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.

March 12, 2012

Seal Dog, Mosquito Island, Neckar Island, Prickly Pear, the Dogs, Cock Roach Island in the British Virgin Islands? What is this all about? Fantasy Sailing Vacation.

Caribbean Sailing Vacation

Morning approaches and Captain Jeffery and his first mate, Heidi, are preparing our exit from North Sound. Lines released, engines started and we glide out of the mooring field before the world wakes up. Hugo and I are enjoying a leisure morning with breakfast in bed. It is our last day and our last night and we are sad to be leaving this Caribbean paradise. Every day blue skies, sun shine, crystal clear warm water and a new adventure around every corner. A gentle breeze and the sails are hoisted. We finally surface from our deluxe cabin and are briefed on the next destination. Green Cay: a small 14 acre uninhabited island covered with native flora and a beautiful white sandy beach.

Our 44’ catamaran, “Mardi Gras” is cutting through the waves as we see numerous islands dotting the turquoise ocean. Jeffery points out an out cropping of rocks, known as the Dogs. A short stop, we grab our snorkel gear and set out to see some of the most amazing coral and sea life in the ocean. There is so much to see and each snorkel site offers a different view. So many tropical fish varieties we can’t wait to get back on the boat to look at our chart and identify the species.

Soon we our under sail again and Jeffery points out the different islands; Neckar Island is privately owned by the famous creator of Virgin Air,…Richard Branson, then comes Prickly Pear, Mosquito , Cockroach island and finally we see Green Cay. A short snorkel to the sandy beach and then we venture on a hike around the island. The local vegetation is interesting and different from anything we have ever seen. Upon our return Jeffery and Heidi have set up a picnic lunch on the beach and we enjoy a leisure rest.

Resting was good, our next destination is Jost Van Dyke, a small island of about 225 inhabitants and it appears that time has stood still. Jeffery threads the needle as we come in to the narrow channel at White Bay. This is home to the famous Soggy Dollar bar and we know where the name came from. There are no dinghy docks so we jump over and swim to the bar and are greeted by large group of cruisers from Spain. The BVI is a favorite vacation destination for the international set and of course the common language is English and everyone understands the meaning of fun. White Bay has a beautiful white sandy beach and is dotted with numerous quaint beach bars, each have a differing ambiance and bringing a new meaning to the words “pub crawl”. Great hamburgers, pain killers, tequila shooters, rum runners. There is music and dancing and as the sun is setting the tempo increases. More boats are coming in and the party is jumping. A fitting last night of my fantasy vacation.

It is hard to believe that just over seven days ago we were freezing in sleet and dreary,  overcast weather. This has truly been the best vacation ever. No crowds, no agenda, beautiful weather, great crew, quiet times, party time, gourmet meals in a spectacular setting. The natives are friendly and speak English.

Hugo and I have decided that we will make this an annual event. Hugo made one call to Sail With Terry LTD and the trip was arranged. Captain Terry was able to find us the perfect boat and crew for our romantic fantasy vacation. Next year will ask Captain Terry to plan an adventure sailing charter so that we can sail, dive, paddle board and kite sail. Perhaps we will invite some friends and charter a huge boat.

Love, from the islands

Feb 17, 2012

My Fantasy Sailing Vacation continues in the warm, sunny Caribbean. We have our own floating hotel, a 44’ luxury catamaran, named “Mardi Gras”, as we explore the islands of the British Virgin Islands.

Fantasy Sailing Vacations

Morning arrives at Norman Island. Soft lapping of waves on the boat, gently rocking as others cruiser prepare to cast off. Sea gulls diving for their sushi breakfast. I follow the aroma of coffee and there on the deck the table is set with flowers, fresh fruit, croissant’s, a beautiful vegetable frittata and of course mimosas. Hugo is discussing the next destination with Jeffery as Heidi serves our delicious breakfast.

Todays final sailing destination is Scrub Island. First we dinghy over to the Indians, a renowned snorkeling location. The Indians consist of a large rock formation and as we swim around and through the tunnels we are amazed at the beauty of the coral and the hundreds of colorful tropical fish. Jeffery has accompanied us and is causing a feeding frenzy with his bread crumbs. Blue Tangs, Queen Angels, Parrot Fish, Trigger fish, Sargent Majors, Blue Damsels, Butterfly fish……. I feel like we are in the Georgia Aquarium

Returning to “Mardi Gras” we prepare to set sail with Hugo assisting and working on his sailing skills. I decide to find a chaise lounge on the sun deck to work on my tan and read my favorite novel. Sailing is so peaceful, no sound or smell of engines just wind in the sails and the sound of Adele singing through the sound system.

I awaken to the sound of voices as we are entering the harbor. Looking up at a mountain top I see the beautiful resort of Scrub Island. This is the first new resort built in over 30 years in the BVI and expense has not been spared. Heidi has already made an appointment for Hugo and I to be pampered and have a couples spa treatment.

The beautifully appointed spa is open air and we are surrounded by views of the sparking Caribbean. Two trained therapist apply a soothing hot stone treatment and a Chocolate facial. Birds chirp in the beautiful floral trees, blue skies and the temperature is 84 degrees. A champagne lunch is served on the terrace where we can see for miles and miles.

A return to our yacht and Jeffery tosses our rafts into the water for an afternoon of total relaxation. Hey, is that a turtle that just swam by to say hello?

Tonight we will dine at the resort at the renowned Caravela Restaurant. My shopping in St. Thomas comes in handy as I wear my new sun dress to compliment my golden tan. Cocktails in the lively bar and then a romantic dinner of lobster bisque, chateaubriand and chocolate shuffle complete with wine parings from the extensive international wine selection.

Caribbean Sailing charters offer the best of all worlds. Fine dining, beach bar hoping, diving, snorkeling, exploring and hiking all at your convince.

Let the friendly, experienced team at SailwithTerry Charters plan your custom Fantasy Caribbean Sailing Vacations. One call and we will fill your dreams and fit your budget.

Jan 28, 2012

“My Fantasy Valentine Vacation continues. We have arrived in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and since this is truly a surprise getaway, I had to do some serious shopping . Leaving Atlanta at 32 degrees and arriving in paradise at 82 degrees requires some major wardrobe adjustments.

Fantasy Sailing Vacations

Well now I know what it feels like to “shop till you drop”. Laden with numerous bags, Hugo summoned a taxi for our ride to my next surprise. Walter was our driver and boy was he entertaining. When he found out this was a surprise fantasy vacation he stepped into high gear. The roads in St. Thomas are narrow, designed for one vehicle but that does not stop anyone from speeding. Besides being narrow, the roads go straight up the mountainside with a minimum of switch backs and the only thing that you see is a steep drop off and miles and miles of beautiful aqua Caribbean Ocean dotted with hundreds of miniature sailboats. Of course Walter was as cool as could be and did not see me duck on the floor board as a truck approached our path, I forgot that the cars drive on the opposite side of the road as we do in the US. (British influence)

We passed colorful houses clinging to the hillsides, tropical flowers everywhere and lush green mountainsides. Finally we pulled over in front of a small boutique hotel, The Mafolie. The proprietor, Bob, came out to greet us and escorted us to the most charming room that I have ever seen. King size bed, large paddle fan, and the view was just breathtaking. Being on top of the mountains we were able to see several of the other islands and the activity on the harbor with huge cruise ships coming and leaving.

A quick change of clothes and Hugo and I decided to go for a swim. A cool cocktail from the Tiki bar, a comfortable lounge chair, and we soon dozed off while soaking up some warm sunshine. It is hard to believe that this morning we were braving cold wind and icy rain as we drove to the airport in Atlanta.

Evening was approaching so Hugo informed me to dress for dinner. The Mafolie Hotel is well known for its ambience and excellent cuisine. A martini at the bar where we met several visitors from Canada. The sunset was extraordinary and toasts were exchanged. Soon we were guided to our table. A million lights below from Charlotte Amalie and a million lights from heaven above. Our entrees were excellent and the wine was wonderful. Hugo had certainly planned the perfect fantasy vacation.

I sleepily asked Hugo if he had any special plans for tomorrow. Oh, yes! the vacation is just starting. Tomorrow we will board a large ferry boat and make our way to Tortola. I am too tired to ask what is a Tortola. Stay tuned as my fantasy Valentine vacation unfolds.”

Caribbean charter vacations come in all sizes, types and prices. Check out the photo gallery at sail with Terry.com. Captain Terry has been making dream vacations come true. He knows the islands and will assist you in planning your fantasy sailing vacations.