Charter Yacht STORM PETREL - client comments reviews testimonials

We just received an email from a repeat client (Phil) and realized that we did not post his comments about his previous charter with Storm Petrel. Sorry... Better late than never :)

Thanks again, Captains Phil & Laura for sharing Storm Petrel for a week and giving our clients an excellent charter. We knew you'd be perfect for them!

Charter Yacht Storm Petrel

Charter dates = APRIL 21-28, 2008
Yacht = STORM PETREL

Sheila and Bob,

Captains Phil & Laura

Our vacation was everything that we had hoped for and more. Storm Petrel was exactly what we were looking for. Captain Phil and Laura made us feel right at home onboard. The boat was clean and comfortable. We were able to use as much water as we wanted throughout the week thanks to the huge tankage on Storm Petrel. Stern showers were frequent with heated water. Captain Phil and Laura offered us many options for daily activities and destinations. The food onboard was plentiful and excellent. Laura cooked to our tastes wonderfully.

We requested sailing and boat handling instruction during our vacation, and Captain Phil proved to be an excellent instructor. He was positive and encouraging. He never yelled at us. We were doing all the boat handling by the end of the second day. Captain Phil also taught us how to windsurf. Our hosts took us to a variety of great snorkeling spots every day. It pays to be on a boat with people who know the islands like the back of their hands. We went places that bareboats aren’t allowed to go. We were truly sad to say goodbye to our hosts on Storm Petrel.

Paradise Connections was very professional throughout the process of booking our vacation. All of our questions were answered in a timely manner, and everything was handled professionally. I do thank you for your services. Paradise Connections is an upstanding company that instilled us with the confidence to pull the trigger on our dream vacation. The resulting vacation was fantastic.

- Phil

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Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop.  Phil Levine is the captain and owner of Storm Petrel.  His chef/crew is his longtime girlfriend, Laura who is a nurse and also has her captain's license. Storm Petrel has two cabins and one head with shower. There is a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. Besides enjoying windsurfing, Phil also does kite boarding! He has three kites and a couple of boards on his boat, in addition to his wind surfing gear. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, TV/DVD in aft cabin, underwater camera, their windsurfer doubles as a standup paddleboard (SUP), internet access where available...

We'd like to remind you that Storm Petrel charters in New England during the summer months. They are available for day sails, weekends, full weeks... Just let us know and we'll make it happen :)

Which will it be... 

Caribbean winter or New England summer ?

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

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HURRICANE IRENE - Storm Petrel

Our friends, Laura & Phil, owner-operators of one of our favorite charter yachts, Storm Petrel, are based in New England for the summer season.

Phil & Laura, Storm Petrel

We just received an email saying that they are in their storm hidey-hole and well secured with extra mooring lines and chafe gear. They are well protected in the southeast winds they are having right now and only expect tropical storm force winds at the peak of the storm in their area.

Laura says they are surfing the net as they can't surf the waves right now :)

All the best, guys... Stay safe!

Looking forward to seeing you back in the Caribbean.

If you'd like to meet Phil & Laura and go sailing with them aboard Storm Petrel, let us know! They will be in New England for a bit doing day sails, weekends, partial or full week charters. Starting in November, Storm Petrel will be available for sailing vacations in the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean destinations.

See previous blog posts about STORM PETREL.

STORM PETREL is currently available for CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS
Book NOW!

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

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Charter Yacht STORM PETREL: Whale photo

We had a recent email from Phil and Laura, owner-operators of one of our favorite charter yachts Storm Petrel...

Coming back from Culebra recently, saw two groups of 2 or 3 humpback whales... one of which we almost rammed.

We have some great pics of a baby humpback breaching with Storm Petrel in the background off Beef Island (British Virgin Islands).

- Phil & Laura, s/v Storm Petrel

Charter Yacht Storm Petrel and "fin to the right"

Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters

Sailing Vacations in the Virgin Islands and New England

Storm Petrel is definitely one of our favorite charter yachts.  They are an excellent choice for a couple, and quite affordable for families with small children (2 kids can sleep in salon).

Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop, owned and operated by Phil Levine along with his girlfriend, Laura. Storm Petrel has a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, windsurfer, hammock, snorkel equipment, etc. Besides enjoying windsurfing, Phil also does kite boarding! He has three kites and a couple of boards on his boat, in addition to his windsurfing gear. Alcoholic beverages are not included in their rates, but they will stock with your preferences at cost.

RATE: All inclusive, except bar

• $4150/wk for 2 guests
• $4900/wk for 4 guests 

Storm Petrel does both term charters and day sails in New England throughout the summer months.

It's not too early to be thinking about a holiday yacht charter... Storm Petrel is currently available for both Christmas and New Years.

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

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Storm Petrel returning soon to the Virgin Islands

Storm Petrel will soon leave their summer chartering location in New England and return to the Virgin Islands for their winter yacht charter season. We are looking forward to catching up with Phil & Laura.

I did do my marathon baking for the HOI fair (Heart of Illinois) again this year. I got 3 grand champions, for my cake (a tropical coconut-coated, pineapple-filled layer cake); next for my yeast breads (an egg bread braided loaf); and lastly for my pie (another tropical influence with a coconut crust, rum and pineapple and whipped cream filling). My mom got a grand champion for her cookies. We won other categories, but at the moment I can't recall, as the grand champs are easy to remember, and feel like an honor, as they are chosen from all of the entries of those categories.    It's chilly up here, highs of 60's, lows of 40's at night... burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... too cold for me!

- Laura n Phil

Congratulations on your Captain's License, Laura!

Storm Petrel is definitely one of our favorite charter yachts.  They are an excellent choice for a couple, and quite affordable for families with small children (2 kids can sleep in salon).

 Charter Yacht Storm Petrel
waving as they leave Yacht Haven Grande marina in St Thomas

Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop, owned and operated by Phil Levine along with his girlfriend, Laura. Storm Petrel has a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, windsurfer, hammock, snorkel equipment. Besides enjoying windsurfing, Phil also does kite boarding! He has three kites and a couple of boards on his boat, in addition to his windsurfing gear. Alcoholic beverages are not included in their rates, but they will stock with your preferences at cost.

RATE: All inclusive, except bar & dockage

• $4150/wk for 2 guests
• $4900/wk for 4 guests

"Brian and the gang had a great time. Brian was thrilled and is talking about getting another sailboat. God help us!" - Jennifer D.

Read comments from a couple of other of our Storm Petrel clients:

• Comments 1
• Comments 2

Storm Petrel is booked for Christmas & New Years

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

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Charter Yacht STORM PETREL - Comments - Daysail New England

Last Tuesday we had a woman call about a surprise birthday present for her husband. He enjoys sailing but no longer has his own boat. She said that he'd be so happy to be out on the water again. His birthday was that Friday and she'd like to arrange for a daysail charter (Thursday, if possible) in New England... How about STORM PETREL?  Perfect :)

Called Phil, no problem. He has a charter for the weekend, but Thursday would be great. Hooked him up with the wife so they could discuss charter details such as meeting place and lunch arrangements.

AFTER CHARTER COMMENTS: "Brian and the gang had a great time. Brian was thrilled and is talking about getting another sailboat. God help us!"

For more information about chartering STORM PETREL this summer in New England, click here for a previous post.

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

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Charter Yacht STORM PETREL New England... arrives safely

We just received an email from Phil & Laura of Storm Petrel to let us know that they have arrived safely in Massachusetts.  The trip from St Thomas, US Virgin Islands to MA only took ten days... Good going, guys!

Laura says that she hooked a 25-pound Mahi Mahi but lost it after a 15-minute struggle... So It Goes...

Storm Petrel is available for yacht charters in New England this summer. Charters of any length can be accommodated... Just ask :)

ALL INCLUSIVE CHARTER RATES
(includes food, but not alcoholic beverages)

• $4,100/wk for 2 guests
• $4,525/wk for 3 guests
• $4,900/wk for 4 guests

LONG WEEKEND RATES: 3-days/ 2-nights (includes food, but not alcoholic beverages)

• $2,100 for 2 guests
• $2,300 for 3 guests
• $2,500 for 4 guests

DAYSAILS: Bring your lunch & drinks. Cooler and ice provided!

• Half day: $350 for up to 6 guests
• Full day: $500 for up to 6 guests

(Click map to enlarge)

Storm Petrel's base is in Buzzards Bay, so Phil likes to pick up at North Falmouth, near the Bourne Bridge. Phil is from that neck of the woods and has an incredible amount of local knowledge about this area. It would be a fun trip.

Perhaps a 4th of July charter... Newport Jazz or Folk Festivals... Labor Day... Summer BBQ???

Here are some charter comments from a previous blog post: CLICK FOR COMMENTS

Storm Petrel is already booked for Christmas and New Years

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

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Tropical Storm ANA & Hurricane BILL - Yacht Updates

With the threat of TS ANA & Hurricane Bill coming our way, we decided to sail our own boat over to Curaçao but then ANA was forecast to pass to the south of us and thus getting in our way, and as BILL was to miss the islands to the Northeast, we stayed put in St. Martin. ANA became disorganized and then spread out more like a tropical wave.

We heard from Gus & Marcella (catamaran MAROLANGA). They went to their hurricane hole in Vieques (Spanish Virgin Islands) and had lots of heavy rain & lightning. Their poor cat Sasha hid under a shelf and tried to make himself very small. They stayed there to wait out Hurricane Bill which fortunately gave our islands a wide berth. Marcella wrote today to say that they've "only had some little gusts and some rain. Not too bad…Now we getting a little bit rain from the tail of Bill. Outside are still waves 7-11 feet, so we waiting until tomorrow with sailing to Puerto Rico. Wind we have practically zero."

They are going to go into the boatyard for a little bit for new bottom paint and this and that. Marolanga is one of the few yachts chartering in the Virgin Islands through the summer season.

The trimaran PROMENADE went to their hurricane hole in Virgin Gorda, BVIs. Here's a photo of Bazza & Simeon tying lines up to the mangroves.

Kerry is very happy to be back at their dock now that the storms have safely passed by.

Charter Yacht BLITHE SPIRIT is down in Trinidad where Dominique & Michel are growing tomatoes while in the boatyard!

Dominique didn't have to tether down her plants as Trinidad is theoretically out of the hurricane zone and Bill was nowhere close.

John & Heidi, owner-operators of the charter yacht ANTILLEAN, are also in the boatyard in Trinidad. No pictures yet, but Heidi says that she has a crop of 30 tomato plants that she's grown from seed. Sounds like there's a little farming competition going on down there :)

Leslie & Charles of PHAEDRUS wrote to us last week... "We just got to NC on Friday and have been busy doing odd jobs, like cleaning the deck & pulling weeds out of the walkway. It's very hot here, but hopefully the temp will go down on Wednesday". Sounds like the equivalent of scraping the hull :)

STORM PETREL is chartering in New England this summer. Laura is Illinois doing a few house projects and nursing, while Phil is aboard Storm Petrel based in Falmouth, Buzzards Bay. They had a great repositioning trip, taking only 10 days to get there from St. Thomas. Phil's advice for us was: "To come north, just set your autopilot to 355, and enjoy. The spring trip is usually easy, no winds over 30 kts, seas calm... Fall is much more of an adventure!!!!"

So, if you want an affordable, fun charter, aboard a yacht with LOTS of local knowledge of the New England cruising area, look no further than Storm Petrel. Short charters, weekend & daysails, too. Contact Paradise Connections and we'll set you up!

A couple of weeks ago, Eric from ALOHA MALOLO wrote to say that they were "going to the Statue of Liberty today if we can get this RV through the traffic. I miss the ocean and Saltydog but we are visiting many past guests who have invited us to stop by on our trip."

Charter yacht HANALEI BAY is on the hard in Trinidad. We received a call recently from Diane. They miss being on the water but they have a beautiful view of it from their patio in Vancouver BC. They had front row seats for the annual fireworks festival, The Celebration of Light, from their pieds-à-terre.

Kim & Rich from the charter yacht QWEST wrote to us from the boatyard in in Fajardo, Puerto Rico where they were working on the boat and getting it ready to leave while they go to the States for a couple of months.

Kim wrote "One of the high points of our summer is the Bean Blossom Blues Fest that we going to in Brown County, Indiana, next month. We'll be spending lots of time playing our ukes and jamming with friends. We don't have any photos (yet), but here's a link to a video of a jam from last year's Bean."

So, back now to Bob & Sheila at Paradise Connections... Due to the recent storms our plans have changed a little, but we intend to pick up our mail soon in St. Thomas (thanks Reefco!) and then sail towards Curaçao. We did Hurricane OMAR last year and we don't want to do that again. Quite a scary night... Especially when you have this boat dragging down on you during the stormy night of a category 3 hurricane!

Nope, don't want to do that again :)

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to start planning
your sailing vacation
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Enjoy a New England sailing vacation yacht charter this Autumn 2008

There's still time to enjoy a New England sailing vacation this Autumn. Enjoy New England at its best with bright blue skies, fine sailing and uncrowded harbors! These excellent yachts are ready to sail!

ASHLANA

Ashlana is a Little Harbor 53. Owner/hosts Tom Hampson & Christie MacConnell are eager to make summer last a little longer with a charter or two before they leave for the Caribbean. Great sailing and a wonderful time to visit Block Island, the Vineyard and Nantucket.

Accommodations for up to four guests in two cabins. Master cabin aft has 2 double berths with ensuite head and shower. Guests may choose one of the two forward cabins: The forepeak has 2 lower singles with a filler to make a double, the port forward (crew) cabin has upper/lower singles. The forward head and shower are shared with the crew.

Guests praise Christie's cooking and Tom's sailing skills, and most of all their gracious hospitality.

Summer Rates:

• $10,700/wk for 2 guests, plus all expenses
• $11, 900/wk for 4 guests, plus all expenses

Ashlana is still available for Christmas & New Year charters in the Caribbean

ASHLANA's online brochure: CLICK HERE

MELINKA

MELINKA, an 80-foot Swan, is available for charter out of Newport through October 14 2008.

Accommodations for six in three ensuite cabins with generous twin berths located aft of the salon. The master has twin lower singles, port and starboard guest cabins have upper/lower singles. (No double berths.) Leather upholstery and fine oil paintings lend a 'gentlemen's club' feeling to the salon.

American Captain Forrest Shropshire, the head of MELINKA's international crew, has thirty years' experience sailing the East coast of the US and the Caribbean. Chef Maria Teresa Beddoes grew up on the Channel Island of Jersey and speaks fluent French, Spanish and Portuguese. A second generation professional sailor from Antigua is Mate Jace Hector.

Summer Rates:

• $ 18,500/wk for up to 6 guests, plus all expenses.

Melinka is still available for Christmas & New Year charters in the Caribbean

MELINKA's online brochure: CLICK HERE

BONNIE LYNN

BONNIE LYNN, a 72-foot schooner, offers flexible accommodations for 6 in three cabins with double and single berths (two full guest baths).

Captains Earl, born and bred in Maine, and Bonnie MacKenzie provide an authentic New England experience. The warm, relaxed atmosphere and Bonnie's wonderful seafood bring guests back time and again. Her "chowda" is not to be missed!

SUMMER RATES: all inclusive, except bar/beverages, dockage

• $9,500/wk for 2 guests
• $11,000/wk for 4 guests
• $12,000/wk for 6 guests

BONNIE LYNN's online brochure: CLICK HERE

VENTURE

VENTURE is a beautiful Oyster 62 sloop with a crew of two. Venture accommodates up to 4 guests in 2 cabins.

RATE: Plus all expenses

• $14,000/wk for 2 guests
• $15,000/wk for 4 guests

Venture is still available for Christmas & New Years charters in the Caribbean

VENTURE's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Or, maybe your budget is a bit tight but you would still like to go sailing? We would highly recommend Storm Petrel.

STORM PETREL

We are looking forward to Phil & Laura's return to the Caribbean in November, but you can enjoy their company NOW!

Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop. Phil Levine is the captain and owner of Storm Petrel. His chef/crew is his girlfriend, Laura. Storm Petrel has a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, windsurfer, hammock, snorkel equipment. Besides enjoying windsurfing, we recently learned that Phil also does kite boarding! In fact he has three kites and a couple of boards on his boat, in addition to his wind surfing gear. Alcoholic beverages are not included in their rates, but will stock with your preferences at cost.

RATE: All inclusive, except bar & dockage

• $4150/wk for 2 guests
• $4900/wk for 4 guests

Storm Petrel is still available for both Christmas & New Years charters in the Caribbean: Virgin Islands

STORM PETREL's online brochure: CLICK HERE

You should be able to find something here to fill the bill, tickle your fancy, floats your boat, is your cup of tea... :)

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to assist you with your sailing vacation: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Charter Yacht STORM PETREL - Comments / Charter Review

Here are comments we recently received from a couple we had aboard the Charter Yacht STORM PETREL in the Virgin Islands.

Charter dates = APRIL 21-28, 2008
Yacht = STORM PETREL

Sheila and Bob,

Our vacation was everything that we had hoped for and more.  Storm Petrel was exactly what we were looking for.  Captain Phil and Laura made us feel right at home onboard.  The boat was clean and comfortable.  We were able to use as much water as we wanted throughout the week thanks to the huge tankage on Storm Petrel.  Stern showers were frequent with heated water.  Captain Phil and Laura offered us many options for daily activities and destinations.  The food onboard was plentiful and excellent.  Laura cooked to our tastes wonderfully. 

We requested sailing and boat handling instruction during our vacation, and Captain Phil proved to be an excellent instructor.  He was positive and encouraging.  He never yelled at us.  We were doing all the boat handling by the end of the second day.  Captain Phil also taught us how to windsurf.  Our hosts took us to a variety of great snorkeling spots every day.  It pays to be on a boat with people who know the islands like the back of their hands.  We went places that bareboats aren’t allowed to go.  We were truly sad to say goodbye to our hosts on Storm Petrel.

Paradise Connections was very professional throughout the process of booking our vacation.  All of our questions were answered in a timely manner, and everything was handled professionally.  I do thank you for your services.  Paradise Connections is an upstanding company that instilled us with the confidence to pull the trigger on our dream vacation.  The resulting vacation was fantastic.

Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed, 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop. Phil Levine is the captain and owner of Storm Petrel. His chef/crew is his girlfriend, Laura. Storm Petrel has a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, windsurfer, hammock, snorkel equipment. Alcoholic beverages are not included in their rates, but will stock with your preferences at cost.

STORM PETREL's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to assist you with your sailing vacation: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

STORM PETREL - Charter review comments

Here are some comments we received from clients who chartered Storm Petrel this June 2007.

Charter dates = June 3-10, 2007
Yacht = STORM PETREL

How did you enjoy your charter?
We really enjoyed the BVI cruising area as well as Phil and Laura. They have the ability to be wonderful hosts and conversationalists while also providing privacy and allowing Ruth and I our own time together.

Did you find your crew to be helpful, accommodating and friendly?
They were great. We feel like we met new friends. They used their expertise and knowledge to customize our trip to meet our specific interests. They also
went out of their way to make sure our stay was enjoyable.

Was the yacht comfortable, clean and well maintained?
Yes.

How would you describe the quality and presentation of the meals served on board?
Excellent. Laura had a great variety of meals that perfectly met our diet and taste requirements. The meals were very enjoyable and well presented.

How did you find the services offered by Paradise Connections ?
Perfect

View STORM PETREL's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more info: CLICK HERE

Storm Petrel : yacht charter availability

Laura just returned back to Storm Petrel after spending a couple of weeks in the States. They plan to charter in the Virgin Islands through mid June and then they will be heading up to New England for their summer season.

So, if you have the time and would like to come on down for a sail in the Caribbean, Storm Petrel is available from May 14 through June 2, 2007. We have a booking with them for the following week and then they will make preparations and head up north.

If you cannot make it down here this summer, perhaps you'd like to charter with Phil and Laura out of Newport, Rhode Island. Phil is from that neck of the woods and has an incredible amount of local knowledge about this area. It would be a fun trip. Perhaps a 4th of July charter?

Storm Petrel's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE


http://www.paradiseconnections.com