Cheap flights to St Thomas April-midJune 2010

Just looking at the American Airlines website for their "Fare Sales & Special Offers" as I noted that they had good deals to Europe so decided to check out flights to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, too.

Go to their "Fare Sales" page => CLICK HERE Then enter the airport you wish to fly from and put STT as your destination.

Here are a few examples (ONE-WAY):

• New York (JFK) to St Thomas (STT) = $135
• Miami (MIA) to St Thomas (STT) = $129
• Denver (DEN) to St Thomas (STT) = $242
• Seattle (SEA) to St Thomas (STT) = $275

Note & see other restrictions on AA website:

Fares shown are each way, based on round-trip Economy class travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares shown are valid for travel Monday-Thursday; other days are subject to higher fares. Fares are subject to change without notice. International fares are subject to government approval.

• Valid departure: April 7 - June 3, 2010
• Valid return: April 9 - June 7, 2010

We are charter specialists for boats and not travel agents who book flights, but we thought that this might be of interest and also an incentive to take a spring sailing vacation.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your sailing vacation
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Charter Comments for OPUS March 2010

Thanks again for another wonderful charter, Billy. Here are comments from a family of 5 that we had aboard Opus a few weeks ago...

We had a great time last week. Billy was great - very personable, eager to please & fun. We all really enjoyed every bit of it except the leaving part. We are currently experiencing what I call "Vacation Hangover". Thanks again for a very memorable vacation on Opus!!

• How did you enjoy your charter?  We had a fabulous time
• Did you find your crew to be helpful, accommodating and friendly? Yes, Billy went out of his way to make us happy & comfy - Jamie was an excellent cook & very nice too!
• Was the yacht comfortable, clean and well maintained? Yes
• How would you describe the quality and presentation of the meals served on board? Each one was great & we have some picky eaters & my hubby (the chef) was very impressed
• How did you find the services offered by Paradise Connections? Great! Very easy & fast if I had any questions
• Would you be interested in taking another yacht vacation in the future? Yes
• If so, would you like to charter the same yacht and crew? Yes

McCarthy family, March 2010

OPUS is a 50-foot Piver-designed trimaran ketch with a crew of two. Billy (owner-operator) is a dive instructor and Kimberly is a dive master. Opus has three double guest cabins, all with ensuite heads/showers. They have a 20-foot dinghy with 115HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard, tube, fishing equipment, snorkel gear, kayaks, TV/DVD in salon, Playstation 3, etc. Opus offers 10 dives/week with additional dives at $50/diver/dive. Resort/Discover Scuba courses & dive instruction available... Inquire.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book OPUS
View Opus's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Back in Malta ..... Mar 2010

The holidays are over, its back to normal life on Balvenie again.

We successfully managed to bring back a new wind generator, toilet seat and lid, numerous cruising guides, IPod speaker system and all manner of other bits and pieces we purchased while in NZ and the UK. Travelling on Ryan Air with a luggage allowance of 15kg each proved a challenge but we prepaid for an extra bag making a total of 45kg plus you can have one piece of hand baggage of 10kg each, I can't tell you how many times I weighed everything. At 20GBP per kilo excess baggage fee you need to weigh it!!! All was perfect, and for the price you just can't complain about these budget airlines.

So after several days of finding homes for all the new additions it is time to get stuck into some maintenance. We are trying to organise a new stainless steel stand so we can fit the Wind Generator (this is Malta, NOTHING happens at speed here), then there are the anodes which we need, they have been arriving every day for the last week but are still amongst the missing. The antifouling paint has just been ordered via the Internet with them phoning us back, excellent service so far and they come highly recommended so we will comment more on them once the antifoul is on, http://www.eu45antifoul.com/ (free delivery within Europe).

As always there are a few glitches that are keeping us busy - yesterday our main laptop acquired a terminal illness and has gone into total meltdown, our hot water cylinder (yes the new one we spent weeks waiting for in Turkey) is tripping the mains power for the whole dock when it feels like it, and the engine wouldn't start and has required a new start battery to kick it back into life, the dinghy outboard went out in sympathy with the engine, skipper patiently took it apart and cleaned all its tubes and bits out before it finally decided it would continue cruising with us around the world!

Now we are starting to sand, Balvenie's paint work on the cabin top is getting tired so it is time to get into action and tidy it all up.

And then you wonder what we do all day ....................................

Oh , and for those of you looking for the Malta Cruising Info it's has now been added to a newer post. See Sunday 30 May 2010 - Wintering in Malta

Benefits of Frequent Site Visits

When I reflect on my recently completed site visit to the Bavaria factory in Giebelstadt, Germany, the most prominent thought that comes to mind is how constructive it is to have face to face communication with our clients and product development partners. While personally this was my first opportunity to visit the state of the art Bavaria boat building facility, in the 2 years since Farr Yacht Design began their successful collaboration with Bavaria, our engineers and designers have made no less than 40 separate trips to the factory, involving 275 man days. It is true that today’s modern communication tools (e-mail, web conferencing, Skype) help to make the world a much smaller place, however one can’t underestimate the value of personal interaction. Issues that would take days to solve via e-mail and phone call exchanges can be solved in a matter of minutes when the right people are collaborating directly and personally with each other.

The frequent site visits we make are also extremely valuable for ensuring that our design and engineering intent is being faithfully reproduced by the boat builders on the factory floor. This is particularly important in areas of the assembly line that are critical to the safe operation of the yacht, such as the hull and deck lamination, bonding of internal grids and bulkheads as well as the attachment of the keels and rudders. By having regular designer presence on the factory floor, we are able to rapidly identify areas for improvement and we can intervene if something is not being done ‘to spec’. This improves quality control, results in a more integrated end-product and hopefully translates into 1000’s of satisfied boat owners around the world.

- Alon Finkelstein

Charter Yacht ANDROMEDA LA DEA

We are happy to announce that the charter yacht ANDROMEDA LA DEA won Best In Class and the Perini Award at the 2010 St Barth's Bucket.

Andromeda La Dea is a beautiful 144-foot sailing yacht which accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 staterooms. Professional international crew of 9 including: licensed masseuse, beautician and prize winning chef.

Experience fabulous food in beautiful surroundings

SPECIAL OFFER: April 2010, Caribbean

• $115,000/wk, plus all expenses

SPECIAL OFFER: Summer 2010, Mediterranean

• 9 days for the price of 7, if booked before May 1, 2010

ANDROMEDA LA DEA and her amazing Crew are standing by to spoil you

Looking forward to your inquiries!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ANDROMEDA LA DEA
View Andromeda La Dea's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Cool Super Duper Megayacht H20ME

We don't post megayachts very often but this one just came into our inbox and we HAVE to share.

It is the m/y H20ME. 144 feet (44m) with a crew of 5. Accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms. This yacht is available for charter this summer in the Western Mediterranean.

RATE: Summer 2010

• High season: 200,000 euros/wk, plus all expenses
• Low season: 150,000 euros/wk, plus all expenses

Currently available for the Cannes Film Festival with a CONFIRMED berth in Port Canto.

This is a cool boat... Definitely not your normal megayacht... H2OME:

"The concept design and the external lines, which concern bottom, hull and engineering, let H2ome be considered a 'race' yacht. Thanks to the narrow and long bottom, the 'double speed' hull at 20 knots, allows a nagivation in displacement speed, that is, an economical (700 litres/hr) and comfortable navigation, whereas the planing hull allows a navigation in surfing speed reaching a maximum speed up to 36 knots (1800 litres/hr)."

OK, now comes the super cool part...

There are two optional tenders:

• JET TENDER:

Hawker 400XP or maybe a Lear jet... the brochures don't agree... but hey, a jet's a jet, right? :) For 120,000 euros/week the private jet is completely at the charterer's disposal. 20 hours of fuel is included in this price.  Or, it may be chartered for single use at 5000 euros/hr

• CAR TENDER:

Bentley Continental GT - The H20 Car Tender is available for chartering, both for your pleasure and for businesstrips. The staff will organize and supervise your land transfers carefully and discreetly and, on your request, hostesses, interpreters, tour guides, and other personnel can accompany you for your safety. 

Both H20 Tenders can remain available for any change introduced to the cruise, such as a flying visit to a Montecarlo casino or a romantic dinner in Paris.

Of course, you have the toys of jet skis, nice dinghy, waterskis, pull/towing toys, etc. that you would expect on a charter yacht, too.

Great crew, wonderful service, excellent food...

Check out both of H20ME's online brochures:
Brochure #1 with March password - with April password
Brochure #2

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book H2OME
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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D&A Group Cape Town Sailing Week News and Pics!

The smiles show it all! HBYC is extremely proud of JML-3 and the team! Theo Yon is seen here collecting the prize for 3rd place in the hotly contested Club-2 class. They sailed like champions, looked like champions, and were great ambassadors for the club. They really have come a long way together. Thanks to Peter Roelofze, Allistair Peden, and Peter Adamo especially - who have put a lot into this campaign over time.

Sunday Night Prizegiving and the club was buzzing!

Chris Sutton recieves a great painting from Barbara Krynauw on behalf of HBYC.

Many thanks Barbara!

The deck outside was even busier!

Our Commodore Rian Turner was the Chairman of D&A CTSW and a great organiser. Turns out he is quite handy with a microphone too!

Last - but most importantly - the Title Sponsors of this magnificent event - Roman and John of D&A Group.  They are great guys. Please support D&A whenever you can if you buy a Merc, Nissan, or hire a car. They own Malmesbury Mercedes, AAD Nissan in Milnerton, and Cabs Car hire(amongst others). They have supported us fantastically - and we must ease support them in turn whenever possible

D&A Group Cape Town Sailing Week comes to Hout Bay!

The prestigious Cape Town Sailing week is now in its second year, and is growing from strength to strength. The 2010 event attracted a star fleet of big guns including the likes of Windpower, Gumption, Puma Unleashed and many others! This event also included the IRC Nationals, the premier yachting class in South Africa.


The title Sponsors of this event were the D&A Group, which included Malmesbury Motors (Mercedes), AAD Nissan, Cabs Car Hand and several associated motor industries. Look out for them on TV when this event is screened in a few weeks time. Some great prizes were also donated by Falken Tyres, Crocs and Oxbow Surfwear - adding further prestige to this great event.

Cape Town Sailing week is unique in that it represents a collaboration of two different yacht clubs to run a single event – in this case Royal Cape and Hout Bay Yacht Clubs - and is really a combination of the previous Admirals Regatta and Table Bay Week. A such it attracts boats from far and wide – including also False Bay and Gordons Bay yacht clubs.


The first part of the Regatta was held in Table Bay on 20,21 March – in light but very pleasant conditions. There was great sailing on both days just off Granger Bay – under the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain and the new World Cup Stadium. Royal Cape were great hosts and managed a good party on the Saturday night. Spirit amongst the sailors was excellent, and we were glad to have the sponsors right in the mix, out on the boats, and with a great display of new models from Mercedes and Nissan at the club.


A public holiday followed on the Monday – during which the fleet raced over to Hout Bay – this time into a fresh South Easter of 25 knots or so. The IRC fleet started in Cape Town, while the Club Fleets first motored to a point just off Clifton for their start. From there it was full taps until the finish mark near Kommetjie, with high boat speeds and very exciting sailing. Nandi – the 34 footer I sailed on, seldom dropped below seven knots on the beats and managed the distance in just over two and a half hours – nearly all upwind!


The best sailing of the day turned out to be the run from the finish mark at Kommetjie back into Hout Bay – where a strong South Easter powered us back into the bay at around ten knots! Entering Hout bay from the South has to be one of the most spectacular and beautiful sights anywhere – and we are extremely lucky to have two such great sailing venues in this event.


The following weekend saw two days of racing in Hout Bay – however in less than perfect conditions, with a moderate Northwester and an unsettled sea state on the Saturday, while the Sunday was far more pleasant and we managed one decent race across the bay from Noordhoek. However sailors are used to being at the mercy of the weather and made of the most of a great party hosted at Hout Bay Yacht Club on the Saturday night which went on well into the wee hours . . .


Sunday early evening saw the prize giving held at Hout Bay Yacht Club – with much humour and great speeches from Dick de Kroon (MC), HBYC Commodore and Organiser (Rian Turner), and even the sponsors from D&A who entertained us with some great stories.


Admiral Louw of the SA Navy was on hand to present the Admirals Sword as usual (as he has most graciously done for many years) – in this case to Phil Gutsche and the delighted crew of Windpower – who sailed a great regatta – winning also the IRC Class, and the John Coles Trophy. A consistent and outstanding performance!


The event was very well organized and a great credit to the event chairman Rian Turner - as well the teams from both RCYC and HBYC.


Overall Results


Admiral’s Sword (most competitive boat in most competitive class) Windpower (Gutsche/Nankin)


John Coles Trophy (Medium distance race from Cape Town to Hout Bay) Windpower (Phil Gutsche/ Rick Nankin)

IRC Class 1:
1. Windpower (Gutsche/Nankin) RCYC
2. A-L (Robert van Rooyen) RCYC
3. New Balance Gumption (Mark Sadler) RCYC


Club 1:
1. Our Dianne (Billy Liesegang) FBYC
2. Touch and Go (David Smith) RCYC
3. Nandi (Nick Fairley) HBYC


Club 2:
1. Far-Med (Victor Medina) RCYC
2. Team Escape EkoEnergy SA (Rodney Tanner) GBYC
3. JML-3 (Theo Yon) HBYC

Charter Yacht WISHING STAR - Classic Trumpy motoryacht

The charter yacht WISHING STAR is an immaculate 84-foot Classic Trumpy motoryacht.

m/y Wishing Star

A true classic gentleman’s motor yacht, Wishing Star is exquisitely maintained with a handsome and impeccable interior. She is the ideal choice for those who appreciate traditional elegance afloat.

Wishing Star is currently available in S. Florida and will be chartering in New England this summer.

Wishing Star is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 staterooms (one queen and two twins).

RATES for up to 6 guests:

• $22,000/week plus expenses

Wishing Star is is also ideally suited for day and weekend trips:

• Day rate $3,675 plus expenses

Capt. Fred Dillon and his crew look forward to having you aboard!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book WISHING STAR
View Wishing Star's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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New Committee for 2010!

The following Committee was confirmed last night at the club AGM:

President: Dudley Turner
Commodore:  Chris Sutton
Vice Commodore: Garfield Watkins
Treasurer: Greg Clark
Marina Officer: Pat West
Rear Commodore Keelboats: Justin Phillips
Safety Officer: Keith Gemell

A very big thank you to the previous commodore Rian Turner and the 2008/9 committee!

International visitors

The yachting community is international, like the oceans. Therefore, as a curiosity, we today launch a flag counter showing the nationalities of visitors to this site.

The counter can distinguish a Frenchman from a Sinhalese or Colombian. The website is updated at irregular intervals - once a month, every three months... Visit the site from time to time and see your national flag rise in the ranks!

News from Charter Yacht VERNA BREEZE

Charter yacht VERNA BREEZE is a 54-foot Gulfstar, owned and operated by Chris and Kelly Allison.  We were anchored nearby in Simpson Bay Lagoon, St Martin last summer and ran into them on an almost daily basis at the marine stores, shopping, and at our favorite Chinese restaurant.  Chris and Kelly are super people and we can tell that they will excel in the hospitality aspect of chartering.

Charter Yacht Verna Breeze

As this is their first year of chartering (they have been cruising for several years and are definitely not newbies to sailing), Verna Breeze is offering an introductory "get to know us" discount through December 15, 2010.

Verna Breeze is basically a 2-guest boat, but they do have an additional guest cabin with two single bunk beds. Children are welcome. 

ALL-INCLUSIVE RATE THROUGH December 15, 2010:

• $5,999/wk for 2 adults (not each)
• $500/week per child (up to 2 kids, aged 14 years or under)
• Inquire for rate for 3 or 4 adults

We love their huge awning that they can quickly assemble on the foredeck.

Photo by Paradise Connections, St Thomas USVI, November 2009

New additions to Verna Breeze:

• 15-foot Caribe dinghy with 70HP motor
• Onboard WiFi for people who need to stay connected
• Custom made teak cockpit table

New Caribe Dinghy... Nice!

Kelly is a PADI Dive Instructor and Verna Breeze offers "casual" diving to certified divers. Casual means a few dives during the week, leaving plenty of time to experience other activities and relaxation. Verna Breeze is not a dive-intensive charter yacht for divers who are looking for a hard-core dive boat to do 3 or more dives per day.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book VERNA BREEZE
View Verna Breeze's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Charter Yacht GADGET - Caribbean Spring Special

The charter yacht GADGET, a classic Hinckley 64, has reduced their charter rate for the remainder of the winter 2009/10 season.

The beautiful, classic Hinckley 64 GADGET is currently on a charter in the British Virgin Islands.  Captain Ken Lannamann enjoys identifying the constellations & planets for guests, and reports that their guests were thrilled to see the Southern Cross for the first time!  Their charter guests have also been amazed and delighted with the delicious & artfully presented cuisine of GADGET's superb chef Giesle.

Ken and Giesle also arranged for their guests to enjoy a grilled lobster dinner ashore on Anegada (a remote reef strewn island with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean), under the stars at the water's edge.  Humpback whales frequent the waters near Anegada this time of year, and the Lannamann's and their guests are on "whale watch" for the next few days hoping to create even more memories of a lifetime!

WINTER 2009/10 RATES: all inclusive, except bar, local taxes/fees, dockage, communications

• 2 guests: $14,900/wk
• 4 guests: $15,900/wk
• 6 guests: $16,900/wk

This pristine yacht is available for summer 2010 charters in New England at the weekly charter price of $15,500 plus all expenses.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book GADGET
View Gadget's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Keep your $ and keep safe this summer!

Hot on the heels of the Provincial Government announcing that the maximum fines for
certain Highway Traffic Act offences have doubled, Ontario police services have now been
advised that the roadside fines have also increased.

An $85 seat-belt ticket now will cost $200 ($240 with costs) starting January 1, 2010.

Going through a red light will jump from $150 to $260 ( $325 with costs)

Failing to pull to the right for an emergency vehicle will cost $400 ($490 with costs)
instead of $85.

In a continued effort to make Ontario's roads the safest in North America these
increases will hopefully act as a deterrence to drivers who fail to recognize the safety issues associated with responsible driving.

Cape Town Sailing Week

Day 3 of CTSW saw the fleet come over to HBYC after two days of sailing in light but very pleasant conditions in Table Bay. Great hospitality and organisation to boot! Conditions for the return race were fresh but variable. Starting off on a spinaker run off Clifton, the wind soon freshened and came on the nose, and most of the race was an exhilirating beat into quite a fresh South Easter. HBYC's Nandi gratefully inherited the crew of Aquamaniac, and was able to place a good few more pounds on the weather rail than usual, leaving Dudley and Allistair on the bridge. We managed over 7 knots on the beats, and 9-10 knots coming back from the finish near Kommetjie! What a ride!

A few relaxed moments near the start at Clifton.

Some tense moments on the bridge as the dark water approaches . . .

 The bag was doused in the Nick of time . . .

m/y TIVOLI : All-inclusive Caribbean Spring Special

The charter motor yacht TIVOLI, is joining in on "March Madness" with their all-inclusive special offer for May and June 2010 charters in Antigua.

TIVOLI is a 90-foot motoryacht with a crew of 4, and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 staterooms.


MAY / JUNE 2010 RATES:

• $29,500/week for up to 6 guests – fully inclusive of food, standard bar, 2 nights' dockage (boarding and disembarking), local taxes and fuel included for Antigua-Antigua itinerary.

TIVOLI is based in Antigua. Delivery and redelivery for other locations is additional, however up to 4 hours per day of fuel will be included in this special price.

Tivoli is still available for the holidays:

• Book before June 30, 2010 and receive the special price of $30,000/week for up to 6 guests, plus all expenses or $42,850 for a 10-day charter, plus all expenses.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book TIVOLI
View Tivoli's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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