The amazing testimonials for SOULS CALLING – Lagoon 500 in the BVI

We get a lot of great reviews of charter yachts, which is one of the most rewarding parts of the being in the Charter business.  We publish them directly on the site so that all charterers can refer to them when chartering.

But we keep getting such consistently superb feedback on SOULS CALLING that we felt we needed to single it out for special mention.  SOULS CALLING is captained by Alex Mulder, who is a very skilled skipper, knows the BVI like the back of his hand, and basically doesn’t know the word “No”.  He loves his job, always goes the extra mile, and wants his guests to have the best holiday of their lives. And he always seems to deliver.  Carla is a superb cook and takes great care that the guests are happy. The two together work magic.

SOULS calling is a 2007 Lagoon 500 catamaran, with 3 spacious cabins and large common areas.  Lagoons are famous for their great panoramic windows in the salon, giving beautiful views and lightness to the galley and salon.  The boat is immaculately clean and all details are cared for lovingly.

We think, however, it’s best to hear testimonials from the charter guests themselves – here are just a few!

Cathy Said:

“This trip was so amazing I truly believe words cannot describe, the beauty, relaxation, delicious food, comfortable living space, cleanliness, and dedication to details. Alex was not only a phenomenal , competent captain but he made you feel like there wasn`t anything he wouldn`t do to make you feel at home on this gorgeous vessel. Carla was a superb cook and her humility created such an endearing quality we all wanted to take her home. I loved this trip so much I actually wrote a poem about my time away with friends entitled: A Collective Sigh.

A COLLECTIVE SIGH Nowhere to be, nothing to do…but float in Paradise Ah…no words Blissful silence of surrender Laughter…Dancing Ah…good food, wine, blue skies Ah…friends saying more through looks and smiles; No need for words True companionship, celebration of life Non-judgment, no pretenses Just being you Ah………. My heart and soul breathes in gratitude and breathes out gratitude All ONE COLLECTIVE BLISSFUL SIGH.”

Cathy’s Rating:

Denise Said:

“We had a magical time! We all loved the boat and the whole experience. We had the most relaxing, family bonding time. We laughed, ate, drank and slept a lot!! Needless to say, Alex and Carla were fabulous! They treated us with such care. We all came home a few pounds heavier thanks to Carla but it was worth every bite! Alex was a perfect host and made sure our daughters were always happy with water sports and the parents were always with a drink in our hands….it was an awesome experience!!!”

Denise’s Rating:

Jordan Said:

“WOW!!!! What a trip!!! We had a fantastic time. She was an excellent recommendation. And Alex and Carla are wonderful!!! And the sailboat was PERFECT!!!! We really enjoyed the trip and would do it again in a heartbeat with Alex and Carla. Thanks for your help in getting this worked out. Sailing is such a great way to see the many islands of BVI and I would HIGHLY recommend Soul’s Calling to anyone.”

Patti Said:

“Just want to let you know we had the most amazing time on Souls Calling. We cannot wait to go again. Thanks for your help with the booking. If you need recommendations for them let me know, the crew was by far amazing and very attentive. The food was gourmet. What a wonderful experience, by far one of our best vacations we ever took. Thanks Patti”

See all about SOULS CALLING and additional testimonials on the Boatbookings website.

See all of our 5 Star Rated Charter Yachts!

Tropical Lemon Crash Cocktail Courtesy of The Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, BVI

The Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda, shares their secret to stimulating holiday cheer.  Celebrate the season with one of their favorite (and famous) 16 Sounders, the Lemon Crash:

1 ½ – 2 oz Mount Gay Rum

1 – 2 whole lemons cut up

½ ounce lime juice

2 oz simple syrup

Ice to fill glass

Blend all the ingredients together. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. Enjoy!

They would also like to remind you that neuroscientists have concluded that the best naps take place in a hammock.

Here is a useful link to launch your exploration of Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands

Follow this link for information and nautical chart of Virgin Gorda, BVI

The Judges Decide: 2011 BVI Charter Yacht Show Best in Show Awards

Waving to MOTU from the ferry

The Charter Yacht Society of the BVI hosted the 30th Annual BVI Charter Yacht Show, November 8-11.  There were many wonderful events organized for attendees that culminated with a gala Farewell Dinner for all charter brokers and yacht crews at the Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina.  Highlighting the event was the Best in Show awards ceremony,

Disembarking at Scrub Island

which took place following cocktails and a sumptuous buffet dinner.

This beautiful, sunny evening saw several yachts set sail over to Scrub Island, while other attendees were transported by complimentary ferry from the dock in Roadtown, Tortola. Scrub Island is located about three miles offshore from the Tortola airport. The development opened in 2010 and offers rental and residential vacation properties with docking and resort facilities on site including two restaurants, retail shops and a first class spa.

This year Sol petroleum, providers of fuel for the majority of marinas in the BVI,

provided some of the prizes for winners in five different categories. Prizes included two round trip tickets from Beef Island, Tortola to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The panel of judges, comprised of anonymous charter brokers, viewed seventy participating yachts and met their crews in order to submit their votes in each category.  After the votes were tallied the winners were:

 

AVALON Paul & Melissa

Best in Show

First Place: AVALON

Second Place: AKASHA

 

 

Best Multihull Over 51 Feet

CATSY Jim & Amanda (center) FELICIA Chris & Julie (right)

First Place: CATSY

Second Place: FELICIA

 

 

Best Multihull 50 Feet and Under

First Place: NUTMEG

Second Place: DREAMING ON

 

NUTMEG Chef Ginette, CYS Exec. Dir. Janet Oliver, Captain Chris

Best Monohull

First Place: TAKAPUNA

Second Place: BLUE PASSION

 

Best Motor Yacht

First Place: FREEDOM

Second Place: OBSESSION

The Charter Yacht Show is the largest of its kind in the Virgin Islands and is an important annual event that provides an opportunity for charter industry professionals to develop a personal knowledge of yachts and relationship with

TAKAPUNA Crew

crews.  BVI yacht charters contribute more than $35 million dollars in revenue annually from the many

charter guests who enjoy this exquisite cruising region.

Follow these links for information about BVI yacht charter:

Tortola Yacht Charter and Beach Guide

BVI Sailing Itineraries

BVI Yacht Charter

Awards Dinner at Tortola`s Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina: New Options for Yachtsmen at Upscale Marina

Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, located on a 230-acre private island east of Tortola a couple of miles from Tortola Airport, hosted the Tortola Charter Boat Show Awards Dinner for yacht crews and brokers. The buffet was laden with excellent food and despite the crowd of about 200 guests there was more than enough for seconds and thirds.

The property opened for business in mid-2010 with resort accommodations and residences for purchase. Due to the BVIs strict development controls, and despite what became years of controversy, this private island resort is the first to open in the BVI in more than 15 years.

Private Dining Room

The Scrub Island staff kindly took those interested on a tour of the property, which offers a new, upscale destination for yachtsmen and vacationers. The marina boasts dockage for five megayachts with an LOA of up to 170 feet and 53 deep-water slips available for short or long term docking.

On site, the Marina Village shops include the Scrub Island Boutique, the well-equipped Dive BVI shop and the Gourmet Market & Café, with offerings that include a tempting deli counter and fine wine selections. The most opulent crew bathrooms we’ve seen to date are in this area, decorated in marble they house multiple sinks and huge glass showers.

Charter guests will enjoy stretching their sea legs on a bit of shore leave at the multi-level pool, the lovely terrace restaurant with great sea views, the spa with an impressive menu of treatments, or perhaps a work out in the fitness center or hike on a nature trail.

Accommodations are available in one bedroom or two bedroom suites handsomely decorated with an island flare, with impressive full kitchen, large living room and lovely balcony. These condominium apartments are also for sale starting at $1.5 million. Contact the resort for details.

For comprehensive information on the BVI access the following links:

Tortola Yacht Charter and Beach Guide

BVI Sailing Itineraries

BVI Yacht Charter

 

Acclaimed Marine Artist Guy Harvey Collaborates to Produce Documentary Film of REEF Grouper Moon Project

Grouper are normally solitary and territorial, yet during the winter full moons grouper travel together to spawn. Wherever spawning aggregations sites have been recorded throughout the Caribbean fishermen have also aggregated, resulting in endangerment to the species and the present dormancy of one-third to one half of these sites.

In the winter of 2002, REEF launched the Grouper Moon Project in the Cayman Islands to observe the Nassau grouper spawning aggregation off the western tip of Little Cayman. Renowned marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, with videographer George Schellenger, joined the Grouper Moon Project team in 2011 to document ongoing research. They spent seven days in the field with scientists from REEF, the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, and Oregon State University.

This September, their documentary “The Mystery of the Grouper Moon”, premiered at the Harquail Theatre on Grand Cayman. Inspired by his time underwater with the grouper, Dr. Harvey also created a painting of the aggregation that is featured on the documentary promotional poster. The original artwork will soon be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to REEF to support the Grouper Moon Project.

REEF is a non profit organization dedicated to grassroots marine conservation programs. REEF partners with dive shops, dive clubs, individuals, and other organizations worldwide.

For information on dive charters to destinations hosting REEF field stations please follow this informative link to Caribbean Yacht Charter.