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Yacht Charter; Visit Washington DC on the Potomac River

admin — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 20:30:21 +0000

Washington DC and Potomac River

Cruise right up the Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay while on a crewed yacht charter along the mid Atlantic coast of the United States and dock right next to many of the “must see” highlights of the nation’s capitol, Washington DC. It is just a 95 mile trip up the Potomac River on a crewed yacht charter to Washington DC and there are several good marinas with dockage in the Tidal Basin, which is located within walking distance of the many block long squares of grass called the National Mall, and the center of many of the city attractions. A cruise up or down the Potomac River on a crewed charter yacht passes right by Mount Vernon the home of the nation’s first President, George Washington, with dockside access on the Potomac River for a stop here as well while on your yacht charter itinerary including the Potomac River and Washington DC along the east coast of the United States.

Mount Vernon on the Potomac

There are so many sights to see while on a crewed yacht charter stop in Washington DC, you may want to stay for several days. The dockage available near the Tidal Basin along the Potomac River is within easy walking distance of many of the highlights to see in the area of the National Mall. Anchoring one end of the National Mall is the United States Capitol, home of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Anchoring the other end of the National Mall is the Lincoln Memorial built to memorialize President Abraham Lincoln. Close to the middle of the mall is the Washington Monument built to memorialize President George Washington and well worth visiting to climb the 897 interior steps to the top for a bird’s eye view of all of Washington DC and the Potomac River.

U.S. Capital Building, Washington DC

Along either side of the National Mall proper are the various buildings that comprise the Smithsonian Museum, one of the top museums in the world, with each building ringed by garden attractions. The buildings making up the Smithsonian Museum house the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Air and Space Museum amongst other buildings located on the National Mall. Also located along the National Mall, but not part of the Smithsonian Museum is the National Gallery of Art.

There are several important war memorials located in the National Mall grounds including the National World War II Memorial, the Korean Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. All can be seen by a strolling through the National Mall area.

The White House, Washington DC

Located close by, and also within walking distance of the National Mall are the Library of Congress, the United States Supreme Court Building, the White House, the National Archives, the National Theatre and Ford’s Theatre. Overlooking the Tidal Basin on the Potomac River and near available dockage is the Jefferson Memorial, positioned directly south of the White House.

There is so much to see and do when stopping in Washington DC on a crewed yacht charter, making this a truly worthwhile stop on any crewed yacht charter itinerary along the mid eastern coast of the United States.

Yacht Charter Exploring the San Blas Islands; Home of the Kuna Indians

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:59:22 +0000

Kuna Indian Beach

Just off of the eastern entrance to the Panama Canal, sit the San Blas Islands, a beautiful archipelago of around 378 islands and bits of land of which only 49 are inhabited. The San Blas Islands are part of an autonomous comarca of Panama called the Kuna Yala established in the 1930’s after a Kuna Indian revolt against the Panamanian Government. The Kuna Indians are the indigenous people to Panama and Columbia and still maintain their culture, traditions, language and unique form of life in their Kuna communities, which is best experienced on a yacht charter cruise through the San Blas Islands. Explore the world of the Kuna Indians and the beauty of the San Blas Islands on your next crewed yacht charter.

San Blas Anchorage

For boarding a crewed yacht charter to cruise through the San Blas Islands, the easiest access is to fly into Panama into Colon and board your crewed charter yacht in the port of Colon. After settling on board, leave for Portobelo, some 20 miles northeast. Discovered and named “Beautiful port” by Columbus, in 1597, Portobelo was chosen by the Spanish as the import export port for the area. As such, for protection, a program of fortifications was begun. Sir Francis Drake attacked and destroyed the fortifications. This attack became Drake’s last stand, as here he lost his life and was buried at sea in a lead casket just outside the bay. Stop for a visit and explore the ruins of the fortifications with canons still poised to shoot to defend.

Coconut Harvesting

After breakfast, head for Punta Macolla and anchor for lunch, which is only a 20 mile cruise. Enjoy a swim before another 35 mile sail to the start of the San Blas islands. Look out for coral while cruising slowly through the narrow passages between reefs, which can easily be seen in the crystal clear shallow waters. Sail through the Eden Channel to Lemon Cays to anchor for the night for great snorkeling.

Ahead, beyond the Lemon Cays is the world of the San Blas Islands and the Kuna Indians. With generally shallow waters, and flat bits of sandy land, the San Blas are a beautiful cruising area with crystal clear water over easily seen and virtually untouched coral and sea formations. When cruising watch the bottom for giant starfish and the odd sea ray. The San Blas Islands are home to all kinds of coral, including fan corals, several types of brain coral, red rope sponges, vase sponges, tube sponges, staghorn coral and huge sea fans. And of course, the waters are home to multicolored tropical fish such as angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish, trumpet fish, yellow snappers, silversides, parrotfish, bluehead wrasses, barracuda, and much more. Near Miriadiadup, located in the West Holandes Cays are vast soft coral “gardens” everywhere.

Coco Banderos

Sail to Green Island, on which is located a Kuna Indian Village. A matriarchal society the Kuna Indians live and work within tribal communities under a tribal government. They subsist through agriculture, hunting and fishing, however also are industrious with a long history of international trade, mainly in coconuts and lobsters. Kuna Indians have a tradition of body painting in various colors and designs. When early Missionaries pushed the culture to wearing clothes, body painting was reproduced in multiple layers of colored cloth sewn together with the original body designs re-created through pierce work and appliqué. These panels, called Molas, were then sewn together and today create a colorful traditional wear for men and woman. The handmade Mola panels are also a hot tourist item and are a lovely textile handicraft to bring home as representative of this unique native Indian culture. Finding Molas for purchase is quite easy as the Kuna women have these readily on display for any visitors.

Kuna Indian Village

Visit the Coco Bandero Cays and enjoy the translucent waters that are almost emerald green. Look out for the traditional “Ulu” boats that sell fresh lobster, and coconut. Before heading back to Colon to disembark, visit Tupsuit Dumat and Tupsuit Pippi, two little islands in the far western corner of the Golfo de San Blas. “Dumat” means big and “pippi” means small. On these two islands are also very traditional Kuna Indians villages for another chance to spend more time with this indigenous people and a chance to purchase more molas. Later that day cruise back to Colon for your final night on board, having spent a great crewed yacht charter exploring the beauty of the San Blas Islands and learning about the Kuna Indian indigenous civilization.

Molas For Sale

Yacht Charter Dominica; Hunting the Mountain Chicken

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

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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Belize Yacht Charter; Sighting the Red Footed Booby

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Red Footed Booby Bird Nesting

About 60 miles off of the coast of Belize, is Lighthouse Reef, with a bit of land called Half Moon Caye, which is one of the few homes in the world of the rare White Red Footed Booby. For any non-ornithologists a Booby is a species of bird. Lighthouse Reef also offers outstanding diving and snorkeling, notably the famous Blue Hole, however ashore on Half Moon Caye, is one of two known nesting spots for the White Red Footed Booby. Take a break between snorkeling or diving trips, and step ashore to follow the nature trail on Half Moon Caye that takes you right up in the trees near these very rare birds; rare because unlike most Red Footed Boobies which are a dull brown, these Boobies on Half Moon Caye are a bright white, which is seen only in one other location in the world on a small island near the island of Tobago.

Red Footed Booby

The western end of Half Moon Caye is the nature reserve home of the Red Footed Booby, watched over by the Belize Audubon Society. Through this densely vegetated area, a nature trail has been built leading to an observation tower. Climbing to the top of the observation tower puts you literally with the over 4000 Red Footed Boobies nesting in the tree tops. As these birds have become comfortable with the occasional visitor at the observation tower, a great opportunity awaits an ornithologist or just the plain curious to spend time at the top of the observation tower and watch the daily lives of these rare birds.

An extra bonus is the frigate bird, long a friend of seafaring explorers as the first bird to be seen off shore signaling land nearby. Frigate birds have also made this area a home and often can be seen engaged in the courtship dance, inflating their throats into bright red balloons to signal their mating interest. As Lighthouse Reef and Half Moon Caye are only accessible by boat, take advantage of being able to see these rare birds on your yacht charter in Belize by making Lighthouse Reef and Half Moon Caye an important stop in your yacht charter itinerary.

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Belize Yacht Charter; Exploring the “Blue Hole”

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Blue Hole, Belize

With three of the world’s know atolls, yacht chartering in Belize offers great coral reef snorkeling and diving, with the most notable dive location being the “Blue Hole”. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, the Blue Hole is no less extraordinary then when Cousteau and his crew explored the depths, and declared this spot one of the “10 Best Scuba Diving Locations in the World” in 1971. This large underwater sinkhole was formed when the roof of an underwater cavern collapsed leaving a circular opening, just under the surface of the ocean over 980′ in diameter. Located in Lighthouse Reef, the Blue Hole is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth visiting while on a yacht charter in Belize.

Snorkeling in Belize

Underwater in Belize

Most yacht charter starts in Belize City, where all international flights arrive, which is 62 miles from Lighthouse Reef. These collapsed cave formations are well known in Belize on the mainland, and in the Yucatan area of Central America and are called Cenotes. The Blue Hole is believed to be the largest discovered Cenote of its kind under water.

Underwater Coral in Belize

Lighthouse Reef should be included in any yacht charter itinerary of Belize and is a unique scuba diving location. Within the crystal clear waters of the Blue Hole, a scuba diver can hope to see many different types of tropical fish, including giant groupers and nurse and reef sharks. And in the surrounding area are a number of locations to dive along the reef. In shallow waters covering parts of the reef is great snorkeling. Lighthouse Reef is also well known, for a collection of shipwrecks that have happened over the centuries along the far eastern side of the reef, some of which are still visible above the waterline. It is certainly easy to spend several days out in the Lighthouse Reef area visiting exploring both the Blue Hole and other areas of this atoll.

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Georgia’s Barrier Islands

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Barrier Islands, Georgia

Sprinkled all along the Georgia coastline are the low lying Georgia Barrier Islands. The full list of these islands is extensive and includes from north to south, Tybee, Wassaw, Ossabaw, St. Catherines, Sapelo, Wolf, Little St. Simons, Sea, St. Simons, Jekyll, Little Cumberland, and Cumberland. Some of these islands are uninhabited jewels of nature, some are great remote get aways, and some hold their own as a resort island of distinction. But what they all do is form the barrier that protects the coast of Georgia in this area and as land masses are continually changing in size, and shape as the powerful forces of winds, ocean currents, waves, storms and tides make their mark. From wild horses to pirates, sea island cotton, gilded age resorts, and miles of beaches, these islands have had their place in history and are a great cruising location to explore and learn today.

Jekyll Island Book Store

Located at the end of a massive ocean funnel, these islands can have a tide change of 6 to 8 feet at a time. With this great a tidal change, these long low islands are constantly changing in size as the tide comes and goes. Beaches uncovered at low tide, can disappear at high tide. And each tide can bring new sea and marine life to the area, and leave shells and other natural debris behind on the long pristine beaches. All of the Barrier Islands of Georgia are public property, although visiting some is more restrictive than others, due to wild and marine life research occurring, as these islands offer perfect locations for study of some of the earth’s most intricate systems. Highlights of some of the islands are as follows:

Sapelo Island at Sunset

Sapelo: Is one of the largest of the Georgia Barrier Islands and is open to the public during daylight hours for beach picnics, swimming and hiking. However Sapelo is also an important island for ecological research and hosts research groups from several institutes for ongoing ecological research. Sapelo has miles of fresh and salt water estuaries, which offer an ecosystem unlike any other in the world.

Wassaw: Is a large natural preserve for numerous species of shorebirds and a nesting location for the threatened Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Again this island is open to the public during daylight hours only for hiking, saltwater fishing, beach use, and wildlife observation.

Jekyll Island Historic District

Jekyll: A very popular resort island during the Gilded Age, still retains an air of quiet style and the sophistication of yesteryear. The village, built of winter homes for Victorian elite is now a National Historic Landmark District with over 33 structures preserved from this time period of high society. In the center of this area is the Club House built as the original structure for this high society resort. On Jekyll Island, visitors could swim, hike, sail, and golf all 12 months of the year. Accessible only by yacht and private club launch the wealthy flocked to this island to winter on land or on their yachts anchored just offshore, with names such as Morgan, Rockerfeller, and Vanderbilt visiting the island. The Club House has been restored into a hotel and many of the homes have been restored and opened for tours. Visit the Club House for a meal and tour the homes for a peak at the upper crust of society from the turn of the century, and their idyllic winter days on Jekyll Island.

St. Simons: Once an active cotton growing island dotted with plantations, now golfing and fishing rule the day. The cotton grown on St. Simons and several other Barrier Islands was high quality known for a long fiber. For many years, this cotton, known as Sea Island Cotton was prized. Unfortunately, a cotton weevil brought an end to the cotton era, although Sea Island Cotton can still be found in some locations today. An active resort island, there are cottages for rent and today St. Simons’ offers a life of relaxation and leisure.

Cruising through these islands is a constantly unfolding panorama. Mixed in with warm water swimming and water sports, saltwater fishing, shelling and sunning, creates an area where it is hard to ask for more.

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Savannah, Georgia; Visit by Charter Yacht

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Armstrong House in Savannah, Georgia

Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Savannah, Georgia is a city steeped in history and the main port on the Savannah River. Agriculture was the mainstay of Georgia for centuries and all was exported out of the port of Savannah. In the 1800′s, Savannah was the busiest port in America. Exported goods started with indigo and silk, but soon switched to cotton, with Sea Island Cotton a specialty. Savannah, through trade, was a wealthy city in the 1700 – 1800′s, which showed in the buildings and lifestyles of its citizens. As a trade city with the importation of exotic goods from around the world, Savannah also became known as a center for culture and high style. Today the southern charm and hospitality of Savannah is internationally known, and Savannah is a “must see” port on a cruise of the south eastern coast of America.

Fort Pulaski

Cruise up the Savannah River to the Savannah Riverfront area backed by the Historic District, which is one of the largest Historic Districts in the United States. Dock in the old merchant and cotton warehouse area along River Street, where these centuries’ old buildings now house a variety of shops, restaurants and hotels, making this a beehive of constant activity for young and old. And, watch while strolling historic River Street as large modern cargo ships slip past the old waterfront as a testimony to time marching on.

If you can, take a walking architectural tour of the fine old homes in Savannah, or just wander the streets to see some of the finest examples of Federalist Architecture in America. The city abounds with history including a Haunted History Tour. Visit Fort Pulaski captured by Union Soldiers during the Civil War and now a National Monument. The capture of Fort Pulaski stopped trade through Savannah and brought this wealthy city to a standstill and locked in time leaving an 18th and 19th century testament in style and architecture to seafaring trade and wealth.

Tybee Island Lighthouse

Tybee Island, just 18 miles east of Savannah, is a long low barrier island with miles of oat grass covered sand dunes. A three mile long beach stretches along the length perfect for sunning, swimming, shelling or a beach picnic. The Tybee Lighthouse was built in 1773 along with a charming light keeper’s cottage. This area of Georgia is easy to enjoy cruising through.

Charleston, South Carolina, Coastal Cruising

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Charleston, S.C

Historic Charleston awaits as a port on a coastal cruise of South Carolina. Rounding Sullivan’s Island, the steeples of the historic downtown churches will peak up over the horizon. Cruise right past The Battery, and into downtown Charleston as sailors have for centuries before, and learn why “Charleston isn’t a city, Charleston is a way of life” that was plucked right from the annals of yesteryear. Cruise into Charleston and wander the streets of this city almost frozen in time in the Antebellum South. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the street life, peak through wrought iron gates at the many historic homes, and sample some of the restaurant cuisine offered in this well known epicurean city.

Settled in 1680, Charles Town was named after the reigning King Charles II, and quickly became a prosperous trading city located on the neck of land separating the Ashley and the Cooper Rivers. As one of the first planned cities in America, the area was laid out in orderly squares. At the end of the Revolutionary War, Charles Town was renamed Charleston, and entered into an era of cultural growth and prosperity. South Carolina was an agricultural based economy with plantations spread across the state accessed by the various rivers. The agricultural goods from these plantations were shipped down the rivers to Charleston and from there around the world. Charleston soon became a wealthy city, and it was not unusual for the plantation owners to have a plantation house on a river and also a town house in Charleston for market days. Beautiful southern colonial homes and town houses were built for the prosperous, with the prime location being The Battery, facing out to sea. Historic Charleston quickly expanded as block after block of colonial buildings, multi tiered with porches for cool breezes, and many with the end facade facing the street for a lower street front tax payment, were built creating a unique Charleston style.

It is easy to spend a day or so exploring the streets of Historic Charleston, visiting the houses that are open as museums, and peaking into the many secret gardens tucked away in the back. This is an area known for artisan shops and shops of the unique and interesting as well as an area known for good antiquing. And throughout this area are sidewalk cafes or restaurants tucked into historic buildings offering various gourmet tastes for the adventurous palate. And of course, be sure to visit historic Fort Sumter, where the “shot was heard ’round the world”, which is now a National Monument, overseen and operated for tours by the National Park Service.

The coastal area around Charleston is also a lovely cruising area to explore. Glide past shores lined with antebellum mansions and live oaks dripping with Spanish Moss, while dolphins and sea otters play in the warm South Carolinian waters around you. Visit remote North Island and wander the beach shelling for giant whelks. Cruise by the “Harvest Moon”, a Yankee Civil War ship wrecked off of Battery White and enjoy this warm southern coastal area great for cruising.

Harbor in Charleston, S.C

Molas; Fabric Artistry of the Kuna Indians in the San Blas Islands

admin — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Visit the Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters Website

San Blas Anchorage

A relatively small group of over 300 islands and bits of land at the eastern entrance to the Panama Canal, the San Blas Islands are lived on and governed by the Kuna Indians, an indigenous people that have made these islands their home for centuries. Specific to this culture are the making of Molas, multi pieces of various colored fabrics sewn together with a pattern created by piercing through the various layers to different degrees, and then completed by intricate needlework.

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Molas For Sale

Molas Market and the Kuna Indian Village

The tradition of the Mola is believed to have originated with the Kuna Indians and is descendent from a form of body painting with natural dyes in geometric patterns. As cloth became available to this culture around 170 years ago, the body painting transformed into cloth panels decorated in these same patterns, which are then formed into clothing. Molas are handmade individual cloth panels using a reverse applique technique. From two to seven layers of different colored cloth are sewn together, with the pattern revealed by cutting parts of each layer away. These panels are then sewn together to make shirts and skirts. When a woman tires of the shirt or skirt, the panels are disassembled and sold as individual panels. The panels might show some wear or stitching marks from garment construction, however this actually adds value to the Mola as the panel is considered to have been made for authentic use.

Kuna Indian Beach

Molas can only be found for purchase in the San Blas Islands, which are a very interesting and off the beaten track yacht charter location. Here warm tropical waters and breezes mix with a unique culture, which is most easily experienced by cruising through these islands on a crewed yacht charter.

San Blas Banana Plantation and the San Blas Coconut Harvesting