Charter Yacht Dream Ketcher: Abacos Bahamas Dive & Sail Vacations

The charter yacht Dream Ketcher, a 41-foot Morgan Out Island ketch, is chartering in the Abaco islands of the Bahamas and offers onboard diving with budget and family-friendly pricing.

Charter Yacht Dream Ketcher - Crewed Yacht Charters in the Bahamas: Abacos Islands

Sailing and Diving Vacations in the Bahamas

Dream Ketcher has a crew of two and accommodates up to 4 guests for a family charter. The forward guest cabin is a large V-berth and has ensuite private head with toilet & shower. There is a quarter berth after (port side) which is suitable for a young adult/teenager or two young children. The quarter berth can be curtained off for privacy.

Nathalie & Eric

Eric and Nathalie have spent the last couple of years learning all the best spots in the Abaco's and Nathalie has logged over 150 local dives.  She and Eric look forward to sharing their local knowledge with guests and showing them the secret harbors, beautiful cays and the abundant underwater life of the glorious Abaco Islands.  Both Eric and Nathalie have traveled extensively in their previous professional careers promoting international sporting events and are delightful, well educated, engaging and between them speak French, English and Spanish.

Nathalie's cuisine is influenced by her home country of France with a variety of Caribbean and fresh seafood dishes sure to please any palate.  As PADI Dive Instructor, Nathalie is eager to show anyone the wonders below the surface.

Eric, a licensed Canadian sailing instructor, is delighted to share his knowledge and instruct guests in the art of sailing.

Take advantage of Dream Ketcher's introductory rates. Prices are All Inclusive (except bar). This includes: all meals, snacks, and beverages (non alcoholic) aboard the yacht, Bahamian tax, cruising permit, fees and diving. See bar options, below.

February 24 - September 4:

• 2 guests: $3,975/week
• 2 adults + 1 young adult/teen: $4,275/week
• 2 adults + 2 small children (ages 4-12): $4,275/week

Sepember 5 - February 23 (excluding Christmas & New Years)

• 2 guests: $3,475/week
• 2 adults + 1 young adult: $3,775/week
• 2 adults + 2 small children (ages 4-12): $3,775/week

Dream Ketcher offers 3 bar packages for you to choose from. Please note that all adult guests on board must choose the same package. Open Bar package includes wine, sparkling wine, beers, hard liquors (rum, vodka, whisky, scotch, tequila, Grand Mariner) and/or cocktails anytime of the day. 

1. Guests bring their own wine/liquor, no corking charge
2. Open Bar, Captain Vintage: $190/person/week
3. Open Bar, Classic: $275/person/week

This French crew has an excellent knowledge and taste in wines - CLICK HERE for wine list.

DIVING:

Nathalie is a PADI Dive Instructor and Dream Ketcher offers up to 6 dives/week for certified divers. Bring your own gear or rent BC/regulators. They also offer a resort course ($150/person) for non-certified divers.  Inquire for other instruction.

DREAM KETCHER is currently available for CHRISTMAS  and NEW YEARS

It's not too early... Book NOW!

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

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Schooner BONNIE LYNN - Seamanship program & other news

The Schooner BONNIE LYNN is looking great and is ready for a busy summer New England charter season !

Charter Yacht Schooner Bonnie Lynn - Chartering out of Newport and Maine, Summer 2011

Sailing Vacations & Seamanship Courses in New England

Bonnie Lynn is a 72-foot (LOA) custom steel topsail schooner that accommodates 6 guests (8 if family) in 3 cabins. The forward cabin has upper/lower bunks to port with another twin (or settee) which can be pulled out to a double berth, to starboard. The other two guest cabins have double berths.

Besides standard term charters, Bonnie Lynn is certified for 36 passengers for day sails, and is also permitted to carry out offshore charters (US Coast Guard Certified 36 passengers day - 8 Oceans under Sub Chapter T)

"As always, we continue to maintain and upgrade our Schooner BONNIE LYNN to a very high standard so that you may always be assured that the yacht is in great condition and ready for charter."

 - Captains Bonnie & Earl McKenzie

We used to visit Bonnie Lynn when we would come across her in St Martin or the Virgin Islands. Such a beautiful boat with a lovely interior. I was always amazed at how skillful Bonnie is at handling an angle grinder and welding. Unfortunately for us, they no longer cruise the Caribbean in the winter so we can only see them at the Newport charter yacht show. One year, I had a bowl of Bonnie's award-winning chowder. Mmmmm, a wonderful bowl of hot steamy goodness which was greatly appreciated to someone from the Caribbean who is no longer accustomed to the chill of the frozen north :)

See our photos of Bonnie Lynn. Taken in December 2003, but still noteworthy!

Beautiful woodwork and attention to detail

RATES, plus all expenses, Summer 2011:

• $9,500/wk for 2 guests
• $11,000/wk for 4 guests
• $12,000/wk for 6 guests

SEAMANSHIP COURSES FOR THE 2011 SEASON

During the months of June & October the Schooner Bonnie Lynn will be offering Junior and Adult Seamanship Courses out of Newport, Rhode Island.

• Two-day course: $300/person --- Three-day course: $450/person

They will be offering Junior Seamanship Courses on Islesboro, Maine again this summer, as well as expanding the program to include adult courses. Stay tuned -- the Islesboro schedule will be posted at a later date.

"Our goal is that the students who take our course will be better prepared to handle the unexpected circumstances that can arise when boating. An increased awareness will help them avoid dangerous situations. BONNIE LYNN is the ideal classroom. Last summer, in our beautiful homeport of Islesboro, Maine, we offered 2 day / 1 night courses for 9 - 11 year olds and 3 day / 2 night courses for 12-15 year olds. Six to eight students slept onboard and worked as part of the crew."

- Captains Bonnie & Earl McKenzie

You can view a schedule of their Newport Seamanship Courses HERE with dates, course outline, and rates.

The charter yacht Bonnie Lynn... She really SCHOONS!!!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info about BONNIE LYNN
View Bonnie Lynn's online brochure #1 and brochure #2
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Charter Yacht Aloha Malolo: Diving, Fishing, Family, Sailing Vacations

We recently heard from Eric of charter yacht Aloha Malolo:

Charter Yacht Aloha Malolo - Diving, Fishing, Sailing Vacations

Caribbean Crewed Yacht Charters in the Virgin Islands & Other Destinations

Evelin and I are happy to be pampering our valued guests again this season with new toys, new recipes and a lot more fun.

Last year our new 12-foot trampoline/towable was a tremendous hit with adults and kids. This year our SeaScooter is a great addition to our snorkel and scuba diving program.

With dive gear in sizes Extra Small to XXL (also new last year) and diving and resort diving at no extra cost which goes along with Aloha's policy of "Put Your Wallet Away" charters, we hope guests will enjoy their trip so much that they and their friends will be returning for many years to come.

For those who like fishing, we caught a 4-1/2 foot Mahi on a recent charter (see photo above).  Want to learn to sail... take advantage of my 30+ years of sailing.

There are few sounds as satisfying as the sound of guest's spoons reaching for every last drop of dessert ending a perfect fun filled day and a memorable dinner. This is a sound I hear frequently aboard Aloha. Most guests comment that they would love to take Evelyn home so they may continue the wonderful feasts she serves on Aloha. Thankfully no one has succeeded in these efforts!

Paradise Connections love having charterers aboard Aloha Malolo as we can rest assured that Eric, Evelin, and Salty Dog will take good care of them and they will have an excellent sailing vacation.

We just had a family of four finish up on Saturday and we are eagerly waiting for their comments!

But in the meantime, here are some recent comments:

• 2010 Christmas Charter:

Eric & Evelin, Thank you so much for guiding us thru the best Christmas vacation/ adventure. From the first dolphin sighting on day one to the manta rays launching themselves out of the water on the last day, Matt's "epic" waves on Virgin Gorda to jumping from the boat with his board, catching waves in Apple Bay -- in his words "the best Christmas present", the toys, trampoline, tubing, wakeboarding and the "James Bond" water scooter... kept three very active boys busy & happy. The scuba was great, we will get some pics to you. And the food was incredible!!! (thank you Evelin!) Mom and Dad Hooper

Eric and Evelin, I had a good time this past week. You guided us to the clearest water and most incredible sights such as the huge sea turtle at alice+ wonderland. It was the best vacation ever! Evelin your food was so good you should be the top chef at the best restaurant in the world! Eric you knew the best coves to anchor in every night and showed us a vacation that I will never forget. I wish you the best calmest water and the best wind on your great adventure around the globe. Thanks for the best vacation anyone could ever ask for! Sincerely, Scott Hooper
P.S. Salty, I hope you find your dolphin friend again some day.

• 2011 New Year Charter:

We are back safe, sound and VERY happy! It was an amazing vacation and we could not have been happier with the Aloha and its wonderful crew! They were very attentive and accommodating and we enjoyed them thoroughly. They made all of our celebrations very special and memorable, the food was always fantastic, the sailing was a blast and Salty was an added bonus, we were thrilled to have her aboard! ...We caught some skipjack and a 4 1/2 foot Mahi as well! EH　

Eric and Evelin and Salty,
What a wonderful vacation and adventure we have had with you! Thank you for all the memorable celebrations! You are wonderful hosts, good luck in all! Thank you for the food the fun and for taking us on this trip! It was all above and beyond. This one will be hard to beat. Hopefully we can make it out and sail with you again, thanks again for everything! Matt, David, Levi

Aloha Malolo is a 65-foot sloop with a crew of two. The yacht accommodates 6 guests in 3 cabins, and 2 more guests can sleep on berths in the salon if requested.

Salty Dog, a golden lab, is optional. Everyone loves Salty, but Eric understands that not everyone is a "dog person" and they are willing to board her during your charter if requested.

Aloha Malolo has lots of toys & activities, such as: waterskis for adults and kids, tube, kneeboard, wakeboard, kayaks, fishing gear, snorkel equipment, floating mats, surfboard, boogie board, TV/DVD in salon, underwater digital camera, kite kayaking, etc.

Eric, owner-operator of Aloha Malolo, is a dive master, plus he has certification to teach resort/discover scuba courses. Seven dives per week are included in their rates for certified divers. Night dives, too! A Discover Scuba course is included for non-certified divers.

Learn to sail... Eric is an ASA sailing instructor and is an excellent choice for either informal training or ASA certification classes.

We like Aloha's philosophy of "Put Your Wallet Away" charters! If this sounds good to you, give us a shout.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ALOHA MALOLO
View Aloha Malolo's online brochure #1 and online brochure #2
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 Yacht ISLANDER ready for 2010-11 Virgin Islands yacht charter season

We received an email from Charlie & Patty, owner-operators of Islander this week. Unfortunately, they won't be able to attend the charter yacht show in November, but we will catch up with them later in St Thomas when they are not on charter. This is better for us anyway as we can take time for a good, friendly visit.

Charlie & Patty point out that they have a few new items, such as:

• New, white bimini enclosure
• New, stainless steel, 3-burner stove/oven
• New inflatable collar for their Walker Bay sailing dinghy

Unfortunately, Islander's cat, BC (Black Cat) passed away in May. You have our deepest condolences, guys... we understand.

But, some good news is that Charlie has been a non-smoker for over a year... Congratulations!

Cruise the Virgin Islands with a Caribbean Sailing Vacation
aboard Charter Yacht Islander

Islander is an Irwin 46 ketch, owned and operated by the experienced sailing team (over 25 years) of Charlie & Patty Avalos. Islander can accommodate up to four guests.  The main guest cabin aft, is spacious and has a queen berth with ensuite head with shower. The aft, port-side settee can be converted into upper/lower single bunk beds (perfect for kids, or a single adult). The "bunkees" share the main cabin's head.

You can read guest comments in a previous post HERE.

Charlie enjoys teaching sailing. ASA courses are only $140 each and include required ASA membership, materials, shipping... everything at no additional cost! Or, if you don't need official paperwork and just want informal training... that's FREE!

Islander has a 12-foot dinghy with new 12HP motor, tube, inflatable kayak, snorkel gear, inflatable lounges, Walker Bay sailing dinghy, beach games, underwater camera, TV/DVD in salon, and more... such as excellent hospitality!

Available for New Years from December 28th onwards!

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

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