Storm Petrel returning soon to the Virgin Islands

Storm Petrel will soon leave their summer chartering location in New England and return to the Virgin Islands for their winter yacht charter season. We are looking forward to catching up with Phil & Laura.

I did do my marathon baking for the HOI fair (Heart of Illinois) again this year. I got 3 grand champions, for my cake (a tropical coconut-coated, pineapple-filled layer cake); next for my yeast breads (an egg bread braided loaf); and lastly for my pie (another tropical influence with a coconut crust, rum and pineapple and whipped cream filling). My mom got a grand champion for her cookies. We won other categories, but at the moment I can't recall, as the grand champs are easy to remember, and feel like an honor, as they are chosen from all of the entries of those categories.    It's chilly up here, highs of 60's, lows of 40's at night... burrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... too cold for me!

- Laura n Phil

Congratulations on your Captain's License, Laura!

Storm Petrel is definitely one of our favorite charter yachts.  They are an excellent choice for a couple, and quite affordable for families with small children (2 kids can sleep in salon).

 Charter Yacht Storm Petrel
waving as they leave Yacht Haven Grande marina in St Thomas

Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop, owned and operated by Phil Levine along with his girlfriend, Laura. Storm Petrel has a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, windsurfer, hammock, snorkel equipment. Besides enjoying windsurfing, Phil also does kite boarding! He has three kites and a couple of boards on his boat, in addition to his windsurfing gear. Alcoholic beverages are not included in their rates, but they will stock with your preferences at cost.

RATE: All inclusive, except bar & dockage

• $4150/wk for 2 guests
• $4900/wk for 4 guests

"Brian and the gang had a great time. Brian was thrilled and is talking about getting another sailboat. God help us!" - Jennifer D.

Read comments from a couple of other of our Storm Petrel clients:

• Comments 1
• Comments 2

Storm Petrel is booked for Christmas & New Years

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

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News & Recipe from Charter Yacht Three Moons - Sail the Virgin Islands with Randy & Shelly

Randy & Shelly Tucker, owner-operators of the 72-foot charter yacht Three Moons, will be celebrating Thanksgiving at their home in Tennessee this year. Shelly says that Southern-style cornbread dressing has always been at the top of her Thanksgiving list of favorites, but this year she's going to go "outside of the box" and introduce family and friends to mofongo.

More from Shelly: What is mofongo? Wikipedia defines it as ultimately of African origin and traced to both Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. You’ve seen those lonely looking green plantains at the grocery store and wondered what to do with them? Well, I have the answer if you are looking for some down-home, island-style comfort food! Barring all carb-control, I think mofongo is a great replacement for mash potatoes, rice and other starchy side dishes.

There are two things we have to have every season when we travel through Puerto Rico on our way to and from our charter yacht in the Virgin Islands: mojitos and mofongo! OK, so maybe we have to have some tostones (fried plantains), rice & beans and lechon (whole roasted pig) too!

Typically, mofongo is served in a tall wooden pestle style bowl. Delivered to your table, the mofongo ingredients are prepared and then mashed with mortar in a wooden bowl.

Since I don’t have any tall wooden bowls, I like the adaptation of the recipe below:

Plantain Mofongo

Ingredients:

• 2 green plantains

• Vegetable oil for frying

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (not extra virgin)

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 ounce bacon

• 2 teaspoons saffron broth

• 8 Jumbo Shrimp Peeled and Deveined

Procedure:

1. To make it easier to peel the plantains: Under running warm water, cut off 1/2 inch from both ends of the plantains. Using a sharp knife, score the skin lengthwise in three different sections. Slide the tip of the knife or your finger under the skin and begin to pull it away, going from top to bottom.

2. In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350º F. Cut the plantains into 1-inch pieces (or half-inch for smaller tostones), and add to the hot oil. Fry for about 6 minutes until they start turning golden and are tender inside. Remove from the oil, and drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the mofongo: Oil the inside of a deep wooden or glass bowl with the olive oil. Add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and, with a wooden spoon, pound the garlic to a paste. Add half of the fried plantains to the bowl and pound to a coarse mash, incorporating the garlic paste as you pound. Add the bacon, saffron broth and the remaining pieces of plantain. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and pound to mash the newly added plantain and incorporate the others ingredients. Rotate the bowl as you go, pounding with a downward motion toward the sides of the bowl. Once the mixture is mashed, spoon it into a ramkin or 4oz bowls. After molding and smoothing out the surface, flip onto a plate. At this point the mofongo should look like a half dome.
4. Saute shrimp in a little oil or butter and cook until done. Place over the Mofongo and top with the saffron broth.

Saffron Broth

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 2 pinches of saffron

• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter

• 1 cup organic chicken broth

• Salt

• Fresh green peas

 Procedure: 

1. Thinly slice 2 garlic cloves while preheating sauté pan at medium temperature.
2. Add butter and the garlic and bring up temperature to high.
3. Sauté for a couple of minutes and add 1 cup of chicken broth, bring to a boil and add more butter until you have a nice and smooth consistency.
4. Add 2 pinches of saffron and salt to taste. Allow saffron to incorporate an even color by stirring lightly.
5. Lastly, add the peas and cook further a couple of minutes.

Three Moons is one of our favorite charter yachts in the Virgin Islands. Our only problem with them is that they are difficult to book because they are very popular and their calendar fills up quickly :)

Charter Yacht Three Moons - Caribbean Sailing Vacations in the Virgin Islands

Three Moons is a 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.

Three Moons features "spa cruises" with massages, facials, manicures and pedicures at "normal" spa rates. Shelly offers a complimentary foot massage to guests. They have a 17-foot dinghy with 115hp motor, adult & kids waterskis, wakeboard, tube, kneeboard, snorkel gear, fishing equipment, floating mats, two 2-person kayaks, hammocks, 32-inch flat screen TV with Bose Theatre System in salon, satellite radio, internet where available, etc. Shelly has won many culinary awards and has published several cookbooks.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book THREE MOONS
View Three Moons' online brochure #1 and online brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Holiday Caribbean Yacht Charters: Christmas & New Years

Check out current special offers on crewed charter yachts. 

CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

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

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Verna Breeze: Back After Successful First Season of Yacht Charters

Kelly & Chris, owner-operators of Verna Breeze, have just returned to the islands after five weeks stateside. They are currently "on the hard" at the boatyard in Virgin Gorda getting Verna Breeze all prepped for the upcoming charter season. They are "looking forward to another great year of showing guests their dream vacation and getaway of a lifetime".

Verna Breeze had an impressive first charter season with couples and families aboard. We would like to remind you that their Special Introductory Rate ($5999/wk for 2 guests +500/kid) expires December 14, 2010. They are currently open beginning October 27th. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Are we giving you ideas???

Verna Breeze has a Christmas present for you!  Book a charter for the holidays at the regular rate with NO holiday premium.  This is a 10% savings. How nice is that?

WINTER 2010/11 RATES: Begins December 15th (3 & 4 person rates for families)

• 2 guests: $6500/week
• 3 guests: $7050/week
• 4 guests: $7600/week
• $250 discount/week for honeymoons & anniversaries

Verna Breeze is an all-inclusive yacht charter, including all meals and beverages aboard, boat's toys & amenities, light diving, BVI fees and air conditioning. They have WiFi, too. I like what Chris had to say... "Full A/C and not afraid to use it."

Verna Breeze has a huge awning to provide shade while at anchor

Verna Breeze is a 54-foot Gulfstar sloop, owned and operated by Chris & Kelly Allison. Verna Breeze has two cats but they will board them with a friend if you wish. Verna Breeze is fully air conditioned and accommodates 2 guests (up to 4 if family). Verna Breeze has a 15-foot dinghy with 70HP motor, two kayaks, wakeboard, kneeboard, tube, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, TV/DVD in salon and guest cabin. On-board WIFI, too! They have a huge awning to provide shade on the foredeck which is a very nice feature. Kelly is a dive instructor and offers "light" diving to certified divers.

Read our previous BLOG POST about Verna Breeze.

Chris & Kelly points out, "For anyone that may be looking to fish on their upcoming charter, keep us in mind as it happens to be one of our specialties. We have 5 different rods on board that include 3 for trolling while underway and 2 for casting. We are equipped with a fluorescent underwater light that keeps the fish and the guest happy in our secluded anchorages. Our 15 foot center console tender is also equipped with 2 rod holders so the guests can still fish while the mother ship is anchored in a small piece of heaven!"

Want a change?  Verna Breeze will be happy to hang a right and take you to the Spanish Virgin Islands.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book VERNA BREEZE
View Verna Breeze's online brochure #1 and online brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Charter Yacht ISLANDER ready for 2010-11 Virgin Islands yacht charter season

We received an email from Charlie & Patty, owner-operators of Islander this week. Unfortunately, they won't be able to attend the charter yacht show in November, but we will catch up with them later in St Thomas when they are not on charter. This is better for us anyway as we can take time for a good, friendly visit.

Charlie & Patty point out that they have a few new items, such as:

• New, white bimini enclosure
• New, stainless steel, 3-burner stove/oven
• New inflatable collar for their Walker Bay sailing dinghy

Unfortunately, Islander's cat, BC (Black Cat) passed away in May. You have our deepest condolences, guys... we understand.

But, some good news is that Charlie has been a non-smoker for over a year... Congratulations!

Cruise the Virgin Islands with a Caribbean Sailing Vacation
aboard Charter Yacht Islander

Islander is an Irwin 46 ketch, owned and operated by the experienced sailing team (over 25 years) of Charlie & Patty Avalos. Islander can accommodate up to four guests.  The main guest cabin aft, is spacious and has a queen berth with ensuite head with shower. The aft, port-side settee can be converted into upper/lower single bunk beds (perfect for kids, or a single adult). The "bunkees" share the main cabin's head.

You can read guest comments in a previous post HERE.

Charlie enjoys teaching sailing. ASA courses are only $140 each and include required ASA membership, materials, shipping... everything at no additional cost! Or, if you don't need official paperwork and just want informal training... that's FREE!

Islander has a 12-foot dinghy with new 12HP motor, tube, inflatable kayak, snorkel gear, inflatable lounges, Walker Bay sailing dinghy, beach games, underwater camera, TV/DVD in salon, and more... such as excellent hospitality!

Available for New Years from December 28th onwards!

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

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Charter Yacht Promenade: Special Offer 2011 April June July

Maybe that recent 113°F in California fried her brains (zombies, take note!)... This is a fantastic deal!

Kerry, owner-operator of the charter yacht Promenade, has a special promotion for new charters booked for April, June, and July 2011.

Charter Yacht Promenade, Sailing & Diving Vacations in the British Virgin Islands

Charters during these specified months are truly, all inclusive! Which, as normal for Promenade, includes the yacht, crew, day & night air conditioning, all meals and beverages aboard (including ship's bar), all watersports and amenities the yacht offers, and BVI cruising fees and taxes, but with this special offer...

The charter fee will also INCLUDE:

• One dive/day for certified divers with gear or bring your own (a $50/dive value), and 
• Crew gratuity (at the standard 15%, that's a $3135 savings)

RATE: $20,900/week for an all-inclusive yacht charter for up to 10 guests (BVI taxes, diving, gratuity included) taking place in April, June, or July 2011.

Read some of our other blog postings about Promenade.

Promenade is a 65-foot trimaran that accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins.  The two forward cabins have Queen berths and ensuite head/shower, while the 3 aft cabins (one Queen, and two cabins that can either be configured as Twins or a King) share 2 heads with showers.

Promenade is an excellent choice for families or a group of friends, whether you dive or not, as there's plenty of things to do. "Will the kids get bored?" you ask... NO WAY!

There's lots of things to do aboard Promenade: diving, snorkeling, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, kneeboard, tubing, banana riding, "power lounger", DVD, hiking, beachcombing, listening to tunes, or just chilling out... PLUS, ask nicely and Kerry might just share some homemade ice cream with you :) Her Kaluha & Bailey's Cheesecake sure looks tasty!

 Are you a party of two or four?
 There are still TWO cabins available on Promenade's Cabin Cruise week, 

 beginning February 13, 2011. Click HERE for details.

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

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Charter Yacht Pacific Wave: Getting ready for new 2011 charter season

This post has been removed by Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for your next sailing vacation

Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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PROMENADE Shared Charter Week February 2011

The Sail / Dive Charter Yacht Promenade has scheduled a cabin cruise week for 2011.

Kerry plans to only offer one of these charter-by-the-cabin weeks for 2011.  They are very popular so don't delay...   Contact us ASAP.

Only TWO cabins left (Forward Queen cabin & Aft King/Twin cabin)

This is an excellent way for a couple to charter a large, fun boat with all the toys, diving AND fishing, instead of trying to put together a group with 8 other people :)

Promenade at anchor --- Fishing --- Hiking

Diving --- Ride the Banana --- Chill on the Power Lounger

One thing different about this year's cabin charter week is that you have your choice of booking either SIX or TEN nights aboard, plus a FREE sleepaboard if you wish.

DETAILS:

• Six nights: February 13-19, 2011
• Ten nights: February 13-23, 2011

• Saturday, February 12: Complimentary sleep over if desired. Boarding after 4 PM, in Roadtown, Tortola. No services included (ie, dinner and breakfast on shore).

Includes: All meals aboard and ship's standard bar, cruising taxes, port taxes, overnight air conditioning and all on board ship's toys. This will include SCUBA diving for any CERTIFIED divers on a casual basis. Breakfast is a casual affair on board.

Excludes: Transportation to and from the yacht, including plane and taxi fares. Any meals and beverages you choose to have on shore. You will be responsible for one dinner ashore on the ten night package only. BC and Regulator rental, if needed, is $150 for the charter period per person. Don't forget the crew gratuities for the "cabana boys"!

6-night pricing:

• $3500/cabin for 2 people (not per person... $1750/person, double occupancy)
• $3000/cabin for 1 person (single occupancy)
• $1700 for someone willing to share a cabin with someone else. You may luck out and get it to yourself, but then again, you may not. This is for one of the aft twin/king cabins.

10-night pricing:

• $5500/cabin for 2 people (not per person... $2750/person, double occupancy)
• $4800/cabin for 1 person (single occupancy)
• $2700 for someone willing to share

Promenade is a fully air conditioned, 65-foot trimaran with a beam of 35 feet, that accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins. The two forward cabins are Queens and each have private, ensuite head/shower. The aftmost center cabin is a Queen, while the port and starboard aft cabins can be configured as either twins or a king.  The aft 3 cabins share 2 heads/showers.

AVAILABILITY:

• As of October 1, 2010:  2 cabins open (forward port and one aft king/twin)

If this is of interest, don't delay... We are actively trying to book her up and it would be a shame for you to miss this opportunity.

Promenade is BOOKED for the holidays

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PROMENADE
View Promenade's online brochure #1 and online brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Catalina Island Jazz Festival by Yacht

OCEAN PEARL, a 115-foot Christensen motoryacht, is offering a 4 day/3 night all-inclusive special for the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival off the coast of California, USA!

She has four cabins and can accommodate up to 11 guests!

Dates of the festival are over 3 weekends:

• Septemer 30 - October 3, 2010
• October 7 - 10,  2010
• October 14 - 17, 2010

RATE for 3-night Jazz Festival Charter: US$25,000, all inclusive!

See details about the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
View Ocean Pearl's online brochure
Contact Paradise Connections

This is a fantastic deal for families and couples wanting a special weekend away!

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

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