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.

Feb 7, 2012

Hugo continues to shower me with surprises and as my Fantasy Valentine Vacation continues in the Virgin Islands.

Fantasy Valentine Sailing Vacation

I awaken to the sun streaming into our room as there is knock on the door. Breakfast! The waiter sets the table on the balcony overlooking the huge Charlotte Amaile harbor. The turquoise water sparkles with diamonds in the bright sun and the skies are bright blue with not a cloud in sight. We are sitting on top of a mountain and literally have a birds eye view.

The leisurely breakfast consists of mimosas, buttery croissants and a delicious frittata, accommodated by fresh local fruit.

Soon we are on our way on our next destination. A short taxied ride down and around the mountain and we are at Red Hook for our ferry ride to Road Town Tortola. Speedy’s Ferry is huge and speedy and of course we sit upstairs where the wind is in our hair and we can absorb the rays. The views are spectacular, we pass St. John and the multiple islands of the British Virgins. The wind is consistent and sailboats are all around us going and coming to new adventures.

After a forty-five minute trip we arrive in Road Town and now Hugo has informed me that we will be chartering a catamaran to sail the British Virgin Islands. The marina is huge and there are literally hundreds of boats bobbing at the docks. Monohulls, catamarans, small and huge. What am I in for now?

A pretty young lady comes out and introduces herself,  Sarah works for the charter boat company will be showing us to our boat.Yes, she explains, Hugo has charted a crewed catamaran complete with gourmet chef. We approach a large beautiful boat and a smiling couple greet us. Heidi and Jeffery will be our crew and will be taking care of us for the next 7 days.

A quick tour of our floating hotel and I am in awe! The lower deck has a beautiful siting and lounging area, great for all of the el fresco meals. The galley and salon are most impressive. Beautiful wood, while leather cushions stainless steel appliance, flat screen TV and sound system. The living area is roomy and inviting. Next we enter our sleeping quarters. A queen size bed, large bath with a double shower. I had no idea that a boat could be so spacious, more like a luxury condo.

We quickly store our baggage and go back up to the deck where Heidi has prepared cool beverages for us and a light lunch. Jeffery explains that we will have a short briefing about boat safety and they we will discuss our agenda for the week. I am so excited, nervous and yes a little scared. After all I am a mountain girl and this is a new experience. A luxury boat with a friendly crew and Hugo by my side. Bring on the fantasy sailing vacation.

Planning the perfect sailboat charter vacation requires expertise and knowledge. Check out sailwithterry. Captain Terry has sailed these waters and knows the best boats, the best crew, to fit any budget. Booking activity is going strong, don’t hesitate, call 941-266-0296 or email sailwithterry@gmail.com. Today start planning you fantasy sailing vacation.

Jan 28, 2012

Fantasy Sailing Vacation

Valentines Day is a great time to be creative and create your fantasy sailing vacation get-a-way. “Last year my husband took the plunge and he totally surprised me with a sailing trip in the US Virgins Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

My husband Hugo has never failed to amaze me how he is able to pull off the perfect get away without me ever have a clue as to the destination. This time I was given a heads up that we would be  leaving on Feb. 12th for a weeksʼ vacation. Period!! Where are we going? What to pack? I was advised to just be ready to leave on Friday morning!!!! I had no idea it would be the best vacation of my life and I have had some great vacations.

Well, girls like to be prepared so a makeup bag was essential and a few pieces of lingerie went into a weekend bag. There were no hints or clues so I had to sit back and just wait for the surprise. The big day arrived and we departed for the airport. A Bloody Mary in the Crown Room relaxed my nervous excitement and I decided that Hugo could take over. Soon we proceeded to the gate where a flight was getting ready to depart for St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Oh no! No bathing suit, no shorts, I had on my wool slacks and a sweater. What to do? Well at least Hugo had my passport!

The flight to St. Thomas was easy and the champagne was delightful. Warm balmy weather, blues skies and soft breezes we walked down the stairs of the plane to the airport reception area where we were greeted by smiling locals offering rum punch samples. I was beginning to like this vacation.

A short taxi ride along the Harbor of Charlotte Amalie, we viewed several huge cruise ships at the dock and sea planes landing on the bay. Lots of activity and excitement. The cars drive on the  opposite side of the street and we are seeing rush hour traffic in the islands. Our driver, Vern, was born in Nevis, but came to St. Thomas for economic opportunities over twenty years ago. Vern had a perpetual smile and continued to give tips for noted restaurants in the area. Suddenly Vern turned left and my mouth flew open. A street with shops as far as the eye could see and beyond. Did I see Jewelry? Perfume? Designer bags? Was I dreaming? No, Hugo informed me that we would now go shopping for my fantasy vacation wardrobe. Oh my, this was a fantasy and I was ready to start some serious shopping. Since the shops are all contiguous, my biggest challenge was which side of the street did I want to start? This is truly an amazing experience. The streets are closed to auto traffic and the shops are all offering specials. There is no duty on alcohol, perfume, jewelry so it is truly a shoppers heaven. In addition to the shops on the main street, there are numerous little alleys that offer art galleries, boutiques and restaurants with outdoor seating. Just the right place to take a break, enjoy a cool beverage and watch the bustling activity in the area . Over 4,000 cruise ship guests are here so the air is festive.

Stay tuned for a exciting taxi ride, a sunset, happy hour, a fabulous gourmet dinner and a ferry boat ride to remember.”

Sailing vacations expert Captain Terry can help you design your fantasy Caribbean sailing vacation. Check out sailwithterry.com and then call 941 266 0296 or email sailwithterry@gamil.com , your budget, your itinerary. Make your reservations for a fantasy valentine sailing vacation.