A few years ago, a good friend of mine was a Charter Yacht Broker and asked me to help him create a marketing program for his business. I created a business plan and accompanied him to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to attend the Charter Yacht Brokers Assn. Boat Show. We had 5 days to inspect 200 yachts; (Sail boats, Catamarans and Power Yachts.) We were to judge them on cleanliness, accurate crew resume, condition of water toys, yacht readiness, accurate brochure, crew interview and overall rating. We would also note special services; one Yacht had an elevator that made it possible for wheelchair users to enjoy the cruise. Special diets for diabetics, vegetarians and those who have food allergies are also noted. (After you select a yacht, the Capt. will send you a preference sheet to fill out that covers everything he and first mate need to know to make your charter really spectacular.)

It was early May and we had to take our shoes off before coming aboard and had to come back to many yachts because we couldn’t go aboard while another broker was interviewing the crew. I captured 35mm slides and video. It was not easy. One bright spot was that each night all boats entered a competition to determine which yacht would win the coveted “Caribbean Gourmet Chef of the Year” for entrees, appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. The Captains competed for the title of “Best Blended Drink”. The brokers had the task of tasting everything and determining the winners. It was 5 days of the most beautiful plate presentations, the finest food and the best blended drinks ever. I would have signed up for Jenny Craig and AA but one of the boats had invited us to be their guest for a 5 day cruise...

You know the line, “ It’s a nasty job, but someone’s got to do it!”

The Captain was great. Everything he suggested was Perfect. We sailed to the island of Jost Van Dike and stopped twice to snorkel. On the first stop, a school of Tuna past me like I was stationary. There were two dozen of them, each weighing ten to fifteen pounds. The second dive was a real treat as there was a sandy bottom and I got to see a flounder touch the ocean floor and shake for a second. When the sand cloud settled, the flat fish was covered all but his eyes. He was ready to get his next victim…all but invisible. When I got back to the boat, the first mate was passing among the six passengers handing out drinks. She said, “Here’s your Gin and Tonic! ( How did she know?)

After a delightful lunch, we went ashore and hiked to some historical ruins with stops to several Beach bars along the way. Then back to the boat as the Capt. pulled anchor and we sailed to Virgin Gorda. The scenery around Virgin Gorda is fantastic. House sized boulders formed awe-inspired pools and grottoes. A short hike led us to the top of the island and the ruins of an 18^th century silver mine where we enjoyed a panoramic view of the surrounding islands.

It was just a short sail to Norman Island. Of course, Robert Louis Stevenson called it “Treasure Island.” As we snorkeled into a cave, you could almost hear Long John Silver emit a long,  “Haaaarrrrrr, Matie!”  When we entered Cane Garden Bay, the Skipper put on some Jimmy Buffet tunes. Perfect.

The next day we played with water toys and the following day we donned scuba gear and dove on the HMS Rhone that sunk in 1867 and considered to be one of the best dive wrecks anywhere.  It was a featured background to the movie, “The Deep” starring Louis Gossett and Jacqueline Bissett. It was a wonderful trip and I was hooked.

When my friend decided to retire from the Charter business I jumped at the chance and bought it. Best thing I ever did. By the way, have you ever pictured yourself on a private yacht sipping exotic drinks, enjoying  Five Star gourmet meals and a gorgeous sunset? It’s not just for the rich and famous. I have put a couple on a sailboat for a week for $2,800.  Better yet, I chartered a Catamaran to three couples for $6,200.

Here are three different types of yachts. The Power Yacht will get you there faster, but it drinks like Dean Martin and is much more costly to build and maintain than a sailboat. The sailboat is graceful and extremely quiet. They are romantic and graceful. The Catamaran is stable and some can attain speeds of 30 knots. They are roomy and comfortable.

There are also 3 types of charters. With a “Bare Boat” you must provide proof that you can pilot the boat. You pay for the fuel and food cost, you cook your own meals.

A "Capt. Only" charter is when you add a Capt. to a bare boat. A ”Crewed Charter” is one where all services are included. Some include all Scuba, but most don’t. Several boats have Skippers and First Mates who are either Divemasters or Certified Scuba Instructors. They really know what they are doing. If you start a Scuba class in your home town, you can do your Open Water Certification on board.

Our industry is as follows; There are about 5,000 crewed charter boats worldwide and nearly half are in the Caribbean. During the summer many of the largest Yachts go to the Med. While a number of the smaller yachts travel north to the New England coast, only to return in the fall. All types of boats are available…from 46 ft. to 300ft. There are traditional tall ships with four masts and lots of crew, and sleek, fast Motor Yachts, some even have helicopter pads and Jacuzzis on deck. These larger boats have large crews, with 6 to 8 crew to serve 8 to 12 guests.

However, the largest number of yachts is the smaller yacht from 46 to 72 ft they have but two Crew, the Capt. and the first mate. Most often, these are married couples that have loved the sea all their lives and come from all walks of life. But they all had a common dream. That someday they would have a yacht and travel around the world and settle down in the Caribbean.

I know a lot of these people. They are very bright, fearless, capable and they never underestimate the sea. They are Doctors, Dentists, Professional entertainers, a wine importer (who regularly serves his guests expensive French Reds, a tug boat Capt., Attorneys, a marine biologist, College professors, retired teachers, etc. These people attained their dream and share it with their clients.

They show it in the way they keep their boats and the spirit they give to their clients. Their customer’s write long glowing letters about how great the trip was and sign up for another  trip, They bring the whole family and tell their friends. Many boats are booked a year in advance. IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, PRIVATE YACHT CHARTERS ARE KNOWN AS “THE WORLD'S BEST KEPT SECRET”.

What every your interests; fine foods, marine biology, or underwater photography, chances are, you can find a Capt. and boat specially suited for your personal preferences allowing for a uniquely individualized journey. After only a week, the added benefit that you get is the unusually strong bond people form with the crew. 

I’ve owned boats ever since I was a teen. Some owned me. I lived on a boat for 7 years. My brother was regular Navy and served as Commander of a U.S. Power Squadron. I can tell you that there is a culture about boat owners. They are always there when you need them.

Get them talking about their travels and they can tell you about the history and culture of the East and Western Mediterranean, Alaska, Central America, Fiji, South East Asia,  The Great Barrier Reef, and the Galapagos Islands. Being able to visit another culture can be a life-changing experience.

The Captain seems to always know where you can find a special place to find mementos of your trip. My home is packed with these things. When friends come to visit, their kids love to play with a blow-gun that was given to me when I visited a tribe along the Amazon. Pretty soon we are all trying to hit the target I hung on the opposite wall. Traveling to far off places and meeting other cultures has added much to my life and I am very thankful for the opportunity to share them with you.

The Greeks have been hosts for thousands of years. Their mythology teaches that ancient Gods would disguise themselves as a stranger and test them to determine their resolve. Greek yachts will not serve an evening meal but require you to eat in the villages and drink in the real feeling that is Greece. When I charter a Greek cruise, I ask if there is time to spend 3 days in Delfi and Old Athens where you cannot hear or see cars or the sounds of a city. Greece is not just a place to visit, it’s a space to feel what it was like a thousand years ago and a chartered cruise is the best way to experience the life as the Greeks lived it, on the water.

If I can ever be of service, don’t hesitate to call. See you in the islands.