Underwater Photography Master-class Aboard Luxury Yacht Akasha
7th to 14th July 2012 – British Virgin Islands
with National Geographic Photographer Mauricio Handler
8 guests, private chef & expert tuition
Enjoy the Luxury of catamaran “Akasha” in the pristine waters of the BVI, whilst learning the art of underwater photography from the highly acclaimed National Geographic photo-journalist Mauricio Handler. Spaces on this trip are limited to eight. You will be granted excellent food by our award-winning chef, luxury on an award-winning yacht, and interesting company combined with expert tuition.
This will be a week of relaxation, fun and adventure, above and below the water and is a rare opportunity to reserve a cabin on Akasha without having the expense of booking the whole yacht. Take home memories and some amazing photo’s to dazzle your family and friends.
Whilst aboard Akasha you can enjoy fast & exciting sailing along with a high level of comfort and stability.
The course…..We choose the British Virgin Island as the location of this workshop because of the natural beauty along with Mauricio’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the area. The diving is very accessible and due to the protected locations guests are able to safely concentrate on learning the art of photography. The course is open to those experienced and beginners alike. 
The essence of the course is relaxed and with built in flexibility – if you want to surface shoot, take an afternoon out to do something different, or just relax in the shady cockpit, the choice is yours. With a small group there will be plenty of one-on-one tuition time with Mauricio. Evening meals are enjoyed in Mauricio’s company – a great chance to hear of his amazing experiences on the National Geographic shoots around the world.
The Instructor……Mauricio Handler is a professional marine photojournalist and expedition leader who was for many years part of the premier underwater photography team at National Geographic Magazine. Mauricio teaches his image-making philosophy through 5 day underwater photography workshops. He is the Author of two books, ‘ The British Virgin Islands, a Photographic Portrait’ and The Lonely Planet’s ; Diving and Snorkeling Guide to The British Virgin Islands’. His images are used regularly by National Geographic Digital Media, National Geographic Online and National Geographic Books. http://www.handlerphoto.com
What’s included?….. Rate includes:
• 7 Nights accommodation.
• All meals & snacks from award winning chef – Fully cooked breakfast to order, two course lunch, late after noon appetisers, and three course dinner.
• Bar drinks / wine
• Five days tuition
• Three dives per day plus discussions / talks with Mauricio
• Scuba diving equipment & tank refills
• En suite Cabin with separate stall shower, TV/DVD, individual air conditioning control, plush monogrammed towels & dressing gowns
• Maid/turn down Service
• Professional crew of four
• Dive master for equipment rig & de-rig each day.
• Three dives per day.
• All yacht running expenses.
Rates from $4,995 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin) fully inclusive of all meals, bar, drinks, yachts running expenses plus three dives per day, tutition & classes with Mauricio Handler. Not Included: Flights Camera & photographic equipment (to get the full benefits of Mauricio’s tuition there is a list of recommended equipment) Customary Crew Gratuity 10 to 20% at clients discretion.
If you have any questions concerning the dynamics of the course or any other matter please do not hesitate to contact us on Charters@ViSailing.com or call 1800-382-9666.
Wildlife photography week – Southern Caribbean August 2012
Another unique opportunity to charter SY Akasha by the cabin, August 2012…Cruising between Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, guests aboard Akasha will discover the unique flora, fauna, and wildlife that the Southern Caribbean has to offer whilst enjoying exceptional company, food and sailing and uttermost luxury aboard SY Akasha.
The itinerary will include both guided tours on St Vincent and Grenada, as well as days sailing and enjoying the yacht’s on board facilities. Included in the itinerary will be a visit to the charming Island of Bequia, an unspoiled Caribbean Island famous for boat building.
Enjoy a visit to Bequia’s turtle sanctuary, founded in 1995, Brother King has dedicated his life to safely releasing Hawksbill turtle hatchlings into the nearby waters. Raising the turtles from eggs deposited on nearby beaches, Brother King strives to increase the survival rate of these beautiful and fascinating creatures by feeding and protecting them through their most vulnerable time.
His special attention to these animals has lead to a local appreciation for the tenuous situation these animals face. The turtles are no longer hunted locally as in some parts of the world but are valued for their beauty, uniqueness and even their contribution to sustainable tourism. How the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary got it’s name and how Brother King came to this calling is a story best heard from the man himself.
Professional wildlife Photographer and Naturalist Roger Neckles will host tours on Grenada and St Vincent. Mr. Neckles has played an invaluable role as an educator championing conservation in the Caribbean, conducting slide shows throughout schools and playing a major role in a number of local natural history documentaries.
Formally “Photographer and Public Affairs Consultant for the Caribbean and Latin America” for the International Fund for Animal Welfare,his dedication and commitment to conversation and education of the priceless fauna and flora of our planet is unquestionable.
Mr. Neckles has achieved many pinnacles in his career, which include his current co-authored book ‘Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, released May 2004, plus his solo book, “An Introduction to the Brids of Trinidad and Tobago Vol.1″, and most notably a commission by Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation to create a series of 10 stamps featuring many of Tronidad and Tabgago’s rare or threatened native species, which was launched January 6 2001. TTPost has since commissioned an additional 18 stamps, all of which he has co-designed or designed himself.
Mr.Neckles has travelled to many countries in his capacity as a professional wildlife photographer, championing the cause of conservation and recording the treasures of our planet and degree of human footprints.
Some sea and land birds recorded for Grenada & St Vincent include: White-tailed and Red-billed Tropic birds, Masked and Red-footed Booby’s, Brown Pelicans, Osprey, Plovers, Sandpipers, Lapwings, Cuckoos (Mangrove, Dark-biled and Smooth-biled Ani), Barn Owl, Hummingbirds (Purple-throated Carib, Ruby Topaz, Antillian Crested) Belted Kingfisher,Brown Trembler, Pearly-eyeed Thrasher, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Bananaquit, Antillian Euphonia and many more, a total of 168 species have been recorded on Grenada, that include 3 endemics the Grenada Dove, Grenada Flycatcher and the Lesser Antillian Tanager.
For more information on this unique experience please contact Emily Mack or Ellen Stewart 800-382-9666 or 941-966-9387
Email Charters@ViSailing.com
