Crewed Insider:
Crewed Yacht Of The Month
VIENNA
Vienna is the latest addition to the 2023 luxury crewed yacht charter fleet in the British Virgin Islands. As the first Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 Catamaran in the region, this yacht boasts the latest and most innovative catamaran design by the Beret Racoupeau design group and is expertly crafted by the renowned Fountaine Pajot.
This five-star yacht offers an intimate and luxurious sailing experience, allowing you to admire the beautiful seascapes throughout your journey. Its contemporary French design and comfortable spaces, including over 3000 sq. ft of living space across three levels, make it the perfect place to unwind and relax. With four en-suite staterooms that can accommodate up to eight guests, each equipped with TV, stereo, and air conditioning, Vienna offers a truly lavish experience.
The saloon is exquisitely designed, featuring a center island that divides the galley from the dining area. The space also boasts a lounge seat and chaise longue, providing the perfect spot for reading or enjoying a morning coffee. The saloon opens up seamlessly to the cockpit, which can accommodate up to fifteen people for al fresco dining. Heading up a few steps to the helm position leads to the large lounge area on the bridge deck, where you can enjoy the stunning tropical scenery with a cocktail or coffee in hand.
At the back of the yacht, the wide transom steps and ladders provide easy access to the Caribbean waters, while the ‘tender lift’ platform doubles as storage for the dinghy and a submersible dive and swim platform when lowered. Forward of the yacht, the expansive side decks offer access to the foredeck seating area and bow trampolines, providing a great spot to relax and enjoy time with friends or immerse yourself in a good book.
Vienna is an exceptional yacht that offers everything you need for a luxurious and unforgettable sailing experience in the British Virgin Islands. Experience the ultimate in luxury and comfort on board the Vienna, and make some unforgettable vacation memories!
Vienna is the complete package for a dream sailing vacation in the BVI!
Your All-Inclusive Charter on Vienna Includes:
8 Guests in 4 Cabins
4 En-suite Bathrooms
Full Air Conditioning
Onboard WIFI
Highfield Sport 360 11 Dinghy 40HP Outboard
Snorkeling Gear
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Kayaks
Water Skis
2 Foldable Bicycles
Wake Board
Floating Mats
Tubes
Underwater Lighting
Upgraded Bose Sound System
Meet the Crew of Vienna:
Captain Valentina Vela and Chef Simone Seri, both born and raised in Rome, are the Italian duo bringing their passion and expertise to the crew of Vienna.
After meeting while working in a digital marketing agency and gaining experience in various large multinational firms in Ireland, Valentina and Simone decided to pursue their love of the sea and began working in the yachting industry.
Captain Valentina has been sailing since she was just 9 years old and is an RYA Sailing Instructor with over 15 years of experience in the yachting industry. With her extensive knowledge and passion for sailing, she’s the perfect person to show guests the ropes and introduce them to the joys of sailing.
Chef Simone shares his passion for food with guests, having developed his culinary skills from an early age by helping his grandmother cook. He has worked on multiple yachts across the Mediterranean and has traveled to various countries, discovering new flavors and techniques along the way.
Fun Times On The Water!
Want the opportunity to be featured in an upcoming edition of the VI Sailing Insider…
…Send us your pictures/videos when you submit your charter review!
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BVI All-Inclusive Charter
VI Sailing Team
“Very easy working with the Broker and Concierge Team. The trip was complicated somewhat because of the need for water taxi and coming in a night early. It was handled very smoothly.”
Charter Company
This was an exceptional captain and chef/mate combo. Highest recommendations!
Food was amazing. We had a really great trip. Would easily repeat sailing with these guys!
– Doug Barron
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USVI All-Inclusive Charter
VI Sailing Team
“First time booking with a charter broker. Experience was very easy. Vacation planner was informative and easy to understand.”
Yacht & Crew
“The boat was great.
Brian was awesome. Very knowledgeable and attentive. Very personable and helpful. A great job in accommodating everything.
We enjoyed each area we got to explore.”
–Keith Rogers
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USVI Crewed Charter
VI Sailing Team
“Emily Mack was very easy to work with and always replied in a timely manner to emails. She answers all questions and provided helpful information about our specific trip.”
Yacht & Crew
All was great…enough seating for our groups of 6 and plenty of sunbathing space on the boat.
Extremely friendly and accommodating. Captain Sean was excellent.
Captain Sean went above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. He was extremely knowledgeable about sailing.
– Missy Pinola
Bareboat Insider:
Reserving Mooring Balls in the British Virgin Islands: Why It Matters
Are you looking for an exciting way to explore the British Virgin Islands? Boating is the best way to explore the BVI and experience the beauty and adventure of this tropical paradise. From snorkeling in crystal clear waters, exploring hidden coves, and spotting vibrant marine life – there’s something for everyone on board.
To ensure your boating experience is safe and secure, it’s important that you reserve mooring balls before setting sail. Mooring balls are permanent fixtures located throughout designated areas of the BVI, which provide a safe anchor point for yachts. Each ball has its own unique identification number so make sure to check beforehand when reserving one online or through local marinas or charter companies.
There are some anchorages that allow mooring reservations the same day (starting at 7:00 am) with a small up-charge. This can be done using an app called BoatyBall. To get the best use of this app, we recommend downloading and setting up your account before your vacation.
The other moorings are first come, first serve – the cost is typically $30/night, paid in cash. You should plan to arrive at your overnight location by 3:00 – 3:30 pm during the higher seasons and 4:00 – 4:30 pm during the slower seasons. Reservations are not as crucial in the mud and low season, although a reservation will still offer you peace of mind. Once you hook-up to an available mooring, someone will approach your yacht in a dinghy to collect payment and give you a receipt.
Not only do mooring balls help keep our oceans clean by reducing anchoring damage but they also support conservation efforts in the BVI as all fees collected from their use goes towards protecting the precious marine ecosystem.
And it also helps reduce stress when trying to find a spot for your boat in crowded areas…
That’s why BoatyBall is such an awesome tool!
BoatyBall is a web-based application that allows you to reserve mooring balls and plan your trips ahead of time with real-time availability and pricing information. Plus, you can get updates on weather conditions and local attractions so you know what kind of fun activities are available nearby.
Reserving a mooring ball and using the BoatyBall app is an essential step when it comes to responsible boating. The BoatyBall app makes it easy to reserve your mooring spot quickly and conveniently and by reserving your moorings with this app, not only are you helping protect the marine environment but also reducing impact on coral reefs from anchoring – which means more enjoyable and stress-free experience for all of us who love spending time out at sea!
Let’s do our part as good stewards of nature by taking advantage of what Boatyball has to offer. So, if you’re planning a trip out on the water soon, make sure to check out BoatyBall first – it’s an essential resource for any boater exploring the BVI.
And don’t forget: book your moorings early so that you can enjoy a fun-filled day out at sea without any worries!
News & Events:
Sailing St. John, USVI – America’s Caribbean Paradise
Are you dreaming of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees?
Look no further than St. John, USVI! Our latest blog post offers everything you need to know to plan the ultimate sailing trip and takes you on a journey through America’s Caribbean paradise, from its stunning beaches and lush forests to its vibrant towns and historic sites.
Learn about the island’s rich history, explore its natural wonders, and discover the top activities and attractions that St. John has to offer.
Whether you’re an avid sailor or just looking for a relaxing vacation in the sun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this island paradise. Set sail to paradise and discover the magic of St. John, USVI today!
Yachting Cocktail Recipe Of The Month
~ CAIPIRINHA ~
As you set sail on your yacht charter adventure, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the flavors of Brazil with a classic Caipirinha cocktail.
Made with cachaça, fresh lime, and just the right amount of sweetness, this refreshing drink will transport you to the tropical beaches and vibrant culture of South America.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the taste of paradise with every sip of this deliciously exotic cocktail.
Ingredients:
~ 2 oz cachaça (Brazilian rum)
~ 1/2 lime cut into wedges
~ 1 tbsp granulated sugar
~ Ice cubes
~ Lime wheel for garnish
Now that you have all your ingredients ready let’s get started!
Instructions:
1. In a rocks glass, muddle the lime wedges and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved and the lime releases its juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour the cachaça over the ice and stir well.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
Note: Some people prefer to use a cocktail shaker to shake the ingredients together before pouring over ice, but traditionally, Caipirinhas are stirred directly in the glass. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste.
Enjoy!
Destination Spotlight
The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are one of Greece’s best-kept secrets when it comes to sailing destinations. Nestled off the country’s western coast, this group of islands boasts calm waters, picturesque towns, and some of the most stunning scenery in the Mediterranean.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time adventurer, the Ionian Islands offer an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to explore Greece’s natural beauty from the sea.
In this month’s destination spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Ionian Islands such a top sailing destination, and provide some tips and recommendations for planning your own sailing vacation in this breathtaking part of the world.
The Ionian Islands are a group of seven main islands located off the western coast of Greece, in the Ionian Sea. The islands are known for their lush greenery, sparkling turquoise waters, and charming traditional villages. Each island in the group has its own unique culture and character, with plenty to discover both on land and at sea. Some of the most popular islands to visit include Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Corfu.
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is famous for its stunning beaches, while Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and offers a mix of rugged coastlines and mountainous terrain.
Corfu, the northernmost island in the group, is a popular tourist destination known for its Venetian architecture and cosmopolitan vibe.
The Ionian Sea is also known for its calm waters, making it an ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts of all levels. The sea breeze and mild currents provide comfortable sailing conditions, while the varied landscape of the Ionian Islands offers plenty of opportunities for adventure.
There are also many lesser-known islands and hidden bays to explore. One popular sailing route is from Corfu down to the southern island of Paxos, taking in the stunning Blue Caves along the way.
Along the way, you can enjoy exploring charming fishing villages, trying local cuisine in traditional tavernas, and relaxing on secluded beaches accessible only by boat. Snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters are also popular activities.
One of the unique experiences of sailing in the Ionian Islands is the opportunity to visit historic landmarks and ancient ruins, such as the Venetian fortresses in Corfu or the archaeological sites on Kefalonia.
The Ionian Islands are steeped in history, and sailing allows you to discover their rich cultural heritage in a unique and immersive way. Overall, a sailing vacation in the Ionian Islands offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Greece from a different perspective.
The Ionian Islands are a truly magical sailing destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, the calm waters and diverse landscapes of this stunning region are sure to enchant you. From exploring hidden coves and beaches to indulging in delicious local cuisine and discovering the rich cultural heritage of the islands, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had.
With a little preparation, you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. We hope this destination spotlight has inspired you to consider the Ionian Islands for your next sailing adventure. Get ready to set sail and discover the beauty of Greece from a whole new perspective!
Contact us today to help you get started!
