The Charter Connection Blog

“We just returned home from a fabulous week aboard the S/Y Swish.  Emily and Euros were absolutely amazing!  Euros took us on wonderful and unique dives and really did a spectacular job navigating for us.  They both took the time to maximize the sail from the US Virgin Islands through the BVI.  We really were able to see and do so much.  Emily’s culinary skills were just delicious!  She really made an effort to make every meal special.  It was 5-star dining at every meal.  In addition, Emily and Euros surprised us with a Birthday Party for Robert on our last night, including a beautiful birthday cake and a special music mix.

We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend Emily and Euros and the S/Y Swish.  Thank you for strongly recommending that we go with this yacht and this crew.  You matched us perfectly!  Thank you.”

For all but the largest charter yachts, we have always stressed that selecting the right crew is even more important than choosing the right boat. For more information on ‘Swish’, Euros and Emily, and the many other fine yachts and crews we book regularly, call us at 800 621 7855, email us, or contact us through the Ed Hamilton & Co site and tell us about your plans. We know these boats and crews very well and will take the time to match you with the right combination!

Rather than hauling out in Virgin Gorda, in The British Virgin Islands, Drumbeat is moving to Bonaire for this summer, which is below the normal hurricane route. They plan to be there from mid August through October. Very few private yacht charters visit this exciting destination, so this is an excellent opportunity. Bonaire has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s top five scuba diving destinations. You can just walk off the beach and within 50′ ft. you are in 100+ ft of water!
Since the shore drops off so quickly there is little anchoring.  The boat would stay at a marina every night and sail during the day. Divers would take the dinghy or drive to the numerous dive spots by land.

There’s plenty to do besides sailing and scuba. The area is one of the premier kite surfing and windsurfing destinations. There are land-sail buggies on the salt flats, and lots of mountain biking.  You can also rent Harley Davidsons, and other cycles to tour the island. There are no charter fleets, due to the strict regulations imposed by the government of Bonaire, which means the coral is undamaged and the snorkeling and diving are truly spectacular.

Details still have to be worked out, but since the boat would be docked at a luxury resort marina every night, all dinners will be on shore, with breakfasts and lunches on the boat. Dinners would not be included but this would be reflected in the charter fee.

If you would like to know more about Drumbeat or Bonaire, call us at 800 621 7855, email us, or contact us through the Ed Hamilton & Co site and tell us about your plans.

New customs clearance procedures will be implemented from this Friday, in The British Virgin Island Government’s ongoing quest to strengthen its effort to mitigate the impact of the dreaded Swine Flu (H1N1) virus on the Territory.

The advisory states that all customs clearance procedures for charter yachts will only be processed through three designated ports of entry. They are the Road Town and West End Ferry Terminals in Tortola and the Spanish Town Ferry Dock in Virgin Gorda.

Yachts wishing to dock on Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, or any other sister island are advised that they must clear customs at one of the designated locations. Comptroller of Her Majesty’s Customs Mr. Wade Smith said those precautionary measures will be in place until further notice.

Bareboat or crewed yacht charter visitors coming from St. Thomas or The US Virgin Islands to check in correctly to avoid be charged with illegal entry into the Territory.

For more information, call us at 800 621 7855, or email us. For charter information, contact us through the Ed Hamilton & Co site and tell us about your plans.