Sailing Vacations – Pirates, Pigs, Baths

May 20, 2011       Adams Family

Sailing Vacations – Pirates, Pigs, Baths

 

Great winds, full sails and the Adams Family is enjoying an awesome sailing adventure as we head for the “Fat Virgin”.

Virgin Gorda was dubbed the “Fat Virgin” by Christopher Columbus because of its resemblance to a woman lying on her back!  (Perhaps Chris had too many rum punches).  Virgin Gorda is the second largest island in the BVI chain. The main settlement is Spanish Town which was the capital of the BVI and populated largely by Spaniards who came to mine the copper ore.   Tourism is now the mainstay of Virgin Gorda.

Sarah, Emily and Melody dingy to shore to explore the shops and enjoy a massage at the local spa.  I am going to join John and snorkel along the shoreline in search of turtles and starfish.

Happy hour approaches and we have dressed for dinner.  A shower off the back of the boat, clean shorts and we ride over to meet the singing pirate, Michael Beans.  Tables are set on the beach and laughter and music greet our arrival.  Michael Beans lives on a pirate sail boat and has been singing his pirates songs for many years.  We all join in  singing “Yo Ho, Watch  Em Go To Sophers Hole”, learn the pirates alphabet and try our hand at the conch blowing contest.  John blows the longest and wins a case of beer for the boat.  Too bad that he is underage but  it gives him bragging rights to his friends for winning a case of beer at the age of 12.

Our mouths begin to water as we smell whiffs of barbeque.  A huge buffet is set up adjacent to the pool complete with a large roasted pig.  The food is abundant and varied and there are several trips back to the buffet line as we sample the succulent pork, jerk chicken, local fish, and of course the dessert bar.

The island music  is gearing up and the dance floor is filling.  This is a great outing for a everyone.  Children , parents, grandparents and couples.  Dancing

under the moonlight, palms trees swaying in the warm island breeze.   Anticipation travels through the crowd and we look up to see the first of the Mucko Jumbies enter the dance area.  Mucko Jumbies are local entertainers on huge stilts.  They are dressed in colorful costumes and  are renowned throughout the islands.  The tempo picks up and “Oh my, a Jumbi has just taken Emily by the hand is dancing with her!”.  Cameras lights pop as the audience joins the Congo line though the long legs of the Mucko Jumbies.  It is a festive time and everyone is joining in the dancing and celebration.  We all go pool side to watch the Jumbies finale, a jump into the pool.  You don’t see this kind of entertainment in Wisconsin!

The party winds down, we pile into the dingy and Captain Terry steers us to our floating hotel.  We are happy and tired and cannot wait to board Sea Breeze and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves.

As Sarah and I sit on the deck of the boat and reminisce about the day’s events. We smile at the way our family has come together.  No TV, no I pod and no computer.  Just having fun, enjoying the company of each other, working as a team!! We look up at the canopy of stars and mummer a silent “Thank You”.

Tomorrow we will explore the renowned Baths.  Another day in the islands, another adventure.

Visit www. sailwithterry .com and enjoy the extensive picture gallery of the beautiful islands.  Captain Terry can help  make your Caribbean Sailing Vacation a reality.  sailwithterry@gmail or 941 266 0296 for questions and reservations.

 

 


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Sailing Vacation – The Indians, Pirates and Sunsets

May 13, 2011

Start of our Sailing Vacation.

“We have set sail for our first nights anchorage, the Bight at Norman Island also known as Treasure Island.”…….Jim Adams

Brilliant blue skies, water crystal clear and steady warm breezes as we set sail for our first destination, Norman Island.   Captain Terry suggests that we make a stop at a renowned snorkel reef, the Indians .

We receive our first lesson grabbing a mooring ball, John and I were assigned this task and were greeted with applause as we succeeded to pull in the painter and tie down the line.

Quickly we choose our masks, snorkel and fins from Captain Terry’s supply and jump into the beautiful, warm Caribbean.  Captain Terry carefully guided us around the coral wall and we were awed and amazed  at the sights.  This is like swimming in an aquarium!  So many different tropical fish and beautiful coral.   “No Emily,  no sharks!”

Back to our floating hotel,  “Sea Breeze” and we were energized and excited as we check out the charts to identify the numerous fish that we saw.   Drop the mooring ball,   a short sail to Norman island and a picturesque anchorage surrounded by large green hills.  John and I once again aced the mooring and we were set for the night.

Located in the Bight of Norman Island is the William Thornton ( “Willie “T”), a floating restaurant which is a replica of a topsails lumber schooner and  offers  casual dining and wild late night parties.   We choose to take a short dingy ride to Pirates on Norman Island.  A beach bar with lounge chairs, volley ball net and hammocks tied to huge trees.  This is a perfect place to sample a pain killer and watch the sunset as the children decide to engage in a volley ball game. A first night’s dinner of local cuisine under a large canopy and meeting happy cruisers from all over the world.  Night falls, the stars come out and we are back on our boat.  Sarah, John and I lie on the deck and try to name the constellations while the girls decided to check out the party scene at “Willie T’s”.

I feel very content and happy with my family in these beautiful surroundings.  I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Day two:  dawn slowly creeps over the hills,   a cup of hot coffee on deck with Sarah, we are entertained by a large flock of brown pelicans diving for their morning breakfast.   Soon everyone will be up and after breakfast on deck, we will dingy back to the island.   Melody wants to shop at the boutique and lay in the hammock,   the rest of us have donned our walking shoes and are going to explore this island and John is determined to find the buried pirate treasure. A dirt trail  encircles the island and the views from the top of the hills are breathtaking.  Emily is giving her new camera a work out and at every turn someone is shouting “come here and see!  The boats in the anchorage look like toy boats rocking in the beautiful blue water and as we look out on the horizon we see our next anchorage.  Virgin Gorda. Dingy Back to Sea Breeze, batten down the hatches, release the mooring, raise the sails!   Melody and Emily released the mooing s as John and I learn to hoist the sails under the patient direction of Captain Terry.  Meanwhile Sarah has taken the helm and is guiding us out of the anchorage.

The winds are picking up as we go out to Drakes Channel on our way to the next destination, Virgin Gorda,   The second largest island in the British Virgin Islands.   It is Friday night and we are going to a pig roast and beach party complete with Mucko Jumbies dancing on stilts.

Next:   Pirates, pigs, and Baths

Check out www.sailwithterry for the photo gallery.  Contact Captain Terry to reserve your sailing vacation sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941-266-0296

 

 

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Caribbean Sailing Vacations – Agenda for Adventure

May11, 2011

Caribbean Sailing Vacations

“Last year our family took the most memorable vacation ever.  A week long sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.” -

Jim Adams

Our family consists of myself, my wife Sara, daughters Emily (21) and Melody (18) and son John (12.)  With different ages and interests it is sometimes hard to find the perfect vacation that will appeal to everyone.

Through a friend’s reference, we contacted Captain Terry, who is an experienced sailing captain with a very impressive resume.  Captain Terry listened to our requirements, made some suggestions and we reserved our week of family adventure. We agreed to charter a 44’ Catamaran that has 4 ample cabins each with a private bath, a large galley, and plenty of deck room for dining, sunning and lounging.

To involve everyone in the planning process we proceeded to compile our “to do” list and the excitement began to build.  Passports were checked to make sure they were current, a new camera for Emily’s birthday , shopping for bathing suits, new shorts,  colorful flip flops.  Our goal was that everyone would have one soft carry-on bag for mobility and easy storage on our sailing trip.  Lastly we began to compile our grocery list. We decided that breakfasts and lunch would be casual and we would have dinners on shore.  Groceries were selected on the internet from a local grocery store and then delivered to the boat prior to our arrival.

Finally after much anticipation, the day finally arrived for our departure.  We arrived in the British Virgin Islands at the Tortola airport and were immediacy amused by the goats grazing along the road side and chickens scurrying around.  Warm balmy breezes, blue skies, views of the turquoise Caribbean and the proverbial rum punch greeted our arrival. “Welcome to the Islands, Mon”.

A short cab ride to the Marina where Captain Terry greeted us with a big smile and welcomed us aboard for our Caribbean sailing adventure.  Everyone excitedly chose their cabin and returned on deck for an umbrella drink and a safety briefing prior to dropping the lines and departing for our first destination. As we pulled out of the Marina and hoisted the sails under the guidance of our Captain, there were nervous smiles on everyone ones face.   Yes, this was going to be a great sailing adventure.

More to Come –  Caribbean Sailing Vacations The Indians , Pirates and turtles.

Check out sailwithterry.com for our great picture gallery.  Contact Captain Terry  at sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941-266-0296

 

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Sailing Vacation – Questions, Concerns, Fears

May 5, 2011

How often have you thought of escaping your cluttered, chaotic life and setting off on a sail boat into the blue horizon?

Why not experience this adventure on a sail boat charter in the Virgin Islands?  The Virgin Islands are known as the sailing capital of the world. Sunny weather, warm trade winds, and a chain of islands ready for you to explore.

Frequently asked questions, concerns and fears:

Will we be sailing on open water?

No!   The Virgin Islands are comprised of a chain of over 60 islands and cays visible at any given time.

 

What happens if a storm comes up?

Tropical storms usually last for a short while, are mild with very little lightening.  Your experienced Captain will guide you to a protected anchorage.

 

Will I get seasick?

Captain Terry has sailed these waters for many years and no one has been seriously sick.  Precautions can be taken with bands and patches.  If someone feels nauseous, a short dingy ride to land or a swim usually solves any issues.

 

What about the pirates on the seas?

There are NO pirates in the Caribbean.  Well, maybe a few” wanna be’s” at the local bar.

 

What size boat should I charter?

When you hire Captain Terry he will advise you on the boat that fits your criteria.  Perhaps a monohull with each cabin having its private head or maybe a catamaran that is much roomier than a traditional sail boat.

 

What about food?  Drinking the water?

Most charterers enjoy preparing some of the meals on board and then going ashore for dinner on the various islands and trying out the local ambience and cuisine.   Groceries are ordered in advance via internet at the local grocery and delivered and stored prior to your arrival. Water is safe to drink

 

What islands will we visit?

Captain Terry will brief you on the different islands and safe anchorages according to your likes.  Is your goal to find a different party each night?  Are you looking for upscale dining or spas? Perhaps some hidden beaches and quiet anchorages where you can just jump from the boat and swim and snorkel.

 

What about the language?  Currency?

The language is English, currency American, and the locals are friendly and entertaining.

 

Will I be confined on a boat all the time?

No.  The snorkeling is world renown and there are numerous stops at great coral reefs with hundreds of colorful tropical fish.  You can rendezvous with a dive boat and explore a sunken ship wreck.  Perhaps you want to rent a paddle board or sail board and take a lesson for the day.  A day of hiking on Virgin Gorda will show you breath taking panoramic views of the islands and the turquoise Caribbean.  Or maybe a pamper day at one of the upscale European spas complete with a champagne lunch on the beach.

 

Ok. No more procrastinating time for a sailing vacation.   Check out Caribbean Sailing Vacation and see some of the many guests have enjoyed the Caribbean under the experienced guidance of Captain Terry.  Email him at sailwithterry@gmail.com or phone 941 266- 0296.  He can answer any questions , concerns  or fears.

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Caribbean Sailing Vacations – By Land – By Water

April 30, 2011

Enjoy an adventurous Sailing Vacation and then pamper yourself at an  Exclusive Resort

 

Chartering a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands is the ultimate reward for all of your hard work.  Escape to the islands, board your floating hotel for a week and you are off to a carefree, adventurous vacation.

When you charter a sailboat with Captain Terry you can decide what size boat you want to be on as well as if you prefer a monohull or  a roomy catamaran.

It is as simple as packing your bathing suit, shorts, and of course the sun glasses. Passports are required but the language is English as well as the currency.

On a sailboat you have the mobility to visit a different islands each day and then find a quiet anchorage and enjoy sunsets on your deck, el fresco dining under the stars and sleeping in your cabin below or on the deck.

You can participate in raising the sails and under the guidance of Captain Terry, take the helm and see if you can put the rail in the water.  Feel the adrenalin rush as you glide through the beautiful clear blue waters of the Caribbean.   If you want to spend time under the water, a dive boat will pick you up from your sail boat and take you to one of numerous famous dive sites.  Wrecks, caves, beautiful coral reefs await you.  The water is clear and warm.

Each day you can sail to a different island to explore, hike the hills, enjoy the local drink “painkiller” at one of the famous beach bars, have a cheeseburger in paradise, or sit on the beach and look out at the beautiful panoramic view of the blue sunny skies and endless azure Caribbean water. Of course you can always put on your snorkel and jump overboard and swim in natures’ aquarium.  Turtles, schools of angel fish, and millions of other brilliant fish inhabit the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean.

As your sailing vacation comes to an end and before you enter reality, why not spend a couple of days at one of the beautiful resorts in the Virgin Islands.  St. John, St. Thomas, and Virgin Gorda offer resorts that are world renown for their gourmet restaurants and European  spas.  Pamper yourself, enjoy an evening of fine dining and dancing under the stars.

A visit to downtown St. Thomas is a shoppers dream. Blocks of duty free shop offering excellent buys on jewelry and perfumes.   A little memento for the best sailing vacation ever.

Contact Captain Terry at sailwithwithterry@gamil.com or 941 376 1663.  He will answer your questions and help you plan your perfect sailing vacation.   www.sailwithterry.com

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Sailing Vacation | Perfect Family Vacation

April 22, 2011

End of school year, time to think of a special reward for all of the hard work and to spend some quality family time.

The last few weeks of school are running full speed.  So much to do; exams, papers due, sporting events, social times, planning for the next year of school or college.  During these stressful times families often become very disconnected with everyone going in a different direction.  Well the way to be connected is to disconnect from stressful schedules.

A sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands is the ideal get away for a family.  Imagine your own sailboat, sailing to a different island each day, snorkeling amazing reefs and seeing hundreds of beautiful tropical fish and exploring islands that were inhabited by pirates and Indians centuries ago.

Disconnect from the phones, computers, Ipads and listen to the sound of the waves as you glide through the crystal clear aqua water of the Caribbean.  Evenings are spent under a canopy of stars and consolations so close you feel as if you can reach up and grab that falling star.

Each morning you arise to the sound of pelicans diving bombing for their breakfast as you sit on the deck of the boat enjoying your breakfast and making plans for the day’s adventure.  Shall it be a rendezvous with a dive boat and dive the wreck of the Rhone?  Sail to the coral made island of Anegada for a grilled lobster dinner on the beach?  Anchor at Diamond Cay and take a hike to “Bubbly” and then enjoy a cookout on your floating hotel?

A sailing vacation is the ideal way to disconnect and reconnect with your family.  There is something for everyone to enjoy.   Sailing is a team effort and Captain Terry will guide you through the steps to sail the boat, learn proper anchoring, and to maneuver through tight channels.  You can go to the  deserted beaches for a picnic or rent a board and try your hand at the latest sport; board paddling or for an adrenalin rush; try your hand learning to “come about” on the sail boat and then enjoying excitement as the rail touches the water.

A sailing vacation on a charter boat in the Virgin Islands will not only reconnect your family, you will be creating life long memories.

 

Captain Terry has been sailing these waters for numerous years and will help you plan the best vacation ever.  Check out sailwithterry. Com, then email sailwithterry@gmail.com or phone 941 266 0296  to request a personalized sailing vacation.

 

 

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation

April 21, 2011

Share the Sail – Share the Fun

The  Virgin Islands are known as the “Sailing Capital of the World”.  Crystal clear turquoise water, brilliant blue skies, consistent warm trade winds, beautiful islands within  short sailing distance.

The Virgin Islands offer an array of sail boat trips and charters.  Big boats, small boats, power boats, sail boats and a huge inventory of the new kids on the block,  bigger and better catamarans.

You can charter a bareboat or have the guidance of an experienced captain on board.  A captain that knows the local waters can show you the secret snorkel spots, deserted beaches and of course the best anchorages, party spots and restaurants.

Captain Terry is an experienced captain and offers an opportunity for you to sail in the Caribbean and meet some new friends.  Share the Sail makes it possible to rent one or more cabins on a boat.  On your sailing vacation you will be sailing and visiting different islands with people that share your love for the water and adventure.  All of the occupants can participate in putting up sails, going to anchorages, preparing meals and all chores associated with a fun week of sailing under the guidance of a captain.

Share the Sail is the most affordable method for enjoying a Sailing Vacation on your own private boat.  No huge crowds,  no set times for meals or islands to visit.  You make your sailing agenda and you can change your sailing agenda.  Perhaps an extra day at White Bay where the beaches are snowy and the party is non stop at the Soggy Dollar bar, or maybe another night at a quiet anchorage, swimming under the canopy of the stars and enjoying a late night cocktail on the deck of your floating hotel.

Captain Terry has been sailing the Virgin Islands for a number of years.  He has had numerous “Share the Sail’ charters and each one has ended with new found friendships and memory’s.  Whether you want to bring along some of your own friends or make new acquaintances,  a Share the Sail sailing vacation is a great “hands on” Caribbean Vacation.  Check out sailwithterry.com and sign up for the next sailing charter.  Enjoy the underwater videos and guest pictures. Captain Terry can also be reached at sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941 266 0296

 

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Sailing Vacation – Spring Fling Sailing

March 22, 2011

Spring is ready to burst upon us. Sunshine, green grass, leaves budding out, and flowers popping up their heads. You can feel the excitement and energy. Its time to cast away the dreary winter blues. Celebrate with a spring Caribbean Sailing Vacation.

A sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands is the ultimate sailing experience. It is no wonder that the Virgin Islands are noted as the “Sailing Capital of the World”. Located in the northeast trade winds belt, the Islands are blessed with almost perfect, consistent weather year around. The Virgin Islands consists of about sixty islands and cays that form a chain and break the northern seas providing the seafarer with ideal sailing conditions.

This vacation destination is easily accessible by plane and ferry. The islanders are friendly, speak English, use American currency and crime is minimal. Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands is the most popular point of entry to begin your sailing adventure. When you charter your trip with sailwithterry you will board your sailing vessel around noon and by that evening you will be sitting on the deck with your special drink enjoying the sunset over the aqua blue Caribbean waters.

Each morning as the sails go up, a new exciting destination awaits your arrival. Will it be Norman island for an all-night party at Willy T’s, a pig roast on Virgin Gorda at Leverick Bay, a hike around Green Cay or perhaps a grilled lobster on the beach on Anegada?

Sailing in the islands with an experienced captain will give you the ability to enhance your sailing skills while you enjoy an adrenaline rush when the sails are up and the rail is in the water. A knowledgeable captain knows which anchorages are safest when northern swells come through as well as being able to thread the needle when entering a shallow channel.

Check out sailiwthterry.com. Choose the vessel of your choice, a sleek monohull or a luxury catamaran. Captain Terry is an experienced captain and will arrange your Spring Fling Sailing. Contact Captain Terry at sailwithterry@gmail.com

 

 

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation, No Gas Surcharge, Free Sunshine.

March 14, 2011

Charter a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands and enjoy the power of the wind in your sails.

Spring vacations, Spring breaks, Easter vacations, Family reunions, Anniversaries, Honeymoons .Any reason to fly away to the Caribbean, board a sailboat for the week, and each day will be an new adventure.

Imagine chartering your own sailboat, you are in charge of your destiny. Explore unique and secluded islands, try your hand at wind surfing, snorkel secret caves and coves.

Wake up in the morning to robin egg blue skies and sunshine, the sound of sea gulls diving for their breakfast as you savor that first cup of coffee sitting on the deck of the boat. You gaze out onto the horizon and in the distance see sail boats idly rocking on the clear turquoise water and islands waiting for you to explore.

A leisure breakfast and then batten down the boat. Hatches closed, dishes stored. We are sailing to Anegada for a lobster dinner.

The ginny and the main sails are up and it feels like we are flying to our destination. We are heeling over and the rail is almost in the water. Excitement and laugher, anticipation builds as we look to the horizon for Anegada.

Anegada is the only flat island in the BVI. It was formed from a coral reef. Access is tricky but the experienced Captain Terry threads the needle of the channel and finds the best anchorage.

We jump into the dingy and are ready for todays adventure. Lobster traps greet us at the dingy dock and several beach restaurants are ready to take our reservations for a later sunset dining. We then proceed to a friendly open taxi to view the small island, check out the local culture, see the salt ponds and perhaps get a glimpse of the flamingo population. The white beaches of Anegada are endless; the snorkeling along the coral reefs is amazing.

Time for dinner. The lobster is huge, the sunset is brilliant. Back to our floating hotel. Perhaps we should spend another day at this idyllic anchorage?

Get the picture? Check out sailwithterry.com and make this your dream Caribbean Sailing Vacation. sailwithterry@gmail.com or phone 888-679-7245

 

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Caribbean Sailing Vacations, Free Island Ride

March 13, 2011

This is the perfect time to book a Caribbean Sailing Vacations and Sailwithterry has a free ride for you!

Old man winter is walking out of the door, spring is popping up everywhere.   Now is the time to book a sailing charter and get a head start on a golden tan.  80 + degree weather, blue skies, warm balmy breezes and crystal clear turquoise water await you.   Snowy white beaches, lobsters feasts, parties until the sun comes up, quaint island restaurants and a sail boat that is your floating hotel.

When you think fun and sun, think sailboat chartering in the British Virgin Islands.  The islands consist of a chain of islands like a necklace each with its own special ambience.   When you charter a sailboat with Captain Terry at sailwithterry.com you will board your boat in Tortola, the largest of the islands in the BVI and also the home of the capital, Road Town.

The language spoken is English because these islands were a former British Colony but now are self-governing.  The currency is American dollars, the cars are driven on the left side of the road (British) but the steering wheel is on the right (American).  The population consists of a mixture of “belongers”,   and residents from neighboring islands and other countries that work mainly in finance or hospitality.

The British Virgin Islands are known as the “sailing capital of the world” and at any given time there are various languages and dialects floating around.  The culture is diversified and colorful.  Crime is not tolerated and the only pirates are in bars playing music.

The BVI is very easily accessible from the US mainland.  Fly into St. Thomas and board a fast ferry to Tortola or jump on a commuter plan in San Juan and fly into Beef Island on Tortola.  The airport in Tortola is small, customs are easy and  when you walk out the front door there is usually a group of friendly goats and chickens to welcome you to “the islands”  .  You can either hail a cab or for a fun experience, walk across the road to Trellis Bay and have your first island drink at the Loose Mongoose.

SailwithTerry is offering a special incentive to visit the BVI. When you book a charter with Sailithterry,  mention the name Mañana Maybe and you will receive a free one way coupon from San Juan ,Puerto Rico to Beef island Airport   or a one way ticket on a fast ferry from St. Thomas to Road Town on Tortola.   Visit Caribbean Sailing Vacations and check out the great pictures and snorkeling videos.  Email Captain Terry at sailwithterry@gamail.com or phone 888-679-7245 and get the full details for planning your Caribbean Sailing Vacation and getting a free island ride.

 

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