Christmas and New Years is the time of year for families and friends to be together, and what better way is there to spend it than on a Caribbean charter? Yuletide in the Caribbean is hardly the traditional Christmas card scenery. Sun-bathed palm trees, turquoise seas and dazzling beaches are the view which will greet families this time of year. It may not be visions of sugar plums dancing in your head, but few things conjure up idyllic visions as clearly as the thought of a Caribbean charter. Isolated beaches, romantic moonlight evenings, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, island explorations and island night life are but a handful of the possibilities available to you. What ever activity you chose, with winter temperatures averaging 79-81°F, you are sure to have a warm and sunny holiday. Life is always laid back in the Caribbean, but no one ever needs an excuse for a party. The islands are well known for their colorful celebrations, but the one big party that extends essentially from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day is especially lively and joyous.

coverings; gift-giving; various types of “Christmas trees” that are decorated with ribbons, ornaments and colored lights; family feasts; church celebrations, and of course lots of awesome music, dancing and parades. Some of the common customs for celebrating Christmas in the Caribbean are as follows:

• Christmas Cards: Historically, the only cards available were from colonial countries that controlled the Caribbean, such as Spain, England, Europe and the United States. The cards mirrored what was happening in those countries. Therefore, it was typical to have cards wishing people a “white Christmas” – an experience completely foreign to the Caribbean. Today, cards are often handmade, have a Caribbean flavor to them, and reflect the reality of the islands. They are sent to each other, as well as to family and friends around the world.
  
• Gift Giving: Even in the Caribbean, Santa is still a worldwide magical symbol of gift giving and an anticipated visitor of children. He enters the house down the chimney, down the wall, or through a keyhole when the children are sleeping. Gifts are left in stockings or under the bed sheets.
  
• Redecorating the Home: Throughout the islands, it is traditional to give the house a thorough cleaning. If affordable, the house may be painted inside and out. New curtains are often put up and furniture is polished or a new piece of furniture might be purchased.
  
• Radio, Television and Telephones: If you are on a charter during the holidays, you will hear radio stations playing a variety of Christmas music. In the past, Christmas radio programs were based on telephone greetings recorded and packaged as a program or even aired live on Christmas Day. Caribbean television airs many Christmas spectaculars, as well as some aired from abroad. Since technology has made it possible to stay connected, telephone calls are made throughout the Caribbean as well as internationally.
  
• Hospitality: At Christmastime, the people of the Caribbean go well beyond their usual warm hospitality. Families prepare food, traditional cakes, and other goodies not only for themselves, but for others, including relatives, friends, and co-workers.
  
• Christmas Music: There are basically three types of music played during the season, and if you happen to be on a charter during this time, you can enjoy all of them. Religious Christmas music is the hymns, songs and classical compositions used in churches. Some of this music is referred to as “Christmas carols.” Popular Christmas Music refers to the songs about non-Christian themes that are well known throughout the world, like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Finally, there is Christmas folk music that varies from island to island, but is often part of the masquerade. Masquerade bands are a common sight on the streets of the Caribbean during the holidays. The term comes from masque (mask) because the participants wear masks – a tradition from African roots. The instruments used to present this music include drums, flutes, gourd rattles, tambourines, sticks, and anything else that can be used to make a musical sound. The performers are the dancers and musicians. In addition to their facial masks, the participants wear elaborate, colorful costumes made of fabric, mesh, tinsel, sequins, and other items. While the musicians play, the dancers interact with the crowds of onlookers with their fancy footwork.
  

on each island, no matter where you go on your Caribbean charter, the holiday season is a festive and joyous occasion that you are welcome to be a part of. If you want to do something really special this year with your family and friends, celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Caribbean-style. It will be a holiday you will never forget!

The year is passing so quickly, and it is strange to be thinking about Christmas and New Years. However, it will be here before we know it.

To me, there is no better place to spend the holidays then on your own private yacht in the Caribbean. Doesn’t that sound better than shoveling snow? I know I would much rather see the white sand beaches, than that cold white stuff you have to shovel!

There are many activities in the British Virgin Islands to help you celebrate the holidays. Foxy’s renowned New Year’s Party on Jost Van Dyke is one not to be missed. Hundreds of yachts anchor in Great Harbour while cruisers go on shore to enjoy all of the festivities.

If you are looking for something a little more family-friendly, visit Trellis Bay on Beef Island, which also has a great New Year’s Party.

Regardless of where you go, it is quite a sight to see yachts decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. (And, I have heard) that Santa comes bearing presents by a sled drawn by dolphins!)

It's not too late to book a Christmas or New Year’s charter as there are still choice yachts available.

If you would prefer to be on a power yacht, then Centre Court is for you. She is a 60’ Sea Ray, and is an excellent choice for two to four guests. Her crew, Arno and Petra are absolutely phenomenal. You will experience homemade pasta and fresh baked bread that is to die for! Arno and Petra have 15 years experience in the BVI, and know all the great places to take you to. Click to learn more about a Centre Court charter yacht.

These yachts are just a very small example of the great yachts available for a Christmas or New Year’s charter.

On another note, I was in Tortola, in May, attending the Spring Yacht Charter Show, and had the opportunity to inspect many of the yachts that you will find on my website. I also had the pleasure of meeting some of the new crew members. I am very happy to report that the yachts are all looking great and are up to my high standards. The crews are all eager to deliver the best sailing vacations so that their guests go home with wonderful memories.

So, whether you are looking for an incredible holiday vacation this year, or thinking about a charter for next year, it is not too early to start planning.

I look forward to helping you book the vacation of a lifetime!

Till next time, Smooth Sailing and Fair Winds!
Gail Hartman, Crewed Yacht Charter Specialist

For the holiday bareboat charterer, the Caribbean is a present waiting to be opened! The steady trade winds and warm sunshine will melt away your thoughts of winter. The memories of those white sand beaches and turquoise waters will help keep your spirits toasty throughout the coming chilly months. Spending the holidays away from home might seem strange at first, but boating in the Caribbean has always been one of the best ways to spend quality time with loved ones and friends. The quiet pace of a Caribbean bareboat charter and your control over it is a great way to break away from the fast paced, commercial blur of a holiday season. The islands do have their own way of showing their holiday spirit. Decoration of homes and businesses, the cheerful greetings on the streets and the eclectic mix of holiday music in the air all lend a hint of the season at hand. Charterers bring their own decorations as well, so seeing lights and garland on the yachts an anchor along with the occasional group of boaters caroling from their dinghy helps bring the season out onto the water.

The holiday season at the end of December is usually broken down into two charter periods by most charter companies: charters December 20-27th for Christmas and charters December 28-January 4th for New Year’s. The majority of companies will have 7 night minimums (why go for less?). Longer charters over both periods are welcome. Starts and/or ends on December 25th and January 1st are a special request. Yachts like the Beneteau 523 available in Tortola are perfect bareboats for larger groups of family and friends because they provide 5 staterooms, each with its own facilities. The Beneteau 523 is a powerful sailing yacht with all lines leading aft to the cockpit area and big self-tailing winches for easy sail handling. Her duel steering stations make for easy maneuvering and there is excellent access to one of the most important areas on the yacht- the platform transom. Click here to learn more about the Beneteau 523.

Couples and smaller groups have a wide range of bareboat options. Yachts from 31-42’ with 2-3 cabins also offer such a complete package that all you need to add will be food and beverages. The Beneteau 392 and Oceanis 423 in particular, having eliminated the true V-berth and replaced it with a more squared-out forward berth, excel at providing equal accommodations with all the bells and whistles. Click for more information on the Beneteau 392 and the Oceanis 423.

Catamarans have become the big players in the Caribbean fleets and the selection continues to grow. Cats like the Moorings 4300 and the Lagoon 440 are on the leading edge of this trend and are more available than ever. Their ability to provide a more stable platform and extra elbow room are the key components of their popularity. Click to learn more about the Moorings 4300 and Lagoon 440.

amenities equal to or greater to any of the sailing yachts. The Lagoon 43 and Virgin Horizon 48 are great examples of these offerings.

Now is the time to make your holiday reservations and get the best yacht for your party. As yacht charter brokers, we have a unique overview of the yachts and charter services in the Caribbean. Nowhere can you cover so much ground with one inquiry, and access to our knowledge and expertise is free! We find the ideal yacht, make the arrangements, and handle all the details! Your holiday cannot be easier! Call us today at 800-382-9666 or 941-966-9387 and get your holiday party started! You can review yacht options on our web site at www.viyachts.com and complete our request form at http://www.viyachts.com/_forms/availability.php. We will promptly respond with current availability and recommendations. So maximize your Holiday Joy with a Caribbean bareboat charter... the coming of winter never looked so good!

Till next time, keep your sails full!
Melody Delgado and Dennis Lang,
Bareboat Charter Experts

VINCY MAS-St. Vincent: June 27 – July 8
This is St. Vincent’s Carnival. It is a feast for the eyes and ears with Calypso contests, Soca Monarchs, beauty pageants, Mardi Gras, Mas on the Move, Jumps Ups, steel band competitions, King and Queen contests, and the parade of costumed bands.

CROP OVER FESTIVAL – Barbados: July 5-August 5
This is Barbados’s version of Carnival. Fun is sure to be had with the Crowning of the festival King and Queen, cart parades, food fairs, Pic-o-de-Crop Calypso Monarch competitions, Jump-Ups, and costumed band competitions.

13th ANNUAL FISHERMAN’S DAY – Bequia: July 6
A lively and fiercely contested demonstration of the local’s abundant skills at harvesting the waters that surround the island. Dine on a fresher than fresh barbecue of fish, enjoy prizes, and have a chance to buy as much fresh fish as you want.

PREMIER’S CUP INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA-BVI: July 11-13
Sponsored by the Royal British Virgin Island Yacht Club, this race gives the youngsters a chance to demonstrate their sailing skills.

2nd ANNUAL A. H. RIISE BILLFISH TOURNAMENT-VIRGIN GORDA: July 19-23
This all-release blue marlin tournament is hosted by the Bitter End Yacht Club. Features theme dinners, cooking classes, and parties. All proceeds go to the the A. H. Riise Community Fund.

ST. LUCIA CARNIVAL – St. Lucia: July 21-225
Throngs of people jam the streets in colorful costumes to parade to the latest soca and calypso hits. Party with calypso competitions, beauty pageants, steel band competitions and soca jams. This carnival is complete and unadulterated fun!

ANTIGUA CARNIVAL – Antigua: July 24-August 5
This is a colorful and spectacular street party with exciting steel band and calypso competitions, the Parade of Costumed Bands, the Miss Antigua Pageant, and the Caribbean Queen Competition. There are also food fairs and cultural shows.

CANOUAN CARNIVAL – Canouan: July 24-August 1
This party is a colorful mixture of the Ms. Caribbean Fest, soca, parades and street jams.

54th ANNUAL EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL – BVI: July 25-August 10
This annual festival is also known as August Festival and is the territory’s premier cultural showcase with an array of activities, including the freedom march; emancipation service; calypso monarch competition; boat races; Rise and Shine tramps; August Monday’s Parade and much more!

BREADFRUIT FESTIVAL & EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION – St. Vincent: Month of August
The Breadfruit Festival is a tasty celebration of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’s 25 species of breadfruit and their historical importance. The Emancipation Celebration commemorates the abolition of slavery in St. Vincent and features cultural performances, lectures, and exhibitions in memory of the African ancestors who survived the middle passage.

ANNUAL MARKET VENDOR’S FEAST – St. Lucia: August TBA
Castries’ market vendors celebrate their feast day with a religious service followed by a festival of food where you can sample local dishes. Also includes singing and dancing.

ANNUAL CUDJOE HEAD CELEBRATION-Montserrat: August 2-3
A colorful street festival, sporting competitions, music and masquerade performances.

RAINBOW CITY FESTIVAL-Grenada: August 2-4
This festival takes place in Grenville, the largest town of St. Andrews Parish. It is marked by a plethora of arts and crafts against a backdrop of music, cultural performances, street dancing and drinking.

43rd CARRIACOU REGATTA FESTIVAL – Carriacou: August 3-10
Everything from serious yacht racing to beachside donkey races, greasy pole climbs and netball competitions highlight this annual regatta festival. On shore activities include road races, a Miss Wet T-Shirt contest, Miss Aquaval Queen Show and other cultural activities.

FESTIVAL OF THE WOMEN COOKS – Guadeloupe: August 10
This is a culinary nirvana that features a five hour banquet to which all are invited. Decked in Creole dress and carrying baskets of traditional foods, women parade through the streets of Pointe a Pitre to the cathedral where they are blessed by the Bishop. Then there is a parade followed by the banquet and dancing.

EMANCIPATION DAY AND CARNIVAL WEEK – Grenada: August 4; 11-16
Another chance to party! This carnival has a King and Queen Competition; Soca Monarch Finals, Panorama Steel Band Competitions, fancy Mas Band Competitions, Jump-Ups, parades and street parties.

CARIBBEAN COMEDY FESTIVAL – St. Martin: August 29-31
Held annually, the CCF promises 3 days of laughs, music and beach parties. The event kicks off on Friday with Music Concert Night featuring HipHop and Reggae artists, local musicians and dancers. Saturday and Sunday features popular standup comedians from the US and international D.J.s spin the tunes for festive after parties. Other activities include beach events, boat trips and golf sessions throughout the weekend.

ROSE FESTIVAL – St. Lucia: August 30
This festival honors the regal flower with great pomp and ceremony including a royal kingdom complete with a King, Queen, dignitaries and loyal subjects. Every Saturday during the month, people will meet for all night partys, singing and dancing while they work on elaborate costumes. On August 30th, people will go to church for a special service, then parade through the streets to the main hall for the Grande Fete. This is complete with singing, drum beats, guitars, maracas, dancing and an all night party.