What To Do During your Time in the Caribbean

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One of the great joys of a sailing charter in the Caribbean is the chance to just ‘be’; to focus on sailing from port to port, watch the sunrises and sunset on deck and maybe stop off for a drink at an oceanfront bar. If you want to return home feeling refreshed, there’s no reason for a rigid itinerary or cramming too much into the trip.

That being said, you may want to get to know a bit more than the shorelines of each island. You may be accompanied by active teens or even a shopaholic or two. Here is our list of the best things to do in the Caribbean – there’s a little something for everyone, allowing you to plan one carefully-chosen activity for the entire group or help each member decide on their must-see or must-do excursion to complement the sailing experience.

We also recommend reading about the islands you plan to visit to find out what makes them unique. Planning your trip is half the fun, and you’ll find that having a deeper understanding of each island’s history and culture makes your time there even better.

Natural Pursuits

If you happen to be moored on an island that has a rainforest, the chance to explore this fascinating type of eco-system is a great way to balance out your time on the water. Research the island’s national parks to plan a simple hike. St. Lucia, for example, is famous for its lush rainforest. Grenada has the seven sisters waterfalls and of course Jamaica has its Ocho Rios- be sure to bring your swimsuit!

You can choose to load up your backpack and set off on your own to explore a park (do stick to the trails) or contract a local tour company to be your guide. Aside from walking or hiking, islands with spectacular interior wildlife often offer various types of tours, which brings us to our next category.

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Inland Adventure Sports

When you’re in a place as colorful as the Caribbean it can be great to add a one of a kind adventure experience to the amazing surroundings. These are the kinds of things that can really make for great photo opportunities and family memories- what better way to get out of your routine? Check out river rafting, zip-lining and canopy tours. Some can even be booked in advance, for the entire group.

Unique Swimming and Water Adventures

You’ll be able to moor in special snorkeling spots on your own, and these alone make for fantastic (and virtually free!) days in the Caribbean. But, if your group wants to take it to the next level, you can swim with dolphins, sting rays or even whale sharks.

Then there are the adrenaline-pumping water sports to try out, like Flyboard, surfing, windsurfing, water skiing and jet skiing. Kayaking and paddle boarding are a bit gentler although they still require a good deal of balance and skill.

The divers in your group will of course have their pick of famous dive sites, and there are ubiquitous dive operators near all worthwhile locations.

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Opportunities for Relaxation

For the less thrill-seeking member of your group, there are plenty of ways to make your sailing charter into an even more-relaxing experience. Spa treatments are readily available in both smaller oceanfront establishments and larger resorts- they are a good way to relax sore muscles from sailing. You can sign up for a full Spa day or just pick and choose your Spa treatments based on healing rituals of the Caribbean. This makes for a more authentic experience; the Rosewood in Little Dix Bay’s Spa menu, for example, offers treatments like a Salt Island Scrub, Virgin Gorda Goat Milk and Honey Wrap and Natural Neem Leaf Facial.

There are also yoga, Pilates and meditation classes available (among others) for those who wish to add a holistic element to their time in the Caribbean. The islands’ laid back vibe and pristine natural beauty lend themselves perfectly to rest, revitalization and even spiritual awakening.

Cultural Expeditions

You can make your own cultural expedition out of wandering through each island’s ports and villages, strolling through the streets and chatting with shop owners or stopping for a meal in a local restaurant. Or, plan to stop in a larger city to visit museums and sites of interest. Places like San Juan, Puerto Rico  and St. George in Grenada are full of fascinating history. You’ll be able to visit pirate museums, rum factories, spice plantations and many other interesting places depending on which islands the winds take you to.

Shop Till you Drop

Shopping isn’t for everyone but most groups have at least a few people who want to take home some good souvenirs. From local crafts to natural beauty products and designer brands, the Caribbean definitely has its fair share of shopping opportunities. The US Virgin Islands are completely duty-free, offering great shopping. The French-Dutch Island of St. Martin/St. Maarten also has many boutiques and designer shops. According to Frommer’s it’s a virtual shopping mall on the Dutch side. You can read more shopping advice from Frommer’s here.

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The Gourmet Caribbean

Caribbean cuisine is an adventure of flavors, spices, fresh seafood and exotic fruits. You can sample it from street corners and beachside shacks or prioritize a visit to an upscale restaurant- for some, a vacation simply wouldn’t be the same without experiencing the ‘foodie’ aspect of the destination. If this is you, you can take a look at TripAdvisor’s list of Best Restaurants in the Caribbean or just ask around on each island for the best fine dining experience.

So there you have it, a quick list of what to do in the Caribbean. This will give you an idea of what there is to do if you ever decide to tear yourself away from the sun, sea, sails and sand!

Proof of Competence Abroad: FAQ’s

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We constantly receive questions from clients asking about what is needed for proof of competence abroad to be a charter captain. It’s very confusing and we are more than happy to answer any specific question you have.

 

Recently a new organization called http://www.americanyachting.org/  popped up with the sole purpose to issue fake sailing certificates. So with so much confusion out there about what is accepted here is a short overview of what the real requirements are and what we tell our North American clients.

 

In the Caribbean, you can book a charter based solely on your sailing resume. You are mostly picking up moorings balls and this is rather easy and can be done proficiently with minimal training.  However if you book a yacht over 50ft your resume will be more heavily scrutinized.

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In the Mediterranean you are mostly docking each night so the risk of yacht damage is greater, and they request proof of skill such as a sailing certificate or sailing license. You can see in the attached photo taking in Corsica, France, boats are everywhere and no one is telling you where to go and lots of expensive boats to hit. Everywhere else in the world, like Tahiti, Thailand, Australia, Seychelles, etc. the requirements vary depending on whether you’re mostly picking up mooring balls or docking.

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All this confusion is exactly why clients find it so useful to use brokers like LateSail that book high volume worldwide, (over 1000 charters booked in the Mediterranean this year) to give them accurate advice so they don’t get a surprise like having their certificates rejected upon arrival and being forced to hire a skipper for the week.

 

Regarding the Mediterranean:

Croatia is the only place you really “need” a license, here it’s checked by the port authorities and strictly enforced. Since Croatia is an up-and-coming destination they want to ensure they continue to attract large yachts to the area, ensuring everyone on the water is skilled (and less likely to crash into your 5 million dollar super yacht) is their approach to attracting tourism with uniform standards.

Everywhere else such as Italy and Greece we say that they like to “make up requirements that they don’t enforce”.  Or they are not uniformly enforced between regions and charter fleets.

 

They ask for 2 sailors to be on board in Greece and 1 to be certified/licensed, the other can be anyone who has stepped on a sailboat before. However this is not checked by the local authorities so enforcement really varies between companies.  And it doesn’t mean it’s the bad companies that don’t enforce the requirement; plenty of very good companies will accept a letter of reference from a yacht club.

 

So if you are a lifelong sailor and book with LateSail, we can make sure that we book you with one of the 70 charter companies in Greece that we receive good customer feedback from that will accept a lesser qualification like a letter of reference.

 

Here are the two sailing certificates we recommend for sailing in European Waters:

American Sailing Association International Proficiency Certificate 

or

US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate

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We suggest contacting a local sailing school and asking if you can do a one-day lesson to “test-out” of the course if you don’t have the certificate needed.

US Sailing might be a little easier to work with, especially if you tell them you have taken classes previously, even if they were a long time ago.

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Canadian clients can obtain an International Certificate of Competency through International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT), more info is here http://www.iytworld.com/courses/recreational/international-certificate-of-competency-icc

 

You must have a VHF operators endorsement for Croatia as well.  The International Proficiency Certificates above specifically mention VHF, so they are best, but you need to request this enforcement. In Europe a VHF certification means you have to take a one-day class learning how to properly hail the coast guard and other yachts, “push the button when you talk, then release it to listen” type of stuff, basically how not to clog up the airwaves.

 

However if you have a bareboat certificate only you’ll need an additional radio operators permit to meet the requirements. The best thing we have found is the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit from the FCC, you can order that here for $60. Just fill out the paperwork online and send the money, nothing more is need.

Charter a Yacht for Monte Carlo

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Every year the internationally renowned Grand Prix of Monaco (Monte Carlo road race,) draws the most talented and determined Formula One racers from all over the world. This year the Grand Prix will take place between May 22 and May 25, and is guaranteed to be exciting as ever.

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This prestigious race has been running since 1929 and is considered to be one of the most important automobile races in existence. The course is laid out along narrow streets in Monaco with drivers facing many elevation changes, and tight corners, as well as an vision-impairing tunnel. The uniqueness of the course makes it somewhat dangerous and one of the most demanding courses in all of Formula One racing. The course is unique in having been held on the same circuit every time it has been run over such a long period of time. It is considered to be the ultimate driving test of driving skills in Formula One, and if it were not already an existing Grand Prix, it would not be permitted to be added to the schedule for safety reasons.

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For first timers or Monte Carlo veterans, what could be more exciting than witnessing the 2014 Grand Prix from the comfort of a chartered yacht? Here at LateSail we can make sure you can see all of the action with your friends, colleagues, or your corporate clients on the deck of a yacht in zone 1 of the raceway. Those wishing to attend the race but not charter a yacht are at a serious disadvantage. There are a few temporary grandstands built around the circuit  and harbor area, but these seats do not guarantee you a good view. If you charter a yacht for the race you will have the best seat in the house and be provided with a live view of the circuit on the prestigious corner of the chicane.

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Call LateSail with help for reserving a yacht for this race, and we can make sure all your accommodations will be met whether you need catering, limousine services, security, or anything else for the duration of the race and your charter. Good luck to everyone racing at the Monaco Grand Prix next month!

Exotic Sailing Destinations

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A sailing vacation is always an adventure. But, if you’re the type to push the limits you may be ready for something a bit more unusual. Charter Vacations has offers for some of the most tropical and exciting sailing destinations in the world, so if you want to go the distance we’ll be happy to take you there!

Check out the following options for exotic sailing experiences with breath-taking scenery.

Australia

It may not be an unheard-of place, but go ‘down under’ to sail through Australia’sWhitsunday Islands and you’ll see that it is anything but ordinary. Explore calm, crystal clear, protected waters with a seemingly endless number of places to anchor. Over 74 islands, stunning beaches, great snorkeling and diving distinguish this special corner of the world off of the Queensland coast.

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Malaysia

Discover a unique Malaysian paradise in a UNESCO certified Geopark. The 99 islands in the Andaman Sea are an incredible adventure in natural beauty; the largest island is Langkawi and it has many exciting attractions. Visit a three-tiered hot spring, stop off a t one of Asia’s largest aquariums, and witness the stunning Temurum Waterfalls.

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Cape Verde

Slightly closer to home (for most of us!), you’ll find an exotic sailing experience in Cape Verdeoff the coast of Africa. Here you’ll find 25 islands, nine of which are uninhabited. There are tons of different landscapes to explore, as every island offers something different; from picturesque rocky coastlines to high mountains and long flat sandy beaches. There are also crystalline waters filled with colorful fish, making for excellent snorkeling off the boat.

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If you heard of a certain destination and are dying to sail there yourself, just give our experts a call. We can find an offer to suit your dates and budget.

What to do in the British Virgin Islands

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You only need to see one photo of the BVI to know that it’s a stunningly beautiful place to visit. And if you’ve settled on a yacht charter, the fun can really begin! Taking the time to truly plan your ideal itinerary will keep you on track and help you get the most possible out of your vacation. Whether you’re a first timer in the BVI or you’re a repeat customer, there is always something fresh and exciting to discover.

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Read on for a few of our top picks.

The Baths of Virgin Gorda

Yes, they are a major tourist attraction and not exactly off the beaten track, but this volcanic rock formation is truly a sight to behold. Huge granite boulders form caves where you can swim and snorkel and there is a small beach for sunbathing.

Nearby and reachable only by boat is Devil’s Bay, which is perfect for snorkelling.

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The Island of Anegada

Anegada offers that dreamy Caribbean fantasy of being on a deserted island. Its beaches are made of silvery white sand. The seclusion and natural beauty of the island are what make it so intriguing- you’ll be hard pressed to find a convenience store much less a crowded beach. There are also flocks of flamingos, and for divers, loads of wrecks to explore.

Music and Excitement

For a nice contrast to your days of utter relaxation and pampering, visit White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke. Stroll into the area’s bars for a strong tropical drink. You can also check out Cane Garden on Tortola, where they have great food, dance clubs and so much more.

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Other great attractions in the region include Rhone National Marine Park and Smuggler’s Cove. It all depends on what you like! Our staff is very familiar with the area, so don’t hesitate to ask us where to go, we’re here to help you plan the perfect BVI vacation.

The 5th International Catamarans Cup

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Coming this fall, the International Catamarans Cup will kick off their 5th year of competition. Launched by Istion Yachting Greece in 2010, this exciting regatta comprises a combination of a sailing race and a relaxing, fun week in the Greek Islands. This week long competition begins October 18 and ends on the 25th.

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Along with the prestigious race, there are numerous side events to keep guests busy. There will be a special welcome for participants on every island, local events, an award ceremony, cocktail parties, and beach BBQ dinners! Some of the larger competitive events include a cook -off, a show -off, and a shoot- off. The cook -off starts Monday the 19th in Poros and consists of each crew preparing and presenting one or more dishes to the rest of the fleet. Each boat gets to enter as many dishes as they desire and everything must be prepared on board from scratch. The show -off will be held the 22nd and includes each crew presenting a show (singing, dancing, comedy.) Presentations will be evaluated by all the other crews, and judging is based off of appearance, presentation, and of course originality. Last but not least is the shoot- off, where each crew gets the chance to submit 3 of their best digital photos in hopes of having taken the best photo of the cup. All entries must be submitted by the 22nd.

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Last year in 2013, more than 250 participants from 15 different countries participated in the cup, and even more participants are expected to join in the fun this fall. The Catamarans Cup will start in Athens, and then move on to Poros, Monemvassia, and Hydra. All four areas are perfect for relaxing around pristine, blue water, a rich culture, and an abundance of historic beauty. The Catamarans Cup is sure to be a success once more this year, and for those competing here is a little incentive; the grand prize is a 5,000 euro charter with Istion Yachting. Be sure to contact us at Late Sail to help you find the perfect yacht for this event. Good luck to all participants!

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Featured Destination: Antigua and Barbuda

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Do you want a white sand beach all to yourself? Then head to Antigua in the Leeward Islands!

Antigua has grown as a world class sailing destination with the help of Antigua Sailing Week, http://www.sailingweek.com/v4/ in late April/early May. Yachts descend on this tiny island for a week to play chicken with one another to see who can sail closest to the reef.

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The island gets higher seas then you see in the BVI, so you’ll need a yacht 40ft+ to cut through the east coast rolling swell. You must keep a careful watch of the charts and GPS to avoid the reefs that surround the island, but all the effort is worth it when you hit pristine anchorage and can’t see another yacht in sight.

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Christopher Columbus discovered and named the island in 1493 and it was later settled by the English in 1632. Today Antigua is an associated state of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The island uses Eastern Caribbean Dollars which are pegged to match but they’re happy to accept most any currency you offer.

 

If you’re a history lover you will need to stop in English Harbor to view the relics of the English Naval Station that once stood there. If you enjoy looking at big white boats and dreaming, then head over to Falmouth Harbor where the mega yachts line up.

The only thing Antigua needs is more charter bareboat yachts! The island only has a few charter fleets so you might have to pay for a yacht to be transferred from St. Martin or Guadeloupe. Anyway it works out; you’ll know it’s all worth it the instant you see mesmerizing bright blue waters for miles around.

Choosing the Right Group for your Yacht Charter

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Chartering a yacht is an exciting experience, sure to put you in contact with nature and really breathe new life into your soul. Among the myriad considerations for your trip (where to go, what time of year, etc.) is whom to bring with you. Even on larger yachts you’ll be spending a great amount of time with your group so it’s important to plan wisely.

Above all, you’ll want everyone who comes along to have a good time and therefore allow others to enjoy as well.                                           shutterstock_63296668

Yachts are normally suitable for people of all ages, including children and the elderly. They do, however, require a certain level of agility to manoeuver around. You may want to ask yourself if your grandmother, for example, will have a difficult time getting from her berth to the deck. And will you be able to enjoy swimming in the Caribbean with your two-year-old in tow?

You’ll also want to think about whether each member of the group will get along well with the others for the entire time you’re at sea. The first few days may be fine, but all it takes is one little argument to put everyone on edge and really cast a shadow over your vacation.

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In terms of physical ability, if you’re chartering a crewed yacht you won’t have to worry much about sailing skills or strength. But, if you plan to do some serious hiking or snorkelling you’ll want to think about whether everyone is able to participate; or perhaps there’s something else they can do if everyone else sets off to do something adventurous.

With a bareboat charter you will need a few able-bodied crew members to assist you.

 

Every group is different, but it pays to carefully select your group in order to have the best experience possible. In terms of destinations we will gladly advise you on the benefits of each destination for different groups.

Days of Croatia Charter Expo

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Over the weekend of March 21st through the 23rd, the Days of Croatia Charter show held their second exclusive 3 day expo in Zagreb. The show brought together the best in the business, from more than 60 charter providers, and more than 80 charter brokers from 15 different countries. The show was sponsored by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism, the Croatian Tourist board, and the Croatian Chamber of economy. It was hosted by Tino Prosenik, the owner of the largest Croatian skipper provider, solidifying its importance to Croatia and forefront members of the charter industry. The Croatian Adriatic is one of the world’s favorite sailing vacation destinations, with the yacht charter industry generating a yearly income of over 300 million euro for the Croatian economy.

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Once again, Late Sail was invited as an elite charter broker, and we were able to send our very own sales team of Dave Watt and Russell Stevens to represent the company. At this leading Croatian trade show, Dave and Russell were given the opportunity to meet and discuss the industry with major charter fleets in person, as well as find out new information about suppliers of goods and services relevant to the charter industry. Dave and Russell were able to speak with every charter company and find out the most important information for 2014 sailing, such as which companies are buying new boats, which companies replace the sails of their fleet every year, and what the new boats have to attract potential clients. They also learned about new tax laws, weather trends in Croatia, as well as any new marinas being built across the country. They listened to companies discuss which locations in Croatia were best to sail from, and developed relationships with the strongest, most renowned charter companies.   

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Overall, Dave and Russell had an excellent experience attending the Days of Croatia Charter show, and were able to gain new insights and knowledge on all charter companies located across Croatia. Now they’re ready to put that knowledge to work for Late Sail and find the best boats possible for clients excited to sail in Croatia.

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Spotlight on the RMS Rhone off of Salt Island

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The RMS Rhone of the British Virgin Islands is one of the most talked-about places in travel guides for the area. The reason? It’s a century-old shipwreck with a fascinating history that also just happens to be an excellent site for diving and snorkelling. 

The warm azure waters surrounding the BVIs are home to a wide range of marine wildlife. Colorful fish naturally flock to shipwrecks to feed on algae and swim about, and the Rhone is no different. It makes for an incredible experience for divers to explore and ‘discover’- it’s arguably the very best dive wreck in the entire Caribbean.

A Brief History                                                         Mustique3

The RMS Rhone sank off the coast of the mostly-uninhabited Salt Island (once famous for its salt ponds) in 1897. The events leading up to the ultimate sinking of the ship are as dramatic and exciting as any Hollywood adventure film.

According to historians the Rhone was a British Royal Mail ship used to carry both cargo and passengers to and from the Caribbean, Central and South America. A large ship of 310 ft. long, she was known and appreciated for her relative speed of the times. The Rhone had weathered several large storms in the past and it was thought that she was fairly unsinkable.

In 1897 the Rhone arrived in Great Harbor on Peter Island to refuel. A storm was brewing and the ship took on passengers from the ship the Conway, as both captains believed it would be a safer vessel for weathering the storm.  The Rhone was to head for the shelter of open seas, and passengers were in fact tied to their berths to prevent them from falling. 

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The ships anchor was caught fast on a coral formation and had to be cut free. As the Rhone made its way past Salt Island’s Black Rock Point it was hit by the second wave of the hurricane, later classified as a category 3 storm and given the name San Narciso Hurricane. The ship was thrown directly onto Black Rock Point. It sank quickly, resulting in the demise of 123 passengers and crew members including the captain. Of the 146 people on board, only 23 crew members survived.

The RMS Rhone Today

Despite its unfortunate origins, the Rhone today is a popular destination for tourists. The area surrounding it was declared a Marine National Park; the only one of its kind in the British Virgin Islands. The park lies between Salt Island’s Lee Bay and Dead Man Chest Island.

Although it’s not possible to drop anchor directly in the area around the Rhone, the park has designated mooring buoys for charterers to use. Several commercial dive operators offer their services for those wishing to dive the wreck.

Most people agree that diving the entire wreck takes two separate days- the bow section lies in deeper waters of 75-85 feet while the stern section is found in at depths of about 40-60 feet. Much to divers’ delight, it is possible to swim through the bow. The wreck is also mostly exposed, without enclosed spaces (making it less risky to dive).

For non-divers the Rhone can also be seen by snorkelling above it. As you can see by the reviews on TripAdvisor, even seasoned divers agree that you can still really enjoy the wreck by just snorkelling.

You can easily sail to the Rhone Marine Park from Tortola, Peter Island and other surrounding islands. Contact one of our agents and we’ll help you find the best deal on a bareboat charter for the BVIs and give you our best advice on visiting the Rhone.