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Friday, November 28, 2008

Yacht Charter Alaska, Charter itinerary

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The time to book your summer charter in Alaska is now. The Alaska season is short and often booked a year in advance. The summer season is mid May to mid September. Each summer month is great. Weather is expected to be slightly cooler and drier in May and June, and slightly warmer and rainier in July and August, however the weather in Alaska is constantly changing during the season even in one day, where temperatures can be 50 degrees F to 80 degrees F in one day.

The real choice of when to go, is about what you want to see and do. There are generally always whales, however the fishing seasons do change, from Cutthroat Trout to various species of salmon throughout the summer. Bears are more easily seen in earlier summer along the shore lines as they search for food, moving up into the mountains, along the salmon streams to fish for dinner later in the summer as the salmon begin to run upstream, with the heaviest salmon runs towards the end of the summer.



ALASKA : SITKA to JUNEAU


SITKA HARBOR

Arrive on board, unpack and rest before taking a walking tour of Sitka. Its natural beauty and history make Sitka one of the most interesting of the Alaskan southeastern towns. Walk to the Sheldon Jackson Museum to view Tlingit and Aleut artifacts. Continue to the Visitors Center at the Sitka National Historical Park to see more native artifacts and an impressive collection of totem poles arranged along the walk that leads to the site of the battle between the Tlingit and the Russians. The Russian occupation period is featured in the Russian Bishop's House, the Russian cemetery, Castle Hill, the Isabel Miller Museum in the Centennial Building and St. Michael's Cathedral. Take some time to shop in the gift and specialty shops for native and Russian-influenced modern arts and crafts. Enjoy cocktails and dinner on board.

Depart Sitka after breakfast, cruising through Olga and Neva Straits. Fish for salmon along the way to Kalinan Bay, north of Salisbury Sound, where you'll anchor for the evening.

Cruise through Sergius Narrows out Peril Strait, where you'll see eagles and perhaps the little Sitka black tail deer and the magnificent Alaskan Brown Bear. After fishing and whale watching, you'll cruise down the west coast of Baranof Island, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world magnificent Alaskan Brown Bear. After fishing and whale watching, you'll cruise down the west coast of Baranof Island, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Spend the night either anchored in one of the beautiful coves or tie up to the government float at Warm Springs Bay in front of the thundering water of Baranof Falls. Hike up to Baranof Lake or choose to simply sit in the hot springs above the falls.


WHALES IN ALASKA

Heading further down Chatham Strait you'll cruise northeast into Frederick Sound. Watch for humpback whales as these waters are the summer feeding grounds for hundreds of Humpbacks that migrate up from the warmer summer waters. You'll see them alone and in large groups from afar as well as close to the yacht. Later, spend the night in one of the most tranquil of anchorages, an island group called The Brothers. This area is known as a place where humpback whales cruise very closely to vessels and it's also a great fishing area for halibut.


BROWN BEAR FEEDING ON SALMON

After breakfast, you'll cruise through the small islands, watching for whales and sea lions. Throughout the summer hundreds of sea lions sun themselves on the rocks of this area. After fishing for salmon and halibut, you will anchor for the night in Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay on Admiralty Island. Admiralty is a primary summer nesting ground for eagles and has the densest concentration of brown bears, also known as grizzlies, in the world-about one per square mile; about 2000 on the island!

In the morning, take a dingy ride to see if the salmon have returned to spawn. Then, cruise up Stevens Passage and catch some salmon in "no name" cove at the mouth of Tracy Arm.


TRACY ARM

Spend a day cruising up Tracy Arm, a Norwegian like fjord 23 miles long, where you will see many large icebergs before arriving at the tide-water Sawyer Glacier. You will probably see seals, eagles, Brown bears, mountain goats and moose in this beautiful area. Continue cruising through the icebergs up Stephens Passage, while enjoying lunch on deck and viewing the snow-covered mountains of Admiralty Island. Anchor for the evening in Taku Harbor.


JUNEAU

Cruise past Taku Inlet, up Gastineau Channel and arrive in Juneau. Tour the state capital with visits to the Alaska State Museum and Centennial Hall before disembarking.





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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Yacht Charter Alaska

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Glacier

Alaska has been in the news recently, heightening the interest in this remarkable state. Did you know that more Bald Eagles nest in Alaska than anywhere else in the world? Did you know that there are more brown bears in Alaska than any other state in the U.S.? And that is only a small slice of the wonders that Alaska offers.

Private yacht charter puts you right in the middle of it all; much closer than on a cruise ship looking ashore from a distance. In private yacht charter you will be in the middle of the action. Sit right in a pod of whales bubble net feeding next to the bow of your yacht. Hike through virgin forests piled high on the forest floor with moss. Watch bears fish for dinner, with salmon fighting up their birth stream for their egg laying destiny. Soak in warm springs overlooking waterfalls. Sit under glaciers as they calve, sending their ice chunks ahead down the fjords as announcements of the glacier to be seen at the head of the fjord. Watch the seals bask in the sun on these same ice chunks, as you sea kayak around, chipping off centuries old glacier ice for evening cocktails. Watch porpoises and killer whales play in the wake of your yacht, diving under, and swimming alongside. Fish the salmon and trout streams, wading in to fly fish in isolated streams, while bald eagles watch. Fish from on board, hauling up huge halibut. Check the crab pots for Dungeness and King crab. Dine at night on fresh steamed crab dipped in butter, fresh grilled salmon, and steamed clams dug along the shoreline of your anchorage.
This is all part of a private yacht charter.




At Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we believe that local knowledge of the Captain, crew or on board Naturalist is a must. Therefore, we offer charter on the yachts, where the Owners and crew specialize in Alaska as their destination. A Captain and Crew that specialize in Alaska as their destination keep track of where the wild and marine life gravitate throughout the season and take you there. Wild and marine life will travel and move as they migrate or look for food sources. Only a Captain and crew knowledgeable will know where to look as the season unfolds for where all is happening during your week of charter.



It is important to charter a yacht that is outfitted for Alaska as well, with boots, rain gear, sea kayaks, good tenders, and full fishing equipment for Alaska fishing. Halibut caught in Alaska can be huge and fishing for this species can require heavy duty gear. Fishing for salmon might be from on board with a trolled line, or even fly fishing on a beautiful mountain stream. If the full fly fishing gear is not on board, including waders, a knowledgeable crew knows where the right fishing lodges are for rental. Crab pots should be on board to be set for Dungeness and King crab. Rain gear is important and the weather changes constantly. Who wants to miss a calving glacier due to failure to have the right gear?



Alaska is a spectacular charter location. The experience is impossible to replicate in any other location, so you should be with the best and the most knowledgeable. At Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters we have been offering and working with the knowledgeable crew in Alaska for over 20 years and are looking forward to helping you with this outstanding charter location.


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Friday, November 21, 2008

Yacht Charter Industry Shows

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Once again, Carolyn Titus and Missy Johnston are flying off to industry only yacht charter shows, this time in the Caribbean. Early December finds our industry with two yacht charter shows, one in St. Martin and one in Antigua. Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters will be attending both.

Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we believe very strongly in personally inspecting any yacht that we offer for charter and in knowing and meeting with the crews. Every yacht looks good in an on line charter brochure, however there are no minimum standards required for a yacht or crew in our industry on a worldwide basis, therefore personal inspection by your charter broker is a must, to know exactly what is being offered and if the crew will be able to supply the superb service for which yacht charter is known.

By attending yacht charter industry shows, we at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters are able determine which yachts and crew meet our high standards, and will recommend those great charter yachts to our clients for charter. At a yacht charter industry show, the various yachts that will be for charter in that charter area, which is the Caribbean for these two particular yacht charter industry shows, gather dockside and the crew prepare the yacht as if the yacht were waiting for a charter guest to board and are assembled in full uniform for us to board and review the current charter operation and crew on board. We see what the linens, towels, and china look like, what the crew wear for uniforms, how the crew decorate the yacht to welcome the guests on board, what the staterooms and baths look like with nightly turn down service and what bath products are offered. We usually have an opportunity to sample some of the Chef's food, and perhaps have a meal, so we can taste the cuisine and see the food service provided by the crew. All of this factors into whether a yacht makes the Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charter recommended charter list. We also attend industry seminars, meetings on new charter laws, regulations and cruising areas, and learn all of the latest information about happenings in the yacht charter industry on a worldwide basis.

Sounds like fun? We hear this comment often. We see 15-20 yachts a day, all decks, every corner of the yacht, and water toys, making notes, reviewing information, finding out the yacht charter history, or catching up on news. In between we schedule in the meetings, and seminars. At night we catch up on our notes, take care of the day's business and get ready for the next day. We have been at charter shows where we have seen the marina, yachts, and our hotel only, as there is so much to do, even in such a lovely location as Antigua. However, before or after the show, we do try to see other things in the area, so that we also know about quality hotels, restaurants, places to go while cruising, what the area where the guest will board looks like, and how it can be reached from the airport.

During both shows in early December, we will keep you updated with daily news information and updates via this Blog site. Stay tuned.

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Monday, November 17, 2008

Charter Tahaa, Society Islands - French Polynesia

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Hoamene Bay, Tahaa

The authentic flavor of Polynesia is truly found in the reef enclosed Tahaa. With no airport, this round island with fjord-like inlets is accessible only by boat. It is often called the Vanilla Island as it produces 80 percent of all vanilla in French Polynesia and its sweet scent perfumes the island breezes. The 42-mile coastal road weaves through small villages and into the hills, providing sweeping views of the indented bays. Visitors enjoy the beautiful beaches, coral gardens and small, sandy deserted motus.

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Try to make time for a tour of a Vanilla Plantation, to see how this rich spice grows and is harvested. Vanilla is derived from the bean pod grown from the vanilla orchid. To grow the bean pod, each orchid must be pollinated by hand; a laborious but very interesting process to create what is often called the "Black Gold" of the islands. Many local products are made with the vanilla pod, so you can bring home your own bit of Black Gold.
Open since 2002, Le Tahaa Resort and Spa strives to be the best resort in French Polynesia. Stop by for a cocktail, meal or even a spa treatment. Or begin or end or charter there with your private yacht charter.
A sea turtle reserve is located in the Tahaa Lagoon, where many species of sea turtles can be seen in their natural habitat. And as always, look for the Black Pearl Farms that always welcome visitors.


Tahaa


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Charter Raiatea, Society Islands- French Polynesia

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Raiatea

Raiatea is known throughout the Society Islands as the "Sacred Island" and cultural heart of this island group. Uturoa is the largest city on Raiatea and home of the daily market, which is very colorful and well worth visiting. This bustling market place along the harbor starts at sunrise with the fresh fish of the day, homemade foods, fruits, pastries and local arts and crafts. Wednesday and Fridays are the busiest as this is when vendors from the nearby island of Tahaa come to the market to sell their wares. This is a good location for purchasing products locally made featuring vanilla, coconut, and the Tiare flower.

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Many believe Raiatea to have been the cultural and religious center of the ancient Polynesian civilization. Known then as Havai'i, this island is thought to be the island that Polynesians left from to settle Hawaii, given the same name as ancient Raiatea. There are many archaeological remains on Raiatea supporting this island as the most important in ancient times, including one of largest and most well preserved ruins, the Taputapuetea Marea, an ancient religious center. Wander the area yourself, or have a guided tour for full explanation of the history of this area, and the island.

Tahaa has the only navigable river in French Polynesia, which is the Faaroa River, which cuts up through a gorge in the island. River tours are available via motorized canoes to see the natural wildlife, flora and fauna, alongside this river and in the interior of the island.

Every October Raiatea is part of a 3 day canoeing event called the Hawaiki Nui Va, with over 100 outrigger canoe teams racing between Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. As you travel through the islands, you may see locals out practicing for the new found sport of outrigger canoe racing that has been resurrected from ancient times.


Hawaiki Nui Va Outrigger Canoe Race

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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Yacht Charter Huahine

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Huahine, Society Islands - French Polynesia


Huahine

Picturesque Huahine has many titles: "the secret island", "the rebel island" and "the garden island" and each tell visitors what they'll encounter when they set foot on this wild, interesting gem known for its past, fierce warriors, and its current resistance to change and relaxing ambiance. Huahine is off the tourist track and still reflective of traditional Polynesian life.

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Essentially, Huahine is an old volcano whose sunken center was filled by the sea. Like Tahiti, the island consists of two mountainous masses: the large Huahine Nui and the small Huahini Iti. The bays of Maroe and Bourayne separate the two lands. The geographically diverse terrain has long white sand beaches, fruit and vegetable groves, indented bays and lush tropical foliage creating a jungle-like ambiance. It also boasts the Maeva marae, a well preserved archaeological site at the foot of Mount Mouatapu and along the shores of Lake Fauna Nui. In the narrow areas of the Lake you can see "V" shaped stone fishing traps believed to have been made centuries ago, however still in use by the locals today for fresh fish for dinner.

Huahine does have one main town, named Fare, with a grocery store, main quay, several shops and restaurants. In the evening, outdoor mobile restaurants magically appear on the quay with little cooking kitchens and folding tables and chairs, each serving local foods. If you happen to be near Fare on days when the local supply vessel arrives, the harbor area will be filled with bustling colorful activity.
A road circumnavigates both Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, sometimes paved, sometimes dirt, it is worth a drive around to see the island. Huahine is a very fertile island, perhaps because the name Huahine means "pregnant woman", which refers to the shape of the island as seen from afar. However most likely the fertility of the soil is due to the volcanic origins of the island. Huahine is home to plantations of taro, coffee, vanilla and melons. In fact many of the cays along the surrounding barrier reef have fields of watermelon and cantaloupe.
While passing alongside the river, stop to see the Sacred Blue Eels, part of Polynesian mythology. The eels are found only on Tahiti and Huahine, are from 3-6 feet long and have eyes of a cold blue translucent color. Swimming in a shallow area of the river, these eels are accustomed to visitors and swim near for any tasty food tidbits.
And as always, Huahine is home to a Black Pearl Farm, where visitors and shoppers are welcomed with tours and information on the Black Pearl Farming process, along with cases of Black Pearls and Black Pearl jewelry for sale.



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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Yacht Charter Bora Bora

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Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia


Bora Bora
Mystical, mythical Bora Bora is renowned for its spectacular scenery, romance and a brilliant blue lagoon and reef that James Michener hailed the most beautiful in the world. The island is an extinct volcano that formed two towering black peaks on the center of the island. Many visitors are drawn to the central lagoon, famed as a great dive site with a variety of sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Those seeking expansive beaches will be disappointed as there are relatively few beaches on the main island; however there are miles of sandy cays along the reef line, with secluded beach areas, home only to sand crabs and palm trees that are ideal for a picnic and shelling. However, it is the stunning lagoon, Bora Bora's treasured feature that draws visitors to swim, snorkel, dive, windsurf and Jet Ski. Surrounding the island with shallow waters, that warm easily in the sun, this lagoon area is filled with coral and marine life.

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Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora

Other activities include a visit to Tiki Village, where tourists can see traditional Polynesia in an authentically recreated village. Visitors will see the making of the crowns of flowers called hei as well as tattooing, carving and paraeo painting. The village also showcases a spectacular Polynesian dance and an island feast in the celebration of the tamaiaraia. For a once in a lifetime thrill, view shark feeding close up on the outer reef. Using a snorkel and flippers visitors enter the water while Tahitian divers hand feed black-tip sharks. Helicopter sightseeing tours are available to view the mult-hued lagoon and lushly forested interior. It's a wonderful opportunity to closely look at Mount Otemanu.
Visit the Bora Bora Lagoonarium where you will be given a mask and fins to swim in shallow waters alongside a wide variety of tropical fish, rays and sand sharks. Trained guides are there to help with any questions and bread is available to feed the hungry underwater life that will certainly come to your side for a meal.
On shore are various resorts offering cocktails or meals and numerous spas for a relaxing Polynesian treatment. In fact Bora Bora probably has more resorts in all price ranges to choose from than any other Polynesian island. Many have an area of shops, which are also found along the roadside, a large number of which feature Black Pearls.
The famous restaurant Bloody Mary's is located along the shore road, to dine sitting on coconut stumps set on a sand floor. Bloody Mary's always features the local fresh caught "fish of the day", and of course, their signature drink, The Bloody Mary.



Tranquility on Bora Bora





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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Yacht Charter Tahiti

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Tahiti, Society Islands, French Polynesia


Tahiti Resort

Tahiti is often called the "Island of Love" and it's easy to see why. The largest of the 115 islands and atolls that constitute French Polynesia, Tahiti has lush forest peaks, translucent waters revealing colorful coral reefs and ebony sand, and volcanic peaks that tower over rainforests filled with cascading waterfalls, rivers and streams. Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti, and the connecting Plateau of Taravao isthmus, are the large and small land masses that create Tahiti.

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Papeete is the cosmopolitan port and capital city of Tahiti. This modern, bustling city of 70,000 has a variety of chic boutiques that offers French fashions as well as native handicrafts, shell leis and woven hats, and of course a large open market place for more shopping fun. There are plenty of fine restaurants as well, featuring native, French, and Asian cuisine.
However, the allure and romance of French Polynesia is really found along the coast and the island's interior. Tahiti-Nui, the larger area, features towering peaks with Mt. Orohena reaching 7339 feet, while Tahiti Iti is a rural area dotted with small coastal villages. A must for visitors is to take a round-the-island tour, along the 73-mile (117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments, museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens and dramatic scenery.
The island's best white sand beaches are between Punaauia and Papara, but most visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the famed volcanic black sand beaches on the east coast, particularly renowned Pointe Venus.
Tahiti offers something for everyone including hiking, golf, snorkeling and diving, and of course, relaxing. Many island tour operators offer guided 4x4 excursions. They usually take visitors to Mount Marau for panoramic views, Arahoho Blow Hole, which is a sea water geyser, and the Fa'aurumai Valley with beautiful waterfalls and hutu and mape trees.
The Botanical Gardens and Gauguin Museum houses an exhibit highlighting the famous artist's last 12 years of his life, which were spent in French Polynesia and includes sculptures, wood carvings and engravings. The Maraa Fern Grotto off the Paea shore line is, according to local legend, the home to evil spirits lurking in its depths.
The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands in Punaauia features exhibits on Polynesian history, culture, environment and ethnology ranging from tattoos to thatched roofs and fishing. Hikers will enjoy the easy trek through the west coast area of Vaipohe Valley to see the beautiful flowers, birds and lush vegetation that has inspired artists and soothed souls.
Le Marche, the vibrant heart of Papeete, is a fascinating public market. For more than 150 years traders have sold a vast array of exotic goods including locally made arts and crafts, fragrant oils, flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewelry and pareus (sarongs). Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian Black Pearl, are French Polynesia's main export and the best buy for visitors to the islands. If planning on purchasing pearls, it is wise to first stop by the Pearl Museum in Papeete where visitors can learn to judge quality.


Tahiti Beach



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Yacht Charter Moorea

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Moorea - Society Islands - French Polynesia


Moorea

Exotic Moorea, with its white sand beaches and clear lagoons, is a true tropical paradise. Moorea is the second largest of the Society Islands, covering 53 square miles. It's easy to understand why James Michener based his mythical Bali Hai on Moorea. The clear waters of Oponohu Bay reflect towering peaks that rise dramatically from the sea. And a wide lagoon surrounds the waterfall-filled mountains and gentle meadows. While there are no true towns on Moorea, there are settled areas with restaurants, food and gift stores.
A glance up the side of the volcanic mountains will show rain forests and pineapple plantations. Moorea pineapples are well known as the sweetest in the island group and are sought after by cruisers and locals alike.


The well paved road that runs along the 40 mile shore can be traversed by a hired car, scooter or bike for a circumnavigation of the entire island. The Belvedere Lookout offers truly spectacular vistas and is located in the island's interior between Cook's and Oponohu Bay. The village of Afareaitu offers access to a dramatic waterfall. And in Paopao is an open air market and church with beautiful painted murals.
For those that can't leave home without their golf clubs, there is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course located on Moorea. Swimming and snorkeling are always available, and many of the local resorts look forward to a visit for a meal or cocktail and even day use of their pool facilities, and of course a look through the shops.

Other activities specific to Moorea are a visit to the Pineapple Factory and Fruit Juice Distillery. The juices are marketed throughout French Polynesia under the name of Rotui and you are sure to be served some of the company's fruit juice at some point during your travels in this area. There is no specific tour of the factory, however you are welcome to show up during working hours and simply wander through the factory watching the various jobs being done and then visit the factory shop to taste the various juices being made, including fruit liquors and local rum, all available for purchasing as well.

There are several ancient Maraes sites located on Moorea, worth visiting, which were cultural and religious centers for earlier civilizations living in the area.

And you may want to visit The Tiki Village Cultural Center. Here you can see the traditions and life-style of an old Tahitian village, and see local demonstrations of weaving, stone carving, tattooing and painting. The Tiki Village Cultural Center also offers a frequent show highlighting Polynesian dance with a buffet of traditional foods cooked in the in ground fire pit on the premises.
Both Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay offer protected anchorages for an island visit.




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Yacht Charter French Polynesia, Tahiti

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Bora Bora

French Polynesia, formally created as a French Protectorate in 1889 is actually comprised of 5 separate island groups, which are the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Gambier Islands. The total area of the Protectorate covers 1622 square miles. Of all of the island chains, the Society Islands are the most well known, for within the Society Islands are the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea.

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In general, yacht charter in this area is available in the Society Islands, however occasionally charter is available in the Tuamotus or the Marqueses. International flights are all into Papeete, the largest city in French Polynesia, located on the Society Island of Tahiti. From there, domestic flights are available throughout all of the island groups.

Many yachtsmen who have cruised from the North America in a westerly direction have made landfall first in French Polynesia in the Marquesas and have explored this area before moving on to other island groups. As the Marquesas are open to the Pacific Ocean, this can be a challenging sailing area, with constant rolling waves and few protected anchorages. In fact the wave action can be so intense that dinghy landing on the beach may not be possible, and many swimmers to tie a line from themselves to the yacht for help against the strong currents. As the waters are somewhat turbulent, they are often mixed with sand and visibility can be limited. Diving is for expert divers and generally organized around viewing the extensive Pacific marine life found in the waters. On shore the vegetation varies from dry on one side to tropical on the other side and the Marqueses are famous for their herds of wild horses that run free on various islands.

The Tuamotu Archipelago is more widely travelled and more yacht charter is available in this location. The Tuamotus are a series of volcanic islands, where the center of the volcano has slipped into the sea, leaving the series of coral barrier reefs, many of which are sandy cays ringing an interior shallow lagoon. The interior lagoons are filled with coral and marine life and offer hours of water fun. On shore, the area is still vastly undeveloped, with small settlements of local people on certain islands. In general, your charter yacht will probably offer better accommodations and food than anything offered on shore in this location. However, snorkeling and diving are unparalleled. The Tuamotus also have an international reputation for excellent bone fishing, and Black Pearl Farms. Indeed some of the best Black Pearl prices can be found in the Tuamotus.

The Society Islands are the most well traveled and well known, however still here there are very few tourists in comparison to other tropical locations. The Society Islands are divided into the Windward and the Leeward Islands. Tahiti and Moorea are several of the more well known of the Windward Islands, and Papeete on Tahiti is the largest city by far in all of French Polynesia. A charter can start and end in Tahiti, to sail both the Windward and the Leeward Islands or you can fly to the Leeward Islands to cruise. The sailing distance between the Windward and Leeward Islands is about 12 hours in unprotected waters with large rollers that create the determination for some cruisers whether to cruise throughout the area or fly and cruise in the Leewards only. No matter what the decision, all of the Society Islands still reflect their unique Polynesian culture and heritage. Cruising is through heavily vegetated islands full of fruit trees, surrounded by lagoons full of fish. The local population is generally very friendly and relaxed, having the luxury of a constant food source at their fingertips, which they are happy to share. Each island has a full history, with historical ruins to be seen, and each island has a unique feel. There are coral beds throughout the lagoons for snorkeling and diving, and surfing is often seen along the barrier reefs surrounding each island. On shore in the Society Islands are nice resorts to visit for a cocktail or meal, and settlements with shops. And, of course, Black Pearl Farms exist throughout the area, many of which will offer an explanation of growing Black Pearls inside the indigenous oyster, for an interesting Shoreside activity. The area has constantly been equated with Paradise, and is an exceptional charter location.



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Yacht Charter French Polynesia Tahiti - Itinerary

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The Society Islands

The Society Islands, made famous by the artist Gaugin, who once resided in this area are divided into two sets of islands the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. The most well known of the Windward Islands are Tahiti and Moorea, and of the Leeward Islands are Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, and Tahaa. Most of these islands are volcanic in nature, with a center cone dropping into a shallow lagoon, ringed by coral barrier reefs, some of which are sandy inhabited cayes. The lagoons are peppered with coral formations and filled with tropical marine life, offering hours of exploration, swimming, snorkeling and diving.
To access the Society Islands, international flights land in Papeete, the largest city, located on the island of Tahiti. From Papeete are a number of domestic air flights on to the other various Society Islands. Generally charter is in the Leeward Islands, as they are the largest group of islands closely situated to offer nice comfortable sailing distances.

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BORA-BORA - HUAHINE - FRENCH POLYNESIA
7 day Itinerary


BORA-BORA HARBOR

You will arrive in the morning at Bora Bora airport and be welcomed by the crew at dock in Vaitape on arrival by shuttle from the airport. Sailing on the first day to relax and explore the lagoon of Bora Bora.

After breakfast, explore the shallow water in the west part of the lagoon or try a variety of miscellaneous nautical activities: kayak rides, swimming with rays, or guided snorkeling. There's plenty of time to relax and contemplate the incredibly beautiful land and seascapes.

In the morning, sail to the island of Tahaa, then hideout inside the lagoon (3-4 hours sailing approx.). Lunch is served at the mooring location, near the "Motu Ceran". Later, enjoy ray watching in the Tahaa "lagoonarium". Cocktails will be served aboard the boat, with the island of Bora Bora in the backdrop.

Them, for the adventurer, take a 4x4 excursion around Tahaa, led by fascinating guide-botanist Alain Plantier. Enjoy dinner ashore for some Tahitian music and dance ambiance.

From there, sail inside the lagoon toward Raiatea. Visit the village of Uturoa and discover the lagoon while indulging in nautical activities.


HUAHINE

Take a morning sail to Huahine (3 hours of ocean sailing approx.). Discover the picturesque village of Fare. Sailing continues to the south of the island, inside the lagoon, including stops for swimming and exploration by dinghy.

Sail in the morning to the village of Fare, where you'll have breakfast before landing and transferring to Huahine airport.



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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Yacht Charter Alaska, Sitka

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Sitka National Historic Park

Sitka is a lovely port to either begin, or end your charter or just to visit during your charter. Regular air flights come into Sitka from "the lower 48"' and there are several hotels and a small downtown shopping area for quality local souvenirs of Tlingit Indian crafts, carved soapstone, and of course, smoked local salmon.

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Once called "the Paris of the Pacific," Sitka stands out among other ports as a city rich in culture. Built on the empire of Russian fur trade, Sitka is set between steep mountain slopes and the Sitka Sound, just off the shore of Baranof Island. With a population of just under 10,000, Sitka is Alaska's fifth-largest city and has grown to be the cultural and artistic center of the Southeast. Sitka is a town with a history grounded in Russian heritage with a damp, moderate climate that contributes to the appearance of an England coastal community. The local economy is strongly centered on the timber, fishing and tourism industries. Famous for its sport fishing, Sitka's two harbors are dotted with brightly colored boats that look out over the pine-covered islands of the Tongass National Forest.
The Sitka National Historic Park offers workshops on Indian arts and crafts, a treat for visitors seeking a creative endeavor. Forty miles worth of hiking trails wind throughout the forested areas within the community. Southeast Alaska totem poles and a temperate rain forest setting combine to provide spectacular scenery along the park’s coastal trail. Onion-dome architecture dots the landscape, and local dancers bring to life the traditions that Russia brought with its conquest. Sitka is home to an annual salmon derby, the Alaska Logging Championship, the Sitka Summer Music Festival, and the Alaska Fine Arts Camp. Several local museums and galleries present the rich history of the town.


Tlingit Indian Totem Pole


Sitka

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Yacht Charter Alaska, Juneau

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Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is only one of many Alaskan cities that can only be accessed by air or sea. Completely surrounded on three sides by glaciers, Juneau opens up to the ocean as a port city, spilling from the mountains to the sea. While this city does have roads and cars, there are no roads leading into Juneau, which makes for a bustling port city, and a great location to begin or end your charter.


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Alaska's capital and the state's third largest city is a cosmopolitan city located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of the towering mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is ideal for travelers who enjoy combining explorations of spectacular natural with local culture although some of the best views are made by sea and air.
Juneau's nearby attractions are miles of scenic trails that weave through the temperate rainforest up to alpine meadow mountains. The area allows a convenient access to Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, the Taku River, and Admiralty Island and Pack Creek Bear Preserve. Visitors can also view the spectacular Juneau Icefield from helicopters and fixed-wing air craft. The Mendenhall Glacier, which is the state's top attraction, has an impressive face of 100 feet high and 1.5 miles wide. The Alaska State Museum has permanent collections and traveling exhibits that highlight Alaska's native peoples, natural history, the Alaska-Yukon gold rushes, and the American period of the state's history. Exhibits include artwork and artifacts, photographs, murals, kayak models and a children's room.


Mendenhall Glacier

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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Charter Alaska - Complete Itinerary

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Alaska

Chartering in Alaska is a lifetime experience, and one of the only ways to be one on one with the spectacular wild and marine life. Private yacht charter brings you close to the scenery, anchoring in secluded coves, ringed by Bald Eagles, sitting next to a pod of whales bubble net feeding, watching bear fish from the streams, or fishing yourself for salmon and halibut. Rather than high in the air by plane or way offshore by cruise ship, be in the middle of the action, in private yacht charter. There are numerous itineraries throughout Alaska. The following offers an excellent slice of Alaska from Juneau to Sitka.

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ALASKA
SITKA to JUNEAU


SITKA HARBOR

Arrive on board, unpack and rest before taking a walking tour of Sitka. Its natural beauty and history make Sitka one of the most interesting of the Alaskan southeastern towns. Walk to the Sheldon Jackson Museum to view Tlingit and Aleut artifacts. Continue to the Visitors Center at the Sitka National Historical Park to see more native artifacts and an impressive collection of totem poles arranged along the walk that leads to the site of the battle between the Tlingit and the Russians. The Russian occupation period is featured in the Russian Bishop's House, the Russian cemetery, Castle Hill, the Isabel Miller Museum in the Centennial Building and St. Michael's Cathedral. Take some time to shop in the gift and specialty shops for native and Russian-influenced modern arts and crafts. Enjoy cocktails and dinner on board.

Depart Sitka after breakfast, cruising through Olga and Neva Straits. Fish for salmon along the way to Kalinan Bay, north of Salisbury Sound, where you will anchor for the evening.

Cruise through Sergius Narrows out Peril Strait, where you will see eagles and perhaps the little Sitka black tail deer and the magnificent Alaskan Brown Bear. After fishing and whale watching, you will cruise down the west coast of Baranof Island, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world magnificent Alaskan Brown Bear. After fishing and whale watching, you’ll cruise down the west coast of Baranof Island, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Spend the night either anchored in one of the beautiful coves or tie up to the government float at Warm Springs Bay in front of the thundering water of Baranof Falls. Hike up to Baranof Lake or choose to simply sit in the hot springs above the falls.


WHALES SWIMMING

Heading further down Chatham Strait you will cruise northeast into Frederick Sound. Watch for humpback whales as these waters are the summer feeding grounds for hundreds of Humpbacks that migrate up from the warmer summer waters. You will see them alone and in large groups from afar as well as close to the yacht. Later, spend the night in one of the most tranquil of anchorages, an island group called The Brothers. This area is known as a place where humpback whales cruise very closely to vessels and it's also a great fishing area for halibut.


BROWN BEAR FEEDING ON SALMON

After breakfast, you will cruise through the small islands, watching for whales and sea lions. Throughout the summer hundreds of sea lions sun themselves on the rocks of this area. After fishing for salmon and halibut, you will anchor for the night in Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay on Admiralty Island. Admiralty is a primary summer nesting ground for eagles and has the densest concentration of brown bears, also known as grizzlies, in the world - about one per square mile; about 2000 on the island!

In the morning, take a dingy ride to see if the salmon have returned to spawn. Then, cruise up Stevens Passage and catch some salmon in "no name" cove at the mouth of Tracy Arm.


TRACY ARM

Spend a day cruising up Tracy Arm, a Norwegian like fjord 23 miles long, where you will see many large icebergs before arriving at the tide-water Sawyer Glacier. You will probably see seals, eagles, Brown bears, mountain goats and moose in this beautiful area. Continue cruising through the icebergs up Stephens Passage, while enjoying lunch on deck and viewing the snow-covered mountains of Admiralty Island. Anchor for the evening in Taku Harbor.

Cruise past Taku Inlet, up Gastineau Channel and arrive in Juneau. Tour the state capital with visits to the Alaska State Museum and Centennial Hall before disembarking.


JUNEAU

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Charter Alaska - Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glaciers

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Sawyer Glacier

For any itinerary out of Juneau, it would be a shame to miss a cruise up Tracey Arm to see the north and south side of Sawyer Glacier crawling bit by bit down the north and south arm of Tracy Fjord. Sawyer Glacier is one of the few glaciers abutting salt water. It is an actively calving glacier sending bits of ice floating to the mouth of Tracy Arm announcing the glaciers presence at the top of the fjord.


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Tracy Arm and Sawyer Glacier

Tracy Arm, 45 miles south of Juneau, is one of two fjords that occupy the Tracy Arm area. Along with Endicott Arm, the area covers about 653,179 acres and both fjords are about 30 miles long. About one-fifth of the area is covered in ice. Approaching by sea, visitors sail along meandering bends and pass blocks of ice on their way to view the twin Sawyer Glaciers, located at the head of the fjord. The sides of Tracy Arm rise steeply to the 7,000 foot height of the surrounding mountains and reveal numerous waterfalls and glacial blue water. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including black and brown bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, sea lions, eagles, mew gulls, arctic terns and pigeon guillemots. Mountain goats are occasionally spotted near the base of Sawyer Glacier. Often little harbor seals are basking on the small blocks of ice that have calved from the face of the glacier.
The spectacular twin Sawyer Glaciers are a viewing point to see shedding ice. Chunks as tall as a three-story apartment building have been known to fall into the sea. In fact, the head of Tracy Arm sheds ice about once an hour.

Spend time up close to each glacier, watching the calving action, often announced by a loud crack before large face pieces of ice separate from the glacier and fall into the waters below. If in a tender, you can go right up under the face of the glaciers and circle around the ice chunks with harbor seals basking in the sun. Put sea kayaks in the water and kayak around the ice field, stopping to break chunks of glacier ice off for drinks later.

When cruising up and down Tracy Arm, also watch for the many waterfalls that drop down from the mountains into the fjord, and be on the lookout for wild and marine life.

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