| FROM THE EDITOR: SUMMER CHARTER
Summer is a great time to charter a yacht. Reason number one is obvious - the kids are out of school. Did you know that the temperature in the Virgin Islands has never reached 100 degrees? In fact, throughout the summer months you’ll enjoy highs of 85-87 degrees so you’re guaranteed refreshing summer days without the oppressive heat.
In August and September the Windward Islands which include St. Lucia, Martinique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines are the perfect destination. This chain of lush tropical islands is tucked safely below the hurricane belt. Check out our Windward Islands page.
The traditional carnival celebration on St. John takes place throughout June and early July. The fireworks (July 5th) in Cruz Bay Harbor are spectacular to watch from a yacht.
Plan ahead for 2005 or call for last minute availability for this summer.
BAROMETER: HIGHLIGHTS OF AN ISLAND BAR
The William Thornton a 100 ft schooner was named for the architect of the US Capitol building and native of the British Virgin Island; Jost Van Dyke. It is now a floating bar and restaurant and is past its days of being a pirate ship, but attracts another sort of treasure seeker.
The Willy T, is moored in the Bight of Norman Island in the BVI. It offers a great way to meet fellow boaters and dance the night away. Looking for a thrill? Then try a Willy T tradition and jump off the top deck into the forever turquoise water 25 feet below. Discretion is recommended for children because this bar is known for giving a t-shirt to those who jump without one.
The Baths—A Natural Wonder
Forget Disney World and other man made attractions. The Baths of Virgin Gorda are the real deal; not a rendition of the imagination. Though once you encounter these house-sized boulders piled on top of each other you will be struck with awe at how this could possibly exist in nature. The mammoth granite boulders appear as if a giant was piling up rocks by the shore. A more commonly accepted theory is a volcanic origin of upwelling at the time the Virgin Islands were formed.
These oversized rocks are strewn about the shore allowing waves to break and flow into the caverns creating pools and grottos, and of course baths. Sunlight streams through crevices onto wading pools of crystal clear water. A soft and clean sandy bottom invites you to relax and a cozy nook in paradise awaits.
The rock climbing and bouldering opportunities are abundant. The low impact hike through the tunnels and caverns created by this phenomenon are complete with wooden ladders and guide ropes. At the end you are rewarded with a near perfect beach. Coral and reef life have formed on the submerged boulders and provide for a dramatic underwater adventure for snorkeling.
Recently I visited the bathes for about the tenth time with friends who were experiencing the marvel for the first time. I vicariously enjoyed the amazement and excitement of their first impressions. As if on cue my friends speculated about explanations for this natural wonder.
A five minute walk up a well worn trail led us to a gift shop, restaurant, and bar called, the Top of the Baths. Here we enjoyed a dip in the dining area pool and a breath-taking 270 degree view of the granite formations below and the islands surrounding us on the horizon. After selecting from the long list of daiquiris and coladas we satisfied our well earned hunger with a casual al fresco lunch.
From this vantage point I gazed upon proof that no amount of concrete or theme park vision could even come close to replicating the powers of the earth and the forces of nature.
YACHT OF THE MONTH
Ayacanora is a Michael Shaw designed 72 foot, ketch-rigged sailing yacht. Owners and hosts are chef Roberta Haver and Captain Mike Haver. They welcome you aboard their accommodations for six guests. With nautical appointments and gorgeous woodwork this classic beauty combines luxury with the rustic feel of a traditional sailing vessel.
Roberta is a published chef and a master in the galley. Mike’s experience at the helm includes captaining a 500 foot ocean going tug/barge unit and spending close to 10 years in submarine service. Together they are an expert crew on an elegant yacht of distinction.
For charters before December 15th, 2004 they are offering a special of $1000 off the total price. For details about this special and others please contact us at: 800-556-0431
Link to more details about Yacht Ayacanora
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
June 25-July 6: St. Vincent Carnival
July 5: St John Carnival Fireworks, US Virgin Islands
August 9-10: Grenada Carnival
October 29-31, Foxy’s Cat Fight (Multihull Race) Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
December 30/31: Old Year's Eve and New Year's Eve Party at Foxy's Tamarind Bar, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Bomba’s Surfside Shack Full Moon Party, Tortola
Full moon dates: July 2/31, August 29, September 28, October 27, November 26, December 26
FINE UPSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE ISLAND COMMUNITY
Our featured community member is the Reef Squid. An intellectual and playful species that is mesmerizing to observe as they line up and flutter with the current. I have had the treat of watching this synchronized fluttering at reefs in Salt Pond Bay of St. John and at Christmas Cove of Great St. James Island in the US Virgin Islands and at Little Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. The Reef Squid can be found throughout the Caribbean.
They have a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body, keen eyesight, and an active swimming lifestyle. These characteristics make them seem more like a fish, but they are actually a mollusk.
A group of squid is called a shoal. This is how they are found as they are social beings... social with each that is . When disturbed they will quickly squirt black ink into the water, this allows them to mask their escape from a could be predator or a crowding snorkeler. If you keep a distance of 10-15 feet and hover calmly, the squid will be just as curious about you as you are of them.
They are reported to be highly intelligent creatures in their communication through changing color patterns on their bodies. They have 30-40 different patterns that they can transform to within seconds. These markings are used for camouflage, attracting mates, determining hierarchy within the shoal, and as a sort of sign language to communicate with other members of the community.
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