If you have not yet seen our newsletter, CHARTER CHATTER, you don’t know what you are missing.  It comes out every two months and is chock full of useful and interesting information.  A good question that recently came in to our Sailgirl was, “Can you bring your pet along on a BVI charter?”  The BVI is a rabies free territory and in order to protect against the spread of this disease, they have very specific regulations that are strictly adhered to and enforced.  Your dog or cat will be only be permitted entry into the BVI accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate issued by the Veterinary Authority in the country of origin.  Even with that certificate, your pet will be placed in quarantine for a period between 3-6 months.  Therefore, for a normal charter of 1-2 weeks—leave your pet at home! (Click to go to our Charter Chatter Archive.)

Don’t despair, however.  If you must have an animal around you, the perfect charter yacht is Phaedrus, a 50′ sloop.  Phaedrus is perfect for the ultimate pleasure trip for any couple.  A spacious salon with a large teak dining table makes formal dinner elegant.  Meals served aboard are prepared from a varied menu to your particular tasts by your personal chef.  The guest cabin is forward with an en suite shower and head.  There is a queen size berth along with a sitting area and plenty of storage.  There is also ample floor space to move around without that crowded feeling.  The crew’s quarters with separate shower and head are aft, giving guests total privacy.  Charles Swaim and Leslie Jones are the owner-operators of the yacht and together have sailed over 50,000 sea miles.  A gypsy at heart, Charles holds a US Coast Guard 100 ton masters license.  He has a lifelong love of cooking and cuisine.  Leslie loves animals, nature and the sea. She is delighted to share what she has learned about the wildlife of the Caribbean.  The third member of the crew is Lila, a tabby cat adopted from the St. Thomas Humane Society.  She has almost as many sea miles as Charles and Leslie.  She is a “people cat” and will entertain you by chasing pelicans or curling up next to you.  She is also somewhat of a celebrity.  The children’s book, Lucy and the Busy Boat, by Liam O’Donnell, is about a cat that lives on a boat.  At the back of the book is the profile of a real cat that lives on a real boat…Lila.  Phaedrus is the perfect yacht for one couple.  And if you are on a honeymoon, she offers a wonderful package!  Click to learn more about the charter yacht Phaedrus.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization is holding its fourth annual tourism human resources conference on May 21-23, which will be held in the British Virgin Islands this year.  The three day conference focuses on issues impacting the human resource function and imparts new knowledge for leadership and management skills within the tourism environment.  The topics to be covered are for front desk personnel, supervisors, workers in the hospitality industry and those who have direct interaction with tourists.  Over 100 delegates from throughout the Caribbean will be present.

For a gem of a yacht that needs no improvements, I would like to introduce you to Sea Pearl, a Hylas 54 sloop.  She underwent a major refit in 2005 to prepare her for luxury charter.  She is luxurious and elegant from bow to stern, from her finely proportioned flag blue hull to her beautiful and spacious air conditioned teak interior to her 2 sumptuous staterooms with king size beds.  Sea Pearl is outfitted with all the latest systems and amenities to make your Caribbean charter vacation a dream come true, including separate stall showers, en-suite bathrooms, two 2-person sea kayaks, floating mattresses, snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, flatscreen tvs, a hammock on deck, and much more.  Captain Vlad is a Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster and PADI Dive Master.  Sea Pearl is privately owned and maintained to the highest standards by Captain Vlad.  Although this yacht is usually available with Captain only, arrangements can be made for a fully-crewed charter with captain and gourmet chef upon your request.  She is available for very limited and exclusive charter.  With the natural beauty of the BVI, it does not get any better than this.  Click to learn more about the Sea Pearl charter yacht.

The tiny island of Anguilla is a short sail from St. Martin.  In case you do not know the history of Anguilla, here is the short version.  In 1967, Britain lumped Anguilla with St. Kitts and Nevis and made them an  autonomous state.  Although it was convenient for the British Colonial Office, Anguillans were dead set against this because being much smaller than St. Kitts and Nevis, they ended up with the short end of the stick when it came to benefits, etc.  They wanted to remain with England.  The tiny island decided to take matters into their own hands, and invade St. Kitts.  Aided by two American mercenaries, the invasion was a complete fiasco, but St. Kitts decided they really did not want to mess with Anguilla.  Several Americans thought up fancy schemes to help Anguilla finance their island.  In 1969,the British government mistakenly thought the island had been taken over by the Mafia and invaded the island, only to be met by several goats and small boys.  Extremely embarrassed, the British gave Anguilla what they wanted—British administration.  Now, Anguillan legislators have stepped up their call for Britain to grant the island full internal self-government.  They have disclosed that a select group of political leaders are working on a draft constitution.  Chief Minister Fleming and members of his cabinet are in agreement that the island is ready for full internal self-government.  With their fierce determination and pride—it will not be surprising if Anguillans get their wish.

Pride and determination can be seen in the beautiful 51′ sloop, Graunya.  A well-known favorite on the charter scene, Graunya began chartering in the Sint Maarten area in 1990.  Captain Mike Gorman has not only been keeping her in ship-shape condition, but doing the cooking on board as well. Graunya is named for his Great, Great Grandma (1537-1601) a rebel leader under the Sea Stallion Ensign of the Sea-faring O’Malley Clan.  This yacht features three equal guest cabins with queen-sized berths and en suite head and shower.  The interior displays traditional warmth from freshly varnished high gloss teak, all new copper-toned upholstery a headroom of 6′5″ and lots of ventilation.  On deck is a comfortable, spacious cockpit, as well as a fully padded coach roof for lounging, sunning or napping.  Sailing on Graunya is an adventure.  Click to learn more about the Graunya charter yacht.

In a move designed to present its travel and tourism management information and investment opportunities to the local, regional and global marketplace, St. Lucia has signed up as a destination subscriber on the new TourismROI website.  TourismROI is the first centralized resource for travel and tourism management and investment information worldwide.  Investors, developers and operators around the world increasingly realize the economic benefits and growth potential of travel and tourism in certain destinations.  The challenge lies in bringing them all together.  TourismROI provides one central location for public and private sector entities looking to attract partners for development and for investors, business operators and entrepreneurs seeking new business opportunities.  St. Lucia joins Aysen, Chile; Montenegro; the Kingdom of Tonga; Bucks County, PA; Kansas City, Missouri, and the State of Colorado as one of the early adopters of the TourismROI service.  The St. Lucia government has identified a number of priority investment areas for tourism, including construction of accommodation; the development and marketing of Natural Heritage sites, and the creation of new attractions and entertainment centers for visitors.

If you want to experience St. Lucia and other Windward islands yourself, then hop aboard Sudiki, a 61′ sloop.  The new Sudiki takes full advantage of the Gulfstar 62’s famously roomy interior.  The new layout incorporates a checklist of guest-pleasing features compiled over nine years of chartering.  She offers two equal en suite master cabins with queen size beds, hanging lockers, and lots of drawer space.  Once aboard, you will find an enthusiasm for fun that will capture your days.  Captain Duff Walter is a very accomplished cruising and racing sailor.  The design and detailed outfitting of Sudiki embodies Duff’s long and varied sailing career.  He willingly shares his extensive knowledge-including celestial navigation- for anyone that wants to learn.  As an “old hand” in the Grenadines, he likes to show his guests the real Caribbean, meeting the local folks and experiencing the local way.  He has an easy-going, unflappable personality.  Chef Chris Walter has done extensive offshore and coastal sailing and racing.  A certified scuba diver, she previously managed a restaurant.  Chris is a certified scuba diver and a cheerful person.  Using only the freshest local ingredients, she takes great delight in spoiling and dazzling her guests with international cuisine with a Caribbean flair. A charter aboard Sudiki will be the vacation of a lifetime.  Click to learn more about the Sudiki charter yacht.

The St. Lucia Jazz Festival 2008 is set to be bigger and better than ever before when this paradise island opens its arms to an elite line-up of international stars for one of the best parties in the Caribbean.  The festival, held every year in May (2nd-11th) is the island’s most prestigious and successful event bringing together hazz, soul and world rhythms from some of the greates artists in the music industry and attracting music lovers from all over the world.  With an exciting line-up this year including: Michael Bolton, Air Supply, Wyclef Jean, Angie Stone, Anita Baker, Dianne Reeves, Dionne Warwick, Jonathan Butler, and Najee, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival is not to be missed.  Now in its 17th year, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival is the Caribbean’s most longstanding jazz festival and has achieved international recognition.  St. Lucia’s exquisite natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for the festival.  The main stage in located on Pigeon Island where the artists entertain the crowds late into the evening in a relaxed and atmospheric setting, surrounded by historic ruins and lush scenery. With events taking place throughout the week in a variety of locations and venues around St. Lucia, visitors can experience the entire islands and its culture along with outstanding musical performances.

If you are looking for an outstanding sailing adventure, experience the voyage of a life time aboard Encore, a 50′ catamaran.  Have fun while you sail through some of the world’s most beautiful waters or hoist a sail or two between spectacular dives.  Encore has four identical queen size cabins, plus crew quarters, each having spacious entertainment areas.  Encore features all the latest enhancements with a flat screen TV, air conditioning, level flooring from the cockpit through to the salon area which offers teak flooring and a cool blue interior.  The large bathing platform makes access in and out of the water safe and comfortable for all water sports.  Encore has ample headroom throughout and boasts a large salon area with panoramic views.  Each cabin offers queen-sied beds with ensuite facilities, air conditioning and personal CD players. Captain Paulo and Chef Anna share a love for the ocean, as well as a keen sense of preserving it, and mostly a huge sense of adventure.  Let this friendly, professional and energetic couple entertain and pamper you aboard.  They will make you feel right at home as you enjoy excellent cuisine and delectable dishes.  Whether you are scuba diving, wake boarding, or simply enjoying the islands slip by, you will experience the best of the best whether you are below the waters or above.  Encore is offering some fabulous discounts right now.  Click for more information on a Encore Yacht Charter.

Carnival season is just around the corner, and the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee is holding a unique contest for Festival 2008.  How would you like to be the person coming up with the theme and slogan for Festival 2008?  Members of the public are invited to compete to come up with a theme and slogan that focuses on the Virgin Island’s historical and/or cultural heritage.  The slogan must include the words, “Festival 2008″.  Submit your entry to the Department of Culture on or before Thursday, May 15th and you could be the person whose theme and slogan appears throughout Festival 2008.  For more information, contact the Department of Culture at 468-3701 ext. 2241.  Good Luck!

Instead of Festival planning, if you would rather just relax and cruise the blue waters of the Caribbean or perhaps even learn to sail, then Shenemere is for you.  Coming aboard this 50′ sloop is the perfect way to enjoy a sailing adventure.  Captain Dave and his wife, Ida will care for your every need and guide you through the water wonderland of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.  They have been delighting and entertaining guests aboard since 1985. Dave and Ida love swimming and snorkeling.  They will be delighted to introduce you to the wonders of the beautiful, clear underwater world of the Caribbean.  You will also have a great time playing with their kayak and other water toys.  Captain Dave is an American Sailing Association Instructor, and can train and certify you to be your own captain. Chef Ida’s cooking skills and appreciation for the finer things in life will guarantee you a memorable culinary experience.  Shenemere has 3 double cabins with accomodations for 6 guests, however, they have a fabulous Honeymoon and Anniversary package!  Click for more information about Shenemere’s specials.

In a major initiative to take place over the next few years, Alvarion, Ltd., a leading provider of WiMAX and wireless broadband solutions, has signed an agreement with Digicel Group to deploy a WiMax network throughout the Caribbean.  According to Mario Assaad, CTO of Digicel, “Mobile WiMAX represents a unique opportunity for Digicel to leapfron current technology to offer a wireless full service portfolio as an attractive alternative to the existing operators’ offering.”  Digicel is moving quickly to deploy WiMAX throughout the Caribbean to deliver primary voice, data VPN and residential broadband to both corporate and residential customers.  Digicel chose Mobile WiMAX as its next generation broadband technolofy because of its ability to emulate traditional fixed line services as well as to enable personal mobile broadband services using a wide variety of innovative end-user devices.  The small form of Alvarion’s residential service will allow subscribers to take their broadband connections with them wherever they go, paving the way for Digicel to make full use of Mobile WiMAX technology to provide Personal Broadband services throughout the Caribbean.

Speaking about communication- check out the 58′ catamaran, Aurora.  She is a one of a kind luxury catamaran.  With 1 king size cabin and 2 doubles, Aurora makes for a memorable sailing vacation.  Her uniqueness comes from several performance modifications, as well as the latest communication equipment, fresh water maker, air conditioning and DVD player in each room.  Sailing since he was 13 years old, Captain Chad has experience sailing both the East and West coast of the US, Canada’s Inside Passage, Mexico, Central American, and of course, the Caribbean.  He not only has his Coast Guard Master’s License, but his Dive Master’s Certification as well.  Chef Wendy learned southern cooking and hospitality from her mother and grandmother.  Her electic menu is inspired by her many travels to Italy, Morocco, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico and the Caribbean.  If you are interested in an unforgettable experience aboard this Catana 581, click to find out more about Aurora.

The BVI Air Show is set for take off this weekend at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport.  Fasten your seatbelts and start preparing for what promises to be two days of exciting displays.  These will include skydiving, radio control model flying, US Coast guard demos and world-class aerobatics.  Helicopter rides will also be available offering you a chance to experience a panoramic view of the BVI.  If you missed it this year, don’t feel bad—there is always next year!

To experience the BVI by sea, how about aboard the sailing catamaran, TWO IF BY SEA, affectionally known as TIBS.  TIBS is a Leopard 4500 catamaran which is specifically outfitted to meet your every expectation.  Sleeping onboard is blissful.  There are 3 queen-size cabins with excellent mattresses, good closet space and a full ensuite bath and showers.  the air conditioning is zoned for maximum comfort and flexibility between cabins.   Your TIBS crew are special people who really enjoy what they do and take pleasure in sharing their beautiful world with their guests.  Steuart and Fran love to laugh and share the joy of good camaraderie, food and drink.  Diving is  a special experience on TIBS.  Both Steuart and Fran are certified PADI Dive Instructors who delight in sharing the spectacular other half of the BVI.  Full dive equipment and compressors are available.  Diving and use of the underwater scooters are included on week long charters for only $30.00.  Click to learn more about Two if by Sea.

The Trade Faciliation Office Canada and the Caribbean Export Development Agency recently hosted a major international meeting entitled, “Caribbean Health and Wellness Tourism”.  The purpose of the meeting was to explore ways that countries can work together to develop Caribbean health and wellness services for use by North American consumers.  With health costs rising, the government of Canada and several Caribbean nations are exploring how Caribbean medical tourism can be a smart solution for providing access to high quality and affordable health care.  Consumers have a strong interest in medical tourism based on the results of a recent survey.  More than 3,000 consumers nationwide found that nearly 40% would consider having an elective procedure performed in a foreign country if they could save 50% or more and be assured that the quality was equal to or better than what they have in the US.  Many people seek healthcare treatment in Malaysia and India—but having the Caribbean being another treatment destination is a wonderful choice because not only is it closer to North America, but it is a relaxing, tropical vacation option.  The countries that are considering forming a governing body with TFO to oversee development of this promising industry include Barbados, Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

We certainly do not need to review survey results to know that a Caribbean charter is good for the soul.  As Jimmy Buffet said, “Changes in latitude, changes in attitude.”  To get your own, “license to chill” see our website www.visailing.com.

Tobago is scheduled to host two music fests: The Plymouth Jazz Festival and Pan Jazz ‘in de Yard 2008.  The 4th Annual Plymouth Jazz Festival takes place on April 25-27.  Among singers scheduled to perform are: Peabo Bryson, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Smokey Robinson, Shakira and Rod Steward.   Since the steel pan was invented in Trinidad, what better place is there to hold the 2nd Annual Pan Jazz ‘in de Yard festival.  This festival takes place April 23th and 24th and will feature a lineup of quality lineup from both the local and regional scene.

Someone who can really appreciate fine music is Chef Robyn aboard the 53′ catamaran, Can Can.  Robyn began her career as a musician.  As a singer, trumpet player and educator, she has traveled Canada and the US performing with orchestras and jazz bands of all types.  Her travels have fostered a love for interesting tastes that are reflected in her galley creations.  Captain Marco is a consummate adventurer.  He comes with the experience of many offshore and coastal voyages, in the Caribbean and abroad.  Together, they will assure your time aboard is marked by good food, good conversation and great fun. Click to learn more about Can Can.