NO NEW FEES!!!

Not long ago, we were met with the news that the government of the British Virgin Islands were about to impose some hefty fees for charter yachts entering their waters. For the average charter yacht these fees would have topped $250 just to visit and stay for a while. We are very happy to report that with great effort on the part of our collective charter yacht organizations and many other entities involved with marine-based tourism, those fees have been tabled, at least for now. So, the Virgin Islands is still one of the most affordable places to cruise. Read below and Come on Down! (Lovely table setting presented by Motor Yacht Starfire www.mystarfire.com available for charter in the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean locales)

"BREAKING NEWS: Cabinet indefinitely defers implementation of harbour fees

Government Information Service Cabinet has decided to indefinitely defer the implementations of harbour fees for vessels entering or remaining in Territorial waters or those using a BVI Ports Authority facility.In a statement today, Premier Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE revealed that the decision was taken at a specially convened sitting of the Cabinet on Monday. It was previously announced that the new fee structure would have taken effect on July 1st but was subsequently deferred until July 15th. However, the Premier explained that based on representations made to Government by local associations, maritime agents and others involved in the yachting industry both locally and abroad, the decision was taken to defer the introduction of fees in an attempt to protect the Territory's competitive edge as a yachting destination."After all the BVI has been known as the sailing capital of the Western Hemisphere, if not of the world, and therefore it was extremely important for Cabinet to consider the representations that were made, as the Cabinet will do for any representation that the people will make," the Premier stated. He added: "It must be remembered that the yachting industry contributes to the economy of the Territory and the yachtsmen enjoy our waters from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke." The Premier further explained that the yachting industry is a significant contributor to the local economy and as such the sector must be safe-guarded against adverse impacts. "Cabinet reviewed the new fee structure and also we considered the cost implications of the charges when compared to the rising cost of fuel," the Premier said. He added that "In addition, Cabinet determined that if the BVI were to implement this new fee structure, the Territory may have become the most expensive destination in the world for mariners and yachts." In addition to indefinitely deferring the introduction of harbour fees, the BVI Cabinet has agreed to establish a seven-member focus group to review the said fees.This group will be chaired by Mr. Peter Haycraft and will include local agent, Mrs. Francis David, Acting Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board, Mr. Terrance Ford; Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority, Mr. Vincent O'Neal; Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Wade Smith; Ms. Lorraine Stoutt of Caribbean Transport and a representative from the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association. The group is expected to submit its report to Cabinet by September, 2008.The Government is committed to ensuring maximum economic development for the Territory and providing the necessary protections for the sectors that propel this growth."

All-Inclusive Vacation with a Twist!

ALL-INCLUSIVE FUN VIRGIN ISLANDS STYLE!!

Photo Courtesy of SY Promenade....www.viewyacht.com/promenade/

Say, what's your idea of an all inclusive resort vacation? Many choose a destination with white sandy beaches, glorious vistas, supreme comfort and style with a touch of adventure. No surprises there.
The results of a survey published in Forbes Magazine, (http://www.forbes.com/2003/10/16/cx_cv_1016feat.html) indicates that people want all the toys, all the meals, all the beverages, and all the excursions inclusive. It's a combination of time and value..."Customers don't want to spend a lot of time figuring out how much a vacation is going to cost them," says Sain. "And for the most part, these packages are a great value..."
Well, imagine this! An all-inclusive yacht charter is just that...all-inclusive. And there is a big difference. All meals and beverages are provided to your preference...customized just for you in advance of the trip.
And what else makes it special? You take your bedroom, living room, play area and all the amenities like kayaks, windsurfers, wakeboards etc. with you to beach after beach, island after island and coral reef after coral reef.
Your scenery constantly changes around you....you, in essence, are in/on a floating villa with a knowledgeable crew who not only are your personal gourmet caterers but who will daily adjust the week's vacation to your special needs, wants and desires. No same ol', same ol' here...just an exciting evolution of fun and relaxation to suit the whole charter party. What could me more all-inclusive than that? There is something for everyone!
And to make this idea even sweeter, the whole vacation usually costs much less than the resort-style holiday...and you get to see it all. All-inclusive...You can get details here..Happy Chartering!

Chartering News: Summer/Fall 2008

Newsflash!
The US Virgin Islands has been honored with a commemorative quarter. Oh, yes! We indeed are a part of the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands.


(Some ask me: "What currency is spent here?"....US, all US, and in the British Virgin Islands too! Fast as you can peel it off!)








Pirate News!! AAARGGHH, MATEY!! (Many ask us about Pirate activities in these waters)









Behold, the infamous Black Flag!!! This flag was the last thing many seamen saw in the Glory Days of Pirates. The privateers would espy an approaching square rigger, heavily laden with goods for the New World...and they began salivating. In the nooks and cranny-like coves of the British Virgin Islands, flanking the famous Sir Francis Drake channel, they would patiently wait. When the prize came into view, they would use their fast pirate ships, pounce from behind a high hill, and raise the Red Flag. This flag was a warning: "Hove to, surrender your arms and give us all your booty". Well, if the mariners were a little bit show, UP WENT THE BLACK FLAG AND ALL WERE KILLED.
In modern times, there are still pirates, oh yes there are! But they're behind the jewelry counters!! LOL!
Make sure your crew takes you to Norman Island, the island thought to be the premise of Stevenson's "Treasure Island". Snorkel the caves and search for the booty still thought to be there.

Here is your porthole to the US and British Virgin Islands! Making memories to last a lifetime!

Specials for Summer and Fall....please inquire if these ideas below do not fit your dream, and we will be happy to offer many more for you to consider. Just send an email to info@yachtchartersusvi.com or call 866-297-0163, US Toll Free.

Catamaran Catalyst Now Available All SummerDue to popular demand, Captain Alan of Catalyst has decided to open his calender for September and October.Summer is a great time to see the Virgin Islands. No crowds, quiet anchorages and deserted beaches makes it the ideal time for relaxation and rejuvenation. There's no better way to enjoy the islands than aboard Catalyst. Allan is also looking to fit a 6 night charter in for Christmas. Visit Capt. Alan and his yacht at www.viewyacht.com/catalyst.

Honeymoon Special on Godiva - $500 off the regular price. What better way to spend your honeymoon than to lazily sail around St. Maartin and St. Barts on your private yacht. Discover that secret cove where you can swim or snorkel off the boat. Dine in casual elegance in the spacious cockpit while Captain Dave serenades on guitar. Snorkel off Rocher Creole and be part of nature's tropical aquarium. Lay on the trampoline and count the stars overhead. We've put a few more stars in the sky for your honeymoon! As our honeymoon guests you will have the port (left) side of Godiva to yourselves. That's two cabins and bath. Come experience the romantic Caribbean on Godiva and make memories that will last a lifetime! Visit www.viewyacht.com/godiva to meet your crew and take a tour of this wonderful yacht based in St. Maarten.

NSS Pattam, a wonderful yacht is offering a vast array of special pricing and charter options for up to 8 passengers. Everything from a sail around the harbor, to a full term charter with extraordinary service for you to see the entire archipeligo which is the famous Virgin Islands.
Visit Captains Mat and Pat Bockh at http://viewyacht.com/nsspattam/index.php/5.
This is one lovely yacht offering something for everyone!



Thanks for visiting....please leave your comments/suggestions and I will promptly respond.

You know, this lovely area of the world is so very special. In addition to reef keepers, turtle protectors and historic ruins restorers, there are some very dedicated souls involved with boating safety in this area. Slip Aweigh Charters, Inc. supports VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue). Please visit them at http://www.visar.org/ and explore their good works. They have been first responders to many incidents and accidents in this area. Though the area is uncommonly safe compared, you know....just sometimes.....
They are almost entirely supported by personal donations. Thanks for all you do.
Margo Rose, Slip Aweigh Charters, Inc.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

Another year is about to pass into History, and yacht chartering can hardly be better here in the Virgins! Two charteryacht shows in November highlighted many new yachts eager to sail you around this sunny destination in style. Choose from a little yacht, to a massive elegant motoryacht and everything in between.
It is Christmas Day, 2007....the sun has risen gloriously from the sea and is about to warm us to about 85 degrees. The winds are perfect for yachting, blowing from the East at about 15 kts. Just the ticket for a romp in the Sir Francis Drake channel. I have several charterers out there, and one of them is sending me texts about her fabulous vacation. I long to be out there, but, alas, busy in my office tending to more clients. The view from my deck is of 5 cruise ships, just arrived from Sea, with thousands of visitors to land. But out there in the water, it's just as tranquil as you might want it to be. 45 miles south, I can clearly see the large island of St. Croix.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND a HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR FILLED WITH DREAMS TO COME TRUE! Margo Rose, Slip Aweigh Charters, Inc. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Sailing for everyone in the Virgin Islands!

If you or a loved one has ever dreamed about sailing or yachting in the waters of such a special place, you can stop dreaming. Nothing is much easier than coming here from Stateside to the US (NO CUSTOMS CHECK IN) Virgin Islands! Off the plane, taxi to your yacht (carrying your duffel with a couple of t-shirts, shorts and bathing suit) and you are on your way to Paradise! Heard of St. John? This island, mostly national park, is the jewel in the Crown of US Destinations. You can hike for miles, rub noses with an octopus in the clearest water you've ever seen, tickle a lobster (no hunting, just make friends), swim with the turtles (guaranteed in 98 % of the coves) and all this in water warm as your bathtub. Return to your yacht, clean up (or not) and be served a silly tropical drink or two, or more! with a little umbrella while you watch the sun set from your deck hammock (lots of fabled Green Flashes here!). Your next mission, if you choose to accept it, is to gorge yourself on the finest cuisine prepared and customized to your preference. And how long have you been in Paradise with all these experiences under your belt?? (Ooops, no belts here...) About 5 hrs. And this is just night #one...One word of warning: You might stay forever, as I have.
British Virgin Islands: Now, if you can tear yourself away from the glory of St. John, it's time to experience the fabled and fascinating BVI. And nothing could be easier for you! Your captain takes your documents into Customs and Immigration for the simple checkin procedure. You don't have to do a thing. You lie in the hammock, swim over a colorful reef, read a book, sunworship, whatever you want to do during the brief time it takes for your skipper to check you and your yacht into the fabulous waters, beaches and bars of the BVI. No luggage lugging, no nothing...Off you go to Jost Van Dyke, Treasure Caves of Norman Island in the Bight, up to North Sound Virgin Gorda, after a stop to wander over the spectacular beauty of the famous Baths wherever...so many places, too many to mention.
How about a visit to the "Drowned Island", Anegada for the best snorkelling in the Caribbee!! The views of water and sky go on forever. The tallest point is 23 feet, a counterpoint to the other peaky islands, inhabitants: around 100 smiling people. The waters are chock full of succulent lobster...spot the flock of brilliant flamingos who I have seen take off to make a bright and brilliant pink circle! or sneak up on them in any one of many ponds. They have been sucessfully reintroduced to this island, once their natural home.
If any of this sounds like you you are not alone. I hope this little offering as helped you to realize that this is a destination unlike any other. You can write your own story after your first, of what will be many, visits to this magical place.