From the newest luxury yacht charter vacation boats arriving in the Virgin Islands to the best deals on crewed vacation sailing experiences, we have it all, here is our end of May 2017 roundup! Let's look at some of the happenings in the British Virgin Islands such as a new dive site in Virgin Gorda and some of the newest yachts with "wow" factor as well as new crews!
Richard Branson just Sunk a Virgin Islands Business Venture...
Meet the newest BVI Art Reef near Mountain Point in Virgin Gorda, a dive site crowned by an 80-foot-long Kraken sculpture. The Kodiak Queen, historic naval ship & one of the 5 surviving ships from Pearl is now a man-made marine ecosystem and otherworldly dive site.
"It will be a unique platform for capturing people’s attention on the importance of addressing climate change, protecting coral reefs, and rehabilitating vulnerable marine species," said Branson after the sinking of the ship."
The project is called Project YOKO B.V.I. Art Reef, a mash-up of the boat’s two names, and is a collaboration among Sir Richard Branson; Unite B.V.I., a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and empowering children of the islands; Secret Samurai Productions, a team of artists that seeks to solve real-world problems through art; Maverick1000, a social-justice oriented group of entrepreneurs; the ocean education and research nonprofit Beneath the Waves; and a few other groups. "This is about shifting the direction of one of the world's most beautiful island nations at a critical time of growth, by inviting the world to recognize its beauty in environmentally sustainable ways..."
New Arrivals in the "It's All About You"
Yacht Charters Guru Vacation Collection!
NAMASTE 78' Privilege Catamaran
Coming to the British Virgin Islands in August 2017! This new luxurious Privilege catamaran will be run by husband & wife team Captain Mark & Kristin Cochran, the quintessential combination of Southern charm and simple sophistication. Both were born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. They've had the unique opportunity to project manage the building and crewing of not one, but two, 74 foot, Privilege catamarans, a Captiva 745 and now, Namaste the new "Series 7". Capt. Mark's love of the outdoors has seen him sail across the Atlantic, walk across Corsica & SCUBA dive in Saba. An Ironman Triathlete and long distance paddle border, he has an inexhaustible drive and is effuse with energetic excitement. As partners in life and business, Mark & Kristen’s passion, knowledge, and dedication is continually sought after by their clients and charter guests. They are joined by Award-winning Chef Robin Tomson, who has spent years centered around the BVI’s cultivating relationships with local farmers, fishermen and distributors that allow for the creation of a farm-to-yacht experience that you are sure to enjoy.
NAMASTE ALL-INCLUSIVE RATES: 8 Days/7 Nights $59,000 - $65,000
Namaste offers 4 double ensuite cabins Details below :
1 MASTER CABIN with one bed: 1820 mm (beam) x 2000 mm (length) / & leather sofa / Separated heads & steamshower
1 QUEEN CABIN with bed: 1584 mm x 1952 mm
ABOVE can be CONVERTED TO TWIN CABIN with 2 beds: 792 (beam) x 1952 (length) / Separated heads & showers
2 QUEEN CABINS with beds: 1635 mm (beam) x 20=00 mm (length) / Separated heads & showers
All the cabins are equipped with hair dryer, plugs 1 for the shaver + 1 for the vanity (110v & 220), Rj45 & 4 X USB
Also with private A/C control, TV sets, DVD readers, BOSE minisoundlink,Wi-fi and blue tooth
Separate crew quarters / 2 cabins in starboard forward hull, Captains berth ensuite with pullman
Locations
CREW PROFILES
Captain: Mark COCHRAN
Nationality: American
Language spoken: English, Conversational French
Age: 46
Diploma: USCG Captain, 500 ton, STCW 2010, PADI SCUBA instructor
Mark Cochran is the quintessential combination of southern charm and simple sophistication. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia your Captains sense of hospitality to host his guests in luxurious comfort runs deep. Growing up on a small lake adjacent to the banks of the Chattahoochee River, a natural and effortless understanding of wind and water was instilled at an early age.
Marks enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge has seen him wear many hats and pursue a range of varied interests culminating in what is the calm, deliberate, Captain before you today.
His love of the outdoors has seen him sail across the Atlantic, walk across Corsica, and SCUBA dive in Saba. An Ironman Triathlete and long distance paddle border, he has an inexhaustible drive and is effuse with energetic excitement.
Mark, having found his muse in his wife and partner, Kristen, of 22 years, the couple are perfectly synchronized. The duo developed their love of sailing and adventure when they made their home and business in the BVIs on the island of Tortola.
They have crewed several different catamarans together over a period of 16 years. Beginning with Amazing Grace, a Privilege 65 and after a few seasons at the command of Double Feature, a Lagoon 570, Mark took the helm of Sabore, a Privilege 585.
Having overseen a major refit and a couple of years in charge of The Cure, the first Lagoon 620, Mark and Kristen remained particularly passionate about the Privilege brand.
Ultimately having the opportunity to project manage the build and crew not one, but two, 74 foot, Privilege catamarans, Captiva 745 and now, Namaste the new Series 7.
As partners in life and business, Mark & Kristens passion, knowledge, and dedication is continually sought after by their clients and charter guests. The affable and confident Captain, Mark, is eager to chart the course for your next adventure on board, Namaste.
Stewardess / First Mate: Kristen COCHRAN
Nationality: American
Language spoken: English, conversational French
Age: 44
Diplomas : OUPV Captain 100 ton, STCW 2010, Viking Cooking School: University I course, PADI Advanced diver
Born and raised just outside Atlanta, Georgia, and commencing her study of the art of dance at the age of three, Kristen Cochran has developed grace, poise and stamina that appears effortless. Eager to pamper and please, her southern hospitality and drawl will comfort you the moment you step aboard Namaste.
Growing up water skiing and wakeboarding on family weekend excursions to local lakes, her love for the water is natural. Her passion for boating was solidified with a family project refurbishing a wooden ski boat. Her older brothers move to the Cayman Islands was instrumental in her securing SCUBA certifications and enhanced her desire to also live and work in the Caribbean.
She met her husband, Mark, at University and their shared love for each other and water was obvious and undeniable. Continuing their pursuit for adventure, they took sailing courses that ultimately culminated in a catamaran sailing course in the BVIs.
Kristens first position in yachting, found her serving as Chef and Hostess on board a 65 ft., Privilege catamaran, Amazing Grace, with her husband as First Mate. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and skills, she achieved her Captains license in 2001. For over 16 years, Kristen & Mark have earned their award winning reputation as a Captain and Chef team on several luxury sailing catamarans including Lagoon 570, Double Feature, Privilege 585, Sabore, Lagoon 620, The Cure and Privilege 745, Captiva.
Today, Kristen & Mark make their home in the British Virgin Islands.
Serving as First Mate and Hostess on board Namaste, Kristen is excited to welcome you.
Chef: Robin THOMSON
Nationality: Irish
Language spoken: English, conversational French
Age: 34
Diplomas NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery at Belfast Met. College, STCW 2010, 2nd Place Antigua 2013 Boat Show Chefs Competition, PADI certified diver
Hailing from his families farm in Ireland, Robin grew up helping his grandmother in the kitchen making all manner of diverse and imaginative creations. This instilled a sense of fearlessness in the kitchen and a desire to try new and wide ranging ingredients.
At 18, Robin left home to study computers in Coventry, England. Upon graduating, Robin ventured west for a life at sea. Sailing from Boston to Tortola on a Privilege 585, Best Revenge, Robin then set to work on the worlds largest trimaran, Cuan Law. There he crewed for 3 years earning the position of cook and becoming a certified diver, which began a new passion in freediving.
In 2009, Robin returned to Ireland to achieve his Chef qualification advancing him to the position of professional Chef.
Utilizing his new skills, he began working with new crew on busy catamarans, Privilege 65, True North and Privilege 745, Matau, pushing him to excel not only with food, but also as a sailor.
He then went on to act a chef on board 85ft. Long Island, WindQuest.
Presently, Robin has spent years centered around the BVIs cultivating relationships with local farmers, fishermen and distributors that allow for the creation of a farm-to-yacht experience that our cliental are sure to enjoy.
Indeed, keep your eye on Robin as you may see him heading under water, only to return with some freshly caught lion fish to enjoy.
Robin is excited to be part of a well-polished and experienced crew aboard the new and unique yacht NAMASTE. Robin looks forward to welcoming you aboard.
NEW CREW COMING SOON!
CATAMARAN AKASHA
We're excited for Capt. Nathan & Penny and their new venture aboard Catamaran AKASHA! We booked this 76' yacht in February for our clients and had great post-charter reviews!
Akasha – 75′ 2005 Matrix Catamaran – Crewed Charter Guests: up to 10 | Crew: 4 | Guest Cabins: 5 | Guest Showers: 5
Akasha, meaning infinite space in the ancient language of Sanskrit, is one of the most spacious luxury sailing catamarans available for charter in the Caribbean today. The stunning, contemporary design with a 39ft beam (width) creates an impressively large living space which is unrivaled in her class. Even with ten guests onboard, everyone is able to find their own large private space. Akasha's unique flybridge provides another large relaxation and sunbathing area complete with cushioned seating, sun loungers, a refrigerated bar for refreshments and breathtaking 360° panoramic views. Accommodations: 4 luxury ensuite guest staterooms with ensuite head & showers.
RATES: 8 Days/7 Nights $39,500-$49,900
CREW PROFILE:
Growing up in sunny Queensland, Captain Nathan has lived near the beach and been on or around the water most of his life. He is into anything that gets him either on or out of a boat, whether it be scuba diving, fishing, surfing or sailing. He loves it all. Having a variety of work experiences in his background, Nathan has worked in various roles in the hospitality and marine industries, ranging from crewing on super yachts, activities attendant and water-sports facilitator on 5 star island resorts through to commercial fishing, to name a few.
Penny grew up on the little island state of Tasmania but spent most of her adult life in Melbourne. She was a Registered Nurse who has worked predominantly in the corporate health sector. Penny loves cooking, scuba diving, fishing and traveling. Sitting down to enjoy a fine meal created by Penny is just an incredible and wonderful treat.Her attention to detail is phenomenal!
Nathan and Penny met while working at remote Lizard Island Resort in far north Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef. Nathan as a dive instructor and the skipper of a sport fishing charter vessel in one of the worlds best Black Marlin fishing grounds. Penny was the coordinator of the Marine and Dive Department. There they also had their own small power boat to get out on the reef in their free-time and do some diving, fishing and exploring of the remote outer Barrier Reef islands.
This warm and charming couple have chartered extensively in BVI's as well as around St Martin, St Barths and Anguilla. They know every little cove and islet as well as the best dive sites. They will be treating their guests to unforgettable relaxing, luxurious dive and fishing adventures. They look forward to seeing you onboard!
About Us: Captain Randy & Shelly Tucker
We're former Owners & Captain of the Award-winning 72' yacht Three Moons for 18 years. With over 300 charters in our logbook, we currently represent privately crewed Caribbean sailing luxury yacht charters as professional CYBA yacht charter brokers. Recently, we interviewed over 120 catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats and professional crews. We're happy to promote these yachts offering modern conveniences & unlimited pleasure while sailing the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
What should you expect from a luxury crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean? It's "all about you, all the time" onboard a privately crewed charter boat! It's surprisingly affordable too! Far away from overcrowded cruise ships, all-inclusive charter yachts allow you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive areas and delight in the natural, unspoiled beauty of secluded islands, hidden coves and secret dive sites. Sail to a nearby island every day & snorkel around your own private beaches; enjoy your favorite cocktail while watching the sunset on your own private yacht; indulge yourself with 5-star gourmet cuisine that is prepared with Caribbean flair and served in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine.
We love matching the right crew & yacht with you!
www.YachtCharters.Guru or www.YachtCharterInsider.com Call us Toll-free: 1-800-859-0042
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