Catamaran Sailboat Yacht Charter Boat Dreaming On
April 2012:
We’re just back from a week on board sail catamaran DREAMING ON, sailing the BVIs in the capable hands of our wonderful crew, Geoff and Iza. We were also vacationing with another couple…and we all agreed that the whole experience exceeded our expectations by far, to the extent that we have already booked again for next year!
This is all down to Geoff and Iza who are a very special and generous couple – it was like sailing with good friends – the chemistry was perfect and we just hit it off.
They welcomed us on board their beautiful home and anticipated our every need. Iza is an amazing cook – the food (presentation, quality and variety) is better than you get in most good restaurants and all prepared in a galley kitchen – the sushi in particular was unbelievable! And Geoff…well, in our opinion he makes a better Painkiller than the Soggy Dollar (as well as being a great Captain).
They had arranged an itinerary for us (but it was flexible) and we went to different, islands and/or bays every day. For instance, a sail to Anegada, followed by a fabulous lobster dinner at the Reef Hotel – highly recommend this!
They took us to all their favorite spots in the BVIs and we couldn’t get enough of the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches – plenty of snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding to be had. In fact, we didn’t really have enough time just to hang out in one place for a day or go tubing or water-skiing, which is why we are returning next year. Now we know all the best spots and where we’d like to go back to and spend more time.
(Catamaran DREAMING ON) is comfortable and has plenty of space, both out the front on the ‘trampolines’ and the shady area at the back by the cockpit where we enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overall, for anyone out there considering a luxury yacht charter, I would highly recommend, without hesitation, DREAMING ON, and Geoff and Iza – it will be one of the (if not THE) best vacations of your life! We certainly can’t wait to get back on board next year…..
Name: Lindsey S.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Caribbean Good Times Testimonials Yacht of the Week and tagged BVI yacht charter, yacht charter reviews, Dreaming On, catamaran charter, testimonial, catamaran sailboat yacht charter, yacht charter review, yacht charter Caribbean, sail cat, caribbean yacht charter, BVI, British Virgin Islands yacht charter, British Virgin Islands
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As the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season draws to a close, a number of sleek, stylish, and modern sailing charter vessels are making their way from ports around the world – to take their positions in the islands for the upcoming Caribbean yacht charter season.
MILK RUN TIMENovember is the month many yachts make the “Milk Run,” sailing across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the Caribbean.As in years past, the Virgin Island yacht charter fleet is expected to dominate the market in terms of the number of available yachts for hire, especially in the category of crewed catamaran charters. Yachts such as Lagoon 620 catamaran yacht
THE CURE, and Sunreef 62 catamaran, TAHAA II are already in position to accept reservations (how does a Welcome to 2014 yacht charter vacation sound???).While the St. Thomas yacht charter market in the USVI, and the Tortola yacht charter market in the BVI are quite sizeble in terms of small to mid-size yachts, a large contingent of sail superyachts will choose the deeper water of the Leeward Islands for their winter base. The St Martin yacht charter fleet and the St Barts fleets are expected to include the following mega yacht charter stalwarts. For instance, 203 foot sail yacht ATHOS – 198 foot sail yacht KOKOMO – and 183 foot Perini Navi yacht PANTHALASSA
This entry was posted in Caribbean News and tagged caribbean yacht charter, multihull, British Virgin Islands, Kokomo, catamaran yacht charter, Athos, USVI, Atlantic Hurricane Season, book now, Tortola yacht charter, milk run, catamaran sailboat, Panthalassa, Perini Navi, Tahaa 2, 1800yachtcharters, Maevie, Maltese Falcon, The Cure
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This appears to be a case of “Security versus Tourism.” The British Virgin Islands (BVI’s) have initiated a new policy. Specifically, everyone coming into the territory by sea is now required to present himself/herself IN PERSON to immigration authorities. This includes guests on both bareboat yacht charter and superyacht charter vessels.
The policy takes effect immediately.
According to a government spokesperson, Her Majesty Customs of the Virgin Islands has, “…taken this step to minimize the potential entry of criminals, firearms and illegal substances into the territory.”
Will the revamped policy affect charter passengers? Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, explains how the new procedure differs from prior requirements: “In the past, only the captains of yachts were required to disembark and take with him or her all of the passports of the onboard guests. Now everyone must present themselves with their passports and their belongings.”
No one disputes the sovereignty of the local authorities to safeguard their islands and residents. Moreover, this island economy depends heavily upon charter yacht tourism. The new policy seems a bit draconian. Specifically there is little evidence to suggest tourists commit crimes. Additionally, not local residents of the US and British island chains, are responsible for any uptick in criminal activity.
So, are local authorities barking up the wrong tree? Sheeder thinks so.
She questions the necessity to impose upon well-heeled travelers who have already been “pre-screened” through the yacht charter reservation process. “The idea that firearms and illegal contraband will be brought ashore by luxury yacht charter guests is misplaced,” says Sheeder. “Clients sign a charter agreement that clearly outlines firearms, narcotics, and contraband are not permitted onboard. Furthermore, being in possession of such contraband can lead to the immediate termination of the charter – without refund.”
If any illicit materials are discovered by the crew, the yacht proceeds to the nearest port. Subsequently, the guests are then escorted off the yacht. With so much at stake, there seems little need to further screen these guests and their crews upon entry into the BVI.
How will the new regulations impact yacht charter tourism in the BVI? It’s too soon to tell, as the new rules went into effect September 1st. It is possible charter vessels will simply bypass the British portion of the Virgin Islands and modify their itineraries to focus solely on the US and Spanish Virgin Islands, where captains can still clear the passports for all onboard guests.
In the the short-run, Sheeder is confident the impact upon charter clients can be minimized. “We pride ourselves in delivering The Superyacht Experience™. We will offer our clients alternative destinations in the US and Spanish Virgin Islands, and throughout the Caribbean. For those clients who still wish to explore the BVI, we know we can rely on the captains and crew. If they need to carry the luggage and escort the guests into the immigration office and back to the yacht, we know that they will do so in the most efficient, professional, and friendly manner.”
Planning a yachting vacation? Check out the hottest YACHT CHARTER SPECIALS here
This entry was posted in Caribbean News Educational and tagged Ask the Yacht Charter Pros, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, caribbean yacht charter, British Virgin Islands yacht charter, British Virgin Islands, Jana Sheeder, Spanish Virgin Islands, 1800yachtcharters, Security, Laws, Virgin Islands, Ask The Pro's, bareboat charter
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