May 9, 2012

Whether you are a trained, professional photographer or just enjoy a love and passion for photography, Caribbean Sailing Vacations are a wonderful platform for photo opportunities aboard your own floating hotel.

Sailing Vacations Photography

Recently my family and I were trying to find a vacation that would offer something for everyone.  Photography is my passion and I am always looking for new venues.  We searched the Internet and found Captain Terry at sailwithterry.com, a yacht broker who would be able to combine all of our interest’s while enjoying a fabulous family sailing vacation.

After stating our  goals and budget, Captain Terry secured a 50’ monohull sail boat, complete with four staterooms each offering a private bath, a well-appointed galley, and of course a knowledgeable, professional and friendly captain.

My husband Allen would be able to pursue his love of scuba diving, son Charles has already signed up for kite boarding lessons and Sally planned to perfect her knowledge of sailing.

Captain Terry, our broker explained the benefits of charting a floating hotel in the British Virgin Islands. Multiple mountainous islands dotting the ocean all within 2-4 hours of sailing, each island has a distinct different ambiance and amenities.

Local dive boats with certified scuba masters would pick Allen up right from out boat, take him to a different exciting location each day.  Charles would join his kite boarding instructors and become proficient at a new sport and of course Sally was in charge of assisting the captain as she honed her sailing skills.

I was in heaven. Spending time with my family in paradise with so many photo opportunities was a dream vacation for me.  The Caribbean sky is a brilliant blue, the water is multiple shades of turquoise and green and so clear that you can see the colorful tropical fish swim by.  I hiked up mountains to capture the expansive vista of the ocean, shot pictures of the beautiful flora and the quaint pastel houses clinging to the mountainsides.  Mornings in the anchorages were so peaceful and while I was watching the world wake up the pelicans came swooping in for their breakfast catch. Evening sunsets painted a different picture each day and numerous sailboats bobbing peacefully in the anchorage was picture postcard perfect. I was able to try out and experiment with my new lenses.  A special camera with waterproof housing gave me the opportunity to snorkel and take fantastic pictures of brilliant coral, schools of angel fish, blue damsels, turtles, a eagle ray and a school of small squid  I was like a kid in a candy store, each time I turned around there was a better photo op.

This was the perfect family vacation for us all.  We all pursued  our hobbies, enjoyed the bonding and camaraderie of sharing our interests and spending quality time together in paradise on a sailing vacation.

I would recommend this vacation to anyone.  No crowds, no set agenda, so many islands to see and explore and of course something for everyone, even  for those seeking to just lie on the bow of the boat catching rays and finding time to finally read that novel.

Contact Terry at SailWithTerry.com , let him know what type of vacation you are looking for  and he will find the right boat for your budget and your needs.  Captain Terry has sailed these waters for many years and has firsthand knowledge of boats, captains and of course all the islands and the best anchorages, restaurants, and secret snorkeling places.

April 29, 2012

A sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands can fulfill anyone’s search for adventure and learning new skills.  Sailing, wreck diving, snorkeling caves, kit sailing, kayaking secret lagoons, paddle boarding, bone fishing, deep sea fishing and the list goes on.

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

A great way to experience a multitude of activities without crowds, driving in foreign countries, and changing hotels is to charter a sail boat in the Caribbean.  The  British Virgin Islands are easily accessible, the locals speak English, the currency is  U.S. dollars and crime is almost nonexistent.  The  economy thrives on tourism and so the  locals take this business very serious.

An easy flight to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, a short  ride on a huge ferry to Tortilla BVI and the excitement begins.

Charter a sailboat from a reputable, professional broker who will advise you as to appropriate size and type of boat  for your party, an amiable, knowledgeable captain and a renowned gourmet chef that will design a menu to fit your pallet.

SailwithTerry Ltd has been my choice for many such vacations and each charter has been beyond my expectations.  Just to have a ”go to” person in the event that there is a situation  gives great pace of mind when traveling to a foreign country.

The Virgin Islands are comprised of over 60 islands and cays to visit.  You can spend the night in a quiet, secluded cove and enjoy  a special entree prepared by your personal chef under a canopy of brilliant stars or you can sit in an anchorage where the party never stops.  In the morning you jump overboard into the clear turquoise water with your snorkel gear and swim with  a turtle that has just stopped by to check you out.

Local dive boats or fishing boats will come to your charter boat anchorage and pick you up for a day of diving the RS Rhone or perhaps trying your hand at bone fishing or fly fishing for tarpon at Anegada.

Sail into North Sound and sign up for a day of kite sailing or board paddling or perhaps rent a kayak and explore the marshes.  That night you can dingy from your floating hotel and join in the full moon party and dance with the mucko jumbies.

Each day YOU decide your agenda, your adventure.  There are also wonderful hiking trails that will lead you to mountain high vistas to view the expanse of the Caribbean and the photo opportunities are unlimited.  Hike around Norman Island and finish off the day with a painkiller at the bar and meet world cruiser that have tales to share.

Contact sailwithterry and find out how to plan your adventure vacation.

April 11, 2012

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Sorority sisters annual reunion will be aboard a magnificent luxury catamaran:   “Mystique” .  Three college roommates along with their spouses will be meeting in Road Town, Tortola, and British Virgin Islands for a week long private sailing vacation. The BVI is considered the sailing capital of the world offering over 60 islands and cays to visit.

Our memories go back many years and Sherry, Deanna and I, Holly, made a pact  to  meet each year at a different location so that we can  stay connected in each other’s lives.

This year I have been selected to choose our method of fun.  We share a love of warm weather, sunny skies and quiet beaches.  Through the years we have also become “foodies”; we  enjoy cooking interesting meals and trying wines from around the world.

A sailing charter on a catamaran with a private crew is the perfect get away.  Mystique has  luxury appointments offering private suites with queen size beds, spacious baths and of most important of all; a fully equipped kitchen and a sprawling galley and salon completely surrounded by windows to view the beautiful turquoise Caribbean water.

We have decided that each couple would choose a night to prepare a special gourmet meal along with the appropriate wines.  The other nights we would be dining on the various island and checking out the local cuisine.

The BIV, although self-governed, has a strong British influence and numerous resorts offer internationally renowned chefs as well as fabulous spas offering European rejuvenating treatments.

Our first night on the water we sailed to Peter Island.  This was a rather short sail, just to give us our sea legs and get us orientated for the water, all orchestrated  by the competent team of our Captain and his first mate.  We have decided to dine on shore at the famous Tradewinds restaurant.

Peter Island is a private 1800 acre resort offering five beautiful beaches, numerous secluded villas, manicured walking paths surrounded by colorful tropical vegetation.  The Vilas are offered for rentals or one may reserve the entire island.

Our destination; the Tradewinds  Restaurant at the resort where we begin with Cocktails on the terrace and then a gourmet meal in the dining room with a beautiful vista of the ocean.  British formality prevails, no shorts or flip lops,  men are required to wear slacks and shirts with collars (preferably sport coats) and ladies attire is casual elegance.   The table settings are exquisite: elegant Germans china and crystal from Italy.  This is a special night, Tradewinds is offering a Vintner’s wine pairing dinner.  We sit down for a long leisurely gastronomic experience in the beautiful Caribbean.  Wines and cognac from around the world will accompany  numerous courses.  It was a great experience and one that will stay in our memory book.

We have a week planned for a different destination each evening, a new experience each day.  We plan to rendezvous with a dive boat and explore the famous RS Rone, dance all night at a Full Moon party on Trellis Bay,  sail over to the Drowned island for a lobster fest, visit the world renowned  Baths,  snorkel the Dogs, the Indians  and maybe find time to read a book.  Or maybe we will indulge ourselves and enjoy a couples spa day with champagne, try our hand at bone fishing, party on Josh Van Dyke at world famous Foxy’s, hike  and have a picnic on Green Cay, or find a secluded beach with no other human foot prints

Mystique is very spacious yacht and there are numerous places to find a deck chair, a hammock, or lie on the trampoline and watch the waves go by.

Tonight we will be anchoring at Manchioneel Bay off Cooper Island.  Sherry and Paul are planning our dinner: Gingered scallops for appetizers and a sumptuous grilled rack of lamb.  The evening starts with cocktails on the huge deck as we salute the sunset followed by dinner under a canopy of brightly lit stars.  The sky is so bright we can name the constellations and planets. We have not seen each other since last year and there is a lot of catching up, a lot of reminiscing.  Good friends, gales of laughter on a beautiful boat in the warm turquoise blue Caribbean.

A memorable vacation  on your private yacht.  No crowds, no time lines.  Visit a different island each day and sleep on your floating hotel.  SailwtihTerry has the expertise to find the perfect boat for your vacation and will match your itinerary and your budget.  Captain Terry has sailed these waters for years and knows the best boats, the best crews, best parties and also the secluded anchorages.

March 28, 2012

Six best girl  friends from Charleston, SC engage in a luxury, exciting Caribbean sailing vacation on board a 62’ Catamaran in the Virgin Islands.

Caribbean Sailing

Champagne glasses in hand we were flying high on our girlfriends trip to the virgin islands.  Months of planning and our dreams were becoming a reality.  Holly , our social director, had pulled this sailing trip together with the guidance and assistance of a great charter company, SailWithTerry, LLC.

Our first destination was St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.   St. Thomas is world renowned for great  duty free purchases.  Jewelry, perfumes and designer purses were on on our list and we were not disappointed.

A wonderful night at the Mafoli Hotel and in the morning, with all of our new purchases, we took a one hour ferry ride to Tortola,  the largest island in the British Virgin Islands and  home of the capital Road Town.

Our 62’ cat, was birthed  at Nanny Cay Marina. Upon arriving at the marina we were greeted by the friendly crew , Captain Ramon, First Mate/chef Sophie and an additional perk,  Diane, our yoga instructor and masseuse.  Yoga, massages, facials everyday right on our own private yacht.

We cautiously came on board and were awestruck.  This “charter boat” looked more like a seaside villa.  Wide beam, lots of windows, master suites with king size beds, a modern galley with stainless steel appliance, a high tech salon  featuring  a 60” flat screen TV, WiFi, and a fabulous sound system.  Multiple seating areas for sunning and el fresco dining.  Turquoise blue accents with beautiful honey teak finishes created an upscale elegance but was also very soothing and relaxing.

Quickly we inspected our suites.  So spacious and colorful with turquoise and white appointments throughout.  Soft terry cloth robes, sparkling vanities and lots of dresser and closet space for our personal items.  Lots of windows so we  would be able to lie on our bed and watch the waves rush by.

A quick change into our sun clothes and we were greeted on deck with delightful appetizers and fruity drinks with little umbrellas. We are in the islands, mon!  As we lay back in our sun chairs savoring the moment, tall, dark and handsome Capt Ramon and first mate Sophie were releasing the lines and we effortlessly glided out of the marina.

sailing vacation

Sails up and Captain Ramon briefed us on our tentative itinerary.  The best benefit of chartering your own private yacht is that YOU make the itinerary and YOU can change your itinerary.

Each evening we would be in a different anchorage at a different island.  We will be dining at exclusive resorts on mountainside terraces, going to a full moon party at Trellis Bay, a lobster-fest at Anegada.

The water is crystal clear, turquoise  blue and warm.  We will be enjoying picnic on uninhabited white beaches, snorkeling and swimming with the turtles  and millions of tropical fish.

Let the fun begin, this is going to be the best girlfriends trip in the world.  So many islands, so many parties, so little time.

This trip did take a lot of planning ahead.  Captain Terry, listened to our requirements and then found us the best charter.  The yacht was indeed comfortable and the crew were exceptional.  Never intrusive but always there if you require service.

I highly recommend a call to Sail With Terry at 941 266 0296 or email Captain Terry

March 16, 2012

Caribbean Sailing Vacations

Dreaming of an escape to blue skies, warm crystal clear turquoise water, sandy beaches on your own floating hotel?  Ten important questions to help get you started and to make this dream Caribbean sailing vacation a reality.

1. Where is the best place to charter a sail boat or a motor yacht?
The Virgin Islands are a world famous destination. Warm year around weather, stable weather patterns, consistent year around trade winds. Rough seas are broken by a chain of islands so you have primarily gentle waves. Easy accessibly and a huge array of sailboats; monohulls, catamarans as well motor yachts in a wide range of sizes and amenities..

2. How do I decide what size and type of boat I need for a dream sailing charter?
A reputable, experienced charter boat broker will suggest the best type and size boat for your needs and your budget. The broker can explain the advantage and disadvantages of the different types of vessels and clarify the wide choice of services and amenities.  Remember a smaller boat is not always the least expensive.

3. What about crew?
The size of the boat dictates the number of crew on the vessel. A crew can consist of just a captain only, a captain and a first mate (chef) or on a large vessel multiple crew members to carter to all of your needs.

4. Do I have to have any sailing knowledge if I charter a sailboat?
Depending on the type of charter (Captain only or full crew), your participation will be minimal or optional. Captain only charters requires some assistance in hoisting sails, anchoring or catching a mooring line. If there is a first mate (chef) your participation will be totally voluntary. You can sail as little or as much as you wish.

5. Will I be stuck on a boat for the duration of my vacation?
No. No No. The best thing about the Virgin Islands is that there are over 60 islands and cays. Some islands are private, some are uninhabited and many offer resort amenities open to the public. Enjoy European spas, world renown restaurants, beach bars, live entertainment, quaint boutiques, windsurfing, kite surfing , sun bathing on secluded white beaches, kayaking, hiking, beach bar hopping and exploring remote islands. You can have as much water based or land based activity as you desire.  Enjoy a laid back sailing vacation reading and relaxing or a high activity vacation or a blend of both. It is your trip, your agenda.

6. What do I pack on a sailing vacation?
Very little.  A soft sided duffle bag works best.  Shorts, t shirts, flip flops are the standard uniform in the islands.  Attire is casual.  The temperature  cools a little at night so bring a long sleeve shirt. Slacks for men and sun dresses for ladies is required in the upscale restaurants.  There are boutiques for buying sun tan lotion, sun glasses and lots of t shirts.  Bring your favorite reading material and your IPod if you want to listen to your music.  The currency is American dollars.

7. What do we do about food?
A crewed charter will offer a gourmet chef. The chef will prepare meals according to your specifications. Special diets, gourmet meals, wine pairings, ethnic meals. You decide what to eat and when to eat. The food is safe to eat in the Virgin Islands

8. Are there any good dive sites? 
Some of the best diving in the Caribbean is in the BVI. You can schedule a rendezvous with a dive boat and do a resort dive. If you are certified there are numerous dives sites to explore; caves, ship wrecks, walls, cathedrals, and amazing coral and sea life. The dive boat will come to your boat, pick you up and return you back at the end of your dive. Some of the charter boats offer dive tanks,equipment and dive masters on the boat so you can sail on to your dive site. The BVI has many outstanding snorkel locations. Often you can just jump off your boat with your snorkel gear and join a school of blue damsels or swim with a hawk turtle. The water is warm and crystal clear so visibility is excellent.

9. What is the best time of the year to take a sailing charter in the islands?
That depends on you. The high time is December thru April. Christmas and Thanksgiving are very popular and New Year’s is amazing. The huge mega yachts from the Mediterranean come over to the British Virgin Islands and every marina and anchorage is a non-stop party. May and June things are slowing down, prices are dropping. July through October is the slowest time. This is hurricane season many of the charter boat captains as well as restaurants take time off. However, it is also a very quiet and peaceful time in the islands. Often you will be the only boat in an anchorage and of course the prices are very competitive.

10. How do I choose a charter boat broker?
A charter boat broker is crucial in making sure that your dream vacation is not going to be a vacation nightmare. Choose someone that you can talk with personally. Someone that will listen to your agenda and match the right captain and crew with you. Someone who has sailed the islands personally and is well acquainted with the boats, the crew members as well as the islands. A good charter boat broker will find you the best deal with your agenda and itinerary in mind.

Sailwithterry,LLC. Captain Terry has actively sailed the Virgin Islands and is well acquainted with the various boats and crew. Whether you are looking for a mega yacht with a complete crew or a captain only charter, Captain Terry can organize your dream vacation. Check out www.sailwithterry and note the testimonials from guest from all over the world.

Phone 941 266 0296   sailwithterry@gmail.com