TABASCO has a new captain

Announcing a new skipper on S/Y TABASCO, available for charter this winter in the Caribbean and for summer 2008 they will be chartering in New England.



Captain Paul Preston has taken command of TABASCO, a custom-designed Baltic 76 pilot house cutter based in Antigua. Born in England and educated in the US, Captain Preston has a 25-year career in the yachting and hospitality industries. He has experience as captain of private and charter vessels, sail and power, up to 116 feet in length. Paul holds a USCG 1600 Gross Tons License and British DOT Certificate of Equivalent Competency with Class four Deck Command Endorsement. He has made an arrangement with a long-time colleague to freelance as chef on charter.

Tabasco offers accommodations for six in three cabins forward of the main salon. The en suite master with a centerline queen is all the way forward. Just aft of the master suite are port and starboard guest cabins with one double berth each. These cabins share a bath with a glass-enclosed shower. All cabins have access to the port side sauna which also has a shower.

Currently, Paul is finishing up an intense program of maintenance and repairs to bring Tabasco “up to snuff” :

• major varnishing project,
• new headsail,
• modifications to the inner foresail and
• new foredeck awning
• A/C system repairs

Rates : Winter 2007/8 Caribbean
(all-inclusive, except bar/beverages, cruising taxes...)

• Two guests: $20,000/wk
• Four guests: $22,000/wk
• Six guests: $24,000/wk

Rates : Summer 2008 New England
(plus all expenses)

• Two guests: $20,000/wk
• Four guests: $22,500/wk
• Six guests: $24,000/wk

View TABASCO's brochure : CLICK HERE and HERE TOO!

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters : CLICK HERE

Our Web Site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Catamaran MAROLANGA - Thanks for another great charter

Once again, a great review from happy guests who sailed with Gus, Marcella & Sasha aboard the catamaran Marolanga in the Virgin Islands...

Charter dates = JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2, 2008
Yacht = MAROLANGA

Dear Sheila and Bob,
We had a fabulous time aboard the Marolanga! Gus and Marcella were wonderful hosts. The yacht was comfortable, clean. The food was very good. I don't know how Marcella was able to create such meals in a small "kitchen"....every meal was delightful, pleasing to the eye and plentiful. I was also very impressed that they served our meals on china!
We would love to take another charter.
We stayed in St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalia. We stayed in a bed and breakfast called "At Home in the Tropics".....and that was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! I would highly recommend this place....we stayed two days before our charter and one day after our return. The owner, Pam Eckstein, was very accommodating.
You may use us as a reference.
Many thanks..........we now have wonderful memories!
- Caryn and John

If you'd like to charter MAROLANGA, contact Paradise Connections for details : CLICK HERE

View MAROLANGA's brochure: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO!

Our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

FLAME - WHALE SIGHTINGS IN VIRGIN ISLANDS

Flame had a close encounter whale sighting this week (Feb.2008) and wrote us a quick note about it... Hope we'll have some pictures soon.

"The whales were way cool! We were in Pillsbury Sound and saw a cow and calf. The calf was showing off and jumped multiple times. He/she really seemed to respond to our applause and cheers. Mom didn't do much until one guest said, OK we can go now, but I want one "Free Willy" move. Just then, Mom flicked her tail in the air and dove! Sadly, my pictures are awful..I was more intent on watching the show. Our guests got some good shots on their phone and promised to email them to us." - Barbara, m/y FLAME

Pillsbury Sound is the stretch of water between St. Thomas & St. John, US Virgin Islands.

February and March are the months to see the whales migrate through... If you'd like to give it a try, come on down!

Check out FLAME's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters : CLICK HERE

http://www.paradiseconnections.com

75-foot Catamaran Available in the Mediterranean Summer 2008

We are happy to have a new catamaran available for crewed yacht charters in the Mediterranean this summer (2008)... the 75-foot Privilege catamaran, Matau.


More info (details, rates, picture) soon come :)

Book your sailing vacation now!

Contact : Paradise Connections Yacht Charters : CLICK HERE

Special Last Minute Discount on BARGES Spring 2008

This would be a great Valentine's gift. Book before the end of February 2008.

Book ONE CABIN and receive a 50% DISCOUNT on the SECOND CABIN (same cruise)

OR

Book a private charter for the ENTIRE BARGE and receive a 20% DISCOUNT on the charter price

These offers are available for the following barges for all cruises departing between 30th March and 11th May 2008 inclusive:

(Click on the boat's name to view their brochures & itineraries)

La Belle Epoque in Burgundy, France (13 passenger barge) - currently available:

• March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4

L'Art de Vivre in Burgundy, France (8 passenger barge) - currently available:

• March 30, April 6, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11
  

L'Impressionniste in Provence & Camargue in Southern France (13 passenger barge) - currently available:

• March 30, April 6, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11
  

Magna Carta on Royal River Thames in England (8 passenger barge) - currently available:

• March 30, April 6, April 13, April 27, May 4, May 11
  

NOTE:

• Offer valid for new bookings made before February 29, 2008
• The discount is applied to the lower priced cabin when booking the 2 cabin offer and no more than 2 single passengers on one cruise.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

View the barge section of our website: CLICK HERE

Catamaran ALIDADE open for Easter 2008

The 58-foot catamaran, Alidade, is currently open for the end of February, EASTER, and prime weeks in April and May 2008.



"We had a fabulous time aboard The Alidade. Eric and Allen were exceptional. The Alidade was everything we had hoped for. I would highly recommend this charter to others."- Comments from clients we had aboard Alidade, December 2007

ALIDADE’s accommodations for eight are flexible in four cabins, each with ensuite heads: Two aft cabins have king berths, one of which converts to singles, two forward cabins have queen berths.

ALIDADE's French crew, Captain Alain Guillaume (50) and Chef Eric Tournier (40) invite you to come enjoy one of the best times of the year for sailing in the Caribbean. Fresh breezes, lots of dolphins and a good chance of seeing migrating whales! Both Alain and Eric speak fluent English and Spanish, Eric also speaks German & Italian.

ALIDADE is a great “beach house” on the water, loaded with water toys:

• 15 foot dinghy with 40HP engine
• Water skis – regular & slalom
• Wakeboard
• Tube
• Two kayaks
• Snorkel equipment (adult & child sizes)
• Fishing gear
• For quieter fun, relax with DVD’s, board games, books and Play Station 2.

RATES:

• WINTER 2008:
• $15,050/week for 2 guests; $15,960 for4; $16,765 for 6; $17,640 for 8
• All inclusive, except bar/beverages, dockage, communications...
• Location: Various Caribbean areas, including BVIs, St. Martin, Antigua, Grenadines, inquire

• SUMMER 2008 (beginning May 1st):
• $12,950/week for 2 guests; $13,720 for 4; $14,630 for 6; $15,435 for 8
• All inclusive, except bar/beverages, dockage, communications...
• Location: Various Caribbean areas, including BVIs, St. Martin, Antigua, Grenadines, inquire

"Ten of the best days of my life. ALIDADE is such a beautiful boat. Being 6'4" tall, even I found our quarters to be extremely comfortable!" - Guest comment

View ALIDADE's brochure: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO!
Contact Paradise Connections for more info or to BOOK : CLICK HERE

Our web site: CLICK HERE

Valentine's Day - Last Minute Sailing Vacations

VALENTINE's DAY is next Thursday!

Want a quick romantic getaway for Valentine's day? Check out these yachts!

Click on the boat's name to view their brochure.

ASHLANA
Open, Virgin Islands February 10-29
$10,700 excluding bar/bev, but Valentine special including:

• A couple's massage at an elegant resort of your choice (Peter Island Resort, The Bitter End, etc.)
• Bottle of champagne with a romantic dinner under the stars
• Gourmet picnic on a secluded beach

BANDERA
Open, Caribbean, through February 29
$10,500/wk excluding bar/beverages

BLITHE SPIRIT
Open, Virgin Islands February 12-17
$4558 for 5 nights

CONUNDRUM
Open, Virgin Islands, through February 22
$10,000/wk, bar/beverages included for Virgin Island charters

GODIVA
Open, St Martin or other Leeward islands, through February 29
$6,900/wk

HANALEI BAY
Open, Virgin Islands, February 10-29
$7,800/wk

MAROLANGA
Open, Virgin Islands, through February 21
$8,500/wk

MUSTANG SALLY
Open, Virgin Islands, through February 23
$6,000/wk : Special February rate

REACTION
Open, Virgin Islands, February 10-16
$10,629 for 6 night charter, up to 4 guests

SASKIANNA
Open, Caribbean, through February 29
$10,000/wk excluding bar/beverages

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for a fabulous Valentine's Day celebration: CLICK HERE

DEMOISELLES - Ready for charter in the Seychelles!

A recent email from the owner reports that DEMOISELLES, an 88-foot Sparkman & Stephens, is in "splendid shape" after a four-month, $650,000+ refit.



She is in the Seychelles and ready for charter. The beaches and snorkeling are fantastic in six national marine parks, two World Heritage Sites and many conservation areas among the 155 islands (mostly uninhabited) which include the largest raised coral atoll in the world.

What's new?
More powerful main engine, More powerful and quieter generators, Satellite mail & internet access, New windows, Freshly painted hull, Refitted mast, New cockpit curtains, New upholstery on outdoor furniture, Deluxe espresso machine, Bread baking machine, etc., etc, etc...

Demoiselles will be based in Mahe with plans to make her way around the islands. Guests can easily join the boat by helicopter or water service. Flights abound from all European cities as well as Dubai and other cities in the Middle East.

Four convertible en suite guest cabins offer flexible accommodations for up 8 guests (or to 10 guests, if family). Each cabin’s double bed converts to two lower singles. Two cabins have one upper single pullman berth each.

"The captain was excellent and the chef was fantastic!”
- Guest comments, March 2007, Tortola

SUMMER 2008 RATES: Euros – 30,000 plus all expenses

View Demoiselles brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO!

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info about sailing vacations: CLICK HERE

Charter Yacht CONUNDRUM - Client comments for holiday charters 2007-8

Conundrum is a 62-foot Little Harbor sloop that accommodates up to 6 guests. They charter in the Caribbean throughout the winter


Captain Jonny Spector and Chef Meredith Hester's Christmas guests in the Grenadines had such a wonderful time that they have reserved the same dates for December 2008!

Meredith's creative menus pleased one and all, including a 'mostly vegetarian' 20 year old daughter and an 'always hungry, cheeseburger loving' 17 year old son. Here's what they wrote in the guest book:

"This has been the best sail we have had in 20 years. See you in Nantucket"

Meredith and Jonny did a 24-hour turnaround and gave their New Year's guests, a family of 5, the same high level of service and top quality vacation experience:

"Thank you for the perfect week - relaxing, laughing, wonderful food and memories!"
- New Year's Charter, 2008. Mom, Dad and three kids in their 20's. St. Vincent - St. Vincent.

Conundrum accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with ensuite heads. The aft master has double and single berths plus private cockpit access. There are two guest cabins forward; one with two lower twin berths, and the other with twin bunks (upper/lower singles).

Winter 2008 Caribbean Rates: All inclusive except for bar/beverages, cruising fees, communications, dockage...

• $10,000 for 2 guests
• $12,000 for 4 guests
• $14,000 for 6 guests

Bar and beverages are INCLUDED for Virgin Island charters!

View CONUNDRUM's brochures: CLICK HERE and ALSO HERE

Read our St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show post about Conundrum: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more information. We look forward to assisting you with your sailing vacation plans. CLICK HERE

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year 2007

I was having an internet problem so I hit a random bookmark and went to the Merriam-Webster site. The top bit of news was the winners of "Word of the Year 2007" which was the word w00t. I know of a website called this but I've never heard anybody saying it so it was a surprise to me... but then, I'm no longer in the computer management/programmer work-a-day world.

But, the point I'm getting at is that third place was Conundrum... Hurray! A good excuse to mention the wonderful charter yacht named Conundrum with the excellent crew of Captain Jonny Spector and Chef Meredith Hester's who's Christmas guests in the Grenadines had such a wonderful time that they have reserved the same dates for December 2008!

See post (click here) for more about Conundrum.

Interested in chartering a yacht for your next vacation? Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

Six more weeks of winter - Book your getaway NOW

It's Groundhog day again! Will Monday be a bank holiday?

He saw his shadow so you know what that means... Yep, 6 more weeks of wintery weather.
,

Here's a picture that I took of Marigot, St. Martin this morning... just another winter's day...

You may want to check out the official web site for Ground Hog Day and read the prediction: CLICK HERE

Remember, if you want to leave your particular winter wonderground and come on down to the islands for a quick getaway, contact us about a crewed yacht charter sailing vacation. CLICK HERE for our contact info!

Keep warm!