Wednesday, December 19, 2007

MELINKA - S&S Swan 80

S/Y MELINKA - S & S Designed Swan 80 - Accommodates up to six guests in three cabins.

Admirers of traditional yachts will recognize MELINKA's classic Sparkman & Stephens lines at first glance. Below decks, her handsome interior is warmed with rich leather upholstery and fine marine paintings from the owner's private collection. Three en suite guest cabins aft of the spacious salon comprise a large master with twin lower singles, desk and library shelves, plus two cabins with upper/lower singles. All heads have separate stall showers. The galley and crew quarters are forward of the salon to give guests maximum privacy.

Melinka's elegant style conceals an agile, high performance sailing yacht with good sea berths for offshore passages. The cushioned sundeck aft of the helm has space for everyone to relax after an exhilarating sail or an afternoon of water sports. Captain Forrest Shropshire heads Melinka's crew of three. Despite his quintessentially English name, Forrest is originally from Georgia. He has more than thirty year's experience cruising the waters of the Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast and holds a 1600 ton USCG License. Mate Jace Hector is a second generation professional sailor from Antigua who loves sharing his local knowledge of the Islands. His sunny disposition, ready laugh and singing brighten every day. Unfortunately, we do not have the chef's name, but we had lunch aboard Melinka and the meal was excellent.

Captain Shropshire and his crew look forward to welcoming you aboard Melinka.

RATES: $18,500/wk for up to 6 guests. All-inclusive except for fine wines, taxes, dockage & communications

Booked for the holidays.

View Melinka's electronic brochures: CLICK HERE and ALSO HERE :)

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Happy holidays!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

New lower rates: CLAUDIA IV 70-foot Swan

New Rates on the beautiful Swan 70, Claudia IV !

Re-priced (lowered) and changed from Euros to US dollars, Claudia IV's rates are now $20/000/wk for 2 guests, $21,000/wk for 4 and $22,000/wk for 6 guests. This rate is all-inclusive with the normal exceptions of special requests, taxes, dockage and communications. Note: Standard ship's bar is INCLUDED.

The accommodations on Claudia IV make her ideal for family charters as well as for three couples. A classic Frers design Swan 70, she offers three double cabins, each with en suite head and shower. The master cabin is aft with a centerline queen, settee and vanity/desk. Two identical guest cabins forward of the salon have one lower double and one single upper Pullman berth each.

British born Captain Mike Watts and his wife, Adele, the chef, have been polishing their hosting skills on charter yachts since 1996. Mike is a mechanical engineer, RYA Yachtmaster, RYA Sailing Instructor and PADI Certified Scuba Instructor. His knowledge of sailing and anchorages throughout the Caribbean is unsurpassed. Adele has done two circumnavigations, co-owned a dive charter company and trained at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy in London.

Electronic brochure: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO!

Contact Paradise Connections for more info : CLICK HERE

Happy holidays!

HOLIDAY DISCOUNT - Book last minute charter NOW

S/Y ASHLANA available for holidays - 10% discount with ship's bar included!

Last minute cancellation! This stunning Little Harbor 53 accommodates 4 guests. En suite aft master has port & starboard "cozy doubles". Guests may use either of the two forward cabins which share a head and shower: V-berth double with filler, or port cabin with upper/lower singles. Raves for Chef Christie's chocolate fondue served at Antigua Charter Show's Broker Appreciation Day Tea.

Discounted rates: USD $10,800/wk for 2 guests, and $12,150/wk for 4 guests except taxes, fees, dockage & communications.

Web site: CLICK HERE

Book now! Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS : CLICK HERE

Happy holidays!

Monday, November 19, 2007

HANALEI BAY - Evening aboard in St. Thomas, USVI

Last night we had a wonderful evening aboard the charter yacht, Hanalei Bay, while we are still in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.



We had a simple, but SUPERB, meal of pork stew with sides of rice, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. Diane made a wonderful chocolate cake that I have been longing for... perfect!

Thanks guys, for having us over.

Hanalei Bay is currently available for Christmas 2007!
or how about spring break with the family?

View Hanalei Bay's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE
.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Drumbeat - Dive Sail Charter Yacht

Drumbeat is under new ownership



Let's start planning your sailing vacation!


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Monday, November 12, 2007

Promenade Opening - Hot off the press!

Bad news, Good news...


BAD NEWS: Promenade, the 65-foot superfun trimaran with a wonderful crew, has had a cancellation for the week of June 12-19, 2008.

GOOD NEWS: Promenade is now available for this primo week for YOUR charter. The kids will be out of school and this is a great boat for families, too!

Check out their online brochure : CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book : CLICK HERE

(Still open for Christmas 2007)

Welcome Charter Yacht Conundrum


We visited the 62-foot Little Harbor sloop, Conundrum at the St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show on Saturday. It is a beautiful yacht. We were just leaving when the captain returned to the boat. He looked at Bob and said "Loose Moose 2! Bob & Sheila". We were shocked! How does he know Loose Moose?

We looked at his name tag and when he said his name (Johnny SPECTOR) it dawned on us.... this is Karen's son.... Wow! He hasn't seen us in at least 6 or 7 years yet he remembers us. Well, Loose Moose and the Wise's are kind of "infamoose" :) Conundrum is a lovely boat and is definitely well cared for, but if Karen's son is the captain, we know that you too will be well looked after (or we'll tell his Mom!)

Also, I was looking at Conundrum's printed brochure and I liked it's philosophy. It states very clearly what a crewed yacht charter should be, so I'm going to quote a bit from it...
"IT IS A CONUNDRUM... SO MUCH TO DO, OR SO LITTLE TO DO!

Is your idea of a dream vacation to pack in everything possible, every day? Exciting ports of call and trendy beaches, interlaced with the thrill of slicing through the ocean water while under full sail? Take the helm yourself, or just sun and enjoy the view.

Or is your idea of the perfect getaway to slow down and take each day as it comes? Enjoy the peaceful morning breeze from the sundeck, wander an island trail, and relax with a drink to enjoy the romantic sunset?

Either way, or a little of both, is perfect for us if it's perfect for you. We enjoy providing exactly the experience that is right for you. Gourmet food using exotic and fresh local ingredients? Meat and potatoes? The answer is YES, we can do that.

Remember: When deciding which sailing yacht to charter, it's not a conundrum... it's THE Conundrum... because we create the vacation experience you desire."
Well said!

View Conundrum's brochure : CLICK HERE

For more information, contact Paradise Connections : CLICK HERE

Christmas & New Years 2007 UPDATE Charter Yacht Sailing Vacations

CONTACT PARADISE CONNECTIONS FOR CURRENT HOLIDAY CHARTERS

Check out current special offers on crewed charter yachts. 





For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Sunday, November 11, 2007

Virgin Island Charter Yacht Shows

Hi! Sorry for the lack of posts as we have been attending the two charter yacht shows in the Virgin Islands this week and we haven't had much spare time or decent internet access until today (hurray!).

We just successfully signed up and now have good wifi on the boat so WATCH OUT!

Must dash as we have been invited to visit NSS Pattam at 10am as we were unable to fit them in yesterday (saw them at the pirate party though!)

More soon come!

Friday, November 02, 2007

QWEST Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...

Here's what Kim & Rich of the charter yacht QWEST had to say:


Hi Sheila & Bob,

Sorry about the slow reply, but we have been busy in the boatyard getting ready for the season.

We spent most of our summer in New Mexico visiting family and friends. A lot of our time was spent "working on our music." We have been adding songs to our repertoire, and learning some new techniques and playing styles for ukulele and harmonica.


We don't have any photos, but we did add a music page to our (no-contact) website that has links to a couple of mp3s and a video. The link is www.YachtQwest.com/music.html .

We hope to add some more stuff to the page, but right now things are crazy busy!!!

See you at the show, Kim & Rich

View Qwest's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

QWEST is still available for both Christmas AND New Years!


Thursday, November 01, 2007

CRYSTAL CLEAR : Pre-Christmas Discounts

Charly & Carolina of the charter yacht Crystal Clear, are ready to welcome you aboard for a yacht charter sailing vacation this season.



Two Special Offers:
  • $500 discount on new bookings taking place before Christmas week
  • No holiday surcharge for Christmas week, Dec.20-27, 2007 - Tortola
View Crystal Clear's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info : CLICK HERE

Christmas Season Day Sail Holiday Cruises - New York

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY ABOARD EASTERN STAR!

'Tis the season to enjoy a private, exceptional cruise aboard the m/y Eastern Star.


  • Elegant 85 Ft Motor Yacht Eastern Star trimmed in Mahogany decorated in Charming Holiday Decor
  • Wood Burning Stove aglow accompanied by Champagne Upon Boarding
  • Enclosed, Heated Upper deck set up for a Fine Dining Experience
  • Complimentary DJ Entertainment
  • Climate Controlled Interior
  • Formal Dining Room available for Intimate Gatherings
  • Exceptional Cuisine prepared onboard with Holiday and Customized Menus Available
  • Outstanding Professional Crew
  • Conveniently located at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers
EXPERIENCE STUNNING VIEWS, FINE CUISINE, AND GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

Your holiday package includes:
  • 1/2 hour boarding with 4-hour cruise
  • DJ entertainment
  • Champagne upon boarding
  • Premium bar
  • Holiday dinner menu
How much, you ask?
  • 20 Passengers: $5,500
  • Each additional passenger: $115 per person
  • 20% crew fee, sales tax, and dockage not included (gratuity appreciated)
  • Package rates do not apply to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Rates are available upon request.

Consider Eastern Star for other occasions, too:
  • Corporate celebrations & milestones
  • Off-site business functions
  • Incentive cruises
  • Fall foliage cruises
  • Holiday celebrations
  • Private parties
  • Dinner cruises
  • Cocktail receptions
  • Brunches & lunches
View Eastern Star's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for booking & more info: CLICK HERE

Monday, October 29, 2007

Cruise Maldives - Force Blue Feb/March 2008

The charter motor yacht FORCE BLUE is available in the Maldives for charters between February 10 and March 20, 2008.

FORCE BLUE is a 207-foot (62.33m) Royal Denship motoryacht based out of Male.

CHARTER RATE: Euro 245,000 (high season) Euro 235,000 (low), plus all expenses.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Master king on main deck. Vanity. Jacuzzi
1 x queen. Tub
1 x twin. Tub
2 x queen. Jacuzzi
1 king (VIP). Jacuzzi
Full gym on below deck
SPA center : Steamshower, Hammam, Sauna jacuzzi, hydro massage. Massage room

WATERSPORTS.:
Snorkel gear, 2 x 2-man wave runners, water skis

TENDERS:
BAT 37" with 2 Honda, 8,20m Taka Limousine in Mahogany wood, 9m Pascoe with 2 BMW engines

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Saturday, October 27, 2007

TACHYON, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...



Here's what Eric & Jacque of the charter yacht TACHYON, a 47-foot catamaran, had to say:

Hey Sheila and Bob!

We just got back from our first charter of the season, and now have a few moments to get to our email!

We had a great summer in the mountains of Colorado where we spent 2 months in Grand Lake Colorado sailing (Eric was racing E-scows on Grand Lake, competing for the Lipton Cup -- he crewed on a boat that got second place!), water skiing, hiking and camping, doing a bit of horseback riding, and generally resting up and hanging out with our friends.

We had a wonderful time and are now gearing up for a very busy season!

Unfortunately, I'm using Eric's computer as mine has suddenly refused to recharge itself -- all our pictures are on my computer so I can't send one...sorry!

That's OK, Jacques. We'll get some photos when we see you in a couple of weeks when we sail over to the Virgin Islands for the charter yacht shows.

View TACHYON's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact us, Paradise Connections, to book Tachyon : CLICK HERE

Friday, October 26, 2007

Friday BOAT Cat Blogging: Jacob on FLAME

Today's boat cat is Jacob who lives aboard the charter motor yacht FLAME.

Jacob is a fabulous charter cat. He really does the balance of entertainer, but not too-much-in -your-face charter host. His folks are very pleased with him and Flame's guests have adored him.

This morning, we asked Barbara and Wayne for a new photo and a bit about Jacob. Here is what they said:

Jacob is skinny in this picture cause he was still a kitten. He is still pretty slim but he has this funny droopy stomach that the vet says is very normal, just usual in older cats.

Jake is two years old. We got him at the St Thomas (USVI) humane society when he chose us for parents. I sat down in the cat enclosure and he climbed in my lap. I put him down to check out the other kittens and he climbed back on... my heart was won! He is not a lap cat for other people...

He likes to interrupt me when I am at the computer. When he was little he would lie on the computer keyboard and roll around listening to it beep! I had to stop that when somehow he managed to make my entire picture file go away. He loves to lie on the counter at the bottom of the steps going into the main salon so he can keep track of everyone. Me, he whacks as I go by so he can get attention. He is playful in the morning and the evening.. right now he is finding the charging cord for the phone a fun toy. He is also fond of hunting flies. I suppose the funniest thing about him is that he uses the toilet. We used the insert to train him and now he is down to the last ring with no litter in it. Last summer Wayne and I did a charter on Eliza (they had no crew and were in a panic) and we told them we come with cat. Jake just rolled with the punches and used the toilet there just like on Flame (on land he uses the great outdoors).

Well, obviously I could go on and on about him! He is just the sweetest, good natured cat!
You can see another post (June 12, 2006) with Jacob and Flame HERE.

Unfortunately, Flame won't be at the November St. Thomas charter yacht show as they will be on charter. But, as we will be in the Virgin Islands aboard our boat, we will probably run into them and catch up on everything... including more pictures!

View FLAME's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact us, Paradise Connections, to book Flame : CLICK HERE

Sunday, October 21, 2007

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2008

If you are interested in chartering a yacht for next year's Cannes Film Festival (May 14-25, 2008) PLEASE do so as soon as possible. Boats book up quickly and dockage is difficult to obtain the closer it gets.



Also, please note that yachts for the festivals are generally more expensive than a hotel. This is not a way to save money...

Check our Cannes Page for dates of various festivals : CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for yachts for Cannes Festivals and Expositions (Cannes Film Festival, Lions, MIPCOM, MIP-TV) and the Monaco Grand Prix : CLICK HERE

PHAEDRUS, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...

Here's what Leslie & Charles of the charter yacht PHAEDRUS had to say:


We had a lovely summer on the 14 acres we bought in western North Carolina, SE of Asheville. We bought a 25' marine shipping container to put our "Stuff" in & a 36' 5th wheel travel trailer to call home while we're there. Movin' up from boat bums to trailer trash!

We did alot of planting, 5 maple trees, 3 apples, crepe myrtles, roses, day lilies & iris. Charles rented a bush hog & we cleared about an acre of blackberry brambles & grape vines which were taking over the trees (Charles fell in love with this brush hog).

Our time there was short but we got a lot done. Next year, nature trails.



Leslie & Charles & Lila

Look forward to seeing Phaedrus and the gang at the St. Thomas charter yacht show in a couple of weeks!

Phaedrus is still OPEN for CHRISTMAS!

View PHAEDRUS : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info : CLICK HERE

Schooner BONNIE LYNN, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...

Here's what Earl & Bonnie had to say:
We had a great season in Newport in June, then Maine July - September and now back in Newport to finish out the charter season. We will again be dockside at the Newport Harbor Hotel for the winter. Only a few miles from our son and his wife. I take care of our 17 month old grandson, Simon two days a week. Quite a change from chartering, but we wouldn't miss this time with him.

Next summer we will be sailing to Nova Scotia and chartering there July and early August, then back to Maine for the rest of the season.

Cheers, Bonnie
View the Schooner Bonnie Lynn : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connection for more info : CLICK HERE

PROMENADE, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...

Here's what Lisa & Rich had to say:
Hi there,

Good to hear from you, hope both of you are well!

Myself and Rich have literally just returned from our hol's! We spent one week in Orlando and four weeks in Peru! Peru was an amazing country, lots of desert which I didn't realise. We had time to do a tour of the whole southern part, starting in Lima, then Nasca to see the strange lines in the desert, from there to Arequipa, where we did lots of activity stuff, quad bikes, horse riding, went to see the largest canyon in the world and the Condors that live there. It is also an area over 5000 metres above sea level so we had the altitude and lack of air to contend with too! We went to Lake Titikaka, the highest navagable lake in the world, took the Orient Express to Cusco, from where we did a week in the jungle of Manu. Lots of insane wildlife, the worst being a tarantula crawling out of Rich's hiking boots!

Food was amazing. It was the only time travelling I have put weight on! We ate some weird and wonderful things, we chewed coco leaves for altitude sickness and drank it as tea, we ate guinea pig! (see attached picture), tripe soup, alpaca (related to the Llama, it was my favourite!).

Best regards,

Lisa and Rich (Promenade)

Lisa also sent a couple of photos of their NASCAR excursion while they were in Orlando... (click photos for larger image)



Promenade is still available for CHRISTMAS!

View PROMENADE's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info : CLICK HERE

BLITHE SPIRIT, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...

Here's what Dominique & Michel of Blithe Spirit had to say:
We are in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago having fun redecorating Blithe Spirit: new deck paint, new cockpit cushions, new pedestal, so more room in the cockpit, new cockpit table, some new sails, lots of fresh varnish, she looks stunning. As for us, after dieting and exercising we are in great shape and ready to start the upcoming season.

We are sampling fun Indian vegetarian dishes and adding new recipes to our menu and taking spices back with us to St. Thomas; welcome everyone.
Dominique and Michel


Blithe Spirit is still OPEN for NEW YEARS!

View BLITHE SPIRIT's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info : CLICK HERE

Thursday, October 18, 2007

10% DISCOUNTS ON SELECTED WEEKS / BOATS

BOOK BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 2007 and get 10% off these selected "Sail Weeks" on the following catamarans. Availability as of October 18, 2007 email us for current availability...

November 8-15, 2007

November 16-23, 2007:

January 17-24, 2008:

June 4-11, 2008:

You can get their "normal" rates HERE then click on MULTIHULLS.

These boats offer diving for certified divers at the price of $30/dive/diver.

Contact PARAIDSE CONNECTIONS for more info: CLICK HERE
.

New Catamaran : YES DEAR

Introducing YES DEAR, a new Voyage 580 (58-foot) catamaran.



Yes Dear has three crew, is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, each with ensuite heads.


The Salon features a Bose sound system, a Flat Screen TV, CD, DVD and I-Pod docking station. There are also stereo speakers in the cockpit and on the mast. Each stateroom is equipped with its own flat screen TV/DVD player.

Recreational equipment include a 16ft tender with a 90hp engine for waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, snorkeling and fishing trips and floating mattresses. Dive compressor for SCUBA diving which is available onboard but not included in your package the rate is $30 per dive/per certified diver (this includes rental of equipment). Some islands in the Leewards and Windwards restrict diving from yachts, diving is then only available with local operators. Standard bar and gourmet cuisine are included in your vacation package, your professional crew of 3 will be your captain, local guide, chef, divemaster and watersport instructor.

Yes Dear's Tentative Cruising Schedule
  • Nov 7 – March 30 : Virgin Islands
  • April 5 – May 31 : Antigua /Leewards Islands
  • June 5 – Oct 26 : St. Vincent Grenada / Windward Islands

See our web page for YES DEAR: CLICK HERE

For more info or to book Yes Dear, contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

:)

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Christmas & New Years 2007 Sailing Vacations UPDATE

CONTACT PARADISE CONNECTIONS FOR CURRENT HOLIDAY AVAILABILITY

Check out current special offers on crewed charter yachts. 





For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


MAROLANGA, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...

Here's what Marcella & Gus wrote:

Dear Sheila, Dear Bob,

We are now in Salzburg and our grandkids are with us; they had a vacation week from school. The weather is the same as you said from St. Martin, grey and cloudy. The difference is, it is cold here, I miss the warmth! But the forecast says, next week the sun is back, but temperature is still much colder than in the Caribbean. It is fall and we have a beautiful Indian summer in all colours. We were yesterday with our grandchildren Kay-Vivian (8) and Vanessa (6) in the mountains around Salzburg in a cannyon hiking and we did some pictures. It was really interesting with that loud waterfalls and narrow path hiking up and down through that canyon. Today our son Oliver and our grandchildren driving back home to Stuttgart were they live. Our daughter couldn't come with, she got a new interesting job and couldn't go away. We will stay for 10 more days here in our condo in Salzburg then we drive to Stuttgart to our family and fly out there on Oct. 23rd. back in the warmth!

Sasha got thicker hairs, he loves to sit on our balcony outside in the cold looking at passing birds in the trees around. And of course he loves to play with our grandkids. When we drove from Stuttgart to here he was sitting free in the car and was looking outside and after a while he was sleeping all the way. Real travel cat, no problems and such a lovely and good boy with his cute face! We are so happy and lucky to have him around. But he gained weight, I guess the cold makes him eating more.

Hope, you are both well - we are doing both fine and Gus' eye is nearly 100% okay again. [Gus had cataract surgery. He had his other eye fixed last year]. Next week in the sunshine we will bicycling along the Salzach River which is close to our condo.

Sending warm regards and a hug to both of you,
Marcella and Gus
View MAROLANGAs brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO

Contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

SASKIANNA : New yacht in our charter fleet

SASKIANNA, the 57-foot, Bruce King sloop built at the same Maine yard as her sistership, Whitehawk, is heading to the Caribbean for this coming winter 2007/8 season.



Her fine lines, traditional hull and teak decks turn heads wherever she goes. Below decks her white enamel paint and varnished teak trim echo the classic interiors of Nat Herreshoff, set off with slate blue ultra suede upholstery new this spring (2007). Saskianna has been lovingly and meticulously maintained by professional captains since being launched in 1985.

With two guest cabins Saskianna is best suited to family cruising. Her en suite aft master has private access to the cockpit and offers both double and single berths, plus a vanity with seat, mirror and sink. The forward cabin has generous storage, upper/lower single berths and shares the forward head with the crew. Recent upgrades include the installation of air conditioning and electric heads and the refit of a separate crew cabin is close to completion.

Winter rates: USD $9,500/wk for 2 guests, $12,000/wk for 4 guests - All inclusive except bar/bev, cruising taxes...

Currently (as of Oct.14,2007) available for BOTH Christmas & New Years!

We look forward to seeing Saskianna at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December.

View SASKIANNA's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact us to book Saskianna, or for more info : CLICK HERE

Saturday, October 13, 2007

THREE MOONS, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...



Here's Shelly's report:

Where do you go on vacation when you work and live in the world’s best sailing area? Canada! We had a great time last week hiking the Canadian Rockies! It was the first time in ten years that we played in the snow! The upper elevations were cold on our warm Caribbean toes; but we loved every minute! We started our adventure at Lake Louise spending three days hiking around the magnificent Fairmont Lake Louise Chateau and lake area. Our next couple of days was spent enjoying the views on one of the “10 Best Drives In the World” to Jasper. We wrapped up our week in Banff with a luxurious stay in the Presidential Suite at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Shelly & Randy

View Three Moon's brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS to book: CLICK HERE

GRAUNYA - Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation...


Mike in Chicago

Captain/Chef Mike of Graunya, worked in the windy city this summer sailing on Lake Michigan. This was his second summer season working in Chicago aboard the 36-foot sloop Crescendo and the 76-foot gaff-rigged, topsail schooner Red Witch.

Next month Mike will be returning to Graunya, his 51-foot Beneteau, who has spent her summer vacation at a boatyard in Trinidad. This will be Mike's 16th season chartering and he still enjoys it. We had a party of three guys aboard Graunya this Spring for the Jimmy Buffett concert in Anguilla. A great time was had by all! Thanks Mike!!!

View GRAUNYA's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS to book Graunya: CLICK HERE

MacGregor, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation.

Tim & Julie of the motoryacht McGregor, a 56-foot Hatteras, sent us their newsletter. Click on the image below to see it larger.

Tim is a dive instructor and includes resort courses and up to 8 dives/week for certified divers. Charters in the US and British Virgin Islands.

See their online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS Yacht Charters for more info: CLICK HERE

Friday, October 05, 2007

Celebrate the holidays in the UK

Here is a wonderful opportunity for those who would enjoy celebrating the holidays in Scotland (Christmas) AND England (New Years)...

You can do either the 4-night Christmas Cruise with Scottish Highlander from December 23-27, 2007 or the 5-night New Year's Cruise aboard Magna Carta from December 28, 2007 through January 2, 2008. But BOTH would be BETTER :)

For more information, look at our October 4th posting in our Barging Blog: CLICK HERE

More about Caribbean Christmas / New Years availability soon!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

BLU MOON, Summer 2007 Vacation

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation.

Here's what we learned about Chris & Julie, owner-operators of the 50-foot Beneteau, BLU MOON.



Chris & Julie, on sailing vessel Blu Moon, have spent the summer working on their 200+ year old farmhouse in southwest France, which is renowned for producing sunflowers, red wine, chèvre goat cheese, and foie gras. They purchased the “fixer-upper” in 2004, and have just finished their 3rd summer working on the outside of the house, building a lower terrace and stone barbeque, and coordinating an addition that is being built by a French stone mason and artisan. In June, their roof will be redone in the traditional French style, and next summer they plan on gutting the interior of the house.

The supervisors of their house renovation are their two 10-year old Australian Shepherds, Hannah and Mick, who live with a foster family during the chartering season.

View BLU MOON's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

FLAME, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation.

Here's what Barb from the 65-foot Feadship motoryacht, FLAME, had to say:

Wayne and I spent our summer working on our pet projects. Wayne has been finishing his 1931 LaSalle sedan and has started restoring a coupe. We used his 1947 Chevy pickup quite a bit this summer so our yard is just littered with antiques! I just like digging in the dirt. This summer I built a new patio to overlook the fish pond and expanded our dining patio. Our house and gardens are quite respectable now!

I've included two pictures. One is of my pond with the new patio and Wayne's sedan in the background.



The other is of his "new" project. Yup, this is what they look like when he starts (and he's actually been working on it for two summers!).



Thanks Barb & Wayne! We look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!
Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

HARMONY, Summer Vacation 2007

We sent an email to some of our favorite charter boats to ask what they did on THEIR summer vacation.

Here's what Jack, captain of the 115-foot motoryacht, HARMONY, had to say:


Hi Sheila & Bob,

We cruised the Med this summer.. Including Palma Mallorca, Ibiza, the French Riviera, and the Italian coast... The weather was mostly good.

The French governmant provided firework shows very often and people were very nice. In a nut shell, it was a good season for us. In a couple of weeks it's back to St Martin...

Cheers, Jack

View HARMONY's Brochure : CLICK HERE

For more information contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS: CLICK HERE

GOOD NEWS! Harmony is still (as of Oct.5,2007) available for Christmas/New Years!

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Charter PROMENADE for 2007/8 with new special rates

Kerry of the 65-foot Promenade, wants to fill in her remaining weeks for the 2007-8 season so she is offering special rates for new bookings, including discounts for kids!


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Good news is that they are STILL AVAILABLE for THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS!!!

I can't believe that Promenade is still open for Christmas, but that is to OUR benefit :)

RATES: Promenade has LOWERED their rates and now has a special rate of $500 each for kids 15-years old or younger.
  • $14,900/wk for 6 adults, plus up to 6 kids 15 years or younger at $500 each
  • $15,900/wk for 8 adults, plus up to 4 kids 15 years or younger at $500 each
  • $17,900/wk for 10 adults, plus up to 2 kids 15 years or younger at $500 each
  • $18,900/wk for 12 guests (family only / prior approval)
  • Inquire for intermediate rates (7, 9, 11 guests)
Let's try to clarify what that means by using a couple of examples... Promenade will take up to 10 guests or up to 11 & 12 if it is a family group (or inquire). OK... Here we go!
  • 2 couples with 6 kids (18, 16, 14, 13, 10, 8): The 4 adults and 2 kids of 16 & 18 are $14,900 then the other 4 kids under 16 are $500 each which totals $16,900 for this group of 10 (previously $19,900/wk for 10 guests).
  • 3 couples with 6 kids (15, 15, 13, 12, 10, 9): The six adults are $14,900 and the six kids under the age of 16 are $500 each, which totals $17,900 for this group of 12 (previously $21,900/wk for 12 guests).
Here's some more pricing info:
  • Minimum 6-person rate, regardless of children's ages. Kid discount kicks in after the initial 6-person minimum.
  • Charter of 5 nights or less, subject to the 10% industry-standard surcharge
  • Christmas week at NEW standard rate... NO holiday premium! What a nice Christmas present... Thanks, Kerry!
  • Prices include all gourmet meals, ships bar, and water sports.
  • Not included: taxi transfers, standard crew gratuity of 15-20%

Meet new friends!

SCUBA DIVING: Promenade is an excellent dive boat. Crew members are Diving Instructors and they enjoy diving.
  • Certified divers: $125/wk per diver and $125/wk gear rental per diver (BC & Reg), or bring your own!
  • Resort divers: $75/dive per diver up to a maximum fee of $400, includes gear.
  • Open Water Referral Course: $225/diver, gear not included. This fee includes all of your additional diving for the week


FISHING
: Promenade is one of the few commercially endorsed fishing boats in the BVI. This means that you do not need a separate fishing license to fish off Promenade! In fact, they are allowed to catch 30 lbs of fish a day under the license!


Lots of lounging space on the foredeck!

Lots of lounging space in the water!

CALENDAR (as of Oct. 3, 2007)
  • Open through December 28, 2007 (Thanksgiving & Christmas, too!)
  • Open March 3-29, 2008
  • Open March 30 - April 5, 2008: Special 6-night Cabin Cruise. $3900/cabin (not each person). Two cabins booked, but three still available Great opportunity for a couple or individual who would love to charter such a large boat at an affordable rate.
  • Open April 13 - May 3, 2008
  • Open May 11 - June 11, 2008
  • Open June 28th onwards...

Lisa & Rich

CREW: Promenade's professional crew of three or four can do it all! They are an excellent choice whether for families, hard-core divers, group of friends, party-hardies, corporate incentives, etc!

COMMENTS: Here are some guest comments that we'd like to share:
Personally, we wouldn't charter with anyone else BUT Baz & Kerry... Kerry and Baz are the BEST. They're personable and full of information, they'll answer any and all of your questions and best of all, we consider them our friends who live in and on the waters of the BVI. Bob and Laurie
The trip was absolutely fantastic! I can't stop thinking about how wonderful you all were. The food was incredible and the entire crew was so attentive . The trip home was long and uneventful. It is hard being back at work Thanks again for everything. I would love to join you again. D.Evans
  • How did you enjoy your charter? Very much!! So relaxing, yet invigorating.
  • Did you find your crew to be helpful, accommodating and friendly? Yes...although we were surprised to have 4 people as crew. Kerry & Bazza were helpful and Lisa & Richard were marvelous!! Richard especially helpful with the kids & fishing. Loved Lisa's cooking!!
  • Was the yacht comfortable, clean and well maintained? Very clean...very well maintained. Hopefully we didn't trash it! Nice towels...cabins cleaned daily.
  • How would you describe the quality and presentation of the meals served on board ? Very good, plentiful, good variety... Plenty of salads as we were promised. Even my diabetic family did fine with the menu... except for the desserts!! Too sinful!!
  • How did you find the services offered by Paradise Connections ? Excellent. You made the whole process painless.
  • Would you be interested in taking another yacht vacation in the future? Absolutely! We're looking at our calendar already. Will never do a BIG cruise again.
  • If so, would you like to charter the same yacht and crew? ABSOUTELY!! There are still many places to see and sail to!! H.Chanatry
View PROMENADE's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for information: CLICK HERE

Promenade's motto says it all:
"We have more fun!"