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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Boston Whalers Make Waves for Good: Rendezvous Raises Thousands for Abaco Special Needs School

They gave as good as they got! Boston Whaler owners rafted up in the Bahamas this summer for the annual Abaco Owner Rendezvous. In addition to enjoying their custom-crafted vessels in the beauty of the islands, owners shared their passion for philanthropy. Specifically, the group gave back by supporting Every Child Counts through a charity event that raised thousands of dollars for children with special needs. Every Child Counts is a private school located in Abaco that focuses on providing an alternative learning environment. Founded more than 20 years ago, the organization is the only resource of its kind serving the entire Abaco Island chain. It is fully funded by donor support and events like the Boston Whaler charity event helped to secure the needed investment to continue positively impacting students. 

Top Destinations in the Northern Abacos, Part 1

“When our owners get together, it’s always a meaningful opportunity to connect and share our passion for on-water adventure, but being able to give back and see the generosity of owners through this event is truly heartwarming,” said Lenn Scholz, president of Edgewater, Florida-headquartered Boston Whaler. “Every Child Counts is a one-of-a-kind organization and to be able to contribute to the future of its mission through the fun of the Abaco Owner Rendezvous is truly fulfilling. We look forward to seeing how they expand year-over-year and grow their impact on students’ lives.” www.Facebook.com/ECCAbaco, www.bostonwhaler.com 

Christmas Bird Count at Sea

Mega Yacht Makeover: Puerto Rico Hooks Big Fish with New $15M Marina

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Puerto Rico is going after a piece of the mega yacht pie in a big way. In November, the island’s government inked a deal with Dallas, Texas-headquartered Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC, to build a new marina spanning a little over 16 acres and located in the two docks in Old San Juan that currently dock superyachts. The new facility will dock six yachts at a time, plus offer shore power, water connections, pump-out service, and high-speed internet. Safe Harbor Marinas is expected to invest $12-$15 million in the project. In turn, they will receive a 40-year concession lease agreement from Puerto Rico’s Port Authority, $200,000 in rental fees, share 5% of gross income from the Authority and 5% net profits from fuel sales. The lucrative deal also includes the construction of recreational facilities, retail outlets, a business center, repair services, and a boat supply store. Currently, some 30 megayachts visit Puerto Rico annually. Officials are hoping this new marina project will attract up to 200 a year, generating a multi-million boost in economic activity for the island. The project’s first phase is expected to be in operation by the end of 2024 and the second phase open a year later. This new project will mark the second marina in Puerto Rico for Safe Harbor Marinas. In 2021, the company acquired Marina Puerto del Rey, the largest marina in the Caribbean. shmarinas.com 

Sailing with Charlie: Mega Yacht Charters

7 Reasons to Ship Your Yacht Between the Caribbean & Europe/USA Safely and Efficiently

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The demand for yacht transport between the Caribbean and the U.S.A. and Europe is on the rise. This is especially true for a broad range of racing, cruising, charter, and private yachts of all sizes. International shipping companies, such as Sevenstar Yacht Transport, are leading the way in providing fast, efficient, and safe delivery options. Notable is that the Amsterdam-headquartered shipping company is the first to receive certification for its transport cradles from Lloyd’s Register.

“Over the years, we’ve seen more people interested in this transportation solution,” says Sanne van den Heuvel, trade manager for the U.S. and Caribbean. “Time is one of the most valuable commodities for owners and crew. Time savings, as well as saving the wear and tear a vessel on its own hull might receive in potentially choppy Atlantic Ocean waters, are the top reasons we see increased interest in yacht transport.”

In the spring months of March, April, and May, when many yachts leave the Caribbean, Sevenstar offers several sailings in two options of routes. These are from the Caribbean to Northern Europe or the Mediterranean, and from the Caribbean to the U.S. East Coast. Sevenstar loads vessels from ports in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Le Marin, Martinique; and St. John’s, Antigua. 

Sevenstar has divisions within its company, including ded-icated teams for racing and sport fishing yachts, that cater to these client-centric needs of different types of yachts.

“One trend we see and are offering is more specialized sailings in terms of timing. In the past, there was quite a wide window. Today, while we do have a fixed schedule, we can also adjust our schedules based on feedback when talking with our clients. For example, we might have a big group of racing yachts that want to leave the Caribbean to get to Europe in time for a specific regatta or regattas, and we can adjust to fit these needs. That’s the benefit of the company having 120 vessels worldwide,” says Sander Speet, who handles racing yacht logistics for Sevenstar and hands-on attends Caribbean regattas such as the RORC Caribbean 600.

Sevenstar has opened a new office in Palma de Mallorca, the destination of many race yachts coming from the Caribbean.

New in 2024, Sevenstar is the Official Yacht Transport Partner of the Viking Explorers Rally. The event departs in January from the Canary Islands en route to Grenada. More cruising yachts are now seeing the advantages of shipping their vessels back across the Atlantic in the late spring.

5 Top Pre-Loading Tips to Ship Your Yacht

Like hauling a yacht for yard work or storage, or winterizing in colder climates, there are points owners and crews can do to prepare their yacht for transport. Companies like Sevenstar send complete checklists to their clients once a sailing is scheduled as a preparation guide. Here is an example of five tips for pre-loading at the marina:

  1. Lighten your Load: Ensure there is a minimum of fuel on board and that water tanks are empty.
  2. Battan Down Below Decks: Make sure every-thing is stowed away. Lock cabinet doors and consider taping them shut to prevent items from falling out on the passage.
  3. Remove Your Backstay. Monohull sailing yachts need their backstays removed upon loading, otherwise, the spreader of the crane can get to the boat’s center of gravity, which is behind the mast. After loading, re-install the backstay.
  4. Tie Down the Dinghy. Secure the dinghy tightly upside-down on the deck, or better yet deflate it, fold it, and stow it down below with the outboard engine.
  5. Protect Deck Hardware. Cover winches and furling systems, for example, and tape them off or protect them with wax or Vaseline against salt spray and dust.

MarineMax Vacations Enhances BVI Marine Tech Skills with Specialized Workshops

Boats break. Marine technicians help fix them. Thanks to MarineMax Vacations Ltd, professional marine technicians in the BVI are even better prepared. In August, the company sponsored four training workshops. These workshops focused on in-depth training and certifications for the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of Webasto Air Conditioning, Spectra Water Makers, and Kohler Marine Generators as well as featured classes on electrical systems and diesel engines. The training was held at the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on Tortola.

“We are honored to support the technical proficiency of marine technicians in the BVIs. Along with our partners at Nanny Cay, our commitment to providing exceptional service extends beyond our charter guests to the wider maritime community in the BVIs as well. By offering these tech workshops, we aim to help support those looking to expand their knowledge and elevate their skills. This contributes to safer and more enjoyable guest experiences across the entire charter industry,” says Phil Underwood, MarineMax Fleet Support Manager.

MarineMax Vacations is a premier provider of luxury power catamaran yacht charters in the BVI. www.marinemax.com/vacations 

New Marine Technology Program at Warner University

Caribbean Yacht Charter Vacation: 6 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Experience

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Long gone are the days when chartering a yacht to sail the Caribbean is akin to the plot of the 1992 comedy movie, Captain Ron. Today, it’s luxury yachts rather than lemons, professional rather than rum-soaked crew, and a pleasure cruise rather than pursuit by pirates. It’s no wonder that the global yacht charter market size is expected to reach $10.2 billion by 2027, spurred by travelers’ interest in luxury marine tourism and personalized services, according to the Yacht Charter Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, by Grand View Research. 

Here are six tips to help choose the perfect Caribbean yacht charter vacation:

1. When to Go?

Many people choose to enjoy a Caribbean charter vacation from November through April, according to Carol Hansen, digital marketing, content, and creative manager for Annapolis, MD-headquartered Dream Yacht Worldwide, with Caribbean bases in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Grenada, as well as Cuba and Belize. “These months are slightly cooler with less rainfall.” 

Keep in mind that everyone else wants a piece of this prime time in paradise too, so expect more crowds and busier waters. 

“If you want to dodge the crowds, the quieter months of May and November could be your hidden treasure. Referred to as the shoulder season, this time of year often has more affordable rates and quieter anchorages since it’s the off-season,” says Susan Restauri, senior project manager for Waypoints Yacht Charters, in Annapolis, MD, with Caribbean bases in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. 

Courtesy Waypoints Yacht Charters
Courtesy Waypoints Yacht Charters

2. Where to Go?

Roughly 80% percent of the Caribbean’s charter yachts are based in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, says Carol Kent, president and owner of Carol Kent Yacht Charters International in Marblehead, MA. “This area is ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving. Each island offers different vibes, cuisine, and entertainment along with good anchorages. First-time charterers are delighted with the short cruising distances. Also, both have the most charter yacht selections when planning your vacation.”

For more experienced sailors or charterers, discover another area such as St Martin/St Barth’s and Anguilla as this makes for a great week, recommends Sarah Sebastian, director and charter specialist with Nicholson Yacht Charters & Services, based in English Harbour, Antigua. “We also have the Southern Caribbean, which is my absolute favorite, from St Lucia south. St Vincent is an excellent place to board or Canouan in the heart of the Grenadines.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines are a more challenging sail. However, says Lesley Hayes, crewed yacht specialist at Horizon Yacht Charter’s base in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. However, “the islands are less crowded and more unspoiled. I would definitely recommend the Grenadines once sailors have a couple of years of skippering experience under their belts.”

Courtesy Waypoints Yacht Charters
Courtesy Waypoints Yacht Charters

3. Bareboat or Crewed?

Bareboat versus a crewed charter is like comparing camping to a stay at the Ritz, describes Dick Schoonover, manager of the crewed yacht clearinghouse, CharterPort BVI, in Tortola. “Perhaps the ritual of getting up in the morning and making coffee yourself is something you relish. Or would you prefer to softly awaken to the aromas of freshly brewed java wafting through the air, the morning’s fresh grind already prepped by your top-notch charter chef? Meanwhile, your affable captain has already checked the anchor, hauled in, or stowed whatever water sports gear may have been in use, and is prepping your yacht for the next day!  Easy-peazy!  On a crewed yacht charter, all you have to do is determine how much milk or sweetener you want in that first cuppa joe.”

Crewed yacht charters are usually ‘all inclusive’ in pricing, meaning the crew, including everything from navigating to cooking and cleaning, and water toys on board, are included in the prize. Bareboaters need to provision, cook, and clean on their own. Water toys are often an extra charge.

Generally speaking, experienced skippers prefer to bareboat, says Horizon Yacht Charter’s Hayes. “We occasionally do get experienced skippers choosing crewed charters for special occasions, or skippered charters if chartering a larger yacht than they are used to sailing. If you have no sailing experience, then you have to have a skipper or crew onboard.”

Courtesy Dreamyacht Charters
Courtesy Dreamyacht Charters

4. Monohull or Multihull?

Monohulls offer a classic sailing experience with their traditional design and excellent upwind performance, says Waypoints Yacht Charters’ Restauri. “They can provide a more intimate connection with the sea and are often favored by experienced sailors. Multihulls, such as catamarans, offer stability, spaciousness, and shallow drafts that allow you to access shallower anchorages. They’re great for those who might be prone to seasickness and those who prefer more space and comfort. Your choice should depend on your sailing preferences and comfort priorities.”

Photo courtesy of Carol Kent Yacht Charters International
Photo courtesy of Carol Kent Yacht Charters International

5. Power or Sail?

Motor yachts offer a lot of freedom timewise, says Nicholson Yacht Charters’ Sebastian. “They are fast and stable and can get to the destination very fast, giving more time for watersports, shore excursions and just relaxing in a picturesque anchorage. Motor yachts are more expensive as fuel and food are always extras, they usually have more crew than a monohull or multihull, so the service is 5-star star.  They nearly always have motorized watersports equipment and trained crew to teach guests how to use it safely. Motor yachts do make a great option to charter for a group of friends or a family.”

On the other hand, “sailing offers a quieter and more eco-friendly experience, allowing you to savor the journey and the beauty of the surroundings. If you’re looking for a leisurely and immersive experience, sailing might be the way to go,” says Waypoints’ Restauri.

Photo courtesy of Carol Kent Yacht Charters International
Photo courtesy of Carol Kent Yacht Charters International

6. Bring the Kids?

The idea of yachting with youngsters and teens sometimes gives parents pause: What if they get bored? What if they need to be constantly supervised? What about the internet for entertainment? says Carol Kent Yacht Charters International’s Kent. “Yachting with babes to teens, each age group requires thoughtful packing and planning. Whether you hire a nanny for the babes or take your teens on a magical week of hiking, swimming off your boat, fishing, and using water toys, this vacation beats Disney!”

Essentially the yacht is a huge playground for kids with swimming and watersports every day, theme nights, and treasure hunts, adds Nicholson’s Yacht Charter’s Sebastian. “Crew love to have families with children onboard. Children also gain a whole new wealth of experience without even knowing it and a very healthy respect for the water.”

Exploring BVI’s Rum Heritage: Soggy Dollar Bar’s Platinum Rum Review

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For our 25th anniversary, we made our second trip to the British Virgin Islands (BVI). After a great downwind sail from Anegada, we anchored in White Bay and swam up to Soggy Dollar Bar to enjoy an original Painkiller made with Pussers rum. The current owner of Soggy Dollar launched its own rum line, recently adding a Platinum to join the already competitive silver rum market. 

The history of Jost Van Dyke dates back to the early 1600s when Dutch pirate Joost Van Dyk led an attack on a Spanish treasure fleet, resulting in a full Spanish attack on the island of Tortola. Van Dyk fled Tortola to a small island five miles away that would later bear his name. In 1672, the English captured the BVIs from the Dutch. Three hundred years later, the beaches of White Bay became home to the Soggy Dollar Bar, the birthplace of the original Painkiller.

Jerry O’Connell and his family purchased Soggy Dollar Bar and the adjoining Sandcastle Hotel in 2005. O’Connell knew he was not just buying a piece of property but rather a lifestyle. His staff has created a worry-free atmosphere where guests can leave their stress behind and truly be free.

In 2019, it seemed natural for O’Connell to start a rum production company beginning with Dark and Golden rums. The recently launched Platinum blends Caribbean rums, distilled four times with natural sugar cane molasses from the first press. Unfortunately, it is not disclosed where Soggy Dollar is sourced, distilled, or bottled.

Neat

The nose is very light with a smooth, pleasant aroma. We detect a bit of vanilla and coconut husk. The palate highlights the coconut husk, with the vanilla coming in on the finish. There is no alcohol burn from nose to finish.

Next

We used the Classic Daiquiri recipe, which lets a rum shine. We compared Soggy Dollar to Bacardi Superior, Terry’s favorite in the Daiquiri Challenge.

CLASSIC DAIQUIRI

  • 2 ounces light Rum
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • Shake and serve in a martini glass.

Soggy Dollar Daiquiri

The lime is the star of this cocktail, with the vanilla and coconut husk notes from the rum keeping the ego of the lime in check. The drink is refreshing and addicting, sending us back for more on these hot summer days. We loved that the rum had a co-star role in the glass.

Bacardi

Terry began with the Bacardi and was reluctant to turn it over to Clint. The vanilla note of the Bacardi softens the lime and uses the other rum characteristics to enhance the citrus. This creates a smooth drink that goes down quickly. 

Overall

These are two completely different drinks, with Terry favoring the smoother Bacardi cocktail while Clint enjoyed the Soggy Dollar cocktail, where the lime and rum shine. At $26.99/bottle, $15.00 more than the Bacardi, we’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s worth the difference.

About Clint and Terry: We have sampled many a dram over our 33 years of marriage and quite often we don’t fully agree. Could be the difference is male/female taste buds. Or, somebody is just wrong.

Registration is Open! 50th St. Thomas International Regatta Set for Easter Weekend – March 29-31, 2024

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St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Caribbean Racing! Registration is now open for the 2024 St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) (yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16227), set for Easter Weekend, March 29-31, 2024. First held in October 1974, and started by St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) organizers to attract top international sailors to race in ideal sailing conditions, STIR continues to be the destination for world-class racing. The chance to trade tacks and tactics with professional crews and talented weekend warriors on professionally set round-the-island and round-the-buoy courses attracts first-timers and keeps long-time competitors coming back. What’s more, register also for the Round the Rocks Race (RTR) (yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16226), which will circumnavigate the neighboring island of St. John on March 28. RTR is a terrific opportunity to tune up for STIR and provides an additional chance to land a podium finish. Add the one-stop venue at the STYC, which celebrates 60 years in 2024, with its quintessential beachfront Caribbean vibe and organizers ‘can do’ attitude toward competitors, and it’s easy to see how STIR earned its motto, ‘We Love It Here’ You will too!

“For a half-century, STIR has been a beacon that attracts some of the best sailors, everyone from America’s Cup, Olympic, and one-design World Champions to long-time podium-placing teams from the Caribbean and the U.S. with second and third generations as crew. The polish on this ‘Crown Jewel’ comes from professionally set courses by some of the best race management in the world matched with friendliness, hospitality, and an equally popular club-run event ashore,” says Pat Bailey, who co-directs STIR 2024 with Greer Scholes. “We invite you to register now and race and celebrate with us in March.”

45% Discount on Early Registration

Everyone is invited! STIR 2024 invites CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association-handicap rule), racing, cruising, and bareboat classes; ORC; Large Multihulls; Hobie Waves; and One-Design classes with a minimum length of 20 feet. Register now for STIR 2023: yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16227. Pay only U.S. $200, or 45% off the regular entry fee, between now and January 31, 2024. From February 1 to March 28, 2024, the entry fee increases to U.S. $370. The entry fee for IC24s is U.S. $260 and for Hobie Waves U.S. $180. A limited number of IC24s and Hobie Waves are available for charter.

Early bird registrants can win customized long-sleeve high-performance team shirts! The name of your registered vessel may be randomly drawn to win this highly coveted prize. The drawing will take place on December 1, 2023.

Charter or BYOB

Chartering makes it especially easy to fly in, jump on a race-ready yacht, and sail! Over half a dozen outfits are offering vessels to charter. for STIR 2024.

One of these is the St. Thomas Sailing Center (STSC) (stthomassailingcenter.com/st-thomas-international-regatta), with its fleet of IC24s. There are a limited number of IC24s available for race charter for STIR 2024. The charter fee is U.S. $3200 with sails. The fee includes the use of an IC24 for the Friday through Sunday event, a practice day on Thursday, and a 30-day membership at the STYC. New for 2024, the STSC is introducing its ‘STIR: Race with a Pro’ option. A limited number of boats have been reserved to participate in this, with an onboard day-and-a-half coaching clinic on March 27 and 28. Teams will practice with a professional coach, who will also race with them in STIR. The clinic portion will be mostly on-the-water practice but will also consist of lectures and video debriefs from cameras on each boat using high-level coaching software. There is also an option for full teams to participate in the clinic without an onboard professional coach. These teams can attend morning briefings, participate in a portion of the drills on the water, and sit in on afternoon debriefs. The cost of the ‘STIR: Race with a Pro’ option is $2500 for an individual and $7000 for a team (maximum weight of 850 pounds including coach), and these prices include the boat charter and sails. The price for the clinic only is $1500 and is for full teams only. The clinic-only fee does not include the boat charter. To reserve, Email: info@stthomassailingcenter.com or call (340) 690-3681.

“What St. Thomas has is premier sailing at a premier venue. Club racers to lifelong professional sailors all compete against each other at one of St. Thomas Yacht Club’s biggest events of the year – STIR. Come March, put down that snow shovel or even just put that sweater away, grab some sunscreen and shorts, and head south to sail pristine blue waters in fifteen to thirty knots of breeze!,” invites Robert ‘Bobby’ Brooks, STSC director.

Beyond this, the J/120, J-aguar, which won its class at Antigua Sailing Week this year, is available for charter for STIR 2024 from www.caribbeanraces.com or Email: mrbenjelic@gmail.com.

LV Yachting, based in the UK, is offering five vessels for charter: Pata Negra (Marc Lombard IRC 46), El Ocaso (J/122), Panacea X (Salona 45), Emily of Cowes (Elan 450) and an XP50. To serve, visit www.lvyachting.com or Email: chris.b@lvyachting.com

“Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice looking to experience the thrill of racing, we have the perfect yacht for you. Our yachts range from high-performance Grand Prix racing yachts to comfortable Racer Cruisers, all maintained to the highest standards,” says Chris Bruty, LV Yachting’s marketing manager. “STIR is a great event. The regatta management is excellent, and the racing is amazing, taking you through rocks, cays, and cuts in the beautiful blue water and lovely scenery.”

For those who want to BYOB, or bring their own boat, Caribbean Regatta Logistics, owned and operated by St. Thomas native Ben Beer, can assist owners and teams in bringing their boats to race. Beer handles logistics for big international race teams that compete in the Caribbean such as Vesper, Prospector, Spookie, and all the 72s. (Tel: 340-998-6203; Email: benbeer13@gmail.com), Web: stthomasinternationalregatta.com/faq/caribbean-regatta-logistics/)

The STIR Website will be regularly updated regarding race charter opportunities.

Book Flights and Accommodations Now!

Hands down, STIR is the easiest to reach of all the Caribbean regattas. Host destination, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, welcomes direct flights on six major airlines from U.S. mainland gateway cities. These include:

● American Airlines (Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York)

● Delta (Atlanta, New York)

● Frontier (San Juan)

● JetBlue (Boston, San Juan)

● Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando)

● United (Chicago, Newark, Washington-Dulles)

Air Sunshine, Cape Air, Fly The Whale, Sea Flight, and SKYhigh Dominicana are airlines that operate within the Caribbean with service to St. Thomas.

Accommodations on St. Thomas include resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and timeshares. Plus, there are approximately 600 villa units and 200 charter yachts on St. Thomas/St. John. Airbnb listings number over 1,000 in St. Thomas. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit: www.visitusvi.com

For more information, visit www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com, Email: manager@stthomasyachtclub.org or Regatta Co-Director Pat Bailey at simpleislandboy51@gmail.com, or call (340) 775-6320. Check STIR out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stirvi), Twitter @stirvi, and Instagram #STIRVI

Reminiscing Fritz Seyfarth: A Tribute to a Caribbean Sailing Legend

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Back in the ‘70s, on the island of Conception in the Bahamas, we were the only boat in the anchorage. We swam naked. We made love on the foredeck. 

At night, we hugged our rum bottles and howled at the moon. 

The rest of the world faded. 

We had a world of our own—a watery Garden of Eden.

A week went by. Perhaps two. 

One afternoon, in search of conch, we took our dinghy a mile or so around the windward point. When we returned from our hunting/gathering, Tumbleweed had joined our ketch Carlotta in the anchorage.

No one was aboard. There was no dinghy lashed to her deck or trailing on a painter astern. Yet all her hatches were open. 

Her owner must be nearby—perhaps looking for lobster under the reef ledges to the west. The reason we’d been looking for conch was because we’d eaten too much lobster! 

The water in the Bahamas was gin-clear. It felt as if our boat wasn’t floating—that it was, instead, suspended eight feet over pure white sand. 

Conception is part of the National Park system of the Bahamas. It is, was, and might always be—uninhabited. And the particular cove in which we’d found a lee was seldom visited. 

Why?

Because it was protected by razor-sharp coral heads that were difficult to see against dark turtle grass. I’d carefully powered in with the sun high and over my shoulder—and twice almost came to grief.

Cruising Tales: The End of a Charter Skipper and his Gallant Lady

I’d heard the name Tumbleweed before—or did I have it cross-wired with a title of an old John Wayne movie?

She was a lovely old wooden boat—justified by time and King Neptune, as if she’d learned a lesson from each wave that had slapped her. 

Boats weren’t disgraced, back in the day, with crass nameplates nor other promotional branding. Knowledgeable sailors could spot the distinctive bow shape (apple-ish, in the area of the bobstay) of Alden, the chunky, slab-sided cabin houses of William Atkins, or the graceful joining/comingling of the toe rail, transom cap, and counter that made L. Francis Herreshoff’s transoms so harmonious. 

Strangely, Tumbleweed’s engine exhaust had been bunged with wood. Whoever owned her had sailed her in through the coral heads without an engine.

Happy Hour was just around the corner. Carolyn, my wife then and now, was already tossing around pots and pans in the galley—preparing to make conch fritters, laced conch, and sweet & sour conch. 

On an unrelated note, I once went to an eye, ear, nose, and throat doctor. I looked okay but he took his sweet time examining me, then asked, “…automobile accident?”

“Actually, it was an animated discussion with a dozen gang members atop Fort Hill in Boston. I thought I was cleverly winning the debate until they pulled out short sections of rebar.” 

“Ouch!” said the doctor.

Fritz in the Stocks
Fritz in the Stocks

My point is this: to an ordinary person, due to the miracle of modern medicine, I appeared normal. However, to an expert, it was obvious that my nose had been broken, my cheekbone fractured—and my left tear-duct crushed so badly that half my face turned yellow from its month-long oozing. 

I’m like this with boats. They speak to me—usually of their pain. Or their neglect. Or of their longing of the open sea. 

I snorkeled over to Tumbleweed to give her a closer look. I could sense her noble spirit. But it was also apparent to me that she’d recently suffered a terrible tragedy. 

To others, she was just an aging boat. To me, she was a tragic tale as yet untold. 

In her bow area, she had more Dutchmen (short planks) than the Hague. One side of her stem looked different than the other. Her rail cap had been replaced to port—not with matching ribbon-cut mahogany but with cheaper Miranti.

Parts of her rig—actually, all of it—was a mishmash of different manufacturers. Even the size of the clevis pins didn’t match. 

Her split rig had four spreaders—each different in shape, finish, and wood type. Some were, yes, Sitka spruce; but others were Douglas fir. 

Yes, something major had happened to Tumbleweed—something bad that had taken a determined-but-penniless wood butcher years to repair. 

…well, repair as best as they could with what they had—which was little or less.

Now the protocol here is interesting—two vessels in a deserted anchorage, each seeking solitude. Tumbleweed’s owner had done the right thing. He’d anchored as far away from Carlotta as possible. Thus, I didn’t immediately row over and start peppering him with questions like a Feeb (FBI agent). Instead, I rowed around the harbor with my glass-bottom bucket until I gradually/casually drifted within hailing distance as the sandy-haired, brown-as-a-coconut skipper tossed his string of reef fish and his Hawaiian spear aboard Tumbleweed’s aft deck. 

Cruising Tales: Breaking in a New Charter Skipper – Part One

He wasn’t a large man but he rippled with muscle—or, perhaps, it was his poverty that kept his abs so sculpted.  

“Howdy,” he said, and dipped his head in deference. I heard many things: West Texas, most clearly. Country. Grit. Hard work. And, again, tragedy sprinkled with pain. Oh, and an echo of reluctance—and fear, even—to be hurt again. And again. 

He wore his heart on his sleeve—which isn’t where he wanted it but where it resided and what-was-a-man-to do? 

“That mainmast is plenty forward, isn’t it?” I said, staying on safe ground—sticking with what I knew.

“All of Alden’s ketches are like that,” the man said, “And they balance beautifully I’m single-handing and—not only don’t I have a self-steering device—I don’t need one.”

“I grew up on one of John G’s designs,” I said. “The schooner Elizabeth. Design #213, sistership to Yvonne.” 

Suddenly, the man looked at me—really looked at me. 

Bonding by boats. It used to happen all the time when boats were as unique as their owners. 

His eyes were both watery and piercing—but there was something wrong with their tracking. (He was blind in one eye—which gave the impression he was looking through a person.) But there was also an earnest boyishness about him as well, a self-effacing modesty. That, and, incongruently, a steely-eyed determination. 

“You don’t say,” he dawdled, as if needing time to make a decision. 

Again, the twang of a barn struck my ear—faint reverberations of horses braying. Then he smiled—like warm sunlight spilling over a ridgeline. I took it as an invitation. 

“I got an Italian wife,” I said. “Loves to cook—especially for Texans. Care to come aboard for Sundowners?”

_________

The first Great Truth—or obvious incongruity—of Fritz Seyfarth was that he was the gentlest of men and that he rode bulls. Big bulls. Real bulls. He was a man of many talents—and an equal number of contradictions. Wildcatter of oil rigs. Petroleum engineer. Texas A&M graduate. Yacht racer. Friend. Sea gypsy. Charter boat skipper. Womanizer. Loner. Entrepreneur. And much, much more. 

Whenever Fritz glanced away, it was as if he was searching for a distant horizon—rooms ashore seemed too small to contain him.

But there was no swagger cloaking Fritz—only a shy self-awareness that, no matter how well Fritz rode the bulls of his life, they’d always throw him into the gutter. 

…always leave him broken, bleeding, and bewildered—yet, perversely, wanting more. 

A sliver of Texas nobility clung to Fritz. He was a man who kissed life full on the lips—despite getting repeatedly kicked in the teeth by it. 

When he was younger and sprier, sometimes he’d walk away from the bull. But increasingly as the years passed, he’d limp or crawl away—first to a chiropractor, then to the surgeon. Eventually, every time he rode a bull he broke a bone—until the last time when the damn bull broke so many bones that the doc ran out of adjectives to describe his injuries. 

“Sometimes in the middle of an offshore gale,” Fritz would joke, “when I’m trying to tuck a reef in and I lose my footing and come crashing down on the wet deck… well, I think to myself, ‘shit, this ain’t nutt’n! Not compared to that Last Bull!’”

I can’t remember the name of that Last Bull in Fritz’s life, but he sure could, and he’d often bring up the name with a shy, exasperated shake of his head. 

…dang life was confusing!

Life, especially life ashore, perplexed Fritz. There was a whiff of the hayseed about him but his bewilderment often translated into humor. Humor was his camouflage. He openly laughed so he didn’t privately cry. 

He had a million jokes, and he and his ‘don’t-fence-me-in’ mentality were the brunt of them all. 

Fritz was a handsome, soft-spoken, almost-growed-up cowboy who cried out for mothering—and potential mothers came forth in every port from San Diego to San Blas, from Trini to NYC. 

Fritz was never a kiss-and-tell guy but sometimes his good eye blazed in erotic remembrance. 

There was something dangerous and fleeting about him—like holding a firefly within your fist: if you can see its light, it flies away. 

And here’s a brutal truth: a sailor is a one-trick pony. They leave. That’s their sole trick. They sail away. And, at first, there’s a sense of relief for them; a sense they’ve escaped the velvet handcuffs of shore. But, in time, they remember the loose ends. The broken promises. The shattered shoreside dreams.

Fritz looked worried when he’d stare back at his frothing wake—and woulda’, coulda’, shoulda’s flooded his brain. 

He was a rough and roving cowboy with a too-sensitive conscience, always a bad combo. And like cowboys of yore, he didn’t want to be fenced in by some dirt dweller’s morality.

Offshore, there are no fences. 

…nor gossips, for that matter. 

But the main problem with Fritz wasn’t the things he actually did—it was the fact that he blamed himself for what he didn’t do as well. Think: silent cowboy with a tear in his eye. 

And, worse, Fritz thought that if he was just a better person—that his sins would somehow be washed away. 

Fritz ended up being about the most intriguing person I ever knew. And it stemmed from this lifelong, flickering internal conflict…the dark hidden secret that he wasn’t quite as good as he should be. 

No one is. And Fritz, as wise as he was, didn’t know that. 

Yes, there was a bit of the reclusive monk about Fritz (as there often is with singlehanders), as if he was atoning for a sin in a previous life. And, in a different person, this might have melded into total misery or the grumpy life of a hermit. But not with Fritz. He was a ragged survivor and wasn’t going to allow yesterday to ruin tomorrow. He mostly lived in the moment. And he continuously laughed—not at life nor at others; solely at himself. 

Everyone was daft—he only more so. 

And so, he hid and played peek-a-boo using his humor. On his eventual office wall would be a sign that read, “We’ve upped our literary standards—so up yours, pal!”

Of course, he became addicted early. Not to booze or drugs—to sailing. And soon he was skippering the foredeck of one of the most famous California racing yachts in San Diego. And he trained many young sailors on the setting and dousing of light air sails—even a young kid named Dennis the Menace of America’s Cup fame, who, at this point in Dennis’s youth, could still see his toes.

And, for a while, Fritz had it all—a prestigious job as a civil engineer, a loving wife, and two (equally handsome) sons. 

Then, one day at work, his boss asked Fritz what he wanted to do with his life. Cowboys aren’t just slow talkers—they’re slow to even begin speaking. They don’t use fill-words, they don’t beat around the bush. Their thoughts are like tumbleweeds blowing through lonesome canyons in their minds. But they think deep. And hard. And have very, very little pity for themselves. 

Fritz stared out the window at the oil-rig-strewn desert while deciding how to put what was in his heart into words. And, since it was complicated, he stepped outside to consider the question. And walked down a dusty road—away from the oil wells—to a backwater shipyard where he purchased the real love of his life… the built-in-1935, Alden-kissed, carvel-planked, ketch-rigged Tumbleweed. 

Now I have a confession to make, dear reader. I don’t sail around the world to tell others who I am—but rather to discover who they are. In a sense, my entire watery life has been spent sailing in the wake of my heroes. 

How can you become who you want to be if you can’t recognize those traits in others?

Let’s put it another way—without misfits and melancholies, I’d have no friends at all. 

As I listened to Fritz spin the yarns of his many voyages, I soon realized that Fritz was the sailor I wanted to be. 

And, over the course of the next 30 years, as I saw him interact with friends—so open-heartedly and yet shyly fragile—Fritz also became the man I wanted to be as well. 

Perhaps because he didn’t want to reveal anything about himself, he always asked about others. What did they need? How could he help?

Helping others—be they rich or poor—focused his mind.

The following evening in that fateful anchorage of our first meeting in the Bahamas—we had Fritz over for dinner. Fish, of course—with a conch appetizer and lobster for the main course. For drinks, we had lukewarm plasticky-tasting water—the drink of choice… er, of necessity for cruising sailors in the 1970s. 

Fritz was talking to Carolyn about something—and the book Tales of the Caribbean came up. 

“Did you read it?” I asked Fritz. 

“Many times,” he said, grinning

“Me too—and I loved it,” I said, still not catching on, “It was truly a Feast of Islands.” 

“Um,” said Carolyn, always the smarter, more-aware one, “He wrote it, Fatty.” 

“…you’re not THAT Fritz, are you?”

I was astounded. Sure, the boat’s name had rung a muted bell—but many do. 

Now, they say not to meet your heroes but this certainly wasn’t the case with Fritz. Not only was he open-and-willing to share his writing process—he was amazingly encouraging as well. 

“Don’t listen to anything about writing from a non-writer,” Fritz told me, “And then only to about half of what a writer says… make that a quarter of what most writers say!”

As a struggling wordsmith who’d dropped out of high school after failing sophomore English, his reassuring words were a breath of fresh air. 

I saw Fritz through fresh eyes—not just cowboy, man, and sailor—but as an established author as well. 

He was already the master of everything I aspired to. 

“It’s not about grammar or punctuation nor the wording of a query letter,” Fritz told me, “It’s about spinning a yarn. Ever told a story about one of your passages to a friend—and they really loved it? Well, if you can translate that story onto the printed page and translate it into prose, you can be a professional writer. Don’t allow anyone to tell you different. The idea isn’t to get everyone to love your stuff—only a few readers here-and-there will do. The world is a big bookstore, with word-of-mouth the best advertising. Your reader signs your paycheck—not the editor or publisher. But, you gotta get your stories out into the marketplace, you gotta give your writing the promotional labor it deserves. And a few readers in the Caribbean add up. Plus, some sailors in the Bahamas. And in Fort Liquordale. The Chesapeake. Maine, too!”

Listening to Fritz made it all seem do-able. 

…hell, he’d already done it! He was living proof. 

His advice wasn’t theoretical—it was practical and step-by-step. 

“Don’t be dismayed by rejection slips—they are just failing publishers too stupid to see the worth of your work! Next week, they’ll all be out of business, but a sailor with a pen pulsating with ink and a heart full of desire will never starve… be hungry, yes; starve no.” 

Here’s the truth—I glommed on to Fritz like a tossed ring buoy in a storm. No man, save for my father, ever taught me more in less time. 

Finally, Fritz said, as we hoisted anchor ten days later, “Look up Dyke and Inga of the Alden schooner Mandoo—wait a sec, on the Gallant 53 Zulu Warrior.” 

At the time, Dyke and Inga Wilmerding were the gold standard of the crewed chartering world. They’d chartered for more than 30 years in the Caribbean and made a million friends, four or five dollars—and not a single enemy. They both brimmed with warmth and a laidback charisma. 

“Fritz recently wrote us a letter from Georgetown, Great Exuma,” Inga said as I scrambled aboard, “And told us you were coming. Beer or Mount Gay & Coke?”

They soon introduced me to Peiter and Pat Stoeken of the CYS 44 Independence. Thus, within 24 hours of my arrival in the Virgins, I had two names that would open almost any door (or, more importantly, companionway) in the Lesser Antilles. 

Fritz soon showed up in Virgins aboard Tumbleweed. I became his sidekick. I spent months following him from cockpit to cockpit while he regaled his hosts with the story of his almost fatal collision offshore—and being too busy bailing to even get the name of the freighter that ran him down in the Bermuda Triangle. It had stopped—he assumed to rescue him—then sped away. (Eventually he was saved by a USCG vessel named, appropriately, Sagebrush. How cosmically-perfect is that!)

“The whole stem was smashed and twisted to starboard,” Fritz would say, “And I had to stuff a mattress in it immediately or I’d have sank within the first few minutes. The mainmast was gone and the mizzen badly damaged…” 

Or he’d tell hysterical stories of what a terrible charter skipper he’d been—always, somehow, managing to end up with the ‘guests from hell!’

“I had $300 when I left San Diego,” he’d say, “And considerably less when I arrived in the Virgins a couple of years later. 

I’d watch the faces of the listeners. 

Yes, Fritz could spin a sea yarn—and, ultimately, transfer his passion and lust for living onto the printed page. 

Could I do the same?

I went to Caribbean Boating to find out. They initially paid me between $5 and $10 per story—which made me a total sucker to most people and a ‘professional writer’ to myself. 

Often, owner Jim Long wouldn’t actually come up with the ten or fifteen bucks he paid me per week,  but would give me a list of advertisers who’d stopped paying him. 

“All you gotta do,” he’d tell me in a very reasonable tone, “is pistol-whip the money outta them!”

“Welcome to the literary world,” my wife would smirk. 

One grocery store paid me in dead fish—another refused and so I grabbed an armful of Planter’s Peanuts and fled. 

“First they pay you in dead fish,” my wife said, “And now you’re literally being paid peanuts!” 

“Ignore the nay-sayers,” Fritz would advise. “They aren’t writers—you are! I loved that story about you puking on the nuns—and the one before that about being arrested in Michigan with the twin blonds… both were genuine knee slappers!”

Fritz’s praise, coming from an established writer who made his living with his pen, was pivotal in my fledgling career. 

I kept spewing words—overcoming my lack of talent with sheer volume. My wife called my stories ‘homing pigeons’ because no matter where I’d send them in America—they always came straight back home.

Meanwhile, Fritz managed to charm his way into an office—just a tiny shack, really, on Marina Cay. From there he churned out six wonderful books, mostly about pirates. 

At one point, he was having difficulty shoving books out the door fast enough. So, he decided to hire a Tortola gal—a secretary—who came highly recommended. This gal could type, like, a million words a second! Fritz was wowed. “You’re hired,” he shouted. 

“Not so fast,” the girl said, “my grandmother needs me to take her to the hairdressers on Fridays. I can’t work on Fridays.” 

“Fine,” Fritz said. “Four days a week is fine.” 

“But,” said the gal, “my mother wants me to help her in the garden on Mondays—and my girlfriends always meet in Virgin Gorda on Thursdays.” 

Fritz was starting to get the idea. Still, he persisted. “Well, when can you work?”

“Wednesdays,” said the gal. 

“Okay,” said Fritz with a smile. “Wednesdays it is.” 

On Wednesday, the gal showed up as promised—but with an important question before she’d start work. 

“Every Wednesday?” she asked Fritz.

Fritz always told this story with admiration. 

He didn’t like to work to someone else’s schedule—why should Tortolians? 

He loved the Caribbean and its people, once telling me he’d ‘written another love letter to the Lesser Antilles’ when he came out with a new book. 

Best of all, he shared the step-by-step details of his literary successes with me on a weekly basis. 

We had him aboard Carlotta and Wild Card for dinner dozens of times. 

“Hell,” he’d say, “If a bull-addled, West Texas fool such as myself can get pennies to dribble out of his pen—so can you, Fatty!”

I followed Fritz’s advice nearly word-for-word. Lothar Simon of Sheridan House loved my Chasing the Horizon but I wisely turned him down and kept full rights by sending it to Russ Tate of Van Volumes instead. It was a move that ultimately made me a quarter of a million bucks I might not otherwise have… thanks to Fritz and his shy-but-accurate counsel.

We visited each other regularly and we both sailed our vessels in various local regattas. I’ll never forget the bizarre time in St. Bart’s when Tumbleweed came limping into Gustavia with no visible boot top. I immediately rowed over to help Fritz bail. 

Fritz was thigh-high in bilge water and floating floorboards but he graciously welcomed me aboard, gave me a cold Heineken, and told me to sit in the lotus position atop his (relatively) high icebox. 

Then he made small talk as he bailed his bilge water into the cockpit with a bucket. 

“Let me help,” I said. 

Fritz was a single-hander in every stubborn sense of the word—and refused. 

I was confused. It didn’t make sense to me. Fritz’s boat was still leaking badly from its garboard being strained during the race. WTF?

I jumped down and started to help without his permission. 

It was the only time Fritz ever got mad at me. 

He held up his gnarled hand for me to stop—then sternly bade me get back atop the ice box. By way of explanation he said, almost hissed, “It’s my water, Fatty.” 

Stubborn? Yes, absolutely—but it was the stubbornness of someone who carries their own water on all levels, and never demands someone else do so. 

By this point, Tumbleweed was rotting faster than a nearly penniless skipper could repair her. Her engine hadn’t run in a couple of decades. He’d “…placed the Black Shroud upon it,’ in his own words. 

Worse, in the mid-90s Tumbleweed was severely damaged by hurricanes Luis and Marilyn. 

Fritz ended up giving her to a young dreamer who took her to Coral Bay, St. John and almost immediately allowed her to sink. 

A part of Fritz died with Tumbleweed—his final desertion. 

But he soon managed to buy a horribly-blistered Valiant 40, a wonderful Bob Perry design. He began to make boyish, hopeful plans to singlehand offshore once again, but this time in a boat that didn’t have more leaks than the White House, more weeping holes than a spaghetti-strainer. 

There was a lot of Tom Sawyer in Fritz—a dreamer, yes; but a dreamer with determination and grit. 

His happiest period was when he was reunited (by a name discovered by happenstance in a dusty phonebook) with his two sons. He invited them aboard Tumbleweed and cruised the Virgins. And they reciprocated by flying him to America and showed him the Grand Canyon. 

If things went well in life—Fritz made light of them. If they went horribly astray, he made riotous sea-yarns of them. 

My favorite was when, in the mid 90s, he went to Goddard University to study under a best-selling literary novelist that he much admired. 

It was an expensive trip ashore—but worth it, Fritz was sure. 

The novelist, however, considered himself a Don Juan of considerable distinction—and spent all his class time attempting to seduce adoring female students. Worse, Fritz had one of his stories critiqued by a room full of uber feminists who didn’t take his old-fashioned, aw-shucks ideas on gender equality kindly. They savaged him. Fritz, of course, was too shy to point out (to the room full of the unpublished) that his pen had dripped money since before they were born—and that the particular story they’d castigated him for had sold to six different publications around the world.  

“Some days,” he told me later, “it’s best not to step ashore.” 

Alas—despite or because of his new Valiant 40—Fritz was dead-broke. So, he took a delivery job on Sirocco, a bright red go-fast that needed to get to Newport for the summer season. 

That night, on the eve of setting off on yet another ocean passage, the 69-year-old Fritz Seyfarth passed away silently while anchored off Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI. 

That morning, as I passed through Love City, one of the EMTs, a sailor, took me aside and broke the news. “Your buddy passed away during the night.” 

“My hero, you mean,” I said, after learning it was Fritz. 

Now the USVI has all the rules and regs of the US of A—and you can’t just carry off a dead body and do whatever. So, Fritz went to St. Thomas to ensure that no foul play was suspected. None was—his delicate hereditary heart condition was widely known. 

Now, the vast majority of Virgin Islanders aren’t rich. They have their own way of dealing with the dead, none of which requires money. Thus, Fritz was sort of ‘left out’ on the loading dock at a specific time—and a bunch of wonderful fishheads from Red Hook wrapped him in rusty anchor chains and rolled him up in an old sail—then stitched/lashed it all together. (Traditionally, the sail needle gets put through the nose of the dead sailor at the end… just to make sure. This part was, thankfully, left out since Fritz had an official death certificate.)

And then Pat and Peiter Stoeken—along with myself—made the sad journey out to the French Cap drop-off. We said some words—words too private to repeat in print. 

And we sent Fritz off on his final voyage down into the Deep Blue Sea. 

…honored. I was honored to see him off.

He was, and forever will be, my favorite cowboy. 

Every time I hear that Lyle Lovett cowboy song about a horse and a boat, I think of Fritz. 

And I am also grateful—grateful, at least in part, because I’ve become the salt-stained inkslinger Fritz encouraged me to be.  

Fair Winds, Fritz—fair winds. 

(For more on Fritz and some free book downloads, see Fritzseyfarth.com)

AkzoNobel’s Interlux Launches Innovative Marine Coatings – Pre-Kote Plus & Toplac Plus

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Introduction to AkzoNobel’s Interlux New Products

AkzoNobel’s Interlux Launches Premium Top-side System. Pre-Kote Plus and Toplac Plus are revolutionary tried and tested topside systems that are easy to apply and result in a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.

Enhanced UV Protection

Along with the easy application, Toplac Plus also has an enhanced UV package to improve the longevity of the coating in all regions, including the Caribbean.

Wide Range of Color Choices

There are currently 19 colors, with an additional five new North American- and Caribbean-only colors of Anthracite Gray, Boston Whaler Blue, Ice Blue, Sea Foam, and Sundown Buff, available in early 2024.

For more information, visit their website: www.interlux.com/en/us/

Caribbean Sailing: Expert Tips for Finding & Keeping Crew

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The opportunity to crew aboard a hot race boat in the Caribbean sounds like a dream come true. Yet, for the owners of these often podium-placing vessels, as well as just about everyone with a yacht raring to race, finding crew, keeping crew, and doing so for a whole season, can be a challenge. Sage tips from some of the best sailors in the Caribbean can make the process of crew-finding easier. Plus, these tips are instructive for those who’d like to put themselves forward as crew. 

“I am sure you have seen the rapid rise in popularity of either double-handed race boats or the strong selling point for boats that can be handled by a minimal crew. Clearly finding and keeping good and consistent crew is a massive problem, and the more crew a boat needs to race successfully the bigger the problem,” says Bernie Evan-Wong, who campaigns his Antigua-based Reichel-Pugh 37, TAZ, in over a half dozen regattas north and south in the Caribbean each winter and spring. 

Family & Friends

For many owners, the crew composition is a mix of family and friends. Said another way, potential crew should start by signing on for small local regattas to get their face and skills known.

“I race with friends, Nathan my son, Mike Hirst, Mark Stephenson, and Candice Nichols,” says the BVI’s Chris Haycraft, who for many years raced and won aboard his Tortola, BVI-based Sirena 38, Pipedream, and now campaigns his Corsair 31, Ting Too. 

The crew mix has evolved over the years for Barbados’ Peter Lewis, who races several Caribbean regattas annually on his J/122, Whistler. “It was originally family and friends but has moved to younger more professional members as people have aged. Versatility and youth, as those characteristics are what we are generally short on. Young female crew are especially reliable and competent. Our core team is an older bunch of guys that can’t race all the regattas.”

Lewis adds that he will usually pick up one or two crew members from regatta websites to fill out the team. Most major Caribbean regattas have a button on their website where interested crew can list their names and sailing resumes. Also, the popular results website, www.yachtscoring.com, has a Crew Board button on each regatta listing. 

Credit Dean Barnes
Credit Dean Barnes

Word of Mouth

Word of mouth from fellow sailors is the way many owners, like St. Thomas, USVI’s Peter Corr, find crew. Corr, who for the past 4 to 5 years has raced his Summit 40, Blitz, which won Boat of the Year at the season’s conclusion at Antigua Race Week last year, first raced his 82-foot sailing yacht Aiyana. When he bought Blitz, David Sampson from Sydney, Australia, oversaw the work and later helped Corr find crew. 

“I also supplemented crew from very good racers at the St. Thomas Yacht Club,” says Corr. 

Experience, command of a position, the ability to help in other areas when things don’t go as planned, the availability to race over many or most of the regattas in each season for continuity, and whether everyone gets along and gels well as a team are top items Corr looks for in a crew.

“My advice is to assess each crew as you get them and then train them into their position. Always try to race with maneuvers and sail configurations within the crew’s capabilities otherwise it typically does end well,” says TAZ’s Evan-Wong. “One of the most important things about getting crew and keeping them is building a reputation for being a good skipper. So, treating your crew with respect, not shouting or abusing them, and keeping your cool in all situations is key.”

Once you get crew, you must keep them happy, feed them, and provide all the basic amenities, Evan-Wong adds. 

Owner Peter Corr on helm. Credit Dean Barnes
Owner Peter Corr on helm. Credit Dean Barnes

Pro’s & Con’s of Professionals

Some owners build their teams with amateur crew. Some of these folks are eager for the experience and pay their way, while in other situations the boat owner funds the crew’s travel, food, and other expenses. Others opt to recruit professional crew to the team. 

“There is a place for professionals. On some boats, it would be dangerous without them. It is their job to know how to make it work but also how to keep it safe and at that level, you must have hours/years of experience and that comes at a cost. Could we as a team learn more if we had professional help onboard? Yes, of course, but that is not what we go out there for. Yes, we want to learn. Yes, we want to do better. But the goalposts are big, and we enjoy how we do it,” says Ting Too’s Haycraft.

Paid crew can provide a more dedicated and consistent team, Whistler’s Lewis agrees. “The big drawback is that once you start paying for crew their salary is just the start of your expenses.”

Blitz’s Corr employs 4 to 5 professional sailors in his 10-crew team. 

“Professionals are key to boat preparation, to pushing the boat as hard as possible but not having significant breaks on equipment, and to having fun on and off the water. It is a large commitment and getting any paid crew for almost two months is not easy. Also, you need to book people in very early in the season. Usually, I have this done in the spring and summer for the next year’s races. It’s crucial that paid crew can remain with the boat throughout the regatta season. That’s the advantage. The disadvantage to the pros is cost,” says Corr. 

In the end, says Ting Too’s Haycraft, “As long as you have some experience, a crew willing to learn/listen, and you can get a boat around a course, managing your expectations is key and setting realistic goals. If you are there to have fun, then sail safe and have all the fun in the world. The world needs more fun!” 

Fall Culinary Delights: From Lobster Rolls to Sweet Potato Creations

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Autumn has arrived! Time to plan healthy fall meals that you and your family will love! 

LOBSTER ROLLS ON BRIOCHE

Recipe from cookbook – Bruce Moffett Cooks
Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 8 minutes
Chilling time: 5—10 minutes. Serves: 4
2 Tbsp. plus ½ tsp salt, divided
2 (1lb) lobsters
1 Tbsp. red bell pepper, cut into 1/8-inch dice
1 Tbsp. red onion, cut into 1/8-inch dice
1 Tbsp. celery, cut into 1/8-inch dice
1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp fresh tarragon
½ tsp. chopped fresh chives
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
Dash Tabasco sauce
4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 recipe of Brioche Rolls or use store bought rolls

To prepare the Lobster Filling:
Fill a large stockpot halfway with water, add 2 Tbsp. of the salt and bring to a boil. Prepare an ice bath and set aside. Once the water has come to a rolling boil, add the lobster and boil them for 8 minutes. Remove the lobsters and plunge them immediately in the ice bath. Let them cool for 5 – 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, combine the peppers, onions, and celery in a medium bowl. Mince the tarragon, parsley, and chives together in a separate bowl, then add them to the bowl with the vegetables. Add the lemon juice, Tabasco, and remaining salt, and mix. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Remove the lobster from the ice bath. Place the tail on a clean dish towel, then hold one side of the tail in each hand and push upward to crack it open. Pull out the tail meat and coarsely chop it. Crack the claws near the joint and remove the meat. Remove any remaining lobster meat with kitchen shears. Repeat with the remaining lobster. Add the lobster meat to the bowl with the dressing and gently incorporate it. Chill until ready to use.

To assemble, you will need 2 Tbsp. butter: Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Slice brioche rolls and roast in pan until they are golden brown about 2 minutes. Fill the rolls generously with the lobster mixture. Repeat the process with the remaining rolls. Serve the rolls immediately.

STUFFED SWEET POTATO WITH BLACK BEANS & HUMMUS

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 8-10 minutes. Serves: 1
1 large sweet potato, scrubbed
¾ cup chopped kale
1 cup of canned black beans
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp. oregano
3 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Prick sweet potato all over with a fork. Microwave on high until cooked through, 8 – 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wash kale and drain, leaving water clinging to leaves. Place in medium size saucepan and wilt over medium heat, stirring once or twice. Add beans, salt, pepper, oregano, and water. Continue cooking, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until all are heated through, about 2 minutes. Split the potato open and top with the kale and bean mixture. Combine hummus with a little lemon juice in a small dish. Add additional lemon juice or water to reach desired consistency. Drizzle the hummus over the stuffed sweet potato.

SUPER EASY CHOCOLATE SNACK

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Chilling time: 15 minutes. Makes: 8 – 12
1-1/2 cups peanuts, unsalted or salted
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2-3 Tbsp. water

In a food processor, combine peanuts, chocolate chips, and coconut. Blend for a minute. Then slowly add 1 Tbsp. water at a time. Add and pulse until the dough gets sticky. The dough will look a little loose. Roll into balls, place on a plate and firm them up in the refrigerator

Jan Robinson, Health Coach, Charter Yacht Consultant, 2019 CYBA Hall of Fame, Chef Competition Coordinator/Judge, and author of the Ship to Shore Cookbook collection; available on Amazon.com or CaptJan2@gmail.com

Sea Spray Resort & Marina: Rebirth of a Bahamian Icon in Elbow Cay

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What Hurricane Dorian destroyed, four long-time friends have bought and are rebuilding. The Sea Spray Resort & Marina, located on Elbow Cay, in the Abacos, the Bahamas, offers a newly renovated marina with 68 slips that hold boats from 20- to 130-foot LOA. Even at low tide, the dock can accommodate drafts up to 7 feet. There’s also electricity, water, ice, and restrooms too. The Northern Bahama location is easy to reach by sea or air, plus its proximity to other islands in the Abaco chain and white-sand beaches make it a popular destination. 

Sea Spray Resort’s Bartender Max. Courtesy of Sea Spray Resort and Marina
Sea Spray Resort’s Bartender Max. Courtesy of Sea Spray Resort and Marina

“Sea Spray’s rebuild is happening in phases,” says Joanne Feinstein, of AbacoBuzz.com. “Sea Spray’s new marina bar is open Thursday to Sunday, with live entertainment on Thursdays and Sundays, weather dependent. The new resort will include rental cottages and a gas station.”

Sea Spray has played a vital role in the Elbow Cay community since Monty Albury and his wife, Ruth, first started building ‘Sea Spray’ boats in the 1980s. The business evolved into a resort and marina. In February 2022, Charleston, SC boyhood friends Francis Johnson, Harry Johnson, Donovan Smith, and Mills Buxton, and their families, started bringing the iconic Sea Spray property back to life. seasprayresort.com  

Top 10 Must-Visit Spots in Guatemala’s Rio Dulce for Cruisers

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If you ever cruise Western Caribbean/Central America you will quickly find out the best place to be during hurricane season is in Guatemala’s Rio Dulce (or Sweet River). Given that Guatemala only has about 40 miles of Caribbean coast and the Rio Dulce is the only place to visit, you might think you should simply bypass the area. I am here to tell you that you are dead wrong. The Rio Dulce is amazing and below are our Top 10 favorite spots up the 20 miles of river.

10. Ak’Tenamit School – For orientation purposes you can break the Rio Dulce up into four sections. From the entrance at Livingston you have a section of river then a shallow lake called El Golfete then a second section of river and finally Lago de Izabal (Lake Isabel). There are many smaller rivers and creeks coming into Rio Dulce and just inside one almost at the end of the first river section you will find a school for local children. To help support the school there is a museum, restaurant, and handicraft store. You can also take a short hike to the cold water spring that feeds this creek. This gives an excellent look into the lives of the native Mayan population.

9. Hot sulfur springs – Less than a mile upriver from the school you will come to a hot spring right at the water’s edge. The water comes out of a hole around a foot or two long and will scald your back while your front is cold. You can feel the effects of the hot springs in a 20 foot area. It is a nice place to relax and when you are done you can have lunch at the restaurant on site (Centro Ecoturistico Agua Caliente).

Izabal Lake Overlook from El Estor
Izabal Lake Overlook from El Estor

8. Lago de Izabal (Lake Isabel) – the Rio Dulce ends at a 25-mile-long lake. The further upriver (or southwest) you go on the lake the more remote you will be. In this area you could be the only boat within five miles as you explore small rivers with the dinghy or simply anchor in a cove with the monkeys and parrots almost overhead in the jungle. If you want more civilization then the town of El Estor offers eating opportunities on the lake’s edge and Denny’s Beach is known as the place to be for a full moon party.

Slide at Restaurante El Viajero
Slide at Restaurante El Viajero

7. Restaurante El Viajero – Back at the first section of river, in between the first two entries, is an awesome two-story restaurant. What makes this restaurant so much fun is everything you can do here. I never had time to relax in the hammocks they have strung up on the lower part, because I was too busy on the two-story water slide and using the rope to swing out into the river. We easily spent 2-3 hours playing here!

6. The jungle & river – After spending 14 years cruising the Caribbean, I found it very cool to be cruising a freshwater environment. The most beautiful part of the Rio Dulce is the first river section where you feel like you are in a small canyon. Up river, in the second section of river there is more civilization, but even there I found it fascinating to watch as the local Mayan population used their boats on the river as we use our cars on the highway. Because the jungle is everywhere, for them the river is simply the way you get to work, shop for groceries, or visit a friend. Imagine waking up to the sounds of monkeys and parrots.

Castle of San Felipe
Castle of San Felipe

5. Castle of San Felipe de Lara – A small fort was built at the point where the second section of river meets Lake Isabel on the south shore of the lake to protect the main port of Guatemala from pirates. The current fort was begun in 1644 and was in use well into the 1800’s. The fort has three levels and even has a moat and drawbridge. We love almost anything historic and this fort did not disappoint. It is even on the World Heritage Site tentative list.

7 Sisters Waterfall
7 Sisters Waterfall

4. Seven Sisters Waterfall – On the coast, before you enter the river, just outside the town of Livingston is a very fun waterfall. You can anchor just off the dock in calm weather or take a tuk-tuk to the foot bridge and walk half a mile. It is called Seven Sisters because there are seven different levels to it. Some are several feet tall and others are stories tall. Lots of fun to be had in this fresh water set of waterfalls right before it drains into the Caribbean Sea.

El Boquerón
El Boquerón

3. El Boquerón Canyon – On the north shore of Lago de Izabal there is a canyon you can hike to the top of and then tube down the stream. When we went, there was a lot of water so it was a fast trip back down the canyon. Another option is taking a local 6-8 person boat up the canyon a ways if you are not inclined to hike and tube. You can reach the beginning of the canyon from a boat anchored on the lake, but a much better option is to take a day-long tour with this stop included.

Hot Springs Waterfall
Hot Springs Waterfall÷ nb

2. Hot Springs Waterfall (Aguas Termales y Spa) – On the same tour we stopped at a hot spring fed waterfall and loved it. We were told the source of the stream is another hot spring several miles upstream that has a cave from which the water comes out. However, when we visited the water was too high to go into the cave. Instead, we simply enjoyed the waterfall on the side of the stream that has a hot spring feeding it. We played in the stream as it came screaming down from between two rocks and under the warm water of the waterfall, but the part we liked most was climbing to the top of the falls and laying in the hot water.

Cruising at sunset
Cruising at sunset

1. Cruising Community – While on the Rio I “ran into a chum with a bottle of rum” …oh wait that line has already been used ;). The reality is that I actually ran into several boats I know, because the best part of the Rio Dulce is, of course, the cruising community. Most of the cruisers are docked at the many marinas within the 3 miles of river between El Golfete and the lake. There are lots of restaurants on the water’s edge that you dinghy up to and the grocery store even has a dinghy dock. There is a cruisers net on the VHF so you can find out the day’s activities. I met boaters that came into the Rio Dulce for a month and have now been here for several seasons. It even seems like most of the marinas are ex-cruisers that loved the Rio so much they swallowed the hook and set up camp here.

Capt Shane and Lily are out living the dream and exploring new cruising grounds. Check out svGuidingLight on the web or social media to join the adventure!

Team Antigua Island Girls Conquer the World’s Toughest Row – Pacific Challenge

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Three young women put the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua & Barbuda on the global marine map – again! On July 23, 2023, Team Antigua Island Girls – Christal Clashing, Kevinia Francis, and Samara Emmanuel – successfully rowed 2,800 nautical miles from Monterey Harbor, California to Hanalei Bay, in Kauai, Hawaii in the inaugural World’s Toughest Row – Pacific. They finished in 41 days, 7 hours, and 5 minutes, despite battling treacherous weather conditions that pushed them off course to the north on their approach to Hawaii. Overall, Team Antigua Island Girls finished second in the all-female class, third in trios, and 9th out of 14 boats with rowers representing the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.  Their craft was a Rannoch RX45 ocean rowing boat.

“The Pacific is for daredevils, it’s for thrill seekers and for those who want a life adventure,” said Francis, a three-time National Cyclist of the Year in Antigua & Barbuda, in a YouTube press conference at the race conclusion.

When Carsten Olson, CEO, and race director asked the team what they learned from the event, Emmanuel, the first Antiguan woman to become a RYA certified yacht captain, said, “that we can get through anything, any challenge, by teamwork.”

After suffering a cold start from California, near knockdown, and seasickness, Clashing’s response to her best moment of the race was “right now”, as the first female swimmer to represent Antigua & Barbuda at the Olympics at age 14 touched dry land and was greeted by family and friends.

Each team has a fundraising effort and Team Antigua Island Girls is to construct a building to help young women in conflict with the law. Fundraising is still ongoing. www.antiguabarbudaislandgirls.com

In 2019, the trio plus Elvira Bell, who was unable to join in the Pacific, successfully paddled 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera, Spain, to Antigua & Barbuda in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. www.worldstoughestrow.com 

50% Entry Discount Ends December 31, 2023 – 50th Anniversary St. Thomas International Regatta, March 29-31, 2024

It’s a must-do! The 50th Anniversary St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) will see a mix of newcomers and returning racers, underscoring this ‘Crown Jewel of Caribbean Regatta’s’ bucket-list attraction. Over 50 yachts are expected to race in this Easter holiday event, set for March 29-31, 2024, and hosted at the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC). Enter now (yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16227) and save 50%! This offer ends on December 31, 2023. Everyone is invited! STIR 2024 invites CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association-handicap rule), racing, cruising, and bareboat classes; ORC; Large Multihulls; Hobie Waves; and One-Design classes with a minimum length of 20 feet.

“We invite you to enter now and celebrate with us at the 50th Anniversary of the St. Thomas International Regatta. What started as a casual two-day sail has grown into a major three-day regatta that attracts some of the best global sailors including Olympians and One-Design World Champions, to generations of podium-placing Caribbean teams. The friendly island-style vibe of a club-run event held beachfront combines with professionally set courses by some of the best race management to offer the best of both worlds,” says Pat Bailey, who co-directs STIR 2024 with Greer Scholes.

Pay only U.S. $200, or 50% off the regular entry fee, between now and December 31, 2023. Entry is $170 for IC24s and $100 for Hobie Waves. From January 1, 2024, the entry fee increases to U.S. $400, with IC24s entry at U.S. $340 and Hobie Waves at U.S. $200. A limited number of IC24s and Hobie Waves are available for charter.

Enjoy an extra day of racing by entering the Round the Rocks Race on March 28 at yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16226 The entry is $50, and the course is around the beautiful neighboring island of St. John, home of the Virgin Islands National Park.

Sneak Peek at Early Entries

Over a dozen boats are registered to date for STIR 2024 and feature a mix of newcomer and veteran teams.

“The boat and the majority of the crew have never been to St. Thomas before, so we are looking forward to the new experience,” says Mark Spearman, captain of the JPK1180, Dawn Treader, based in Hampshire, Great Britain, and sailing under the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. “We are a British team consisting of family and friends who like to also race at the top level around the world. We are looking forward to the warmth, wind, blue waters, and awesome hospitality that we have heard the STIR has to offer. We are also looking forward to the short distance, or non-windward leeward style of racing, as we are predominantly a boat that goes well reaching.”

M2, one of the Cape 31s that raced in STIR 2023, will return for a second year, says Hart Jordan, one of the team’s professional sailors. “Comprised of nearly all Northern California locals, we’re looking forward to being back in the warmer weather and good winds of St. Thomas. Coming off a successful end to our 2023 campaign in the San Francisco Big Boat series, we genuinely look forward to being back to where our 2023 season began.”

Fresh off a 9th place finish overall in the Sunfish World Championships against 100 boats from 15 countries, St. Croix, USVI’s Peter Stanton will be back racing his IC24, Big Island.

“My team will be comprised of my brothers, Scott and Chris Stanton, as well as Angelo Raimondi from St. John. We have all grown up sailing together and against each other in the USVI and have raced in many STIR regattas in the past,” says Stanton.

Asked if his recent Sunfish success gives him an edge in the one-design racing, Stanton says, “They are totally different boats, but sailing is sailing! That’s what’s great about our sport of sailing, you can jump from one class of boats to another. It may take adjustments here and there, but when it comes down to racing tactics it is all pretty familiar. You just have to eliminate mistakes as much as you can and make sure you, your crew, and your boat are prepared!”

Escapado, a Beneteau First 40.7, is a race charter team entered by the UK-based Sail Racing Academy. Company manager, Germaine Williams, will take the helm, assisted by the newest team member, Andy Parritt, along with apprentices, Oscar Ballentyne and James Bathurst.

“STIR tends to be one of our most popular races each year. With its diverse range of talent, it inspires our crew members who also join us with varying levels of experience. Our younger and newer sailors can see others in similar positions as them, but both they and our more proficient sailors can look up to the seasoned professionals,” says Anne Tyler Morgan, chief operations officer. “There’s a real sense of community and camaraderie amongst the various crews at STIR. With several friendships having started here in previous years, we’re excited to be seeing old faces and meeting new competitors.”

Calling all volunteers for the 50th Anniversary STIR! Help is needed on both land and sea, with volunteers receiving free STIR-logo shirts. Ocean Surfari, a 2012-founded charter company in the U.S. Virgin Islands, returns to sponsor the iconic STIR 2024 volunteer shirts.

“My wife Wendy and I have been sailing since 2008 and lived on our sailboats for 11 of the last 15 years. We have enjoyed regattas both here in St. Thomas and on other islands. We are proud to support both this year’s 50th Regatta and the St. Thomas Yacht Club that shares the sailing passion with so many young people in the USVI,” says Marc Blackburn, owner.

The Ocean Surfari Team, courtesy Ocean Surfari.

Ocean Surfari grew to four retail stores this summer with the addition of a store in Downtown, Charlotte Amalie, on the Waterfront. Three other locations are in Havensight and Red Hook, St. Thomas, and Cruz Bay, St John. Those looking for last-minute holiday presents can get the year’s hottest gift from Ocean Surfari, Fahlo animal tracking bracelets (shop.oceansurfari.com/us/search/fahlo/. Use the code Save20 to save 20% on the first order of all gear including the Fahlo bracelets.

STIR organizers also thank The Moorings and Cardow for strong sponsor support.

Get Ready, Get Set….

Bring your own boat (BYOB) or charter!

Caribbean Regatta Logistics, owned and operated by St. Thomas native Ben Beer, can assist owners and teams in bringing their boats to race. Call or Text (340) 998-6203; Email: benbeer13@gmail.com), or visit stthomasinternationalregatta.com/faq/caribbean-regatta-logistics/)

Chartering makes it especially easy to fly in, jump on a race-ready yacht, and sail! IC24s are available for race charter from the St. Thomas Sailing Center (STSC), visit stthomassailingcenter.com/st-thomas-international-regatta. New for 2024, the STSC is introducing its ‘STIR: Race with a Pro’ option. To learn more, visit stthomassailingcenter.com/stir-race-with-a-pro Or, Email: info@stthomassailingcenter.com, or call (340) 690-3681.

Additionally, the J/120, J-aguar is available for charter from www.caribbeanraces.com or Email: mrbenjelic@gmail.com.

LV Yachting, based in the UK, is offering five vessels for charter: Pata Negra (Marc Lombard IRC 46), El Ocaso (J/122), Panacea X (Salona 45), Emily of Cowes (Elan 450) and an XP50. To serve, visit www.lvyachting.com or Email: chris.b@lvyachting.com

The STIR Website is regularly updated regarding race charter opportunities.

For more information, visit www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com, Email: manager@stthomasyachtclub.org or Regatta Co-Director Pat Bailey at simpleislandboy51@gmail.com, or call (340) 775-6320. Check STIR out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stirvi), Twitter @stirvi, and Instagram #STIRVI

The 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show: Showcasing the Best in Caribbean Yachting

The 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show: A Spectacular Display of Maritime Excellence

A Caribbean Gem: St. Thomas Shines at the Yacht Show

St. Thomas, recognized by Caribbean Journal as the ‘Hottest Yachting Destination in the Caribbean,’ lived up to its title at the 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show. Over 70 boutique-style charter yachts graced Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, offering a glimpse into the upcoming season’s offerings to 140 brokers from across the globe. The show’s bustling activities, from the Marine Vendor’s Expo to cultural showcases, highlighted the US Virgin Islands’ maritime allure.

Governor’s Vision for Maritime Tourism

Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands emphasized the significance of the maritime industry to the region. His commitment to nurturing and promoting this sector mirrors the islands’ natural splendor and rich marine resources.

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Yacht Shows

2024 will see the return of the USVI Charter Yacht Show from November 8-11 and the launch of the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) from May 10-12, showcasing leading charter brokers and yacht manufacturers.

Carnival Parade opening for 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show Credit Mango Media
Carnival Parade opening for 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show Credit Mango Media

A Showcase of Elegance and Variety

The show’s boutique fleet ranged from sleek 42-footers to majestic yachts over 105 feet, encompassing both power and sail options. Each yacht, with its unique crew, promised bespoke vacation experiences, far from the ordinary.

Broker and Crew Insights

Charter yacht brokers and crews shared insights into the industry’s rewarding nature, emphasizing personal connections and unique guest experiences. Captains and chefs from award-winning yachts like ‘Koru,’ ‘Emysa,’ and ‘Xandros’ discussed their approach to providing unparalleled services.

A Testament to Resilience and Growth

The USVI charter yacht industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, evolving into a significant economic force. The show’s success is a testament to the region’s status as a top maritime destination, offering unique, customized crewed yacht vacations.

Photo: Charter Yacht Broker welcomed by Captain Bastian Tromp and Chef Sarai Ben Ari - Yacht Emysa - Best in Show 51'-60' - Credit Mango Media
Photo: Charter Yacht Broker welcomed by Captain Bastian Tromp and Chef Sarai Ben Ari – Yacht Emysa – Best in Show 51′-60′ – Credit Mango Media

Acknowledging Sponsors and Winners

The event’s success was bolstered by strong sponsor support, with luxurious prizes and awards celebrating the best in various categories, from mixology to culinary prowess.

Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise

The 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show set the stage for a promising season ahead, reaffirming the region’s position at the forefront of Caribbean yachting. With plans underway for future events, the US Virgin Islands continue to captivate the global yachting community.

For more information and to stay updated on future events, visit usviyachtshow.org and VIPCA.org.

Photo: Chef Alli Bumgardner - Yacht La Sirena - Best Crew Honorable Mention with her Cardow Watch - Credit Mango Media.
Photo: Chef Alli Bumgardner – Yacht La Sirena – Best Crew Honorable Mention with her Cardow Watch – Credit Mango Media.

A Glimpse at the Winners

2023 USVI CHARTER YACHT SHOW COMPETITION WINNERS

Best Yacht in Show – 50’ & Under
Winner: Koru, Crew: Findlay Mack, Cara Whiteman
Runner Up: Oceana, Crew: Umberto Genovese, Lindsey Montgomery

Best Yacht in Show – 51’-60’
Winner: Emysa, Crew: Bastian Tromp, Sarai Ben Ari
Runner-Up: Atlas, Crew: Brynn Moultrie, Rosie Jones

Best Yacht in Show – 61’ & Over
Winner: Xandros, Crew: Mayon Hight, Elizabeth Hight, Sam Middeke
Runner-Up: The Peddler, Crew: Arnold Heins, Jenna Smit, Mariaan Odendaal, Daniel Cohn

Best Crew in Show
Overall Winner: Josh Ryan, Gustavo Ryan, Yacht: Valentina
Overall Runner-Up: Brynn Moultrie, Rosie Jones, Yacht: Atlas
Best Crew Honorable Mentions:
Keagan Steyn, Olivia Boyd, Yacht: Huntress
Umberto Genovese, Lindsey Montgomery, Yacht: Oceana.
Dustin Bumgardner, Alli Bumgardner, Yacht: La Sirena

Cocktail Mixologist Competition – Grey Goose Vodka – 2023
Winner: Zara Browne, Yacht: Ocelot
Runner Up: Hugh O’Brien, Yacht: Serena

Cocktail Mixologist Competition Captain Morgan Rum – 2023
Winner: Dustin Bumgardner, Yacht: La Sirena
Runner Up: Abby Garner, Yacht: Hulya

Culinary Competition – 2023
Overall Winner: Paula Milovac, Yacht: Barefoot Retreat
1st Place: Sara Hogan, Yacht: Liquid Zen
2nd Place: Belinda Jane Bentley, Yacht: Mystic
3rd Place: Julia Ray, Yacht: Shangri-La

CYBA Designer Water Competition – 2023
1st place Ripple
2nd place The Peddler
3rd place Hülya

The 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show celebrated the best in the industry, with yachts like ‘Koru,’ ‘Emysa,’ and ‘Xandros’ winning top honors in their respective categories. The ‘Best Crew in Show’ accolade went to ‘Valentina,’ and culinary excellence was showcased by chefs from ‘Barefoot Retreat,’ ‘Liquid Zen,’ and others. For a full list of winners, visit the official website.

Holiday Season Delights Beyond Turkey Day

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While the spotlight of November may be on Thanksgiving, the entire month is a precursor to a festive season filled with hearty meals and cozy gatherings. If you›re seeking to infuse some variety into your holiday menus, look no further. Here are two sumptuous recipes that are sure to impress any guest.

SAUTEED SCALLOPS OVER SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 50 minutes. Serves: 4
2 (1 lb. spaghetti Squash, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for baking pan
4 leeks, white and light-green parts, thinly sliced lengthwise
2 medium shallots, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
20 medium sea scallops, muscles removed
Salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup dry white wine or ¾ cup rice wine vinegar/water
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, chilled and cut in small pieces
Garnish: See photo above by Sandy Hamel

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place squash, cut-sides down, on an oiled baking pan. Cook until easily pierced with a knife tip, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven. Using a fork, separate the flesh into strands and transfer to a bowl; cover. 

Heat 1 Tblsp. oil in a sauté pan over medium-heat and cook leeks and shallots, stirring until crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Heat a large, heavy bottom skillet and remaining oil. Place in scallops in a single layer and cook, medium-high, for about 2 minutes each side, Season with salt and pepper. Remove scallops and set aside on a warmed plate. Add white wine or rice wine vinegar/ water to pan. Using a wooden spoon, scrap up any brown bits on bottom. Cook until liquid has reduced by half. Slowly whisk in butter until sauce begins to thicken. Season to taste. Divide the squash and leek mixture onto four warmed dinner plates; top with scallops. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

SWEET POTATO BURGERS TOPPED WITH AVOCADO

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Makes: 6 or 8 patties
1 large sweet potato, baked, peeled & mashed (about 2 cups)
2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp honey
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cumin
Pinch cayenne
Salt to taste
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup chopped parsley
¼ cup wheat flour
Panko bread crumbs
Grapeseed oil

Burgers: Whole wheat buns, avocado, red tipped lettuce (or lettuce of your choice), sliced tomatoes, chopped green onions or sliced red onion, parsley, and anything else that you would like.

Place mashed sweet potato in a large mixing bowl, add beans. Mash beans and potatoes together. Mix in honey, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, and flour. Form patties (add more flour or a scoop of Panko to thicken the mixture if needed) into 6 or 8 large patties or smaller ones if you prefer. Coat each pattie with a thick layer of Planko crumbs. 

Heat oil in a large, heavy bottom, skillet over medium high heat. Place each pattie in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides. Transfer cooked patties onto paper towels to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve on toasted bun with toppings.

Note: Sweet potatoes and avocados are loaded with vitamins and these burgers are delicious!!

Jan Robinson, Health Coach, Charter Yacht Consultant, 2019 CYBA Hall of Fame, Chef Competition Coordinator/Judge, and author of the Ship to Shore Cookbook collection; available on Amazon.com or CaptJan2@gmail.com

CSA’s Innovative Dinghy Sailing Initiative: Caribbean Unity Through WhatsApp

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Revolutionizing Caribbean Dinghy Sailing: CSA’s WhatsApp Group Initiative

Sailing Together

Dinghies aren’t new in the Caribbean. However, more and more islands have launched dinghy programs designed to introduce residents of all ages and abilities to the joys of sailing. Now, the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bringing these programs together to share knowledge, skill development and enhance mutual attendance. Best of all, it’s all in the palm of a hand. It’s a dedicated WhatsApp group.

“It is so important to share knowledge amongst each other. We are all facing the same challenges, some programs are bigger, and some programs are smaller. Knowledge on how to raise funds, manage programs, what kind of boats to purchase, maintenance tips, safety policies, and international/national valid sailing diplomas – these are the building blocks that can strengthen the entire Caribbean dinghy sailing community. By learning from each other, we can collectively overcome obstacles and elevate our programs to new heights,” says Saskia Revelman, manager of the St. Maarten Yacht Club and CSA board member.

Key Objectives

  • Knowledge Sharing: Exchange valuable insights on fundraising, program management, and maintenance.
  • Skill Development: Learn from the successes and challenges of fellow programs to improve training and coaching methods.
  • Safety First: Discuss and establish regional safety standards and policies for dinghy sailing.

Joining Forces

The CSA’s initiative aims to connect the dots between various dinghy sailing programs, creating a network that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Open Invitation

  • Who Can Join: Sailing programs, instructors, coaches, and anyone passionate about dinghy racing in the Caribbean.
  • How to Join: Contact Saskia Revelman at saskia@smyc.com for registration details.
  • Expected Outcomes: A more cohesive, informed, and skilled dinghy sailing community ready to take Caribbean sailing to new heights.

Navigating Towards a Brighter Future

The CSA’s WhatsApp group for dinghy sailing is more than just a communication tool—it’s a catalyst for growth and excellence in Caribbean sailing. As members connect, share, and learn, the winds of progress are set to propel dinghy sailing into a thriving and dynamic future.

Empowering Women in Sailing: The Transformative Coaching & Mentoring Course in the USVI

Uniting Women Sailors

A cross-section of women sailors, seven each from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John and one from the British Virgin Islands, who represented a mix of professional sailors, coaches, and recreational enthusiasts, participated in the Coaching & Mentoring Women’s Sailing Course, held October 27 to 29, 2023, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC). The goal? To get more women and girls in the territory out sailing via building a strong network and sharing resources. The three-day course was led by Rebecca Ellis, an experienced and qualified UK-based World Sailing Coach developer; hosted by the Virgin Islands Sailing Association (VISA), the USVI’s Member National Authority to World Sailing; and funded through an Olympic Solidarity Grant, plus funds from VISA, the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee, STYC, and World Sailing, the sport’s global governing body.

“My vision for this event was to connect everyone, to ignite or reignite their enthusiasm for sailing, and to make everyone aware of the many roles available to women in sailing in our community that need to and should be filled,” says Juliet San Martin, VISA president and course organizer. “I’m expecting to see at least a decade of ripple effects from this event, with a great deal more interisland coordination and competition. Not to mention newly formed lifelong friendships all founded on the common bonds of a shared interest in sailing.”

Key Take Aways

It was the diverse experiences and paths to sailing, careers or recreational, of the course attendees that most caught the attention and interest of Michelle Peterson, an assistant professor of biology at the University of the Virgin Islands St. Croix campus, St Croix Yacht Club member and avid Sunfish sailor. “What could be better than to be around other women who are passionate about sailing, be part of that community, and of course get out on the water each day,” says Peterson. “I think we all have a better understanding of ways to get more women sailing by supporting competitive racing or working on the organizational side of events. It’s all about how to support and build on the foothold we have now going forward. How to hold onto the past yet build on and improve.”

For Marguerite Burke, from St. Thomas, who is a Master 100-ton Licenses USCG Captain, it was a new experience.

“This was my first time sailing an IC24. I’m a big boat sailor, so a small boat was intimidating at first. We had excellent and professional instruction. Now, it’s opened a whole other world of racing for me.”

Maya Craig and Felicia Renaud were among the St. John attendees who instruct and coach youth sailors as part of the community-oriented Kids and the Sea (KATS) Program in Coral Bay.

“The opportunity to build a community as a resource and to be able to tap into it in the future is what I enjoyed most,” says Craig, who teaches 8- to 12-year-old Optimist sailors and professionally is the watershed coordinator for the Coral Bay Community Council.

Renaud, a professional artist, and KATS instructor for a decade, found it inspiring to learn the many facets of women in sailing in the Virgin Islands. “I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with others at KATS.”

Many of the women, even from the same island, had never met one another before attending this course.

“It often takes an event like this to bring like-minded women together. As a result, the discussions were excellent and the learning from one another was invaluable,” says Ellis.

The participants were Marguerite Burke, Kelly Johnson, Kerry Kline, Bic Leu, Emily Pearsall, Ameda Smith and Deborah Woods from St. Thomas; Joyce Campbell, Meg Deegan, Meagan Hislop, Megan Littlefield, Cheryl Lowery, Michelle Peterson, and Molly Winkelman from St. Croix; Erin Lee Burger-Gohl, Maya Craig, Erin Durell, Felicia Renaud, and Sarah Swan from St. John; and Meagan Woodman, from the BVI.

Land & Sea

The Coaching & Mentoring Women’s Sailing Course featured a combination of hands-on sailing in IC24s and onshore discussions and networking opportunities. Discussion topics included how to attract more women and girls to try sailing, the difference between instructing and coaching, how to develop coaching skills, and how to meet the needs of the female athlete.

“Many of the women, even from the same island, had never met one another before. It often takes an event like this to bring like-minded women together. As a result, the discussion was excellent and the learning from one another was invaluable,” says Ellis.

Social activities featured a dinner on October 27 where keynote speakers were the Honorable Ruth Miller, an International Judge with World Sailing and Magistrate Judge at the USVI’s District Court, and Oriel Blake, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association. Miller detailed the strength of networking as a gateway to her obtaining global opportunities to officiate at local, regional, national, and international sailing events. Blake shared how having a passion for the water and collaboration has led her to mentor others to do the same professionally.

For more information about the event, contact San Martin at (340) 690-9040, or julie@teamsanmartin.com. Or, visit virginislandssailingassociation.com Or, on Facebook at Virgin Islands Sailing Association (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551668560067)


Knot Too Old

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Caribbean bound and proud of it. You have gone before us, charted the course, steered the boat, became one with the seas and the wind, and we long to join you. Some may say we’re crazy, I mean who takes up sailing in their latter fifties? Sure, there’s the occasional retired guy who buys a boat and wants to circumnavigate the planet; we’ve heard rumors. My husband and I aren’t retired yet, and honestly prefer to work remotely from our boat. We’ve learned that some of you work remotely which tells us it can be done. Our yearning to be prepared for our future has led us to the sailing adventure of our lives but we’re starting from scratch.  We are total newbs dreaming of floating amongst you Caribbeans and becoming part of a community of savvy sailors, sunset loving, snorkeling, diving, fresh fish, and fair winds connoisseurs each and every day.  

 This Vermont girl has coveted turquoise water for decades, but I’ve been afraid of what’s in the ocean all my life (lakes too). When I enlisted in the US Navy, I wanted to go SAR (Search And Rescue) until I figured out I had to actually get in the water. Fear has prevented me from experiencing challenging opportunities. I know I’m not the only one out there that has been hesitant to take up sailing and actually go out and sail somewhere. I get it, the boat slip is comfy, but if I remain on the slip, my Caribbean dream will sail away without me.

There’s truth in not being able to teach an old dog new tricks. Older people seem to be settled and happy to slow down after years of child rearing and being in the workforce. My husband and I are of a different ilk – we feel like we’ve just begun but learning something brand new is daunting. This isn’t a cooking class at the local culinary school or ballroom dancing lessons. The navigation alone is a foreign language needed to exist in a country that I’ve never seen on a map. Some days I wonder if I can do this. I walk to the kitchen to get something I forgot about while walking down the hallway and feel like I must have early onset dementia. Doing something this grand scares me, and I know I’m not alone; let’s face it, sailing is hard work. Maybe you were once like me. Maybe you still are, but you keep that deep down in the recesses of your soul because your significant other is having the sail of their lives and you don’t want to be a fun sucker. Then let me say, you are courageous! Courage isn’t the absence of fear (I read that somewhere), it’s moving forward even while afraid. 

When I took the 2-day ASA 101 course this past August with my husband on a Pearson 39, I was anxious. I read the Sailing Made Easy book bow to stern. I highlighted, underlined, memorized, practiced knots, and packed my bags in preparation for what I thought would undo me. But it didn’t. I had the bruises to prove I worked hard. I’ve never navigated my way around a boat, and I was jibbing like nobody’s business. As a vertically challenged female, I seemed to bang my knees a lot and when I was on the main sheet, well, I needed to brace myself against the hard boat. But I did it afraid and conquered it (I’m standing on my tiptoes in the photo to the right).

You’re in the Caribbean; maybe you’ve lived there all your life or maybe you sailed there. Do you remember when you first started sailing? Do you remember the questions, concerns, fears, and unknowns? There’s so much to know and do and learn (and practice) and we’re excited beyond measure. Not the kind of excitement when Uncle Earl and Aunt Emma show up on Easter with chocolate eggs and little Peeps that rot the best of teeth. No, I’m talking about excitement that keeps us awake at night dreaming of what’s to come.