Promenade crew - Rich and Lisa

Kerry from the BVI charter dive / sail trimaran PROMENADE received these photos the other day of their crew Rich & Lisa on their vacation. She says they are in a little camper van eating and drinking their way through New Zealand for 5 weeks!

We thought that our former (and future!) charterers of PROMENADE might enjoy seeing these...







Rich & Lisa will be taking over the running of Promenade from Kerry and Baz in July through the end of November 2009.

Read more HERE about charters aboard Promenade & their new schedule.

Promenade accommodates up to 10 (perhaps 12... ask) in 5 cabins. Promenade is a fun boat and offers diving. A great choice for families and groups. Plenty of room around the cockpit tables... see photo ==>

Currently available for both Christmas AND New Years. Hurry, because the large boats book up VERY quickly for the holidays. We're surprised they're still open.

• Contact Paradise Connections to book your Promenade charter
• View Promenade's online brochure
• Visit our website: www.paradiseconnections.com

Don't you deserve a bit of fun and relaxation?

Charter Yacht Contessa discounts April-June 2009

Contessa is offering a 5% discount for new charter bookings taking place in April, May or June 2009.

Contessa is a 56-foot Nautical ketch with a crew of two. Contessa accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins. Great for a couple or family charters.

See comments from a charter we had aboard Contessa for this past New Years: CLICK HERE

• Contact Paradise Connections for more information
• View Contessa's online brochure
• Visit our website: www.paradiseconnections.com

All the best!

Reminder of special offers

NOT AN APRIL FOOLS !!!

(Photo courtesy of Kerry from trimaran Promenade)

Here are some of the special offers / discounts currently in effect, that we thought we should remind you about... (Caribbean charters unless otherwise specified)

CLICK on the yacht's name to view their online brochure...

ASHLANA
For any charters confirmed and taking place between now and April 15, 2009 in the Virgin Islands, you will receive a super discount rate:
$7,000/wk for 2 guests and $8,200/wk for 4 guests, all inclusive except bar/beverages, dockage, communications & taxes, in the Virgin Islands
Offer expires April 15, 2009

MATELOT
has reduced her summer 2009 rates by € 2,000 per week
€ 20,000 per week for up to 6 guests, plus all expenses -- June & September in Croatia
€ 22,000 per week for up to 6 guests, plus all expenses -- July & August in Croatia
Offer expires: 1st November 2009

FEARLESS
Winter special of 9 days for the price of 7... $21,500 plus all expenses for up to 6 guests
Offer expires: 1st May 2009

CALLIOPE OF ARNE
Special offer of 7 days for the price of 6, or 8 days for the price of 7, for the remainder of this winter season
Offer expires: 1st May 2009

THE DOVE
Offering a special of 9 days for the price of 7
Offer expires: 1st May 2009

MAGPIE II
MAGPIE is offering a special for new charters booked and taking place during the remainder of the winter season (through April 30, 2009): 8 days for the price of 7 or if clients can only take a week a 10% discount off the charter price (one week minimum).
Offer expires: 30th April 2009

SAYANG
Special discount of 10% off standard rates, and one child aged 6-years old or younger sails FREE on charters taking place before July 31, 2009.
Offer expires: 31st July 2009

DISCO INFERNO
Special discount of 10% off standard rates for Summer 2009 charters in the Eastern Mediterranean (based in Croatia)
Offer expires: 1st May 2009

CRYSTAL CLEAR
For any charter booking confirmed between now and May 31, 2009 to take place at any time INCLUDING Christmas and/or New Years, Crystal Clear:
- Waives the 10% industry-standard "short charter" surcharge... Even for overnight charters!
- Offers a 10% discount on charters of 4 nights or more
Offer expires: 31st May 2009

CONTESSA
is offering a 5% discount for new bookings that take place in April, May or June 2009.
Offer expires 30th June 2009

Catamaran TRUE NORTH:
Winter special: 8 or 9 days for the price of 7 for available winter charters.
$29,500 for 6 guests & $31,500 for 8 guests Caribbean Terms.
Offer expires: 1st May 2009

Catamaran MATAU
is offering a Winter 2009 Special of $5,000 off the weekly charter price, anywhere in the Caribbean for the remainder of this winter season, PLUS a bonus of an 8th day FREE!
Offer expires: 1st May 2009

Catamaran ALDEBARAN
For all charters that take place before July 15th the following special will apply:
$1000 discount off standard rate, plus take an additional $300 off if it is a non-dive charter. Also includes one free transfer to meet the boat at port of embarkation and one dive/day for certified divers... gear too!

Catamaran CATALYST
Catalyst is offering an ECONOMIC BAILOUT option for 2-person charters! Save $500. The only difference is that you will have a crew of one. Along with being Captain and Dive Instructor, Alan will also take on the role of Chef. This season & next season, too!

• Contact Paradise Connections to start planning your sailing vacation
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

We look forward to assisting you!

New flights to Martinique from San Juan - American Airlines

New daily flights between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fort-de-France, Martinique

Martinique has become more accessible to US travelers thanks to newly-expanded service from American Eagle Airlines. Beginning May 1, 2009, American Eagle will offer daily service between its hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique.



The new American Eagle service to Martinique will operate daily as follows:

• From San Juan (SJU) to Fort-de-France (FDF):

Flight # 5020

• SJU: Departure 7:15 pm
• FDF: Arrival 9:06 pm


• From Fort-de-France (FDF) to San Juan
 (SJU):

Flight # 5021

• FDF: Departure 7:24 am
• SJU: Arrival 9:25 am

So, if you've been thinking about chartering out of Martinique, this new schedule should really help out!

Crystal Clear - Special time-sensitive offers

Charly, owner-operator of the 54-foot CT ketch, has a couple of special offers to help you realize your dream sailing vacation...

Don't miss these two, time-sensitive specials:

• For any charter booking confirmed between now and May 31, 2009 to take place at any time INCLUDING Christmas and/or New Years, Crystal Clear will offer:
  

• NO 10% "short charter" industry-standard surcharge... Even for overnight charters!
• 10% discount off normal rates for charters of 4 or more nights

• For ALL BOOKINGS of charters for the 2010 season made before July 31, 2009 will book at 2009 rates.

Crystal Clear is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 4 guests in 2 cabins. It is a great boat for a couple or a family of four.

• Contact Paradise Connections for more information
• View Crystal Clear's online brochure
• Visit our website: www.paradiseconnections.com

Come on down and enjoy yourselves!

Charter Yacht SAYANG - Special offer thru July 2009

Paul and Ratna of the charter yacht Sayang (54-foot Jeanneau sloop), would like to announce two special offers for charters taking place now through July 2009.

• 5% discount off their standard charter rate
• One child aged 6-years old or younger, sails FREE

• Contact Paradise Connections to book SAYANG!
• View Sayang's online brochure
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Sailing makes for a great, family vacation!

Charter MAKAYABELLA in the Grenadines - News

We have received this bit of news from the charter yacht MAKAYABELLA, a 65-foot sloop based in the Grenadines, owned and operated by John & Susan.

We are thankful to be having a good charter season, due to so many repeat charter guests. We understand that business is off due to the global economy but we wanted to share with you some uplifting news from the Grenadines!

GRENADINE GREEN TURTLES

Besides the totally breathtaking beauty of the Tobago Cays here in the gorgeous Grenadines, we have a unique and touching experience that we always share with our charter guests.

Over the past few years, the once scarce Green Turtles are now to be found in increasing numbers grazing on turtle grass in the shallow crystal clear water off Baradel Island in the Cays. In many cases the turtles have become trusting enough to be approached gingerly by snorkelers allowing, an incredibly close encounter with these graceful wild creatures.

One of us will always accompany our guests on an encounter with the Green Turtles and we offer them the use of our underwater digital camera for a great photographic memento of the turtles, and their holiday on MAKAYABELLA. It is such an uplifting and moving experience which we never tire of sharing.

Back on board MAKAYABELLA we so enjoy watching the pleasure that our guests receive from viewing their photographs, and then their delight upon receiving a CD with copies of the photos to take home and share with family and friends. It is truly rewarding for us and our guests to share this unique and memorable experience. The two photos above were taken by recent charter guests.

We look forward to continuing to offer charter guests on board MAKAYABELLA a wonderful and truly memorable sailing holiday.

Sincerely, John Nicholson & Susan Bruce, s/y MAKAYABELLA

• Contact Paradise Connections to begin planning your sailing vacation
• View Makayabella's online brochure
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Try out the Grenadines next time!

Motor Yacht Charter NOVA SCOTIA

DESTINATION FOX HARB’R TOO (FHToo) offers special privileges to charter guests for the Fox Harb'r Resort in Nova Scotia!

FHToo is a 161-foot Trinity motoryacht, and accommodates up to 11 guests in 5 cabins.

FHToo will be available this summer in Nova Scotia! Take advantage of this unique charter destination onboard DFHToo, as charterers are provided with a voucher package for the exceptional, 5-star Fox Harb’r Resort (valid for 7-night minimum charters). Vouchers include a round of golf at this top-ranking, picturesque course, as well as a trip to the serene spa, and the opportunity to test your aim in skeet or trap shooting.

Halifax International Airport (YHZ) is easily accessible with many airlines offering direct flights, and is a mere 80-minute drive from the resort. If that’s not close enough, Fox Harb'r has an almost 5000' runway, and with a Canpass or Nexus card one can fly in from the States without having to worry about customs.

DFHToo is available from $230,000 per week, plus expenses.

• Contact Paradise Connections for more information
• View DFHToo's online brochure
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Looking forward to your inquiries!

Exploring Southeastern Anatolia ... Mar 2009

03 - 24 March 2009

Part One: SE Anatolia 03-09 March 2009

***On the City Walls at Diyarbakir overlooking the Tigris River and the Mesopotamia plains where Marks Grandfather fought in WW1*** ***Urfas Mosque and Citadel by night*** ***Beehive Mudhouses at Harran on the Syrian/Turkish boarder***What do Turkish men do all day???? - they gather around, drink tea and play backgammon or cards, here they are in the ancient setting of a caravanserai in Urfa ***

The time had come to go and explore some lesser travelled parts of Turkey so we decided to combine this with our 3 monthly "visa run", and then end up in Cappadocia and rendezvous with our New Zealand friends John and Kathryn who were combining a couple of weeks in Turkey with a visit to friends and family in the United Arab Emirates.

We prebooked our flights from Izmir, 4 hours by bus north of Marmaris to Diyarbakir in Eastern Turkey, infamous as the base for the Kurdish Resistance Movement. The buses to Izmir are regular and all went well. As with many Turkish towns the otogars (bus stations) have been relocated to the outskirts of town to keep the many buses out of the centres. Some of the bus companies offer free connecting servicios (minibuses) into the town centre and we took one into Izmir. Its a city of a couple of million, relatively new and not of much interest so we just stayed the one night in a very marginal, overpriced hotel that appeared after dark to be in the soup kitchen neighbourhood with all the homeless queueing for their dinner. We did venture out down to the waterfront for a look around, drink and dinner and the waterfront area looked quite nice. Next morning we were keen to leave and headed to the airport via bus and train for our flight out east.

We arrived in Diyarbakir in pouring rain, freezing cold, had a taxi driver from the airport to our hotel who seemed to be practising for this years Grand Prix circuit. Deciding to move slightly more upmarket in our choice of hotels were disappointed to discover that the accomodation for our trip just might cost more than we were budgeting on with it still not being of a great standard. Still, our priorities were clean, with bathroom and definately heating. Diyarbakir, first settled around 1500BC, has one of the longest existing city walls in Europe at 6kms dating from Roman and Byzantine times and some interesting buildings built with alternative black and white stones. The following morning the sun was shining so we rugged up and walked around some of the small alleyways, admiring the architecture then explored the city walls both from the bottom and then climbed to the top for great views out across the Tigris river and the plains of Mesopotamia - the fertile lands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. We enjoyed excellent Kurdish food and Kurdish not Turkish coffee. Everyone we met was proud to tell us they were Kurdish not Turkish and they were all very friendly and helpful.
More to come soon ..................

New articles from Affairaction

A couple of new articles from Patrick Estebbe, and Affairaction, in Ft. Lauderdale.

http://www.affairaction.com/CrewReport_Article_March09_InconvenientTruth.pdf

http://www.affairaction.com/Soundings_Advice%20for%20cruising%20Somali%20waters.pdf

Numerous links

Sorry about the lag in posting. I have been away, but not totally out of the network.

Here are some links, unfortunately, most are not good news.

Some tips for keeping safe while cruising - http://www.boatus.com/cruising/TomNeale/tip_66.asp

Sailor Slain in Thailand - multiple links. http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=23738; http://www.noonsite.com/Members/val/R2009-03-25-1/view; http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090225150106ibinews.html; http://www.noonsite.com/Members/val/R2009-03-26-1/view

Pirates Attack Yacht near the Seychelles - http://www.yachtpals.com/piracy-seychelles-4120

If any readers wish to learn more of how to protect yourselves and your vessel, drop me a line. Or if you have information you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you.

Don

Charter SECRET LIFE for 2009 Cannes Film Festival

The 147-foot (45m) motor yacht, SECRET LIFE, is available for the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

Charter rate:

• 95,000 euros/week, plus all expenses
• 10,000 euro security deposit

Secret Life accommodates 10-12 guests in 5 cabins (2 doubles, 3 twins, plus 2 convertible settees in the master cabin). Secret Life has a crew of 10.

Secret Life has been described as being a classic, refined and elegant yacht. She is the ideal yacht to host receptions, VIP clients and has ample entertainment areas such as the aft deck for al fresco dining, 2 interior saloons and a superb sundeck!

• Contact Paradise Connections for your yacht at Cannes. Click here
• View Secret Life's online brochure
• Visit our web site http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Don't wait too long! Deadline for the berth application is soon.

Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS - Jimmy Buffett sighting

We just received an email from the charter catamaran AMARYLLIS. We recently had a very happy charter aboard Amaryllis and we'll be posting their comments soon, but in the meantime, here's some news from this excellent charter yacht:

JIMMY BUFFETT SIGHTING AT WHITE BAY!

March came in like a lion and went out with a blast! St. Paddies at 'Sir' Foxy's, Jimmy Buffett at White Bay, St. John Blues Festival in Coral Bay, and the usual great sailing, hikes, beach bars, etc. We had two 'parrotheads' on charter who were down here for a Margaritaville experience. They were sitting in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay and saw Jimmy Buffett standing about 25 feet from them, blending in with the beach crowd. He obliged them with a picture, at which point the buzz went down the beach, "That's Jimmy Buffett!' and he made a speedy getaway. We joked that we had to pull some strings to make their vacation really special! But the bottom line is, you can't beat a Virgin Islands charter for a great vacation.

FAMILY DISCOUNT

We are offering 'one child free' so a family of four can charter AMARYLLIS for a week for $9,000, all-inclusive. This is a very competitive price and a good value for Mom and Dad. We've had a great season so far with families, couples, and singles. We will be available for charter through August 15th and will be back.

Amaryllis is a 45-foot Privilege catamaran, owned and operated by Bruce & Laura Masterson, and accommodates up to 6 guests. Please note that Amaryllis is a non-smoking yacht. We spent quite a bit of time aboard Amaryllis with Bruce & Laura last November when we were in St. Thomas and we hope to see them again when we pass through next month. Bruce is a sailing instructor and offers informal training, plus he also teaches windsurfing.

Amaryllis will be available for charter through mid-August in USVI, BVI, St. Maarten or Antigua.

• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your yacht charter. Click here.
• View AMARYLLIS's online brochure
• Visit our website: Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

Parrotheads welcome :)

ASHLANA, End of Season Special Discount Offer

ASHLANA is offering an end of the winter season special before heading North for the summer to New England by way of the Bahamas.

(Photo © Paradise Connections)

Any charters confirmed and taking place between now and April 15, 2009 in the Virgin Islands, will receive this super discount rate:

• $7,000/wk for 2 guests and $8,200/wk for 4 guests, all inclusive except bar, dockage, communications & cruising taxes (Virgin Islands)

ASHLANA is a beautiful, 53-foot Little Harbor sloop (previously owned by Ted Hood). Ashlana accommodates up to 4 guests. The master cabin aft has two double berths with ensuite head/shower. The forward guest cabin has 2 lower single berths & filler to make a double, if necessary. Forward head is shared with crew. Or, if you prefer, you may use the crew cabin (port forward cabin) with upper/lower single bunks.

• Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to begin planning your sailing vacation. Click here.
• View Ashlana's online brochure
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Ask about late Spring charters in the Bahamas!

Recent Charter Comments - Kids loved charter

Here's are comments left by one of our clients on a recent charter...



Jack is 8 years old.

• Contact Paradise Connections to start planning your sailing vacation. CLICK HERE!
• Visit our website: Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

"... Sail boats are better than cruise ships". Smart kid :)

New England Catamaran Charter, Summer 2009

Entrepreneurship (or E-Ship), presently in the Virgin Islands will be available this summer in New England. Based in the Newport Area, she will consider charters along the New England coast.



Whether you are looking for a weekend itinerary or longer, Entrepreneurship can provide a relaxing, yet fun filled holiday.

RATES: Summer 2009, New England, plus all expenses

• $8,500/wk for up to 4 guests, Captain Only, plus all expenses

E-ship is fully air conditioned, 50-foot Catana catamaran, and accommodates up to 4 guests in your choice of cabins. The starboard hull is the master cabin. It has a king-size berth, with ensuite head plus separate shower stall. For the other guest cabin, you can choose which port-side cabin is best suited for your party. The forward cabin has a double, while the aft cabin has twin berths. All cabins have ensuite head/shower.

E-Ship is available for weekends and day sails out of Newport. Inquire!

Remember that Entrepreneurship is still available in the Virgin Islands before she makes her journey up north!

• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your sailing vacation
• View Entrepreneurship's online brochure
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Hope to see you sailing!

Spring is Here!

Perseus - St. Maarten Bridge - Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

Continuing our ongoing quest for the elusive kitty litter, we had to pass through the St. Maarten bridge this morning...

(Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
No, this isn't our boat... This is the 163-foot charter yacht, Perseus...


(Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
Does anyone know what flag that is? I do, but it's not a very common sight around these parts.


(Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
With a beam of almost 34 feet (the length of OUR sailboat!) they had plenty of room to get through the bridge. Hey, that means we can go through sideways, if need be :)

Anyway, the purpose of this post is to show that we, Sheila & Bob of Paradise Connections Yacht Charters, live aboard our boat and we live among the charter yachts and see them on a daily basis... not just at a charter yacht show once or twice a year when the boats are all prettied up for showing off to the brokers. We're in touch with the coconut telegraph. We pass by the boats when we dinghy through the harbors, see crew shopping, in restaurants, and just around town...

A few weeks ago, Pacific Wave made a special trip to St. Maarten just to meet us and have us aboard for a visit. Tomorrow, we are going to visit a yacht that wants to enter the charter fleet and would like our advice. Next week, the catamaran Alidade is going to stop by St. Martin for a special visit to see us as we have not met the new crew. How cool is that?

Here are examples of a few of the charter yachts that have been around us recently in St. Martin / St. Maarten... Click on photo to enlarge image and click on yacht's name for online brochure.

SAFARI (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)	CALIOPE OF ARNE (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
COCONUT (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)	FEARLESS (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
Our cat,WILLOW, looking at their cat, WONDERFUL (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)	WONDERFUL (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
STAD AMSTERDAM (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)	MATAU (Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections) Just took this fuzzy photo. Sorry, but some jetskis just went by and rocked our boat :)

DAVE & MARCI of GODIVA
(Photo ©2009 - Paradise Connections)
Pirate Party in St. Thomas, USVI

We were sad when we heard Godiva announce on the St. Maarten's Morning VHF Cruisers' Net that they were leaving on the afternoon's bridge opening. Godiva has left the charter fleet and is now sailing back towards Florida. We'll miss them, as we had three charters with Dave & Marci during their short winter season.

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS to plan your sailing vacation... CLICK for our contact info

Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

See you around!

Charter yacht MATELOT in the Eastern Med this summer... Lower rates

The sailing yacht MATELOT is available for Summer 2009 charters in Croatia / East Mediterranean at less than their Summer 2008 rates!

Matelot has had a busy Caribbean season with SIX weeks of REPEAT charters so far this winter. Captain Angus Fuller would like to remind you that Matelot still has an opening for the last two weeks in April at the reduced winter Caribbean price of $25,000/wk for up to 6 guests, Caribbean Terms (all inclusive, except bar/beverages, cruising fees...).

Between charters, Angus has had the decks freshly sanded and they are looking like new, plus the main generator just received a complete overhaul earlier this month.

Launched in 2005, Matelot is hull #2 of the Southern Wind Shipyard Farr 80’ Nauta deck saloon sloop.

Matelot is an 80-foot, Farr-designed sloop which accommodates up to six guests in three cabins. The full-width, master cabin forward has a walk-around King bed, settee, vanity/desk, plus ensuite head with a separate shower stall. The other two guest cabins are identical to each other with twin lower berths (not bunks), and both cabins have ensuite heads with separate showers. The crew quarters are aft of the galley and have their own, separate entry.

Matelot has separate guest and sailing cockpits. This offers guests who wish to be away from the sailing action, a spacious and comfortable area to relax.

Matelot is UK flagged, maintained to MCA category 2, and is consistently in top condition. Capt. Angus reports that the yacht has more back up and redundancy in systems than most yachts in her size and class. For instance, Matelot has two generators offering guests the option of running air conditioning 24/7. She also has two watermaker units with a capacity of up to 420 liters of fresh water per hour, two full refrigeration systems, and two air conditioning chiller units. In addition to her rigid routine maintenance schedule, Matelot recently received new luxury bed linens, and a new suite of carbon fiber sails is currently being built.

While offering guests luxury and comfort, Matelot is a true performance sailer having placed first in the 2007 ARC transatlantic race, and second in the 2008 ARC race; out of a fleet of 225 yachts both times. Good show, guys!

Captain Angus Fuller has been cruising in the Caribbean since 1996 and skippering yachts in the Caribbean since 2001.

Capt. Angus and Chef Jessie were married in October of last year. They have worked together for the owner of MATELOT for four years, having run his previous yacht MATELOT (an Oyster 66.) Angus and Jessie have extensive knowledge of the Western and Eastern Mediterranean cruising areas, as well as the Adriatic / Croatia.

MATELOT is available for Summer 2009 charters in Croatia / East Med at € 2,000 less than the summer 2008 rates.

RATES, in euros: plus all expenses

• June & September 2009: € 20,000 plus all expenses
• July & August 2009: € 22,000, plus expenses

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Start planning your sailing vacation with Paradise Connections. CLICK HERE
• View Matelot's online brochures: Brochure #1 and Brochure #2
• Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

All the best!

ELEONORA Last-Minute Caribbean Charter

This is your last chance to book the classic styled, charter yacht ELEONORA in the Caribbean before she starts her journey back to the Mediterranean!



s/y Eleonora is a 160-foot (49.50 meter) Schooner. She is currently in Antigua and is ready to go for any last-minute charters. Eleonora accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins (3 doubles and 1 twin).

They have just adjusted her winter rate for this occasion and she is now offered at the outstanding rate of $55,000/wk, plus all expenses.

• Contact Paradise Connections about your sailing vacation - CLICK HERE
• View Eleonora's online brochure - CLICK HERE
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

This is a beautiful yacht and, with a crew of nine, you will definitely be properly pampered!

Faces of LOWISA 43

The 44th Running of LOWISA!

By: Robert Nuttall

The Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association’s LOWISA Regatta has distinguished itself as a pinnacle event within the sport of sailing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and by the pristine waters of its majestic setting on Lake of the Woods. Although it is, first and foremost, a racing event, there is something for everyone. It includes, fleets for family cruising, pursuit starts, white sails and fleets with hard-core crews - down and dirty (but always gentlemanly), to ensure racing and sailing at its best.

Traditionally PHRF and one-design, the main regatta gets its start each year on the first Sunday of August. The addition of the Arctic Glacier Youth Dinghy Open Day Regatta activities get underway on Saturday, (August 1st, this year). Now in its 3rd year, the Arctic Glacier Youth Regatta promotes sailing development and racing for youth 18 years and under while giving publicity to the week-long main regatta.

The regatta week starts with registration, the Skippers’ Meeting and the Sailors’ Social on Saturday. The start sequence begins at 1050 hrs on Sunday. Daily races are typically 25 miles and are point-to-point, ending usually, in the proximity of a wilderness lodge. Sailors have the choice of pre-booking lodges, renting a houseboat, staying on board their own boats or camping on shore. Routes and mid-week Layover Day destinations vary widely from year to year.

Social events are many and include the Mt. Gay Pepsi Arctic Glacier Wilderness Adventure (yup it’s a rum party), the Canadian Tire Annual Youth Fishing Tournament, a LOW scavenger hunt, wilderness on the lake pizza and a movie, capping it off in grand finale style, the Commodore’s Ball and Awards Banquet.

Wednesday is Layover Day and distance-wise, it is the furthest point from the Day 1 beginning. This year we are pleased to be going to the Wiley Point Wilderness Lodge. You are free to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities and services or get out again for the optional series of around-the-cans racing. Whatever you choose the day is yours to enjoy. The lodge is to host a wonderful dinner followed by the always popular LOWISA Talent Contest and perhaps a key-note speaker or two. The entire racing and socializing agenda will be posted well in advance on our website at http://www.lowisa.org/ so check on it often.

The year 2009, marks its 44th running. The longevity of this event is evidence to its enduring tradition as well as its rich and colourful history. Friendships which have been made, are rekindled, families and friends bond and crew teams meld throughout the week of sailing, racing and socializing. Many of the participants come from mid-western Canada and the USA and still yet some come from as far away as Europe, New Zealand and the Cayman Islands each year.

It is not only the world class racing and camaraderie that makes the week amazing; it’s the 65,000 miles of shoreline and the 16,662 islands chiselled out of granite, eons ago, by advancing and retreating ice. As well, the abundant wildlife and soaring White and Red Pines collaborate to make Lake of the Woods truly majestic. The 60 mile x 60 mile lake is itself international, bordering the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario and the American state of Minnesota.

Since 1966, sailors have continued to thrill in the competition and to savour the splendour of their surroundings. But as awesome as it is, Lake of the Woods is not fickle…nor is it totally predicable. The weather and winds are more often than not, fair – a perfect water wonderland, a perfect venue for sailing. With all its elements of challenge, and excitement, LOWISA attracts sailors from around the world! The 2009 Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association’s LOWISA Regatta gets underway August 1, 2009 out of Safety Bay in Kenora, Ontario, Canada.

Visit our Website at http://www.lowisa.org/ for details and updates. Better yet, join us for an unforgettable week!

Charter Yacht THREE MOONS goes green & not just on St. Patrick's Day!

Shelly & Randy, owner-operators of the 65-foot Irwin charter yacht Three Moons, wrote to us today (St. Patrick's Day) in keeping with the green theme :)

Three Moons in St. Thomas, USVI - Photo by Paradise Connections ©2009

"It's fun to get people excited about planning a vacation that promotes a healthier global footprint. What are we talking about? Sailing aboard Three Moons! When our yacht is under sail, she's 50 steady tons of pure fun lifted by the wind on the turquoise waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. Sure, there are times when the engine or generator is running; but we're taking extra precautions with our equipment to make sure that we're conscious of our environment. There are other ways Three Moons is thinking greener too!

"We've been working this season with local farmers to provide more produce for our provisions. There's a local gardener who provides all our fresh herbs. The fish prepared in our Award-winning galley is caught by area fisherman and is of the certified sustainable variety. Many of our fruits & vegetables are delivered straight to our yacht via a "boat boy" who takes pride in his fresh mangos, papaya, pineapple and other tropical fruits.

"Our islands are truly struggling with the lack of local recycling facilities for plastic bottles. We are now asking our guests to bring along a personal water bottle for our triple filtered water if they choose. This has been very successful! Yes, we also provide plenty of bottled water for our guests as well as insulated water bottles. The decision is totally for the guest to make; they seem to appreciate helping our islands work toward a "greener future"! Stay tuned...more great green ideas are on the way!"

Three Moons is a fully air-conditioned, 65-foot ketch which accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 double cabins.

For charters taking place before June 30, 2009, Three Moons is waiving the standard 10% surcharge for charters of 5 nights or less.

• Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for your sailing vacation. Click here.
• View Three Moons' online brochures: Brochure One & Brochure Two
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Three Moons is one of our favorite charter yachts with great hospitality, excellent food, wonderful fun... They really know how to pamper their guests!

Charter Gunboat Catamaran SAFARI in the Mediterranean Summer 2009

SAFARI the 62-foot Gunboat catamaran is currently in St Maarten (we can see them anchored way out there!) and Captain Lucky Mike is standing by for charters!

Safari will be available for charter this summer in the Mediterranean at the weekly charter price of 15,000 euros, plus all expenses.

This is a wonderful opportunity for all of you Gunboat enthusiasts to sail aboard a Gunboat catamaran!

Here's a couple of photos we took of Safari out in Simpson Bay, St Maarten just before the 2009 Heineken Regatta...


Gunboat catamaran, Safari - Photos by Paradise Connections ©2009

RATES:

Winter 2009 Caribbean: All-inclusive, except bar/beverages, cruising fees...

• $17,500/wk for 2 guests
• $18,500/wk for 4 guests
• $19,500/wk for 6 guests

Summer 2009 West Med: Plus all expenses

• € 15,000/wk for up to 6 guests, plus all expenses

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS to charter SAFARI: Click here!
• View SAFARI's online brochure. Click here
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Hope you can taken advantage of the great airfares to Europe and sail with Safari this summer!

Charter yacht FORTUNA - Racing & Transatlantic passages

FORTUNA is still available for a charter for Antigua Race Week and also has a few berths still available for the transatlantic crossing this spring (Caribbean-Mediterranean), along with your "standard" crewed charter option.

FORTUNA will head to the Mediterranean for the summer charter season. She is Spanish flagged with a Spanish charter license and fully legal for summer charters in and around Spanish waters.

Plus, FORTUNA is available for the 2009 ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to St. Lucia (November). We spent two winters in Las Palmas and really enjoyed the atmosphere.

RATES:

For the remainder of the winter and the summer season FORTUNA's charter rates will remain discounted as follows:

WINTER 2009 Caribbean rates: All-inclusive, except bar/beverages, cruising fees...

• $16,150/wk for 4 guests
• $17,765/wk for 6 guests
• $19,370/wk for 8 guests
• $20,950/wk for 10 guests

SUMMER 2009 West Mediterranean rates: Plus all expenses

• € 16,000 during May, June, July & September, plus all expenses
• € 20,000 during August, plus all expenses

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS to plan your sailing vacation. CLICK HERE
• View FORTUNA's online brochure. CLICK HERE
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Looking forward to your inquiries!

Charter yacht BANDERA New England & Maine this summer 2009

BANDERA is available for summer 2009 charters in southern New England. She will be based in in Long Island for June, July & August and will consider charters in Maine from late August through September – the perfect time for Maine cruising!

BANDERA has always been maintained to a very high standard, but with a slower than usual Caribbean charter season this winter, Captain David Abramski reports that he used this extra time by keeping busy working hard on BANDERA's maintenance:

“We have done some extensive varnish and paintwork this winter, both exterior and interior and she really looks gorgeous! We have also done a number of smaller projects, such as new cockpit cushions, replaced the head stay furler, and redone the gold leaf lettering on the transom. BANDERA is looking better than she has in years!"

Last summer the owner had several new sails built, as well as extensive electronics upgrades, in order to ready BANDERA for the 2008 Newport to Bermuda race where she placed first in her class! Congratulations!!!

So, there's still a bit of time for a bit of Caribbean chartering aboard Bandera this winter, or perhaps you fancy some sailing in New England this summer... Let us know and we'll be happy to help!

• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your sailing vacation. CLICK HERE
• View BANDERA's online brochure. CLICK HERE
• Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Feel free to pop us an email!