Honeymoon On A Private Charter Yacht

More and more today we are seeing destination weddings growing in popularity.
Many couples are opting for a smaller more intimate setting for their nuptials. Combining the wedding ceremony with the honeymoon is a perfect way to celebrate and spend time with close family and friends. What could be better then getting married on a white powder sand beach in the Caribbean then board your very own Private charter yacht for a honeymoon cruise…your Regency Charter broker can help arrange this.

Getting married on foreign soil is legal and fairly simple. For example in the British Virgin Islands:
If either or both of you have been previously married, an original copy of your divorce decree(s) (or spouse's death certificate) is necessary.
You must be on the island for at least 3 working days, which means that if you file your paperwork on a Monday, the earliest you may be married is on that Thursday.
You will need to pay the BVI government marriage tax. This is done by purchasing $110 in stamps from the Post Office. They actually have a $100 stamp & $10 stamp specifically for the marriage tax.

You will need your passports, the other paperwork mentioned above and the stamps. All these items are handed over to the Attorney General to be sent for the Governor's approval, and are returned to you on the day of your wedding (except the tax stamps of course). In addition, you will need two witnesses to sign at the time you are filling out the proper paperwork in the Attorney General's chambers. At this time you will need to have decided on a location for your wedding.

Finally you will fill out a small form and confirm the location, time, and date of your wedding ceremony with the Registrar. Additionally, you will have to name two "witnesses of record" for your marriage license. These witnesses may act as your attendants at your wedding and need to be present at the wedding to sign the legal documentation. The Registrar of Marriages performs all civil ceremonies. The fee for the Registrar is $100 (plus any expenses) for weddings outside the office and $35 for marriages performed inside the Registrar's Office.

Caribbean Racing at its finest.

For the yacht racing enthusiasts out there, it is the heart of the racing season here in the Caribbean. The CORT series has begun--Caribbean Racing Triangle. The CORT circuit consist of the St Croix International (Feb 20-22), The Culebra International ( March 20-22) and concluding with the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival (April 2-5). The other two highly participatory races are the St Martin Heineken Regatta (March 6-8) and the St Thomas Rolex Regatta (March 27-29). Sailors from around the world converge for serious racing all hoping to be on the podium

This past weekend the Heineken Regatta will be remembered as one of the windiest events in its history. The 3 day event saw steady NE winds gusting to 40Kts. Collisions and downed masts were all part of the equation that made for a wet and wild weekend.

Cruising the Florida Keys

No passport needed!

An alternative to travelling to the Caribbean.
You do not have to travel far to feel the balmy breezes. The Florida Keys are an attractive alternative to a tropical vacation. Easy flights into Miami, no customs hassles and no passports make this a no brainer. Laid back with over 800 islands you will find that they offer the same first rate fishing, diving and snorkel opportunities that you would find in the Caribbean.

The shallow, clear and protected waters contribute to the pristine conditions of the Florida Keys. There are secluded coves and beaches, lively marinas and restaurants, wild life and fauna. Whatever your interests, you will find something to tantalize your senses. To maximize your time your Regency brokers sugggest that you cruise from Miami to Key West and than return by rental car to Miami airport, a mere 3 hours drive.

Why Choose a Catamaran over a mono-hull?

The shallow daft of a catamaran allows you or your captain to anchor close to a beach or inside shallow bays where most other yachts can not reach. They are very stable which many people find more comfortable than traditional sailing yachts. A large platform between the hulls means more space for your group to spread out. In tropical climates this is a huge bonus as most people prefer to dine, read or just lounge outside under the shade of the bimini. Alternatively, the bow hosts a prime spot for sunbathing on the trampoline, the space between the 2 hulls.

In the past few years, catamarans have been the fastest growing division in the sailboat market.
For owners, the rising market of this popular style yacht has given catamarans a higher resale value over mono-hulls, many retaining the original purchase value.