the U.S Coast Guard officials on St. Thomas.  Lt. Kevin Smith of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment agreed to try to identify acceptable safety equivalents to regulations concerning passenger vessels to allow previously un-inspected charter yacht vessels to obtain Certificates of Inspection, increasing the guest capacity from six to 12 passengers. Since there has been such an expanse of time since the last attempt at changing the six-passenger law, we must begin again with renewed efforts to bring this to the consciousness of the decision makers who can re-draft it in a manner that meets all the needs of those who are being negatively impacted.

Despite being designed and constructed to accommodate a larger group of overnight guests, many luxury charter yachts classified as “un-inspected small passenger vessels” are currently restricted by the Passenger Safety Act of 1993 to a six-passenger maximum while operating in U.S. waters, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. In order to carry more than six passengers on charters within U.S. waters, vessels must obtain a Certificate of Inspection, which verifies compliance with the Passenger Vessel Safety Act.

Most of the high-end charter yachts in the League cannot meet the Certificate of Inspection criteria without major structural changes, as well as some equipment and systems refits in order to comply with specs written primarily for passenger ferries and other commercial vessels.  The luxury charter yacht industry as we know it today didn’t exist on the same scale at the time the rules were written.

The inspection issue is not about just compromising passenger safety standards.  It’s about financial viability of the charter yacht industry, and the impact this law has on the tourist revenue to the USVI.  The intent is to identify “acceptable safety equivalences”.  We would like to emphasize that this is an interim step in a multi-level process that will require coordination between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C., as well as Coast Guard officials to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations involving licensing requirements, structural and equipment equivalents.

 The Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League would like to call for a multi-pronged approach to return the St. Thomas charter industry to a semblance of it’s former self and again become a major contributor to the revenue of the USVI:

• Negotiate with the federal government and the U.S. Coast Guard to change the six-passenger maximum rule to allow yachts to pick up as many passengers as they have berths. (Such as in the BVI)
• Allow charter yachts not based in the USVI to do a reasonable number of pickups each year without licenses. The BVI currently allows seven pick-ups each year for yachts not based in their area. This would encourage yachts working up and down the Leeward and Windward chain of islands to pick up guests in the USVI. .
• Provide tax incentives for yachts based in the USVI.
• Increased advertising of the local charter industry through the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.  
• Have the USVI become more yacht-charter friendly for the benefit of all aspects of the USVI economy.

There are many positive,  supporting facts which strengthen the need to change the six passenger law in the U.S. Virgin Islands:

• Since 1997, the production of luxury yachts 80 feet and above has more than tripled. In 2005, there was a staggering 28% increase in new luxury yachts being built!
• In 1993, the world had fewer than 700 privately owned yachts over 100 feet. Today an estimated 7,000 large yachts are in use!
• Aside from the high entry cost of buying a large yacht, there are tax incentives and advantages to further fuel the desire of owning and providing a yacht for charter.
• Yacht chartering now tops the list of the most popular and most expensive activity for people with a net worth of more than $10 million US.
• According to a survey by Prince & Associates for Elite Traveler magazine, summer holiday spending in 2007 was up 56% from 2005. They attributed majority of the jump in spending toward chartering private yachts - most of which occurred in the Caribbean.  
• Annually, charter yachts in the U.S. Virgin Islands will spend between $20,000 US and up to $200,000 US in provisioning and fuel depending on the size of the vessel.  This does not include the added revenue to the businesses of the USVI from the charter yacht guests who book hotels, restaurants, and shop within the USVI.

The entire VICL Board of Governors is willing to work with you to assist in changing the six-passenger law. Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League mission is to improve the crewed yacht charter business in the U.S. Virgin Islands through public relations, advertising and promotion. Our members stand ready to help you and the USVI Government to restore a “level playing field” and return fair competition between the USVI based charter yacht fleet and our neighboring island/nations. We are truly appreciative of your assistance, and welcome any further questions or comments.

 Sincerely,    Shelly Tucker, VICL Secretary

Until next time…your Caribbean life-style reporter remains on duty!

From:  United States Virgin Islands Governor John deJongh, Jr.      Date:   July 9, 2008

I sent a correspondence to Gov. John deJongh, Jr. a week or so ago and asked for his input as to what his administration is doing to address the challenges of several airlines cutting back their flights to the Caribbean by 40% when tourist visits to the Caribbean have set new records last year - 15 million.  I first met Gov. deJongh at the 2007 Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show in St. Thomas where he was a featured speaker addressing the economic health of the Caribbean.  Here is his letter in response to my correspondence last week.  I sincerely thank Gov. deJongh for his, and his administration’s proactive actions in creating a dynamic economy for the USVI focused on the tourist industry who loves visiting Paradise.

Dear Mr. Walberg, 

Thank you for taking the time to share your views on what is a very important issue. As you rightfully mention, tourism numbers have been steady, in fact they have been increasing, while flight service from two major airlines serving the Territory has been cut. My Administration, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and the Virgin Islands Port Authority, has been targeting markets worldwide with special packages and incentives to attract new and returning travelers to the Territory; this includes European and other international markets. European travelers, in particular, are encouraged to travel to “America’s Caribbean” as they are able to enjoy a favorable return on the exchange rate. Keeping this in mind, we are also working diligently with other Caribbean nations through the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel Association to forge the relationships that enable our placement as a favored Caribbean destination location for travelers from the mainland United States and globally.

Additionally, our collaborative efforts have recently made possible the increased flight service of other, low cost airlines to the region. This added service will allow visitors’ increased flexibility in their travel plans and highlights the continued commitment of the Department of Tourism and the Virgin Islands Port Authority in working cooperatively to offer incentives for travelers to the Territory.  

Also, thank you for attaching the January 7, 2008 correspondence from Ms. Shelly Tucker, VICL Secretary.  (This was a letter addressing the “six-pack” law which is negatively impacting the charter boat industry and the tourist dollars that the USVI lose because of this outdated law.)  Unfortunately, I had not previously received this letter which responded to my December 2007 correspondence.  I have forwarded this letter to the Commissioner of Tourism for her analysis and our later discussion on execution.  Needless to say, the charter yacht industry is a key component in our package of offerings and its protection and growth is a central focus of my Administration.

Thank you once again for providing your views and for your efforts to raise awareness on these important issues.

Sincerely,
John P. de Jongh, Jr.,
Governor - United States Virgin Islands

I welcome your comments on Gov. deJongh, Jr.’s remarks.  I will pass them on to the Governor’s office.  Until next time…your Caribbean life-style detective continues to be on-duty.

Not only are they full-steam ahead at Raffles Tortola, but they are now on Anguilla!

You remember when I solved the mystery last September of what was happening at Lambert Bay, Tortola?  Raffles Tortola is full-steam ahead in its progress to complete the 250 Raffles Residences of luxury villas, casitas, condominiums and estate lots available for ownership on 50 acres of beach front property. 

What I learned last week from my friend, Jason Kumpf - one of the marketing guys for their project, they are about to launch another BIG project on Anguilla in partnership with the Fairmont Resort group.  The Fairmont luxury residence clubs and resorts is one of the key world players in 5-star Residence Clubs, and the one they have planned for Anguilla is an amazing example of their commitment to excellence.

A side note about Jason…remember, he joined me for a few days at the Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show last November when I was doing the internet reporting for the event.  He had only been in the Caribbean for a few months and it was a great opportunity for him to see the Caribbean that I know and love. During our conversation last week he said;

“Well, after living in the BVIs for the past few months I have had many FIRSTS; sailing on a catamaran; visiting my first Caribbean charter boat show with you in St. Thomas; Foxy’s  for New Years; and, waking up each day and taking a walk on a soft coral sand secluded beach. I now realize that the Caribbean really IS paradise.  The land that so many people have written about for thousands of years, that so many have searched for, it is here, where the air is so clean and refreshing it is nurturing for the body, and where the water is so clear and inviting, its nourishing for the soul.

I have found the character of BVI is my favorite Caribbean spot, with an understated elegance that attracts the few discerning people fortunate enough to visit here. It is populated with professionals, the fasted growing off-shore trust industry, and the second largest off-shore domicile in the world. And, of course, the green mountains that cover the interior that seem to flow right into the turquoise waters melting into the beautiful Caribbean sunsets! Yes, this IS truly paradise.” 

Anguilla has been defined as a “sanctuary”, Fairmont Anguilla takes it to a completely new level. Their marketing material for this new project states, “It’s a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Ease and sophistication. Refined adventure. And, an innate sense of well-being permeate the community. From beach visits and spa treatments to snorkeling and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf, relaxation will be the order of the day with unpretentious client services.”                                                                                                                           
I will keep you posted as to more details about Fairmont Anguilla as they are available.  Until next time…

Late last July I began to inform the World about my passion for the Caribbean…

WOW! Yesterday I received a call from Marisa Katz who is doing an article for the London Financial Times regarding what is happening in the Caribbean real estate market, specifically in The Turks & Caicos. I asked her why she called me for this information. She stated that my Caribbean Islands Realty blog site, that I launched the last week of July, was viewed as one of the most credible and easy to read blogs in the Caribbean! I have to tell you that I was blown away.

You know that I have been hanging out in the Caribbean since 1975, sailing and participating in the real estate markets of the Virgin Islands. I still have much more to discover, but I DO know the Caribbean – from the Turks & Caicos to Aruba. And, I have my “shellback” earring as a symbol of sailing across the equator. All I am doing with this blog site is being a “…citizen journalist noticing what is going on in the world in which I live, work and play.”

My original intent with this blog site was to learn how to implement what I learned from the books “The New Rules Of Marketing & PR” by David Meerman Scott, and “Influencer – The Power To Change Anything”, by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. My thoughts last July were to learn the rules and strategies of blogging on a site that no one would really notice, and then implement the strategies with my San Francisco real estate company. My game plan was to really focus on the Caribbean in about five years. However, the world discovered what I was writing about regarding the Caribbean, and the power of blogging surfaced in such a dramatic way that it has launched our Caribbean real estate business five years early!

Since late July we have signed over 15 marketing agreements with international Caribbean real estate developers who are creating full-deeded and fractional-deeded ownership properties. The access that has been created in the Caribbean for me with influential elected Caribbean officials, and the Caribbean sailing community has been amazing. Because of this access I did the internet reporting on my blog site for the Virgin Island Charter League’s 33rd Annual Boat Show in St. Thomas, USVI. That experience allowed me to interview Gov. deJongh, Lt. Gov. Francis, and Senator Hill from the USVI.

During those interviews I was able to introduce them to one of the key issues facing the charter yacht community – the U.S. law that limits the number of charter yacht guests that can be picked up from the USVI to six guests. If there are more than six charter guests they need to be picked up on some other island – 99% of them are picked up in the BVI. This issue alone robs the USVI of all the money spent by charter guests being picked up in the BVI for hotels, taxis, restaurants, souvenirs, etc. If the USVI were allowed to have charter yachts pick up seven or more guests it would significantly increase the tourist dollars spent in the USVI! Each of these elected officials listened to my opinions and are now in negotiations with the Virgin Island Charter League to see how this law can be changed – a very specific example of the POWER of blogging!

Who would have ever dreamed that this “Old Salty Dog” at 60 years old would ever be noticed by anyone in the Blogisphere? See…there is hope for all of us who are willing to notice what is happening in the worlds we are living and working in, and putting our experiences into writing. Until next time…Comments?

Let our lives be entertaining.

What do you say?  Lets all commit to at least an entertaining life. OK?  Some further perspectives from the Caribbean have to do with the Captain and the crews of the charter fleet who get up each morning with a huge task of creating unforgettable experiences everyday for their guests.  As I mentioned in an earlier blog posting about the tough job of Captains and crews,  they are the cowboys of the Caribbean Sea.  Captain Chris from Blu Moon sent me this email today.  There was no other message other than this quote.  Enough said.  Enjoy!

“Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intent of arriving safely, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”

Jason Kumpf from Raffles Tortola sends in his experience at the Boat Show

I spoke with Jason Kumpf, one of the key marketing people for Raffles Tortola at Lambert Bay. You remember the two postings I had in September about this eco-friendly ultra-luxury resort that is being developed at this gorgeous tropical paradise on the back side of Tortola, BVI? Our company is one of the representatives of this project to our worldwide clientele. Here are some of his thoughts about attending the Boat Show last week

“I heard about the Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show from Jim Walberg, a recent business partner, and now a dear friend. Besides the beautiful Yacht Haven Grande at Charlotte Amalie,, and the manner in which their staff delivered memorable customer service every day, and the amazing charter boat fleet, the “people” are the real story of the Boat Show.

From the local people I met, like Big Mama, to the captains and crew, like Captain Simone from Clasship I, to the USVI Governor, Lt. Governor, and Senator, to Jim Walberg. The “people” always create the extraordinary experience, plus Jim is a unique part of that group of Caribbean “stars”.

To give you a perspective on Jim that I gained over the two days I spent with him at the Boat Show, you need to know that what you see is merely the surface of a very deep and thoughtful person. In order for you to understand why he is incredibly outgoing, upbeat and the wise person he is, you must understand that he has lived and died four times in the past three years. Literally died!

I can’t fully comprehend the experience of being resuscitated even once, but I can fully appreciate the state of mind in which a survivor like Jim is in everyday. He is a survivor of prostate cancer. He had ulcerative colitis in such a severe way that his colon and rectum were fully removed. He also had several additional major health issues that showed up because of the battering and beating his body took over a two year period of time – having a ten and half hour surgery to repair heart damage from these events, water on the brain, shingles, and a gall bladder that blew up.

So, do you understand why each moment is a blessing for Jim, and he shares those blessing with everyone he meets. He gives everyone he meets permission to recognize their own blessing which is actually calledl their daily lives. Jim, thanks for the insights, and see you soon on-island! I thought I was spending time with a Realtor representing properties worldwide. What I discovered was how to look at life in a much different manner.”

Jason Kumpf – Raffles Tortola

Shelly Tucker from the yacht Three Moons finally is regaining her voice and has logged in.

Shelly’s Comments: I’ve finally had a couple of days to breath and have begun the process of sending formal “Thank You’s” to everyone that attended the show. (I still haven’t fully regained my voice!) Jim, thanks so much for your personal support of VICL and the 33rd Annual Show with your Internet reporting! The wave of excitement is continuing to carry us on to more positive projects for the local marine industry in the Caribbean.

The grand opening of the 33rd Annual Charter Boat Show, in my mind, was like unwrapping a long awaited present. I never dreamed when I contacted Governor John deJongh, Lieutenant Governor Francis R. Gregory, Senator Lewis Hill, Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson Doty, and West Indies Corporation’s President Edward Thomas, that they would not only attend and speak at the Boat Show, but also stay and enjoy the festivities on Thursday night that was in their honor.

The island is still buzzing with the news of the success of the first show at Yacht Haven Grande. Media releases are being typed, the best photos from the show are being collected & chosen for release and our thoughts are already turning towards the planning for next year’s Boat Show.

Yacht Haven Grande has already given their formal approval for hosting the show next year! Ken Criswell, Island Global Yachting Caribbean Regional Manager, Marina Manager Kristin Fritz and Derrick Franklin have all given their approval to proceed with planning for the 2008 show. We need to finalize the dates with the BVI Charter Yacht Society; but right now, it looks like it’s going to be November 10th, 11th and 12th of 2008. Announcements will be made soon to the Charter Leagues and the Charter fleet.

I feel we’ve developed a good working relationship with Yacht Haven Grande with respect and trust for each other. With the feedback we are receiving from the show attendees, we should be able to easily surpass this year’s event in size and scope of creating three days that deliver value to all attendees.

Everyone at Yacht Haven Grande was wonderful to work with. Their professionalism and willingness to jump in there and help get the job done was much appreciated. They worked hard to facilitate a good experience for everyone. Many of the yachts had not docked at the marina before. It can be nerve wracking docking at a new marina; but not at Yacht Haven Grande! They were completely smooth and efficient! All the restaurants did a beautiful job of making sure that our show attendees were well fed and happy. Excellent service at a world class marina is what Yacht Haven Grande is all about and they exceeded everyone’s expectations!

I suppose the funniest thing was simply seeing all our friends and brokers that we’ve known for many years go all out with their costumes for the Pirate Party! It was amazing to see so much “Piracy Participation”!

I really enjoyed seeing how many yacht crews and brokers attended the seminars hosted by the West Indies Corporation. One of the requests that we had from everyone this year was to “educate us”! The wine seminars, rum seminars with the Bacardi Ambassador, and the marine related seminar hosted by lawyer Mike Fitzsimmons were well attended. They all had great reviews!

Michael Fitzsimmons, the local Virgin Island admiralty and maritime attorney, and former charter boat skipper and dive instructor, spoke about several unique aspects of maritime law including maritime liens, insurances issues, and common causes of lawsuits against vessels and owners. He took questions from the audience concerning liability waivers and limitation of liability laws. The attendees of this seminar raved about the information provided.

One of the members of the VICL Board of Governors happened to be on a plane full of charter yacht brokers departing St. Thomas. He reported that the brokers were ecstatic with the success of the show and cannot wait to come back for next years event – the 34th Annual VICL Boat Show! Just wait ’til you see the events we are planning for next year’s show! It will blow your socks off. ( You know Jim, I don’t remember ever seeing you with socks on – ever! )

Shelly Tucker – Yacht Three Moons

33rd Annual Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show – a post-event perspective

I never dreamed what I committed to do with four postings a day for this event.

A blogger is a citizen journalist writing about things he/she observes. Last week, I attended the VICL 33rd Annual Charter Boat show, not as a charter yacht broker, but as an internet blog reporter with a commitment to deliver four postings a day. My task was to find four interesting stories a day to write about and add photos to the posting. I had no idea what I had committed to because I had never written more than four blog postings a week. It was like being a newspaper reporter with four deadlines a day! I needed to have my creative antennas out at all times in order to see if I could come up with a new angle on the events that were unfolding at the Boat Show.

In the process of creating the postings, I took over 400 photos in four days. The photos were also a BIG part of the inspiration of each of the postings. By the end of the second day of the boat show a momentum began to surface of the participants recognizing who I was and what I was doing. Everyday I passed out my business cards and letting people know that I was posting about the boat show on www.CaribbeanIslandsRealty.com . What gained momentum were the number of people who wanted me to interview them and take their photos so they could be on the internet. Hopefully, I did not disappoint the participants in the show.

I like to focus on the service providers of any even environment – restaurant wait staff, bar tenders, yacht marina service people, volunteers, etc. That aspect of my postings turned out to be some of the most fun. Because of allowing this group of people to participate in my work, I always was able to get a table at a restaurant and to get a seat at the bars.

The governor, lieutenant governor, and a senator of the Virgin Islands were at the opening reception for the show. Because I was doing the internet interviews, they were glad to participate and answer my interview questions. It allowed me access to these important policy makers for the Virgin Islands that I would have never had if I was just a charter yacht broker for the show. The savvy marketing people and public figures clearly understand the power of the internet and they want and need the exposure.

Another observation is that if a person opens up their consciousness to having “magic” happen each day, it will happen. Remember in my first posting of the boat show it was about my flight being canceled because of mechanical difficulties? It caused me to spend the night in Miami instead of St. Thomas. I allowed my brain to stay open to having that event be OK because it meant there was someone(s) for me to meet. I met Betsy and Marques. Also keeping my brain open I met Bill Tait while he was checking his email at Yacht Haven Grande. Bill emailed me the quote that encouraged him during his first few months in the Caribbean from Mark Twain. I met Megan and Amber at the Rum Hut as they called taxis for me each night. I met Catherine, the manager of Wikked Restaurant & Bar. I met Big Momma who sold the hats and t-shirts for all of the businesses at Yacht Haven Grande – and so on, and so on. These are the people who help create the “Caribbean experience”.

A final observation about the last five days is the “viral marketing” that occurred because of one person telling another person, and another person about my blog, which resulted in visitors from 16 different countries in the past few days. I never ever dreamed that the “viral marketing” aspect of blogging was so powerful. All of the results from this blogging marathon would not have been possible if it had not been for my Blogging Coach, John Harper. He worked behind the scenes as I sent him my articiles and photos, and then he would transform them into postings that resulted into something that made sense and created continuity on my internet site. I am grateful for the services that John delivered to this project. I have still not fully downloaded on all the events of the past five days, but as I sort things out I will let you know more of my discoveries. Until next time…

Now it is show time for the charter fleet and their awesome service providers!

I am struggling to find a way to put closure to the magical experiences and people mingled with at the 33rd Annual VICL Charter Boat Show. The past four days have seemed like a month of memories. In fact, that is probably true. None of this would have been possible without all of the awesome service providers that most people never notice. So, maybe I should conclude this blog posting project acknowledging as many of them as I can remember. I already seek the forgiveness of those that I miss mentioning. ( If I forget to mention your name, email me so I can correct the blog posting and include you. Bur first – check out the next post which will be a slide show of the entire event!:)

• American Airlines and their awesome crews. If my plane leaving Miami for St. Thomas on Tuesday evening had not broken down I would have missed out on meeting Betsy, from Betsy’s Bar, and Marques from VI EcoTours. On flight 672 out of St. Thomas to Miami, for a moment I was able to stand at the door and say to the arriving passengers, “Welcome to American Airlines! You are about to have an unforgettable flying experience!” The first class crew was Silka and Kathy who let me have this moment of fun and fame. The first class crew on flight 1780 - Tammy, Eddie, and Julie, had their hands full with challenges of small mechanical problems and having too many first class guests asking for their chicken dish and running out of it. They demonstrated what professionals are all about. About a half hour into the flight out of Miami we were told to look out the left side of the aircraft so we could see the launch of the space shuttle. (Holy Moly! I still am in awe of space stuff because I think it is magic.) Thank you American!
• American Airlines Admiralty Club: During my long layover in Miami on Tuesday and my long layover flying home, the Admiralty Club took great care of me. One of the stars was Barb, aka, “Barbwire”. Thank you! ( By the way, her husband, Murphy, owns Contractor Shutter Supply in St. Thomas – (340) 776-6654.) I also met David McBride from International Utility Specialist. ( He lives in St. Thomas with his company HQ in Iowa. He also is good friends with Betsy and recently played golf with her husband, Tom. Go figure.)
• Shelly Tucker and the VICL Board of Governors who produced the show get a standing ovation. It was one of the best VICL Boat Shows in YEARS! Congratulations.
• Charter Yacht Brokers: This is the group from all over the country who work so hard throughout the year to fill up all the charter fleet with wonderful customers. Thank you!
• Yacht Haven Grande was my first impression of the Boat Show. The show would not have happened without their highly professional and kind staff. They opened their doors to me and allowed me to come and go as if I was one of their team as I wrote and posted 14 blogs about the Boat Show. Some of the their Team that come to mind are Christina, Jennifer, Christine, Sherry, Bernard, and Derick. Plus, their office is where I met my new friend, Bill Tait while he was checking his email at the computer next to me. Thank you!
• The Charter Fleet Crews: The Captains are the giants of the sea, but without a First Mate, Chef, Steward, and even a 4th Mate which is the title I take anytime I am a crew member, there would be no “Crewed” charter experience. Thank you all!
• ONDECK: They provided four racing yachts and crews for match races everyday for the Charter Brokers and their guests. It was FREE! What a thrill crew member Killian and Johnny, plus many others gave the Boat Show introducing them to a fabulous new chartering opportunity. Thank you, Pamela and Clive for setting this up!
• Wikked: This was my kitchen and bar away from home. Every meal I had throughout the Boat Show was at Wikked. Here are some of the staff that gave me TLC with every visit; Patricia, Norma, Sha Sha, Romona, Johnny T, Big Momma, and the manager and my special Caribbean lady, Catherine! Thank you all!
• Paradise Point: The party they threw for the Boat Show was amazing and it would not have been possible without Murray’s staff of professionals like James, Tony, Elroy, and, most importantly, Chef Alicia.
• Rum Hut: Thank you Megan and Amber for introducing me to a Voodoo Rum and for calling a taxi for me at the end of each day. You are why I met Joseph my favorite taxi driver. Thank you both!
• St. John Brewers: The Governors reception on Thursday night required many volunteer bar tenders, and Kevin and Cheech from St. John Brewers. In addition, Chrystie and Stacey from the Yacht Haven Grande food and beverage staff were called to duty at the last minute at the cash bar. They did not get all the tips typical of this event because there was also a free bar. So, all of you that put money in the tip jar anyway, thank you, too.

As I mentioned, there are MANY others that need to be thanked who were also the service providers for the Boat Show, for all of those who used the airlines to get their, and who will be delivering an unforgettable experience all year for the charter guests who discover this vacation opportunity of a life time. It has been my pleasure to share the Boat Show with all of you. My next stop is San Francisco where I will need an ambulance to pick me up and take me directly to a detox center so I get the Caribbean rum from taking over the rest of my red blood cells. Thanks for sharing the experience of the 33rd Annual Virgin Islands Charter League Boat Show with me each day! There is magic in the air if you just pay attention. Fair winds to all of you! Until next time…

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