Scrub Island Resort Spa and Marina (tks to Wikipedia)
HURRICANE IRMA HITS THE CARIBBEAN
Hurricane Irma struck the British Virgin Islands in early September, 2017. She left destruction. For instance, a trail of battered yachts, debris-filled beaches, and widespread destruction.
STATE OF THE CARIBBEAN
Fast forward 2-plus years. The island chain is once again as popular as ever as a world-class yacht charter destination! The islands are back to normal. For example, the debris is gone, the marinas are rebuilt, and the white-sand beaches are once again glistening in the rays of the warm Caribbean sun.
WHY CHOOSE THE BVI FOR YACHT CHARTER?
Great news! There is a new reason to choose the BVI this spring for your Caribbean superyacht experience. DUTY FREE FUEL.
GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT
The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) government amended its custom regulations in December 2019. They now offer duty free fuel to yachts.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, explains:
“As long as your luxury charter yacht remains in the BVI for a minimum three days, your crew can take advantage of these cost savings. Depending upon the size of the superyacht you charter, the savings can be significant.”
PREMIER OF THE BVI COMMENTS
Andrew Fahie, the Premier of the BVI also commented on the new rule: “This will be a step in the right direction towards encouraging megayachts to make the BVI their home port,” says Andrew Fahie, the premier of the BVIs.
Other areas of the Caribbean, for instance, St Martin and St Barts, draw more megayacht visits. The BVIs seem prepared to give the other islands a run for their money.
Multiple marinas for deep-draft superyachts, especially sailing yachts, now exist.
The BVI has year-round warm temperatures and as a general rule. Not only that, but calmer waters occur here than in other areas of the Caribbean.
Flight times from the USA to the British Virgin Islands are shorter. Not only is there an international airport in Tortola suitable for both commercial and private jets. but there is also regular ferry service between the BVI and the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands.
If easy flight access, beautiful anchorages, and money-saving opportunities matter to you, consider the British Virgins for your next superyacht charter vacation this spring.
Kevin Lawrie calls himself a “Facilitator.” Some superyacht captains have a more fitting moniker for him: “Miracle Man.”
Since 2015, Lawrie has operated Mango Mango Yacht and Villas Services, on the island of St Barts in the Caribbean.
WHO IS MANGO?
Lawrie is a yacht agent, a rather non-descriptive title. He is an integral participant in most private luxury yacht charter trips passing through the Caribbean. For example, St Barts and other nearby ports of call (e.g. Nevis, St Kitts, Anguilla, etc.) need him. A yacht agent’s services include assistance with immigration and port services. They also include banking, provisioning, and charter guest and yacht crew concierge services. Lastly, they make medical arrangements and purchase yacht parts.
“Our responsibility is to deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients,” says Sheeder. “The hiring of the yacht is just one component of a successful charter. Our goal is to use the yacht as the platform to deliver an unequalled and flawless vacation for our clients. While the captains of the yachts are responsible to create an itinerary for the clients, it is often the yacht agent who coordinates the logistics for the yacht before it arrives at a particular destination.”
WHAT CAN THE MANGO TEAM DO FOR YOU?
They can
First, arrange dockage for a yacht days before arrival in St Barts. Once in port, assist the crew in clearing the charter guests through customs
Second, order provisions. Crews will often send Lawrie a list of provisions requested by the onboard guests, and Lawrie will make arrangements for these items to be delivered to the yacht
Third, organize onshore activities. Captains will call Lawrie before arrival with a list of activities the charter guests wish to enjoy while in St. Barts
YACHT CHARTER MAVEN / PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“A captain and his crew need to focus on the safe operation of the yacht while the charter guests are onboard,” explains Sheeder. “You don’t want a captain or the crew spending time on the phone or Internet trying to organize sighstseeing tours, arranging dockage, or making restaurant reservations.”
YACHT AGENT EXPERTISE
This is where Lawrie and Mango Mango excel. Many important details are handled by yacht agents. When performed well, it’s a seamless, professional process – invisible to the charter guests. All the charter guests see is an empty slip in a marina, ready for their arrival. As they disembark, a driver is standing by, with a car or limousine – ready to take them where they want to go. There’s no need for charter guests to stand in line at the local customs office, because Lawrie has already cleared the passengers, using passport details forwarded to him via email by the yacht’s captain. Fuel and fresh provisions will be delivered to the yacht, so when the charter guests are ready to depart for the next port of call, the yacht and crew are ready to go.
YACHT OWNERS REACH OUT
Many times, a yacht owner who normally keeps his/her yacht in the Mediterranean will decide to re-position to the Caribbean for the winter season. Often, the crews of these yachts are not familiar with the islands of the Caribbean, and are at a loss when it comes to necessary yacht services – fuel bunkering, entry requirements, foreign currency exchanges, etc. For these yachts and crew, Lawrie is truly a miracle worker. Sheeder points out, “Not only does Kevin handle the typical yacht services, he’s available 24/7 for the little things that seem to pop up out of nowhere. If a crewmember suddenly breaks a tooth, Kevin will jump right in and secure an emergency appointment with a local dentist.”
YACHT OFFICER COMMENTS
Scott Macahonic, Chief Officer of M/Y Spirit understands the value of a local yacht agency like Mango Mango:
“We have used Kevin numerous times over the last two seasons in St.Barths, and I can’t even tell you the number of ‘potential guest situations’ he has gotten us out of! New Year’s eve table reservations, 20 person taxi with no warning, coconuts immediately, fresh fish when needed. You name it…he’s helped us always in a professional, quick and friendly manner. We will definitely be using him the next time we can get back to the beautiful island of St.Barths.”
VILLA SERVICES
Mango Mango has expanded their services to also include villas. They provide:
Villa Management
• Arrangement & coordination of all contractors (pool, garden, plumbing, electric)
• Administration & payment of all accounts & services for the villa
• Housekeeping, chefs, babysitting & personal security services
• Meet & Greet at the airport / yacht / ferry
• Freshest products provisioning
• Exclusive concierge services
ST BARTS OPEN-4-BUSINESS
While recent hurricanes Irma and Maria brought much destruction to the Caribbean including St Barts, Lawrie states the island is up and running and ready for visitors.
“St Barts is effectively open for business this winter season,” says Lawrie, “and we would love to see you down here and we can promise that it will be a memorable season offering you the same level of professionalism as usual and you will be welcomed with open arms and a warm smile wherever you go ashore.”
Well said, Miracle Man!
HOW TO REACH MY YACHT AGENT?
For up-to-date information about scheduled post-hurricane restaurant and hotel openings in St Barts, or to rent a luxury villa, contact Mango Mango Yacht and Villa Services at + 590 690 77 81 13 or email: hello@mangomangosbh.com
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