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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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