Sunday, March 16, 2014

Charter Catamaran Delphine: Special Offer / Discount

The charter yacht Delphine, a 60-foot Fontaine Pajot Eleuthera catamaran, announces that they will be available for yacht charters in the Virgin Islands all through the summer of 2014 AND they have a special offer for you to take advantage of...


Catamaran Delphine - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

SPECIAL OFFER: 
5% discount for any full-week charter confirmed between now and Nov. 1, 2014 for charters taking place anytime except the holiday weeks of Christmas and New Years.


Delphine is a 60-foot Fontaine-Pajot Eleuthera catamaran with a crew of two. Their third crew member is optional; Miss Abby, who is their Jack Russell terrier.

 
Jeff & Marie Inshaw ----- Miss Abby

Delphine is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 queen cabins, each with ensuite head and shower. They have a 14-foot dinghy with 60HP motor and also a 9-footer with a 5HP outboard. Delphines amenities include a tube, 2-person kayak, Standup Paddleboards (SUPs), snorkel gear, fishing equipment, underwater camera, TV/DVD in salon, iPod dock, hammock, etc.



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



Sunday, March 09, 2014

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


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 ?


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



Saturday, March 08, 2014

Charter Yacht Tivoli - Summer in ALASKA

Where do your dreams of a private yacht charter take you this summer?

To the magnificent bays and fjords of Alaska, perhaps? The charter yacht Tivoli, a 90-foot expedition motor yacht, will be chartering in Alaska this summer.



Charter Yacht Tivoli - Yacht charters in Hawaii and Alaska

Tivoli will be chartering in Hawaii through March 31, 2014 and then moving up to Alaska for summer yacht charters in and around Juneau and Sitka between mid-May through the end of August, and, weather depending, September.

NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE RATES for ALASKA Summer 2014
Book by 1st June 2014 and SAVE
Tivoli is now offering an all-inclusive rate (with some restrictions) of $49,500/wk for up to 6 or 8 guests for their Alaskan charters this year. For families, they can accommodate up to 8 with use of a pullman berth in 2 of their 3 guest cabins.

The charter fee includes the yacht, 2 tenders (one 18-foot Novurania with twin 50HP outboards & one 13-foot Novurania with single 50HP outboard), 4 professional crew, 3 meals/day including snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, Alaska taxes, generator fuel, yacht fuel for cruising at 9 knots for up to 6 hours/day averaged over the length of the charter, and tender fuel for average of up to 6 hours/day.

Not included in the standard charter fee: customary crew gratuity (15-20%) at charterer's discretion, alcoholic beverages (charged at cost), optional experienced Alaska nature guide/photographer ($400/day), optional fishing license for salmon, bottom fishing, crab and shrimp; optional halibut fishing (which requires hire of a boat and guide).

Discover Alaska on board Tivoli!

Explore mountain-framed fjords and pristine bays in the protected waters of the Inside Passage in Alaska’s southeastern panhandle. Get up close to orcas and humpback whales, sea lions, sea otters, seals, bald eagles, horned puffins, and other seabirds. Keep a lookout for bears foraging along the beach. While gazing at the grandeur of the glaciers, you may witness an iceberg calving when huge chunks of glacial ice break off and plunge into the water.

There will be time to discover the region’s traditional cultures, too, including that of the native Tlingits and the heritage established by Russians who settled in Sitka in the 1800s.

With Tivoli's expert on-board naturalist, you can be sure you’ll have unsurpassed opportunities to see all of the wildlife. He is also extremely knowledgeable about local history and geology, and takes personal pleasure in introducing guests to this fascinating region. If you’d like to go hiking or kayaking, he’ll lead the way. What’s more, he is a professional photographer who’s happy to help you capture great pictures of everything you experience.

Tivoli will also be pleased to make arrangements for additional private excursions including sightseeing by seaplane or helicopter tours, dogsledding, and fishing.

Rest assured that you will be pampered with every amenity, including excellent cuisine prepared according to your wishes. Tivoli’s welcoming, professional crew are waiting to show you this very special part of the world.



Salon --- Master Stateroom --- Twin Stateroom

Tivoli is a fully air conditioned motor yacht, has a crew 4 and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins. The master stateroom has a centerline queen bed and separate his and hers ensuite bathrooms, one with a marble shower and one with a steam shower plus whirlpool tub. The other two guest staterooms each have two lower single beds, with additional pullman, and enclosed marble showers in their ensuite baths.

See Tivoli's brochure for more info.



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




Friday, March 07, 2014

Charter Yacht Three Moons' Lobster Recipe

Here's another tasty recipe from the galley of charter yacht Three Moons...


Grand Finale Grilled Caribbean Lobster

Ingredients: Serves 6
  • 6 (10-12 oz) lobster tails
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Mrs. Dash original seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • Lemon wedges for garnish
  • 1 cup drawn butter, divided
Instructions:
  1. Preheat grill.
  2. While grill is heating, boil lobster tails in a large deep pot of salted water for 3 minutes or until the tails JUST begin to curl.
  3. Remove the lobster with tongs, drain excess water and place on a cutting board. Allow to cool slightly.
  4. With a very sharp knife or kitchen scissors, split the lobster tails all the way through, top and bottom.
  5. Melt butter, stir in seasonings, and brush the tails liberally with seasoned butter mixture.
  6. Place the lobster tails on the grill for 3-4 minutes and baste occasionally. Don't overcook!
  7. Place the lobster tail on serving plate and place a ramekin of drawn butter in the center of the "V".
  8. Garnish with lemon wedges.
  9. Add your favorite side dish and veggie.



Thanks for sharing, Shelly.

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

The 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 & suberb hospitality.  Three Moons is definitely one of our favorite charter yachts in the fleet.

Besides offering sailing vacations in the US and British Virgin Islands, they also do charters in the Spanish Virgin Islands for those who might be looking for something a bit different.

Come and be pampered aboard Three Moons !



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



Thursday, March 06, 2014

Special offer from charter catamaran SAFARI

The catamaran SAFARI has a special offer for yacht charter / sailing vacations in May 2014...

Charter Yacht Catamaran Safari
Caribbean Crewed Yacht Charters / Sailing Vacations in the Virgin Islands



SPECIAL OFFER:

5% discount for all-inclusive yacht charters aboard the catamaran Safari taking place in the Virgin Islands between May 18-30, 2014 (five-night minimum).

The charter yacht Safari is a 44-foot Lagoon catamaran with a crew of two, Stephen & Julia. Safari is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to six guests in three cabins, each with queen berths and en-suite head. For family charters, 2 additional guests can either sleep in the salon or use the single cabins in each forepeak. The single forepeak cabins are accessible through their deck hatch and not via the interior. Safari has a 14-foot dinghy with 40HP motor, kids & adult waterskis, tube, wakeboard, a one-person kayak, a two-person kayak, standup paddle board (SUP), floating mats, snorkel gear, underwater camera, TV/DVD in salon, iPod hookup, guitar, percussion instruments, Celestron GPS Star Scope, underwater fish light, geocaching kit, etc.

See recent comments from one of the happy campers we recently had aboard Safari: CLICK HERE

Live your dream... Come sailing with Safari


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



Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Happy Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday

Ask for permission - mardi gras cats paradiseconnections.com
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Looks like these two will be taking the day off :) 

What a wonderful day for Mardi Gras. We have blue skies with puffy white clouds and 83°F this morning in the Virgin Islands.

All the best!

Looking forward to your inquiries !


For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Sunday, March 02, 2014

RECIPE: Crispy Coconut Shrimp Wontons - Charter Yacht Pisces

Here's an award-winning recipe from the charter yacht Pisces, a 47-foot Leopard catamaran, that won Third Prize at the November 2013 VICL Charter Yacht Show in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp Wontons

Makes 12
  • 6 phyllo dough squares
  • 4 tbsp shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
  • 3-4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 parsley bushel
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  
Phyllo cups
Let's start off with talking about the phyllo dough squares. This is the challenging part of the recipe, after you figure out how to work with the dough, it's smooth sailing! Cut phyllo dough into four equal quadrants that will hang a little over the edges of the muffin tins.  Layer smaller squares, brushing melted butter on each, until you create a nest-like cup in the muffin tin.  Bake for approximately 5 minutes, or until they start to crisp up and look golden brown. Pull out of the oven and set aside.

Shrimp Filling
Now let's talk about the shrimp. I usually cook with thawed frozen shrimp. Sauté the shrimp (about two handfuls) in 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. I'm a huge garlic fan so I usually add garlic powder at this point too. As the shrimp cooks and starts to turn orange, add the breadcrumbs and the shredded coconut (feel free to use a little bit more of each). As the shrimp begin to curl and are almost done cooking, add the chopped parsley to the sautéed mixture. A little bit of salt and pepper will do the trick, then start filling your phyllo cups with the shrimp mixture, top off with the shaved Parmesan cheese and a nice spring of parsley. Voilà, life is good!
Thanks for sharing your recipe, Louise.


Charter Catamaran Pisces - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - VI Sailing Vacations

Pisces is a 47-foot Leopard catamaran with a crew of two, Stephen and Louise. Pisces is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins, each with Queen berth and ensuite head/shower. Pisces has a 13-foot dinghy with 25HP motor, tube, kayak, standup paddle board (SUP), snorkel gear, fishing equipment, TV/DVD in salon, iPod, wifi where available, etc.

Steve is a dive master and Pisces offers 5 dives/week for certified divers, with gear included.

Children 14 years old and younger receive a $250 discount off standard rates.

Looking forward to your inquiries !



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




Saturday, March 01, 2014

Crewed Yacht Charters: Special Offers and Discounts - MARCH 2014 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... Check it out!


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

THIS PAGE HAS EXPIRED. SEE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MAY 2014



(Please note that special offers are subject to change)

For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Charter Catamaran Twilight Rodeo: Meet Gene

Meet Gene from the charter yacht Twilight Rodeo, a 50-foot Voyage catamaran with a human crew of two, plus one :)


Amanda sent us this photo and says, "Gene is an awesome little Boston terrier. He's very low maintenance and friendly. Eveyone who meets him, loves him. Gene is a great surrogate dog for those missing their pets."

I met Gene and saw him many times being walked on the docks at the St Thomas show in November. He is a very nice, loveable, and well-behaved puppydog.

Catamaran Twilight Rodeo - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - VI Sailing Vacations

Twilight Rodeo is a 50-foot Voyage catamaran with a crew of two, Jim & Amanda. Twilight Rodeo is fully air conditioned and, while best for a group of 6,  they can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 Queen cabins. Three equivalent guest cabins have ensuite head/shower, while the 4th cabin located forward between the hulls shares a head and is only accessible from the deck outside (inquire). Twilight Rodeo has a 14-foot dinghy with 60HP motor, tube, wakeboard, 2-person kayak, 2 standup paddleboards (SUPs), snorkel equipment, fishing gear, hammock/deck swing, TV/DVD in salon, etc. And don't forget GENE!!!

Come Sailing with Jim, Amanda, and Gene!



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




Monday, February 24, 2014

New England Yacht Charters Updated 2014

This weekend we reinstated our Rates & Yachts page for New England yacht charters.

New England Yacht Charters Paradise Connections

We have chosen a selection of yachts that we feel will be of best interest to our clients. This page has three sections: Monohull sailboats, Catamarans, Motor yachts. If you don't find what you're looking for on this list, please don't hesitate to ask.

We have some very good "budget boats" such as the very popular Storm Petrel and Sea Witch, while the most expensive yacht we have listed is a motor yacht for $135,000/week (plus expenses).

Many yachts are available for weekends, short charters, and day sails. Contact us for details.

Availability is quite good at present for summer charters in New England. It seems like we always get slammed for last-minute charters so please book ASAP. We don't want you to be disappointed and miss out on a summer sailing vacation.

New England Yachts & Rates, Summer 2014: CLICK HERE


For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Sunday, February 23, 2014

Charter Yacht Domicil : Client Comments Reviews

We would like to thank Hans & Christine of the charter yacht DOMICIL for the excellent time our clients had on their family's sailing vacation in January (2014).

Charter Yacht Domicil - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters
- Sailing Vacations in ABCs, Bonaire, Curacao -



Here's their comments:

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful charter aboard the Domicil. This is my 8th charter in the Caribbean and I must say it was the very best. We very much enjoyed the service of the crew, Hans and Christine. They truly pampered us and were so thoughtful with many little details.

Christine’s cooking is absolutely superb. Every meal was beautifully presented a true feast. Just when we thought we had seen the best, she came up with yet another dish to top the last…thanks so much Christine!

Hans is interesting and skillful as an Owner and Captain. He is so knowledgeable with a great sense of hospitality to make you feel at home. Both Hans and Christine take a personal interest in their guests, making them feel as if they are traveling among friends. Both make you feel as though you are on your own personal yacht and will do everything to ensure you have the time of your life.

The Domicil is a wonderful yacht. The millwork (from Holland) and the interior finishes are spectacular and it sails very comfortably. With two master cabins there is so much space you feel you are on 100 footer.

My other charters were in the northern Caribbean and these experiences have tended to blend into one another in my memory. The Bonaire and Curacao Island are more distinct and interesting than what we have experienced before. We enjoyed our trips ashore to explore the local culture after receiving expert site seeing advice from Hans and Christine. Hans also invited us for a captain’s lunch on the beach where we were surprised with beautiful fresh lobster for lunch…thank you Gijs of Porto Mari!

Hans’ local knowledge of the islands is formidable and whatever your request, he provides it with a phone call to one of the many connections on the island. We felt well cared for by all of the local companies we did excursions with.

Examples of Hans’ commitment to customer service:
  • At the last minute, we wanted to rent a Jeep on Bonaire and drive around the island but all were already rented out for the day. Not to be detoured, Hans contacted his acquaintance who was the owner of the tour shop to rent us his own luxury SUV…thank you Mark Dieperink!
  • In Curacao, we wanted to watch a NFL playoff game. Hans found a restaurant owned by an American couple who invited us over to watch the game. They were even kind enough to pick us up at the pier and drive us to and from the restaurant…thank you Mrs. Sunshine of the restaurant Solfood!

Looking back on our great charter, we would recommend the Domicil and her crew to anyone…”Hans and Christine, we will surely return to the Domicil and meanwhile, our invitation for you to visit us in Colorado stands!”

We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.
Patrick, Tracy, Kate and Vanessa - January 2014



Master cabin -- Peaceful anchorage -- Twin cabin

Domicil’s entire 85-foot length is dedicated to the pampering of just four guests. Domicil is air conditioned and accommodates up to 4 guests in 2 cabins. The master cabin is aft with a queen size bed, bathroom with marble vanity counter, stall shower and toilet. The forward guest cabin has 2 single beds (one twin, one 3/4), a sofa and ensuite bathroom with a stall shower and toilet. The contemporary interior furnishings and tranquil Asian art create a calming atmosphere. Her professional crew of two offers hospitality skills gained in luxury hotels on Curacao and Bonaire.
RATES (8 days / 7 nights):
Rates are all inclusive, except alcoholic beverages, 7% tax and possible port fees.
  • 2 guests: $17,500/week
  • 4 guests: $19,500/week
Available on request at no charge:
One-person kayak, standup paddleboards (SUP), tube, kneeboard

Available at extra charge:
Canoes, Scuba diving (party boat or private), Jetskis, Windsurfing, sailing dinghy - monohull or Hobie cat, private submarine, helicopter ride.

Domicil is based in Bonaire and is available year round. (The ABC islands are effectively outside of the hurricane zone.)


Click HERE for Domicil's sample itinerary for a Bonaire-Curacao yacht charter sailing vacation.

So, if you have chartered in the Virgin Islands and other areas of the Caribbean, this is an excellent opportunity to explore somewhere new... the ABC's.

Fancy somewhere different?



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