Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Charter Yacht RUNAWAY : Open for Easter 2012 Yacht Charter Virgin Islands

Jim & Lisa, owner-operators of the charter motoryacht RUNAWAY, wrote to us yesterday to let us know that their Easter charter unfortunately had to cancel but, good news for you, they are now available any time between March 27 and April 8, 2012 for your Easter vacation!

Charter Yacht Runaway - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands

The charter yacht RUNAWAY is an 82-foot Azimut motoryacht with a crew of two, and accommodates up to 8 guests in 3 cabins (one Queen and two with double beds with additional single berth above). Runaway is fully air conditioned and all staterooms have en-suite head with marble or granite countertops and  enclosed shower stall. Each bedroom also has its own LCD flatscreen television with dvd/cd/mp3 player and individual climate control. The salon boasts a 52-inch LCD TV for their Satellite TV. Onboard wi-fi.
 
Jim is a dive instructor and Runaway offers diving for their guests.



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


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Catamaran Solstice - Yacht charters Diving vacations - Bahamas Exumas

The charter yacht Solstice, a 47-foot Lagoon, is owned and operated by Liz & Cliff, sent us a lovely New Years email along with thanks for the charters we have placed with them. Nice folks!

Because of you, Solstice and the Exumas have become a winning combination. Because of you, we always look forward to our next adventure as no two are alike and, because of you, we continue to discover new beaches, dive sites, and anchorages; all seemingly unknown to the rest of the world.  The Exumas ROCK!  YOU ROCK!!

[ Thanks...  you're making us blush! ]

Allow us a moment to brag just a bit and we'll tell you about the new top-of-the-line SCUBA equipment (including computers) that we provide, the new Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPS) we have onboard that are perfect for exploring the mangrove rivers, and of course, the beautiful new custom stern and swim steps courtesy of our last haul-out.

- Liz & Cliff
Crewed charter yacht Catamaran Soltice - Sailing & Diving Vacations in the Bahamas / Exumas

The charter catamaran SOLSTICE, a 47-foot Lagoon, is owned and operated by Liz & Cliff. Solstice is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins with ensuite head/shower. There is also a single berth available in the center of the starboard hull. Solstice has an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, 2-person kayak, 2 standup paddleboards (SUPs), snorkel equipment, fishing gear, floating mats, satellite radio, flat screen TV/DVD, internet where available, etc. Cliff is a dive instructor and diving is available for certified and non-certified divers. Diving is dependent on conditions, typically 2-4 times per week for up to 4 divers, and only one or two dives/week for 5 or 6 divers.

See previous post for guest comments.



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



Monday, January 16, 2012

Welcome back, PENTESILEA... We missed you

We are very happy to welcome back Hans & Ruth to the yacht charter fleet aboard their new pride & joy, Pentesilea THREE.


We have had many successful charters aboard their previous catamaran, also named Pentesilea, and we are confident that they will give the same level of service and hospitality on their new yacht.

Catamaran Pentesilea 3 - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

Pentesilea 3 is a 39-foot Privilege catamaran with an owner-operator crew of two. The yacht accommodates up to 4 guests in the 2 starboard cabins, each with their own head/shower. Amenities include: 11-foot dinghy with 25HP motor, 2 kayaks, floating mats, noodles, snorkel gear, underwater camera, laptop DVD, internet access, iPod dock, etc

RATES: All inclusive, except for 2 dinners ashore at the guests' expense
  • 2 guests: $6500/wk
  • 3 guests: $6995/wk
  • 4 guests: $7450/wk
Pentesilea will begin chartering mid-January and end sometime in May. They will spend their summer at home in Colorado and perhaps do some travelling. We are looking forward to meeting up with Hans & Ruth in the near future.

Here are some comments from previous guests aboard Pentesilea...
"This vacation was awesome. We relaxed and enjoyed the incredible places Hans and Ruth took us. Hans was always flexible on where/when we sailed, keeping our preferences top priority. You really went beyond the call of duty to cover our comfort and happiness and we really appreciated it."

"It was truly a magical week. Thanks for letting me sail and enjoy the experience as much as I wanted. Both of you are great hosts – always gracious and considerate and suggesting just the right activity at just the right moment."

"It was a perfect vacation. Hans and Ruth are both excellent sailors and were very knowledgeable of the areas where we sailed. They had all the food (including an endless supply of chocolate) and drink that we had requested. Ruth is a very talented and creative cook and it was obvious she took pride in her presentations. Both of them have a good sense of humor and they joined in on lots of our silly behavior. They took us to fabulous snorkeling spots and managed each night to find us a perfect spot to anchor."
Want to join the Pentesilea Fan Club? Easy! Contact Paradise Connections and we'll set you up :)


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PENTESILEA 3
View Pentesilea's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Charter Yacht Corus - Info, Comments, Reviews, Testimonials

The charter yacht Corus, a Whitby 42 ketch, is an excellent yacht that specializes in all-inclusive, crewed yacht charters for two in the US & British Virgin Islands all year round.

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

Corus has a large guest cabin aft with a queen-sized berth and private, ensuite head/shower. Access to the guest cabin is either from the boat's interior or by a separate private entrance via the center cockpit.  Amenities include a 13-foot dinghy with 30HP motor, 2 one-person kayaks, snorkel equipment, hammock, beach toys, underwater camera & video, internet access where available, Celeston GPS Sky Scout, etc. Bill is a dive master and one dive/day is included for certified divers. Divers may rent gear or bring their own.

RATES: $5900/week for a 2-person (not each!), all-inclusive yacht charter in the Virgin Islands
  • No charge for single child (under 12 years of age) using navigators berth and parent's bathroom.
  • No surcharge for charters of less than 5 nights. 
  • Inquire for a single-person rate
  • One dive/day for certified divers
Ann working magic in the galley
Award-winning dessert
I've sampled it... wonderful !!!
Bill trimming the jib

Here are some after-charter client comments, charter reviews, charter testimonials...
We had a terrific week with Ann and Bill. It was really relaxing and truly enjoyable. Both of them are very interesting and did everything to make our stay a fantastic experience. The boat lends itself very well for a cruise and the diving and food are great additions to the sailing. Thank you for guiding us in our choice and your patience in finalizing the vacations. We look forward to another experience.
--- GVR
We had a wonderful trip with Bill & Ann. The yacht was immaculate and comfortable. We learned a lot about the sailing life and what it takes to maintain a sailboat. I appreciated Ann & Bill's attention to detail. The separate companionway to our stateroom was a plus.

I have never eaten so well in my life! Ann is a fabulous, talented, creative cook. We had wonderfully romantic, candlelit meals every evening under the stars. Ann & Bill prefer to leave us alone at meal times. They eat down below, we eat in the cockpit.

Everything worked better than we expected. We ended up diving five days as Bill is an excellent divemaster and took us to great sites.

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

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

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

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

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

--- J.B.
CORUS is already BOOKED for Valentine's Day
but currently open for CHRISTMAS  and NEW YEARS
It's not too early... Book NOW!



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



Friday, January 13, 2012

Charter Yacht Three Moons: Rainbows

Shelly, owner-operator of the charter yacht Three Moons, sent us these two beautiful rainbow photos.


Amazing pictures, Shelly... is there a little bit of Photoshop enhancement in there? Come on, we won't tell... but we will tell you about Three Moons :)

Charter Yacht Three Moons - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Island Sailing Vacations

Charter Yacht Three Moons is an owner-operated, 72-foot Irwin ketch with a crew of three. Three Moons is fully air conditioned and has four double cabins with ensuite heads/showers. There's also the possibility of swapping out one of the double cabins for the forward cabin with twin upper/lower bunks, if that is better suited for the make up of your group.

Lots of activities, relaxation, fun, excellent food & hospitality.  Three Moons is definitely one of our favorite charter yachts in the Virgin Islands fleet.

Read more blog posts about Three Moons. As you will see, they also do charters in the Spanish Virgin Islands for those who might be looking for something a bit different.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book THREE MOONS
View Three Moons' online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Saturday, January 07, 2012

Charter Yacht ANTARES: More Crew Photos

As it is Caturday, I thought it would be fitting to post the new photos we have of the non-human crewmembers of the charter yacht, Antares (even though they are not cats!).

Security: Mandy, 7-pound Maltese ***** Second Mate: Birdy, Quaker parrot

We welcomed the charter yacht ANTARES, a 48-foot Gulfstar motoryacht, to the Virgin Islands yacht charter fleet a couple of weeks ago in a previous post.

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

Antares has a special introductory rate of only $6500/wk for 2-person charters. They have a very nice aft master cabin with a walk-around Queen berth and ensuite head with tub.


Their webmaster has not posted the layout of Antares yet to their electronic brochure, but we have it for you!

Diane & Allen

Diane & Allen, along with the rest of the crew, look forward to welcoming you aboard. Based in the Spanish Virgin Islands, Antares is available for charter in the Spanish, US, and British Virgin Islands.


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


Friday, January 06, 2012

Catamaran DREAMING ON - Guest Comments

Here are some fabulous after-charter comments for the charter yacht DREAMING ON, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran.

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

Definitely happy campers:
The vacation was absolutely amazing!!!  It was such a magical experience and Geoff and Iza are two of the main reasons for that.  I can't say enough about the hospitality they offered, their kindness, the comfort, they are the ultimate in hosting this type of trip.  To say that they exceeded our expectations is an understatement.

The food was a 15 out of 10, every meal was better than the last. Homemade bread every day!!!!  Iza made sure that all of our requests were met when it came to the menu.  She was even considerate enough to remember which one of us didn't like eggs and also made the portion sizes perfect for each individual.  The four of us all love to eat and enjoy good food and her food was above and beyond.  I have requested all of her recipes but I don't think I will be able to replicate her touch when it came to preparing our meals.

The boat was always clean and unfortunately Geoff and Iza spent quite a bit of time picking up after us....  We found the boat to be the perfect size for us, the best part was the front bow with the trampolines.  Laying out there when the sails were up and we were crashing into the waves was an experience we will never forget.  I should also mention the hammock and being able to drink a mimosa while laying out there in the morning sun was wonderful.  The cabins were clean and bathrooms were always clean.  The outside dining table was the only place we ate, the fact that it was shaded and out of the sun was perfect and the seating was so comfortable.  Oh, and I would be re-missed if I didn't mention the table settings that she had.  Like I said, the thought, the time, the effort that was put into our vacation is unmatched.

Geoff was a wonderful captain.  Our itinerary was perfect and it allowed us to see what we wanted, the only flaw was that we didn't have more time to continue our journey.  We can't wait to book our next trip with Geoff and Iza and see some of the other islands we weren't able to squeeze in this trip.  I have traveled all over the world and between the four of us on this trip we have covered most of the world.  This was by far the best vacation I have had.  I have a villa booked in St. John for a week in January and we are trying to figure out a way to cancel and stay with Geoff and Iza instead.  If we can't cancel then we will be with them for at least two nights and go to the full moon party.
 

Bottom line, Geoff and Iza are the best of the best!  The trip wouldn't have been half as wonderful if we had a different crew. There hasn't been a day so far that we haven't said "I miss Geoff and Iza".

The catamaran Dreaming On is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to six guests in three cabins, each having Queen-sized berths, flatscreen TV/DVD, and of course, private ensuite head/shower. The cockpit offers plenty of room for lounging and dining.

RATES for 2011-12: All-inclusive, 7-night charter (BVI cruising fees/taxes included)
  • 2 guests: $11,000/wk
  • 4 guests: $12,250/wk
  • 6 guests: $13,250/wk
  • Children aged 10 years or younger sail for FREE on 7-night or longer charter! (Limit of one free child per charter)


Dreaming On is equipped with plenty of water toys to keep everyone entertained.  Toys include: 13-foot center console dinghy with 30hp outboard, kneeboard, stand up paddle board, kid's windsurfer, tube, wake board, two one-person kayaks, floating mats, beach games, fishing gear, double hammock and even a floating island!



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