Fall is setting in across the US. Today is the last day of summer. We’ll be attending these yacht shows this year. I’ll be dreaming that I was a guest on these fabulous yachts! Perhaps I need to add that to my vacation plans next year.

Many of the charter yacht chefs have been using the off season of summer to attend cooking schools. They’ll be bring new items and preparations to their galleys this year. I can’t wait to sample some of their wares, and view photos of their new  recipes.

Sustainable foods and other environmentally friendly actions are becoming more the norm with charter yachts. Last year we noticed that many yachts were installing water filtration systems for drinking water on the yachts. This eliminates thousands of plastic water bottles. All yachts with this installed, I applaud you!

We’re hoping that it won’t be what I refer to as “typical yacht show” weather. That usually means hot, humid and rain.  We’ll be prepared though! One helpful hint: turn your shoes over when boarding a yacht, that way they don’t fill with water when it pours down rain while you’re on board.

The charter yacht crews at the Charter Yacht Society Show on Tortola are having a “Crews Walk Against Cancer”  evnt at the show. Too many crew and brokers have been affected or infected with and by cancer. We support this event.

As the boating season is nearing, it’s a good time to think about boating safety. This applies not only to perssnal watercraft, but to all sizes of boats and yachts.

It’s a great time to check all fire extinquishers and double check floatation devices. As a smaller boat, not a yacht, we also have a throw bag on board. These things take practice using though. Take your throw bag to a park or quiet strett and pracice throwing it out. Work on placement, it won’t help someone in the water if you can’t get it to them. Be sure to hold on to the correct part too!

Whenever we have guests on the boat, I usually do my “flight attendant” act. I point out the location of life jackets, fire extinquishersand first aid kit, as well as the exits! I usually get a chuckle, out everyone knows where the important gear is.

Know your boating laws. I know that in Oregon and Washington, all watercraft operators need a boating card. Even if you’ve got one, it’s not a bad idea to review the material annually.

safety, like insurance, seem silly until you need it or it’s too late. Watch out for others too!

 

Safe boating! See you on the water!

Oh boy, the cost of taking that vacation is rising, in ways you might not be planning for! Remember to check excess fees when purchasing a ticket. It’s not a bad idea to remind yourself to check again before your flight too. Many times vacations are planned well in advance, and you might forget that you’ve got to pay these extra fees.

A vacation is still worth it though!

1/12/2010 -
Delta Air Lines will raise its fees for checked bags on domestic flights by $8 for the first bag and by $7 for the second bag (that’s $23 now for the first bag and $32 for the second one). If you don’t pay these fees via Delta’s web site in advance, the airline will add an extra $2 for the first bag and an extra $3 for the second one when you pay curbside or at the airport ticket counter or check-in kiosk. The new fees start with tickets purchased on or after Jan. 5 for travel beginning today. Elite frequent flyers, first-class passengers, active military personnel being deployed, and other selected passengers will be exempt from the fees.

I spent last weekend on our small boat. Yes, We’ve got the “need a bigger boat” syndrome. Another way to “curb” the desire, is on a yacht charter. I’m working on putting together a charter for frineds, and I’m going to join them in the Virgin Islands if it all comes together. There are some great deals out there. I know I’ve been saying that, but it’s true!

The Virgin Islands are such an ideal area to charter. The islands are so close, the water just beckons too. It’s very different than the water around here, and I can’t help but dream of it!

I really like the “all-inclusive” nature of most of the yachts in the Virgin Islands. You don’t have to “add-on” provisions and fuel. Just don’t forget that gratuity! You’re pretty much guests in the crew’s home all week, waited on and cleaned up after. They’ll entertain you, watch out for your safety and treat you to probably the best vacation you’ll ever have. You’ll become addicted, like me!

Let’s skip Mexico! It’s time for a vacation and I’m dreaming of the BVI’s (British Virgin Islands) OK, so I have to get on a plane to get there, but no swine flu! (yet).  I’m even thinking that a nice 3-4 day charter from St. Thomas would nicely fit the bill. It’s all about just getting away. I’m tired of all doom and gloom. How could I possibly be gloomy on a fabulous crewed charter yacht?

I’m a diver, so I’ll be looking at those yachts that offer scuba diving. Yes, I could do the rendezvous dive thing, but I like stepping off the back of the yacht and into that gorgeous water. I charter with friends that don’t dive, so I’ll get up early and get a dive in before they’re even up and drinking that first cup of coffee, savoring the chef’s freshly baked pastries! Oh, when can I be there? It’s such a great, relaxing vacation. There are some fabulous deals out there too! Contact a CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) Broker and let’s go yachting!!!

Summer and boats in the beautiful San Juan Islands, there’s no better place to be! The San Juan islands of Washington State are filled with diverse and interesting history. There are 4 major islands:

San Juan Island: There is the limstone quarry and kilns in Roche Harbor and the two camps of the infamous “Pig War” on San Juan Island. Roche Harbor was once the home of the limestone king, John McMillan. It’s Hotel de Haro and surrounding property and marina make for a great destination. The other end of the island is home to Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor is a picturesque seaside town.

Orcas Island: Home to a first class resort, Rosario Resort, this is the largest of the San Juan Islands. There are small towns and villages, home to artists and musicians. Though whale watching is a seasonal pastime here in the San Juan Islands, Orcas was named for a Spanish explorer, not the whales.

Shaw Island: This is the smallest of the main San Juan Islands, and is the least developed. It is densely forested and lacks the amenities of the other islands.

Lopez Island: A bicycler’s paradise, Lopez is called the “friendly isle”. There are rolling hills and pastural farmlands here. Lopez Island is home to the Lopez Island Vineyards, the only winery in the San Juan Islands.

The San Juan Islands are beautiful, emerald colored islands with quiet coves and bustling towns. There’s something here for everyone and it’s some of the best cruising grounds in the world!

Oh yes, there are some wonderful charter deals out there this year! Most of them are for charters in the next couple of months, but isn’t this a great time to escape winter? (Unless you’re an avid skiier or snowboarder.)

Examples of some great deals:

Special Offers for bookings in the Caribbean:

·      14 nights for $80,000, plus expenses*

·      10 nights for $55,000, plus expenses*

·      For February and March, Weekly Rate at $39,900, plus expenses

·      Also inquire about our 4 Day All- Inclusive charter package for $35,000

 

 “EL JEFE”

115′ (35.05m) Derektor Tri-Deck Motoryacht, Refit 2007

Greece special:

The owner of TROJAN LEGEND is giving 25% off the regular  weekly charter rate ,

for confirmed bookings, until the 15th of February!!!

 

There are great offers our there! Call a CYBA broker to book your charter!