Tag: St. Thomas

Clear Customs in St. Thomas

Clear Customs in St. Thomas

It’s easier than ever to clear customs to the US Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands.

In the wake of major hurricanes more than a year ago that severely damaged and subsequently closed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office in Cruz Bay, St. John, ferry passengers as well as those on private vessels needing to clear in from the BVI and other foreign ports had to cruise an additional eight nautical miles east to the facility in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

How to Clear Customs in the US

In July, the Virgin Islands Port Authority completed construction of a temporary CBP office inside the Urman V. Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook, which is located only three miles away from St. John and on the easternmost side of St. Thomas.

This facility makes sense because much of the marine community, including term charters, day sails, scuba outfits, and sports fishing vessels, are all located in marinas near Red Hook.

This temporary CBP location will be open and operational until construction is complete on the new CBP building in Cruz Bay, which is projected to be the end of the year.

viport.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating September 2018

Regattas Go On

Major Caribbean regattas go on for 2018, despite hurricanes

Rain doesn’t stop the Carnival and neither will the devastating 1-2 punch of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September stop the region’s major spring 2018 regattas. The regattas go on as planned.

In fact, recovery is already well underway, says Michelle van der Werff, director of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, March 1-4, 2018. “Although high numbers of yachts were destroyed and the St. Maarten Yacht Club’s docks and decks were damaged, much of the marine infrastructure is still intact, including sail lofts, riggers and chandleries. By mid-November, a boat owner coming to the island won’t notice any difference.”

Likewise, the St. Thomas Yacht Club was damaged as well as some of the Club’s fleet. However, “we’re determined to hold our 45th annual regatta as the sailing grounds are as magnificent as ever, and it’s the camaraderie of returning teams and new ones that keep us moving forward,” says Chuck Pessler, director of the St. Thomas International Regatta, March 23-25, 2018.

Positive goals for the future are important in the aftermath of a major storm and staging the B.V.I. Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, March 26-April 1, 2018, is a driving force for Director Judy Petz and her committee, Petz says. “The B.V.I. sailing community has been so gracious and encouraging, and that’s enabled us to start work on hosting our 2018 regatta. Our challenge may be housing, so the more boats that come self-contained the better. The new docks will be in place at Nanny Cay Marina, so our regatta home will be there.”

Les Voiles de St. Barth will take place as planned, April 8-14, 2018, as will Antigua Sailing Week, April 28-May 4, 2018. “Even though Antigua was not touched, as an independent nation we have our storm-damaged sister island of Barbuda to support,” says Regatta Commercial Director Alison Sly-Adams. “We invite sailors to attend our regatta as the best way to support our islands.”

Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating November 2017

Hospitality division grows at IGY

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY will soon take on a whole new meaning at IGY Marinas. That’s because restaurants, hotels and resorts will become a bigger focus for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida-headquartered world’s largest international marina network, which launched its hospitality division in June. Some of IGY’s Caribbean properties will be among the first to benefit. More specifically, there will be a taste-lift and concept refresh for its Fat Turtle restaurants, located at Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten and the Marina at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. In addition, IGY is exploring the possibility of building a second hotel on the upland at Yacht Haven Grande.

“The Caribbean continues to draw travelers from around the world, making it a target market for our growth strategy. Our plan for the close of 2017 is to have solidified other marina facilities that will join our IGY-branded hospitality portfolio,” says Charlie Irons, who was recently promoted from director of operations at the 5-Gold Anchor Yacht Haven Grande to IGY’s vice president of hospitality division.

IGY operates marinas in other Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia and the Turks & Caicos, as well as in South America, Mexico and the U.S.

igymarinas.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine September 2017

Booze Cruise Be Gone

Gone are the booze cruise days of the 1980s. They’ve been replaced by charters where the crew puts an emphasis on the well-being rather than that hungover feeling of their guests. Take, for example, several yachts in Camper & Nicholson’s Caribbean fleet: 214-ft Feadship Callisto, 155-foot Sunseeker Princess AVK and 190-ft Benetti Illusion V. Each has personal trainers as part of the crew, which means there’s someone hands-on to put you through your paces in onboard gyms well-equipped with spin bikes, elliptical cross trainers, free weights, and more. Or, if you’d like to keep fit in the water, these yachts have fitness toys like paddleboards, kayaks and waterskis, to name a few.

The benefits of a personal trainer among the crew are out-of-the-box fitness adventures, like a hike up St. Lucia’s iconic Gros Piton 3000 feet above sea level or the heart-pumping climb to Dominica’s Morne Diablotin, the highest mountain in the Eastern Caribbean at 4,747 feet. Follow up with a beach training session for even more activity. Looking for something a little less cardio? The 208-ft Benetti SpA Lioness V boasts a stewardess who is also a qualified yoga instructor. Of course, there is healthful cuisine to match. Fresh-caught Caribbean fish and just-picked tropical fruits like mangos and papayas are deliciously incorporated into meals. Callisto, for example, boasts a Michelin-star trained chef that heads up the galley. Charters focused on well-being are definitely the buzz these days in the Caribbean, especially in the megayacht arena. camperandnicholsons.com

 

 

New Outer Marina opens at Nanny Cay

Since December, more slips with deeper depths are available for racing, cruising and megayachts at Nanny Cay Resort & Marina’s Outer Marina. “The marina has been running at full capacity for the last five years and in anticipation of this, the owners commenced an expansion plan in 2009,” explains Alastair Abrehart, spokesperson for the Tortola, B.V.I.-based property. As of now, 42 slips are operational, with the final 78 expected to be in place by August. When completed, the Outer Marina will have 120 slips for yachts 30- to 75-feet with T-heads and a bulkhead capable of berthing megayachts up to 150 feet. Up to 10 megayachts over 100 feet can now dock at Nanny Cay. Controlling depth in the first half of the outer marina is 14 feet and 10 feet in the second half. The 6.5-acre Outer Marina peninsula will have 8 new condominium blocks each with three 4-bed and four 3-bed units; condo construction starts this spring. The expansion is good news for yachtsmen who in the past have found it difficult to get a slip at the dock for the many events Nanny Cay hosts each year: the B.V.I. Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival in March, the ARC USA Rally in May and ARC Caribbean 1500 Rally in November, as well as many races organized by the Royal B.V.I. Yacht Club throughout the year. nannycay.com

Where the big cats roam! 

This year the St. Thomas International Regatta will host one of the largest offshore catamaran racing fleets in the Caribbean. As of January 1st, seven big cats are set to compete in this event on March 24-26 hosted out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Three gunboats are also included: Arethusa, Fault Tolerant and Elvis, as well as the U.S.V.I.-built Bieker 53 Fujin and HH66 NALA and Kelsall 47 Triple Jack. “Our inter-island courses are perfect for these fast-sailing multihulls. So much so, our regatta is getting to be known as where the big cats roam,” says regatta director Chuck Pessler. stthomasinternationalregatta.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine March 2017

MarineMax Getaways: A BVI journey

You never know who you’re going to meet in the British Virgin Islands.

I have to admit, when the boss said I’d be going on a bareboat powercat charter in the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.), my first thought was, “Again? I’ve already been there twice.” (Pathetic, I know, but at least give me some credit for admitting it.) Then I learned I’d be joining 13 other powercats on a  MarineMax BVI Getaway organized by MarineMax of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri (MMLOO). As a former Midwesterner, boating with folks who are even close to my neck of the woods sounded just too fun to pass up. I was all in.

My group of four opted to fly to St. Thomas, get a hotel and take the water shuttle the next day as we’ve done in the past. If you’ve never been to St. Thomas, the Windward Passage Hotel is close to restaurants, shopping, offers a view of Charlotte Amalie Bay, and the ferry terminal is just across the street and down a block. (Note: Eat in Frenchtown at either Hook, Line & Sinker or The Pie Whole, an authentic New York pizza joint with an extensive beer menu; try the Rogue Mocha Porter or one of the local varieties brewed upstairs.)

In my opinion, a better option is to fly directly to Tortola; flights are more expensive, but you’ll save time and the hotel and water shuttle expense. Besides, the water shuttles are not typically very punctual (i.e. “island time”). Arrange in advance with your MarineMax representative to stay on the powercat the first night at their Tortola charter headquarters on Hodge’s Creek Marina. Also, ask for provisions to be delivered before your arrival if you prefer to cook on board that evening while familiarizing yourself with the boat.

 A MarineMax BVI Getaway Done Right

After our shared van shuttle from the Roadtown ferry boat terminal to the MarineMax charter base at Hodge’s Creek Marina, we got to know some of our cruising mates at the welcome dinner, including Monte Richardson of Afton, Oklahoma, who leases a boat slip from MMLOO. This was the first time cruising the BVI for any in their group of five family members. “I had been talking about a family Caribbean cruise but instead, I talked my dad into this, although my sister takes the credit,” Monte joked. They named their 443 Aquila powercat Monarka for the trip, an amalgamation of their names: Monte, Mark, Karen, and the Spanish translation of their dad Arthur, who bought his 2004 44′ Sea Ray from MMLOO.

A MarineMax BVI Getaway enables MarineMax dealers to offer group boating vacations to their customers so that they can experience new and exciting places and connect with others who enjoy the boating lifestyle. “The B.V.I. is a preferred location and our fleet has 32 powercats and 4 monohull sailboats,” says Harry Mountain, Logistics & Operations manager of MarineMax Vacations and Aquila boat sales based in Clearwater, Florida. One of the competitive advantages of MarineMax charters is that Wi-Fi is included on every boat. “It really enables people who are tied to their jobs to stay in touch with the office, reduce email when they get back from a trip and combine work with pleasure.”

Early the next morning, the 14 boat skippers and mates attended the charter presentation—a review for some but interesting and informative nonetheless—while others picked up snorkel vests, fishing licenses, etc. The first destination was only 4 miles across Sir Francis Drake Channel to Cooper Island, where we picked up a mooring ball—get them early when they’re available—and then used the RIB to go to Cistern Point for snorkeling. (Note: If you don’t have good upper body strength to get back in the RIB from the water, bring your own packable ladder unless one of your boat mates is a MacGyver-type who knows how to make one from boat lines.) Dinner at the Cooper Island Beach Club was a B.V.I. first for us and highly recommended.

Mooring balls fill up quickly at The Baths, so we departed Cooper Island early the next morning. Our friends enjoyed the trail through the boulders, and we rewarded our effort with a snack at the top of the trail. We met up with MMLOO salesman Kyle Bargfrede and his wife Mandy of Osage Beach, Missouri, their friends Randy and Anna, and Kyle’s customers Rogie Carlock and Shawn Walker. Kyle has been with MarineMax for five years and, in addition to enjoying a vacation with his wife away from their two toddlers, he wanted to see the charter operation firsthand. “The B.V.I. is amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most. Instead of a resort destination trip, you get multiple opportunities and adventures,” says Kyle, who owns two boats: one for watersports and another for fishing. “I can now offer my customers something that no other company does. It shows my customers my company’s commitment to boating and the lifestyle. Now that I’ve done this as a group, I can do it by myself with my own group. It’s given me way more confidence.”

The group itinerary included an overnight at the Bitter End Yacht Club, where our Aquila 484 powercat had the far north dock all to ourselves. Our boatmates planned to cook a hot breakfast on board the next morning but the cooktop malfunctioned. Thankfully, one of the MarineMax technicians was traveling with the group—one of the many benefits of this program—and made sure the “operator error” was corrected and our provisions wouldn’t go to waste.

The MMLOO group departed for Jost Van Dyke but we had customized our own itinerary and headed for snorkeling at The Indians. Alas, no mooring balls were available and the water was very rough, so we got settled in The Bight Bay at Norman Island, launched the RIB and headed to the Caves for snorkeling. (There are always options in the B.V.I. so when you charter, plan ahead to know what they are before they need them.) The MMLOO group’s itinerary scheduled them for The Bight the final night aboard, but we knew based on previous trips and personal experience aboard the Willy T—an old ship anchored in the Bight known for loud music, late night parties and raucous partiers—that we’d have a better night’s sleep on a different night.

We waved hello to our new cruising friends as we crossed paths—it’s hard to miss 13 beautiful Aquila powercats in the B.V.I.—on our way to Jost Van Dyke, and picked up a mooring ball in the northern end of Great Harbour, where our B.V.I. cruising guide indicated would be most calm. It was rough and windy outside of the harbor, so we took a cab from Foxy’s dock to White Bay ($40US/roundtrip per couple) and the Soggy Dollar Bar. Our dinner at Foxy’s was predictably delicious, and the chef happily made adjustments for dietary restrictions. We even bumped into Billy Davidson from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, an acquaintance from our boating days there. You never know who you’re going to see when you’re cruising in the B.V.I.

Our custom itinerary included a final day in poolside luxury with a swim-up bar, marina shore power and a gourmet lobster dinner at Scrub Island Resort, a Marriott Autograph Collection property accessible only by boat or helicopter. Cruising was windy and rough on the north side of Tortola, and I was glad to be on the largest powercat in the MarineMax fleet, though all of them handle well. I’m a huge fan of powercats in general, but the Aquila 484 is really designed to impress for both charter and private ownership. The Aquila powercats are designed specifically for power as opposed to sailing cats that have been adapted for power. Though we only had one other couple on a four-cabin powercat, three couples joined Dave Gabert and Jeanie Schmidt of Kansas City, Kansas, on the Aquila 484 they dubbed Old Couples for the Getaway. Gabert had a long-standing relationship with the previous ownership of his dealer in Lake of the Ozarks and now with MarineMax, went on his first B.V.I. Getaway in 2013 and returned with friends for this one. Gabert describes Teresa Riley of MMLOO and Getaway organizer as the “hostess with the mostest” and adds “We stay with them because we like the people.”

All great vacations come to an end, yet even the check-in process back at the MarineMax charter base was enjoyable and relaxed. We simply pulled into an available slip, and the staff handled refueling after guests’ departure—much easier for everyone. The water shuttle from Roadtown back to St. Thomas was the only “rocky” part of the whole trip. Next time the boss sends me to the B.V.I., remind me to take my own advice and fly directly to Tortola.  

Story and photos by Liz Pasch, Southern Boating September 2016

When school’s out the kids go sailing!

Kids from around the Caribbean and world will head to St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., June 13 to 19, for the International Optimist Regatta (IOR) presented by EMS Virgin Islands and the TOTE Maritime Clinic and Team Race. The big draw this year is the chance to use this event as a tune-up for the Optimist North American Championships, which take place in Antigua, July 10 to 18. The perennially favorite feature of the IOR is an opportunity for junior sailors, both novices and advanced, to participate in a three-day clinic taught by top Opti coaches. Add a chance to team race and then fleet race some of the best local, regional and international sailors, plus delight in a destination where younger siblings can play on the beach, and moms and dads can enjoy some family-friendly sightseeing, watersports and dining, and you’ve got one great summer sailing vacation. styc.club/international-optimist-regatta.html 

Summer sailing camps

Swap a tent for a boat at one of the many Caribbean-based sailing camps each summer. Sail Caribbean, based in Northport, New York, offers a number of adventures designed for students 11 to 22 years of age. The Alpha two-week program provides junior high and high school students with a chance to learn to sail aboard a 50-foot monohull in the B.V.I. Days are also filled with watersports such as snorkeling and wakeboarding, hands-on marine biology lessons, and hikes ashore on deserted islands and cays. The cost is $3,995 per camper. Those looking for a longer cruise can sign up for the Caribbean Arc Sailing Voyage, a 31-day camp for high schoolers offered by Raleigh, North Carolina-based Broadreach, Inc. This 500-nautical-mile passage starts in St. Martin and ends in Grenada. Along the way, campers can earn several International Yacht Training (IYT) sailing certifications. The cost is $6,480 to $7,280 per camper. School may be out, but camps like these provide incredible life-skills learning experiences for kids. sailcaribbean.com; gobroadreach.com

Summer sailing school

Families can go back to school together by taking one of the region’s many fun learn-to-sail courses. For example, Grenada Bluewater Sailing (GBS) offers a number of classes under the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) scheme aboard its Beneteau Oceanis 461. “Dad or Mom will normally aim for the Day Skipper qualification (minimum age 16) while the kids take the Competent Crew course (no age minimum),” says GBS’s Polly Philipson. Both courses run 5-7 days and cost $1,060 to $1,345 per person, respectively. OnDeck Antigua offers a 2-day beginner Start Yachting course with a choice of living aboard or ashore, and a 5-day liveaboard beginner Competent Crew course, both on Dehler 39s. There is no age restriction on either of these courses as long as a family books the whole boat. Otherwise, Start Yachting is for those ages 16 and older. Rates start at $940 per person for five days. “Learning to sail is a great family holiday,” says OnDeck Antigua owner Peter Anthony. “It’s not all hard work. There is plenty of time for relaxation, and often families will book a night or two shoreside at either end to sightsee the island.” grenadabluewatersailing.com; ondecksailing.com 

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine June 2016

Regattas for all seasons

Wind, warmth and wondrous line-of-sight navigation make the Caribbean one of the most spectacular places in the world to sail. As a result, nearly every island hosts a regatta. Each is held at a different time of year and boasts a different flavor and ways for competitors and spectators alike to have fun. For all those who “gotta regatta,” there’re plenty of Caribbean events to keep you busy all year long! Here’s a sampling of sailing events for 2016.

Trade the snow for sun and sea

January through April are the busiest months with 18 major regattas planned on more than a dozen islands. The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) has worked with organizers to create a calendar through 2019 so that the dates don’t overlap in order to allow international teams to plan ahead. caribbean-sailing.com

“We’ve added three new events and very much want to invite all boats to take part,” says Alison Sly-Adams, CSA vice president from Antigua. The Antigua 360 is a one-day, round-the-island race on February 20th that helps crews train for the RORC Caribbean 600, which starts two days later. The Round the Island Race takes place on March 24th, the day before the St. Thomas International Regatta. Then the St. Barths to Antigua Race following Les Voiles de St. Barths departs on either April 18th or 19th and arrives in time for Antigua Sailing Week.

Summer fun

The pace of regattas slows down in the summer and takes on a more laid-back, family-oriented atmosphere. For example, there are two big youth events. First is the International Optimist Regatta in St. Thomas set for June 17-19. It welcomes nearly 100 youth sailors from the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe for keen competition and camaraderie preceded by a three-day clinic and one-day team race. Then, the Premiers Cup International Youth Regatta takes place in the British Virgin Islands July 16-17 and hosts nearly a dozen teams from throughout the region who camp out at Nanny Cay Marina and compete in modified one-design J/24s called IC24s. The Caribbean vibe is especially strong at the Carriacou Regatta scheduled for July 24th to August 1st. Sailors in modern boats as well as wooden workboats race. Shoreside festivities include greasy pole, egg and spoon, tug of war, and donkey races.

Fall for the sea

Late autumn regattas start up as hurricane season comes to an end. The Discover the Caribbean Regatta organized at the Ponce Yacht and Fishing Club in Puerto Rico October 28-30 offers classes for everyone from dinghy to larger keelboat sailors along with nightly fiestas. The St. Croix International Regatta November 11-13 in the U.S.V.I. bills itself as a great way to tune up for the upcoming winter/spring racing season. The Mango Bowl Regatta held at the St. Lucia Yacht Club November 25-27 features a strong contingent of J/24 sailors as well as a pig roast on the beach.

 

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating Magazine January 2016

IGY Marinas, “Inspire Giving Through You”

Start off your year just right by upholding your community service resolution. IGY Marinas, the worldwide marina network, presents its community service initiative project, Inspire Giving Through You. The project that will launch with multiple events in various destinations over two dates is set to focus on community-based initiatives where the company operates its marinas. On February 20th, the community outreach events will directly benefit the Caribbean and Latin American communities. The second set of events will take place throughout the United States and The Bahamas on June 11th to improve the communities surrounding IGY Marinas’ corporate offices in Charleston, South Carolina; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and New York, New York; as well as its marinas. All hands on deck are encourage to support the efforts from IGY staff, marina associates, boat owners, captains, and crew to take part in this new endeavor.

The program’s objective is threefold: to identify a need area at each marina destination and partner with a nonprofit organization; to coordinate a community-focused event, where IGY associates, customers and partners can make a difference; and to give back to each community. Opportunities will range from animal adoptions to improvement for youth group and elderly organizations, and more. “Guests and boaters come to our marinas to enjoy the destinations, local cultures and attractions,” said IGY Marinas CEO Tom Mukamal. “We have always included community service into our business practices, and now we have an ambitious plan to embark on our 2016 community outreach project to give back to the local destinations in which we live and work.”

For more information or to participate go igymarinas.com/igy-community-service/

February 20th—Caribbean and South America:
Yacht Club at Isle de Sol (St. Maarten)
Yacht Haven Grande (St. Thomas)
Blue Haven Marina (Turks & Caicos)
Marina Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)
Simpson Bay Marina (St. Maarten)
American Yacht Harbor (St. Thomas)
Red Frog Beach Marina (Panama)
Marina Santa Marta (Colombia)

June 11th—United States and The Bahamas:
North Cove Marina (Manhattan, New York)
Marinas at Resorts World Bimini (Bahamas)
Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina (Hamptons, New York)
Newport Yacht Club & Marina (Newport, New Jersey)

Contact:
IGY Marinas
igymarinas.com/igy-community-service/

By Nathalie Gouillou, Southern Exposure, January 2016

 

Head South to the Aruba Regatta

Big boats, beach cats and board sailors will all find a class in which to compete at the International Aruba Regatta set for August 14 to 16. An 80-plus boat fleet is expected with sailors flying in from Bonaire, Curaçao, Venezuela, the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The action takes place off Surfside Beach located between the Queen Beatrix International Airport and the island’s capitol of Oranjestad. Last year’s additions of stand-up paddleboard and micro-boat races as well as a self-built boat demonstration and race are set to continue. “One of the things that makes this regatta special is that all courses, which are short and geared toward competitive sailing, are in sight of the regatta beach. This makes it possible to follow the races from the shade of the beach tents with a beer in your hand!” says organizer Eric Mijts. Shoreside activities include food, live music and entertainment at the Regatta Village on Surfside Beach. aruba-regatta.com

Center Console Tournament in the U.S.V.I.
Get your team together and be one of the first to fish the new ‘Wet N’ Wild’ Center Console Tournament set for August 28th and 29th to be held out of IGY’s American Yacht Harbor Marina, on St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. “Fishermen in this two-day tournament, which is held in tandem with the USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (ABMT), can score points by catching the Virgin Islands ‘Big 5’—blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo and yellowfin tuna—on stand-up light tackle,” says Tournament Director Jimmy Loveland. “There will be best team prizes for the top three teams with the most points and a Best Angler prize.” Entries are expected from the B.V.I., Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, St. Martin, and the U.S. mainland. Several center consoles are available for charter from outfits such as Ocean Surfaris, Capt. Alvin and Offshore Adventures. The ‘Wet N’ Wild’ Center Console Tournament is part of MarlinFest, a week of fun activities around the ABMT that includes an arts and crafts festival, chowder competition, golf tournament, beach BBQ, and daytrip to the BVI. abmt.vi

New Boatyard in Grenada
The Clarke’s Court Boatyard & Marina has been redeveloped into a major yacht storage yard under new ownership. Located on Grenada’s southern shore east of the capital of St. George’s, the yard can haul vessels up to 242 tons with a 39-foot beam and store up to 400 yachts at a time on the hard. A soft opening happens this month, while Phase I will be completed shortly after. This includes the haul-out slipway, reinforced load-bearing track, concreting of the main storage area, washrooms, and service building that will house the chandlery. The build-out of Phases II and III, which includes development of the marina and construction of a restaurant, swimming pool and accommodations, will follow over the next few years. Call (473) 439-3939; info@clarkescourtmarina.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating August 2015

Tournament Fishing

Tournament Fishing: From Pastime To Pro

Take your hobby to the next level and battle monster fish—for monster payouts!

Some of the world’s best offshore fishing is found in Southern Boating waters—the deep Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, where monster game fish are the apex predators of the ocean and prized for their aggression, power and speed. Three major types of offshore tournaments run year-round across coastal regions—billfish, meatfish and king mackerel—and can have jackpots that range from $20,000 to $1.5 million. Billfish tournaments target blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, while meatfish tournaments target dolphin, tuna and wahoo, and king mackerel tournaments generally only target kingfish. If you want to take your angling skills to the next level but don’t know how, these eight simple steps can turn anyone into a tournament angler.

1. Offshore boat prep

Your boat must be able to handle offshore waters—sportfish, express and center consoles are popular in tournaments due to their practical, durable fishability. Consider installing outriggers, which are extremely helpful to keep your trolling spread tangle free. Your fuel levels need to handle a distance of 120 miles round-trip plus trolling at the fishing spots.

2. Properly sized tackle and equipment

Load at least six big game reels on board (suggested size is Shimano Tiagra 50W or Penn International 50), and a few smaller trolling reels in the TLD30 size range for smaller fish. You will need a good spread of trolling lures, a couple of  teasers, a few squid chains, and a variety of dead bait rigs. For first timers, trolling lures are the simplest because they don’t require a lot of experience with rigging bait, plus they are extremely effective in offshore fishing.

3. Consider a captain or mate.

During a tournament, a mate will help rig tackle, coach anglers on reeling in a fish, handle fish when you get them close to the boat, and clean up. A good mate could make the difference between getting a fish on the line or not, by picking the right lures and knowing the best areas to fish. If you go without a captain, research the inlets and waterways where the tournament takes place. Freelance mates are available on a part-time basis for tournaments; ask your dock master for a referral.

4. Location, location, location

For your first tournament, choose one near your closest port with a simple format. Some of the larger, big-money tournaments have the strictest rules and the most competitive teams (often professional teams that do a circuit of competitions each season). To get started in tournament fishing, have fun and meet people in a smaller tournament setting. Also, select a tournament where the fishing grounds aren’t too far off shore. Some Mid-Atlantic and Gulf tournaments have a range of 60+ miles to reach the fishing sites, whereas Hatteras inlet is close to the Gulf Stream at a range of 25 miles. Some Florida tournaments have shorter distances of 10-30 miles depending on the inlet.

5. Detailed preparation

The difference between a good team and a mediocre team is in the details. Professionals ensure they have sharp hooks, clean leaders free from knicks and chafes, solid snap swivels, and maintained lures before every event. Make sure your reels are in good condition and drag settings are correct. For guidance, call a tournament outfitter who can provide tips along with pre-rigged, tournament-quality trolling packs.

6. Research is key.

Visit your local tackle shops and ask what and where people have been catching big fish, and with what baits. Online charting services provide sea surface temperature, chlorophyll charts and bottom topography as aids. For a small fee, Roffs Charts, Fish Track and Frying Pan Tower will personally call you with suggested hot spots. Research is invaluable for giving you a starting edge in the right direction so that you don’t waste time once you’re in the water. Also, be familiar with one of the weather buoy websites for reliable weather info.

7. Budgeting for the tournament

Most tournament entries range from $1,500 to $5,000 per team, but don’t be shocked if the first-place cash prize is $20,000. The payout varies with the size of the tournament and the different entry levels inside the tournament, but be sure to figure in the cost of fuel, dockage, bait, lodging (if you don’t stay on your boat), food, and potentially a captain or mate.

8. Choose your team wisely.

The competition will be much smoother with a team that has some fishing experience, isn’t easily seasick, loves fishing, doesn’t get too upset if you don’t win, and is willing to split costs. These guidelines may sound simple, but they make all the difference. Tournament fishing can be hours of silence followed by immediate heart pumping chaos. Be sure everyone knows his or her job when the line gets tight—who is the angler, who clears what lines, who is handling the fish when it gets to the boat, etc., to get the job done right.

The charm of tournaments comes from the camaraderie with other sportsmen and the adrenaline when you battle a fish three times your size; however most tournaments benefit a community fundraising effort. Regardless of winning, your time on the water assists non-profit community organizations such as Boy Scouts, at-risk youth programs, cancer facilities, and community centers. The mission of most events is to promote sportfishing in their area, promote conservation in sportfishing, raise money for such charities, and promote maritime culture, heritage and education. With only a few winners in each tournament, the continuous turnout proves the fun, competitive, bonding experience of offshore fishing tournaments keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Brandon Carter is the co-founder of Fathom Offshore—a provider of professional lures, rigging supplies and accessories for offshore fishing, handmade in Wilmington, North Carolina. Fathom Offshore partners with successful tournament captains to create lure and rigging designs for everyday use, and they promote offshore tournaments in the Carolinas. Brandon has been an avid saltwater fisherman for the past 18 years primarily fishing along the East Coast. He has entered offshore tournaments and fished in Bermuda, Costa Rica, Mexico, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic. “I believe in promoting the outdoors to kids, creating jobs by making fishing tackle in the U.S., and using my resources to inspire and help people.” His favorite part of owning a tackle company is testing lures on a weekday and calling it work, and being able to make anglers’ tournament dreams come true with his gear.

 

By Brandon Carter for Southern Boating July 2014

Virgin Islands Maritime Museum adds two Priceless Artifacts

A compass manufactured in 1928 by Boston’s E.S. Ritchie & Son and an oil painting of the 1903 Tortola-built Lady Constance are the latest additions to the Virgin Islands Maritime Museum. The museum, located on the second floor of the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay, Tortola, B.V.I., first opened its doors in 2005 with a visit from Princess Anne. “The compass is a rare find,” says curator Geoffrey Brooks. “It is made of brass and suspended in a wooden box. It was used by many mariners in East End, Tortola.” The 39-foot cutter rigged sloop Lady Constance belonged to the government and was used as a revenue cutter to intercept smugglers until she sank off St. Thomas in 1921. The museum is dedicated to preserving the rich maritime heritage of this British overseas territory, where traditional wooden sloops were built for over 300 years and used for everything from trading to carrying passengers to the doctor, school and work. Boat models, pieces from the frames of old sloops, antiquated boat-building tools, and old photographs of sloops, shipwrights and boat launchings are displayed in the museum as well as an actual 20-foot old-style fishing boat. Hours are 9AM to 6PM Monday through Friday, with special weekend visits available by request. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Call (284) 494-4994 or (284) 852-7169, or email info@hlscc.edu.vg.

Fly in to fish, sail and cruise
Island-hopping by air just got easier. Seaborne Airlines took flight two decades ago providing seaplane service between the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, and now offers over 2,600 monthly departures to 18 airports in the Caribbean on a mixed fleet of turboprops and seaplanes from its hub at Puerto Rico’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. This is big news for travelers in the wake of American Eagle closing its San Juan base in 2013 as part of the Chapter 11 restructuring of its parent company, American Airlines. Now, once arriving in San Juan via direct daily flights from the U.S. and Europe, yachtsmen can easily take flights to islands from the Dominican Republic to Martinique, and destinations such as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Dominica. Seaborne Airlines carries the American Airlines code in select San Juan markets and currently has interline agreements with Jet Blue and Delta, although this will likely expand to additional international carriers in the future. “Whether you’re flying in for a sports fishing tournament, to race in a regatta, charter a yacht to cruise, or just visit the islands, Seaborne Airlines can make travel to your destination easier,” says Seaborne Airlines CEO David Ziemer. seaborneairlines.com

By Carol Bareuther, Southern Boating July 2014

Charters For Everyone

Regardless of your budget or lifestyle, there’s a boat charter ideally suited for you.

Prior to the year 2000, I had the impression that boat charters were of two distinct varieties:

1. Crewed luxury megayachts that only the uber wealthy could afford, or

2. Single-hulled sailboats for experienced yachtsmen qualified to plot a course using only the stars and a compass and who crossed the Atlantic at least once.

I qualified in neither category, but now after two charter trips to the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.)—the first in 2000 onboard a crewed sailing catamaran with two other couples and the second in 2012 on a power cat courtesy of The Moorings—I’m convinced that just about anyone not only can, but should charter. With over 70 percent of the earth’s surface covered by oceans, our planet’s cruising grounds simply beg for exploration. Most boat owners, however, have neither the range nor the vacation time to reach them. Now, with myriad charter companies and itinerary options available—whether your vacation time and budget are limited or large, or you’ve been cruising for decades or just days—chartering is for everyone.

For those who might feel more comfortable in U.S. waters for their maiden charter, Southwest Florida Yachts, based at Tarpon Point Marina on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida offers a three-day Basic Powerboating course to brush up on boating skills while at the same time become familiar with your charter boat. A four- or five-day charter is enough time to get your feet wet, explore Sanibel and Captiva Islands, or even venture to Key West. Staying on the hook or mooring balls will make the trip more affordable, but if you start missing land, there are plenty of marinas to duck into, and reservations are easily made since you’re in cell phone range.

On our first charter to the B.V.I. in 2000, even though we were all knowledgeable boat owners and cruised frequently, we opted for an owner-crewed sailing catamaran. Our boat’s owners were well acquainted with all the area had to offer and customized our charter according to our interests: frequent snorkeling, at least one SCUBA dive to the Rhone and several shore excursions. We found the company online through a small, private charter website, but since then, numerous charter companies have established base operations throughout The Bahamas and Caribbean and offer a wide range of boats and options. From most U.S. airports, two flights will get you to your charter operator’s base location. The Moorings based on Tortola has more than 400 charter boats, both sail and power in a variety of sizes and layouts, including the 393 power cat we used with one other couple in 2012 for our first bareboat experience. Prior to boarding our boat, a detailed presentation provided pertinent information and ample opportunity for getting our questions answered. The company assembled all the equipment and information in advance, including prepaid cruising permits, a mandatory cell phone preprogrammed with all the pertinent contacts, and water toys such as a kayak and paddleboard. Having been to the area previously, we knew that line-of-sight navigation was one of the benefits to chartering in the B.V.I., and that the close proximity of islands ensures a host of options for ample entertainment, mooring or snorkeling options. (Advice: When you charter in the B.V.I., save time by flying to Tortola rather than St. Thomas. The flight will cost more, but you’ll save time and money on the hotel and ferry.)

[photomosaic type=”rectangular” ids=”4648,4649,4650,4651,4652,4653,4654,4655,4656,4658″ orderby=”rand”]

If you’re a bit on the frugal side, it’s always cheaper to stay on the hook or pick up a mooring ball in the B.V.I., but if you’re not as concerned with pinching pennies on your charter or need to stretch your sea legs, many resorts extend their amenities to marina guests, so it pays to reserve at least one night at their marina for a bit—or a bevy—of pampering. Peter Island Resort & Spa’s idyllic setting on 1,800 acres offers a great deal more than pampering, however, with paved walkways for hikes, a gourmet mountaintop sunset experience, and acclaimed spa, all of which are topped off with fabulous views in nearly every direction. (peterisland.com) If there’s room in your budget for more than one indulgence, save at least one more night for Scrub Island Resort (scrubisland.com), which is conveniently situated close to Tortola’s airport on Beef Island—the resort has an airport water shuttle service. The small island provides a more intimate, relaxed setting than some of the busier islands in the B.V.I., and if you’ve budgeted for a spa visit, save it for Scrub Island, where I had the best massage of my life by Spa Director Emily Lancaster in a spa-cottage by the sea with its own private outdoor mini-pool. If romance is what you’re after, in addition to the two-tiered pool overlooking the marina—with a fun slide we just had to try—a smaller more private pool setting on the other side of the small island is perfect for intimate gatherings and provides an unrestricted island view at ocean’s edge.

For some, the love of bareboat charters has become an annual tradition. Los Angeles-based well-known film producer Alan J. Levi and his wife of 25 years, actress Sondra “Sam” Currie—she plays Zach Galifianakis’ mother in The Hangover film series—have chartered boats for more than two decades. A few years ago they contacted Southern Boating for advice having read an article about chartering in Europe (November 2010 issue) and subsequently planned their own charter vacation à la the canals and rivers surrounding Venice, Italy. “This year our boating experience was totally different than any other in the past 23 years. First, boating down to the Venice Lagoon puts you in ‘open water’ for much of the trip—not just a narrow canal or river,” says Levi, whose film credits include numerous episodes in the Magnum, P.I., Columbo and NCIS television series. “It’s not for the ‘first-timer’, for the navigation in the open water between markers—which jut out of the lagoon—is not anything you might want to venture into if you don’t have a bit of boating experience.”

The Hollywood couple chartered from Le Boat’s Casale, Italy location about 21 miles north of Venice and describes the charter operation there as “quite well equipped, good staff and plenty of boats.” One of the drawbacks, however, is the absence of provisioning services, which Levi said was easily remedied by cruising 10 minutes north to the town of Casier, where two small grocery stores close by provide enough to get the trip started. (After all, what more does one need besides bread and water, cheese and Italian wine?)

The rest of their loosely-planned itinerary included a stopover on the island of Burano, which turned into a three-day visit in order to sample the renowned restaurants and lace shops. After a four-day stop in Venice—which Levi says will guarantee you at least a pound per day added to your waistline—they were treated to the most surprising excursion of their charter at the little fishing village of Chioggia—another not-to-be- missed one-day stop that stretched to four. “There are perhaps 200-250 large fishing boats tied up on both sides of the village, and they depart about 4:30 or 5:00 each morning for the open Adriatic, returning about 7:30 or so with boatloads of fresh catch,” recounts Levi and adds that the fleet serves the entire region with daily fresh fish, including several dozen fish markets in the area. “We tied up our boat in one of the four ‘Reserved for Le Boat’ slots in the marina, right next to a charming little trattoria, which on our first night held a live jazz night from their open boat tied up right next to ours. Between the absolutely marvelous jazz quintet, the 40 or so outdoor tables with over 100 people eating and enjoying the music right there within waving distance, and the owner of the trattoria who asked if he could bring our dinner up to the top deck of our boat for us to enjoy from that vantage point, it was a truly unforgettable experience. And the wine was as fine as the evening!”

The only problem Levi encountered during their entire trip was unrelated to their boat or boating skills. “Because of the extreme drought in Italy (we saw perhaps 30 or more cornfields that were totally burnt out—brown—with not an ear of corn to harvest), the canal and river were both so low with water, that we never make it to our destinations by boat. The waterways were closed,” Levi recalls. Instead, they stopped in a fun town and took a 45-minute bus ride into the towns they wanted to see. Although others accomplished the trip in two weeks or less, Levi chartered for three weeks, which allowed them the time to leisurely explore and led to a number of unexpected encounters they would have missed on a shorter trip.

Keep in mind that certification in boating proficiency is now required by many countries, including most European nations. Best Boat Club (bestboatclub.com) has partnered with two internationally-recognized organizations—US Sailing and US Powerboating—to provide the certifications needed to charter sail or power boats internationally. The entry-level class, Safe Sail- or Powerboat Handling, is designed for people with zero or very limited boat experience and certifies students to operate boats up to 27′. It also qualifies students for Florida’s Boat Smart certificate. Those who have more boating experience can test out of the entry-level class for a fee, which can be applied to the second of three classes required for international certification. Basic Powerboat Cruising teaches skills for navigating boats 28-32′ for longer periods and includes hands-on coursework on board for learning engine and electrical systems. Finally, Inshore Powerboat Cruising and Night Operation prepares students for multi-day and overnight trips within sight of land and includes an International Proficiency Certificate. While many boating “schools” offer boating classes, Director of Training Derek Edwards says the skills you learn from Best Boat Club offer much more. “Our program is certified by U.S. Powerboat and U.S. Sailing, who are very stringent in their requirements for instructors that goes way beyond what a United States Coast Guard license requires,” says Edwards, who adds there is a common misperception that a U.S. Coast Guard license fulfills requirements for chartering regardless of the location. According to Edwards, in the U.S., only the U.S. Powerboat and Sailing programs qualify for international charters.

For those without the time for or interest in classes, however, luxury crewed charters are always an option and—depending on the size and location of the yacht and number of charter guests sharing expenses—can actually be a surprisingly cost-competitive alternative to higher-end cruise ship vacations. The difference is, of course, that your cruising experience is completely customized. Tahiti and other islands in the South Pacific are becoming more popular for yacht charters since many yacht owners want the opportunity to use their yachts in those waters and are interested in offsetting their expenses. Some even offer charters to Antarctica.

Whether you bareboat, hire a captain and small crew, or charter a luxury yacht, enthusiasts like Alan and “Sam”—along with Southern Boating’s editor, publisher and many others—treasure the memories that charters avail: delightful dining at off-the-beaten-path cafés and diners, chance encounters with new friends both above and below the waterline, and cruising the same waters that famous explorers once did. The perfect charter vacation is waiting for you regardless of your lifestyle, experience or budget. Don’t wait—buy a cruising guide, book a charter, connect with your inner Magellan, and create new memories.

 

By Liz Pasch, Southern Boating September 2013

 

Exit mobile version