Catamaran AMARYLLIS: Sad, but good news...

Bruce & Laura, owner-operators of the charter catamaran Amaryllis, are leaving the crewed charter fleet. We knew this day was coming but, for our sakes, we hoped we would have at least another season with Amaryllis as they are always someone you could count on.

Bruce and I are happy to announce that we have accepted a job on a private boat headed for the South Pacific and New Zealand.  This is a dream come true for us - the opportunity to continue our sailing career and explore new territory! 

We've had a good four-year run with AMARYLLIS and we want to thank all the brokers who have supported us and sent us wonderful guests! 

The charter industry has continued to set a high standard for service and excellence and we've been proud to be a part of it.  Hat's off to the hard work that everyone, brokers and crew, put into making crewed charters such a unique and special vacation experience.  We made many good friends and look forward to staying in touch.

- Bruce and Laura Masterson

All the best for this new chapter in your sailing life!

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

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News from Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS

Bruce & Laura, have been busy spiffing up AMARYLLIS, their 45-foot Privilege catamaran, for the new charter season.

Charter Yacht Amaryllis - Catamaran Sailing Vacations in the Virgin Islands

Amaryllis is sporting new main salon cushions, new main salon table, new cockpit cushions, and new Corian counters in the galley.

They also have a new forward awning to provide shade for the foredeck and have added a stand-up-paddle board to their list of a toys.  Amaryllis is one of the few charter yachts that carries a windsurfer and provides instruction. They now have a router and WiFi service in the BVI for guests' use.

Here are some photos from a recent charter.  They did morning yoga on the foredeck and got everyone out on water toys on Thanksgiving Day at Bitter End!

Amaryllis is an excellent choice for family charters. Having raised two kids on boats in the Virgin Islands, Laura & Bruce especially enjoy having kids on board.  Whether towing kids around the harbor in a tube, introducing them to snorkeling, or teaching new card games, they always have a great time.

The catamaran Amaryllis is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 of their 4 cabins. The two identical forward cabins that have double berths, each with ensuite heads. The two aft cabins also have double berths but differ in that they each have a sink in the cabin and share a head/shower located next to the cabin in the starboard hull. Amaryllis is a great choice for two couples, or a family of 4-6.

With 20 years' experience sailing in the Virgin Islands, Bruce & Laura know they can provide their guests with the vacation they've dreamed of, whether they are first time visitors to the VI or repeat charterers looking to revisit favorite spots and discover new ones. Amaryllis offers exceptional food & drink and a variety of water sports including snorkeling, wind-surfing, kayaking, tubing... Bruce is a sailing instructor and offers information instruction for those who are interested. Amaryllis is a non-smoking yacht.

AMARYLLIS is currently available for NEW YEARS
from December 30 through January 7, 2011

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

Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS for a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands

Bruce & Laura, owner-operators of the catamaran AMARYLLIS, sent us this photo.

There's been a LOT of that COLD white stuff up in the States recently (Groundhog Phil has predicted 6 weeks' more winter), while our white stuff in the Virgin Islands is nice & TOASTY! Something you can sink your tootsies into... Tan toes are much preferable to frostbitten toes :)

Amaryllis is a 45-foot air conditioned Privilege catamaran that accommodates up to 6 guests. Lots of toys, including windsurfing. Bruce is a sailing instructor and is happy to give informal instruction to those who are interested.

Their next open space on their calendar is March 10-26, 2010. If that doesn't fit YOUR calendar, ask us about dates for after mid-April... or next Christmas :)

Don't wait! Contact Paradise Connections to start planning your sailing vacation.

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

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Catamaran Yacht Charter Special Offer - AMARYLLIS

The charter yacht, catamaran AMARYLLIS, has a special of $1000 off their regular rate for any full-week charter taking place during the month of January 2010 (not to be combined with any other special, i.e. one child free or free rendezvous dive). Yacht charter location is the US & British Virgin Islands.

Amaryllis is a Privilege 45 catamaran, owned and operated by Laura & Bruce Masterson. This charter catamaran is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book s/y AMARYLLIS
View Amaryllis' online brochures: Brochure 1 & Brochure 2
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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News from charter catamaran AMARYLLIS

We've received an email from Bruce and Laura, owner-operators of the charter catamaran AMARYLLIS, a 45-foot Privilege.

They've been busy this summer preparing Amaryllis for another successful charter season.

Here's some bits from their email to us:

In spite of the soft economy, we continue to make investments in AMARYLLIS to keep her ahead of the pack. We've installed electric heads, replaced vinyl paneling in the aft staterooms, repainted the cockpit, added new deck mats that double as floats, and made new cockpit throw cushions.

Having raised two kids on boats in the Virgin Islands, we especially enjoy having kids on board. Whether towing kids around the harbor in a tube, introducing them to snorkeling, or teaching new card games, we always have a great time. And we are continuing our 'one child free' promotion for the upcoming 2009/2010 charter season.

For our charter guests we never cut corners. We provide the finest and freshest provisions available and always have the bar stocked with their favorite brands. Our 'all inclusive' charter is exactly that.

AMARYLLIS has two identical forward cabins that have double berths, each with ensuite heads. The two aft cabins also have double berths but differ in that they each have a sink in the cabin and share a head/shower located next to the cabin in the starboard hull. AMARYLLIS is a great choice for two couples, or a family of 4-6.

AMARYLLIS IS AVAILABLE FOR A CHRISTMAS CHARTER
DECEMBER 19-26, 2009

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Amaryllis
View Amaryllis' online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Charter Comments CATAMARAN AMARYLLIS - Virgin Islands crewed yacht charters

Here are comments we received from a recent charter of ours aboard the Catamaran AMARYLLIS.

Charter Dates = March 7-13, 2009
Family charter of Dad, and two daughters in their early 20's

How did you enjoy your charter?

• It was an awesome experience.

Did you find your crew to be helpful, accommodating and friendly?

• Yes, they were great.

Was the yacht comfortable, clean and well maintained?

• Yes. No complaints.

How would you describe the quality and presentation of the meals served on board?

• Excellent. Laura is a great cook.

Would you be interested in taking another yacht vacation in the future?

• Maybe

If so, would you like to charter the same yacht and crew?

• Yes, without hesitation.

Are there any further comments or suggestions you would like to make to enable Paradise Connections, the yacht, or crew to better serve you and other clients in the future?

• I could not think of anything to improve on what was one of our best trips ever.

K.B
March 7-13, 2009

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AMARYLLIS is one of our favorite charter yachts. Amaryllis is owner-operated which is always a plus. Laura & Bruce super people... very comfortable to be with. Amaryllis is a 45-foot Privilege catamaran, fully air conditioned, and accommodates six guests in three cabins.

• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your sailing vacation
• View Amaryllis' online brochures: Number 1 and Number 2
  
• Visit our website: www.paradiseconnections.com

Currently available for both Christmas and New Years weeks. Book soon because at their low rate they won't last long!

RECIPE : Charter Yacht Catamaran AMARYLLIS

We asked a few of our favorite charter yachts to share a couple of their favorite recipes whether it be an appetizer, main dish, or cocktail. Here's one from Laura, owner-operator of the charter yacht Catamaran AMARYLLIS.

Sheila and Bob,

Here's a story for you... Some good friends of ours who also run a charter boat asked if I would cook for a charter as the wife/cook had plans to be off island that week. I agreed. There were only two guests, I had known the captain for years. How hard could it be!

Well, it turned out to be my most difficult week on charter! I didn't know the galley, it wasn't my menu, I didn't have my usual arsenal of ingredients and spices, and it seemed I spent all my time searching for recipes, utensils, pots & pans and trying to figure out which ingredients were in which refrigerator!

To compound things, the two guests (who were otherwise absolutely charming and delightful) had totally opposite diets so the menu plan was out the window and I was treated as a personal chef asked to prepare two different meals for breakfast and lunch. We would agree upon one dinner!

Every suggestion I made (steak, lobster, tuna, salmon) would be met with "What else do you have?" I was scrambling and losing my confidence as a cook. Towards the end of week they asked if would prepare a curry for dinner. The captain said there was some Pataks curry paste on board and they said that would be lovely. I found an ancient jar of Pataks in the back of a cupboard with about 1 tablespoon left and improvised from there.

The results were delicious, the guests loved it, the captain asked for the recipe, and my faith in myself as a charter cook was restored!

Chicken Curry with Butternut Squash

1 large onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp or more Pataks Madras Curry
Boneless chicken breast or tenders
1 can chick peas
1/4 to 1/2 can coconut milk
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste

• Brown chicken and set aside.
• Add a bit of oil to skillet and cook onion until until it starts to brown.
• Add chopped tomato and stir to make it a bit saucy.
• Add Pataks paste and stir.
• Add cubed butternut squash and liquid from can of chick peas.
• Cover and let cook until butternut squash is tender.
• Add chick peas.
• Cut chicken into small pieces and add to skillet.
• Heat everything and add coconut milk. This will make a rich gravy.
• Stir in fresh cilantro and serve with rice (I like brown basmati).

This recipe is very versatile. You can use raw cashews instead of chick peas to make it fancier. You can use yams instead of squash and pair it with string beans for color. You can leave out the chicken for vegetarians.

This was so easy and good I stocked up on Pataks and we make this regularly when we are off charter.

Regards,
Laura Masterson
AMARYLLIS

Charter yacht Catamaran Amaryllis Caribbean crewed yacht charter sailing vacations in the Virgin Islands

Amaryllis is a 45-foot Privilege catamaran owned and operated by Bruce & Laura Masterson. Amaryllis is fully air conditioned and accommodates six guests in three cabins. Nice boat and super people!

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

Looking forward to your inquiries!

Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS -New lower rates Summer 2009

We just received news from Bruce and Laura that Amaryllis is lowering their rates for summer 2009 (for charters occurring from now through December 11, 2009).

Greetings! The weather has been dazzling these last few weeks and the water is noticeably warmer and crystal clear! We're looking forward to chartering through the summer months.

July is perhaps the best month to sail in the Virgin Islands. The trades are steady (the HIHO windsurfing competition is in July) and the water is warm allowing for long, leisurely snorkeling. The winds shifts slightly to the south opening up anchorages on the North Side of Tortola that are untenable in the winter. Not to mention that our summer weather is cooler and less humid than most parts of the United States!

Amaryllis is dropping prices from now (April 14) until December 11th as follows:

• 2 guests $7,900
• 3 guests $8,400
• 4 guests $8,900
• 5 guests $9,400
• 6 guests $10,400

This rate is not to be combined with any other promotion (our summer rate is lower than our previous 'one child free' rate).

- Laura Masterson

Charter yacht Catamaran Amaryllis Caribbean crewed yacht charter
sailing vacations in the Virgin Islands

Amaryllis is a 45-foot Privilege catamaran owned and operated by Bruce & Laura Masterson. Amaryllis is fully air conditioned and accommodates six guests in three cabins. Nice boat and super people!

• Contact Paradise Connections for more info
• View AMARYLLIS' online brochure
• Visit our website: www.paradiseconnections.com

Hope you'll be able to join Amaryllis this summer or fall to take advantage of their low rates.

Still available for the premium Christmas AND New Years weeks!

All the best!

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 :)

Catamaran AMARYLLIS - LOWER RATES FOR 2009 SEASON

CATAMARAN AMARYLLIS lowers their rates for the 2009 season.



Amaryllis is a 45-foot Privilege catamaran that accommodates up to 6 guests in three double cabins.

In light of the soft economy, Amaryllis has decided to drop their rates for the 2008/2009 season. Their reduced rates are:

• 2 guests: $8500
• 3 guests: $9000
• 4 guests: $9500
• 5 guests: $10,250
• 6 guests: $11,000

For family charters they are offering "1 child free". This means that family of four, for example, can get the 3-person rate of $9000. A "child" is defined as anyone 17-years old or under.

Amaryllis also offers a "sleep over" rate for guests who arrive late into St. Thomas (after dark). Instead of staying in a hotel their first night, they can come directly to the boat. Amaryllis will have dinner and drinks ready. Breakfast will be provided the following morning and guests will be able to get a jump-start on their vacation. The price for this service is the equivalent of their half-day rate.

Also, for those who want to take less than a week's vacation, Amaryllis is offering a 2-5 day USVI package and waiving the 10% surcharge for charters less than 6 days. No time is wasted clearing customs as the charter stays in USVI waters. Pick up can be on St. Thomas or St. John making this ideal for guests who want some time on the water and some time ashore at a resort or villa.

View their online brochure: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: CLICK HERE

Contact us: CLICK HERE

Catamaran AMARYLLIS - Early season discount

The charter catamaran AMARYLLIS, a 45-foot Privilege catamaran, is offering an early season special!

AMARYLLIS is offering a $750 discount for 7-night (or more) yacht charters taking place before December 15, 2008. Currently open for Thanksgiving!



Laura and Bruce, owner-operators of Amaryllis recently sent us this announcement:

AMARYLLIS is ideal for two couples or families of four. Our all-inclusive rate is $10,000. With 20 years experience sailing in the VI, we know we can provide our guests with the vacation they've dreamed of, whether they are first time visitors to the VI or repeat charterers looking to revisit favorite spots and discover new ones. We offer the best in food and drink and a variety of water sports including snorkeling, wind-surfing, kayaking, tubing (for the kids) and a complementary rendezvous dive.

We are looking forward to visiting Amaryllis when we sail up to the Virgin Islands at the end of this month, and of course, at the St. Thomas charter yacht show, too. Bruce is from Seattle so we'll have lots to talk about on that front :)

Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS offers FREE dive

The charter catamaran Amaryllis, a 45-foot Privilege, is offering a dive promotion for their 2008/9 charter season.



From Bruce & Laura, owner-operators of Amaryllis:

As a promotion for the 2008/2009 season we will be offering our guests a free rendezvous dive. We love rendezvous diving because our diving-certified guests get to go for a two-tank dive with professionals who can give them a first-rate diving experience and we can attend to our non-diving guests, taking them to a beach or snorkel spot or secluded anchorage. It's win-win for everyone. No sitting on a mooring at a rolly dive site waiting for divers. Everyone gets full attention and a day tailored to their interests.

AMARYLLIS is a 45-foot, Privilege catamaran that accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins.

View their online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com