Caribbean News – Oct 07

Peters & May acquires AOS

The international yacht transportation specialist based in the UK has acquired a majority shareholding in Air & Ocean Shipping, Inc. of Chicago (AOS).  The merger of the two companies makes Peters & May the largest independent logistics company specializing in yacht shipping. Air & Ocean Shipping provides transportation for over 7000 motor and sailing yachts each year and supplies shipping services for marine spares, airfreight, and customs clearance.

Tanker finds Catamaran off Dominica coast

Off Dominica in August, an oil tanker (Goodrich Bay), found the catamaran S/V Kit-is, apparently damaged by Hurricane Dean.  Papers were found on board in French. Description:  approx. 25 feet, blue hull, white superstructure.  Anyone with information on the yacht can contact Sharon McIntosh at the Caribbean Marine Association: [email protected]

Hilda gets a new home

Once a cargo ship and in recent years a casualty of Hurricane Ivan, Hilda enjoyed a 12-week patch and weld job before being towed and sunk in open waters to become a new dive site this summer.  Grenada’s Port Louis Marina has spent more than $9 million EC dollars so far on dredging the Lagoon and removing garbage, pieces of scrap metal, gas bottles, car parts, and abandoned wrecks.

Headed our way:  7th Annual North American Rally to the Caribbean

Hank Schmitt reports that a fleet of sailboats will gather in Newport, Rhode Island at the end of this month for the annual NARC Rally.  After a dinner October 28th and weather briefing on Sunday at the Newport Yacht Club, boats depart Monday Oct 29th, weather permitting.  After the 635 mile run to Bermuda, boats sail 800+ miles to St. Martin or Tortola.  The Rally is open to both privately-owned boats and professional crews.  No boat or berth? Several boats take crew for a fee.  Details:  www.sailopo.com

Think YOU have problems when the engine fails?

The MV Rio Bueno, a huge Chilean vehicle carrier, made an unexpected stop in August at Curacao harbor due to engine failure.  Crew unloaded the 2050 cars on board and re-loaded them in four other ships.  The Rio Bueno went into drydock in Curacao for repair.

Magazine readers call Moorings one of “world’s best”

The Tortola-based Moorings yacht charter company has been named as one of the Top Tour Operators according to “Travel + Leisure” magazine’s World’s Best Awards 2007 readers’ survey.  Tour operators were evaluated upon six characteristics:  staff/guides, itineraries/destinations, activities, accommodations, food and value.  The Moorings was voted by readers as one of the Top 15 Tour Operators and Safari Outfitters.

Ten years of Leopards at Sea

Leopard Catamarans celebrates their 10th anniversary this year and their 500th catamaran built.  The cats are built by Robertson and Caine, South Africa—including the new Leopard 46, the Leopard 43, and the Leopard 40 (Boat of the Year 2005.)  This fall, the company will introduce the Leopard 47 Powercat designed by naval architects Morrelli and Melvin. To celebrate their milestone, Leopard Catamarans will hold a 10 Year Celebration at the Annapolis Boat Show and offer discounts. “Over the next decade we expect to continue the success that we have seen during our first 10 years while we go all out to be the number one selling brand of catamarans in the world,” said Scott Woodruff, Leopard Catamarans Yacht Sales Manager. www.leopardcatamarans.com

Drive one home today

Marine Travelift Inc. has unveiled its latest in the Mariner forklift series, the Mariner M2500.  The company reports that it is capable of lifting 25,000 lbs (5,000 lbs more than the previous model.)  Its Cummins QSB4.5 Tier III engine has 130 HP output and four Michelin Stabil’X XZM wide track tires keeps the lift on the ground.  The machine comes with wireless remote to assist in controlled lift operation, remote cooling for efficiency and low noise, and wet-disk brakes. Information:  www.marinetravelift.com, or email [email protected]

Women are on the water this month

Pam Wall, an Instructor at the Bitter End Yacht Club’s Women on the Water Week, is ready to welcome women to Virgin Gorda, BVI October 20 – 27. “Women from all over the world come to enjoy the hospitality of the Bitter End Yacht Club and to learn from women instructors the fine art of sailing.  Beginners and expert sailing women come to learn from the women instructors the joy of accomplishment of knowing what to do on a sailboat and to have the confidence to sail a boat themselves.  The best part of this week is the feeling of confidence in oneself at the helm of a sailboat.”  www.beyc.com

Catis Marine Celebrates 30 years

Curacao’s Catis Marine celebrated the 30th anniversary in August of their business started by the late Wendell Goilo.  Astrid Goilo-Sperwer was joined by her family members Clifford Goilo, Claudette Circle-Goilo, and Clyde Goilo in marking the occasion.

Save the Date

October 7 – 14:  Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Regatta
The race began in 1968 between two Bonairean-made fishing boats for a prize of 27 cases of beer and its 40th running will welcome approximately 180 boats in 25 different categories from catamarans and yachts to sunfish, windsurfers, and fishing boats.  Evening festivals include a concert by George McCrae. www.bonaireregatta.org

October 31 – November 3:  Guadeloupe International Billfish Tournament.
Pointe A Pitre marina.  For information, contact the Guadeloupe Fishing Club Association at www.guadeloupefishingclub.com

November 10:  7th Annual Bonaire EcoSwim sponsored by Aqua Moon Adventures and the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association offers eight swimming races with and without fins. $75 per swimmer entry fee includes welcome dinner, t-shirt and swim cap.   Enter by October 27.  www.aquamoonadventures.com

December 3 – 7:  MYBA St. Maarten Charter Yacht Show. Registration has started and dates have been slightly amended so people can attend both this and the Antigua show in early December.  www.mybacaribbeanshow.com