All of us at Virgin Island Sailing wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.  By now the kids are watching the parades, the men are rooting for their favorite football team, and the women are in the kitchen cooking or planning tomorrow’s shopping adventure.  It is the traditional American way to celebrate the holiday, but have you ever dreamed about escaping to a tropcial paradise where the waters are clear blue, the tropical breezes are warm, the white sand beaches are sun-drenched and the only stress you feel is deciding what to do in the moment?  If you answered “yes”, then a yacht charter is for you.  Thanksgiving is a beautiful, quiet time in the islands.  Not convinced?  Check out the current scene from St. John Spice’s newly installed web cam—go to http://www.stjohnspicecam.com/ to get a live shot of Cruz Bay from the ferry dock.  Imagine yourself there next year!!!!  It is not too early to start planning your charter.  Click to make your dreams a reality with our yacht charters.

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The Caribbean World Annual Awards, now in its 14th year, is firmly established among Britain’s foremost award ceremonies and has become an exclusive club within Caribbean tourism.  Honoring excellence among islands and services that provide comfort, entertainment and enjoyment for those who make the Caribbean their favorite vacation destination, the awards are determined by the editors of Caribbean World Magazine and its readers.  Therefore, it was no surprise the Martinique’s leadership position as the top Caribbean destination for culinary travel has been reaffirmed, when it was recently named the “Best Gourmet Island of the Year 2008″ during the World Travel Market in London.  Gastronomy is everything in Martinique - where cooking is an art. The island boasts a vibrant and eclectic culinary scene with local and international chefs.  Traditional French cuisine is widely available throughout the island and rivals that found in Paris, but what really sets Martinique apart is its Creole flair!  A sublime blend of African, Indian, European and Caribbean flavors, Martinique’s Creold culinary creations keep visitors coming back again and again.

If you have a passion for food, tantalize your senses and taste buds with a Martinique sailing charter. 

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Once you have made up your mind that a bareboat sailing charter to the Caribbean is the perfect way to experience a paradise vacation, you still have several decisions to make.  For instance, where in the Caribbean do you want to go; what cabin layout do you prefer; what size sailing vessel will you need and do you want a monohull charter or a catamaran charter? Our charter yacht brokers can assist you in choosing which sailing vessel best suits you based on the number of people in your party, your budget, your sailing skills and your desired level of comfort.  Which type of charter is best?  The answer is that there simply is no such thing as the best boat.  The range of available monohull and catamaran charter boats can be mind-boggling.  Selecting the right one for you means finding the sailing vessel that can best serve your needs.

Click to learn some tips to keep in mind and point you in the right direction in order to find the optimal yacht charter for you.

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Founded in 1933 with the single goal to educate men and women for a successful future in the world, the Monroe School of Business began operating in the West Farm section of the Bronx, NY.  As the college’s prestige and reputation grew, it expanded it’s campuses throughout the New York area, as well as its areas of study.  Today, it is a fully accredited college offering associate, bachelor and master’s degrees in a variety of areas.  It even has a satellite campus in St. Lucia!  The scenic Monroe College St. Lucia campus in Barnard Hill Castries combines the best of many worlds.  With a spectacular view on a hill that overlooks the ocean, the St. Lucia campuse provides a serene setting just minutes away from the bustle of the city of Castries.  What is really exciting, is that the campus is starting an MBA program in January.  This is the first time that an American accredited MBA program will be offered totally onsite in St. Lucia.  25 students have been admitted into the program that starts January 2009.  The Monroe College MBA Degree will provide training in the theory and practice of business management and allow students to develop competencies in all the major functional management roles.  It will also provide the opportunity for students to master specific areas.

So, our thought is-if you have kids that are going on a college tour “road trip”, how about include the Monroe College St. Lucia campus. Nothing like combining a little “business” with your sailing charter!  Click for more information on a St. Lucia Yacht Charter.

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At only 8 square miles, and the smallest of the islands that comprise the French West Indies, tranquil, chic and stylish St. Barthelemy (St. Barts or St. Barth) has long been a favorite retreat for the rich and famous.  Even though it lacks the lush greenery of its sister islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, it more than compensates with spectacular secluded beaches and an unparalleled ambiance of luxury and exclusivity.  With magnificent luxury yachts in the harbor and Parisian chefs in the restaurants, St. Barts is a Caribbean St. Tropez.  Thanks to stringent building regulations that have restricted development, St. Barts has not become a destination for mass tourism.  With little to do but shop, soak up the sun and eat sumptuous meals at night, St. Barts in the ultimate paradise getaway for millionaires or those with a self-pampering mindset.

A popular getaway for well-heeled travelers to this winter playground is the Carl Gustaf Hotel.  Perched high above Gustavia Harbour, this hotel has long been hailed for its dazzling views, luxe accommodation (a seven room villa can go for as much as 48,000 euros a night), superb cuisine and high level of personalized guest services.  It is now nearing completion of a major multi-million dollar refit, which has transformed the legendary landmark into a true 21st Century glamorous retreat, one that is poised to redefine the global standard for the chic island experience when it re-opens its doors December 15th.  Changes are extensive at the Hotel, including a newly-designed kitchen, signature restaurant and cocktail lounge, a new reception area, a magnificent new four-bedroom penthouse suite, a sparkling new 1,600 square foot spa and much more.  Victoria’s, the new swank restaurant will be headed up by award winning Executive Chef Emmanuel Motte.  His cuisine will feature the freshest ingredients possible prepared in cosmopolitan dishes inspired by his French roots and influenced by the bountiful Caribbean region and beyond to Asia.  The Carl Gustaf Lounge, consistently ranked among the best locals in the world for sunset cocktails, will now offer a stylish yet relaxing setting, with a new menu of lighter fare for lunch and dinner, as well a creative new assortment of signature drinks. 

If you would like to learn more about this definitely upscale , favorite paradise retreat of the rich and famous, click for a luxury yacht destination. 

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The 10th Annual TTSA Carriacou Sailing Series will be November 13-17th.  This sailing regatta features events for the whole family.  Beach activities keep non-racers busy while competitors engage in fairly short water courses.  There are tons of race celebrations and fetes each night at different venues throughout the island, each with live entertainment.

Carriacou is a sister island of Grenada.  At 13 sq. miles, it is the largest of the island chain between Grenada and St. Vincent, however, it has a more relaxed pace of life than its neighbors.  With world class snorkeling and diving on some of the Caribbean’s finest reefs to historical attractions and cultural landmarks, Carriacou has something for everyone.  Belief systems of the African slaves remain strong on Carriacou and are preserved in rituals such as the powerful Big Drum Dance.  In the tiny and picturesque fishing village of Windward, sail boats are still built using the traditional methods passed down by Scottish settlers.

Click if you would like to discover the beautiful island of Carriacou.

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The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda paid lofty tribute to US President-elect Barack Obama by renaming the volcanic mountain known as “Boggy Peak.”  Prime Minister W. Baldwin Spencer wrote in a congratulatory note, “I shall take immediate measures for Antigua and Barbuda’s highest mountain peak to be dedicated in your honor and renamed Mount Obama.”  The 1,327′ volcanic peak rises over southwestern Antigua in the former British colony whose 85,000 residents are mostly descended from African slaves brought in to harvest the sugar cane fields in the 1700s.

These two volcanic islands lie 32 miles apart in the Leeward Island group, with Antigua being the largest and most historic of the British Leewards.  Its coastal craters of old volcanoes form coves and harbors with over 365 palm-fringed sandy beaches.  The waters around both islands teem with a myriad of tropical fish.  Barbuda is an unspoiled, flat, sparsely wooded coral island known as a sportman’s paradise.  It is a haven for birds, deer, and wild pigs.  It offers miles od deserted white beaches, excellent fishing, snorkeling and ancient shipwrecks for underwater exploration.  Tourism is the main industry in Antigua.  Land excursions include historic sites, drives, national parks and spectacular surf-torn coastline.  Tennis, horseback riding, golf and water sports are all available.  The island is internationally famous for its cricket, as well as the Antigua Sailing Week in April. 

Click to book your sailing charter to Antigua and Barbuda, and check out the new “Mount Obama”.

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From November 1-8th, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, is home to the Pro Am Regatta.  This is the only event of its kind in the world, where America’s Cup skippers, Olympic medalists, Around the World Race winners and world champions gather at the Bitter End Yacht Club to lead teams made up of resort guests in a week-long competition for the top Pro Am Regatta honors.  This exhilarating event allows amateurs to maximize their on-water expereince with the pros, as well as enjoy a lively social schedule with fellow sailors off the water. 

With its usually calm warm waters, steady trade winds and numerous sister islands within a line of sight, the Caribbean has long been a favorite spot for sailors.  So, it is only fitting that there are a number of sailing regattas in the Caribbean.  Click to learn more about Sailing Regattas.

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Despite the economic crisis in the U.S., the Caribbean is committed to increasing tourism.  One of the ways it is doing this is by the various Ministers of Tourism working with the airlines to continue and increase flight service to their islands.  Following are the latest updates:

American Airlines has recommenced its daily non-stop services from Miami to Antigua after nearly 10 years.  The re-introduction of the flight is an important one for the country’s tourism and demonstrates a recommitment by the airline to work with Antigua and Barbuda.  American Eagle will continue to provide daily service to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Win Air, Carib Aviation and LIAT, the regional Caribbean airline, have initiated additional non-stop service between serveral strategic hubs and Dominica.  The regional airports being serviced include St. Lucia’s Hewanorra Airport (UVF), St. Lucia George Charles (SLU), Antigua (ANU), St. Maarten (SXM), Dominica Melville Hall (DOM) and Dominica Canefield Airport (DCF) located on the western portion of the island just 10 minutes drive from the capital city of Roseau.  This new air service provides additional options for visitors flying from the U.S. and internationally, as well as within the Caribbean.  LIAT will operate a 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft for these flights.  Win-Air will operate a 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft from St. Maarten to Dominica on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Fridays as follows:

               Flt#901 Dep. SXM 8:30 am, Arr. DCF 9:30am

               Flt#902 Dep. DCF 10:20 am, Arr. SXM 11:45

Carib Aviation will fly from Antigua to Dominica daily except Tuesday’s as follows: Flt#121 Dep. ANU 11:35 am, Arr. DCF 12:25 pm; Dep. DCF 12:45 pm, Arr. SLU 1:25 pm.  Flt#120, Dep. SLU 1:45pm, Arr. DCF 2:25 pm; Dep. DCF 2:45 pm, Arr. ANU 3:35 pm.  The flights will be operated in a codeshare agreement with LIAT and they will also operate a 19-seat DHC Twin Otter aircraft for these flights.

As a full service charter broker, we are happy to make all your air travel arrangements for you.  Click if you are looking for a hassle-free vacation in paradise.      

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This week marked the celebrations of two interesting events in Grenada and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.   Last Saturday, the 25th anniversary of the intervention by the United States in Grenada was observed at an impressive ceremony.  Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the 1983 Caribbean and American military intervention in Grenada and the fact that more than 20 years after the event, there is still peace.  Early in the morning 25 years ago, President Reagan received a call for help form the Governor of Grenada.  The invasion, supported by the OECS, Jamaica and Barbados, came following upheavals brought on by a split in the People’s Revoluntionary Government (PRG) of former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, who was later placed under house arrest by the PRG faction opposed to him.  Bishop, a Marxist-Leninist, had taken over power from former Prime Minister Eric Gairy in 1979 in a bloodless coup.  Bishop was later executed by firing squad, and the OECS leaders worked to restore the rule of law and the democratic traditions of an English Caribbean government.  On Monday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated its 29th anniversary of Independence.  Independence was granted in 1979.  The event is celebrated with parades through the streets of Kingston, speeches by the Prime Minister, calypso music and food for a week of festivities.  An challenging cycle race is part of the fun.  Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, in his speech, spoke of the achievements made during the past year, including the jet airport at Canouan, the commencement of the International Airport Argyl, the commencement of construction of six new schools, a modern Medical Complex in Georgetown, and a modern national library complex. 

The Caribbean is full of interesting events, festivals and celebrations that can be part of your sailing charter.  Click for a complete Caribbean Events Calendar.

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