Trimaran PROMENADE News: Sail Dive Charters in BVI

Here's some news from recent happenings aboard the charter yacht Promenade, a 65-foot trimaran, owned and operated by Kerry and Bazza out of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. An excellent choice for a sailing and diving vacation.

A few days ago, Kerry sent us this: "Muskmelon was nice and flat and Bazza and I went for a dusk dive out in the mud to see what we saw, I took my camera along, and LOOK what I found!!!! This is the first time that i have seem one of these!!!! We probably took about a hundred pictures of this batfish. I did not want to come up! This is quite a rare find."
Look at the lips on this guy! What an expression!

Kerry recently received her underwater housing for her new Nikon digital camera. Looking forward to some more excellent photos from Promenade.

Here's another interesting bit about Kerry and her turtle friend: "Yep, he never has been too scared of me, but the last couple days he has really let me come close to him. Yesterday he sat there for ten minutes while I stroked underneath his shell!! The neat part was that he went up for air and then came back down and laid beside me again, so I really knew I had made a friend!! I don't think I have ever had such a pleasing experience in the water."

Promenade a large 65-foot trimaran, with a fun crew and is a wonderful boat for families and groups. Besides being the ideal dive boat, they also have lots of water toys for other activities, plus the boat is so spacious that it is not difficult to find a quiet spot if you so wish. Promenade is air conditioned and has 5 guests cabins; three cabins have Queen berths, while the other two can be configured either as Kings or as two Twins. Promenade has a 14-foot dinghy with 50HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard, tube, several kayaks, 5-person banana, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, projection TV/VCR/DVD in the salon, a portable DVD player, Game Boy, Play Station 2, iPod friendly, dedicated guest computer for email access, compressor to fill scuba tanks, and much more. Promenade has a Dive Instructor aboard so anyone can dive... give it a try!

Here are some more photos from a recent charter aboard Promenade.


This is a photo of the foredeck to try to show how much room there is aboard this 65-foot trimaran. She has a 35-foot beam (width).


Promenade is one of the few charter yachts which has a commercial fishing license for the British Virgin Islands. They usually do catch and release, but I believe this fish might have been dinner.


Rays are just soooooooo cool. They sure make a big splash when they jump out of the water.


Group shot in front of the famous Wreck of the Rhone.

Photos courtesy of s/v Promenade. Thanks, Kerry!

To view Promenade's electronic brochure, CLICK HERE.

Please contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more information.

BARGES - SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

Several canal hotel barges are offering special discounts for October and/or November 2006 barging holidays.

$500 per person discount off the current rate for:

• October 2006 Departures: Three French barges in the regions of Burgundy and Provence, plus SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER in the Great Glen of Scotland... say hello to Nessie!
• And two for the month of November 2006 for Provence France, including ANJODI.

Where no cabins are booked on a cruise, a minimum of 4 passengers are required to guarantee the cruise.

For more information on this special and anything else that may come to mind, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Catamaran Pentesilea

UPDATE: Hans & Ruth have sold their catamaran PENTESILEA and we no longer offer this yacht for charter...

We just received an email from Hans & Ruth, owner operators of the fabulous charter yacht PENTESILEA, a Privilege catamaran.

"I have to tell you a fish story which happened on our last charter. We are securely anchored in a lovely bay. One of the teenage guests is napping/reading in the aft cabin, with the deckhatch open to keep her cool. Her Mom is standing back in the cockpit with one of my famous painkillers in her hand. Suddenly this large silvery thing comes flying thru the air, lands on the open deck hatch and slams it shut, bounces off and lands on the cockpit sunning mattress. Teenager hollers : "what the h…..," Mom shrieks…."wow look at this". The fish is frightened to death never having been on Pentesilea and with a mighty kick gets off the boat back into his/her environment. As I charge out to the cockpit to check on the ruckus, mom is laughing so hard and points to the wet spot (made from the fish and not mom) on the sunning mattress. I guess it was true; it was not the painkillers fault."

This summer's plans for Pentesilea besides polishing and varnishing, will be new interior upholstery.

Pentesilea is one of our favorite catamarans and charter yacht crew. Pentesilea is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to six guests in three cabins with ensuite heads. They will take a young child as a 7th guest, inquire. Lots of toys and lots of fun! Good rates, too. Pentesilea also includes a 2-tank, rendezvous dive for their guests.


For more information on yacht charters CLICK HERE to contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

French Canal Barge EMMA - updated web site

This week we have updated our web site for the French canal hotel barge, EMMA, who cruises along the canal du midi, France.

We have two new pages: Guest comments & Rates.

Here's a new photo of EMMA that Liz just sent us!


CLICK HERE to view our web site for EMMA.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: SEND US AN EMAIL

French Barge LE PREMIER - One week left for 2006

We had a note from the French Barge LE PREMIER this morning, letting us know that they only have one week left for their 2006 season: August 27 to September 2, 2006.

This beautiful hotel barge cruises along the Dijon - Escommes region of the Burgundy Canal (Canal de Bourgogne, France)

View LE PREMIER's online brochure: CLICK HERE

For more information on Le Premier or other boats, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: SEND US AN EMAIL

THREE MOONS: Rendezvous Diving and Island Tour

Beginning with the winter 2006 season (December 16th), THREE MOONS, a 72-foot Irwin 8-passenger ketch, will be offering diving and an island tour.

- FREE: two, 2-tank rendezvous dives for certified AND non-certified divers. This is a private dive trip with only Three Moons guests aboard.

- FREE: 3-hour scenic tour of Virgin Gorda and the Baths with a private driver. This includes a visit to the Baths, lunch overlooking the Baths at Mad Dog's Restaurant, a visit to Little Dix Bay, a drive to the tip-top of Virgin Gorda with panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The land tour ends in the North Sound, Virgin Gorda, where you will meet up with Three Moons.

To view Three Moons' electronic brochure, CLICK HERE

Three Moons $1000 discount for selected weeks in November and December 2006: CLICK HERE

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Promenade's July 2006 Cabin Cruise

The 65-foot trimaran PROMENADE still has space available for their six-night cabin cruise, July 15-21, 2006, in the British Virgin Islands.

The special last-minute rate for this week is $2,800 for a 2-person cabin. This is an all-inclusive rate for the cabin, NOT for each person ($1400 each).

While you will be sharing your sailing vacation with other people, Promenade will do their best to accommodate interests, activities, meals, etc. to their guests on board, rather than a fixed itinerary and menu like a theme park ride.

Promenade is air conditioned and has 5 guests cabins; three cabins have Queen berths, while the other two can be configured either as Kings or as two Twins. Promenade has a 14-foot dinghy with 50HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard, tube, several kayaks, 5-person banana, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, projection TV/VCR/DVD in the salon, a portable DVD player, Game Boy, Play Station 2, dedicated guest computer for email access, compressor to fill scuba tanks, and much more. Promenade has a Dive Instructor aboard so anyone can dive... give it a try!

To view Promenade's electronic brochure, CLICK HERE.

Please contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more information.
Photos courtesy of s/v Promenade. Thanks, Kerry!

Celebrate July 4th in Boston

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boston with a yacht charter aboard the motoryacht RHAPSODY.

You will have the perfect vantage point from Rhapsody's Sky Lounge with a 360-degree view to experience America's premier 4th of July celebrations with a superb firework display as well as the Fireworks Score by the Boston Pops Orchestra.

RHAPSODY is an 80-foot Lazzarra motoryacht which accommodates up to 6 guests. in three staterooms, all with Queen-sized beds. Rhapsody's water sports includes: 12' Novurania inflatable, 23' Sea Fox center console tender, 3 ocean kayaks, light fishing gear, snorkel gear, tube, waterskis, etc.

The motor yacht Rhapsody is available for charter for $19,000/week, plus expenses.

CLICK HERE to view Rhapsody's electronic brochure.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Charter Yacht IMPULSIVE - Special Mediterranean Summer 2006 rate

The charter yacht IMPULSIVE, a 116-foot Norship motoryacht with a crew of SIX, has reduced their rate for the rest of their Mediterranean Summer 2006 season by $5000.

The motor yacht IMPULSIVE, is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to six guests in three luxurious staterooms. The master cabin aft is full width and has a California King size bed with his & hers ensuite baths with Jacuzzi. The other two guest staterooms have Queen-size beds.

IMPULSIVE is available beginning August 10, 2006 from Rome and surrounding areas.

Mediterranean (Summer 2006) Reduced Rates:

• Low Season – Now $60,000/week, plus expenses
• High Season – Now $65,000/week, plus expenses

Commercially registered, VAT Exempt

To view IMPULSIVE's electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Charter FREEDOM, Caribbean Summer 2006 Special

Freedom is an 80-foot Azimut motor yacht available for charter throughout the summer for your Caribbean vacation. Freedom is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in four cabins (2 Queens, 2 Twins). Based in St. Maarten, but they will waive delivery fees to other "down-island" Caribbean locations.

Special reduced rates for Summer 2006 yacht charters in the Caribbean for the motoryacht Freedom. $28,000 for 8 days, 7 nights (plus expenses). This is a savings of $4000.

Visit m/y Freedom's web site: CLICK HERE
For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Barge SAVOIR FAIRE - Paris to Amsterdam

The Hotel Canal Barge SAVOIR FAIRE is announcing a 13-day cruise through France, Belgium and Holland between October 8th and 20th this year (2006).

It’s a great way to experience three different cultures without leaving the comfort of your cabin! There’s so much variety and in addition, it is a wonderful time of the year to travel, as the trees are in their resplendent autumn colours. Artists would really appreciate this tour, with plenty of subjects and visits to Monet’s garden and Rubens’ house.

The cruise starts on the Seine in central Paris near to Place de la Concorde...

To read the complete article, please visit All About Canal Barge Charters: CLICK HERE

SAVOIR FAIRE will also doing this 13-day cruise in 2007 from Amsterdam to Paris departing 6th May 2007 and again from Paris to Amsterdam 7th October 2007.

To view SAVOIR FAIRE's electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

To view SAVOIR FAIRE's 13-night 3-country itinerary: CLICK HERE

If you are interested in coming on this cruise – 13 days or 6 days, please contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

Charter Yacht FLAME

Barb from the charter motor yacht FLAME, wrote to us recently and sent us some new photos that we would like to share with you.

As many of you know, Josh their ship's cat for many years, passed away just before last Christmas. Flame seemed empty without him, so enters Jacob...


"Jacob is a fabulous charter cat. He really does the balance of entertainer, but not too much in your face charter host. We are very pleased and our guests have adored him. It's been a nice season!"


FLAME finishes their charter season soon and they will be heading north to spend time at their home in New England. This will be little Jacob's first time visiting the landbased homestead. We'd love to see his expression the first time he sees a squirrel.

Wayne is now licensed to pefrorm weddings! He presided over his first wedding ceremony this spring on St. John, US Virgin Islands.


"Wayne did his first wedding (but it was on shore) and it was a big success. I was very nervous but could not have been prouder. He wrote the ceremony (except for the vows) and it was both sentimental and humourous. I found it VERY humourous to be introduced to the bride's family as the Rev's wife! HA! Never thought I'd be described that way!"


Thanks, Barb.

So, if you are looking to get married in Paradise, the motor yacht FLAME is your one-stop shop for weddings and honeymoons. They are also fantastic for family charters or a group of friends!

Click HERE to view FLAME's electronic brochure.

For more information about chartering FLAME, contact your charter specialists: Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

Visit us at: HTTP://WWW.PARADISECONNECTIONS.COM

HONIARA, Available for June 2006 Yacht Charters in the Grenadines

We were delighted this morning to receive an email from Adele & Pierre aboard their 44-foot Beneteau sloop, Honiara. They were just leaving St.Vincent for Bequia.

Honiara is now available for yacht charter vacations in the Grenadines this June (2006).

Come sail with Honiara and discover the enchanting islands of the Grenadines.

- View Honiara's electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

- For more information on chartering Honiara, contact us: Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

Virgin Islands, Caribbean Crewed Yacht Charters for Summer 2006

Here are some excellent yachts available for crewed yacht charters all summer long (2006) in the Virgin Islands:

CARABELLA:
Carabella is a 41-foot motor yacht, owned and operated by the American crew of Jerry and Shary Monson, along with their two cool cats. This is a very nice boat for two. The master cabin has a Queen size walkaround berth. Carabella has satellite TV so you won't miss your favorite show or sporting event! Be sure to have Shary make you chocolate brownies... mmmmmmmmm good!!!
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE
View our photos from the May 2006 Charter Yacht Show: CLICK HERE

DRUMBEAT:
Drumbeat is a 72-foot Irwin ketch with a crew of three. Owned and operated by Vince & Linda Stracener. Drumbeat is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 double cabins. Vince is a dive instructor and 5 dives/week are included in their rates.
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

MAROLANGA:
Marolanga is a 43-foot Catana catamaran, owned and operated by Gus & Marcella. Marolanga is fully air conditioned and can accommodate 4 guests in 2 cabins. A fifth person can sleep up in the "forepaw". Besides the normal spinning tackle, Marolanga ahs 2 fly fishing rods. Gus says that he knows all the flats in the USVI and BVI’s. They already had lots of successful fishing charters (60 pound grouper, yellowfin tuna, Mahi-Mahi, bonefish and much more……)
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

PROMENADE:
Promenade is a custom 65-foot trimaran with a crew of four, owned and operated by Kerry and Baz. Promenade is air conditioned and can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins: 2 kings (which can be converted into singles) and 3 queens. Excellent boat for families and dive charters. If you're nice, perhaps Kerry will make you some homemade ice cream... it's really good!
Eight nights for the price of seven for week-long charters in August, September, and October 2006.
View their electronic brochures: CLICK HERE and ALSO HERE

REACTION:
ReAction is a 55-foot Jeanneau 55 Lagoon sailing catamaran with a crew of two, Ian & Polly. ReAction is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in four cabins. The two aft cabins have Queen berths, while the forward starboard cabin is a double and the port cabin has twin bunks. ReAction has a dive master and offers diving to certified divers for an additional fee of $100/week/diver for 1-2 dives/day.
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE and MORE PHOTOS

CORUS:
Corus is a 42-foot Whitby ketch, owned and operated by the British couple, Bill and Ann Hasted. Corus is a 2-person yacht with a Queen cabin aft. Bill is a Dive Master and includes one dive/day for certified divers.
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

Yachts available this summer (2006) "down island":

LADY ANNE 2
Lady Anne is a 47-foot Lagoon catamaran, owned and operated by the French couple, Patrick and Pascale Gomila. Lady Anne is air conditioned and accommodates six guests in three double cabins, all with ensuite heads/showers.
Lady Anne will be available for charter in the Grenadines, Venezuela, and San Blas Islands.
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

SUDIKI
Sudiki is home based in the Grenadines.
View their electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

CHARTER RATES: CLICK HERE to view current charter rates.

For more information on charter the yachts mentioned above, or other yachts too, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters, your charter specialists!

EUROPEAN BARGES (France) Special Offers, Discounts

*** LAST MINUTE SUMMER PRICES FOR SUMMER 2006 ***

EMMA & ANJODI
Cruise the Canal du Midi aboard a French barge in the South of France

Join Rene and Liz aboard their lovely barge Emma, who turned 100 last year! Felicitations!
Emma cruises the south of France along the canal du midi. They are offering a last-minute summer special to fill in the remaining dates of their calendar.

All remaining cabins for the 2006 cruise year are now offered at $5,500 per cabin for 2 guests (double occupancy) OR book two or more cabins and the rate drops to $5000 per cabin for 2 guests (double occupancy). So, invite your friends to join in and visit France from a different perspective.

Emma's current open dates:

• June 24 - July 14, 2006
• July 22-28, 2006
• August 12-25, 2006
• September 30 - November 3, 2006

Liz & Rene were our neighbours when we wintered aboard our sail boat Loose Moose in Frontignan, France.

To view Emma's electronic brochure, CLICK HERE.

For more information about booking Emma, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

Cruise the canal du midi in the South of France aboard Anjodi.

Book 1 Cabin and get the 2nd cabin, on same barge and departure date, at 50% reduction for a cruise beginning on July 2, 2006.

Click here to view Anjodi's electronic brochure.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters