Charter Catamaran SWEETEST THING: Announces their new Chef

The charter yacht catamaran SWEETEST THING, a Fountaine Pajot Salina 48, has announced their chef for the new 2011-12 yacht charter season.

Welcome, Robert Thunder!

Robert Thunder began his culinary career in 1997 at the age of 16. A year later, he won the Gold Award for "Best in Class" for his duck in the world famous Hotelympia competition. He was invited to compete in the British Culinary Arts team for the 1998 Culinary World Cup, and voted "Junior Chef of the Year" in 1999. After this distinguished start to his career, Robert worked in restaurants, catering services and (since 2005) several yachts of various sizes serving gourmet food to some of the toughest customers on the planet. Before joining Sweetest Thing, Robert was delighting patrons of an upscale boutique restaurant just outside Kingston Jamaica called EITS, where reviews have been glowing.

Here's an article from the Jamaica Observer about EITS which mentions Robert throughout the piece...

Catamaran Sweetest Thing - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

The charter yacht Sweetest Thing is a 48-foot Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 and has a crew of two. Sweetest Thing is fully air conditioned and has three guest cabins, each with personal DVD player. The crew quarters are the two single berths in the forward section of the starboard hull. Sweetest Thing has a 12-foot dinghy with 25HP motor, tube, kneeboard, two kayaks, snorkel equipment, TV/DVD in salon, etc.

Captain Tofer (Kristofer Burton) is back for his second season with Sweetest Thing and is currently underway bringing the yacht from Annapolis to the Virgin Islands.

Tofer has a broad smile, and a great personality - full of stories. He lives aboard his own 47' aluminum monohull with his lovely wife, Rebecca, and 4 of their 5 kids (one is in college). They transit south to Grenada in the summer, so he will be Sweetest Thing's captain down-island next summer, then back in the Virgin Islands the following winter.

The owners tell us that "they are so fortunate to have Tofer on the team. He is really special".


RATES (all-inclusive, 7-night/8-day charter):

• 2 guests: $10,500/week
• 4 guests: $11,750/week
• 6 guests: $13,000/week

We are looking forward to visiting catamaran Sweetest Thing next month.

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

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Charter Yacht Corus : Charter Comments

Here are comments from charterers of ours who celebrated a 50th birthday aboard Corus, a 45-foot Whitby ketch owner-operated by Ann & Bill Hasted.

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Laura and I enjoyed our time on Corus quite a bit. Bill and Ann were very accommodating and made sure we had lots of chances to go snorkeling and hiking. They were also very helpful in recommending great beaches and restaurants. The Hasteds really know the area well and were careful to point out important sights and give a bit of history as well.

The Corus is a beautiful vessel. She's lovely to look at and very roomy. Under sail or under power, she's stable and solid. Bill and Ann obviously take great care of Corus and are rightfully proud of her. Topside and below were absolutely spotless and polished. The Hasteds have been sailing together for years, and they have it down to a science. I've sailed with couples who shouted at each other the whole time. Not pleasant. Conversely, much of the time Bill and Ann communicated with hand signals and it was really fun to watch a well-choreographed team.

I'm still trying to figure out where Ann kept the Sous-Chef and the rest of the kitchen! How she turned out such great-looking and great tasting meals as quickly as she did is still a mystery. Delicious and varied menu items were beautifully presented every day.

Paradise Connections did a great job of matching us with a correctly-sized boat and working with our schedule. Bob and Sheila kept in touch regularly and patiently explained the charter process. Follow-up questions were promptly answered and they made sure we were well-informed.

Yes, I think we would like to charter again and we'd certainly consider Corus in the future. Scuba certification is on my “bucket list” and I think Bill and Ann and BVI would be the perfect combo for getting the job done. I might have to fast for a week or two prior to going again, just to be able to justify eating all of the great food!

- Josh & Laura

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Corus is well-known for their excellent meals. Ann usually wins one or two awards every year in the cooking competition during the Virgin Islands charter yacht shows.

Charter Yacht Corus - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

Corus has a large guest cabin aft with a queen-sized berth and private, ensuite head/shower. Access to the guest cabin is either from the boat's interior or by a separate private entrance via the center cockpit.  Amenities include a 13-foot dinghy with 30HP motor, 2 one-person kayaks, snorkel equipment, hammock, beach toys, underwater camera & video, etc. One dive/day for certified divers (gear included, but not wet suits or air fills) is included in the standard charter fee.

RATES: $5900/week for a 2-person (not each!), all-inclusive charter in the Virgin Islands

• No charge for single child (under 12 years of age) using navigators berth and parent's bathroom.
• No surcharge for charters of less than 5 nights. 
• Inquire for a single-person rate
• One dive/day for certified divers

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

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Welcome Schooner EROS to Caribbean Charter Yacht Fleet

We would like to welcome the charter yacht EROS, a 130-foot classic schooner, to the crewed Caribbean yacht charter fleet.

Charter Yacht Eros - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Sailing Vacations

Schooner EROS is a classic beauty built in England in 1939 for the daughter and son-in-law of a British Lord. She was commandeered by the Royal Navy to participate in the famous evacuation at Dunkirk. After the war she became the private yacht of the first internationally-known billionaire, Stavros Niarchos, and she became recognized in the Mediterranean yachting community. Her present owners acquired her in 1992 and have just completed a museum quality restoration with no expenses spared!

In addition to upgrades on the yacht, Captain Grace Bodle has recently upgraded to her Masters 500 Ton US Coast Guard license from “Near Coastal” to the “Oceans” endorsement which means they can now carry passengers anywhere in the world.

EROS can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests in four double cabins, with a relaxing Jacuzzi in the Master Cabin.

Children and adults alike have a whale of a good time playing on her 2-person kayak, Optimist sailboat and towing tube, pulled by a Novurania tender and 50 hp outboard.

WINTER 2011-12 RATES: All inclusive except fine wines/liquors, local cruising taxes, dockage, communications

• Up to 6 guests: $31,500/week
• 7-8 guests (family only): $33,500/week
• Christmas & New Years: $36,225/week for 6 and $38,500 for 8 (family only).

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS

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

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Charter Yacht SANDCASTLE: Autumn special

The charter yacht Sandcastle, an Irwin 65/72 ketch, has an Autumn special that might be just the ticket for you...

Charter Yacht Sandcastle - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

SPECIAL OFFER: Any new booking for charters taking place before December 14, 2011 has their choice of:

• 8 nights for the price of a 7-night, all-inclusive charter in the Virgin Islands; or
• 10% discount off normal rates for 7-night charters

Rik & Ann

The charter yacht Sandcastle is a 72-foot Irwin ketch with a owner-operator crew of two. Sandcastle is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests. There are two full-width guest cabins with King-sized berths and ensuite head/shower, plus the library settee converts into a Queen or can be configured as single upper/lower bunks.  The settee in the forward cabin can also be converted into a twin berth, so the guest accommodation is quite flexible. Onboard diving available for certified divers.


Contact Paradise Connections to arrange your sailing vacation with Ann & Rik aboard the charter yacht Sandcastle.

SPECIAL RATES:

• 2 guests: $12,200 for 8 nights or $10,980 for 7 nights (includes 10% discount)
• 3 guests: $12,700 for 8 nights or $11,430 for 7 nights (includes 10% discount)
• 4 guests: $13,200 for 8 nights or $11,880 for 7 nights (includes 10% discount)
• 5 & 6 guests (inquire)
  

Sandcastle at anchor

AVAILABILITY:

• Oct 30 - Nov 6: Booked
• Nov. 7-16: Booked
• Nov. 17 - Dec. 17: OPEN

Wouldn't this be an excellent way to spend Thanksgiving? Don't worry about missing the games... We have TV down here, too!

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR THANKSGIVING

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

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Welcome Charter Yacht EVEREST... Diving, too!

We would like to welcome the charter yacht EVEREST, an 80-foot San Lorenzo motor yacht, to the Caribbean yacht charter fleet.

Charter Yacht EVEREST - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

UPDATE: November 26, 2011 - Everest is currently in North Carolina and will not be available in the Virgin Islands for the holidays. We'll let you know when they arrive and are ready to begin their charter season!

We look forward to visiting Everest in November. We have been told that the yacht is just finishing a major refit up in Beaufort to prepare for chartering and will soon be on their way to the Virgin Islands.  This refit includes: all new carpeting, new flat screen TVs, all new upholstery, new fixtures, granite counters in the heads and new exterior upholstery and canvas.

We are eagerly awaiting the new photos they'll send when the work is completed. Please keep in mind that the pictures in their electronic brochure are not current, though it does give you an idea about the space aboard.

The motoryacht Everest is an 80-foot San Lorenzo, fully air conditioned, and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 staterooms, each with entertainment center, flatscreen TV, and ensuite heads. The master stateroom has a walkaround King bed and also a Jacuzzi tub, the VIP cabin has a Queen berth and also has a Jacuzzi tub. There are two other guest cabins, one with a double berth and one with two twins (not bunks).

Everest has a spacious main salon with formal dining area and a fabulous bar.  The interior is a blend of rich fabrics and exotic woods.  Her aft deck is the perfect place for al fresco dining and the fly bridge is an excellent spot for sightseeing, cocktails and entertaining. WiFi, too!

We hope that you will take advantage of Everest's special LOW introductory rates. These all-inclusive rates include: meals, standard ship's bar, fuel, cruising & permit fees.

• 2 guests: $11,000/week
• 4 guests: $13,000/week
• 6 to 8 guests: $15,000/week

HONEYMOON SPECIAL:

• $10,500/wk for 2 guests, which includes a case of house bubbly

DIVING:

• Besides being Everest's owner and captain, Dan is also a dive instructor and offers 1 dive/day to certified divers, gear included. Resort courses, referrals, and other instruction available... inquire!

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

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Yacht Charter Comments: DRUMBEAT

Drumbeat is under new ownership

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Let's start planning your sailing vacation!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

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

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Charter Yacht Catamaran DREAMING ON 10% off for Nov & Dec 2011

The charter yacht catamaran DREAMING ON, a 47-foot Leopard, has a special offer of a $1000 discount off their normal rates for new bookings for 7-night (or more) charters for 4 to 6 guests taking place between now and December 14, 2011.

WHEW... That was a long sentence :)

Charter Catamaran Dreaming On - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

This special offer can be combined with their kid discount: One child, 10-years old or younger, sails for FREE.

SPECIAL RATES: all-inclusive, 7-night charters in the Virgin Islands

• 4 guests: $11,250/wk ($12,250 -$1000)
• 5 guests: $11,750/wk ($12,750 -$1000)
• 6 guests: $12,250/wk ($13,250 -$1000)

Dreaming On is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with a crew of two: Iza & Geoff, owner-operators. This lovely catamaran is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to six guests in three cabins, each having Queen-sized berths, flatscreen TV/DVD, and of course, private ensuite head/shower. The cockpit offers plenty of room for lounging and dining.

Read more in our July post about DREAMING ON.

BOOK NOW AND SAVE !!!

Dreaming On is already booked for the holidays... You snooze, you lose :)

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

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Charter Yacht ISABEL lowers winter 2011-12 rates

The charter yacht ISABEL, a 75-foot Ted Fontaine Friendship sloop, has lowered their rates for the 2011-12 Winter Caribbean season.

Charter Yacht ISABEL - Available for Caribbean sailing vacations

Superbly elegant (2010) classic sailing yacht with

immaculate Edwardian-style, glossy varnished teak interior,

two equal sized VIP staterooms, a luxurious main salon,

pilothouse with panoramic views and

large comfortable cockpit.

Isabel has a crew of 2 and accommodates 4 guests.

Equal staterooms forward and aft each offer luxurious linens

and fabrics,  a separate shower and bathroom en suite,

ample closet space and full entertainment system.

A truly special yacht

RATES: Winter 2011-12, Caribbean

• $31,000/week for up to 4 guests, plus all expenses

ISABEL is currently available for CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS
Book NOW!

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

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