Charter families and friends vacationing in the BVI will enjoy going ashore at Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda. This destination offers kids and adults the opportunity to stretch the legs, relax on the beach, play on the fleet of small keelboats, training boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, enjoy serene spa treatments, or hike amongst the flora and fauna.
The Bitter End also has a sailing school with a range of classes from half day Sailing 101 to a Racing 201 Course. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Sunday Regatta and Tuesday afternoon Beer Can Racing and awards parties that follow.
North Sound is an excellent deepwater anchorage and Bitter End has 70 surge-free moorings situated at the protected eastern end of the Sound, as well as the full-service Quarterdeck Marina.
There are wider slips to accommodate CATS and a protective outer bulkhead larger yachts and deep draft capabilities on the outer slips for deep crewed-charter keels.
On October 29th, 2011 the South Florida Freedivers are hosting the first Biscayne Bay Lionfish Smash at Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key with proceeds going to the University of Miami’s Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. This event has the goal of bringing awareness to the Lionfish invasion in Biscayne Bay and educating the public on how to harvest and handle these venomous but tasty invaders.
The Lionfish are an invasive and venomous species that hail from the Indo-Pacific Region, threatening the biological diversity of the western Atlantic. The South Florida Freedivers hope to work in conjunction with other local and national organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation to help slow lionfish invasion and educate people on how to safely kill and handle these fish.
The format is as follows: Divers will compete as two person, with more than 1 team allowed per boat. Entry fee is $60 per team. Teams must be signed up no later than the Captain’s meeting which will take place on October 27th at the Rickenbacker Fish Company. A representative from each team must sign in at this location between 7-9 am the day of the tournament. Once signed in the team can fish wherever they like in U.S. waters but must have their cooler or bucket at the dock no later than 4pm.
PRIZES:
Largest Lionfish taken $500
Smallest Lionfish taken $200
Most Lionfish by a team – A case of fine Rum
“I’m very excited to assist in increasing awareness of the negative effects of the lionfish here in my home waters. By getting the word out and working together we can combat this invasion, ” mentioned Tom Ralph, chairman of Broward Surfrider Foundation.
The South Florida Freedivers is a grassroots organization focused on bringing together free divers, scuba divers, fishermen, boaters, and all who utilize the ocean as their playground. Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at Scotty’s Landing in Coconut Grove – Miami, Florida. The purpose of these meetings is to put together a group of likeminded individuals who respect and honor the best of the sport; local fishing regulations and practices, selectivity and conservation, and above all diver safety.
For discerning charter guests accustomed to unsurpassed seaworthiness and the finest level of formal service, OLGA will exceed expectations. Designed by Jack Sarin to deliver an enchanting yachting experience, every element about OLGA is thoughtful and inviting. OLGA`s interiors by Robin Rose combine a traditional tone with a contemporary flair. Elegant hard wood interiors of Sapele and Pomele Mahogany are complimented by upscale furnishings and first class amenities.
Chef Claire
We started our tour aboard OLGA, a 121-foot Crescent motor yacht, in the spacious country kitchen where amazing aromas from the ovens of Claire, the Cordon Bleu Chef, wafted throughout the main deck. Sara, the talented Chief Stew, massage therapist, beautician, Mariachi singer and guitar player extraordinaire, busily served these enticing appetizers and greeted guests.
The VIP stateroom aboard OLGA is nicely positioned forward of the galley and romantically remote. The master suite and guest staterooms are located on the lower deck amidships. Adjacent to the master suite is a small cabin with upper and lower bunks, perfect for small children that need to stay within parental earshot. We are told that this cabin is rarely sold because, despite the fact that OLGA can accommodate 10 guests, they will not charter to more than eight guests so as to maintain an optimum level of service.
This is a great yacht for couples but also for families. Chef Claire and Captain Bernard are very family-oriented, in fact their son Rafael was home schooled and worked on board OLGA as a youth. He was apparently quite a heartthrob with the young ladies. (Now he’s turned 18 and has a real girlfriend in Montreal, so he’s staying
First Mate Clem
ashore.) Captain Bernard`s strict policy is not to hire any crew who do not smile. First mate Clem from St. Vincent displays an expansive grin. His cruise ship experience endowed him with the whimsical ability to create terry towel pets that are enjoyed by all.
Venture out on OLGA`s upper deck to find the water toys and a massage table, draped in luxurious white linens and strewn with orchids. The Chief Stew and the Second Stew are both licensed massage therapists and offer manicures and massages on an as available basis, depending on the demands of the charter.
OLGA is equipped for certified divers to scuba dive right off the yacht and the Captain knows where to find lobsters the size of a man`s forearm!
OLGA is a superb option for chartering in the Bahamas this winter with no delivery fee for week long charters. For fishing enthusiasts OLGA is available in tandem with AMBUSH, a 61′ 2009 Garlington Sportfishing Yacht that charters at an additional rate and can accommodate two guests.
During the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show OLGA will be available for viewing on the Face Dock at the Hall of Fame Marina.
The island of Staniel Cay is nestled midway along the magnificent chain of Bahamian Islands called The Exumas Cays. This island is ideal for friends and families who enjoy boating, beaches, snorkeling, diving and fishing. Staniel Cay lies approximately 75 miles south of Nassau and 250 miles of southeast of Florida. The island itself is small and remote, less than 2 square miles in area. A tiny Bahamian village lies on the western shore a short walk south from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers berths for superyachts of up to 185 feet and has recently expanded and upgraded dock facilities with increased electrical supply and a dedicated fuel dock with high-speed pumps. Staniel Cay is a favorite destination for yacht charter guests wishing to explore the pristine Exumas, and remote locations such as the Plana Cays, renowned as one of the most spectacular regions for diving and fishing anywhere in the world.
Many yacht charter guests with personal aircraft utilize the airstrip on Staniel Cay. For yacht charter guests without private air transport, Watermakers Air, the airline of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, offers both private charter flights and a rate-per-seat for shared-charters departing from Fort Lauderdale executive Airport. Flights may clear customs in South or Central Andros making this a very convenient option for passengers destined for the southern islands in the Bahamas chain.
Proship, the cutting edge Italian design and engineering team, announces three new luxury motor yachts, to be built at a Chinese shipyard in Qingdao. The sporty 48’ open tender, the ALPHA 75, a displacement power yacht, and the KHARIMA 81, an energy efficient power catamaran, are each developed to target the affluent and expanding Asian yacht market.
Design on all three new vessels is by Architect Antonio Luxardo, whose goal is to combine technology and functionality without compromise to elegance and comfort. The dynamic 45-foot open tender features a multi purpose aft deck space with open bulwark on the stem that allows for a sprawling terrace at sea. Twin Volto Penta D6 – 435hp IPS600 engines power the boat to 40 km/h.
The graceful ALPHA 75 is designed with a rounded bow in contrast to sharp edges, to create an Asian flair specifically intended to appeal to Far Eastern consumers. The unusual interior layout features two main salons. The first is located on the main deck and directly connects to the aft deck equipped with dining table for eight guests. The well-equipped galley is on the same deck.
The second salon is on the lower deck, which also offers two guest rooms and the owner’s cabin with an ensuite bathroom and sauna. Crew accommodations are on stern deck with autonomous entrance.
The KHARIMA 81, designed for an Asian client, features two decks and a flybridge offering large volumes in living and cabin areas. Outdoor areas are designed for socializing and enjoying panoramic views. The flybridge features comfortable sofas, a bar and seating area, partially protected by a semi retractable top. On the aft deck two side open-out beach platforms extend exterior space and provide easy access to the water.
The main deck provides a stunning 110 square-metre open living space that includes the main saloon, dining area and state of the art wheelhouse. The master suite is located in the bow on the main deck and features spectacular views through a surround of large windows, which can be screened off by innovative sliding panels. The balcony can be partitioned as a little lounging or sunbathing area for additional privacy. The lower deck consists of two ensuite double guest cabins, a professional galley, and crew accommodations.
Charter families and friends vacationing in the BVI will enjoy going ashore at Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda. This destination offers kids and adults the opportunity to stretch the legs, relax on the beach, play on the fleet of small keelboats, training boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, enjoy serene spa treatments, or hike amongst the flora and fauna.
