This Saturday, October 11th, the Willy T Virgin’s Cup race will be held once again.  Celebrating women at the helm, the event promises to be fun for everyone, with great prizes for the top finishers.  Of course, the Willy T cannot be involved without a celebratory party after the race.  The racecourse is from the Royal BVU Yacht Club to the infamous Willy T.  There are three divisions: racing, cruising and dinghys.  After the race, the fun begins with award-giving and drink specials all afternoon.

 The Willy T Virgin’s Cup Race is not the only way to have fun in the BVI.  Step aboard Amaryllis, a 45′ catamaran and enjoy the sites and sounds of the Caribbean.  She has 3 cabins, two with ensuite heads and 1 cabin that shares a head with the crew.  Amaryllis is perfect for two couples or families of four.  She has spent the summer getting a “face-lift” with new paint, refit and improvements.  With over 20 years of experience sailing in the Virgin Islands, her crew knows how to provide guests with the vacation they have dreamed of, whether they are first time visitors or repeat charterers.  Amaryllis offers a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, wind-surfing, kayaking, and tubing for the kids.  As a promotion for the 2008/2009 season, she is offering guests a free rendezvous dive. Captain Bruce has been a charter boat captain since 1979.  You will find Bruce to be a gracious host, ready to share his extensive knowledge of sailing and Virgin Islands lore.  He knows the best anchorages, the best places to snorkel, and makes the best rum punch!  Chef/First Mate Laure developed a passion for fine food and sailing while catering private parties aboard a classic sailing yacht.  A versatile cook, she enjoys creating dishes from fresh ingredients using a wide variety of spices.  She is happy to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions.  Click to learn more about a Amaryllis Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.

During the month of October, those interested in fashion head to St. Vincent for the annual Fashion Caribbean.  Fashion Caribbean is the brainchild of the Image Modelling Agency, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  This annual event got its start at the Ottley Hall Marina in September, 2001.  It was one of the first, if not the first event to be undertaken by a local agency.  The show featured designers from Trinidad, Antigua and host country, St. Vincent.  By the show’s second year, its appeal had grown considerably, as did the scope of designers attending. Today, designers attend from throughout the Caribbean, as well as internationally.  Fashion Caribbean continues to grow from strength to strength as the Image Modeling Agency each year finds creative ways of making each show unique from previous years.  Audiences have become accustomed to the theatrical portrayal of some of the region’s best fashions.  The show is held in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and it is making an impact in the region’s industry.

If you are looking for a vacation with a touch of flair, why not consider a sailing charter aboard Flamboyance, an Ocean 60′ schooner.  She was built for charter.  She can easily accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 airy, identical cabins.  Each cabin contains a double and single berth- making  this yacht the perfect choice for couples, singles, or families.  The spacious main salon has an extendable table which can comfortably seat 8.  For your relaxation and enjoyment, the color TV, VCR and stereo is also featured in this area.  Your Captain and Chef will welcome you aboard Flamboyance.  They are an energetic couple who are ready to help you fulfill your Caribbean dream. Captain Jim will help you adjust to island life.  He is a U.S. Coast Guard Captain and PADI scuba instructor.  Great food and fun are always on the menu with Chef Laura as your perfect hostess. She is  graduate of Johnson and Wales Culinary University with additional silver service Swiss hospitality training.  Her passion for perfect meals and service inspire her to create a menu of many delicious meals, sure to please every guest.  Each day her specially created dishes will excite and delight you.  New adventures await you on your tropical vacation as you sit back and relax, or take the helm yourself.  It is up to you - choose from exploring secluded beaches, snorkeling over coral reefs and diving ship wrecks, having a beach BBQ, relaxing under a palm tree, or experiencing the local night life.   Click to learn more about a Flamboyance Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.

Dominicans celebrate Reunion Year this month on the occasion of the country’s 30th anniversary of politcal independence.  In anticipation of the return of thousands of Dominicans and tourists to Dominica for independence this year, Tourism MinisterIan Douglas highlighted the treats and delights scheduled to take place in Dominica during October. “Let the world know that the place to be this October is the Nature Island.  You will be fascinated by our music and other cultural talents, as we highlight and give greater meaning to our Reunion Year celebrations. ”  Events scheduled to take place include cultural festivals in villages and towns across Dominica, exhibitions of local produce; programs of Semaine Kweyole (Creole Week); Creole in the Park; Creole in the North and East; Wob Dwiyet Competition; King of Kings Calypso competition and so much more.  One of the star events will be the World Creole Music Festival.  This year’s line-up will offer a top acts from across a diverse range of music forms.  The line-up for the three nights of pulsating rhythms from Friday October 31- Sunday November 2 includes Kassav, Sean Paul, Nasio Fountaine, Machel Montana, Midnight Groovers, Tabou Combo, Djakout Mizik, Triple Kay, Grammacks ( with Jeff Joseph and Ophelia), Swinging Stars, and Belles Combo among others.  Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival has become one of the signature events in the Caribbean Festival calendar based on sustained visitor arrivals, media coverage and the reputation of the festival among artists.  In the last 11 years, well over 260,000 patrons have travelled from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Francophone Africa, USA, UK, Seychelles, Canada and other parts of the Caribbean to the now undisputed Mecca of Creole Music - Dominica for the Annual World Creole Music Festival.

If you want to experience a bit of Dominica, but cannot get to the island, than climb aboard Contessa a 56′ ketch.  Captain Richard and Chef Denise have been working with crewed charters for the last three years and have quickly become popular amongst various charter parties from around the world.  Chef Denise was born in Dominica.  She has gained a reputation for her true Caribbean cuisine mixed with a European and western flavor.  Denise spent many years as a chef in numerous resorts in Dominica and also guided eco tours which included descending down 100′ waterfalls.  Not only is she a great asset in the galley, but also her genuine island personality will enhance the Caribbean experience for all.  Captian Richard owned and operated a successful crewed charter company in Canada.  He holds a Canadian Masters Captain license and a BVI 100 ton as well.  RIchard has created sailing programs for less fortunate kids and is popular with theme sailing charters.  In addition to his sailing background, he has run numerous marathons and often takes guests jogging on many of the islands after setting anchor for the evening.  Richard and Denise are truly a unique couple.  Their varied life experiences from two vastly different cultures have been a recipe for success in the crewed yacht industry, and they look forward to pampering you on your sailing vacation. Their yacht, Contessa is a spacious Nautical 56.  She has a very flexible layout which is great for families. The aft cabin is queen-sized with ensuite head and stall shower.  In addition there is a double/single cabin in the forward port and starboard forward that also come with ensuite heads and shower stalls.  She comes complete with many water toys to keep the entire family busy.  Click to learn more about a Contessa Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on Caribbean Sailing.

From stylish New York jazz saxophonist, Steve Wilson, to young and hip classical artists, the Ahn Trio, the BVI’s HLSCC has been bringing top-drawer jazz and classical artists to the College for the past 14 years.  The BVI may be a small nation, but the College’s Performing Arts series could rival that of many larger countries.  Keith Lockhart, director of the Boston Pops; well-known African-American pianist, Awadagin Pratt and legendary jazz musician, Ellis Marsalis (father of trumpeter Wynton) are among the international artists that have graced the HLSCC stage.  Starting this week, the Performing Arts Series will be mounting yet another stellar lineup of jazz and classical artists.  On Friday, October 3rd, Helen Sung and her trio will launch the season’s 2008/09 Series.   This delightful young pianist mixes jazz and classical styles to great effect.  The series will continue throughout the year with the Modigliani String Quartet on October 31; Svetlana Gorokhovich (pianist) and Audrey Tchekmazov (cellist) on November 14; the Virgin Islands Cultural Showcase on November 28; and the popular annual Christmas Concert on December 13.  An outstanding lineup of local and international talent is also scheduled for 2009 making this a performing arts series that music lovers will not want to miss.

The BVI Performing Arts Series may be a star on land, but the star of the sea is the 82′ catamaran, Lone Star. She can accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins.  The master cabin has a queen-sized bed, ensuite shower and head.  Another 3 cabins have queen-sized beds and ensuite facilities, and another 2 cabins have twin beds with showers and heads.  The yacht is fully air-conditioned and comes loaded with everything to make you feel comfortable, including an extensive CD/DVD library and numerous water toys.  Captain and First Mate John and Maxine White take great pleasure in welcoming you aboard Lone Star.  This couple has many years of experience sailing throughout the Caribbean , and have hosted close to 2000 charter guests.  Captain John’s (aka Whitey) gregarious and open personality will put you at ease.  Whitey holds a RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and has been a PADI Dive Instructor for 15 years.  Maxine is a PADI Dive Instructor.  She is as comfortable leading a group of divers or snorkelers in the water as she is working the sails or being in the galley.  Chef Julia’s background has been in the restaurant/hospitality field in the Napa Valley/Sonoma, CA region.  She loves to prepare inspiring meals while entertaining her clients.  She has a great personality and a love of the ocean.  Join Whitey, Max and Julia as they share their intimate knowledge of the islands and sea with you and ensure you have a vacation of a lifetime.   Click for more information and ask about our super Gourmet/Wine charter!

Click for more information on a Caribbean Sailing Vacation.

As one of the leading countries/territories in financial services (the BVI has more than 600,000 international business companies registered), the territory is now moving towards vigourously boosting its shipping registry. The BVI attained Category One Shipping registry status on June 4th from the United Kingdom Parliament.  This enchanced status allows the territory to register yachts of up to 3,000 and cargo ships of unlimited tonnage.  A high-powered delegation is now in Monaco to promote its shipping industry at a Yacht Show that is considered the largest of its kind in Europe.  The show brings together the major players in the yachting industry, including boat designers, builders, suppliers and service providers.  Since attaining the new status, the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry has received several inquiries from new yacht owners. There is a huge marketing opportunity for the territory as they are now capable of registering the mega yachts of the world.

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury charters, then the futuristic 76′ catamaran, Akasha, heralds a new era in luxury sailing yacht charters.  Akasha, meaning infinite space in the ancient language of Sanskri, is on e of the most spacious luxury sailing yachts available for charter in the Caribbean today.  Her magnificent flybridge design creates an unusually large area for living, entertaining and relaxing which is not usually found on other catamarans.  Designed to meet the exacting requirements of her owners in terms of space, luxury and style, no expense has been spared in achieving these objectives.  She can accommodate 10 guests in extreme comfort and luxury.  The master cabin boasts a king-sized bed, separate seating area, large marble-clad bathroom complete with a jacuzzi spa bath and separate shower, walk-in wardrobe, BOSE entertainment system and panoramic views from windows spanning the entire width of the yacht.  In addition to the master cabin, there are four double ensuite guest cabins.  All beds are queen-sized and 1  cabin can be quickly converted into a twin.  Each cabin comes complete with a flat screen tv, Playstation, DVD and game console, ample clothing storage, ensuite shower room and individually controlled air conditioning.  Akasha’s substantial offering of watersports means you may find there are not enough hours in the day to do everything you want!  Her water toys include: 2 double kayaks, water skiis, slalom ski, wake board, knee board, hobie cat, double tubes, floating mats, fishing equipment, kite boards, scuba gear, and numerous beach toys.  Her 17′ tender comes with a 90 horse Yamaha engine.  The permanent crew of 4 ensures that your every need is attended to.  The crew works on a rolling schedule with the Captain and Chef rotating every 4 months. Akasha and her full time crew will sail your group around the beautiful islands of the Caribbean, providing you with the holiday experience of a lifetime.  Click to learn more about an Akasha Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is expanding the Caribbean’s reach in France using the french language.  The website, http://www.caraibes-tourisme.fr/ was launched recently at the Paris international travel trade fair.  Some 50 representatives from the media, tour operators and national tourist offices were given a tour of the site.  According to Julia Hendry, the CTO’s director of marketing for the UK and Europe, “the online travel market in France increased by over 24% in the first quarter of 2008, and with over 36 million internet travel users in France, we have a great target audience.”  The French Antilles (St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barth) do well out of France, however, there is a real lack of knowledge about the rest of the Caribbean.  It is hoped this new site will help fill that gap.  The site will be updated locally by the CTO’s representatives in Paris, Interface Tourism, ensuring both trade and consumers have up to date information relating to their own marketplace.

Speaking about the Antilles (the small islands which make the Caribbean such a beautiful destination for charter yachting), the 50′ sloop Antillean is the ideal passport to these islands.  This beautiful yacht and professional, friendly crew will ensure you have a happy, relaxing Caribbean cruise.  many guests have returned to repeat their memories of happy experiences aboard.  Antillean has accommodations for up to 6 guests in two queen-sized cabins and 1 double long cabin, all with ensuite facilities.  British Captain, John, served in the Royal Navy for 27 years.  That service nurtured sailing, seamanship and navigational skills to a rare level of expertise.  Shipmate Heidi is indispensable to the operation of Antillean.  She has varied and interesting seagoing experiences including a crossing on the Cunard queens.  She has worked with many catering establishments, and her culinary expertise ranges from English Pub to American cuisine to Native Thai and Indian dishes. John’s sailing abilities along with Heidi’s culinary skills ( and of course the entertaining antics of resident parrot, Mr. Smee) are the perfect combination to ensure you have a relaxing sailing experience.  Rendezvous diving is available and children under 12 years of age go for 1/2 the price.  Click to learn more about a Antillean Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.

Once again, it may be the “off-season” in the BVI, but there always seems to be plenty to do.  This upcoming weekend is no exception!  Saturday, September 20th is so packed with activities, it is hard to decide what to do. The Highland Spring Race Series starts up again this Saturday at the HLSCC’s Virgin Gorda Center.  Since its beginnings as the Two-Mile College Classic Race Series in 1996, the series has grown in popularity and now draws up to 100 runners each year.  The race has two divisions: open and cross country.  The open race welcomes people of all ages, while the cross country format pits teams of eight against each other.  Races will be held either on VG or Tortola for eight of the next ten Saturdays. Also on Saturday, Riteway Food Markets and Family Support Network are hosting a free, family fun day at the Noel Lloyd Postive Movement Park.  There will be games and activities for the whole family.  On Saturday night, the Virgin Islands Improvement Association and the Callaloo Poets will be hosting their open mic and poetry reading event at the Mellow Moods cafe.  The BVI Callaloo Poets were recently represented at the 10th Caribbean Festival of Arts (Carifesta X) where 4 poets captivated their audiences with some fantastic performances.  The theme of this month’s event is Untold Stories: Postive Vibrations!   The fourth annual Miss Caribbean World Beauty Pageant will take place in Tortola at the Multipurpose Sports Complex.  Contestants hail from a number of countries across the Caribbean and South America, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Margarita Island, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands.  The reigning Miss Caribbean World is the BVI’s Lelani Stevens, who captured the crown in 2007.  If you still need something to do on Sunday, the cyclists who have been battling the hills of the BVI all season-long will finally have a chance to test their speed on flat terrain in the Colonial Insurance sponsored Time Trial Shootout .  The race, which is hosted by the Nature’s Little Secrets Cycling Club is the last time trial of the season.  Cyclists will ride two laps of a short course, which begins at Prospect Reef roundabout, heads east towards Bobby’s roundabout, back west to a turnaround point in Seacow’s Bay, before returning to Prospect Reef.

If you are looking for some excitement of your own, how about coming aboard Double Feature, a 57′ catamarran.  Every moment on Double Feature will transport you, your family and friends to a world class vacation available to a chosen few.  She sleeps 8 people in 4 queen sized cabins (2 which convert to twin beds) with ensuite showers and non-polluting LectraSan heads.  Each cabin has its own airconditioning and CD stereo to relax at your own pace.   Captain Jonny and Chef Kelly reflect the essence of what makes a vacation aboard Double Feature so special.  They are a young, enthusiastic couple committed to ensuring you have the vacation of a lifetime.  Whith their warm personalities and zest for life, they welcome guests of all ages, especially families with children.  They particularly enjoy sharing their love of the islands and fondness for water sports with their guests.  They can be as involved or as inconspicuous as you like- the choice is yours.  Captain Jonny is a very experienced and capable sailor with two Atlantic crossings under his belt.  His formal trained combined with his experiences will ensure your group has a safe and entertaining charter.  Kelly is a gracious hostess who takes enormous pride in ensuring Double Feature is immaculately presented.  She creates a relaxing environment that puts you at ease.  Kelly is an imaginative Chef who always presents delicious, health-conscious meals with the flavors of the Caribbean and Meditteranean.  She will tailor a gourmet meal to your preferences with a creative flair she considers her trademark.  Together, Jonny and Kelly make a fabulous team and look forward to sharing with you a very special Caribbean sailing vacation.  So what are you waiting for?  Click for more information on a Double Feature Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on Caribbean Sailing.

For the first time in its 35 year history, the Caribbean Community came together on September 13, 2008 to mobilize its citizens, young and old, to engage in activities that promote and sustain healthy lifestyles.  This was the initial observance of Caribbean Wellness Day under the theme: Love That Body.  The observance of Caribbean Wellness Day was one of the decisions taken when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, deeply concerned about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, obesity and cancer met over a year ago to design a plan of action to stop the epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases.  To be observed annually on the second Saturday in September, Caribbean Wellness Day will showcase national and community level activities to promote healthy living and encourage residents to develop good health practices.  Among the activities for this year’s event was the introduction of vehicle-free streets and smoke-free environments to provide opportunities and safe spaces for physical activity and healthy eatings, free from exhaust emissions, tobacco smoke and other pollutants. The CARICOM Secretariat was engaged in a week of activities leading up to September 13th.  These activities included a fitness walk, Socarobics exercise, health checks, health displays and a Family Day which promotoed physical activity through sport.

If you are looking for a healthy lifestyle change, nothing can beat a sailing charter!  Enjoy a highly customized, all inclusive vacation aboard the 65′ sloop, Aloha Malolo. You are in control of where you want to go and what you want to do while aboard.  Whether you seek a fun-filled active pace, or favor relaxing and being pampered on a romantic tropical holiday, your dreams will come true.  Aloha Malolo’s fast tender and high speed water sports are a huge hit with children of all ages.  Her custom steel hull is designed for safety and inside, you will find every comfort.  Her crew is happy to sail you anywhere in the world swiftly, safely and in luxury.  For certified divers, 3 SCUBA dives per week are included at no extra charge.  For those not certified, the Discover Scuba/Resort Course can introduce you to diving.  Enjoy the adventure of exploring beautiful new dive sites and even searching for pirate treasure.  You can also learn sailing and cruising skills onboard and earn American Sailing Association bareboat and navigation certification.  Guests are accommodated in 3 cabins.  The forward cabin has a queen-sized bed and a private bathroom with separate shower.  The two aft cabins are the same.  A forward cabin has one upper signle bed and one lower single bed and an adjoining toilet.  A second guest bathroom with a large separate shower is off the common salon. 

This yacht is available as either Captain Only or with a chef.  Captain Eric has been living and sailing on Aloha Malolo for 8 years and wants to share his adventure with you.  His philosophy is that a vacation aboard her should be an unforgettable experience.  Special requests, special destination, and special vacationare are his speciality. Chef Evelin grew up in the Caribbean.  She studied with an accredited Cordon Bleu chef with over 10 years of charter yacht experience and completed a four month course emphasizing Mediterrean cooking.  Fun loving and with a ready smile, Evelin will treat you to a true culinary experience.  Optionally, Salty Dog can join your charter or stay ashore.  Salty is a mature Yellow Labrador with a sweet, serence, loving personality.  Salty’s duties are to supervise snorkeling and fishing, finding dolphins and relaxing.  If you want to fill every minute with activities or just want to unwind, or something in between, it is your choice.  If a vacation aboard sounds like the perfect way to improve your lifestyle, Click to learn more about an Aloha Malolo Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on a Caribbean Sailing Vacation.

Captain Charly and Chef/First Mate Carolina of Crystal Clear, a 62′ ketch, have come up with something new for clients that are not sure how much time they want to stay on a charter yacht-especially if it is their first time aboard.  They have created the new romantic “Sail & Stay” package which is the perfect way to combine a great charter yacht with a great hotel experience.  This package offers two luxurious ways to experience the fabulous BVI’s: 1) sailing aboard Crystal Clear, you can see the beauty of the islands from the sea and 2) by staying at Virgin Gorda’s Biras Creek Resort, one of the most luxurious romantic locations perfect for honeymooners and couples celebrating special occasions.

Crystal Clear offers five star service onboard with professional European style service, open bar, gourmet menu, live music and a special remembrance gift.  She combines comfort and elegance to make your dreams come true by creating wonderful memories of your special time together.  This onboard package includes a special menu that includes lobster, sushi & seafood, flowers, chocolates , one day dive free for certified divers, private picnic on the beach, and a custom photo CD of your trip.  Biras Creek is a low-key hideaway located on a private 140 acre estate that is only accessible by boat.  Overlooking three bodies of water with spectacular views, this resort offers extensive water sports activities or total relaxation.  Spacious suites are situated on the ocean and feature a separate lounge, bedroom, outdoor living area, garden shower and personal bicycles.  Staying at the resort may be before or after your sailing charter.  The Romantic Sail & Stay package is available with either 5 nights aboard and 2 nights ashore, or 4 nights aboard and 3 nights ashore.  Additional nights aboard the yacht or at the resort are available upon request.

If you are looking for the most perfectly romantic way to share time with that special someone, then this innovative Sail & Stay package is for you!  Click for more information on a Crystal Clear Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on BVI Yacht Charters.

The island of Anegada, the fourth populated island in the British Virgin Islands, will soon be divided into three communities.  Each community will have residential lots, town centers, resort lots, and an industrial area.  Land will also be allocated for agriculture, infrastructure and institutional use with areas set aside for conservation and preservation. Premier Ralph O’Neal said that Anegadians will soon receive title for their lands to show ownership.  The lands of Anegada belong to the Anegadians, but now, once lands have been allocated, the owners will receive freehold titles, which gives absolute possession or ownership to the land.

If you have not been to Anegada, you do not know what you are missing.  The island is unlike any other in the BVI.  A great way to get there is aboard the 55′ catamaran, Breanker.  One of three sister ships known throughout the Caribbean as the first choice in private yacht charters, she is specifically designed and custom built exclusively for your comfort.  Breanker can accommodate 8 guests in four cabins.  The master cabin has a queen-sized bed, shower and head.  Another two cabins have queen-sized beds, bath/tub, shower and head; another cabin also has a queen-sized bed with shower and head.  The crew has a separate companionway/head and shower.  The yacht is fully air-conditioned.  Internet and e-mail is available.  There is a large CD/DVD library, water skis, fishing equipment, wake board and diving for up to 6 guests is included.  Your hosts, Captain Kristian and Chef Marianne have set the standards for experience, skill and professionalism.  Once aboard, you will find an enthusiasm for fun that will capture your days.  Captain Kristian is by all rights a master shipwright, having operated his own yacht repair and wood working shop for years.  He holds an International Yacht Master 1st degree License.  He has a passion for water sports, especially diving, and he is happy to share the marine life of the Caribbean with his guests.  Chef Marianne holds an International Yacht Master 3rd Degree license.  Her father was a chef, and Marianne was brought up close at hand and instilled with a love of cooking and a keen interest in fine cuisine.  Through Kristian and Marianne’s extensive travels, her culinary horizons have broadened -thus she loves to create mouth-watering delights for her guests.  Together, they look forward to making your time aboard Breanker the most relaxing, and enjoyable vacation ever.  Your vacation will be tailored to your dreams.  You will have the vacation of a lifetime, unless you book again!  Click to learn more about a Breanker Yacht Charter.

Click for more information on Yacht Charters.