Christmas in the Caribbean

There are still some great boats available for a Christmas charter in the Virgin Islands. The yachts below can offer a great holiday for two to ten people. Whether you are looking at luxury power yachts, sailing yachts or catamarans there is something for everyone.


Short sails between islands in enclosed waters ensures the sailing is enjoyable for everyone and the wide choice of anchorages means you can choose whether to join a sociable gathering of other yachts or be the only yacht there. This advantage draws the largest number of luxury yachts giving you a wide variety of excellent yachts and crews to choose from. There are some great areas that are more off the beaten track, but you will have fewer options to choose from. The great benefit of the larger fleet of charter yachts — power or sail, mono hull or catamaran, mid range or mega yacht — is that the competition keeps the rates lower than you will find in other parts of the world. Plus, the Virgin Islands are the only location to offer truly inclusive yachts for charter — they offer the best value and the opportunity to budget your vacation plans in advance.

For those of you who suffered through last Winter in the North, remember these lyrics to one of Jimmy Buffets songs “It’s Christmas in the Caribbean – Got everything but snow!

**Note Christmas charters must end by December 28, 2011.

INSATIABLE 100 Feet.
*(Plus expenses)
Sleeps 8 Guests in 1 King(s), 2 Double(s), 2 Pullman
Online brochure
SCUBA details

OBSESSION 85 Feet.
Sleeps 10 Guests in 3 Queen(s), 2 Twin(s)
Online brochure

ANALISA 60 Feet. No surcharge
Sleeps 6 Guests in 1 Queen(s), 2 Twin(s)
Online brochure

SAYANG 55 Feet.
Sleeps 6 Guests in 3 Queen(s)
Online brochure

DREAMING ON 47 Feet.
Sleeps 6 Guests in 3 Queen(s)
Online brochure

CORUS 45 Feet.
Sleeps 2 Guests in 1 Queen(s)
Online brochure
SCUBA

JET STREAM 45 Feet.
Sleeps 6 Guests in 3 Queen(s)
Online brochure

Virgin Islands Premier Sailing Destination

What makes the Virgin Islands a premier sailing destination... protected waters with numerous islands so that seas are calmer & you are never out of sight of land.  Short sails between islands in enclosed waters ensures the sailing is enjoyable for everyone and the wide choice of anchorages means you can choose whether to join a sociable gathering of other yachts or be the only yacht there.  Plus, the Virgin Islands are the only location to offer truly inclusive yachts for charter -- they offer the best value and the opportunity to budget your vacation plans in advance.

The volcanic islands that make up the Virgin Islands are one of the most requested destinations for yacht charters worldwide, as they offer superb snorkelling and diving, great sailing, and a variety of islands to explore.  In the USVI you could spend each night in a different bay and spend lunch time in another and it would take a week at least to hit all the sights. Great snorkel spots, hiking, ruins and a few night spots make it a great destination and for US citizens you do not need passports to visit St John, St Thomas or St Croix.

In contrast to the bustling U.S. Virgin Islands, are the low-key British Virgin Islands.  The BVI are considered by some as the yachting capital of the Caribbean if not the world, and getting into that lifestyle—sunning, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, beach-hopping, and always dropping anchor in time for happy hour—is what the islands are all about.  The islands, except for Anegada and a few dollop-sized cays, are volcanic and hilly, which means that the land is great for dramatic sea views.  Activity wise, the concentration is on sailing above, diving below and floating on the clear blue water.

Note Regency Vacations is based in Road Town on the island of Tortola - in the heart of this magnificent sailing community.

Fall Sailing in the Bahamas

Looking to fit in a laid back tropical holiday before the busy Holiday Season? Spectacular beaches, crystal waters and sunshine await you in the Bahamas. Visiting the Bahamas on a luxury yacht charter is by far the most splendid way to enjoy this glorious part of the world. Getting there is easy with frequent and inexpensive flights from South Florida to Nassau, the Abaco Islands, the Berry Islands and the Exuma Islands and international flights into and out of Nassau.

Below are examples of power yacht, monohull and catamaran offering a great vacation experience this fall.

KING KALM is a beautiful 80ft Lazzarra perfect for a family up to 8 or 3 couples in four air conditioned ensuite staterooms. With a new interior and exterior in 2009, King Kalm offers comfortable seating on two levels. The top sun deck is a crowd pleaser as it offers a fabulous view of your surroundings while underway or at anchor. Perfect for families, King Kalm includes everything needed for water activities such as snorkeling equipment, beach toys, fishing gear a clear bottom kayak and a jet ski. Inside entertainment features a plasma television, library and wet bar.

King Kalm is based out of out of Paradise Harbour Marina and will be available November 1, 2011.  Inclusive rate for 6 is $31,000 plus 4% Bahamian tax

DREAM KETCHER a 41ft Morgan Out-Island is offering one of the most affordable fully crewed yacht charters of the season for the Abacos. Dream Ketcher is best suited for 2 adults but can take a family of 4. There is a forward v-berth with private ensuite head and shower. Midship port there is a pullman sized quarter berth good for a young adult or two children up to age 12. Priced at $3,975 for 2 adults she delivers first class service with a friendly atmosphere. Have 2 children under the age of 12? Just add $300... Less than $4,500 for a family of 4 makes this one of the most affordable Bahamas charter of the summer.

SURPRISE a 48ft custom catamaran has accommodations for 1-4 guests in private cabins or up to a family of 6 with crew in main salon. Each hull has one double berth aft and a single berth forward with a full head and separate shower stall midships port and starboard. For charters with 2 couples, the crew will take the two forward single berths. Built in 1995, Surprise received an extensive refit in 2010. Your crew on board Surprise has extensive knowledge of the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Surprise offers sailing trips that are relaxed and full of camaraderie, wonderful meals in beautiful settings and exhilarating sailing. Located at Stuart on the St. Lucie River makes them available for day sails and short weekend cruises south and east. Surprise can also sail South from Stuart to Miami to the Keys to the Tortugas or the Abacos.

Rates are 2/$8,500 4/$9,950 6/$10,950 (family) plus appropriate taxes.

Affordable Catamaran Charter in the Virgin Islands

Looking for an affordable catamaran charter in the Virgin Islands this Winter? Look no further than the 47ft Leopard DREAMING ON. This fully air conditioned yacht has 3 bright and airy cabins each with its own flat screen and DVD player. Each cabin is ensuite complete with electric toilets. Outside there is a spacious cockpit offering plenty of room for dining and lounging. Forward are the trampolines, perfect for sunning and watching the scenery as you sail under bright blue skys and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

The owners and crew, Iza and Geoff have been sailing the Caribbean and the East Coast of the US since 2003 and have logged more than 12,000 miles. Their charming and professional personalities are perfect for sharing their love of the outdoors and sea with their guests. Iza's culinary skills are well known and sure to please all. They've also equipped Dreaming On with plenty of water toys to keep everyone entertained. Toys include: 13' center console RIB with 30hp outboard, knee-board, stand up paddle board, kids windsurfer, tube, wake board, two 1 person kayaks, floating mats, beach games, fishing gear, double hammock and even a floating island!

The volcanic islands that make up the Virgin Islands are one of the most popular destinations for yacht charters worldwide, as they offer superb snorkelling and diving, great sailing, and a variety of islands to explore.  In the USVI you could spend each night in a different bay and spend lunch time in another and it would take a week at least to hit all the sights.  Great snorkel spots, hiking, ruins and a few night spots make it a great destination and you do not need a passport to visit St John, St Thomas or St Croix.
 
For the upcoming 2012 season, Dreaming On is offering 1 child under the age of 10 to sail free during a 7 night charter (excluding Christmas/New Year), a $500 savings for a family of 4.
 
To see what your charter aboard Dreaming On could be like check out their video.
 

Alaska charter

While some of you are feeling the heat right now, Summer is the perfect time for adventure in Alaska.   M/V Single Star is an Alaska Charter boat that offers professional guided tours of some of the worlds most remote corners.  This 58' blue water yacht is the perfect platform for researchers, photographers, fishing or just your avid adventure junky.  She can take up to 6 guests in 3 cabins - 1 double and 2 twins.  Each cabin has plenty of room for storage and of course HOT showers.  The advantage of this vessel is that you can be assured of a  more individualized attention and they are small enough to get into small bays and passages where some larger yachts can not reach.

If you are a serious nature lover this is your chance to see wildlife in it's natural habitat.  Single Star cruises the waters all around the Kodiak Island Archipelago and the Katmai Coast.  Expect to see Sea Otters, Puffins, Kittiwakes and of course the Coastal Brown Bear.  Also in resident are Bald Eagles, Foxes, and Wolves

Single Star can design a trip around your desires. Professional and experienced guides will take you to meet the Kodiak Bear in its own territory. Get your own action photos, worthy of National Geographic, of their superb fishing skills as they catch Salmon mid-stream.  Experience whale watching up close and personal - Humpbacks, Orcas and Fin whales.
Exclusive fly fishing is also available in remote areas for Silver Salmon and Steelhead by FFF certified casting instructor and registered guide.

Your 7 day, 7 night cruise includes:
  Airport pickup and delivery to the M V Single Star.
  Daily guided shore excursions.
  All meals served family style.
  USCG licensed Captain.
  All National Wildlife Refuge permits.
  Rate is $17,500 for 6 guests.

Shorter specialized excursions are available too.

Luxury Catamaran Gazelle

A few months ago I wrote about the luxury catamaran Gazelle heading to the South Pacific and the beauty of Bora Bora's fabled lagoon. Well, Gazelle has arrived and they have been in Tahiti for a month now. The Crew, Jon and Nicki (with 9 years of charter experience) have been busy checking out the area, finding the best anchorages and snorkel spots. They have also just completed their first charter with overall success.

With three double cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms, dining for 6 in the spacious cockpit or salon, Gazelle is the perfect yacht to use as your base for exploring these beautiful islands.
They have many water sport toys on board for those inclined to try their hand at water skiing, wind surfing, knee boarding etc...

 
Gazelle will be available for charter in the Society Islands through October 31, 2011. The Society Islands, which include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea are the most popular in the South Pacific. They are lush volcanic islands with coral reefs teaming with marine life and many safe and beautiful anchorages in pristine lagoons. The flights to this exotic part of the world can be long but they are worth every minute.

For the perfect seven day charter, the crew of Gazelle recommend flying into Tahiti's international airport and than take a domestic flight to Huahine. Here you would board Gazelle where she will take you on a downwind trip to Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora exploring everything in between. From here you can take a short flight back to Tahiti for your connecting international flight.

Gazelle is now offering an unbelievable all-inclusive rate of 6 guests = $29,000, 5 guests $28,000, 4 guests $27,000 and 2 guests $26,000 while in the Society Islands.

Bahamas Catamaran Charter

The 48' custom catamaran SURPRISE owned and operated by Corky & Sue Clark, is now available for charter in the Bahamas. (Surprise previously chartered out of New England). Corky and Sue have relocated to South Florida and will be offering Surprise for charter in the Bahamas and South Florida starting mid July. Surprise is a Chris White design and offers accommodations for 1-4 guests in private cabins or up to a family of 6 with crew in main salon. Each hull has one double berth aft and a single berth forward with a full head and separate shower stall midships port and starboard. For charters with 2 couples, the crew will take the two forward single berths. Built in 1995, Surprise received an extensive refit in 2010 and is at the top of her game. Corky and Sue have done many Bahamian and South Florida trips aboard Surprise and look forward to sharing their local knowledge with their guests. They owned and operated an adventure travel company for 27 years which included eco-tours in the Florida Everglades.

There are many itinerary options to choose from for a Bahamas catamaran charter including a fun filled trip; Exumas (made up of some 360 islands or cays) to Nassau for 7 nights and 8 days. This itinerary offers guests a chance to snorkel James Bond’s Thunderball Grotto, swim with sharks, spectacular snorkeling of reefs and wrecks, hiking and many more activities to suit your interests.

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL OFFER:

NO DEAD HEAD OR RELOCATION FEES!

2/$8,500 * 4/$9,950 * 6/$10,950(family)

            Rates are all inclusive with standard ships bar and good for Bahamas or South Florida charters.

Please add appropriate tax as follows:

• Miami pick-up - add 7.0 tax
• Key West pick-up - add 7.5% tax
• Bahamas pick-up - add 4% tax