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…