NJ Charters Blog

Fiji, Musket Cove Yacht Club Membership, A Sailing Badge of Honor

2010-03-09T16:35:00.004-05:00

Fiji Musket Cove Marina Entrance

Musket Cove Yacht Club located on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji is both one of the easiest and one of the most difficult yacht clubs to join. For while membership is conditionally granted to anyone that arrives at the Musket Cove Yacht Club office, the condition is that you must have sailed into Fiji from another country, and not just another port in Fiji. Therefore, membership in the Musket Cove Yacht Club is a statement in itself of having accomplished a significant number of sailing miles in the South Pacific. Membership is for life, and the onetime lifetime fee is an extraordinarily reasonable 1 Fijian Dollar for the Captain and 5 Fijian Dollars for each crew member. Membership at the Musket Cove Yacht Club is honored for reciprocity at many worldwide yacht clubs, making this yacht club membership fee one of the best values in the world, if not counting, of course, the cost and time to sail to Fiji from another South Pacific country!

Musket Cove Anchorage Mamanuca Islands

Musket Cove - Fiji

Anchored in Musket Cove usually are cruising yachts from all over the world as this is a great stop on a worldwide voyage. Musket Cove Marina offers dockage for smaller cruising yachts and mooring balls. There are shower facilities, propane gas refills, diesel fuel and self serve laundry facilities, which are all hard to come by when cruising through the South Pacific and therefore welcomed by most worldwide cruising sailors. The Trader Shop offers a good selection on groceries and ice and on the marina grounds is a Tiki hut that can be used for barbeques with old or new friends met in the anchorage.

Musket Cove Yacht Club Welcome Sign

Musket Cove Yacht Club will serve as a mail stop for an additional charge for world cruisers and also offers a dinghy dock, water, garbage bins, telephones, fax and email. However no longer is the name of the yacht associated with a new member carved into the overhead beam, as that beam is full, and a great testament to the number of yachts that have been in Musket Cove over many years. Every September, the yacht club organizes and sponsors the week long Fiji Regatta which draws both locals and worldwide cruisers.

Musket Cove Resort Pool and Beach

Along with the Musket Cove Yacht Club there is also the Musket Cove Island Resort with single room bures, multi room villas, a restaurant, bar, spa, and gift shop that sells yacht club items. There is also a dive shop, offering diving and snorkeling, and other water toys and a very nice beach. Membership in the Musket Cove Yacht Club gives the right to use the resort facilities.

Fiji Beach

Musket Cove Yacht Club is well known to yachtsmen that have cruised through this area and should be a stop on a yacht charter through the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

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Santorini, Home of the Lost City of Atlantis?

2010-03-03T16:06:00.004-05:00

Sunrise in Santorini

Around 1624 BC, the volcano in the center of the island of Santorini, Greece blew its top, literally. This once round shaped island became a crescent shape with a deep hole in the center, way below sea level. With this final huge eruption, an ancient city on the island was completely buried and lost in a sea of ash. No lives were lost, as previous smaller eruptions had warned the citizens who had abandoned the city and fled the island. But who were these intrepid people? Of what civilization were they part? Many think that that this ancient lost city was actually the lost city of Atlantis. Visit Santorini on yacht charter see for yourself, and you decide.

Excavation of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is the modern name of the excavation of this city. The ancient name is still lost, but the civilization was believed to have links to the Minoan civilization due to inscriptions found in Linear A. As the city was buried in ash in one eruption, all is extremely well preserved down to food items found in storage jars.

View in Santorini

Excavations were started when the site was discovered in 1967, and remnants of an advanced civilization are being found. This civilization lived in three story apartment buildings, with an advanced drainage system. The many wall murals, furniture and other items found suggest a very wealthy population that lived in considerable luxury. This ancient city is believed to have been an important trading port city in the Aegean as various items found in the excavation are believed to have been imported from Cyprus, Syria, the Greek mainland, and even as far away as Egypt.

It was Plato that wrote of the legend of Atlantis, and clues in his story lead many to believe that the lost ancient sophisticated, wealthy and beautiful city of Atlantis that suddenly disappeared is really the ancient city being uncovered today on the island of Santorini by the excavations at Akrotiri. However Plato lived over 1000 years after the volcanic eruptions on Santorini, so much is speculation and legend. But do visit Santorini and decide for yourself.

Santorini Anchorage and Quay

Unfortunately, until further notice, the ongoing excavations at Akrotiri are closed to the public, but there as a very good museum in the town of Thira, with many artifacts from the excavations, photos and information on what is being found and what is being conjectured. And while you are there, enjoy the stunning beauty of the caldera inner crescent, created so many centuries ago by this volcanic force of nature.

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Italy's Tremiti Islands, between Italy and Croatia

2010-03-01T11:50:00.003-05:00

Tremiti Islands; San Domino & San Nicolo

Located in the Adriatic Sea, the Tremiti Islands of Italy sit just 22 nautical miles off of the Garano Peninsula on the east coast of Italy. Parts of this island group today along with the Garano Peninsula form the Garano National Park. These islands, also known as the Pearls of the Apulian Adriatic Sea, are just waiting to be explored on a yacht charter out of Bari, Italy. And the intrepid and well seasoned sailors can cruise the Tremiti Islands and then continue across the Adriatic on their yacht charter to cruise along the coast and through the islands of Croatia.

Tremiti Islands, San Nicolo Fortress

Tremiti is from an ancient word for "tremors", as these islands are all volcanic in origin. Rising out of the Adriatic Sea, they are surrounded by beautiful clear waters. Now a tourist destination, this group of five main islands and numerous crags peaking out of the water’s surface, has had a varied history including being the location of internment for both Julia the Younger, Augustus' granddaughter during Roman times and for political prisoners of Mussolini in the 20th century.

Tremiti Islands,San Domino

Of the five main Tremiti Islands, San Domino, San Nicola, Caprara, Cretaccio, and Pianoso, only San Domino and San Nicola are inhabited. San Domino is the most visited today by tourists as this island has the only sand beach in the whole island group. San Domino is also a beautiful island, covered in vegetation including blooming myrtle, and geraniums. Although the largest of the Tremiti islands, San Domino can still be walked across in 20 minutes.

Tremiti Islands, San Nicolo Fortress

San Nicola is where the bulk of the population of the Tremiti Islands resides and has the only year round inhabited village, along with a monastery, once home to the monk Nicola, where his remains are buried. Legend states that anytime the remains were tried to be removed from the island a huge storm whipped up from sea foiling the attempt. San Nicola is a rough and craggy island with a wilder feel than San Domino. An extensive fortified castle and abbey form an impressive silhouette against the rocky cliffs, and are open to visitors to be explored.

Tremiti Islands,Rocky Crag

Caprara Island is the furthest from the coast of Italy and is covered with caper plants. Cretaccio is a big block of clay, with no vegetation and Pianoso is so small, as the name suggests that sometimes during storms, waves wash right over the highest point of this island, which is just 15 meters from sea level.

Tremiti Islands,dinghy dock

Relatively unknown, the Tremiti Islands are a great yacht charter location offering beautiful waters, history, fresh seafood cuisine and are definitely away from the maddening crowds.

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The Turkish Gulet and yacht charter, an exceptional charter value.

2010-02-18T15:22:00.004-05:00

Turkish Gulets on charter along the Turkish Coast

A traditional Turkish working vessel, the Turkish Gulet is now being built for yacht charter along the southern coast of Turkey. Twenty years ago or so, the Turkish Gulet for charter was a new concept, which has now evolved into a luxury charter vessel offering an exceptional charter value. And the charter location is nothing short of exceptional as well, through the crystal clear waters of southern Turkey along the ancient trading routes. Here at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we have been to Turkey dozens of times and love this charter option and cruising location, especially for the value offered for the price.

Turkey, Gulet Charter, Boatyard Bay Tersane

Built originally of Turkish pine, many Gulets now are built of solid mahogany with beautiful joinery and interior woodwork and varnish. Usually with four to six guest staterooms, each stateroom has a large ensuite bathroom. Gulets are very beamy vessels, which provides enormous interior living space along with great big wide decks for sunning, dining and lounging. Gulets do have masts, however generally Gulets move underway by the engines rather than sails as a large very comfortable moving platform from which to explore the Turkish coast.

Turkey, Gulet Charter, the ruins on Gemiler Island

Fully crewed, all is provided on board from typical fresh Turkish food to Turkish Nouvelle Cuisine, depending on the price range. A nice selection of Turkish wines are now available from boutique wineries along with artisan olive oils and breads. However the best value of all, that cannot be duplicated in any other location is the beautiful coast that is filled to the brim with history, and historical and archeaological sites, from the ruins of the Lycian city of Caunos on the Dalyan River to the Castle built by the Knights Hospitalier in Bodrum that now houses a museum of underwater archeaological discoveries from the many shipwrecks through the centuries that occured along the ancient trading route.

Turkey, Gulet Charter, Lycian Tombs on the Dalyan River

Start your Gulet charter in Gocek, Marmaris, Bodrum, or even in the Greek Dodecanese Island of Rhodes. There are countless itineraries available, and you could charter in this area numerous times and still not see if all. And if history is not your balliwick, just relax on the broad decks of the Gulet and enjoy a swim or snorkel over an ancient harbor before dining on fresh Turkish cuisine washed down with Turkish beer or a boutique Turkish wine. It is all available and at a great price in Gulet charter along the southern coast of Turkey.

Turkey, Gulet Charter, Marmaris, and the castle ruins

For information on individual Gulets for charter, please click the word "Gulet" throughout the blog, as each is linked to a different Gulet option.

Turkish Bath or Hamam; Clean Up the Turkish Way

2010-02-16T16:40:00.003-05:00

Traditional Turkish Bath

The age old Turkish Bath or Hamam, as it is often referred, is a traditional part of Turkish culture that is a treat to experience when chartering along the coast of Turkey. Believed to actually be related to the ancient Greek and Roman baths, the Hamam has now evolved into a specific cultural tradition that is all Turkish. The Turkish Bath was perfected by the Selcuk Turks who developed this traditional Hamam bathing in answer to Islamic religious views on the importance of cleanliness, however the Hamam soon developed into far more than a bathing location, and quickly became the social and political center of daily life, or the golf course or men's club of yesteryear. And women were not excluded from the bathing or social aspect of the Haman experience, but the sexes were separated as they are even today in a traditional Haman.

Turkish Bath Ruins

Traditional Turkish Bath Steam Bath Room

Still in use today are the traditional checked cloths or Pestamal, used to wrap around the body in preparation. However in most locations, flat plastic sandals have replaced the wooden clogs, or Takunyalars, some of which were highly decorated with inlaid mother of pearl. Many of the Hamams were built during the Ottoman Empire, and those still in existence today are identifiable by the domed roofs pierced with bits of colored bottle glass to provide a misty light in the interior of the main bath room.

Turkish Bath center marble washing dias

The traditional Turkish Bath begins by changing into a Pestamal and donning a pair of Takunyalars in a changing room and after passing through a cooling room, enter into the traditionally domed room filled with heated steam. In the center of the room is a large marble slab and around the edges of the room are cubicles or benches around water taps. The ritual starts by relaxing in low seats along the edge of the domed room and pouring warm water over oneself with a Tas or special Hamam bowl. (Antique Hamam bowls can still be found throughout much of Turkey and are a great souvenir of this unique tradition). Once suitably warmed, with skin softened by the repetitive dousing with warm water, it is time to recline on the marble slab in the center. There a washer person, once a non Islamic slave, provides a soapy bath, with suds created by blowing into a large muslin bag drenched in soapy water, and a massage, scrubbing the body all over with a loofah. For those not in the know, a natural loofah is a plant seed pod in the cucumber or gourd family that grows on a vine all over Turkey. Being fully scrubbed with a loofah exposes a new clean layer of skin. One then steps under running cool water and out into the relaxing room for another massage with oils or just a relaxing drink of apple tea or chai.

Natural Loofah Growing

After a traditional Turkish bath, you will emerge much cleaner than when you arrived with baby fresh skin having experienced full exfoliation by natural loofah. And by the way, the professional washers will provide a healthy scrub with muscles well toned by years of vigorous use of the loofah. And remember, the purpose is not for pampering, but for cleanliness and you will feel clean after and at a much more reasonable price than most spa exfoliation treatments.

Natural Loofah Dried

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Bahamas Out Islands; Which Ones to visit? It is hard to choose

2010-02-10T11:48:00.005-05:00

Video of the Bahamas Out Islands

The Abacos, Acklins and Crooked Island, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, the Exumas, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, Run Cay and San Salvador are all very different; what they have in common is that they are all part of the Bahamas Out Islands. The Bahamas Out Islands are a fabulous yacht charter location especially to relax with peace and quiet floating on crystal clear waters with miles of pristine pink sand beaches, and shallow waters all around for swimming, snorkeling or other water sports.

Fun in the Bahamas

The Out Islands of the Bahamas are a 500 mile island chain made up of named islands and many bits of uninhabited land or cays waiting in tranquil beauty for you to slip into a secluded anchorage and enjoy being lost where only your footsteps can be seen in the sand. The waters in the Bahamas are generally shallow near the islands and cays, nicely warmed under the tropical sun, and are crystal clear reflecting a myriad of shades of green and blue. Here you can spend hours swimming, snorkeling, shelling, or just having fun splashing. The Out Islands are a great family yacht charter location for everyone including those always on the go or those that like to just sit in the sand and make sand castles.

Warderick Sea Park - Sea Turtle

As the waters are shallow around the islands and cays, the best yacht for yacht charter in the Bahamas Out islands are motor yachts. Those motor yachts that are available for charter in this area are stock piled with water toys and many have a smaller boat in the 20-30' size range, such as an Intrepid that may be rigged for fishing to offer hours of gunkholing and exploring out and away from "home base". The Bahamas Out Islands are a great location for sport fishing, or deep sea fishing and also well known for bonefishing.

Tubing in the Sun

Visiting by yacht is the best way to see many of the Out Islands that cannot be visited any other way. So consider some of the Bahamas Out Islands for your next yacht charter, and your next and your next, as it is impossible to see all of these islands in one charter.

Bahamas

Remote islands in the Western Med? The Aegadian Islands of Italy

2010-02-03T13:10:00.003-05:00

Moorish Castle on Marittimo

Just off of the northern tip of Sicily, sits a group of rarely visited islands called the Aegadian Islands or Egadi Islands. While hard to find a remote corner of the Western Mediterranean, this island archipelago would certainly be it. And this is a group of islands that are accessed from another island, the largest island in Italy, Sicily. From the internationally known island of Sicily to the tucked away Aegadian Islands, a yacht charter in this area is an itinerary of either end of the spectrum of island life. And as the mythical "Aegades" of Homer's tale this is a set of islands perhaps better known in antiquity than they are today.

Marettimo Village Streets

Marettimo Harbor

These three islands have been virtually untouched by man. Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo are the main islands of this group and are surrounded by "microisles" or crags of rock that dot the waters around these islands. Indian Figs, dwarf palms and Mediterranean shrub covers these islands that are home to many migratory birds.

Marettimo Cliffs and Caves

Favignana is the largest island, and the only one with any overnight accommodation. This accommodation is in the form of camp grounds and simple family style hotels, which is the same for the few restaurants. Levanzo is the smallest Aegadian Island and Marettimo is close by as a large island rising straight out of the sea. These islands are honeycombed with caves and grottos, both inland and along the coast, and feature white cliffs rising out of the ocean topped with a rich and varied vegetation, where many rare botanical species are found having flourished in relative peace and quiet for centuries. The crystal clear waters around each island beckon to divers and snorkelers, along with the many caves and grottos. Visit the Grotto of San Nicola on Favignana to see graffiti left by some the first Prehistoric Inhabitants of this island.

Marettimo Lighthouse

The waters around these islands are filled with sponges, lobsters and crabs, and sponge gathering was once an industry in these islands. Today, the few islanders mainly make their living from tuna fishing, as these waters are known as the "highways of tuna fish". And tuna and lobster do feature on the menus of the few restaurants, and very fresh tuna is often available for purchase. For a yacht charter out of Sicily, at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we suggest including the Aegadian Islands as well in your yacht charter itinerary.

Map of Aegadian Islands

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Giglio, the Unassuming Gem of the Tuscan Islands

2010-02-01T12:08:00.003-05:00

Giglio

In the southern corner of the Tuscan Islands, and just 16 kilometers off of the Argentario Peninsula, lies the island of Giglio. With a main harbor and anchorage just outside of the main harbor, Giglio is a perfect stop on a yacht charter in this area of the Tyrrhenian Sea. And perched on the top of Giglio is a medieval walled village that rivals the walled village of Eze, but with far fewer tourists, as this walled village is virtually undiscovered by the rest of the world. Giglio can only be reached by private yacht or ferry, so visit on q yacht charter as one of the few summer visitors to this lovely island.

Castello Giglio

Giglio Castello is the medieval walled city on top of the tallest granite mountain on Giglio. With very few tourists to the island, there are few taxis and the easiest way to visit this medieval gem is to take the bus up the narrow winding road from Giglio Porto, the main harbor. The oldest town on the island, Giglio Castello is still humming with activity while the residents continue to go about their daily activities. The main gate dates to the 1300’s and opens to a town of buildings jumbled on top of one another separated by a maze of alleys and narrow streets. Explore this area by wandering, as getting lost is impossible, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the local eateries inside the walls for a taste of the strong local wine called Ansonco and hearty country Italian food.

Castello Giglio

Giglio is also known for the crystal clear waters surrounding, and long sandy beaches around the perimeter of the island. Diving is also very good along the coast of Giglio with great visibility, underwater caves and ship wrecks from various centuries. And sometimes on a clear day, dolphins and whale calves can be seen frolicking in the surrounding waters. Stop in Giglio for at least a night on your yacht charter of this area to enjoy this island packed with history and water adventures.

Giglio Harbor

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Imperia Italy, Newport, Rhode Island's sister city in yachting in Italy

2010-01-28T14:41:00.004-05:00

Imperia, Italy

With a dual focus on yachting, Newport, Rhode Island and Imperia, Italy are perfect "sister cities". Newport has established "sister cities" throughout the world to exchange social and economic cultures, and Newport and Imperia are a great match as two well known yacht harbors, with a strong history of yachting.

Imperia; Monument to Sailors

Straddling the River Impero, Imperia is tucked into the Italian Ligurian Riviera between San Remo and Portofino, and is a perfect stop in a yacht charter along this coastline. Birthplace of the famous Admiral Andrea Doria from the 15th century, sailing has always been a part of this coastal town. The town of Imperia was created out of two ancient towns by Mussolini in 1923. This merging of two historic cities, one on either side of the River Impero, leaves Imperia with two old city centers, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Of the two old city centers, Porto Maurizio is the more colorful and wealthy area of the city and the main center of yachting.

Imperia Fishing Port

Keeping pace with yachting, the new Porto di Imperia is due to be opened June 2010. This yachting facility will feature 1400 berths, black water pump out, small shipyard facilities, yacht club and helipad. The economy of Imperia subsists on tourism centered around the harbor, with a growing focus on yachting. However also for the visiting yachtsmen, the area is well known for high quality olive oil, and in town there is a small naval history museum. Include Imperia on your next yacht charter along the Ligurian coast of Italy.

Imperia Old City

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Yacht Charter; New England, Summer Sailing to Nantucket

2010-01-27T15:20:00.002-05:00

Nantucket Harbor Houses

Twenty-six miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts lays the tiny island of Nantucket. Just 3.5 miles by 14 miles in size, the crescent-shaped island offers over 100 miles of pristine sandy beaches, all of which are accessible to the public. Nantucket is a natural stop to include in a yacht charter itinerary of southern New England and the islands.

Nantucket Harbor

Originally a booming whaling port, Nantucket has been named a National Historic District and has architecturally changed little since the 19th century, as seaside cottages, large Sea Captain homes, and old-fashioned lamps still line its streets. Whaling was a major industry on this island and financially left an enormous stamp, as both Sea Captains and sailors flocked to Nantucket for the highly dangerous but financially lucrative, (for the lucky), hunt for whales. At the end of the 19th century in increase in size of the whaling ships marked the end of Nantucket as the whaling and financial center, as the ships could no longer access the harbor. The industry soon moved to the larger harbor of nearby New Bedford. With the loss of the whaling business, Nantucket slumped into sleepy island life; building stopped and left the island as is in the lost heyday of the 19th century.

At the harbor front, where the great whaling ships set out on their hazardous journeys to return years later - if at all - pleasure boats now find safe harbor in one of the finest docking facilities in the world.

Downtown Nantuckt

Inland on this idyllic "elbow of sand," the wild moors open to the endless sky, as nearly 40 percent of Nantucket is protected conservation land. Several areas and habitats have natural groups of plants and animals that are now rare to this region and even the world. So cruise into Nantucket and to enjoy this natural beauty and protected land where the springtime blossom of daffodils and forsythia give way to summer’s lush flowerings of roses and hydrangea, and wander the historic streets of downtown Nantucket, peeking into secret gardens and down the alleyways of yesteryear.

Downtown Nantucket

Walk the wide sandy beaches, as beautiful as any in the world. Swim in the still, sparkling waters of Nantucket Sound to the north, or brave the mighty Atlantic along the island’s south shore. Let the pounding surf, and clean, salty air restore you. Take in the boutique shops, and explore the art galleries and museums. Celebrate Nantucket's cultural offerings year-round with theatrical performances, music, art, film, and literature. Sign on for a guided tour of the island or pick up a picnic lunch and rent a bike, a good way of discovering Nantucket for yourself.

Nantucket Beaches

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Summertime cruising in the southern New England islands; The Elizabeth Islands

2010-01-25T16:12:00.005-05:00

Sunset Across the Elizabeth Islands

Stretching southwest from the southern side of Cape Cod across from Woods Hole, the Elizabeth Islands are made up of a series of islands and island groups, with Cuttyhunk the further island on the southern end of the island chain. Flanked on the northern side by Buzzard's Bay and the southern side by Vineyard Sound, the Elizabeth Islands are between the mainland and Martha's Vineyard and are to reckoned with when passing either to the north or south of these islands, as passing to the north requires navigating through the strong current of Wood's Hole, and passing to the south requires navigating around the Sow and Pigs Reef. However another option is to op in for a visit of these islands while on a yacht charter of the southern islands of New England.

The Elizabeth Islands on the Horizon

Of the eight islands or island groups that make up the Elizabeth Islands, all but two are owned by the Forbes families, which are Cuttyhunk and Penikese. The rest of these Forbes family island holdings are private, except for Weepeckets, which can be visited. And yachtsmen are welcome to anchor in the various anchorages of these islands, even if stepping foot ashore is not encouraged. Following are the islands that make up The Elizabeth Islands.

Naushon Island: owned by the Forbes family trust.

Weepeckets: a series of small islands owned by the Forbes family, but open to the public. These islands were used as targets to practice with bombs, rockets, and machine guns from 1941 to 1957.

Pasque Island: owned by a subset of the Forbes family and covered in poison ivy, so rarely visited.

Nashawena Island: is owned by a different subset of the Forbes family and is used for grazing livestock.

Penikese Island: formerly home to a leper colony; today it houses a reform school.

Nonamesset Island is the island nearest the mainland. In the northern end of the island, is the lovely natural anchorage known as Hadley’s Harbor

Uncatena Island lies just northeast of Naushon Island

Cuttyhunk: is a public island with approximately 80 people living there year around and a natural harbor for visiting by yacht.

On the privately owned islands, several of the owning families have established summer compounds, which are tucked away and unknown, even though the size of these compounds makes this group of islands one of the wealthiest set of resort islands in New England.

With the tide between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound rushing through the gaps of land between islands, navigating in this area requires strong skills, but worth the time and effort to visit on yacht charter, as one of the few visitors per year.

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Yacht Charter; Martha's Vineyard

2010-01-21T13:24:00.003-05:00

Martha's Vineyard,Vineyard Haven

Martha's Vineyard is a 100 square mile island off the southern coast of Cape Cod, and is often known simply as "the Vineyard". On a yacht charter out of Newport, Rhode Island, Martha's Vineyard is a popular stop and as the largest island in southern New England, it is not hard to spend several days enjoying all that this quinsentential New England Island has to offer.

Martha's Vineyard Gay Head

This idyllic summer haven was once an important commercial center, with whaling and fishing as the main occupations, in the 18th and early 19th centuries. In the late 1800's the island, with its harbors, beaches, and scenic attractions, developed into a summer resort. It is divided into the towns of Chilmark, Edgartown, Gay Head, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury, and West Tisbury. Much of the island's interior is set aside as a state forest. However it is the coastal towns that the visiting yachtsman can most easily see, simply by sailing into the harbors.

Martha's Vineyard Houses

Wealthy Boston sea captains and traders formerly built large homes on Martha's Vineyard and today the Vineyard has become one of the country's most prominent summer havens, attracting Presidents, politicians, musicians, artists and actors. This makes people think of the island as glitzy, which is not the case. It is, rather, intentionally rustic with T-shirts and flip flops more the norm. The real charm of the island lies not only as a tourist recreation destination but also as an escape from daily concerns enjoying the laconic summer days at the relaxed pace encouraged as an island lifestyle.

Edgartown Lighthouse

Edgartown, the most popular town on the island is a 22 nautical mile sail from Nantucket and a 48 nautical mile sail from Newport, Rhode Island, a popular starting location for a summer cruise of the southern New England Islands, or a yacht charter of the same. The Edgartown Yacht Club sits as a welcoming beacon at the opening of the harbor after the Chappaquiddick ferry landing, and hosts a popular sailing regatta every summer. Named after the young son of King James II of England that died in 1671, Edgartown has been in existence since 1642 with historic buildings clustered along cobbled streets many featuring the famous New England architectural feature of the Widow's Walk.

Edgartown Harbor, Katama Bay

The channel entrance by yacht into Edgartown opens into Katama Bay, which is a large bay with mooring balls and some anchorage for visitors. There is very little dockage, and most yachting visitors use a mooring ball, which can be reserved in advance, and either the ship's tender for shore access or the harbor launch or water taxi service. The south end of Katama Bay has a barrier beach that sometimes connects the neighboring island of Chappaquiddick to Martha's Vineyard. In 2007, a storm blew a hole in the barrier beach disconnecting Chappaquiddick Island from Martha's Vineyard, and causing a 3 knot current to now run through the harbor. Only yachts up to a certain size can actually access Katama Bay. Those larger must anchor outside of the channel entrance into the bay.

The Vineyard is a well known African American resort stemming from a history of racial harmony on the island when black families started vacationing there a century ago. Oak Bluffs is the center of the Vineyard's black culture. The Methodist Church sponsored summer meetings in Oak Bluffs starting in the mid 19th century that became so popular that soon permanent little summer houses were built. These little cottages that number in the 100's are now called Gingerbread Cottages due to the ornate trim work and almost doll like size that many feature. A number are still passed down within the original building family.

Oak Bluffs Gingerbread House

As the largest of the southern New England islands, you may want to cruise from harbor to harbor, visiting the three main towns on Martha's Vineyard of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Vineyard Haven, or tour the island by car or bicycle. Just like the other islands in southern New England, Martha's Vineyard has miles of beaches, blooming wild beach roses and hydrangeas, and for the tourist business, which is very important to the island, many unique and different boutiques offering something for everyone. It is easy to spend several days on or cruising around Martha's Vineyard on a cruise or yacht charter of these southern New England Islands.

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Summertime cruising in the southern New England islands; Cuttyhunk

2010-01-19T15:15:00.004-05:00

Cuttyhunk Natural Harbor

Rarely heard of outside of southern New England, the little island of Cuttyhunk is most easily visited by yacht on a yacht charter cruising the southern New England islands.

Considered one of the Elizabeth Islands, stretching south from Cape Cod, Cuttyhunk is the southern most of the Elizabeth's, and while sparsely inhabited and not well known today, Cuttyhunk has been an important island in the history of New England.

Cuttyhunk Harbor and Dock

English explorers made landfall in Cuttyhunk in 1602, 6 years before Plymouth Plantation was founded on the mainland. In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, exploring the area with his men on board "The Concord", built a fort on Cuttyhunk and stayed for a month, before returning to England. Cuttyhunk was in private ownership for several centuries, owned for two hundred years by the Slocum family. In 1858, the Slocum family sold and the town of Gosnold was established and prospered.

Cuttyhunk Heading to Town

South of Cuttyhunk are the treacherous rocks of the Sow and Pigs Reef, which is a hazard to yachtsmen today; the most notable accident the 1992 grounding of the ocean liner "Queen Elizabeth". The residents of Gosnold in the 1800's created a very lucrative business guiding whaling ships in from the Atlantic to New Bedford through these treacherous waters, guiding at the height of this business as many as 11 ships a day.

However these same treacherous rocks are also an excellent striped bass fishing locations. Many world record striped bass have been pulled from these waters, and today this area remains an excellent striped bass fishing location. In the last half of the 19th century a very upscale fishing club was established on Cuttyhunk by powerful and wealthy men from New York City. From here on, island was buzzing with activity into the early 20th century, with a fireworks display every Fourth of July.

Cuttyhunk Main Street

Cuttyhunk is a mile and a half long and half a mile wide. At the eastern end of the island is an excellent natural harbor, which in the summertime offers safe haven for visiting yachts. There are also mooring balls available at the mouth of the harbor. Half of the island today is set apart as a nature preserve, and home to a wide variety of birds. There are around 80 full time residents which swells to about 400 people during the summer.

Shellfish farming takes place on the southern end of the island and striped bass fishing continues to be a large draw, however the real draw is the peace and quiet offered by this small little island with a natural harbor to easily slip into to enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of this little island.

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Silolona Yacht Charter, Explore the Inside of Indonesia

2010-01-12T13:46:00.004-05:00

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To charter in Indonesia, the yacht must be Indonesian flag. Look around, there are very few, at least very few that are to the international standards of crewed yacht charter that we all expect. Silolona, and a "sistership" that is being built to be launched in July, are the best of the best for crewed yacht charter in Indonesia and this is a charter experience unlike any other and one not to be missed!

Another View of Silolona

In spring, summer and fall, Silolona, 167' Phinisi sailing yacht, and also soon the "sistership" sail the waters of Indonesia. There are thousands of itineraries in this expansive bit of water, each a fascinating area to explore. Following are just a few of the varied areas in Indonesia where Silolona cruises on charter:

Banda Islands: Home of the nutmeg and the Dutch East Indies Trading Company, revisit an exciting bit of history cruising through the Banda Islands in the Banda Sea

Up Close Shot of Nutmeg

Komodo Archipelago: As a mostly a preserved national park, this string of islands are the only known home worldwide of the infamous Komodo Dragon, a 9 foot long lizard considered a possible remnant of Prehistoric times.

Komodo Dragon

East Flores Archipelago: Sailing through slumbering or not so slumbering volcanoes in this beautiful area; visit villages where the women weave the Ikat Textiles and watch how this fascinating textile is woven, picking up a few originals, of course, to bring home right from the source.

Indonesia-Sumba Island villager weaving Ikat Textile

And throughout this area are crystal clear waters with excellent snorkeling and diving, shelling or just long deserted beaches waiting to be explored. Ask about Silolona for your next charter.

Yacht Charter Sardinia; Explore the Costa Smeralda

2010-01-07T15:32:00.003-05:00

Sardinia Private Bay

55 kilometers long, this sliver of elegant coastline is located along the northern end of the island of Sardinia. This is created elegance, as the brainchild of the Aga Khan and a group of investors, this strip of land along the sea has beautiful white beaches, private jet and helicopter access, the urban planned town of Porto Cervo, and stylized landscape with homes built within a preset look, a rather stylized Tuscan look. The Costa Smeralda is a great yacht charter location, including the Maddalena Islands, and the southern coast of Bonifacio.

Sardinia Waters

Sardinia: Porto Cervo

Sardinia: Porto Cervo Marina

Costa Smeralda was "born" in 1961, with the group of developers and well known architects that sculpted this shoreline as a playground for the rich and famous. The luxury hotels of Cala di Volpe, Hotel Romazzino, Hotel Pitrizza, and Cervo Hotel, form a core of luxury living with high level restaurants and bars. It is easy to come in by charter yacht and enjoy a drink at one of these luxury hotels. The created town of Porto Cervo offers outstanding luxury shopping. This is a great walking town, set at the head of a small protected bay with an anchorage and marina. In September the Sardinia Cup Sailing Regatta is held off of this coast centered on Porto Cervo. And for other draws, there is a superb golf course, regular polo games, a film festival, and a vintage car rally.

Emerald Water, Sardinia

However it is really the natural beauty of this coastline that provides the biggest draw. Costa Smeralda means "Emerald Coast" and the crystal clear blue green waters are a testament to this name. The landscape is white rock, greenery, and white beaches all reflected in the sparkling clear waters. There are a myriad of little secluded bays along this coast which offer great anchorages for swimming and a feeling of enjoying this beautiful coast in relaxed privacy. One week may be too little for a yacht charter in this area, but everyone should spend at least a week on charter cruising along the Costa Smeralda.

Sardinia Coast

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Yacht Charter Bequia; The Whaling Island

2010-01-05T13:37:00.004-05:00

Bequia Whale Jaw Bones

Tucked in just under St. Vincent, Bequia is one of the few places left in the world where the citizens are allowed to hunt whales. With permission from the International Whaling Commission, the natives of Bequia can catch up to four Humpback whales per year. As the hunting has to be done in the traditional method of hand held harpoons launched from open sailing boats, this four humpback whale a year limit is rarely met, and in fact some years, no whales are caught at all. However this island has a history and traditions wrapped around a tropical whaling industry, which can be found throughout the island, making Bequia a very interesting stop on your yacht charter itinerary.

Bequia Whaling

Bequia, which is one of 32 islands that make up the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has a long tradition of whaling and building open sailing whaling boats. Whale hunters watch for whales day in and day out. When a whale is sighted, all hands race to the sailboat built for whaling. First rowing out to sea in the open sailing craft, the sail is then set to glide silently up to the whale where a harpoon is thrown into the flank of the whale and the ride commences, with the open sailing skiff towed behind an angry whale while all hold on tight. Once the whale is caught and killed, the whale is towed by motorboat back to Bequia where all of Bequia stops, schools are closed, and everyone converges on the whaling station to help butcher, clean and salt the whale meat and cut away the blubber. Usually an impromto whale meat barbeque is started right on the beach to keep the villagers fortified during the job. Anyone that helps walks away with whale meat.

Bequia Old Whaling Station

Whaling was brought to the island in the late 1800’s, when a local Bequian made his way to New England and onto a whaling boat. 20 years later, he returned with full whaling knowledge and harpoons. The boats were built on the island and whaling became an important part of Bequian economy and food resources. However now whaling is only done by a handful of Bequians. Finding whale meat and rendered blubber on the island is difficult. Especially as the rendered blubber is said to cure all ills and therefore is carefully kept as a prized possession. However the history of whaling on the island is being preserved in the local whaling museum and boat building continues as an important part of Bequian industry.

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Yacht Charter Dominica; Hunting the Mountain Chicken

2009-12-31T12:52:00.004-05:00

Dominica Mountain Chicken
Photo: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

In Dominica, an island located near the French Antilles, to hunt the Mountain Chicken is to hunt a dining delicacy for locals and visitors alike. Officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, this island is just south of Guadeloupe and just north of Martinique. Known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean", Dominica is an island of unspoiled natural beauty. Visiting this island while on a yacht charter between Guadeloupe and Martinique is a must, and while there, perhaps you too could take part in a midnight hunt of the local Mountain Chicken.

The Dominica Mountain Chicken, so called as the leg meat is said "to taste just like chicken", is actually a species of giant frog, the largest of the frog species. The Mountain Chicken or Crapoud found in Dominica has large muscled legs similar in size to chicken wings. One of only two locations to still be a natural habitat for the Mountain Chicken, Dominica once had many of these land loving frogs, which live up in the higher areas of this mountainous island. However the local love of this delicacy and a fungal disease has all but wiped out this giant frog species. So that now, the hunt for the Mountain Chicken is best done to capture photos of the frog, rather than to capture the actual frogs for dinner.

Dominica Waters

The Mountain Chickens live in the underbrush in the rain forests high on the hills in Dominica and are active at night. With careful night hiking through the rain forests, Mountain Chickens may be found hiding under ground foliage. Dazed by light, hunters generally carry a flashlight with them, which when shone into the eyes of the Mountain Frogs dazes them enough to be simply picked up by hand. Locals remember frequent hunts for Mountain Chickens in the hills at night for a dining treat and even to seeing them in bunches for sale in the local markets. However now with the recent decimation of this local frog population, the hunt is still at night, but once found, the frog is dazed by the flash of the camera for a good photo, rather than the light of a flashlight for a good meal.

Dominica is one of the only locations to view this rare species, the largest frog in the world, and nighttime is the best time to see this frog species. So stop for an overnight in Dominica on your yacht charter in this area to stalk the Mountain Chicken for photographs for this rare frog species.

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Yacht Charter Montserrat; The Volcano Eruption

2009-12-28T14:54:00.005-05:00

Soufriere Hills

In July 1995, the volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat rumbled to life after lying dormant for all of recorded history. The island of Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory located in the Leeward Islands, which are part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea and is easily visited by yacht charter on a charter out of Antigua. Montserrat is known as the "Emerald Isle" of the Caribbean, both for the constant green color of the hillsides from a high level of rainfall and the many Irish who settled there over the centuries. However the volcanic eruptions starting in 1995 have changed this island forever.

Montserrat Village destroyed by volcano eruption

Montserrat Volcano

The eruptions, which began in July of 1995, destroyed the Georgian era capital city of Plymouth and almost 2/3rd's of the population of Montserrat were forced to leave the island. The eruptions continue today on a much reduced scale and has affected the docking facilities in Plymouth and the nearby W.H. Bramble airport, which is still closed. An exclusion zone exists from the south side of the island north to parts of the Belham Valley.

Monserrat Home buried by mud in volcano eruption

When visiting now on yacht charter the anchorage of Little Bay is open, depending on the weather, as there is no breakwater. Visitors are no longer allowed into the capitol city of Plymouth. However a great view of the volcano and the hot boulders spewing out of the center can be had from the now opened Montserrat Volcano Observatory where not only is a spectacular view of the volcano available; there is also a museum on the eruptions and island impact. And when touring stop to visit the village of Brades which now is serving as the capitol city, while construction proceeds for a new capitol city in Little Bay on the far northern end of Montserrat and out of range of any further eruptions.

Montserrat Volcano at Night

A new airport, called Gerald’s was opened 8 years after the 1995 eruptions which reconnects Montserrat to the rest of the world by air, however the easiest way for yachtsmen to visit Montserrat is by yacht, as the island is only 30 miles from Nelson’s Dockyard and Falmouth Harbor in Antigua, an easy day sail. And visiting the Montserrat while on charter is one of the few opportunities today to see a volcano in action. Watching the volcano after sunset is even more spectacular. Consider including an overnight stay in Montserrat in your next charter itinerary of the Leeward Islands.

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Antigua Yacht Charter Show 2009: A Review

2009-12-17T15:02:00.004-05:00

Yacht Charter Service

This December marked another industry only yacht charter show in Antigua; the Antigua Yacht Charter Show. This show was the biggest Antigua Show in the last few years, with over 100 yachts. The show was also very busy. Industry members in general felt that the charter marketplace had picked up considerably which is good tidings for the general vacation and travel marketplace. And perhaps is a good omen of an upswing in the economy.

Mega Yacht Top Sun Deck

Yacht Katya

The Antigua Yacht Charter Show was well attended by worldwide Yacht Charter Brokers. And both crewed motor and sailing yachts were on display from 50' to 254' in three areas in English and Falmouth Harbor; Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua Yacht Club, and Falmouth Marina. Lunches and dinners were offered on many of the yachts for a Broker opportunity to sample the Chef's food and service on board.

Eagles Nest for Charter

Highlights of the show were the over 5 yachts there that were over 200', with Samar at 254' the largest in the show. The new 92' catamaran Rafoly was there along with several other large catamarans for review. There were a large number of yachts new to charter, that have crossed the Atlantic for the winter season hopeful of a good busy charter season. We were pleased to see of the sailing yachts: Swallows and Amazons a newly launched 77' CNB sailing yacht, Gadget, refit 64' Hinckley once owned by Walter Cronkite, Inukshuk and 82' Nautor Swan and Liara a 104' Southern Ocean. For the powerboats, we enjoyed Life's Finest II, a 135' Custom, Katya, a very attractive 150' Delta ,and Utopia, 204' Feadship.

J-Boat Ranger for Charter

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Yacht Charter Caribbean; Green Vervet Monkeys of Nevis and St. Kitts

2009-11-25T14:52:00.002-05:00

St. Kitts - Green Vervet Monkey

Some people say that there are more monkeys on St. Kitts than people, and that is probably true of Nevis, for both islands have a population of Green Vervet Monkeys in the tens of thousands. Originally these monkeys were brought to both St. Kitts and Nevis by French plantation owners at the turn of the 17th century as pets for the plantation owners' wives and families. This monkey is also referred to at times as the Old World Monkey as this monkey has been found in ancient Egyptian history and have even been found depicted in the frescos excavated at Arkitori on Santorini in Greece, a settlement dating from 2000 BC. Today, while visiting St. Kitts and Nevis on yacht charter, if you hike up into the mountains you are sure to see signs of these monkeys if not several of the monkeys themselves peering at you inquisitively through the foliage.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts - Sugar Cane Fields

Both St. Kitts and Nevis were important colonial plantation colonies, first growing tobacco and then growing sugar cane for sugar production. And, along with the growth of the plantation life and work style came the increase in slave labor in these islands, with slaves brought to the Caribbean from Africa. The Green Vervet Monkeys, so called due to the greenish cast of their fur, inhabits much of Africa and were brought on these slave ships from Africa to the Islands, where they quickly adapted to the similar weather conditions. First brought in as pets or items of trade, these monkeys, over the years became feral and multiplied in the mountains and rain forests of these two islands to the point of being, sometimes, a pest to agriculture concerns on the islands.

Baby Green Vervet Monkey

Green Vervet Monkeys are vegetarians, and weigh anywhere from 8-18 pounds, standing anywhere from 10-18 inches high. While an actual count is impossible, estimates place the number of Green Vervet Monkeys living on St. Kitts at around 40,000 and the number of these monkeys on Nevis at around 30,000. Nevis offers a Monkey Walk for the interested, however if you hike into the interior on either island, especially at dawn or dusk, you will probably see one, if not several, of these monkeys living wild on the mountainsides of these two Caribbean islands, when visiting while on your Caribbean yacht charter.

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Yacht Charter Caribbean; New Years in St. Barths

2009-11-24T15:18:00.003-05:00

Gustavia, St. Barths

Being in St. Barths for New Years is like being in San Tropez in August along the French Riviera: its the place to see and be seen and a week long social and tropical whirl. And just like San Tropez in August, quite a bit of the action in St. Barths for New Years is all along the docks and on the visiting yachts. These yachts, which are all lined up down the quay stern to, are partially private yachts and partially yachts under charter. As you too, can charter to be on board a yacht in St. Barths to enjoy this New Year's celebration.

Gustavia, St. Barths

While dockage stern to in St. Barths for New Years is not a guarantee, there is plenty of room in the harbor to anchor and come ashore to the quay in the ships' tender. There you can mingle with the other yachtsmen, visit with friends, and make new friends. Of course the quay is not the only party on St. Barths. The more well known establishments like Maya's and Nikki Beach and even at the Le Select, the first bar on the island, made famous by Jimmy Buffet and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" all have a New Year's Eve celebrations in their establishments, and are busy all week. However to see a collection of outstanding yachts all in one place, be sure to be down on the quay in St. Barths on New Year's Eve.

Beach Front Restaurants and Bars

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Yacht Charter Palma; Raining Roses

2009-11-17T15:44:00.003-05:00

Spain, Palma Bar Abaco

Tucked away in Old Town Palma, behind the large brown doors of a centuries old villa, is the bar Abaco, a must stop visit during a yacht charter of the Spanish Balearic Islands. Visiting Abaco is not a bar stop, it is an experience all encased within the walls of a 16th century traditional Spanish manor house. Decorated in the Baroque style, Abaco is a true taste of historic Palma. You should explore every room while there, and see every over the top flower display. And be sure to be there at 12:00 midnight on Friday night, as at midnight, every Friday night, to a loud crescendo of classical music, rose petals cascade down from the cavernous ceiling over the fireplace for a fresh rose petal carpet on the floor. And where else in the world can you see that?

Guest at the Abaco Bar

Of course, entertainment of this sort does not come cheaply. Drinks start at around Euro 12.00, however they are true drinks. Order a vodka and orange juice and a crystal pitcher of fresh squeezed orange juice arrives with the vodka portion beside to self mix to your own potency choice. Wander out onto the terrace garden, filled with blooming plants with a water feature blending the sound of falling water into the classical music playing in the background. So stop by Abaco in the evening, only after 8:00pm, as the bar is not open during the day, knock on the door, and you will be greeted by a white gloved waiter and introduced to your Abaco experience.

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Yacht Charter Sardinia; The Secret Maddalena Islands

2009-11-13T10:38:00.003-05:00

La Maddalena Island Water Colors

Tucked away in the Straits of Bonifacio, is the Maddalena Archipelago, just two kilometers off of the coast of northern Sardinia, also known as the Costa Smeralda. Only accessible by yacht or ferry, the Maddalena Islands are a perfect spot in which to slip into an isolated anchorage to enjoy a bit of time far from the maddening crowds when on yacht charter in Sardinia. Often compared to the British Virgin Islands, the Maddalena Islands are known for their close proximity to one another for easy cruising, crystal clear waters and the many anchorages and coves indenting the coastline of the islands where it is easy to have a beautiful anchorage all to yourself.

Spargi Island

The Maddalena Archipelago is spearheaded by La Maddalena Island, which is surrounded by Budelli, Caprera, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano and Spargi. This group of small granitic rock islands has been inhabited since prehistoric times, most heavily during Roman times, and is most well known for the beauty of the crystal clear waters reflecting off of the granite, which creates intense summer colors evocative of summer dreams. Surrounding many of the islands are pink sand beaches, with boulders of granite balanced in various natural sculptures. Several of the islands are uninhabited and protected as natural habitats, and the island of Caprera is linked to the Italian patriot of independence, Garibaldi, who settled there until his death. His home is now a museum to be enjoyed by visiting yacht charterers. Dotted along the sea bottom around this and other Maddalena Islands are the remains of Roman cargo ships waiting to be explored by amateur underwater archeologists or just the vacationing yacht charter snorkeler.

A week can easily be spent on charter just in the Maddalena Islands, however a great charter would be to include the Maddalena Islands in a charter of the northern coast of Sardinia or the Costa Smeralda and sail between the coast and the various islands in the Maddalena Archipelago. On your charter yacht you will be able to anchor and swim in waters rarely visited since Roman times in this archipelago, taking time for yourself to relax in beautiful surroundings, or pop into the harbor of Porto Cervo in the thick of the Costa Smeralda to hob nob in luxury in this chic spot, before slipping off to the secret coves back in the Maddalena on a yacht charter itinerary that offers the best of both vacation worlds.

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Charter New Zealand; Cruise Marlborough Wine Country

2009-11-12T14:15:00.003-05:00

Marlborough Sound, New Zealand - Mistletoe Bay

On the north end of the southern island in New Zealand are the cruising waters of the Marlborough Sounds, the shores of which are home to a number of excellent New Zealand wineries, producing superb world class boutique wines. Encompassing Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenpuru and Pelorus Sounds, the Marlborough Sounds area of New Zealand is an extensive body of water that floods up river valleys for spectacular scenery of mountainous green fingers of land extending into blue waters. With over 1500 kilometers of coastline along these fingers of land, you could cruise this area of coves and anchorages for weeks of constant new discoveries. And the same local conditions of low rainfall during the summer, lush green hills, and abundant sunshine that make the Marlborough Sounds a lovely cruising area; on shore, make this countryside the perfect grape growing area producing world class premier wines.

Marlborough Sound, New Zealand - Isolated Bay

Marlborough Sound, New Zealand - Small Marina

The spectacular scenery ranges from towering forested mountains to quiet coves and bays. West of the rugged shoreline of D'Urville Island is Tasman Bay lined with golden beaches. This area is home to New Zealand's famous wineries and is New Zealand's largest winemaking region, with about 65 wineries and 290 grape growers, featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Be sure to include tours of several of the wineries in your charter itinerary as you cruise the Marlborough Sounds.

Several of the more famous wineries in the area, with foreign wine exportation of their premium wines, are Cloudy Bay Wineries and Oyster Bay Wineries. Cloudy Bay Wineries established in 1985 are located in Wairua Valley and are named after the bay at the eastern end of the valley, which was named Cloudy Bay by Captain Cook on his voyage through New Zealand in the 1770's.

Marlborough Sound Vineyard - New Zealand

The Marlborough Sounds wineries are best known for their Sauvignon Blanc wines, and the Sauvignon Blanc wines produced at Cloudy Bay are considered by many to be the benchmark against which all Sauvignon Blanc wines are measured. Visit wineries in the Marlborough Sounds for wine tastings, and bring your favorite wines back on board to couple with the famous New Zealand green lipped mussels from the waters in this area, and fresh bread dipped in extra virgin olive oils pressed at the boutique olive groves popping up on the hillsides, doused with local pink sea salt from Lake Grassmere, for an intimate taste of the Marlborough Sounds outstanding culinary and wine offerings.

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Yacht Charter Grenada: Island Spices in the Wind

2009-11-11T11:08:00.004-05:00

Grenada-Spice Island

How do you know you are nearing the island of Grenada at the southern end of the Windward Islands in the Caribbean? You can smell the spices in the wind, for Grenada is truly the Spice Island as one of the leading world producer's of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, allspice, orange and citrus peels and of course, nutmeg. Besides spices, Grenada is also a leading producer of coffee beans and cocoa, however it is the smell of the spices drifting in the trade winds that draw the sailors to the shores of the southern tropical island of Grenada.

Grenada - Spice Plantation

Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmeg in the world after the Banda Islands, once home to the East Indies Trading Company in the 1600's and where nutmeg was first founded. In the 1800's nutmeg seeds were transported to Grenada where the crop flourished with trees over 70 feet tall. The nutmeg tree requires certain soil conditions, conditions which are exactly that of the soil on Grenada, and so nutmeg trees grow in abundance on this island, with their cool leafy canopy providing excellent shade for growing the cocao tree which thrives just under the nutmeg tree canopy.

Nutmeg has been highly prized for centuries, and finding a better route to the Far East in search of the nutmeg was one of the incentives of Columbus to undertake the famous voyages of discovery. Once thought to have many curative powers, nutmeg is now usually found in cookery, and on the island of Grenada, expect the nutmeg to be grated into almost everything including rum punches, sweet and savory sauces, jams, and desserts. In fact a household without several nutmeg nuts and a grater is not a truly Grenadian home.

Grenada - Spice Plantation Building

The nutmeg nut grows as the center of a fruit that resembles a small peach appearing after the tree flowers with small yellow fragrant flowers. Often the fruit peel is used in jams and jellies. The nut itself is in the center and is encased in a thin brown shell with a waxy red overlay called mace. The mace is separated from the brown nut shell, dried and also used as a spice with a stronger flavor than grated nutmeg. Break the brown shell and inside is the nutmeg nut, which is a solid nut and prized. Grating the nut produces fresh nutmeg powder, which has a very different flavor than the powdered nutmeg sold in canisters in the store and everyone should try true grated nutmeg grated fresh from the nut. Don't leave Grenada without your own supply of nutmeg nuts, mace and of course a nutmeg grater to bring home your own bit of the taste and smell of the Caribbean Spice Island of Grenada.

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