Charter Yacht HANALEI BAY - Guest Comments / Reviews - Family charter

Guest comments from a  client of ours from Brussels & Scotland for their Family New Year's Charter aboard the 72-foot charter yacht HANALEI BAY.

An extraordinary combination of technical ability, natural good humour and the wonders of the West Indies made our holiday charming and memorable.

Franz is a trained Chef and it shows. Each dish made from fresh ingredients, (even the fettuccine was made from flour water and effort!) beautifully presented on the Hanalei Bay’s amazing range of dishes and napery. Steaks on the barbecue, fresh fish caught in the morning from the boat and cooked forlunch, a truly remarkable success, i.e. of very different and always tasty dishes presented with style.

Diane and Franz offer training in fish-filleting, water sports, sailing and wildlife and Franz is an expert amateur surgeon when sea urchin spines have to be removed.

We were charmed from the moment we arrived on board. We shall return. We warmly recommend a cruise on Hanalei Bay to anyone who thinks they might like a holiday with a difference, who has sailed or might like to sail, who wants to explore inaccessible beaches and tiny islands, and who wishes to be made welcome by congenial hosts who are skilled in making guests feel happy.

We are happy for you to use any of the foregoing remarks to be shared with anyone.

I should add that in smooth weather and rough weather, we had total confidence in the boat and its owners!
– Ian

Thank you Franz and Diane for a wonderful sail aboard Hanalei Bay. Everything about this vacation has been amazing from the sailing to Watersports to discovering the famous Foxy’s, and beating Franz too many times at Kings Korners, very sorry Skipper.  Once again thank you for the amazing food and hospitality topped with the beautiful surroundings and scenery of the West Indies. Until the next time. Aufwiedersehen
- James

Our holiday on the Hanalei Bay has been one of the most memorable we’ve ever had as a family and it is one we will remember with pleasure for years to come
- Sandra

What can I add to the list of compliments already express by the rest of the family!  This has been an extremely entertaining, fun and amusing trip. I had a slight incident with the boat while water skiing, but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed myself. By the way you must try out the ‘Banana’ if you make it to “Hanalei Bay”
- Alexander

HANALEI BAY is a 72-foot cutter owned and operated by Franz & Diane Gradler.  Hanalei Bay is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 ensuite staterooms.

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

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All-Inclusive Crewed Yacht Charters / Sailing Vacations

Something you don't need to worry about on an all-inclusive yacht charter, sailing vacation.

What do you mean I have to pay to go to the bathroom?

• Contact Paradise Connections, charter specialists, to assist with your sailing vacation

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

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Thanks to "The Horses Mouth" for this image.

Trimaran PROMENADE, Sail Dive Charter Yacht - Recent News

Here's an update on one of our favorite charter yachts in the Virgin Islands... PROMENADE, a 65-foot trimaran, which offers diving, fishing, relaxing, fun...

• PROMENADE has one cabin available on her cabin cruise which will be sailing March 29th out of Tortola, BVI. The rate for one cabin for this all-inclusive, 6-night charter is only $3600 for TWO people NOT each.

These guests are having fun on Promenade's very popular power lounger!

• PROMENADE has also opened up their calendar for two additional weeks this summer, July 6-13 and July 14-21, 2009. There may be a day or so leeway, but these are the only openings Promenade has left for this season. Promenade's rate this season for up to 10 guests is $18,900 and 12 guests is $20,900.

Inquire for diving rates...

PROMENADE is one of the very few crewed charter yachts that has a commercial fishing license for the BVI, so fishing is hassle-free. No worries about permits, etc. Plus, you'll probably catch something!

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Kerry is an avid photographer and takes some wonderful pictures. The photos on this post are Kerry's from Promenade. Please do not use without permission.

Just one more (it's hard to stop!)

• View PROMENADE's online brochure CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections to book your yacht charter: CLICK HERE
• Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

We hope you can take advantage of one of these opportunities to sail aboard Promenade this season... But, if not, there's next season... Just ask us!

ANDROMEDA LA DEA Mediterranean yacht charter

This beautiful charter yacht, the 154-foot Perini Navi ketch, ANDROMEDA LA DEA, will be available for charter in the Mediterranean this summer 2009.

Andromeda La Dea:

• Immaculate Classic Yacht with all the latest technology.
• 8 guests in 4 staterooms + 1 Pullman
• Professional international crew of 8 including: licensed masseuse and prize winning chef

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Mediterranean summer 2009 rates:

• Low Season € 99,000/wk, plus expenses
• High Season (July & August) €119,000/wk, plus expenses

View Andromeda La Dea's online brochures:

• Brochure #1
• Brochure #2

Contact us for more information:

• Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

Visit our web site:

• http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Looking forward to your inquiries!

Charter Yacht FORTUNA for Antigua Race Week 2009

s/y FORTUNA -- Sail Antigua Race Week 2009 on board a real Maxi !

Experience the excitement of racing on board a Maxi sailing yacht in a world class regatta -- Antigua Sailing Week 2009.

FORTUNA is offering an Antigua Race Week Special "by the berth" (per person) price of €1,600 plus expenses & an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) of €400 per person, and refundable damage deposit of €850 per person, for up to ten days on board.

Enjoy participating in Antigua Sailing Week 2009 from 22nd April to 3rd May 2009 on board the completely restored maxi racing yacht FORTUNA.

Seize this rare opportunity to experience and compete against world class yacht racing professionals and join in the fun of the many shore festivities during Sailing Week.

Fortuna is a superb 82-foot Maxi ketch, completely rebuilt for luxury charter while complimenting her thoroughbred racing pedigree. Captain / Owner Antonio Flores is a true sailor who proudly claims, "I leave the anchorage with the sails up and arrive back to the anchorage with the sails up..." and adds, "On board FORTUNA we combine the Maxi sailing experience with lots of fun!"

Don't miss this rare opportunity and outstanding price! The per person price in Euros is €1,600 + APA (expenses advance) of €400/person and refundable damage deposit of €850/person for up to ten days on board.

This price includes: accommodations on board FORTUNA, race entry fees, services of her crew of three.

Not included in the €1,600 base price are food, beverages, fuel, dockage and/or moorings fees, personal insurance. Fortuna will Race in Non Spinnaker Class.

FORTUNA offers 2 boarding options: Guests may board on 22nd April in Guadeloupe from 6:00 pm on and participate in the Guadeloupe to Antigua Race on the 24th. Or alternatively guests may board in Antigua on the evening of 24th April.

Guests also have the option to disembark on 3rd May in the morning from Antigua, or enjoy a final sail back to Guadeloupe and depart FORTUNA on the evening of 3rd May from Deshaies, Guadeloupe.

• View Fortuna's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections information on chartering: CLICK HERE
• Visit our web site: http:www.paradiseconnections.com

News from the charter yacht ALOHA MALOLO

Eric & Evelyn from the 65-foot sailboat ALOHA MALOLO just wrote us with quite a bit of news...

Fun, Fun, Fun in the Caribbean sun onboard Aloha Malolo!

SPECIAL OFFER:

• Confirm your charter for 2010 before July 31, 2009 and receive 2009 rates.

SCUBA DIVING:

• Eric is a certified Dive Master and up to 7 dives/week for certified divers are included in Aloha Malolo's rates. Not a certified diver but you like to see what scuba diving is all about? No problem! Eric is also qualified for Discover Scuba/Resort dives... also included.
• They have added 6 more scuba tanks, making 12 tanks onboard. Aloha Malolo is getting excellent guest feedback on all of their new scuba gear and dive locations.

LEARN TO SAIL - ASA SAIL TRAINING:

• You can also learn sailing and cruising skills with Aloha Malolo. Earn American Sailing Association bareboat and navigation certification 101-103-104-105. Enjoy a private learning cruise just for you and your party in a fast, extremely responsive yacht. Learn to sail safely and confidently as a couple, family or individual.

NEW TOYS:

• Aloha Malolo has added a new two person kayak with kayak kite. The kite gives the option to sail the kayak in addition to paddling. This is the latest and greatest thing in kayaking.
• New kids water skis with training bar and skeg weights for teaching beginners has been ordered, shipped and is on its way.
• New boogie boards too.
• Coming soon... Kite boarding!

MORE FUN:

• Geocaching for internet savvy kids creates a new dimension for kids as well as adults and adds a spin on hunting for pirate's treasure!
• Eric says that they are having a great fishing year with every charter group having caught fish with their all new fishing gear.
• Don't forget SALTY DOG! A super sweet Golden who swims with dolphins.

COMMENTS FROM THE SHIP'S LOG, 2009:

Thank you for a fantastic adventure! What a wonderful week!...we all enjoyed amazing meals and desserts...we laughed at jokes...campai! Ben earned the name 'Anchorman' and is still awaiting his cape! We had a wonderful week with Salty, Eric and Evelin. Thank you! Thank you! - Anna

We can't believe that Greg caught the Kingfish yesterday! It already seems like a million years ago. Again, thank you for everything. We had a great time. We will try to recreate some of Evelyn's great dishes. - Laura

We appreciate the effort & experience you provided for our trip & tour. You have been the best hosts! There are so many things we can say we have done and seen now. Thank you for the memorable time. Consider us your friends. - Mark

LEARN MORE:

• View ALOHA MALOLO's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections for your yacht charter: CLICK HERE
• Visit our web site: CLICK HERE

Don't you deserve some fun? See you soon!
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BVI Spring Regatta and Around Virgin Gorda Race

This information about the 2009 BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, plus the Around Virgin Gorda Race is from SAIL-WORLD.COM

Although each year, the basic format remains the same, the organizers of BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival work hard to fine tune the event. This year’s edition, March 30 – April 5, is no exception with two innovative additions that will add value for the participants.

First, on the traditional Sailing Festival Layday, at the Bitter End Yacht Club, sailors will have the option to compete in the Around Virgin Gorda Race. Secondly, the BVI Customs Department has granted special dispensation to those yachts participating in the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival and will not be charging for cruising permits. Additionally, to expedite the clearing in and clearing out process, Masters can file electronically.

About the changes in the Bitter End Layday schedule, John Glynn, V.P. North American Sales, explained, 'Our intention is to now run the much anticipated Around Virgin Gorda Race (the 7th Annual) as part of the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, on Wednesday April 1st. There will be special prizes for Swans, and the top Swan will be recognized. Entry in BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is not required.' He went on to say, 'In an interesting twist, racers in the Around VG Race this year will be given the option of going either way around the island. The current course record is just under three hours, held by the Swan 100S, Virago.'

In addition to BVI Customs and Immigration officials being on site at Nanny Cay from noon – 18.00 on Monday March 30 and Thursday, April 2nd, Customs will be waiving the Cruising Permit fee. The fee is $4 per person, per day, and with boats carrying anywhere between five to twenty crew members, the per day savings for visiting yachts will be anywhere between $20 - $80,

Wade Smith, BVI Customs Comptroller, also requested that visiting yachts entering the BVI, streamline the process for clearing in and out electronically. The Caribbean Pre-Arrival Notification system, eSeaClear, is a service that provides vessel operators the ability to submit electronic notifications of arrival to participating Customs offices in the Caribbean. Registered users can access the system to enter and maintain information about their vessel or vessels, crew and passengers. Prior to arrival at a new country the vessel operator simply ensures the information is accurate for the upcoming voyage and submits a new notification. eSeaClear was developed working closely with Customs to ensure that small vessel operators had a faster and more positive experience when clearing in and out of port.

So, if you are interested in participating in the race or chartering a yacht as a spectator yacht, let us know! Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

Go for it !

Charter Yacht PACIFIC WAVE in the Caribbean

This post has been removed by Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for your next sailing vacation

Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Charter Yacht Touch - Economic Stimulus Special Offer

Here's a "touching" special offer good for charters through the end of 2009, excluding the holidays, of course :)



The motor yacht Touch, is reducing their rate by $20,000. What a great gesture to help stimulate the economy!

Touch is a beautiful, 120-foot custom megayacht that accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 king staterooms. One unusual feature of this yacht which distinguishes them from other megayachts of its class is that it has an 8-person hot tub on the aft deck on the main deck level. We really liked this motor yacht when we visited them in St. Maarten.

SPECIAL 2009 RATE:

• $55,000/wk, plus all expenses, for up to 8 guests

This is a $20,000 savings off their normal charter rate of $75,000/wk

..

LOCATIONS:

• March - June : Caribbean
• July - September : Not available
• October - November : Bahamas
• December : Caribbean

Captain Andrew Law and his stellar crew of 7, are looking forward to having you aboard.

• View TOUCH's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE
• Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Looking forward to your inquiries!

Charter Yacht THE DOVE - Cheesecake Recipe

Spotlight on Captain Larry Tyler: owner & captain of sailing yacht THE DOVE (54-foot sloop) and also a trained chef, professional photographer & filmmaker who sailed around the globe on a 35' yacht using celestial navigation. Larry here shares with us one of his secrets for happy, repeat charter guests on THE DOVE!

The Dove Ginger Cheesecake

• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of fresh ginger
• Grated zest of one lemon or lime
• 24 ounces (700gm) cream cheese
• 2-3 eggs
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream or yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• Handful of white raisons soaked in rum for about an hour (optional)

Base / Crust

• 1 cup of Hob-Nobs biscuits
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tbs. unsalted butter melted, cooled

Preheat oven to 200 c (375 F). Peel ginger and cut into thin slices and then cut again into thin slivers. With a sharp knife peel the lemon and cut the zest into thin matchsticks. Place ginger, lemon zest, water and sugar into a small pan and bring slowly to the boil, then simmer for 2 minutes and leave to cool and then strain syrup through a sieve, reserving the lemon zest and ginger for the crust. In a large bowl whisk the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium until smooth, add eggs one at a time, cream or yoghurt and vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Fold in the sieved cooled syrup until blended and then rum soaked raisins if desired.

Base: break up the biscuits and crush them in a bowl, add the melted cooled butter and mix well with a wooden spoon. Then put mixture at bottom of round baking tin and press hard with spoon or the bottom of a flat glass or mug. Sprinkle the biscuit mixture with the lemon zest and ginger. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of biscuit base and place in the oven for approx. 45 minutes or until golden brown on top and the centre is still a little wobbly when you move it. Allow to cool and place in the refrigerator for a few hours or over night, serve well chilled.

Note: Cooking time depends on your preference of how moist you like the finished cheesecake. Inserting a knife does not work on this cake. When the cake comes out of oven it will deflate a little this is normal.

Using an 8" (20cm) to 9"(23cm) x 3"(8cm) round baking tin with detachable base is best.

For the base you may also digestive biscuits or ginger snaps. Raisins can omitted, if desired.

Thanks Larry!

The Dove is a 54-foot sloop which accommodates up to four guests in two cabins.

• View THE DOVE's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections to charter: CLICK HERE
• Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Try the recipe and let us know how it came out... Or, better yet, come on down and have Larry make it for you!

Charter Yachts to View the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Sailing Week

Here are some excellent yachts to use as a spectator yacht to view the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (April 16-21, 2009) and/or the Antigua Sailing Race Week (April 25-May 1, 2009):



Click on the yacht's name to view their online brochure:

• ALIDADE: 58-foot Catana catamaran
• ASHLANA 53-foot Little Harbor sloop
• AURORA: 67-foot Ron Holland sloop
  
• BANDERA: 57-foot S&S Hinckley yawl
  
• CALLIOPE: 60-foot Souther Ocean 60
  
• CAMPAI: 72-foot Ron Holland cutter
  
• COCONUT: 80-foot Dynamique sloop
  
• DULCINEA: 63-foot sloop
  
• FEARLESS: 72-foot Alden sloop
  
• FORTUNA: 82-foot ketch
  
• IBIS: 60-foot Walsted sloop
  
• JABBERWOCKY: 50-foot Benetau sloop
  
• MATAU: 74-foot Privilege catamaran
  
• MELINKA: 80-foot Nautor Swan ketch
  
• PACIFIC WAVE: 72-foot Pesaro sloop
  
• SAFARI:62-foot Gunboat performance catamaran
  
• SWELL: 50-foot Farr/Sweden sloop
  
• TIVOLI: 90-foot Doggers Bank motor yacht
  
• TRUE NORTH: 65-foot Privilege catamaran
  

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters : CLICK HERE

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

TIVOLI charters New England this Summer 2009

TIVOLI's owner has decided to postpone plans to return to Norway & Northern Europe until Summer 2010. Therefore the motor yacht TIVOLI is available for Summer 2009 charters in her home waters of New England.



TIVOLI is a 90-foot Doggersbank offshore expedition vessel that accommodates up to six guests in three cabins.

Accommodation Description: Three staterooms radiate from a central foyer. The master stateroom has a centerline queen bed & separate his & hers baths -- one with a marble shower and one with a steam shower plus whirlpool tub. The two other guest staterooms each have twin lower single beds with one upper Pullman berth. Each twin cabin has an ensuite bath with enclosed marble shower.

RATES: Summer 2009

• $35,000 for up to 6 guest, plus all expenses

View TIVOLI's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

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

Cruise New England in Style this Summer - WISHING STAR

WISHING STAR is classic 84-foot Trumpy motor yacht with a crew of two, available for charter from the Bahamas to Maine, depending on the season.



When it comes to a classic gentleman’s motor yacht, there’s nothing like a Trumpy – especially one like Wishing Star. Exquisitely maintained, with a handsome and impeccable interior, she is the ideal choice for those who appreciate traditional elegance afloat.

In the first half of the twentieth century, society’s most prominent members knew that owning a Trumpy meant you had truly arrived. The DuPont, Guggenheim, Morgan, Dodge, and Chrysler families all had Trumpy yachts. Even the famous Sequoia, the official yacht of seven U.S. Presidents (from Roosevelt to Carter), was a Trumpy.

We just read in one of our favorite boating blogs (Casco Bay Boaters Blog) that "After a 35-year hiatus, the iconic Trumpy name will soon grace the hull of an elegant new motoryacht." This is good news for all Trumpy fans. The photo shows that they are still going for the classic look, too!

Wishing Star accommodates up to six guests in 3 staterooms (one queen & two twins).

Wishing Star's schedule (slightly flexible) is as follows:

• Key West : January 1 - April 27
• Bahamas : May 1 - June 15
• Charleston : June 20 - July 4th
• NOTE: available for July 4th in Newport
• Newport, RI : July 15 - August 15
• Maine : August 20 - Sept 1
• Haul out September in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
• Charleston : October 1 - December 1
• Key West : December 7 - 31

Having recently undergone an extensive refit, her varnish is sparkling, her paint is fresh, and her rich upholsteries, drapes, carpets, linens and other soft furnishings are all new.

The charming, experienced, and genuinely welcoming crew of Roberta and Bret Todd are dedicated Trumpy enthusiasts and look forward to sharing this sweetheart of a yacht with their guests. A third crew is available on an as needed basis... inquire.

Wishing Star's charter rate is $22,000/week plus expenses.

View WISHING STAR's online brochure: CLICK HERE
Contact Paradise Connections to charter Wishing Star: CLICK HERE
Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Looking forward to your inquiries!

ATTN PARROTHEADS: JIMMY BUFFETT RUMOR

Attention to all Parrotheads and to all that enjoy a good time...

We just heard a rumor on our local St Maarten radio station that Jimmy Buffett will be doing a concert in November 2009 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Le Select restaurant in St.Barths.

Found this info on the net:

• 60th Anniversary of Le Select: November 6-8, 2009
• Free concert. See Jimmy Buffett play in the open air
• Big party - Enjoy a festival-like atmosphere downtown

Someone else said that they had talked to someone and:

• that JB will play sometime over the 3 days, but only a few songs and it will not be a concert! It will only be at Select and not at the dock like before and will NOT be as big of party. He said that the 50th was sooo much work preparing months ahead for it he did not what to go thru all of that again. Things might change with Jimmy, but for right now just a couple of songs at Select on one of the three days.

We really enjoyed the Anguilla concert two years ago and this sounds like a fun time, too.

What would be cooler than to be on your own chartered yacht for this historic event. We hope to be there!

Keep you posted...

Charter COCONUT and get a FREE day this winter 2009

COCONUT is offering one free charter day for the remainder of their Caribbean season... 8 days for the price of 7 !!!



For the Summer 2009 season, COCONUT is heading to the US West Coast and is available for charter from California north to the San Juan Islands, Washington State

• Length: 80-foot sloop
• Designer/Builder: Dynamique S.A. France
• Maximum number of Guests: 6
• Total Guest Cabins: 3

Accommodation Description: Aft master cabin has centerline queen berth, ensuite head and separate shower. Two ensuite forward guest cabins have one lower double berth and private heads with separate showers.

RATES: Winter 2009: Caribbean, All-inclusive, except bar/beverages, cruising fees...

• 2 guests: $21,000 ~ 4 guests: $22,000 ~ 6 guests: $23,000

RATES: Summer 2009: California & Pacific Northwest

• Up to 6 guests: $21,500, plus all expenses

View Coconut's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book your sailing vacation: CLICK HERE

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

We hope you can sail in the waters where we grew up... Bob is from California and Sheila is from Washington State... The San Juan Islands are beautiful!