Throughout the Caribbean, the people of the islands earn their livelihoods from travelers who come to enjoy the natural assets of sea, sand and sun that make this area of the globe a truly spectacular paradise destination. Unfortunately, the ocean surrounding these island gems, which was once considered inexhaustible and resilient, is in fact, finite and fragile. The good news is that now more and more visitors are concerning themselves with sustainable travel, carbon offsets and reducing the carbon footprint of the travel industry. As a traveler, you always have the opportunity to make choices in how you impact the areas you visit. Perhaps the most environmentally friendly vacation you can take is on a Caribbean sailing charter yacht.

charter yacht is the ultimate going green activity. Sailing is one of the oldest means of emission-free travel. Since your sailing charter yacht is wind-powered, you will use very little fuel, if any. A vacation on a Caribbean sailing charter yacht is an exhilarating tonic for your senses: it is refreshing, all-natural and very, very clean!

Although sailing is a green hobby, we all have an impact on the environment. There are many steps that can be taken with charter yachts, either through the charter yacht bases or by the charterers themselves, to sustain the high quality of water and local environments of the Caribbean.

Many charter yacht bases and marinas are making ongoing efforts and improvements through public awareness, recycling and technology to protect the delicate ecosystem. For instance, at the Sunsail facilities at Wickhams Cay II in Tortola, an environmentally sound breakwater was developed to allow for greater water circulation into the harbor, and runoff from charter yacht cleaning is being contained and filtered. In addition, they are currently upgrading the seawater desalination plant, linking the holding tank pump-out station to the town sewage system, and incorporating an innovative water flush system into the new seawall allowing for better circulation of the water within the inner harbor. Natural circulation will be assisted through seawater pumps that move existing water from the harbor entrance into the innermost portion of the harbor. This water will also be filtered to enhance the quality. At the new Marina at Marigot Bay, St.Lucia, the docks were designed so that the entire Marigot Bay mangrove system was undisturbed and additional mangroves were planted to accelerate the growth of the reserve. The result was that the marina has been constructed with minimum impact on the environment. Water conservation is a focus at the Barefoot charter yacht base in St. Vincent. They recently installed a state of the art sewage disposal system that produces almost potable water at the other end. They also collect rainwater in 500 gallon tanks that they use for watering the grounds. In the British Virgin Islands, where rainfall is scarce, water conservation is also an issue. At the Moorings base, water is made from the ocean with a 65,000 gallon a day desalination plant built for their facility with two 100,000 cisterns to serve as storage. In addition, their laundry facility saves approximately 12,000 gallons of water daily by recycling water with a special treatment system that reuses water. Finally, many of the bases are taking the opportunity to cultivate charter yacht sailors’ respect for the environment while in the Caribbean. During chart briefings at Horizon Yacht Charters in the BVI, the staff explains the importance of respecting the coral and sea, and all yachts receive a brochure entitled, “Year of the Reef”, which explains global efforts to encourage coral growth. At Barefoot bases, before sailors take their charter yacht, they must sign a “pledge” of guidelines in order to raise their level of awareness for environmentally friendly sailing.

Although the charter yacht bases and marinas are doing their part, it is really up to you to be the most eco-friendly charterer and reduce the impact of sailing on the environment.

2. Consider booking charter yachts with alternative energy systems. Many of the boat builders are now designing charter yachts that are more eco-friendly. Several charter yachts are now installing wind generators and solar panels to charge the boat systems. These help minimize the time required to run the engine to charge the batteries. Check with your charter yacht broker for the availability of these “green” boats.

3. Reduce your carbon footprint. Open up the hatches and side vents and use the natural ventilation for comfort. Part of the pleasure of a Caribbean sailing charter yacht is the constant trade winds that provide plenty of fresh air. If you run the generators all the time or all night for air-conditioning, you are creating a lot of pollution.

4. Control the amount of garbage you create. Since recycling is often considered too expensive, garbage disposal on the islands usually ends up in landfills which impact the beauty of the environment you came to enjoy, not destroy. Therefore, limit the amount of garbage you create. Avoid taking plastic on board, such as six-pack rings, plastic bags, disposable plates, cups and cutlery. Bring reusable shopping bags when you provision instead of collecting plastic bags from the store. Instead of buying cases of water in small plastic bottles, buy gallon jugs of water and buy one souvenir plastic cup for each person onboard. This uses less plastic and creates a smaller carbon footprint.

5. Provision green. Think about the products you are going to buy and purchase less harmful products that help conserve the environment for future generations to enjoy. Many grocery stores in the Caribbean sell cleaning products under the brand name, “7th Generation” or “ECOVER” which will not harm the water if they end up there.

6. Garbage Disposal. Never throw garbage, including food, overboard. Fish and other wild life cannot use our food properly. Human food alters their natural feeding behavior, alters the nutrient balance of the reef, and disrupts the natural predator-prey interactions. Stow any loose items such as plastic bags so they do not end up overboard. Although cigarette butts may appear small and insignificant to some, they are definitely not! They can last up to five years on the beach or in the ocean and they are deadly to sea creatures that confuse them with food. Even though some of the islands may charge a small fee per bag, always dispose of trash in designated areas only or with the trash pick-up boats.

7. Water toys. Although fuel-driven water sports can be loads of fun for some, they use up carbon credits and can cause noise pollution. There are so many other water toys available on your Caribbean sailing charter yacht that do not use fossil fuel. Consider trying kayaks, sailing dinghies, windsurfers, kite boards, snorkel gear, and floating mats.

There is no finer way to take a break, relax and do something good for your soul than to take a vacation in the Caribbean. The crystal clear blue water, palm-fringed sandy beaches, balmy trade winds and the laid-back vibe of the Caribbean is truly good for you. We all have the responsibility to ensure that we do everything in our power to protect the natural assets of the islands. There is no doubt that one of the most environmentally friendly ways to spend your time in the Caribbean is aboard a sailing charter yacht. You will be doing your part to ensure this paradise remains pristine and unspoiled for future generations.

In this issue, we are focusing on “Going Green.” As more people worldwide are worried about the environment and looking for ways to become eco-friendly, this is a great opportunity to feature a few yachts that are going the extra step to help the environment and are striving to help the Caribbean remain unspoiled and one of the top sailing destinations in the world.

Quite a few of the yachts are realizing that one of the most effective steps to reduce pollution in the BVI is something that charter guests can do themselves. It is free and it is healthy for the guests as well as the environment. It is also very simple…just use the reverse osmosis water that most crewed charter boats make aboard and provide.

The average number of plastic water bottles that are consumed on every charter is between 6-12 bottles per person per day. Multiply those bottles by the number of your charter party and the number of days aboard, and it is a staggering amount of plastic that finds its way into the garbage dumps, landfills, etc. And that bottled water? Where did it come from? Well, two of the most popular brands in the BVI come from Scotland and Norway. Just think-water carried all the way across the Atlantic to an island chain in the Caribbean. How big is THAT carbon footprint!!!

But, you are traveling abroad, and you are worried about the water. Fair enough. Some places in the world have very unhealthy water supplies. Fortunately, that is not the case in the BVI. The tap water is good quality, and those in the know drink it without hesitation. Still, you may be a little nervous and do not want to risk ruining your vacation with an upset stomach. Most vessels in the crewed charter yacht fleet have the perfect answer. They make water aboard, by a process called reverse osmosis. Simply put, sea water is placed under enormous pressure – about 800 pounds per square inch – which forces fresh water through a very fine filter called a membrane, leaving the salt water behind. Also left behind are any viruses or bacteria, so the water produced is very pure. Purer, in fact, than anything but distilled water. The very best bottled waters use this process, as well, before putting it in those plastic bottles shipping them great distances. So, right there on your charter boat is a source of water as good as you can get anywhere, and it is not in a plastic bottle!

The majority of privately owned crewed charter yachts in the BVI have tapped into this vast supply of excellent drinking water, as have many of the top resorts ashore. Ask me if the yacht you are choosing has a reverse osmosis system. This may be a point to consider since it means you will not have to spend time visiting marinas to refill the water tanks. If the yacht does have a reverse osmosis system, ask the crew to leave all those plastic bottles ashore. They will be very happy to oblige, you can be sure. In fact, they will probably thank you for not asking them to store cases and cases of plastic water bottles in a limited space. And, the environment will thank you, as well!

There are several yachts that have gone green, but I would like to feature three of them.

Jet Stream is a 45’ catamaran. She has 3 equal-sized cabins, all with ensuite facilities. The yacht is fully air-conditioned, nicely appointed, and in excellent condition. Captain Tim has skippered charter boats professionally and taught sailing since 1988. He has combined his sailing career with a parallel career as a Golf professional. Formerly Stanford University’s Head Coach Golf coach, he has directed an internationally acclaimed golf school and pioneered leading-edge teaching technology. Although the BVI (Jet Streams principal area of concentration) is not a hot-bed for golf, Tim and Marsha will be happy to design a cruise to islands that feature golf for guests that would like to blend sailing and golf vacations. Chef Marsha is a trained chef. She specializes in Asian and Middle-Eastern cooking, but is equally happy to prepare Western fare. Her personal favorites tend toward high-taste, low-fat fare, and she has also studied Raw Foods cuisine. Whatever the tastes of her guests, Marsha can be counted upon to please the palate. Both Tim and Marsha are very involved working with different agencies to promote recycling in the BVI. Jet Stream can make 400 gallons of fresh water per day, using the same energy as three 100 watt light bulbs. They are also eco-friendly by utilizing fresh and local foods whenever possible, using reusable water containers, and educating guests on the fragile reef system that is found throughout the BVI. Click to learn more about a Jet Stream Yacht Charter.

Aloha Malolo is a 65’ monohull. She welcomes you aboard for a week of fun! Guests are accommodated in 3 guest cabins, 2 full spacious bathrooms and plenty of space in the cockpit and on deck. Captain Eric has been sailing since he fell in love with life on the ocean over thirty years ago. In addition to his US Coast Guard Captain’s License and STCW safety certification, Captain Eric is also a PADI Divemaster who takes guests scuba diving. He also holds FAA Private Helicopter, Fixed Wing and Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot licenses. Eric is a certified instructor with the American Sailing Association and teaches ASA 101 Basic Sailing, ASA 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, ASA 104 Bareboat Chartering and ASA 105 Coastal Navigation. If you would like to go home with a sailing certificate, a sailing vacation on Aloha Malolo is for you. Chef Evelin grew up in the Caribbean listening to her Uncle’s adventure stories when he came home from sailing charters. The Caribbean islands are her home. Evelin graduated with a degree in hotel administration with an emphasis on gourmet cooking. She studied with an accredited Cordon Bleu chef with over 10 years of charter yacht experience, and completed a four month course emphasizing Mediterranean cooking. Fun-loving and quick with a smile, Evelin invites you aboard to share a true culinary experience. Optionally, Salty Dog can join your charter or stay ashore as you like. Salty is a mature Yellow Labrador with a sweet, serene loving personality. Charter guests have universally loved having Salty aboard. Salty’s normal duties are to supervise snorkeling and fishing, finding dolphins and relaxing. Some people want their daily fur fix and even a game of Frisbee, and this Labrador is always happy to oblige. Aloha Malolo is doing her part to “go green.” Her crew sails whenever they can and only use the motor when they have an upwind schedule that has to be met. She sports three solar panels and a wind generator which results in using renewable energy to recharge the batteries. The crew uses biodegradable soaps at every opportunity and shop fresh and local whenever they can to reduce shipping, use less wrapping and to support the local economy. They also use reusable water containers and double filter their water supply to save on plastic trash. They have recently purchased a new 18’ inflatable catamaran dinghy, but still use the smaller dinghy engine from their old dinghy. The green part is that with less drag and weight of the cat hulls, the same motor goes 25% faster. They can tow skiers with the same 50hp motor, thus saving gas and dumping fewer hydrocarbons. Click for more information on a Aloha Malolo Yacht Charter.

Akasha is also doing her part to go green. This 76’ luxury catamaran, that has 5 all deluxe cabins with ensuite facilities for 10 guests, has gone to a water chiller filtration system. The crew has calculated that by using this type of water system, they are saving the landfills more than 500 empty plastic water bottles a charter. That is huge when you consider that this is a busy yacht with many weeks of charters booked throughout the year. Click to find out about this special yacht Akasha.

This is just a small sample of the many yachts that are doing their part to protect the environment. Besides what the yachts are doing to go green, sailing is a naturally green activity as the wind fills your sails –with no engine running – to get you to the next beautiful anchorage.

Whether this is your first time or you are an experienced guest, I look forward to working with you in planning your next wonderful sailing adventure. I am starting to get quite a few Christmas and New Year’s requests, so in order to get the perfect yacht for your dates, now is the time to start planning.

Till next time, Smooth Sailing and Fair Winds!
Gail Hartman, Crewed Yacht Charter Specialist
gail@visailing.com

Congratulations! Your decision to take a sailing vacation is also a choice for an eco-friendly, green vacation. Sailing is one of the oldest forms of emission-free travel, and in the islands, it also leads to other eco-friendly recreational endeavors like kayaking, fishing and swimming/snorkeling.

The joy of sailing is the harnessing of the wind’s power as you work with the seas to reach your goals. Your senses guide you through a series of calculations, taking into account many factors that are in most part provided by nature. Your goal, when in the Caribbean, is simple: to find your perfect spot, a refuge from the everyday.

The British Virgin Islands, a natural gem on the border between the vast Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is one of the most visited destinations for wonderful sailing vacations. This delightful chain of islands, combined with the constant trade winds, beckons sailors from all corners of the world. The British Virgin Islands have the largest selection of yachts for bareboat charters in the Caribbean. Monohulls and catamarans are available that can handle parties from 2 to 12 guests. All offer a certain peace of mind that can only be found when bonding with the natural environment.

But sailing is so much more than just a journey; it is understanding the balance between recreation and preserving the integrity of the marine environment. By choosing a sailing vacation, you conserve resources by taking advantage of the trade winds and reduce pollution by minimizing the use of machines that emit harmful gases. Sailing fosters your connection with nature while preserving the natural habitat so that future generations can continue to enjoy this beautiful area.

The local charter companies are working to reduce the stress on the area by making their contributions as well. The shifting to copper-free bottom paints, employing safe cleaning agents and incorporating features in marina designs to ease the impact on natural surroundings is catching on. It is also their duty to instruct clients on proper waster disposal and to discourage the use of Styrofoam and plastic products that take several lifetimes to break down. The charter companies are also working with the yacht manufacturers to add design features that will promote this theme. Electric engines, better waste storage/disposal systems and the use of higher quality materials are all signs that the industry as a whole is taking steps to preserve and protect the environment.

A few of the yachts that have incorporated some of these greener features are the Leopard 4600, the Beneteau 43.4 and the Lagoon 420.

The Leopard series of catamarans have the advantage of over 20 years of chartering, as well as sailing experience. In this case, The Moorings has collaborated with the factory to make changes that benefit not only the clients, but the entire industry. The materials and insight that have been poured into these designs have made for efficient and reliable catamaran designs in the 40-47’ range. Click for a virtual tour and more information on a Moorings 4300 Yacht Charter.

The Beneteau 43.4 also brings a new design to the table with an interior that features 4 cabins, one with upper and lower single berths, which provides the flexibility to handle kids or single members in your party. Her duel steering stations are another superior design feature that is becoming very popular with charterers and owners alike. Her efficient design is built to be easy to clean and uses quality hardware that will require less work to maintain. Click for more information on a Moorings 43.4 Yacht Charter.

It is the Lagoon 420’s use of duel electric engines that has provided one of the most innovative changes. The electronic propulsion system is so sophisticated that electrical regeneration occurs while sailing! The model is silent and minimizes air, water and noise pollution. We expect to see more of these designs that incorporate this new green approach enter the fleet. Click to learn more about a Lagoon 420 Yacht Charter.

Now is the time to start making your spring and summer charter plans. With Virgin Island Sailing, you can search all the charter fleets with one inquiry. We find the ideal yacht, make the arrangements and handle the details. Call us today at 800-382-9666 or 941-966-9387 and get your green on. You can also complete our request form at Availability and we will promptly respond with current availability and recommendations. So, when you are chartering, switch off the engine, hoist the sails and feel the elements. Go ahead and sail. You will always be heading in the right direction!

12th Annual Wahoo Fishing & Fisherman’s Jamboree-BVI: All Month
Taking place in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, this annual event is a celebration of fishing. The main focus is the fishing competitions which also provide visitors with plenty of opportunities to try freshly caught, deliciously prepared seafood. Includes other food, music and beach fun.

FOXY’S Music Festival – BVI: March
It is always a party at Foxy’s, but it reaches a fever pitch each March with tons of Caribbean talent from local bands to established island performers. Of course, revelers can also enjoy a mouthwatering Caribbean BBQ, dancing and drink. The fun begins Friday afternoons and continues until dawn each night of the festival.

29th Annual HEINEKEN Regatta – St. Maarten: March 5-8
With over 255 yachts participating, family cruisers mix with canting heeled maxis interspersed with sport boats. You can expect legendary entertainment in the form of outstanding musical shows.

St. Vincent Blues and Rhythm Festival- St. Vincent and the Grenadines: March 6-7
This annual festival sends out soulful and mellow tunes from the lush Emerald Valley Resort.

5th Annual Caribbean Arts & Crafts Festival – BVI: March 6-11
Over 50 artisans registered from 15 different countries throughout the Caribbean come to the BVI marketplace to network and sell wares. Includes food, drink and music.

Annual Around The Island Easter Regatta – Grenada: March 13-17
This regatta is establishing itself as a highlight on the Caribbean sailing calendar. Combining elements of traditional yachting and classic sailing with strong Easter breezes to provide 5 days of adventure at sea.

National Heroes Day Celebration – St. Vincent & The Grenadines: March 14
A public holiday that celebrates the achievements of the original inhabitants and historical figures.

8th Annual Carrino Health Spa Triathlon – St. Kitts & Nevis: March 15
This is an international triathlon. Athletes from all over the world come to Nevis to participate in the Olympic Distance or Sprint triathlon.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival – Grenada: March 17
Each year, Grenada’s northern parish of St. Patrick celebrates the feast of St. Patrick with a week of activities. Events include art and craft exhibits, food, drink and cultural extravaganzas.

St. Barth’s Bucket Regatta – St. Barth: Mark 26-29
This invitational pursuit regatta is open to 33 yachts over 100 feet. The focus is on performance and safe seamanship. Parties, cocktail parties, and music, dining and dancing at the Bucket Bash are all part of the fun.

Moonsplash Reggae Festival – Anquilla: March 26-29
This is the best of reggae and international music in the Eastern Caribbean. This is more than a 4 day beach party. This is a showcase for emerging regional talent and a musical reunion for many of reggae’s finest. Musician Bankie Banx presents this event at Dune Preserve at Rendezvous Beach.

Cross Channel Swim – Nevis & St. Kitts: March 29
The 2.5 mile swim is across the channel between Nevis and St. Kitts. The start is at Oualie Beach on Nevis and the finish is at Cockleshell Bay on St. Kitts.

2009 Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival – BVI: March 30-April 5
Presented by Nanny Cay, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival starts with a welcome party at Nanny Cay Marina. Three days of destination cruising and racing follow, leading up to the main 3-day regatta. It is an exciting format that allows participants to experience locations throughout the BVI.

Singles Mingles Dark and Stormy Regatta – BVI: TBA
Hosted by Neptune’s Treasure on Anegada and the Jolly Roger on West End, Tortola, the singles get a chance to mingle! This 16 mile race starts at Trellis Bay and ends on Anegada.

Gospel Festival – St. Vincent & The Grenadines: All Month of April
Zonal showcase in music, song, dance, poetry and comedy. Also includes weekend concerts featuring international artists.

Easter Festival – Virgin Gorda, BVI: April 9-12
Easter is marked by a riot of color, noise, and parties. Events take place during 4 days leading up to Easter Sunday and include live calypso music and scratch bands, as well as markets, food fairs and colorful parades.

32nd Annual Easterval – Union Island, St. Vincent & The Grenadines: April 9-13
This event attracts local, regional and international patrons. Regarded as a national festival for the Southern Grenadines, it originally was an athletic event. Now, it includes art, culture, and other festive activities.

28th Annual Easter Regatta – Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines: April 9-13
Bequia’s regatta is rightly famous for its unique blend of local boat racing, yacht racing, and Bequian hospitality. A fleet of more than 30 traditional local boats (some no more than 12 feet long, others 28 feet in length) compete out on the sparkling waters of Bequia. At the same time, another 30 or more yachts race. It is a fabulous, colorful weekend full of fun, skills and tradition. Includes beach games, a crazy craft race, a sandcastle competition, model boat races, BBQs, music and revelry.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – Antigua: April 16-21
Hosting between 50-60 yachts, it is a wonderful variety of competitors, including traditional craft from the islands, sloops, schooners, yawls, J class yachts and tall ships. All of which makes for a wonderful spectacle of sails. The sailing is combined with plenty of rum, sunshine and great camaraderie in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that places this regatta in a class by itself.

Guadeloupe to Antigua Race – Guadeloupe: April 24
After fine French dining the night before and a hearty, early morning breakfast, the race sets off from Des Haies, Guadeloupe to English Harbor, Antigua – a 42 mile race.

Stanford Antigua Sailing Week Regatta – Antigua: April 26-May 2nd
Now one of the premier sailing regattas in the world, the Stanford Antigua Sailing Week welcomes participants from all corners of the globe each year competing for the chance to win this prestigious race. Five challenging days of racing in some of the best sailing conditions in the world, combined with the famous Antiguan hospitality, make this a regatta not to be missed.

9th Annual Maroon Music Festival – Carriacou: April 29-31
This is an age-old celebration expressing appreciation for a productive harvest and petitioning success for the upcoming planting season. Experience the joys, feasts and celebrations whose sights, sounds and smells surround the cooking and sharing of food within each community. The pulsing beat of the Big Drum is the main celebration. Dancers whirl and sing in local patois – songs that recall their history. The celebration includes food and cultural exhibits, local delicacies, and crafts.