Carefree Yacht Charters

Power Yacht NSS Pattam introduces 3 new yacht charter programs!

2008-05-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Virgin Island based Power Yacht, NSS Pattam, has introduced 3 new interesting styles of Crewed Yacht Charters. These new charter programs provide a tremendous amount of flexibility to their charter guests.

The Bed & Breakfast Charter: The B&B or Bed and Breakfast Charter includes a full, gourmet breakfast plus appetizers each day. Guests dine ashore for lunch and dinner at their leisure.

The Flex Charter: The Flex Charter combines Pattam's traditional, all- inclusive charter with the new B&B Charter. This charter allows guests to pick and choose how many days they would like to opt for the B&B charter and how many days they would like to opt for the traditional charter, with full meals aboard the yacht.

The Discovery Charter: The Discovery Charter is a variation of the B&B Charter, but with pre-selected dining stops.

NSS Pattam is a 84' DeFever Power Yacht, built in 1988 and refit in 2006. This luxurious power yacht is capable of carrying 6 guests in 1 King, 1 Queen, and 1 Twin cabin. For more information regarding this yacht and their yacht charters, visit our Power Yachts page of our website.

Virgin Island Charter Yacht Madiba heads to Turkey

2008-05-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

The Virgin Island Charter Yacht Madiba will bid farewell to the Virgin Islands this week. Catamaran Madiba, with owners and crew Dave van Reenen and Glywnnis Wells, is headed for a new base in Turkey. Madiba has been one of the most popular charter yacht crews in the British Virgin Islands since 2001.

Dave and Glywnnis commented" It’s time for a change and new adventures. Many of our guests, some who’ve been with us four times, have said, “Where to now after exploring the Caribbean with you guys?" Their choice of Turkey as the destination was based on all that it has to offer. "It’s still an unspoiled part of the Mediterranean. It is a land of ancient history, startling beauty and wonderfully hospitable people. The “Turquoise Coast”, as the area we will be sailing is known, is reputed to be one of the prettiest cruising spots in the world. It is unique. Here you can sail to ancient harbors, small coves, deserted beaches and little villages with awesome architecture, pavement restaurants, nightlife and exciting shopping. Here east meets west but it’s as if you’ve moved back a few centuries in time.

For further information regarding Yacht Charters aboard Madiba, please contact us.

Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League announces new Director!

2008-04-30T10:59:00.001-07:00

The Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League Board of Governors in tandem with Flagship, a St. Thomas based Clearinghouse for crewed charter yachts, have announced Erik Ackerson as the new VICL Director. Originally from Kansas City, Erik has made the Virgin Islands his home since 1998. Erik is a resident of Water Island, one of the four United States Virgin Islands. He is also a member of the W.I. Search and Rescue, W.I. Civic Association, Navy League, as well as a Red Cross volunteer. Erik's love of the water and sailing yachts make him ideally suited for the position of Director of the VICL and its pursuit of advancing the betterment of the local charter yacht business in the Virgin Islands.

The VICL is a "not for profit organization whose purpose is to ensure the promotion of the highest quality yachting vacations in the Caribbean Sea."

Sailing Week gets under way on the Island of Antigua!

2008-04-21T15:26:00.001-07:00

The 41st annual Stanford Sailing Week gets under way today on the British Island of Antigua in the Leeward Islands. With a reputation as one of the premier sailing regattas in the Caribbean, Antigua Sailing Week attracks yachties and racers from around the globe who flock to English Harbour for this prestigious yachting event. What makes this regatta especially attractive is the wonderful combination of 5 days of racing, ideal sailing conditions, and and the charm of Antiguan hospitality.

English Harbour, the base for Sailing Week, is one of many scenic harbours found on the island of Antigua. Outside of sailing week, English Harbour continues to be a favorite stop among Yacht Charter Captains. Not only does it offer a protected and picturesque anchorage for its guests, but it also offers the old-world charm of Nelsons Dockyard, now a national park, complete with waterfront taverns and chandleries popular with yachties.

Some of the best views of English Harbour come from Shirley Heights, a "must-see" for visitors, which towers more than 400 feet above the coastline and offers an extremely impressive Caribbean view, as seen in the photo above.

Sailing has always played a major role in the life of Antigua - Christopher Colombus named it after all, but Caribbean Sailing Charters also play a large role for the island of Antigua. Visit the Leeward Island page of our website for further information regarding a Sailing Vacation in the Leeward Islands, including a stop in Antigua.

A travel trend emerges - Girlfriends' Getaways Boom!

2008-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

"Girlfriends' getaways" - a new phenomenon where women are traveling with other women and leaving the husbands at home - are booming. Yahoo Travel News has noted a recent surge in the number of women taking adventure trips with other women.

This phenomenon definitely represents a cultural shift. Traditionally, women were the planners of family vacations and it was their responsibility to ensure each family members happiness and satisfaction. Meanwhile, men went camping, fishing or golfing with the guys, while the teens started their own travel with school and/or youth groups.

Now, women are saying, "What about me, it's my turn!" With so many women as part of the current work force, women can now afford to travel on their own. At the same time, these women have moved away from childhood friends and college roommates and they find travel as a way to reconnect and recharge their batteries all at once.

A sailing vacation aboard a private yacht in the picture-postcard destination of the Virgin Islands offers an ideal way for women to reconnect and recharge with their girlfriends. These yacht charters offer professional and pampering crews, luxurious amenities, gourmet cuisine, and plenty of activities or relaxation each day.

For further information regarding a charter experience, visit the Charter Experience page of our website.

Crew Life Magazine features Chef of Three Moons, Shelly Tucker!

2008-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Shelly Tucker is the author of the "Three Moons Island Cookbook" and an award-winning Chef within the Virgin Islands Charter Yacht Fleet. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Shelly was recently chosen as the featured Charter Chef of the Month in Crew Life Magazine.

The article states that "through the years Shelly has broadened her experience to include a diverse array of ethnic cuisine. She says it has been fun to see how much her style of cooking has evolved, but there are some things that remain the same... always treat a new recipe as a simple guideline, use the highest quality ingredients, trust your culinary skills, and add your own special touches. Take culinary classes and put dazzle into every dish."

Besides Shelly's award-winning cuisine, she also offers her charter guests a "Three Moons Sea Spa Cruise Package" which includes pampering facials, aromatherapy massage, manicures, and pedicures. Shelly works side by side aboard Three Moons with her husband of 20 years, Randy Tucker. Both native southerners, they offer their guests a unique combination of Caribbean charm and Southern hospitality aboard their charter yacht.

For more information regarding the 72' Sailing Yacht Three Moons, her crew, and her Sailing Vacations, visit the monohulls page of our website.

Catamaran Breanker gets more than a makeover!

2008-04-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Charter Yacht Breanker has been sailing the waters of the Virgin Islands for years. However, her current owners and full time crew, Kristian and Marianne, have raised the allure of Breanker to an entirely new level. A recent charter guest aboard Breanker noted, "Kristian and Marianne were fantastic. They are experienced, friendly, very customer focused, and we would highly recommend them. Breanker has been GREATLY improved since our last charter 7 years ago, and the owners are continually upgrading during every layover."

With Kristian and Marianne at the helm, Catamaran Breanker is under the direction of a fun-loving and extremely experienced crew, now in their 16th charter season. Additionally, having built two previous yachts, when Kristian and Marianne took ownership of Breanker they possessed a unique level of expertise and focus necessary to take on the extensive list of upgrades and remodels that they've recently completed on Breanker.

Among the many upgrades to this yacht, some exterior highlights included new exterior cushions, pillows, and sun awnings, new sails, fresh deck paint, plus new on-deck drink cooler and BBQ. The extensive list of interior improvements included a water maker and a total refit in all baths including faucets, mirrors, lighting, corian counter tops plus teak floor gratings. A complete make-over in all four staterooms included fresh paint, fresh bright work, lighting, fans, corian counter tops, plus new Ultrasuede cushions and pillows. Finally, a total refit in the salon, navigation and bar area included fresh paint, bright work, new pillows, and new carpet throughout.

For more information on this "like-new" 55' catamaran charter yacht and its fantastic crew, visit our Catamarans page.

Carefree Yacht Charters gets LinkedIn!

2008-04-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

LinkedIn is an online network of more than 20 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. Lynne Campbell, Charter Specialist and Owner of Carefree Yacht Charters is now included in this list of experienced professionals. Her experience includes 14 years in the charter yacht industry and 12 years aboard her own charter yacht in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands providing luxury crewed yacht charters to her guests.

One LinkedIn client had this to say about Lynne's services as a Charter Yacht Vacation Specialist: “Lynne Campbell offers professional yacht charter services through her online company carefreecharters.com. She is very experienced and passionate about her business. She has an impeccable track record of happy and satisfied clientèle. I am confident that she will continue to serve her future clients with the same standards of quality.” April 7, 2008

Virgin Islands Carnival kicks of in St. Thomas, USVI!

2008-04-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

April 6th was the kick off to the 56th Annual Virgin Islands Carnival. The theme for this years carnival is “A Cultural Escape for 2008.”

Highlights of this three week event will include the Calypso Spectakula, Prince and Princess Selection Show, and the Carnival Queen Selection Show. This three week party will also include music jamborees, calypso competitions, parades, samplings of island cuisine, pageants, and plenty of spirited local charm. The grand finale on April 26 features the ever-popular Adults Parade followed by an impressive fireworks display over Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

A yacht charter creates the perfect platform in order to take in this spectacle of fireworks during St. Thomas Carnival. It also allows guests the opportunity to pair a sailing vacation with a good dose of island culture.

VerticalResponse selects Carefree Yacht Charters for their SuperStar Program

2008-04-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

VerticalResponse recently asked Carefree Yacht Charters how their services have helped their charter yacht brokerage business. Based on the response from Charter Specialist Lynne Campbell, Vertical Response selected Carefree Yacht Charters to be a part of their SuperStars program. In addition, Carefree Yacht Charters was used as an example at a recent Vertical Response Seminar Series.

Owner Lynne Campbell commented, "VerticalResponse continues to be a driving force behind my charter yacht brokerage business. E-newsletters via VerticalResponse are an excellent way to entice interest and create a response from my customer base. Recent newsletters have include write-ups on "hot yachts" as well as exciting new destinations. For up to date information on some of our exciting charter destinations and yacht charter sailing vacations visit the newsletter page of our website in the "About Us" section.

Charter Yacht Drumbeat 1 and her whale of a tail!

2008-04-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Virgin Island based charter yacht Drumbeat 1 treated some recent charter guests to a fantastic treat on their final day of charter. This humpback whale was spotted frolicking off the coast of Jost Van Dyke in the BVI. Drumbeat 1 and her guests were able to get up close and personal during their final sail from Jost Van Dyke back to St. Thomas in the USVI. Besides topping off a fabulous sailing vacation with a whale sighting, the guests aboard had this to say about the crew:

"The trip could not have been better. The boat was absolutely immaculate. Captain Vince, Chef Linda and First Mate Kirk were all terrific. Vince was funny and engaging, Linda is a superb cook, and Kirk...always enthusiastic and asking if he could get us something...does everything from serving drinks and meals, to rinsing dive equipment, to being a reliable first mate."

Drumbeat 1 is a ketch-rigged 72' Irwin capable of carrying up to 8 guests. For further information on Drumbeat 1 and her Virgin Island charters visit our Monohulls page on our website.

Limin' on Sailing Yacht Liberte'

2008-03-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

Charter Yacht Liberte' is on the move again this charter season, busy cruising the waters of the Virgin Islands, initiating new charter guests, and reacquainting returning guests to the easy flow of life in the islands.

Lots of families and charter groups find the Virgin Island experience on a sailing yacht a great way to bring everyone together during a vacation. You've heard of a "destination wedding", well Captain Gordon of Liberte' feels that a crewed charter yacht vacation in the Virgin Islands could be considered a "destination vacation" where everybody laughts alot and spends memorable moments together. If this sounds appealing, you may want to consider a sailing vacation for your next vacation or holiday.

Captain Gordon of Liberte' constantly keeps Carefree Yacht Charters up to date with the happenings aboard his charter yacht. Gordon and his crew have decided that "those of us in colder climates need a bit of sunshine during winter months to constantly remind us that there really is a land where the breezes blow every day and flip flops, shorts, and a bathing suit are the only daily necessities.

Liberte' would not be Liberte' without Captain Gordon. Gordon has spent 18 years in the waters of the Caribbean and loves to share his favorite spots. Chef Sandy has returned with some new recipes this season and is ready to welcome you aboard. First Mate Jacquees is new to Liberte' but not new to the water or boats. He is an experienced diver, is excited about exploring all the Virgin Islands have to offer in the snorkeling and beach departments, and loves to fire up the blender for cocktail hour.

Visit our Monohulls page of our website for further information regarding yacht charters aboard Sailing Yacht Liberte'.

The crew of Charter Yacht Tachyon returns for 2009!

2008-02-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

Eric & Jacque Stahl send their greetings from the sunny Virgin Islands and want to let the world know that they've decided that they'll be taking the helm of their crewed charter yacht Tachyon for yet another season. This fantastic duo just reopened their calendar from September 1, 2008 through May 1, 2009 in the Virgin Islands.

Eric & Jacque are looking forward to another busy season and, as always, will continue to do their very best to ensure that charter guests aboard their yacht will continue to have a "WONDERFUL" sailing vacation. To date, they have a 100% customer satisfaction rate aboard Catamaran Tachyon and they intend to keep it!

Captain Eric has taught and coached hundreds of students of various abilities. His resume speaks for itself, and you can rest assured that you’ll be aboard a yacht with a true sailor and excellent sailing instructor. Chef Jacque is an accomplished chef who trained at the famed L’Academie De Cuisine in Washington DC. Like Eric, she loves to fish, and it makes her day to be able to fillet a ‘catch of the day’ off the back of the boat and prepare a sushi appetizer and grilled fish dinner for her guests—it simply doesn’t get any better than that!

Join Eric & Jacque for a yacht charter aboard Catamaran Tachyon - and be prepared to have an unforgettable and ideal sailing vacation experience in the Virgin Islands!

Charter Yacht Quest has a fabulous new crew!

2008-02-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Virgin Island based crewed charter yacht, Quest, has found herself one fabulous new crew! June and Vince are an adventurous and outgoing couple who look forward to welcoming you aboard. They are world travelers, avid scuba divers, and have worked on a variety of vessels in the South Pacific, New Zealand and the Mediterranean. Their passion for sailing and diving brought them to the Caribbean, specifically the Virgin Islands, where they enjoy sharing the beauty of this tropical paradise with their charter guests.

Catamaran Quest is ideally suited for those in search of a crewed yacht charter that offers comfort as well as speed. Quest is a 57' Alexis Simonis Catamaran, capable of carrying 8 guests in 4 queen-sized cabins. This popular catamaran and exciting new crew still has some available time slots this season in the months of April through July. Don't miss out on this exciting sailing vacation opportunity!

One recent charter guest wrote: "Upon arrival, we were quickly put at ease with their friendly enthusiasm and charm. Vince's sailing abilities were assured and confident, his ability to explain sailing technique to our group was very interesting and appreciated. June was so much a hostess that we miss her today! All of her menus were well balanced, bursting with flavor and so well presented that we photographed every meal! For such recent transplants to the BVIs, June and Vince's knowledge of the islands took us to several locations we had not visited or heard of. I was most impressed with their curiosity for discovering the many secrets of the BVIs.

Charter Yacht Aloha Malolo heads to the San Blas Islands!

2008-02-11T07:03:00.001-08:00

The accessible, yet rarely visited San Blas islands are located 50 miles east of the Panama canal on the Caribbean side of mainland Panama. This tropical setting includes unspoiled and palm-fringed islands, crystal clear waters, plus an intriguing culture. The fact that only one Caribbean based charter yacht is headed to a destination with over 365 islands creates a unique charter opportunity.

The Virgin Island based charter yacht, Aloha Malolo, and her adventurous crew of Eric and Evelin, are headed to the San Blas this summer. They will be available for yacht charters in this area from August through mid October. Aloha Malolo is a custom built and very unique 65 foot slooop. Her interior is open, spacious, and full of warm character. Simple, yet comfortable accommodations include three guest cabins with queen size berths.

Captain Eric has been sailing on Aloha Malolo for the last eight years, has sailed the San Blas Islands three times, and looks forward to sharing his adventurous spirit and wanderlust with his guests. Raised in the Caribbean, Chef Evelin grew up eagerly anticipating her Uncle's adventure stories upon his return home from charters in the San Blas. With a degree in hotel administration and emphasis on gourmet cooking, Evelin has the natural knack of making anyone aboard Aloha Malolo feel instantly welcome.

Sandcastle's new mud wrap!

2008-02-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

Owners and crew, Rik & Ann are in the process of trying out a new spa treatment aboard Sandcastle, the mud wrap! According to this fun-loving crew, the results are looking good and should be available to brave charter guests this season! Of course the “drink du jour” on the designated spa day is the ever-favorite mudslide, a delicious frozen concoction that is sure to please!

Rik and Ann have made Sandcastle their home for over 10 years. Sandcastle, an Irwin 72’ monohull provides spacious decks, roomy cockpit, oversized salon, plus two master suites. With water skis, kneeboard, snorkel gear, 2-man kayaks, floating mats, beach games, fishing gear plus an underwater camera, Sandcastle’s toy locker has something for everyone…including families, couples, or those celebrating a special occasion.

Rik and Ann repeatedly show a multitude of guests a great time aboard Sandcastle and believe that the Virgin Islands continue to be the best sailing playground available. “You never know what you will see next, but the best part of life on the water is always there...with sun on the water, breeze in the sails, and of course laughter in the cockpit!”

Drumbeat 1 and her dolphin encounter!

2008-01-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

We received this amazing dolphin photo from Chef Linda of Drumbeat 1. Linda noted that these dolphins frolicked around Drumbeat 1 for at least two hours, playing on their anchor chain. There were three dolphins in total, including a baby. These dolphins arrived while Drumbeat 1 was anchored off of Marina Cay, a charming little island which lies just off Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Vince & Linda Stracener, Captain & Chef, and also the owners of Drumbeat 1, a 72' Irwin monohull, seem to have excellent luck when it comes to wildlife spottings in and around the Virgin Islands. This on top of fabulous cuisine, welcoming hosts, a comfortable yacht capable of carrying up to 8 guests, plus the opportunity of combining a sailing charter with a scuba diving package.

Visit our About Us/Newsletter page of our website for further details regarding Drumbeat 1 and the ammenities they offer.

Conundrum wins the Blender Contest!

2007-11-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

And the proud winner of the Captain's Blender Contest at the recent St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show was...Johnny Spector, Captain of Conundrum, a Little Harbor 62. To the spectators and tasters delight, Johnny whipped up a "Caribbean Conundrum" featuring dark rum, apple rum, apple and cherry juices, fresh kiwi and banana, plus a few maraschino cherries. However, it was evident that Johnny's talents go far beyond the blender when he additionally won the "limbo contest" the previous night during other boat show social functions.

This classic sailing yacht just recently gained the combined talents and experience of Captain Johnny Spector and Chef Meredith Hestor. This gregarious crew received all around rave reviews at the St. Thomas Charter Yacht Show and when combined with the beauty of Conundrum, were touted by many to be "best in show". Attracted by their love for the sea, Johnny and Meredith are currently fulfilling their dream of sailing, entertaining, and offering excellent vacations in the Caribbean. Together, they provide a sailing vacation which combines cheerful first class service and professional seamanship.

Conundrum can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 cabins. The large aft master with private cockpit entrance plus two additional twin cabins makes this an ideal yacht for a family sailing holiday. Winter rates are $10,000 for 2, $12,000 for 4 and $14,000 for 6. Visit our "Yachts/Monohulls" page for further information regarding this classic sailing yacht.

Destination: Crewed Charter Yacht Shows in the Virgin Islands

2007-10-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

We're headed back to the Virgin Islands on October 31st. The Virgin Islands are host to two exciting back-to-back crewed charter yacht shows every November. While one show will be held in Village Cay Marina on Tortola, the other show will be held in the recently opened Yacht Haven Grande Marina on St. Thomas, recently touted as the world's most exciting new playground.

Crewed charter yacht shows provide an unequaled opportunity to keep abreast of the ever changing charter yacht fleet. While on the docks, we'll be on the lookout for any new "hot yachts" to add to our listings, any noteworthy upgrades on existing yachts, and any exciting new crew member additions or changes. Keep in mind that we already know these islands, yachts, and crews extremely well - having spent 12 years aboard a charter yacht in the Virgin Islands ourselves.

While the shows serve as an excellent refresher for the yachts and crews we know extremely well, it also provides us with the opportunity to get to know new yachts and crews on a personal level - so that we can appropriately match them with our clients. Among other things, the shows will be host to the traditional "Captain's Blender Contest". Stay tuned to see which Yacht and Captain will provide the best rum drink this season!

Blu Moon Offers Up an Enticing Discount Special Plus Charters in The Spanish Virgin Islands

2007-10-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

This popular 50' Beneteau typically accommodates 2 to 4 guests for yacht charters in the Virgin Islands. However, it's owners and crew, Chris & Julie Bennett thoroughly enjoy having families and kids aboard and therefore take family charters consisting of 5 to 6 guests. In addition, Blu Moon offers charter itineraries which include the Spanish Virgin Islands, a remote set of islands which lie between St. Thomas and Puerto Rico. This destination is perfect for those in search of a slightly different sailing vacation off the beaten path!

Blu Moon is currently offering a 10% discount for all charters that are booked and that take place before December 17, 2007. Additionally, they are offering a 5% discount special for all charters booked by December 31, 2007, which take place before June, 2008. Please note that these discounts are independent and cannot be combined with any other running specials and cannot be applied to the available Christmas week.

For further information on Blu Moon visit our Yachts/Monohulls page on our website or visit our About Us/Newsletter page where you can read a recent newsletter which featured her.