Most families find themselves rushing between work, school, various lessons, sports programs, orthodontist appointments and a myriad of other activities that make it difficult for extended family to connect and spend quality time together. A typical family reunion involves so much work – cooking, cleaning up, planning activities, making sleeping arrangements – that, at times, it can distract from the family fun. The solution is a family

will be enjoyed by everyone, then this is the way to have the best family reunion ever! And if you opt for a crewed charter, you will have gourmet meals without the hassle of shopping, cooking and cleaning up.

A family reunion at sea is the perfect way for family members to relax and enjoy their time together. Since you are on a charter, it is neutral territory. Family members will not feel like they are imposing or inconveniencing someone who is hosting a reunion at their home. A sailing vacation is affordable and flexible. You will know your costs before you ever step aboard, and with a crewed charter, all meals and snacks are included in the price.

Regardless of what type of Caribbean charter you want, Virgin Island Sailing has a full fleet of vessels with a variety of sizes and accommodations to meet your family's needs. Spacious staterooms, main salons, private heads and showers, as well as roomy cockpits and open deck spaces assure your reunion can be as big or as small as you wish.

The best part of a Caribbean family reunion is the activities. A reunion at sea offers something for everyone, regardless of the age. The variety of activities onboard and at the various island anchorages is perfect for families that want to do some activities together and some separately. Whether snorkeling; scuba diving; swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean; learning how to sail; hiking or biking on a tropical island; dancing at a “Jump-Up” at a local beach bar; spending time talking, laughing or playing games with family members in the roomy salons or cockpits; or just relaxing onboard while sunbathing or watching a spectacular sunset- kids and grandparents alike will enjoy the interactions with relatives that come from a Caribbean yacht charter. Your family will be brought even closer resulting in family memories that will last a lifetime.

If you cannot remember the last time you all sat down for dinner together; it has been a while since your parents or siblings have been with your kids; your preteen answers in one-word responses and your teenage is permanently affixed to an i-Pod or cell phone- you owe it to yourself and your family to regroup. There is no better way to reconnect and have the family get-together of your dreams than aboard a family reunion Caribbean charter.

Welcome once again to this month’s issue of Charter Chatter. With a chill in the air and summer memories just a reflection, it is time to start planning your next family adventure. There is no better way to spend time with your loved ones than on a beautiful yacht in the Caribbean. Whether it is a small family vacation with just your immediate family or a larger reunion with an extended family group, I can help you find the perfect yacht or yachts to make this wonderful vacation a dream come true. Following are just a few of the yachts that I recommend for a family charter.

Aldebaran is a stunning 57’ catamaran that is in excellent condition and has a fantastic family-friendly crew. She has two king-sized cabins and one queen cabin, all with ensuite facilities. She also has a midship single bed in the port hull that can be closed off, and that shares a bathroom and shower with one of the king cabins. This is a perfect sleeping arrangement for a child or teenager. Captain Justin and Chef Cayley welcome families aboard with children of all ages. Aldebaran has many water toys on board to keep everyone happy. One item that everyone enjoys, no matter what age they are, is a five foot water hamster. The water hamster is a blow-up ball that has an opening that goes all the way through it with handles on the inside to help you hold on while you spin around. Click to learn more about an Aldebaran Yacht Charter.

For groups up to 14 people consider a tandem between Sea Chateau and Aldebaran.

also has a single berth for a 7th person in one of her hulls, that shares one of the queen cabin’s bathroom. Her crew is Captain Paul and Chef Jody. Both are proven professionals. They take great pride in delivering a wonderful charter and love to get people involved in water sport activities. Sea Chateau has an abundance of water toys onboard – probably more than any other yacht of this size, including multi-performance skis that will suit any level of skier, wake board, and kayaks. Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or this is your first time, either Paul or Jody will guide you on tours to the best snorkeling spots the Virgin Islands have to offer. Sea Chateau also has a strong dinghy and numerous other water toys to keep your family busy. One item that is unique to Sea Chateau is that she has a dive platform on the back of the boat. Normally, only monohulls have a dive platform. This makes it very easy for beginning divers and for small children to get into and out of the water. The owners of Sea Chateau understand the challenges with airfare – especially if you a traveling with the whole family. Therefore, they are offering a $1,000.00 credit that will be applied towards the charter rate. Click to learn more about a Sea Chateau Yacht Charter.

For groups up to 20 people consider a Cuan Law Yacht Charter.

A great monohull that will give you a true traditional sailing adventure for your family is Sublime. Sublime is a very well-maintained, immaculate 72’ yacht that has 4 equal-sized cabins, all with ensuite facilities. She had a complete refit two years ago, when owners/operators Brian and Stephanie bought her. Captain Brian and Chef Stephanie have worked several years in the Caribbean on some of the most luxurious charter yachts. Brian is a PADI Dive Instructor and Stephanie is a PADI Dive Master. They cannot wait to share their love of the water and Caribbean with you. Sublime’s charter rate includes diving if you are already certified, or you can take a resort course, which is also included. In addition to plenty of snorkeling equipment, Sublime has many other water toys for your enjoyment, including a wake board, a 16 foot dinghy with a 90 horse power motor that is strong enough to pull any skier, and kayaks. Some of the interior comforts on Sublime include full air conditioning, Bose inside home theater surround sound, Bose outside speakers, I Pod compatible, X-Box 360 and WM satellite radio. Click to learn more about a Sublime Yacht Charter.

Sublime has many sister ships for groups up to 40 people.

It may not be too late to book for the 2008/2009 holiday season, as I may have a few yachts left. Contact me for last minute availability. It is not too early to start planning for the 2009/2010 holidays. The key to a perfect vacation is the right yacht with the right crew. By booking early you will have plenty of great yachts and crews to choose from.

I look forward to helping you put together a family reunion to remember!

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

By this time, we have all welcomed a refreshing temperature break from the summer heat for at least a day – even here in Florida! The oncoming coolness means the upcoming holiday season is fast approaching, and dare we say, the “C” word that seems to throw everyone into a panic and authenticate the adage, “times flies.” Whichever holiday you celebrate, in addition to the hustle and bustle, as well as the shopping and preparations, the upcoming months bring families together more so than any other time of the year. The best festivity usually includes not only your immediate family, but your extended family, too. The kids play together, the adults play together, the kids and adults play together. There is laughter, memories and reminiscing, and a great time is had by all! Why should such an enjoyable occasion happen only during the holidays? It shouldn’t – your family needs to start planning a reunion!

A family reunion on a bareboat charter usually requires less preparation than the holidays and sometimes, even costs less. Instead of every day pressures of work, school and responsibilities in general, you get to sit back and relax in the warm sun, nap in the cool breeze, and swim in the translucent sea. Instead of worldly influences of TV, phones and internet, you get to explore deserted beaches, see sunsets worthy of dreams, and laugh more in one week than you probably did the previous three months. The atmosphere on a bareboat charter is perfect for rekindling unity and strengthening family bonds. Besides, the thrill of new adventures and the peace of relaxation is even better when shared with family…wouldn’t you agree?

Consider chartering a group of boats to create your own flotilla for groups of ANY size.

Catamarans are often chosen for families because of their open layout, stable ride, and spacious outdoor living areas. Catamarans range from 36’ to 48’ and can accommodate 6 to 12 people on one yacht. In the smaller-sized catamarans, we recommend a Lagoon 380 with 3 to 4 double-occupancy cabins and 2 heads. The Lagoon 380 is comfortable for up to 8 family members. The Lagoon 380 has a bright and airy interior, aft-facing galley and sails well in just a moderate wind. Many charter companies we work with rent the Lagoon 380. In particular, Sunsail offers the Lagoon 380 in many of their worldwide fleets. Click for more information on a Lagoon 380 Yacht Charter.

In the larger-sized catamarans, we recommend the Bahia 46, with 4 double-occupancy cabins, 4 other single beds and 4 heads. This catamaran is one of the only models suitable for up to 12 family members. The Bahia 46 has sufficient indoor and outdoor seating, plus plenty of food storage for large groups. Many of the Bahia 46s are also equipped with additional features like air-conditioning, generator, auto-pilot and a chart-plotter. The Bahia 46 is offered in various ages by many of the companies we work with. Melody recently chartered a 2004 model Bahia 46 with her family from CYOA Charters in St. Thomas. The yacht was in superb condition and definitely did not appear to be even 4 years old. The pride of delivering great charters is evident with the CYOA staff- they are exceptionally thorough with all aspects of a charter. Their friendly service, yacht maintenance, and pre-charter orientation are top-notch! Click to learn more about a Bahia 46 Yacht Charter.

Of course, there are many other yachts to consider. With our planning assistance, bareboat charters can be customized to fit your family’s budget and yacht preferences. If necessary, we can also arrange for family-oriented professional captains. Note about the holidays…if you are planning to charter this holiday season (family reunion or otherwise) it is almost too late! Call us today to check availability. It is not too early, however, to start thinking about the summer or next year’s holiday season. Please call us to discuss all the possibilities and get your family reunited more than just during the holidays!

ANTIGUA STANFORD 20/20 CRICKET TOURNAMENT- Antigua: November 1
Twenty-one teams from across the Caribbean will compete for prizes worth US$1,960,000.00.

27th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY – Antigua: November 1
Celebrated since 1981, this national holiday consists of a week of celebrations, competitions, parades, expos, and food fairs. Two weeks before the celebration, local businesses, schools, and government buildings will be decorated in the traditional and distinctive yellow and red check of the national dress used for clothing.

PRO AM REGATTA WEEK – Virgin Gorda, BVI: November 1-8
This is the only event of its kind in the world, where America’s Cup skippers, Olympic medalists, Around the World Race winners and world champions gather at the Bitter End Yacht Club to lead teams made up of resort guests in a week-long competition for the top Pro Am Regatta honors. This exhilarating event allows amateurs to maximize their on-water experience with the pros as well as enjoy a lively social schedule with fellow sailors off the water.

3rd ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL LITERACY FESTIVAL – Antigua & Barbuda: November 7-9
This three day festival is a celebration of literary arts with workshops, author readings, book signings, and special events. Featured are prominent Caribbean, U.S., British and Canadian authors as well as screenwriters, publicists, and publishers.

2nd ANNUAL VIRGIN ATLANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL – Barbados: October 30-November 8
This festival celebrates ten years of Virgin Atlantic flights to the Caribbean. This ten-day music festival features 10 bands and an all-day festival over 10 hours with 10 acts performing. For ten days some of the United Kingdoms most talented artists are flown in to perform in various locations across Barbados for an international musical extravaganza.

10th ANNUAL TTSA CARRIACOU SAILING SERIES – Carriacou: November 13-17
Features events for the whole family. Beach activities keep non-racers busy while competitors engage in fairly short water courses. There are tons of race celebrations and fetes each night at different venues throughout the island, all with live entertainment.

FOXY’S THANKSGIVING FEAST- Jost Van Dyke: November 27
They take turkeys very seriously at Foxy’s. Chefs put a Caribbean spin on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. After the wishbone is broken, the kids can play and bury the feathers!

NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY – Barbados: November 30
The day begins with an elaborate and impressive parade and ceremony. The day celebration continues with sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious ceremonies.

NATIONAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL – St. Vincent and the Grenadines: All December
A Caribbean Christmas like no other with a month full of traditional festivities, caroling, contests, community lighting programs and street concerts.

47th ANTIGUA CHARTER YACHT SHOW – Antigua: December 4-9
One of the largest charter yacht shows in the world, this signifies the official start of the yachting season not only in Antigua and Barbuda, but in the Caribbean generally. Yearly, up to 200 vessels converge in the Falmouth Harbor Marina, Antigua Yacht Club Marina and the Dockyard Marina.

ST. NICHOLAS DAY – St. Maarten: December 5
Keep an eye out for St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) riding his white horse and trailed by his Zwarte Pele minions. This is the day that good Dutch children hope to find their shoes filled with gifts, while naughty children fear being thrown in a sack by the Zwarte Pele and being carried off to Spain.

HEINEKEN KALALU WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL – St. Lucia: December 5-7
This is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic celebration of music styles and genres from around the globe. They are all brought together in an oceanfront venue for four nights of performances.

NATIONAL DAY – St. Lucia: December 13
Parties and parades surround National Day, including sports events, a festival of light, a choir festival, market festival and numerous feasts. This party goes on for most of the month.

LET’S TRIATHLON – Antigua: December 14
This event includes two courses: the original sprint distance course and a new Olympic distance course. Participants compete in a 1.5 km swim in Dickenson Bay, bike a 40 km route, and then finish with a challenging run.

CARNIVAL – St. Kitts: December 15-January 2
This carnival takes place over Christmas, so there is twice the reason to celebrate. It is one big excuse to party. Highlights include an opening gala, the crowning of the King and Queen of the festival, Jouvert ( a middle of the night romp of music and dancing), New Year’s Day parade and the Carnival’s Las’ Lap.

NINE MORNINGS FESTIVAL – St. Vincent: December 16-24
This indigenous festival is unique to St. Vincent with predawn street concerts, fetes, fun competitions, traditional music and steel pans each of the nine days before Christmas in various towns and villages. People get up early and parade through the streets of Kingstown in seasonal attire. There are also bike races, roller skating, caroling, string band serenades and dancing at night clubs to keep everyone busy and exhausted!

31st ANNUAL PARANG FESTIVAL – Carriacou: December 19-21
This annual music festival attracts local and regional bands for an annual competition featuring the traditional string music of the island of Carriacou. Despite its proximity to Christmas, the percussion driven music is known for its bawdy lyrics, however, there is holiday carols as well.

CHRISTMAS DAY CELEBRATION – Antigua: December 25
This champagne party takes place at Nelson’s Dockyard beginning at 11 am til late at night. It also includes live music and a BBQ.

FOXY’S OLD YEAR CELEBRATION – Jost Van Dyke: December 30-January 1
Once again, Foxy is the ultimate host when it comes to throwing a great party! Party and dance for two straight days and nights, feast on conch fritters and BBQ , then sleep it all off on the beach. This annual event also includes a masked ball.