Friday, May 10, 2013

Regatta Time in Abaco : Charter Yacht Dream Ketcher

Nathalie from Dream Ketcher, a Morgan Out Island 41 who charters in the Bahamas, writes to tell us about a special event that you might wish to enjoy with them, Regatta Time in Abacos (RTIA).


"Regatta Time In Abaco" (RTIA) is the largest event hosted in Abaco during the month of July. Over 1000 visitors and locals attend the races and parties held each day and celebrate in a different way both the American National Holiday (4th July) and the Bahamian one (10th July). This year, the RTIA is held from 3rd to 11th July 2013.

Every year, Regatta Time begins with the Stranded Naked Cheeseburger Party, an established family-friendly tradition, on Fiddle Cay's powdery white inhabited beach which sees a good crowd and where booths, food lines and play areas are set up. For lunch, participants enjoy 1200 cheeseburgers, 400 pounds of fries, 400 hot dogs, 100 gallons of margaritas and 100 gallons of rum punch on the beach, complete with Jimmy Buffett tunes lightly playing in the background. Food, booze, margarita or rum, are free! All right, now you got the idea for the fun part!


Race map for Abaco Regatta, July 2013

On "serious days", not so often then, races start at 11:00am for a couple of hours of fun! There are five days of racing:
  • Race #1 is in Green Turtle then nice ride to enjoy Treasure Cay Beach;
  • Race #2 is between Treasure Cay and Great Guana Cay;
  • Race #3 is in Marsh Harbour;
  • Race #4 is between Marsh Harbour and Hope Town;
  • Race #5 is around Hope Town.
In between races there are lay-days to enjoy the beaches, go diving or snorkeling or sailing, to discover the settlements, or doing nothing! And, of course, to get ready to party every night in each settlement with special events organized for the Regatta followers!

There is one overall objective of Regatta Time in Abaco: to have fun! So, with this objective in mind, Dream Ketcher will be part of the 2013 Regatta in the "Mother Tub Class" category established for heavy displacement yachts in full cruising configuration that do not normally compete or race competitively and do not have a spinnaker or other specialty sails. Who knows, if we get very little wind, we may end up winning a leg thanks to our 130% genoa, main sail and mizzen for a total of 878sq.ft of sails! But the idea is to have fun, fun, fun! Our guests do not even need to become crew members as the minimum requirement imposes one skipper (Capt. Eric) plus one crew member (Nathalie). But as there's no maximum number of crew; everybody onboard is welcome to take part in each race!!!

The Regatta brings the opportunity to visit most of the Abaco Cays in 10 days with excellent weather and must-go places!
  • RATES: Dream Ketcher's 2013 Regatta Package price for up to 4 guests, 10-night charter is only $6595. Alcoholic beverages are not included but you may BYOB or have the yacht provision for you... plus, there are free drinks at the various parties!
Dream Ketcher offers their customary, fully-crewed charter services (except complimentary scuba dives) plus registration fees, transfers by taxi from Treasure Cay airport to the ferry dock and from Marsh Harbour ferry dock to Marsh Harbour airport, ferry between Treasure Cay and Green Turtle (where Dream Ketcher will be positioned) and between Hope Town and Marsh Harbour at the end of the stay and promotion items to be in the Regatta mood!

We strongly suggest guests to land at Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) and to take-off from Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH) in order to reduce transfer time. All airlines are either landing in TCB or MHH at no additional costs.

Contact Paradise Connections for additional information or help if need be. We are looking forward to welcoming adventurous guests to share this incredible time in the Abaco!

Fair winds,
Capt. Eric & Nathalie




The charter yacht Dream Ketcher, a 41-foot Morgan Out Island ketch, offers all-inclusive charters (except bar) in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas and provides onboard diving with budget and family-friendly pricing.


Charter Yacht Dream Ketcher - Crewed Yacht Charters in the Bahamas: Abacos Islands
Sailing and Diving Vacations in the Bahamas

Dream Ketcher has a crew of two and accommodates up to 4 guests for a family charter. The forward guest cabin is a large V-berth (filler can be removed to make as 2 single berths) and has ensuite private head with toilet & shower. The newly-renovated aft cabin has a large double berth and ensuite head/shower. This cabin has a entrance from the rear of the central cockpit. If both cabins are used by guests, the forward head is shared with the crew.

Nathalie and Eric look forward to sharing their local knowledge with guests and showing them the secret harbors, beautiful cays and the abundant underwater life of the glorious Abaco Islands. Nathalie's cuisine is influenced by her home country of France with a variety of Caribbean and fresh seafood dishes sure to please any palate. As a PADI Dive Instructor, Nathalie is eager to show anyone the wonders below the surface. Eric, a licensed Canadian sailing instructor, is delighted to share his knowledge and instruct guests in the art of sailing.

DREAM KETCHER is currently available for CHRISTMAS  and NEW YEARS
It's not too early... Book NOW!



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




Friday, May 03, 2013

Charter Yacht Three Moons: Save $1500 Special Offer

The charter yacht Three Moons, a 65/72-foot Irwin ketch, has a super special offer of a $1500/wk discount off new bookings for charters taking place before December 1, 2013. This special offer can be prorated for short charters, too!

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



Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Crewed Yacht Charters: Special Offers and Discounts - MAY edition


Here is a selection of current special offers on crewed Caribbean charter yachts. The special offers / discounts below include time-specific and other discounts... Take a look!



(Please note that special offers are subject to change)

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


Friday, April 26, 2013

Charter Catamaran Maita'i in the Bahamas

The charter yacht Maita'i, a 74-foot VPLP catamaran, is available for charters in the Bahamas.


Crewed Luxury Catamaran Yacht Charters - MAITA'I - Sailing Vacations in the Bahamas

Maita'i is fully air conditioned and can accommodate up to 9 guests in 4 cabins, each with ensuite head/shower. The starboard hull has 3 different layouts so is very adaptable to your group's dynamic.

Here's a couple of other nice features:

   
Flybridge seating area --- Mini sailing cat for your pleasure


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


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Schooner Jambalya: 5th West Indies Regatta St. Barth’s

The charter yacht Jambalaya, a 73-foot schooner built by Alwen Enoe on Carriacou in 2002, is available for fun & frolic at the 5th Anniversary West Indies Regatta in St. Barth’s May 3-5, 2013.


2009 Regatta Highlights - Looks like great fun! 

Celebrate traditional sailing, live music and much more in the party capital of the Caribbean!

Limited to built-on-the-beach sloops and schooners, the regatta promotes the dying art of Caribbean boatbuilding. Festivities include an artisanal market showcasing arts & crafts, organic produce and unique specialty products from all our islands that arrive under sail – just like the old days!

Racing: Saturday 4th May and Sunday 5th May, 2013
  • Day sails: $350pp includes lunch and drinks
  • Stay onboard: $650pp includes breakfast, lunch, drinks. Max 3 couples.

Charter Yacht Schooner Jambalaya - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Based in Grenadines

For more information on Jambalaya, see our previous post and also check out their Coq au Vin recipe.

View Jambalaya's online brochure and contact us to book or for more information.


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


Friday, April 19, 2013

Schooner Bonnie Lynn: Now Offers Kosher Yacht Charters in Maine

A winning combination – Sailing in Maine on the classic SCHOONER BONNIE LYNN while enjoying traditional kosher meals prepared by your personal chef!


Charter Yacht Bonne Lynn - Gaff-Rigged Topsail Schooner - Maine Yacht Charters


SCHOONER BONNIE LYNN is pleased to offer strict kosher charters in Maine this summer. Versatile Chef Bonnie Mackenzie is experienced in preparing delicious kosher meals and her galley is now fully equipped to meet all necessary dietary requirements.

RATES: Plus all expenses. Based in Rockland, Maine
  • 6 guests: $12,000/week
  • 4 guests: $11,000/week
  • 2 guests: $9,500/week

Bonnie Lynn is a 72-foot (57' LOD) custom-built schooner and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins. Her fully air conditioned interior of teak & mahogany paneling and traditional brass fixtures combines modern comforts with old world charm

She is ideal for couples and families alike. Three spacious guest cabins and two adjoining guest heads & showers are located in the private, forward area with crew cabin and crew head & shower located aft. Starboard guest cabin has double bed & port guest cabin has double bed which can convert to single bed with day couch. The forward guest cabin has a starboard bunk that pulls out to a large double and to port a lower single & small upper double.

Lots of toys and activities to take advantage of...

Please view both of their online brochures and previous blog posts to learn more about Bonnie Lynn. Contact us soon to begin your planning because Bonnie Lynn books up quickly.
Looking forward to your inquiries!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info about BONNIE LYNN
View Bonnie Lynn's online brochure #1 and brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Saturday, April 13, 2013

Yacht Charters, Monohulls: Christmas and New Years 2013-14

Please see our latest post for Holiday Charters: CLICK HERE

Yes, it seems early to be thinking about next Christmas but we've been getting lots of inquiries and the charter yachts are already filling up for the 2013-14 winter holidays of Christmas and New Years. There have been many bookings since the previous post we did four weeks ago.

Ann & Rik of the Charter Yacht Sandcastle

Charter yachts for 8 or more guests are already getting scarce for New Years. Your choice for Christmas is much better. Six-person and under yachts currently have better availability for the winter holiday weeks, but don't wait too long. Start planning now while you have the best selection.

Rates mentioned below are for the weeks of Christmas and New Years and have the yacht's holiday premium, if any, added in. Most yachts have a 10% surcharge on their normal rates, while others will have a flat rate for the entire yacht.

Christmas charters typically end on or before December 27th (possibly the 28th) and a New Years charter may begin on December 27th at the earliest. If you want to include both Christmas and New Years, you may if it is a minimum of a 10-night charter. Inquire for your dates as some yachts are more flexible than others.


 Looking forward to your inquiries!


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


Yacht Charters, Catamarans: Christmas and New Years 2013-14

Please see our latest post about holiday charters (August 2013): CLICK HERE

Yes, I know, it seems early to be thinking about Christmas and New Years, especially since the weather is starting to show promise of spring and warmer weather, but book now while there are still some good choices for your holiday sailing vacation.

Life is good, so celebrate!

Catamarans for 8 or more guests are already getting few and far between for New Years so don't delay. Six-person yachts currently have better availability for the winter holiday weeks, but again, don't wait too long. Start planning now while you have the best selection.

Rates mentioned below are for the weeks of Christmas and New Years and have the yacht's holiday premium, if any, added in. Most yachts have a 10% surcharge on their normal rates, while others will have a flat rate for the entire yacht.

Christmas charters typically end on or before December 27th (possibly the 28th) and a New Years charter may begin on December 27th at the earliest. If you want to include both Christmas and New Years, you may if it is a minimum of a 10-night charter. Inquire for your dates as some yachts are more flexible than others.

Looking forward to your inquiries!


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


Monday, April 08, 2013

Charter Yacht Chateau : New Dinghy

The charter yacht CHATEAU, a 42-foot Privilege catamaran, has a new dinghy!


This brand new, 13-foot, center-console, AB dinghy has a 50HP 4-stroke outboard with electric start. Perfect for zipping around and pulling all those fun water toys!


The charter yacht Chateau is a 42-foot Privilege catamaran with a crew of two, available for crewed Caribbean charters in the Virgin Islands. Chateau is air conditioned and has three equal double cabins all with their own heads/shower.  The two aft guest cabins have a washbasin in the cabin, while their private toilet and shower are located just outside the cabin (see boat’s layout diagram).  The forward guest cabin has ensuite heads/shower. Chateau has a 13-foot dinghy with 50HP motor, tube, 2-person kayak, windsurfer, aquaglide, two standup paddleboards (SUP), floating mats, snorkel gear, light tackle fishing gear, TV/DVD in salon, wifi available, etc.

DIVING, too... David is a divemaster and Chateau includes up to 6 dives/week for certified divers. You may bring your own scuba gear or rent for $180/week/diver. Air fills are not included.

KIDS: Chateau enjoys family charters with children. One 10-year old child or younger sails for free with two paying adults.



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



Sunday, April 07, 2013

Charter Yacht Sublime - Anegada Flamingos

Did you know that the British Virgin Island of Anegada has flamigos? Real ones... not the type that your neighbor has in his front yard :)



Stephanie & Brian owner-operators of the charter yacht SUBLIME, a 72-foot Irwin ketch that charters in the Virgin Islands, sent us the above photos.

Anegada is known for its miles of white sand beaches, the large salt ponds which cover much of the west end of the island, and unique fauna. In the 1830s, thousands of Caribbean Flamingos lived in these ponds, but they were hunted for food and feathers throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries and had pretty much disappeared by the 1950s. They are now being re-established into the ponds.  The Conservation Agency has a good article about it: Flamingo Reintroduction to Anegada, British Virgin Islands.

Reminds me of when we were moored in the south of France. Bob & I used to pass flocks of flamingos while riding our bikes along the chemin de halage between Frontignan and Sete. Good times :)

The charter yacht Sublime, a 72-foot Irwin ketch, is available for sailing and liveaboard scuba diving yacht charters this season in the Virgin Islands through August 15, 2013.

Charter Yacht Sublime - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Sailing & Liveaboard Scuba Diving Vacations in the Virgin Islands

Sublime is a 72-foot Irwin ketch, owner-operated with a crew of three.  Sublime is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins with double berths, each with ensuite head/shower. Sublime has an 18-foot dinghy with 115HP motor, waterskis, wakeboard, tube, 2 standup paddle boards, hammock, TV/DVD, snorkel gear, fishing equipment, xbox360, Wii Rock Band, etc.

DIVING: Up to 10 dives/week with gear, is included in Sublime's charter fee for certified & non-certified divers. Learn to scuba dive. Brian is a dive instructor and instruction is also included, just do your bookwork before your charter.

RATES: 2013 (BVI taxes & diving included)
  • 2 guests: $14,500/wk
  • 4 guests: $14,500/wk
  • 5 guests: $15,500/wk
  • 6 guests: $16,500/wk
  • 7 guests: $17,500/wk
  • 8 guests: $18,500/wk

Sublime still has a nice selection of weeks open for this season, so contact Paradise Connections and we'll fix you up!

Booked for New Years but open for a Christmas charter through December 26, 2013



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





Saturday, April 06, 2013

Charter Yacht Three Moons: New Toy - SUP

The charter yacht THREE MOONS, a 72-foot Irwin ketch chartering in the Virgin Islands, has a new toy.

Charter Yacht Three Moons' New Stand Up Paddleboard - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

Randy & Shelly love the bamboo finish so its nickname is "Big Bam-Booty".  It does double duty as a floating drinks platform!

Would you like to take it for a spin? Three Moons has an enticing special offer of a $1500/wk discount for new bookings for charters taking place before the end of June 2013.


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 accommodates up to eight guests in 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