A Guide to Chartering a Yacht in St Vincent and the Grenadines

St Vincent and the Grenadines are a group of islands that make up one country. Other than being next door neighbors, they bear no relation to Grenada, despite the similarity of the name. These special islands have a similar feel to the British Virgins in that you can easily sail or motor from one to the other while remaining in the same country. The similarity ends there in that these islands are still less developed and far less ?discovered? than the BVI. No jet skis, aquascooters, or spearfishing are permitted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which make it perfect for a relaxing charter (see our boats in the Grenadines). There is a conscious effort toward protecting the spectacular natural heritage of the islands.

The prevailing winds and currents are north to south, especially in the winter months. It is comfortable to sail southward from St. Vincent down to Union Island , with the wind and the swell. Steaming north can be more of a struggle but the islands are close together and a round trip can easily be accomplished in a week to ten days. But?the main point of the Grenadines is not to ?accomplish? anything. As one visitor put it, ?There is never enough nothing to do?.?

St. Vincent

St Vincent is a rugged, hilly volcanic bit of real estate that still houses a 3,000 foot volcano named Soufriere, which last erupted in 1979. There are no white sand beaches to attract tourists, and, thus, the island has remained largely unspoiled. The interior is undeveloped and, in a sense, nothing but ?wild nature?. There are not even roads crossing the island. A true ?eco-tourist? will enjoy climbing the volcano or taking a trip by boat to the Falls of Baleine on the north end of the island. For the less adventuresome, the Botanical Gardens near Kingstown are the oldest in the Western Hemishere and quite beautiful. There are still specimens of breadfruit left by the famous Captain Bligh.

Bequia (pronounced Beck-way)

This beautiful island is only about eight miles from Kingstown or Blue Lagoon in St. Vincent down to Bequia. Bequia is the largest of the Grenadines (7 square miles) and has a rich history of boatbuilding and whaling. For years it was only possible to get to Bequia on a ferry from St. Vincent or a private boat so the island has maintained a very authentic West Indian character.

The main stopping point for yachts is Admiralty Bay/Port Elizabeth. There is a long walkway around the bay with various local shops, bars and restaurants. Try the Gingerbread Caf?, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and also sells gourmet special ty goods including wine, coffee and caviar?or Auberge Des Grenadines, famous for fresh lobster?or Frangiapani (right on the water), known for lobster (grilled lobster, lobster cocktails etc), curried conch and its Thursday night ?jump-up? and barbeque. A little outside of town, Le Petit Jardin is a special treat. Its owner/chef trained at the Culinary Institute in the US , but his style is definitely mouth-watering French gourmet. At the southernmost end of town is the Plantation House, an old West Indian-style plantation resort with cottages and a restaurant and bar.

Mustique

This island hideaway (only 3 miles long and a mile and a half wide) is about fifteen miles from St. Vincent and ten from the West Cay of Bequia. Mustique is a privately-owned island sprinkled with only about 90 homes, many belonging to the rich and famous. Gently sloping manicured lawns and beautifully kept houses are characteristic of the island. The best way to get around is to rent a ?mule? (heavy duty golf cart) or a motorbike (Mustique Mechanical Systems 488-8555).

Competing with Foxy's for the most famous New Year?s Eve party in the Caribbean is Basil?s Bar ( ph# 784-488-8350 basils@caribsurf.com). Basil?s also hosts a Blues Festival each year (from January 19-February 5 in 2007) and a Wednesday night bbq buffet and ?jump-up? with a steel band. Yachties in search of a drink, a great sunset and a little Caribbean music dinghy right up to the pier where Basil?s is located. You can buy a kaftan (for which Basil?s is known) in shop adjacent to the restaurant.

Cotton House, formerly a suger mill was completely renovated in 2004, is the only resort on the island. It is small with only 20 rooms, and like just about everything in Mustique, offers complete luxury in a small, private setting.

For provisions, try Corea?s Food Store or the Mustique General Store in the harbor. (The harbor is quaint and boats hosting more than 25 people are not allowed in.) There is a lovely French pattiserie, Sweetie Pie Bakery that sells baguettes, croissants and pain au chocolat.

Canouan

Canouan was a quiet island virtually untouched island until Italian developers bought it some years ago. Now it hosts a large Raffles Resort, the Tamarind Beach Hotel and Yacht Club, the Villa Monte Carlo Casino, the Amrita Spa and the Trump International Golf Club. It is not a favorite of yachties in the Grenadines, but if you have had enough tranquility, it is the perfect place for an afternoon on the golf course or evening at the casino!

Tobago Cays

Further to the south are the Tobago Cays, famous for amazing snorkeling and for the filming of ?Pirates of the Caribbean ? and ?Dead Man?s Chest?. This cluster of cays inside a rim of reef (Horseshoe Reef) are becoming more popular but are still far less crowded than places like the Baths in the BVI. Every morning, the ?bread man? will come around to your boat offering bread and ice, two necessities. Sometimes, there will be fishermen offering fresh fish or lobster (beware the underweight/illegal lobsters!). Islanders sometimes host beach parties or bbq?s, but the Cays are by and large a natural phenomenon and remain a completely undeveloped national park. Be sure you are well provisioned before going in. Once there, soak up the beautiful sights around you, both under the water and above.

Mayreau

Saltwhistle Bay in Mayreau is not to be missed. It is one of the most perfect beaches in all of the Grenadines. If you arrive too late in the day during high season, you will have to anchor in Saline Bay on the far side of the island (a nice hike over the crest of large hill). (Beware of anchoring anywhere near the ferry that comes barreling into Saline Bay in order to dock at the enormous concrete pier over to one side).

Saltwhistle Bay is home to a spectacular resort called the Saltwhistle Bay Club (ph: 784-458-8444). Visiting yachties are welcome to lounge and swim at the beach (pretty much like being in a postcard that is too good to be true). For a luxury experience, reserve well in advance for cocktails at the Saltwhistle bar and dinner at the stone tables under the trees at the beach. For a little ?local flavor? or a less expensive dining experience, walk up and over the hill to some of the local bars and restaurants. The food is fresh and delicious, and the people of the island are very welcoming and friendly.

Palm Island

Just a mile to the west of Union Island and south of the Tobago Cays is Palm Island . There is a narrow strip of sand just off the island, which looks like what you always imagined a deserted would be. Many of the palms that were planted here have been stripped off by hurricanes. You can anchor and go snorkeling in an area that is protected and clean.

Palm Island itself is home to an upscale resort called Royal Palm and a chi-chi beach bar and restaurant. Yachties can reserve for lunch or dinner. (ph: 784-458-8824) The ?main event? on the island is still Casuarina Beach, one of the prettiest in the West Indies .

Petit St. Vincent

This tiny island has a beautiful, quiet little ?cottage? resort (22 cottages). Each cottage has a flagpole and when the guests want room service, they run up a flag! There are no televisions, telephones or even room keys. The resort?s bar and restaurant will accept a few groups of yachting guests each night. The only way to get a place at the bar and a table is to reserve well in advance. Petit St. Vincent Resort ph 954-963-7401).

Union Island

Union Island can be seen from miles away because of its famous peak, Mt. Parnassus (866 feet). The main town of Clifton is a bustling, ?happening? spot. There is an open-air fruit and vegetable market in the main square and a number of grocery stores. There is also one lovely gourmet store, which sells fabulous wine, coffee, olive oil, bread and chocolate. There are several local restaurants/bars overlooking the harbor including Lambi?s and the Anchorage Yacht Club. In May, the island celebrates the beginning of the planting season with the Maroon Festival. Easterval is held each year during the four days around Easter.

In the harbor of Union Island , there is a tiny bar on a man-made island called Happy Island . Happy you will be when you stop in there for a cocktail at sunset. Just tie your dinghy up and enjoy!

On the far side of the island in Chatham Bay, there is a crescent beach (quite nice but not a spectacular white sand beach like the one at Saltwhistle Bay ) where ?Shark Attack?, a Union Island local has a beach barbeque featuring pork and lobster. (Reservations 784-2694). Just make sure you bring your own plate and cutlery, get near the front of the buffet line (or you will miss the grilled lobster) and ask Shark Attack the price of the dinner before it is time to pay (prices can drift upward as the night goes on). There is a steel band and dancing after dinner.

Other Helpful Information

There are infinite ways to spend your holiday in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is important match your (and your party's) desires and goals to the itinerary.

Written by Tom Virden at Boatbookings.com

Car and Auto Detailing to Boat Detailer or Yacht Cleaning to Automobile Detail Service?

As the Founder of The Detail Guys, a mobile auto detailing franchising company often folks will shoot me an email to ask me a question after reading one of my articles online or in an Industry Trade Journal.

Recently I was asked if it made sense for someone with lots of boating experience who wished to become a Boat Detailer if he should start his business cleaning boats or start with cars first and move into boat detailing later?

Impressive question indeed and yes well this is definitely thinking ahead as one prepares their business plan. Going from Detailing Cars to Boats is an easy transition and it makes sense; although, boat detailing is much different. There are nautical personality types and there are those who are not.

If you are a nautical type then it might makes sense to do both. Why turn away work, but if you have enough business in boats, well, you would not have time for cars anyway. Someone who can talk the marine language indeed is much more likely to have many customers. Having started out in aviation, I just do not see how a non-aviation person could build their business at an airport without that knowledge.

Same is true with the nautical personality displacement. Of course in wintertime you could still refurbish and hibernation services and in the summer you would extremely busy, but chances are you might also like to be out on the water, catch 22. In aviation, I loved to fly not clean the aircraft, but I loved aircraft so it was fun to be cleaning them when I was not flying. You learn a lot by doing these things of course.

The skills needed to clean boats are different, more advanced and more difficult in the marine industry than the automotive industry. Many auto-detailers have a tough time with gel coats and glass, and do not know a thing about corrosion, teak or metal type cleaners and often spin their wheels.

You have a much better opportunity going from Boats to Cars to stay busy than someone who details autos and goes from cars to yachts. And most owners of nice pleasure craft can tell the difference and they get few referrals. Well you know I am just thinking out loud really. The point of the matter is that you can learn a lot from contacting Industry folks with experience in such endeavors. I hope this article propels thought in 2007.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Looking For Yachts To Rent Or To Buy, Travel Wise!

You can afford. And you think that owning one is possible for you considering that you have the financial resources and you believe that you could count on a yacht as a very good property or investment. If you think what you have is not that sufficient, you could always have the other option which is to rent a yacht instead.

There is a wide market for yacht selling and renting but how would you know that you are buying it from a reliable source? What are the considerations that you are going to buy it from that of good quality?

Since yachts are included in the family of boats, it would be better if the sources would be narrowed down. From the World Wide Web, there are sites you could visit that would lead you to better options in order for you to weigh choices and make the best decision. Having these purchased or rented, you would surely be glad and satisfied, realize how much fun travel could be.

The following are the sites you could navigate through:

Boats.com- This is the most reliable source of all the lists you need. This site has a lot of features that makes it as then best, most updated, most reliable source for your yacht information. It has this section which shows the latest models and creations of boats such as fishing boats, water sports, sailing boats and so forth.

This also includes pontoon, pleasure boating and of course, yachting. These categories are also broken down to more specific sub-categories like manufacturers? listings. These listings include the details about the manufacturer. Moreover, photos of the products are also shown.

This site also sells second-hand boats.

Searay.com- Rangerboats.com- these are all other sites where you could navigate and look for the Regalboats.com- boat you want to have. These websites have updated information, Larsonboats.com- photos, reviews and price comparisons as well. This is of very big help to you since you will not only get to know the product but as well as how is it doing in the market.

Ebay.com- the best auction site in the world, it would respond to your needs of looking for used yachts. This site offers products not only in a state or country but in all parts of the world.

With these sites to visit to, what are you waiting for? This would mean making your mind-boggling task a bit easier and it is just right on you fingertips.

James Penn runs a highly informative Caribbean website which details exactly how to find cheap Caribbean cruises and also the ten best activities in the Caribbean for families and couples alike.

Yachting in the Caribbean

Caribbean yachting is different from other forms of Caribbean water sports because a yacht is far roomier and it offers you the chance to enjoy your vacation away from hotels and on a boat. People with sailing experience are especially going to enjoy the freedom of chartering their own yacht and sailing in the Caribbean. However, note that if you want to just sit back and not worry about the technicalities of sailing then you had better get some crew. If you have never tried a sailing vacation before then perhaps it is time to give Caribbean yachting a chance.

Probably the biggest advantage of Caribbean yachting is that you get to choose which islands you wish to visit. Though most charter companies will suggest an itinerary, you are not legally bound to follow it and if you feel like going left when the plan says right, there is nothing to stop you from doing so. During your sailing experience you also get to choose what kind of food you are going to eat. Beware that no crew means that you will be doing your own cooking so do not overlook that detail. A crewed Caribbean yachting option means you just sit back and relax.

For most people however the easiest option is to pay for the charter and leave the details to the captain. With experience you will learn how to plot your own courses and what places to visit. While you are in the Caribbean yachting, make sure you make a note of what all you can see and enjoy along the route so that you do not just end up taking a long boat ride and nothing more. If you are the type that gets bored easily then carry some books for the time when time begins to get heavy.

Note that if you wish to charter a yacht without a crew then you must carry documentation proving that you have sailing experience so that the charter companies can safely trust you with their boats. This is especially true if you are carrying passengers because the charter company is responsible for their safety.

Caribbean yachting is a good way to spend time with friends or family far away from the hotels and resorts full of strangers. The cruises are not too long and so you will not end up getting bored with each other or getting cramped in a small space with so many people.

Caribbean yachting is also one of the few ways in which you can actually experience the Caribbean for what it is instead of coming back like most tourist, with a few pictures and videos but no real conception of what you actually visited.

James Penn runs a highly informative Caribbean website which details exactly how to find Caribbean villa rentals and also the ten best activities in the Caribbean for families and couples alike.

How Smart Yacht Management Can Prevent Marine Pollution And Big EPA Fines

Environmental Concerns:

Yacht Management involves managing and protecting America's navigable waterways from oil spills and other pollutions that may flow from recreational boat activities. The US waterways are an integral part of many U.S. watersheds and must be protected from oil and other hazardous substances.

The waterways play an important role in the U.S. commercial and recreational boating industries. Minimizing water pollution begins with preventing spills in theirs place.

Some of the concerns that Yacht operations and other recreational water vehicles present to the integrity of the water system include bilge water (water that collects in the lowest part of the ship?s hull and may contain oil, grease, and other contaminants. A single pint of oil released onto the water can cover one acre of water surface area.

The Law The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste into or upon the navigable waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone if such discharge causes a film or sheen upon, or discoloration of, the surface of the water, or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to a penalty of $5,000. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances that are harmful into U.S. navigable water.

In Case of an Oil Spill

Each recreational vehicle owner/operator must develop a plan that identifies the personnel, equipment and materials required to deal with a spill. The plan should include information about storage capacity, environmentally and economically sensitive areas, products that can contain the spill, personnel training if appropriate and practice drills. This requires preparedness and continuous improvement in every phase of yacht operations.

Yacht owners/operators can help mitigate the impacts of oil spills on the environment by taking quick action to contain the spilled product.

Fuel or oil in the water or on the boat can be picked up with special oil adsorbent materials. Adsorbents come in many forms including pads, sweeps, and pillows. Carry these products on your vessel.

Products that can help you prevent spills and reduce emissions include:

Oil absorbent booms are perfect for marine and industrial spill containment. These oil booms are constructed with a strong mesh outer skin encasing highly absorbent polypropylene filler. A nylon rope and steel hardware ensure long-lasting durability and easy retrieval. Repels water and won't sink even when saturated.

Oil Absorbent Sweep is designed with built in straps. The absorbent sweep can be drawn over the water surface to absorb broad sheens or surface spills. This is a great way to clean up oil spill on water.

A bilge boom can be lowered into your bilge, sump or tank to remove oil, not water. Won't sink, even when saturated. Will float indefinitely. This product can be reused. The boom comes with loops for a rope for easy deployment or fastening.

Disposal of Oil Absorbent Materials.

The disposal of used oil absorbent material depends on what type of product it is and how it was used: Standard absorbents that are saturated with gasoline may be air dried and reused. Standard absorbents saturated with oil or diesel may be wrung out over oil recycling bins

Many spills are the result of human error. Being prepared to correct the problem with prompt action and proper equipment will protect future access to our boating environment.

Travis Zdrazil is a successful businessman who has been part of a successful partnership since 1985.

With over 10 years of business experience Travis uses his business expertise to select and supply businesses with products and information to aid in EPA and OSHA Regulations in the areas of:

• Storm water pollution
• Pollution Prevention & Control
• Other industrial, commercial & environmental issues.

Keep your company compliant with EPA's New Initiatives. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.absorbentsonline.com< or feel free to contact him if you have any questions on marine pollution through the site. You may publish this article, but must keep the resource box ?2007 PCI Products Company. All rights reserved.

 

 

Shipping Your Yacht Over Land

One would think moving a Yacht would be as simple as sailing off to a destination. Yacht shipping over land, however, is a growing industry as trucking is often the quickest way to get to a destination.

Yacht transports are the common name for a distinct branch of the trucking industry that is concerned with the transport of large boats across land. While it is usually desirable to sail the boat to its new destination, occasions arise when this is impractical, and the boat must be removed from the water and transported by truck and trailer. Many trucking companies specialize in this form of transport and utilize some special equipment to get the job done correctly.

The first major problem in the transport of a yacht by truck is getting the yacht out of the water and onto the trailer. The normal size limits for yachts that are to be trucked are 100,000 pounds of weight, 18 feet of height and 20 feet of width. These limits are set more by the limitations of allowed weight on bridges and highways as well as overpass heights than the capacity of the trucks and trailers themselves. Most dry dock facilities will have the cranes and the expertise to remove the yacht from the water and place it on the trailer. Yacht transport trailers tend to be very low to the ground to allow maximum height of the boat.

The next step is preparation of the boat for transport. The yacht trucking company will normally have a checklist of pre-transport items to guide the owners in the preparation of their vessel. These preparations include the removal or stowing of all loose items. All fuel and water must be removed from the vessel as well as drain plugs left open. All battery cables should be disconnected. Any device that extends above or outside the hull should be removed. This would include antennas and radar devices.

Shrink wrap is a debatable subject among yacht truckers. If the shrink wrapping is done professionally and correctly, it will protect the boat during transport. A poor job could cause damage if wind tears the shrink wrap and allows it to flap and scratch the surface of the vessel. If it is necessary to transport the yacht bow first, shrink wrapping of any glass or Plexiglas windshield is recommended to prevent damage.

A boat is a valuable investment that usually is the subject of much love and devotion from its owner. Yacht trucking companies that have the equipment and the experience in moving them are certainly worth investigating if you need to move your boat.

Carl Stinson is with TruckingCompaniesforyou.com - providing articles on trucking.

Yacht Clubs: What Are They About?

Yacht clubs are full of members that own yachts. They all get together, and go out on them, as well as show them off to each other. The clubs are full of people that have the same interests, which are yachts, and yachting. If you are thinking about buying a yacht for yourself, and have a friend that is in a yacht club, going as a visitor to the club may not be a bad idea. You can get a feel of what kind of yachts there are, and you might even find one that you would love to own.

When the members of a yacht club all get together and meet, it can either be on someone?s yacht that is a club member, or at a designated area. Many times the yacht clubs will hold races, for those that want to show off the speed of their yacht. Others may have fishing tournaments for the members as well. Just depending on what the majority of the members are interested in will have a huge effect on what kind of activities the yacht club members will do together.

Some yacht clubs will even hold yacht shows on the dock. This is so that the general public can come on board and check out the many yachts that are sailing up and down the ocean. This also gives the yacht owners a chance to show their yacht off, and see who has the biggest as well.

Many yacht club members are known for the yacht parties that they throw. They will all get together on someone?s yacht and cruise the ocean while having a party on board. Taking turns to allow the many members a chance to show off their yacht to the other members. Yacht clubs are a lot of fun if you are interested in yachts and yachting. They are always doing things together.