The Charter Connection Blog

The British Virgin Island Port Tax, which has been causing so much heated debate, has been shelved, at least for now. Crewed yacht charters on compliant BVI based boats would not have been affected, but charter yachts sailing in The BVI but based in other areas, such as St. Thomas and St. Martin could have been faced with substantial additional costs, which probably would have been passed on to the charterer, possibly retroactively!

In a statement released today in Tortola, The Chief Minister, The Honourable Ralph O’Neal, said that the Government had received considerable representations by local associations, maritime agents and others, both locally and abroad, and had reversed the decision ‘in an attempt to protect the Territory’s competitive edge as a yachting destination.’ Just shows that voicing one’s concerns can make a difference!

The Chief Minister also announced a 7 member focus group, which includes some local mariners, so the yachting industry is represented.

At Ed Hamilton & Co, we are of course very relieved that this crisis has been averted, at least for now. We were not looking forward to making all those phone calls to existing clients, informing them their vacation would suddenly cost several hundred dollars more! Many thanks to all those involved.

Many larger power yachts reposition for the spring and summer months to New England and the Mediterranean, leaving a shortage of luxury motor yachts for charter in The Caribbean. This year, SHALIMAR, a 118′ Benetti Tri Deck will be remaining in the Caribbean, taking advantage of the calm waters, sunny skies and minimal crowds. Based in Tortola, in The British Virgin Islands, she can also charter in St. Martin and any islands further south, as far as The Grenadines.

She is able to accommodate 10 guests in her 5 cabins and charters for $60,000 per week, plus expenses. Shalimar is also one of the few power yachts offering scuba diving directly from the boat, carrying 8 full sets of dive gear, a dive compressor and a nitrox mixer.

Call or email us if you would like more information on Shalimar (800-621-7855). If you would like more information on other motor yachts or crewed sailing charters, just let us know the type of private yacht charter you are looking for.

The 56′ Sea Ray ‘CENTRE COURT’ is offering a super discount from April - June 2008. 2 guests will charter for $10,800 (down from $12,000) and 4 guests are $12,800 (down from $14,000)! She can start a charter in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands or Tortola, British Virgin Islands and even St Martin in The Leeward Islands, by special arrangement. This crew is known for their hospitality and Petra’s culinary skills - even offering a menu a’la carte! Call or email us for availability (800-621-7855).

ADVENTURERS WANTED! Starting in mid-June, the 38 foot Island Packet, Gypsy Queen, and her captain Bob White will be heading from The Leeward Islands to The Grenadines and Venezuela, with the intent of taking along guests seeking a more ‘cruising oriented’ experience. The trips are in two week segments, with a nominal fee of $3,000 for up to two persons. The normal boat expenses and provisioning will be shared by all and a $1,000 advance deposit toward expenses is due on boarding (any unused portion will be refunded). An interesting alternative to most private crewed sailing charters.

The plan currently stands as such:

Antigua to St. Lucia - last two weeks of June
St. Lucia to Grenada - July 1st
Grenada to St. Lucia - mid July
Grenada to Los Roques (this includes 2 overnight sails) mid August
Los Roques - Sept 1
Los Roques to Puerto La Cruz (one overnight) - mid September

For those looking to get a bit more cruising experience, and looking to function as ‘crew’ on their trip, this is an affordable opportunity not to be missed! Call or email us for availability (800-621-7855).

Due to an owner cancellation, Argonauta V is available from today until March 9th. If you’re considering a large, luxury crewed catamaran charter, take a look at her. She’s available in The British Virgin Islands, The Leeward Islands (St. Martin, Antigua) and The Grenadines. In the summer she heads for The Western Mediterranean (Balearics, Corsica, French Riviera and Italy).

Tom chartered ‘ Bandera ‘, a crewed charter yacht in St. Martin, Leeward Islands, last January.

He says ‘This was my fifth charter cruise in the past 15 years. David was the best captain I have had. Intelligent, customer-centric, probably overqualified..’

Read all of Tom’s letter or take a look at Bandera ’s website