I’m thrilled today to welcome CharterWave’s newest sponsor: Virgin Island Sailing.

The Florida-based company is run by Tom DeMartine, who is not just a member of the professional organization CYBA International but who also has served as its Ethics Committee chairman for quite some time. That’s what I call reputable in the charter yacht industry–and it makes V.I. Sailing the kind of sponsor I am proud to have here on CharterWave.

Tom’s company is home to several brokers who serve different kinds of charter clients. Melody Delgado is the bareboats expert on staff, Gail Hartman consistently books more crewed yachts in the Virgin Islands than any other charter broker, and Tim Nelson in the Seven Seas division handles all megayacht charters on boats 100 feet and larger. Whatever kind of charter you want, V.I. Sailing has an expert who can book it.

I encourage you to check out the company’s new sponsored page here on CharterWave, not just because it’s a good company, but also because it’s our first sponsored page to feature a blog as well as video. V.I. Sailing is an Internet-savvy company, and DeMartine has decided to make use of all the advanced features we offer our sponsors.

The page is pretty darn cool, just like this company. I couldn’t be happier to have their support, and I hope you will check out all the services they offer.

The weather has been superb in Fort Lauderdale this winter.  A close friend who lives in Boston just spent a week with me.  Her mantra for the week- “ No wonder you live here…”.  
And there is reason for you to come to visit too.  The Annual Miami In Water Boat Show will be held from February 14-18.  There are always  a good selection of charter yachts in the show.
Cone, let me escort you!   
I’ll guarantee the good weather!   

I received an e-mail yesterday from Nicholson Yachts, congratulating the crew onboard the 62-foot sailing yacht Conundrum. It seems that Capt. Jonny Spector and chef Meredith Hester’s Christmas guests had such a good time onboard in the Grenadines last month that they have already booked a second charter onboard for Christmas 2008.

That’s right: These folks booked their next charter nearly a year in advance, simply to ensure that they would have exactly the yacht they want.

It’s a valuable insider tip. While there are usually some last-minute charter yacht deals available any time of the year, the people “in the know” who have chartered before tend to book the most popular dates (Christmas, August school break) at least a year in advance. The best charter yachts book up quickly, always.

If you’re noodling over the idea of a possible yacht charter vacation with your family a year from now to celebrate the Christmas or New Year’s holidays, consider contacting a reputable charter broker to get the process started today, just as the repeat clients onboard Conundrum have already done.