Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Charter Yacht SPIIP - Sailing Vacations in the South Pacific, French Polynesia

The Charter Yacht SPIIP, an 86-foot CNB sloop, will be chartering in the South Pacific beginning in mid-June 2011.

Charter Yacht Spiip - Sailing Vacations in the South Pacific
Crewed Yacht Charters in French Polynesia

This is an excellent yacht with a superb crew. Check out their online brochure and then pop us an email or give us a call.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SPIIP
View Spiip's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Charter Yacht Oceans Seven Squared - SAVE 10% Easter, too!

For the remainder of the 2011 winter Caribbean season,  Charter Yacht OCEANS SEVEN SQUARED, a 104-foot Trehard/Fauroux sloop, is offering a special 10% discount off all charters.


Charter Yacht Oceans Seven Squared
Crewed Yacht Charters in the Caribbean (winters) and Crotia / Eastern Med (summers)

Oceans Seven Squared will be in the Caribbean through mid-April and available for charters including a charter over Easter if booked soon!

Check out OCEANS 7² fresh new cockpit & interior soft furnishings and décor! Their online brochure has been updated with new photographs to reflect the updates, and more photos will be added soon.  In addition to her new décor, a new suite of sails has been ordered.

OCEANS 7² is available for charters in Croatia for the Summer 2011 season...

OCEANS 7² offers the ultimate charter-friendly layout with accommodations for 8 guests in 4 convertible cabins.  Each cabin may be configured as one queen bed or two single beds.  The two forward guest cabins have a removable partition between them to enable them to convert to a spacious master cabin with centerline king bed.

RATES for 2011:
Winter, Caribbean:
  • $54,000 for up to 8 guests, plus all expenses (normally, $60,000/wk)
Summer, Croatia:
  • € 50,000 Euro for up to 8 guests, plus all expenses
All staterooms have ensuite bath with stall shower & seat for added comfort with closing glass door.  Guest staterooms are complete with entertainment center including television, DVD, sound system, beverage refrigerator, safe and air conditioning unit with controls. Crew quarters, galley & crew mess are located aft. Water toys include: waterskis, wakeboard, tube, two kayaks, windsurfer, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, etc.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book OCEANS 72
View Ocean Seven Squared's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Charter Yacht Catamaran MAROLANGA - Sailing vacations in the Virgin Islands

We received some photos yesterday from Gus & Marcella of the catamaran MAROLANGA which charters year-round in the Virgin Islands (Spanish Virgins, too!).

Catamaran Marolanga - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters in the Virgin Islands

They have just returned to one of their favorite "in-between charters" spots, Christmas Cove. Marcella notes that there was much damage to the coral from Hurricane Earl last year but...
My friends, the fishes are still lots there and the old guy Mr. Barracuda is still alive and huge... (I don't like him, he loves to stay under our boat!) and yesterday my other friends, 2 eagle rays swam by and also 2 mid-size turtles. The water is turquoise blue. Gosh, I love this bay!
A couple of years ago we anchored in Christmas Cove with Marolanga and really enjoyed hanging out with them. Marcella loves to snorkel and she pointed out many things that I would not have noticed otherwise.


Marolanga hasn't had any whale sightings this year, but recently while they were anchored over at The Indians they had two dolphins swimming around the boat which seemed to enjoy their company.

MAROLANGA is one of our favorite charter yachts. Gus & Marcella are such a warm couple. They make you feel very comfortable and welcome aboard their home. And Sasha, the ship's Persian cat, completes the family feeling.

Marolanga, a 43-foot Catana catamaran, is fully air conditioned, and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with ensuite head/shower. Marolanga has a good selection of "water toys" such as kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, kayaks; plus they love having families aboard and have toys for children. Do you like to fish? So does Gus!

A great choice for honeymoons, families, or friends... Let's get started on planning your sailing vacation.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAROLANGA
View Marolanga's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Sunday, March 20, 2011

Charter Yacht Phaedrus: Whale photo

We asked some of our charter yacht friends in the Virgin Islands if they've had any whale sightings this season. We received this from Charles, Leslie, and Lila aboard Phaedrus.

Photo by Charter Yacht Phaedrus
Caribbean Crewed Yacht Charters, Sailing Vacations
We did see a whale. No...we almost hit a whale. We have a short break after 2 months straight (not complaining!) and decided to go to Culebra for a change of scenery. Our friends went over the day before and said they had seen one jumping and playing, so we had a hunch it was still out there. When we got about a mile off Culebrita, when coming down an 8-foot swell, one was sunning at the bottom. I shouted "WHALE!" and Charles turned hard to starboard. We missed this 30-footer by about 20 feet. It dove hard and we got to see about half its body & huge tail. A little too close. On the way back to St Thomas we saw it (one) about a half mile away blowing, but not jumping.

Charter yacht PHAEDRUS is a 51-foot Morgan sloop, owned and operated by Charles & Leslie Swaim, along with ship's cat, Lila.  Phaedrus specializes in two-person charters. The large guest cabin is forward and has a Queen berth, with a settee opposite, and ensuite head/shower.

See previous blog with charter comments, HERE.

Phaedrus is available for charter through the end of July... Why not come on down and be pampered by one of our favorite yachts and crew?

Do you enjoy food? Foodies, we can vouch for the excellent meals prepared aboard Phaedrus and wonderful hospitality, too!


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PHAEDRUS
View Phaedrus' online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Thursday, March 17, 2011

TransAtlantic Crossing Charter: Yacht ANAHITA April/May 2011

The charter yacht ANAHITA, a 62-foot Dynamique sloop, is offering two spots on their transAtlantic repositioning charter.

(A) Northeast Caribbean -- (B) Azores -- (C) Gibraltar -- (D) Montenegro

DETAILS:

Anahita has scheduled an Atlantic crossing for the end of April 2011 May 2011 (around the 20th) and can welcome aboard two guests for the following legs:
  • First leg, Caribbean to Gibraltar: 
    • Ports: Departure would be from either St. Thomas, St. Martin, or Antigua to Gibraltar, with a 3-day stop in the Azores.
    • Duration: 30 days.
    • Cost: $5000/guest, all inclusive except bar. While in port in the Azores, only continental breakfast will be served and no other food is included in the charter fee.
  • Second leg, Gibraltar to Montenegro:
    • Ports: Gibraltar to Budva, Montenegro, with no stops
    • Duration: 11 days.
    • Cost : $3000/guest, all inclusive except bar.
Book one or BOTH legs!

Charter Yacht ANAHITA - Winter: Caribbean / Summer: Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Charters
    COMMENTS:
    It is fair to say that -- having sailed only in the Mediterranean and never in “Proper” oceans -- I was somewhat worried regards to crossing the Atlantic, my journey into the unknown! I needed not have worried: From the moment I stepped aboard I felt at ease and very much enjoyed the crossing -- So many thanks for making it so easy: Well hosted. Best wishes to you both for much happiness together, kind seas, and fair winds. If you ever find your way to York, make sure you look me up.
    - Bruce (Antigua-Azores-Gibraltar, May 2-June 1, 2010
    There are many stories to be told about four guys on a 3,228 mile, 29-day transatlantic crossing, but the one that strikes me as being the best is meeting the Anahita captain, Bijan. Myself an owner of a 1980 38’ Shannon cutter ketch with two transatlantic crossings, I would say this crossing (12/01/09 -12/29/09) was one of the easiest of the three. As a captain you should know & be able to diagnose every sound emanating from your boat, understand & never chance your boat's abilities under all sea conditions, & have an ability to take command of all crew situations. I can say from doing this trip with Bijan that he is aware of all of these situations, even while asleep. The boat is equipped with two types of communication with the land via sailmail, an email service, & satellite telephone. I had been in contact through sailmail with my family & thereby kept them informed as to where the boat was & that all was as well. Now as for luxury, I can truly say there is nothing missing in accommodations or entertainment (Plasma TV for evening movies). My room was large, airy, & comfortable for two & extremely large for one. Of course, it has a head with shower with enough hot water to keep you happy. The galley was a delight to work in with a three-burner stove & oven that was easy to handle & make delicious hot evening meals. We even made fresh bread in the electric bread maker. Over all the Anahita was a delight to spend time on & would give anyone a great time to remember.
    - Regards, Noah (Gibraltar to St Martin, Nov. 2009)

    What a wonderful opportunity of an adventure charter this will be for 2-4 lucky people.  We love passages. It is so cool to look out and just see water all the way out to the horizon... Of course, you'll see the occasional ship and flotsam can get quite exciting.  Maybe you will even catch a nice fish for dinner on your way!


    Bijan and Roseanne look forward to having you aboard.



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ANAHITA
    View Anahita's online brochure
    Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

    Wednesday, March 16, 2011

    Whale Sighting in the Virgin Islands

    Sorry, not that type of whale... but this one!

     Seaplane WHALE FORCE ONE

    Lynn, from charter yacht Pacific Wave, tells us:
    "There’s a great new seaplane service from Antigua and Puerto Rico direct to North Sound BVI.  A company based in New York have brought their Cessna Caravan amphibians down to the beautiful BVI and they are presently offering private seaplane charters – just 60 minutes from Antigua airport and 30 minutes from San Juan airport direct to Gun Creek in North Sound.  They will meet your arriving flight at either airport and then land you on the water right next to Pacific Wave at anchor."
    After landing, the pilot will take a taxi to the Customs office on Virgin Gorda and clear his passengers into the British Virgin Islands while the charterers board their yacht and enjoy a welcome cocktail. How cool is that?  What an entrance, you'll make :)


    Fly the Whale is a New York-based company that provides amphibious seaplane service from Manhattan’s East River to Cape Cod and countless destinations in between, such as Martha's Vineyard for example. They have now expanded to the Caribbean.

    According to their blog:
    "This February, Fly The Whale became the first amphibious seaplane operator to land in the waters of the North Sound in Virgin Gorda. We are thrilled to introduce new routes from San Juan, St. Thomas and Antigua directly to the BVI. Whale Force One is enjoying its time in paradise too!"
    It's nice to have options.



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PACIFIC WAVE
    View Pacific Waves's online brochure
    For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



    Thursday, March 10, 2011

    Welcome Charter Yacht Malaika to the Caribbean sailing fleet

    We would like to welcome charter yacht MALAIKA, a 77-foot Solas cutter, to the Caribbean sailing yacht charter fleet. While Malaika might be a newbie to the fleet, the experienced Captain is well known to us.

    Charter Yacht MALAIKA - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters

    Jackson McHorney is the captain and he enjoys sharing his love of the sea, knowledge of history & culture, and enthusiasm for watersports, with his guests.

    Malaika is based in St Maarten and is available all summer for crewed Caribbean yacht charters.

    RATES, all-inclusive:
    • 2 guests: $22,000/wk
    • 4 guests: $24,000/wk
    • 6 guests: $26,000/wk

    Charter yacht Malaika is a 77-foot cutter, with a crew of three. Malaika accommodates up to 7 guests in 3 cabins, each with ensuite heads. The master cabin has a king-sized berth with a full sized bathtub, while the other two guest cabins are doubles, one also having a pullman berth.



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MALAIKA
    View Malaika's online brochure
    For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



    Last minute special for March BVI catamaran charters

    10% Discount on Catamaran Charter Yachts TRUE NORTH and MATAU for March 2011 crewed Caribbean yacht charters in the British Virgin Islands.


    MATAU

    Matau is a 75-foot catamaran with a crew of four. Matau is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins (one king & three queen berths), each with ensuite head/shower. The master cabin has a jacuzzi tub and separate shower stall. Crew cabins have a separate entryway. Matau has a 16-foot dinghy with 90HP motor, waterskis, wakeboard, tube, 2 kayaks. TV/DVD Game consoles & iPods in all cabins, 80" HD projector w/ surround sound in salon, etc...
    • BROCHURE: Matau's online brochure
    • AVAILABILITY:
    • SPECIAL RATE for March 2011 charters:
      • 6 guests: $33,660/wk ($37,400 -10%)
      • 8 guests: $35,910/wk ($39,900 -10%)

    TRUE NORTH

    True North is a 65-foot Privilege catamaran with a crew of four. True North accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins each with TV/DVD and ensuite head/shower. They have a large, centerline master suite with king size berth, while the other 3 guest cabins have queen berths.  True North has a 16-foot dinghy with 60HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard,  wakeboard, tube, windsurfer, kayaks, fishing gear, snorkel equipment, floating mats, hammock, etc... Diving, too!
    • BROCHURE: True North's online brochure 
    • AVAILABILITY: March 19 - April 6, 2011
    • SPECIAL RATE for March 2011 charters: 
      • 6 guests: $22,050/wk ($24,500 -10%)
      • 8 guests: $23,850/wk ($26,500 -10%)

    Summer plans for True North:

    TRUE NORTH  will head to the Western Caribbean for the Summer of 2011.  From mid-May through the end of July 2011, TRUE NORTH is available for charters in Belize.

    Crew John & Maxine White will then take TRUE NORTH south to Panama where the yacht is available for charters in Bocas del Toro & the San Blas Islands through October 2011.



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters
    For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


    Catamaran SOLSTICE - Charter Comments - Bahamas

    A big Thumbs UP from our Solstice charterers.
    Tanner gives a thumbs up!

    This family are repeat clients of Paradise Connections. They enjoy sailing & diving and wanted to go to the Bahamas over Thanksgiving... Of course, the catamaran Solstice seemed perfect for them.

    Here's what Eric had to say:
    "We absolutely loved Solstice and would not hesitate to recommend it. Cliff & Liza were wonderful hosts and the scenery was AWESOME!  Miles of secluded beaches with very few other boats.  If someone wants to get away, this is the place to do it.  The only potential downside is that the dives were fewer, but very high quality.  It didn't bother us because we managed 4 dives, 2 of which were shark dives!"


    The charter catamaran SOLSTICE, a 47-foot Lagoon, is owned and operated by Liz & Cliff. This is their 7th season of full-time chartering in the Bahamas. Solstice is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins with ensuite head/shower. There is also a single berth available in the center of the starboard hull. Solstice has an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, 2-person kayak, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, floating mats, satellite radio, flat screen TV/DVD, internet where available, etc. Cliff is a dive instructor and diving is available for certified and non-certified divers. Diving is dependent on conditions, typically 2-4 times per week for up to 4 divers, and only one or two dives/week for 5 or 6 divers.

    Let us know if you'd like to hop over to the Bahamas for your next sailing vacation and we'll be happy to help!



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SOLSTICE
    View Solstice's online brochure
    For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



    Tuesday, March 08, 2011

    Charter Motor Yacht ANALISA - Special offer to escape the cold

    The charter yacht ANALISA, a 60-foot Hatteras motoryacht, has an "Escape the Snow and Cold" special offer.

    Charter Yacht ANALISA - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - US & British Virgin Islands

    Save $250/person on a 7-night or more charter taking place before June 1, 2011 (no additional discounts apply).


    SPECIAL RATES, with discounts taken into account:
    • 2 guests: $11,000/wk
    • 3 guests: $11,750/wk
    • 4 guests: $12,500/wk
    Analisa is a fully air conditioned, 60-foot Hatteras motoryacht with a crew of two, and accommodates up to 4 guests (6 if family and 2 kids sleep in salon, inquire). There are two guest cabins, one with a queen berth and the other cabin that can be configured as a queen or twins. Each guest cabin has ensuite head/shower. Amenities include: 15-foot Caribe dinghy with 60HP motor, waterskis for adults & children, tube, kneeboard, wakeboard, two 2-person kayaks, fishing gear, snorkel equipment, TV/DVD in salon, iPod docking station...



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ANALISA
    View Analisa's online brochure
    For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

    Monday, March 07, 2011

    Charter Yacht Catamaran MAROLANGA - Easter & Summer Specials

    A yacht charter in the Virgin Islands aboard the catamaran MAROLANGA is always special, but now even more so as Gus and Marcella have a couple of special offers they would like to propose.

    Charter Yacht Catamaran MAROLANGA - Crewed Caribbean Sailing Vacations
    Crewed Yacht Charters in the US & British Virgin Islands, and Spanish VIs too!

    EASTER SPECIAL: 
    • $500 off for charters occurring the week before or after Easter... April 16 - May 1, 2011

    SUMMER SEASON SPECIALS: May 1 - December 14, 2011
    • Seniors: $500 off charter fee if one member of group is 55 years old or more.
    • Honeymoons: $500 discount
    • Family: For children up to 14-years old, $300 discount for 1st child, $200 discount for 2nd child


    Marolanga is a 43-foot Catana catamaran, owned and operated by Gus & Marcella, along with ship's cat, Sasha, a beautiful Persian. Marolanga is air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with ensuite head/shower. Marolanga has a good selection of "water toys" such as kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, kayaks; plus they love having families aboard and have toys for children. Do you enjoy fishing? Gus is an avid fisherman and maybe can hook you up with something :)

    We often hear "won't the kids get bored" and "they have a cat!".  Here's a comment from one of our clients:
    "I meant to mention Sasha in the other message. He was remarkably well behaved and a delight to have as a member of the crew! The boys were never bored and were worn out by bedtime! Sleeping on the trampolines under the stars was the best! - Steve"
    Almost forgot to mention that Marolanga, like many charter yachts, has lower rates in the summer season (May 1st through December 14th), so those summer specials mentioned above are even better!

    RATES, SUMMER 2011:
    • 2 guests: $6,500/wk
    • 4 guests: $8,500/wk
    • 6 guests: $11,500/wk
    Read comments from some of the guests we've had aboard Marolanga, HERE.



    Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAROLANGA
    View Marolanga's online brochure
    For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com