Catamaran REACTION - The Happy Couple

We received a couple of wedding photos from Ian & Polly, crew of the charter catamaran REACTION.

In answer to our "What did you do on your summer vacation?", the ReAction crew can say "Got Married!".

The marriage took place in a beautiful country home in the Devon countryside where 40 of Ian & Polly's closest friends and family were present to see them tie the knot. The sun shone all day, so the guests spent the afternoon drinking tea and eating scones in the gardens...

Looking forward to seeing Mr. and Mrs. Philllips next month when we sail over to the Virgin Islands.

CONGRATULATIONS!

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

Halloween in Virgin Islands & Foxy's Cat Fight

It's that time of year... Halloweenwill soon be upon us.Trick or Treating, Horror Movie Marathons, Fun Costumes, Halloween Theme Parties or how about something different like a Tiki Party....

And, of course (drumroll, please!) Foxy's Halloween Cat Fight! This popular & fun event is held every year at Foxy's, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands. This year it is Friday, October 30 & Saturday October 31, 2009. Friday night is the Welcome Party and the Cat Fight racing is on Saturday, followed by the Awards Party.

Foxy's says: "Wear a costume, or just wear yourself, but show up at Foxy's annual Halloween Cat Fight. There will be surprise feature bands both nights! The West End Yacht Club again is our host for the Cat Fight, starting about 11AM on Saturday, Great Harbour. Neither rain, nor cold, nor lack of wind will keep these cats from a good fight."

If you don't have your own boat, treat yourself (no trick here) to a crewed yacht charter and enjoy yourselves.  Party down, watch the racing, party down some more, do some of the other above-mentioned activities such as dressing up and trick-or-treating around the anchorage, and then settle down to some DVDs.

Here are some charter yachts that are available for Halloween (click on name to view online brochure):

up to 2 guests max:

• CORUS
• SYNERGY
• VERNA BREEZE

 up to 4 guests max:

• ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  

up to 6 guests max:

• ALOHA MALOLO (possibly 8)
  
• ANTILLEAN
• BELLA PRINCIPESSA
  
• FLAME
• MAROLANGA

up to 8 guests max:

• CATNAP
• DRUMBEAT
• REACTION
• SAFARI
• SOLITUDE
  

up to 10 guests max:

• FREEDOM
• PROMENADE (possibly 12)
  

Found something interesting? Contact Paradise Connections for more info!

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EARTHQUAKE in Sint Maarten St. Martin SXM...

Bob & Sheila your charter yacht brokers (Paradise Connections) who live aboard their own sailboat and are currently at anchor in Simpson Bay Lagoon near Explorer Island (French side) of St Martin had an odd experience at lunchtime.

At about 12:30pm our boat started shaking.  We both thought that maybe the boat was dragging as the boat was vibrating and there was a low grumbling noise like when the anchor chain moves over the bottom.  Or was someone up against us???

Looked outside and everything is OK we are still shaking and a neighbor is looking around, too.

First time I've ever felt an earthquake at anchor that I know of :)

Image from http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi/events/us/2009mjbi/us/index.html

This site http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009mjbi.php
lists it as being Monday, October 05, 2009 at 16:28:10 UTC (12:28pm local time)

18.043°N, 62.781°W
29 km (18 miles) ESE (102°) from Marigot, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe
30 km (18 miles) E (87°) from Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

4.5 Magnitude

So, fortunately there shouldn't be a Kick'em Jenny tsunami then...

If it's not one thing it's another... It is still "that" season... Hurricane Omar hit us last year on October 15-16, 2008... So far, so good on that front :)

All the best!

ALALANTE - New to Charter Fleet

We would like to welcome the sailing yacht ALALANTE, a new 90-foot (27 meter) sloop, to the yacht charter fleet.

s/y ALALANTE

ATALANTE, the second Andre Hoek Truly Classic 90 to be constructed at Claasen Jachtbouw, was launched on 15th August 2009.  She is a direct sister to the award-winning yacht KEALOHA with identical hull, keel, rudder and sail plan, but with a completely customized interior and deck layout.  ATALANTE supports an offshore carbon spars package with North sails wardrobe.

The interior is mahogany with raised and fielded panels, owners cabin with direct access to the aft peak, two guest cabins, two crew cabins and a mid social deckhouse with dining table and state of the art navigation station.

ATALANTE can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 cabins:

• Master ensuite Stateroom with queen size bed, shower & toilet
• VIP ensuite Stateroom has queen size bed, shower & toilet
• Twin ensuite Stateroom has 2 single beds, shower & toilet

A few other amenities to mention... The salon is complete with Blue-ray player, flat screen television & state of the art sound system. Two separate cockpits – one for sailing aft and one for alfresco dining and lounging amidships. ATALANTE  is fully air conditioned through out.  The crew accommodations separate with heads & shower.

STANDARD RATES:

• Winter 2009/10, Caribbean: $40,000/week, plus all expenses
• Summer 2010, W. Mediterranean: 40,000 euros/week, plus all expenses

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES:

• Winter 2009/10, Caribbean: $40,000/wk, inclusive except bar (Caribbean Terms)
• Christmas & New Years: $45,000/wk, inclusive except bar

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

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Charter Yacht KALIKOBASS Special offer Winter 2010

Confirm your winter 2009/10 charter on KALIKOBASS II by October 31, 2009 for special pricing!

Kalikobass II

All Caribbean winter 2009/10 charters on KALIKOBASS II that are confirmed by October 31, 2009 may book on “Caribbean Terms” (inclusive except bar, dockage, local taxes) rather than "plus all expenses" terms. This offer is good for Christmas & New Years charters, too!

RATES:

Winter 2009-10, Caribbean:

• $57,500/week for up to 8 guests

Christmas & New Years:

• $62,500/week for up to 8 guests

Bookings confirmed after October 31, 2009 will revert to standard pricing of plus all expenses.

KALIKOBASS II is a 104-foot sloop with a crew of 4.  Kalikobass can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 cabins. Cabins are flexible as they can be configured as Kings or Twins, plus the forward cabin can also remove its center partition and be a full-width stateroom. Very cool!

Comments from August 2009 guests on KALIKOBASS II who cruised in Croatia:

“We had a wonderful trip on Kalikobass II.  She is a wonderful boat.  Please pass on our sincere thanks to Ross, Bridget, Nicky and Kettle for looking after us so well - they are a first class crew.” 

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

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Jimmy Buffett Concert in St Barths for Le Select's 60th Anniversary

It appears not to be just a rumour anymore, as Jimmy Buffett is now on the schedule for a quayside concert in Gustavia, Saturday 7th November 2009 at 8:00 pm.

What a great excuse (as if you need one) to have Cheeseburgers & Beers in Paradise! It's only a few weeks until Le Select’s 60th Anniversary is upon us. Join the celebration and attend the BIG anniversary bash November 6-8 2009... Where???? St. Barths, of course :)

What better way to partake of this event than on a boat? Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters and we'll hook you up!

It's easy to fly into Sint Maarten/St Martin (airport code=SXM) meet your boat, enjoy sailing the islands of St Martin & St Barts (Saint Barthelemy), and participate in the anniversary festivities.

We enjoyed Jimmy's concert in Anguilla a few years ago (we're on the DVD!) and we helped several good folks charter yachts for that Parrothead gathering. They thoroughly enjoyed the festivities in the authentic tropical venue.

Get in the mood & check out Amazon's Jimmy Buffett MP3 downloads for a quick getaway to Margaritaville!

LE SELECT’s 60th ANNIVERSARY - SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Friday, November 6, 2009
  

11:00 am – Noon: Complimentary appetizers and happy hour
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Gunslingers Steel Band
5:00 pm: Choir performance by the Chorale du bon Coeur
6:00 pm: Speech by Marius Stakelborough, owner of Le Select, followed by a cocktail reception
8:00 pm: Music by Math’s Connection and The Tremendous Johnsons

• Saturday, November 7, 2009

11:00 am – Noon: Complimentary appetizers and happy hour
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Gunslingers Steel Band
6:00 pm: Gunslingers Steel Band on the quay in Gustavia
8:00pm: Jimmy Buffett on the quay in Gustavia
10:00pm: Music by New Generation at Le Select

• Sunday, November 8, 2009

11:00 am – Noon: Complimentary appetizers and happy hour
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Gunslingers Steel Band
4:00pm: Screening of the film “The Friends of Marius” at the Capitainerie (upstairs at the Harbour Office)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Gunslingers Steel Band
8:00 pm: Fireworks, followed by a closing party with music by Les Romantiques at Le Select

• Monday, November 9, 2009

Marius invites you to discover the Back Street Gallery, Rue Père Dugon, Gustavia from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Maybe Bob can get a new hat as his "Tunes On The Dunes, Anguilla 2007" baseball hat is quite a bit past its sell-by date :)

So, drop us a line, come on down & have a good time!  Hope to see you there.

Reminder of special offers: YACHT CHARTERS & HOTEL BARGES

We would like to remind you of some special offers that are still in effect on yacht charters... Don't miss out!

PACIFIC WAVE EXPIRED

LIARA EXPIRED

ICARUS EXPIRED

VICTORIAN ROSE EXPIRED

CRYSTAL CLEAR EXPIRED

CATALYST EXPIRED

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EXPIRED

COCONUT EXPIRED

MAROLANGA EXPIRED

IRIE EXPIRED

PROMENADE EXPIRED

HOTEL BARGES - Early Booking Discounts, Last Minute Specials EXPIRED

KALIKOBASS II EXPIRED

Hope you'll be able to take advantage of one of these special offers.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your yacht charter

Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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AERIE : Special offer for Christmas 2009 in the Virgin Islands

AERIE, a 124-foot Delta Marine motoryacht, has a special offer for Christmas week in the Virgin Islands.

m/y Aerie

Treat yourself to a Christmas gift of a weeks' charter aboard AERIE and enjoy the Virgin Islands at an exceptional price that is lower than their standard rates for this premium week.

Aerie is 124 feet with a crew of 6 and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins... 10 guests if you wish to use the convertible in the Sky Lounge!

RATES:

• Winter 2009/2010, Caribbean: $75,000/week, plus all expenses
• Christmas week, Virgin Islands: $60,000/week, plus all expenses. (Charter must finish on or before December 26, 2009 in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands)

 Ho Ho Ho !!! This is a fabulous deal!!

Merry Christmas!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book AERIE
View Aerie's online brochure
Ask us for the password, if it has expired
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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COCONUT - Special offer for Christmas charter 2009

Book 10 days on COCONUT over Christmas and / or New Years and get 11th day free!

s/y COCONUT

COCONUT is an 80-foot Dynamique sloop, with a crew of three. COCONUT is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins.

COCONUT is now offering all-inclusive charters which includes all meals aboard the yacht and standard ship's bar.

RATES, Winter 2009-10, Caribbean:

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

Christmas/New Year charter:  10 or 11 nights

• 2 guests: $32,256 ($24.000/wk)
  
• 4 guests: $35,715 ($25,000/wk)
  
• 6 guests: $37,143 ($26,000/wk)
  

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

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LIARA - New to Charter Yacht Fleet : Caribbean & Mediterranean

We would like to welcome s/v LIARA, a new Performance Yacht 100, to the yacht charter fleet.

Following on from the flawless success of the first LIARA, the owners of this distinctive vessel re-commissioned renowned designer Bill Dixon to create the sensational new 100+ foot Liara.

The flagship of the Performance Yachts range of Dixon vessels, LIARA brings to sailing the very latest technology combined with sophisticated elegance and timeless craftsmanship that will please all sailors, from the most dedicated racing-performance seekers, to the first-time, leisure cruisers.

Superb accommodation and entertainment for up to seven guests is provided with exclusivity, style and comfort.

• Master Stateroom has a queen & a single bed, ensuite head & shower with marble vanity,  lots of stowage space, pop-up 26” LCD television.  LIARA's state of the art electronics inventory includes touch screen remote controls for television, lighting, blinds, stereo, satellite television, iPod docking station with onscreen controls and VOD (video on demand) server.
• Guest Stateroom has a queen bed, ensuite with head marble vanity and separate shower. 22” LCD television and touch screen remote control for TV, lighting, blinds, stereo, iPod docker with onscreen controls and VOD server and shared access to satellite television.
• Guest Stateroom with 2 single beds, ensuite head with marble vanity & separate shower. 22” LCD television, and touch screen remote control for TV, lighting, blinds & stereo, iPod docking station with onscreen controls and VOD (video on demand) server, shared access to satellite television.
  

LIARA's large full-width salon is nearly 7 meters wide.  The dining area to starboard has seating for eight guests, a wet bar area with ice maker and sink to starboard, and a lounging area to port with two extra large leather sofas, coffee table, 40” LCD television including touch screen remote controls for television, lighting, blinds, stereo, satellite television, an iPod docking station with onscreen controls and video on demand server, plus control of cockpit audio.  All audio by BOSE in salon and cockpit.

The galley and crew areas are located aft of salon which includes a large crew mess, two crew cabins with ensuite heads/showers, and a crew companionway aft leading to the sailing cockpit.

RATES (plus all expenses):

Winter 2009-10, Caribbean :

• $55,000/week for up to 7 guests

Summer 2010, Western Mediterranean:

• June & Sept: 45,000 euros/week for up to 7 guests
  
• July & August 50,000 euros/week for up to 7 guests
  

We look forward to visiting LIARA at the Antigua Charter Show in December and meeting Captain Ross Appleby & Chef Rosie Danby, along with the rest of their crew.

LIARA IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR 

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CHARTERS

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

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PRINCESS ZEYNEP - NOT available for the 2009 holiday season in the Caribbean

M/S PRINCESS ZEYNEP is available for charter for the Christmas & New Years weeks in the Caribbean (home port: St. Maarten).

PRINCESS ZEYNEP WILL NOT BE CHARTERING THIS SEASON

She is the perfect yacht for large groups with her capacity of 24 guests in 12 spacious guest suites. Captain Metin Karaman is eager to welcome new guests on board for unforgettable vacations in the Caribbean.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PRINCESS ZEYNEP
View Princess Zeynep's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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New yacht in the charter fleet - ICARUS

The charter yacht ICARUS is a beautiful 88-foot (27m) performance sloop designed by Doug Peterson and built by Jongert in 2007. Her design offers ample space and volume for a luxurious and comfortable interior layout, while her sleek lines render exhilarating sailing performance.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• LENGTH: 88ft (27.0m)
• YEAR BUILT: 2007
• BUILDER: Jongert
• DESIGNER: Doug Peterson
• TOTAL CREW: 3 (Captain Barry Duck & Chef Sophie Bardon +1)
• TOTAL GUESTS: 6
• GUEST CABINS: 3 (double & 2 twins)

ICARUS is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins. The master cabin has a walkaround double bed, and ensuite head/shower. The other two guest cabins have lower twin berths, each with ensuite head/shower.

ICARUS features a deck saloon that has a roof that completely slides open and cockpit settees that transform into sunbathing lounges. Her interior is styled in whitewashed teak with brushed stainless steel detailing, creating a light, modern atmosphere.

RATES:

Summer 2009: Western Mediterranean, Currently in Palma

• 35,000 euros/week plus all expenses, for up to 6 guests

Winter 2009-10: Caribbean Terms (Bar/Beverages not included)

• 2 guests: $47,000/week
• 4 guests: $48,500/week
• 6 guests: $50,000/week

Summer 2010: Western Mediterranean

• 35,000 euros/week plus all expenses, for up to 6 guests
  

Currently AVAILABLE for Christmas & New Years Charters (7 nights OK)

• $55,000/week for up to 6 guests (Bar/Beverages not included)

SPECIAL EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT for Winter 2009/10 season. Confirm your charter before December 15, 2009 for these special rates:

• 2 guests: $42,000/week (Bar/Beverages not included)
• 4 guests: $43,500/week (Bar/Beverages not included)
• 6 guests: $45,000/week (Bar/Beverages not included)

What a fine addition to the yacht charter fleet. We look forward to booking s/y ICARUS.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ICARUS
View Icarus' online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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News from charter catamaran AMARYLLIS

We've received an email from Bruce and Laura, owner-operators of the charter catamaran AMARYLLIS, a 45-foot Privilege.

They've been busy this summer preparing Amaryllis for another successful charter season.

Here's some bits from their email to us:

In spite of the soft economy, we continue to make investments in AMARYLLIS to keep her ahead of the pack. We've installed electric heads, replaced vinyl paneling in the aft staterooms, repainted the cockpit, added new deck mats that double as floats, and made new cockpit throw cushions.

Having raised two kids on boats in the Virgin Islands, we especially enjoy having kids on board. Whether towing kids around the harbor in a tube, introducing them to snorkeling, or teaching new card games, we always have a great time. And we are continuing our 'one child free' promotion for the upcoming 2009/2010 charter season.

For our charter guests we never cut corners. We provide the finest and freshest provisions available and always have the bar stocked with their favorite brands. Our 'all inclusive' charter is exactly that.

AMARYLLIS has two identical forward cabins that have double berths, each with ensuite heads. The two aft cabins also have double berths but differ in that they each have a sink in the cabin and share a head/shower located next to the cabin in the starboard hull. AMARYLLIS is a great choice for two couples, or a family of 4-6.

AMARYLLIS IS AVAILABLE FOR A CHRISTMAS CHARTER
DECEMBER 19-26, 2009

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

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New Catamaran in Yacht Charter Fleet - Bella Principessa

We are pleased to announce a new yacht to the charter fleet, Bella Principessa, a 2009 Privilege Alliaura catamaran. She will be accepting charters for the Caribbean 2009/2010 winter season.

Catamaran Bella Principessa

New boat, but "old" crew. Willo and Charlotte used to crew the charter catamaran Aldebaran. Charlotte will be staying on the other side of the pond this winter, so Bella Principessa will be a 6-guest, 3-cabin boat as they need two cabins for the crew. Plans are to go to the Pacific after this winter season... Inquire!

Willow oversaw the building of this catamaran, so we know it will definitely be up to snuff.

Bella Principessa (quite a mouthful, that!) is a 62-foot Privilege 615 catamaran, fully air conditioned, and offers a large owners cabin (port & center) and two aft cabins, all king size staterooms, each ensuite with head and spa shower. Lots of watertoys and lots of space. Willo is a Dive Master and 2 dives/day (with gear) are included for certified divers.

Master Cabin - - - Swim Platform

We are looking forward to viewing Bella Principessa at the Antigua show in December, and hope we'll share an anchorage with them beforehand. It will be great getting together with Willo again and catching up.

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

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New Crew on charter catamaran TRUE NORTH - Diving continues

With Virginia and Jamie moving over to the charter catamaran MATAU that we mentioned in a previous post, you might be wondering about the new crew for catamaran TRUE NORTH.

Meet the experienced team of Whitey and Max, who are thrilled to be the new captain and chef on TRUE NORTH, a 65-foot Privilege catamaran.

Whitey, Max, & Sarah

Whitey and Max have many years and miles of chartering throughout the Caribbean. This past year has taken them from Venezuela to Antigua, St. Maarten and the BVI, as well as a passage across the Atlantic followed by a great land trip through Portugal, Spain and on to Mallorca. During their travels they always seek new ideas to help them continue to offer guests a fresh, yet high standard of service, in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

In addition to all the water sports, you can expect to get in some great scuba diving from TRUE NORTH. Whether you are certified or just wanting to try it out, everyone can expect safe and interesting diving with Whitey as their PADI Dive Instructor. The one dive that Max doesn’t pass up is the one with the two seahorses in the BVI – she seems to be the only person to locate them consistently, which is always a thrill to their guest divers.

Of course, providing fabulous service on TRUE NORTH requires a great team. We are happy that Sara Manning is staying on board as stewardess for a second year. Sara comes from a boating family and has a great enthusiasm in chartering. They are currently interviewing for an experienced Deck Hand to round out the team. You view crew profiles on their online brochure.

We received an email from Max, introducing herself & Whitey:

This is Max here of True North. We are excited to be moving on to True North and look forward to meeting and seeing you in Antigua.

Yes, it is true we will be actively diving from True North. It's a passion of Whitey's, the Captain. He is a safe, competent and very patient dive leader and instructor. Plus, Maxine is a Dive Master.

Diving for certified divers is at no additional charge. We do not set any limit on the number of dives with our guests. Whitey assesses their abilities and the schedule and other activities for the boat that week and then plans the diving accordingly.

Any instruction is at an additional charge: $250 for referral open water course, $250 for resort course. For any other instruction, please inquire.

True North has 8 sets of regulators and gear. There are 8 tanks and a dive compressor.

Regarding the calendar, the plan is to be in the BVI's through May and to go down island in June 2010. We have been diving in the BVI's for years and know lots of great dives there.

We look forward to visiting TRUE NORTH soon.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book TRUE NORTH
View True North's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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