Saturday, December 22, 2012

RECIPE: Ahi Poke Tuna Stack - Catamaran Feel The Magic

We would like to share this award-winning recipe from the Catamaran Feel The Magic, winner of the Fall 2012 St Thomas Charter Yacht Show Culinary Contest.


Ahi Poke Tuna Stack

Crab Salad:
  • 4 oz crab meat, “special” 
  • 1 tbsp lemon-old bay aioli
  • 1 tsp scallion, chopped fine
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
For the crab salad, mix together all ingredients and refrigerate until ready to use.

Mango-Pineapple Salsa
  • 1 tbsp mango, diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1 tsp scallion, chopped
  • 1 tsp red bell pepper, small dice
  • 1 tsp yellow bell pepper, small dice
  • 1 tsp cilantro, chopped
  • ½ jalepano, seeds removed and diced
  • 1 tsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
For salsa, combine all ingredients, toss well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Avocado Mash
  • ½ ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 tbsp red onion diced very fine
  • Juice from half of a lime
  • ½ jalapeno, seeds removed and diced fine
  • Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Place diced avocado in bowl, add all remaining ingredients.  Mash with a fork until the consistency of guacamole.

Ahi Poke
  • 2 oz sushi grade ahi, cut into cubes
  • ½ clove of garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp ginger, minced
  • ¼ tsp Siracha sauce
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
Mix all items and marinate tuna for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

To assemble the stack:
  • Using a ring mold of approximately 3” in diameter by 5” high, spray the inside with cooking
  • spray.
  • Spoon the Avocado mash into the bottom of the mold, top with Ahi Poke, Crab Salad, then Mango-Pineapple salsa.
  • Refrigerate for 2 hours, serve on a chilled plate.  
  • Garnish with sliced cucumber, thin carrot curls, sweet chili sauce, sprinkles of caviar and fried won ton chips.


Hank & Micheale - - - - - Catamaran Feel The Magic
Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

Charter yacht Feel The Magic is a 50-foot Voyage catamaran with a crew of two, Hank and Micheale.  Feel the Magic is air conditioned and accommodates up to eight guests in four equivalent cabins with queen-sized berths and ensuite heads/showers.  Feel the Magic has a 15-foot dinghy with 70HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, a Hobie Mirage kayak that you can paddle or pedal, 2 standup paddle boards (SUPs), 2 surfboards, SeaDoo water scooter, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, floating mats, TV/DVD, onboard wifi where available, guitar, banjo, and other musical instruments, and more (see online brochure).

Feel the Magic plans to charter in the Virgin Islands through July 31, 2013 then returning in the fall for the 2013-14 season. Contact Paradise Connections for current availability and let's start planning your sailing vacation aboard Feel the Magic!


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book FEEL THE MAGIC
View Feel The Magic's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Catamaran MATAU: Last Minute Christmas Yacht Charter Special Offer

The beautiful 75-foot Privilege Catamaran MATAU is offering a discount for a last minute Christmas 2012 yacht charter in the BVIs.

Charter Yacht Catamaran MATAU - Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

Catamaran Matau is available for a Christmas charter ending as late as December 27, 2012 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

SPECIAL 2012 CHRISTMAS RATES: EXPIRED

All-inclusive yacht charter except fine wines, port taxes/fees, communications, dockage

Matau has accommodation for up to eight eight guests in four cabins (one King & three Queen) each with private, ensuite head/shower. Exceptional is the word for the master stateroom with its King bed and an ensuite bath that is as large as the other guest cabins, along with the luxury of a full-size jacuzzi tub.
There are so many lounging choices on deck... the trampolines, aft deck, bridge deck, the teak beach, and broad steps aft (very easy water access) that everyone will find their own favorite spot.

There's just enough time to squeeze in a Christmas booking if you act quickly!



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


Friday, December 14, 2012

Bahamas Charter Special: ONE WEEK ONLY!

Charter Yacht BANYAN, 102-foot Palmer Johnson motoryacht

 Charter motor yacht BANYAN available for yacht charters in Florida and the Bahamas

SPECIAL OFFER: EXPIRED
  • Sleeps up to six guests in three staterooms
  • Zero Speed Stabilizers
  • Cinema Screen - Watch Movies Under The Stars
  • Sat TV plus DVD & CD Libraries
  • 17' Nautica Tender
  • Three Vespa Scooters
  • Four Dahon Bicycles
  • Sport Fishing Chair & Fishing Equipment
  • Treadmill
  • 37' Intrepid

Looking forward to your inquiries...

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


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Special Xmas Deal: Catamaran Nemo

The charter yacht Nemo, a 47-foot Nautitech catamaran, has a special offer for a Caribbean Christmas charter out of Antigua.


Catamaran NEMO - Crewed Catamaran for all-inclusive yacht charters
 Sailing Vacations in Greece (summers) & Caribbean (winters)

Nemo is a 47-foot Nautitech catamaran with a crew of two. Nemo is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, each with Queen berths and ensuite heads. Family groups of 9 or 10 may use the dinette which converts into a large bed in the salon. Nemo has a 12-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, 2 two-person kayaks, snorkel gear, TV/DVD in salon, hammock, etc. 


SPECIAL CHRISTMAS 2012 RATES : EXPIRED



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book NEMO
View Nemo's online brochure #1 and online brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Charter Yacht Drumbeat: Sail & Dive the Virgin Islands

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


Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Charter Yacht Catamaran Catalyst: Open Feb 2013

The charter yacht CATALYST, a 44-foot St Francis catamaran, is a boat that we find difficult to book because he is usually already booked for our timeframe, as Catalyst is a popular dive boat.  But now, we have a window of opportunity and we hope that you can take advantage of it.

Catamaran Catalyst - Virgin Islands Yacht Charters - Liveaboard Diving Sailing Vacations

Catalyst is open for most of February (currently available Feb 2 through March 5, 2013), plus Alan has a bit of time to spare in January (currently available Jan 15-26, 2013).  Inquire for other dates.

The charter yacht CATALYST is a 44-foot catamaran which accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with private ensuite heads. Owner-operator Alan is a dive instructor and 1 dive/day is included for certified divers. Gear (BCs & regs) may be rented, or bring your own. Inquire for dive instruction. Amenities & Toys include: 16-foot dinghy with 60HP outboard, waterskis, kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, 2-person kayak, snorkel gear...

RATES FOR 2013: 

TWO crew, all-inclusive, full board:
  • 2 guests: $8000/wk
  • 4 guests: $9600/wk
  • 6 guests: $11,800/wk
Alan also offers several other variations for chartering:

ONE crew (Alan), all-inclusive, full board:
All inclusive, the only difference in this charter is that it will be a crew of one. Along with being Captain and dive instructor, the captain will take the role of chef on these select 2-4 pax charters. By choosing this special charter, the guest will get a discount of $500.00, and the absence of the 2nd crew member will be transparent.
  • 2 guests: $7500/wk
  • 4 guests: $9100/wk
ONE crew (Alan), half-board:
Captain only, includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners, happy hour snacks, domestic beer & wine, sodas and standard ship's bar. Note, meals would be casual.
  • 2 guests: $6650/wk
  • 4 guests: $7650/wk
  • 6 guests: $8900/wk
CAPTAIN ONLY (Alan), plus all expenses:
Guests are responsible for provisioning, cooking (as well as providing for the captain), cleaning, plus all expenses including all taxes and permits. Yacht starts with full fuel and water tanks, client pays to top-up at end of charter.
  • up to 6 guests: $5500/wk
Do any of these options and dates work for you? Contact Paradise Connections and let's proceed with booking your sailing vacation with Catalyst!



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



Friday, November 30, 2012

Still time to book your Christmas Caribbean Yacht Charter

Still haven't decided what to do and where to go for Christmas?  Well, we still have a few good yachts available for the holidays, but don't wait much longer...
Click on the yacht's name to open their online brochure in another window.

--- CHRISTMAS

CALIBOGUE II (Sail, Monohull)
- Open Dec 1-27
- 2 guests = $9900 / 4 = $12,100 / 6 = $13,200

CORUS (Sail, Monohull)
- Open Dec 1-26
- 2 guests = $6490

FEEL THE MAGIC (Sail, Catamaran)
- Open Dec 1-26
- 6 guests and under = $15,345 / 8 guests = $18,645

FLIP FLOP (Sail, Catamaran)
- Open Dec 1-29
- 2 guests = $11,165 / 4 = $12,980 / 6 = $14,850

GYPSY PRINCESS (Sail, Catamaran)
- Open Dec 1-26
- 2 guests = $13,090 / 4 = $14,520 / 6 = $16,170

HONIARA (Sail, Monohull)
- Open Dec 16-26
- 2 guests = $6270 / 4 guests = $8250

NAUTICAT OF FOWEY
- Open Dec 18-26
- 4 guests and under: $12,595 / 6 guests = $15,400

NO DOUBT (Sail, Monohull)
- Open Dec 18-26
- 2 guests = $6820

PROMENADE (Sail, Trimaran)
- Open Dec 9-28
- Up to 10 guests = $16,990

STORM PETREL (Sail, Monohull)
- Open Dec 15-27
- 2 guests = $4565 / 4 guests = $5390

THREE MOONS (Sail, Monohull)
- Open Dec 15-26
- 2 guests = $16,500 / 4 = $17,050 / 6 = $18,700 / 8 = $20,900

TWO MUCH FUN (Sail, Catamaran)
- Open Dec 1-26
- 2 guests = $7500 (no holiday premium)

--- NEW YEARS!

CAP II: Open beginning Dec 29th in St Martin
- 2 guests = $19,800 / 4 = $22,000 / 6 = $24,200 / 8 = $25,850


Looking forward to your inquiries!


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


Thursday, November 22, 2012

Miami Day & Weekend Charters: Sail & Power

Whether you are a visitor to Miami, a local celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to embark on something new and exciting, book a private yacht charter on Biscayne Bay for an unforgettable adventure.


Enjoy a fabulous half-day or full-day harbor cruise with a fully customized itinerary tailored to your interests, or book for a long weekend or a full week! Cruise past the spectacular waterfront estates of the rich and famous, the Port of Miami, Brickell Key, Fisher Island and the Bayside complex.

Biscayne Bay is a state aquatic preserve, approximately 35 miles long and up to 8 miles wide, which includes Biscayne National Park. Among other attractions, the seven remaining houses of the storied Stiltsville settlement, which can only be reached by boat, are a part of the Park.


There is also a very popular off shore sandbar, a favorite stop for a picnic and a refreshing swim. While out on the bay you will likely encounter plenty of sea life, including Bottlenose Dolphins and Florida Manatees.


Viewed by day or at night, Miami's skyline is ranked third most impressive in the U.S., behind New York City and Chicago, and 19th in the world according to the Almanac of Architecture and Design. Cruise along this magnificent shoreline, stop for cocktails and to dine and shop at any of several waterfront venues. Pass the Port of Miami, ranked as the number one cruise/passenger port in the world for over two decades that accommodates the world's largest cruise ships.

We will arrange a charter that perfectly suits your party. Swim or snorkel, visit the historic lighthouse, explore the Miami River, sail along Millionaire's Row, stay aboard or hop off to explore the shops, bars and restaurants. From beach barbeques on a sand spit to gourmet dining on deck, Paradise Connections will arrange an experience to exceed your expectations.

Blues Cure's Website

Blues Cure

48'Sportsfish
6/8 pax
Half day (3 hours) - $900
Full day (6 hours) -  $1,200

Viking 48 Sportfish, has an awesome flybridge and tower for truly amazing views. This comfortable power yacht is perfect for destination hopping with a cruising speed of 20 knots.

Knights at Sea's Website

Knights at Sea

52' Irwin
8/10 pax
4 hour charter - $950
Full day - $1,500

52-foot Irwin ketch and the largest private charter sailing yacht in Miami, is a classic sailing yacht with all the modern conveniences. The yacht is a great party boat, fully air conditioned with an expanded stereo system inside and on deck, iPod connectivity, Sirius radio, plus kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Piggybank's Website
Piggybank

47' Beneteau                      
6 pax
Half day - $750
Full day - $900
$50 per additional person up to 10 pax

Piggybank is a yacht outfitted for fun. Swim, snorkel, or try your hand at the wheel. The seasoned skipper on Piggybank is a great raconteur and enjoys teaching sailing, making this a superb charter yacht for a delightfully interactive adventure.


Looking forward to your inquiries!


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


Monday, November 19, 2012

Yacht Charter Special Offers - Current selected list

For our current list of special offers (May 2013 edition) CLICK HERE


Enjoy!





All information mentioned is presented in good faith and is believed to be accurate. However, there will be occasional errors and omissions and all information is provided on an "as is" basis.  

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Getting married in the BVIs British Virgin Islands

Here's a press release we recently received from the Civil Registry & Passport Office of the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) concerning new policies for marriages...
CHANGES TO BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS’ MARRIAGE LAW MAKES DESTINATION WEDDINGS EASIER FOR VISITORS
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, September 13, 2012 – Saying, “I do” just became easier for couples heading to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for their nuptials: Brides and grooms can now get married 24 hours after arriving to the Territory!

On September 3, the BVI Government made significant changes by amending the Marriage Act (Cap 272): Residency requirements for ‘Special Licence’ were shortened from three (3) days to one (1) day, a new fee schedule was introduced, and the steps to obtain a licence were all transferred to the Civil Registry for a ‘One Stop Shop’ process.

Couples even have the choice of beginning their wedding application online before arriving in the BVI, by submitting their information through the Government’s new Civil Registry Information System (CRIS) at www.crisvi.gov.vg.

Prior to the improvements made to the Act, couples were tasked with stopping at three different locations to obtain the necessary documentation for the marriage licence application. Through these new changes, couples can complete the entire process at the Civil Registry where they will provide proof of their identity (passport) and marital status (original certified copies of Decree(s) Absolute for divorced spouses or original Death Certificate(s) of deceased spouse(s); apply for their licence, obtain a marriage certificate and present two witnesses.

The Special Licence fee is $220 and the Ordinary Licence is $120.

Additional fees are applicable based on the bride and groom’s wedding specifications: $220 for the Registrar-General or marriage officer to perform the ceremony, $120 for the ceremony to be held in the Civil Registry building and $25 for a certified copy of the marriage licence.

In the BVI, couples have many options for getting married and locations abound for conducting wedding ceremonies that are representative of the couple’s personality and style. The stunning group of islands and cays offer idyllic backdrops such as beaches, churches, yachts, hotels, villas, resorts, private islands, historic ruins, national parks, the Civil Registry, and many more to suit their tastes. There are also many experienced wedding, and event planners available to supply their requests. (For additional information visit the BVI Tourist Board website: www.bvitourism.com)

To apply in person for a marriage licence or any service surrounding the subject of marriage, please visit the Civil Registry and Passport Office, which is located upstairs of Burhym Electrical Services in Wickham’s Cay, Road Town, Tortola. The office is opened Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or telephone (284) 468-3442 for more information.

You can find more information at the CRPO's website:
http://crisvi.gov.vg/netdata/db2www.pgm/c2_public_mr.ndm/overview

Contact Paradise Connections for your honeymoon yacht charter and also inquire about captains who can perform weddings...




Monday, October 22, 2012

Charter Catamaran FLIP FLOP: Welcome to the fleet

Paradise Connections Yacht Charters welcomes FLIP FLOP, a 46-foot Leopard catamaran, into the Caribbean charter fleet.

Charter Yacht Catamaran Flip Flop - Caribbean Crewed Catamaran Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations


The charter yacht Flip Flop is a 46-foot Leopard catamaran with a crew of two, Captain Jens and Chef Ashley.  Flip Flop is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, each with Queen berth, TV/DVD, CD, fans, and private ensuite head.

Love the colorful cockpit! 

Flip Flop has a 13-foot dinghy with 40HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard, wakeboard, two 2-person kayaks, boogie boards, 2 standup paddle boards, floating mats snorkel equipment, fishing gear, deck swing, etc. Captain Jens is a dive instructor and includes one dive/day for certified divers (gear included) or a resort course for non-certified divers.

 
Kayaking --- Scuba Diving

 
Kids enjoy sailing vacations, too!

Check out Flip Flop's online brochure and contact Paradise Connections to get started on arrangements for your sailing vacation.

Flip Flop is currently available for Christmas 2012 and New Years
Open Thanksgiving week, too



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