Crewed Insider:
Crewed Yacht Of The Month
AZURIA
Azuria is a luxurious 50′ sailing catamaran located in the British Virgin Islands that can host up to 6 guests. It boasts the latest features and modern conveniences, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and relaxing getaway.
The vessel has three queen cabins, each with its own private bathroom. The primary cabin is especially spacious, featuring a sofa lounge area as well as an en-suite head with electric toilet and separate shower stall. Additionally, all of the cabins have individually controlled air conditioning units so you and your guests can enjoy your stay in comfort no matter what time of day or night it may be outside.
The interior of Azuria has been tastefully designed to provide quality amenities while ensuring maximum comfort throughout your stay on board this beautiful vessel. From plush furniture to alfresco dining options on deck – you won’t find any shortage of ways to relax here! There’s plenty of room for lounging around or sunbathing if you choose not to take advantage of all that nature has to offer just a few steps away, such as snorkeling and other water activities too!
Azuria offers everything one could want from a luxury sailing holiday – modern comforts combined with elegant interiors make this BVI gem a truly special place where you can escape everyday life without having to worry about anything but enjoying yourself! Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or family vacation – there’s something here everyone will love about spending time aboard this magnificent catamaran!
Azuria is the complete package for a dream sailing vacation in the BVI!
Your All-Inclusive Charter on Azuria Includes:
6 Guests in 3 Cabins
3 En-suite Bathrooms
Full Air Conditioning
Onboard WIFI
13′ Dinghy 50HP Outboard
Snorkeling Gear
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Kayaks
Water Skis
Wake Boards
Knee Board
Floating Mats
Tubes
Captain Luke and Chef Kristen are dedicated to providing their charter guests with the ultimate vacation experience.
Every trip aboard luxury crewed catamaran Azuria is tailor-made to suit the individual needs of each guest, ensuring that they have a truly unforgettable holiday. Whether it’s exploring the exotic beauty of the British Virgin Islands or enjoying sumptuous cuisine from around the globe, Luke and Kristen strive to make every voyage an unforgettable one.
The pair also place great emphasis on quality and personal service during each charter; they understand that these two elements are essential in creating a memorable yachting experience for their guests. From pampered indulgence trips for families through to voyages of discovery, Luke and Kristen ensure that you receive nothing less than breathtaking experiences when sailing with them on board Azuria.
It is clear why so many people choose Azuria as their destination when looking for luxurious yacht charters – because Luke and Kristen go above and beyond expectations in order guarantee satisfaction from start finish! They truly provide some of most remarkable sailing vacations available today!
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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Crewed Charter in US Virgin Islands
VI Sailing Team
“Very good communication. It made picking a boat the first time easy. Lots of boat choices to pick from!”
Yacht & Crew
”Ryan and first mate Steph were the best. They made us feel special and pampered.
Everything was made from scratch and the menu was different every day. Steph was an amazing cook!
First rate crew. They were so much fun! They took us to one of kind spots that we’ve never been to and excellent restaurants.
They helped arrange a band on the boat for a birthday celebration that turned into a “block party “ on the bay. Would definitely hire again.”
– Bob Weber
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All-Inclusive Charter in the BVI’s
VI Sailing Team
“Very easy working with our broker and the concierge team. Very good communication.”
Yacht & Crew
“Rob, Bex, and Dani were AMAZING. They catered to our every need in a prompt and delightful manner. They were informative and friendly and went out of their way to make our vacation exceptional.
Our crew was personable and helpful and really made our charter. They made us feel like family and we were all really sad to leave them.
The food was EXCEPTIONAL. You could tell that Rob and Bex take pride in their cooking and their presentation. Every meal was well balanced and perfectly prepared. There was a variety of dishes and we looked forward to every meal.
Dani also took pride in setting a beautiful table for every meal. Furthermore, Rob and Bex seemed to know exactly when we would need a snack and had it prepared and waiting for us. We enjoyed every single meal and the food exceeded our expectations.
We can’t say enough great things about our crew. They were delightful in every way. They met our every need and did so with a great attitude.
Bex planned scuba diving trips, taxis, dinner reservations – whatever we needed. She made our trip effortless. And Rob was also a great snorkeling guide!! Truly, this crew made our trip.”
– Kai Stratmann
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Crewed Charter in the BVI’s
VI Sailing Team
“Ellen and the team were extremely easy to work with and helped us find the perfect catamaran for our vacation!”
Yacht & Crew
“Luke and Kristen were the best captain and chef, very friendly, helpful, and set up all our dinners and excursions with ease. Kristen is a super talented chef, the food was plated professionally and tasted amazing. Excellent menu, the food was delicious! Perfect itinerary, we loved every excursion and mooring spot. We loved every minute, such a wonderful time!“
– Nicholas Bowden
Bareboat Insider:
Making the Most of Your Bareboat Yacht Charter Vacation – Sleep Aboard or Stay in a Hotel?
Planning a bareboat yacht charter vacation is an exciting experience, and our experts are ready to assist with the logistics. One of the logistics to consider is where you will stay your first night. Since traveling to your destination typically takes the majority of the day, the soonest you can begin sailing is the next day. You have a choice to make for your first night – will you sleep aboard the yacht at the marina or stay in a hotel?
Sleeping aboard your bareboat charter allows you to board the yacht in the evening between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, giving you a head start on your charter and generally allowing you to depart between 10:00 am – 11:00 am the next day, after your chart briefing and boat orientation.
This option gets you on the water sooner, but it’s not always less expensive than a hotel. Sleep aboard prices vary greatly depending on which charter company you choose. Some companies charge $75 per passenger while others charge 50% or 65% of your total daily rate for this service – our experts can assist you in shopping around before booking your charter!
Overall, sleeping aboard gives you more freedom when planning out your itinerary. Staying in a hotel may provide additional comfort that some people will prefer over sleeping onboard boats overnight. Weighing these pros and cons will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly from start-to-finish!
Here are some reasons why you may want to choose the sleep aboard option for a bareboat charter:
Convenience: Sleeping aboard a bareboat charter allows you to board the yacht in the evening, settle in, and be ready to depart the marina early the next morning. This eliminates the need for additional travel and can save you time.
Cost savings: Depending on the charter company and location, sleeping aboard can be a more cost-effective option than paying for a hotel room for the night.
Familiarization: Sleeping aboard the yacht before your charter begins can give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the vessel and its systems, making your charter experience more enjoyable.
Early departure: By sleeping aboard, you can depart the marina earlier in the morning which can give you more time to explore your destination and make the most of your charter.
Privacy and seclusion: Being on a yacht in a marina spot can provide an experience of privacy and seclusion for those who are looking for an escape from the busy daily life and to enjoy the surroundings.
While sleeping onboard can be an exciting and unique experience, it also has its drawbacks – particularly during the summer months when marinas can become hot and humid. Many charter yachts are equipped with air conditioning, but should you charter a yacht without A/C during the summer you may wish to stay in a hotel near the marina instead of sleeping aboard the yacht.
During the low season (summer-fall) room prices typically start from around $90 per night, while during the high season (winter-spring) prices usually start from around $200 per night.
For the majority of bareboat charters, we recommend a sleep aboard for convenience and a quicker start to your charter! At the end of the day though, you will decide which option best suits your needs for your holiday, but know that we are here to walk you through it!
News & Events:
Celebrating the Iconic British Virgin Islands: USA Today Announces 10Best Awards for 2023
USA TODAY 10Best recently announced the winners of its annual Caribbean Readers’ Choice Awards and some iconic spots in the BVI were included. Soggy Dollar Bar was named Best Caribbean Beach Bar with Hendo’s Hideout also making it onto the list. The Baths National Park was recognized as one of the best Caribbean Attractions and Callwood Rum Distillery took home an award for being one of the best Caribbean Rum Distilleries for 2023.
This is a great accomplishment, especially since these awards are voted on by readers! Every year, USA TODAY puts together a panel of travel experts who select twenty nominees in categories such as food, lodging, destinations and other travel related topics. Then it’s up to readers to vote on their top 10 favorites from each category and determine who makes this prestigious list!
Soggy Dollar Bar has been voted the top Caribbean beach bar. Located on the spectacular White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke island, Soggy Dollar Bar is known for its lively atmosphere and signature drink – the painkiller.
Hendo’s Hideout also located at White Bay placed fourth in the Best Caribbean Beach Bars category.
Also receiving USA TODAY 10Best accolades were The Baths National Park, (eighth among Best Caribbean Attractions) and Callwood Rum Distillery (eighth among Best Caribbean Rum Distilleries).
The BVI was also included in the 2022 Condé Nast’s Hot List, as well as Architectural Digest’s list of top places to visit.
If you’re looking for a great place to spend your vacation – look no further than the beautiful British Virgin Islands! With stunning beaches like White Bay Beach, where you can find both the Soggy Dollar Bar and Hendo’s Hideout, along with the many other attractions in the BVI such as The Baths National Park or Callwood Rum Distillery – there is something here for everyone!
Or call us at (941) 966-9387
Crewed Yacht Charter Or Captain Only Yacht Charter?
Trying to decide between an All-Inclusive Crewed yacht charter or a Captain Only charter?
Both offer unique experiences that can be tailored to your group. With either option, you get to enjoy customized itineraries that give you complete flexibility and freedom.
Spend as much time out on the water as you want – sailing, swimming and snorkeling – before island hopping to local bars in the evening. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own adventure with one of these charters!
See our recent blog post to help you decide which one is right for you!
Yachting Cocktail Recipe Of The Month
~ SEA BREEZE ~
For the perfect summer refresher, nothing beats a Sea Breeze cocktail. This classic drink is made with vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, making it a tart and tangy mix of sweet and sour.
A great addition to any sailing vacation, this cocktail is easy to make and looks as good as it tastes. Try this easy-to-follow recipe and you’ll be enjoying a Sea Breeze in no time!
Ingredients:
~ 1.5 ounces of vodka
~ 2 ounces of cranberry juice
~ 2 ounces of grapefruit juice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add 1.5 oz of vodka.
3. Top with 2 oz of cranberry juice and 2 oz of grapefruit juice.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Enjoy!
Destination Spotlight
Placencia, Belize
Are you ready for an “Unbelizable” Adventure of a Lifetime?
If so, Belize is home to…
~ the world’s second-largest coral reef
~ offers breathtaking views
~ white sand beaches
~ and pristine rainforests.
Sailboat captains love its temperate climate with year-round trade winds that make it ideal for line-of-sight sailing.
Bareboat charters depart from the Placencia Marina, which is also the only marina in Belize big enough for superyachts. So, you will be seeing some of the most extravagant yachts anywhere!
During your charter you will discover that there are many exciting activities to choose from as you sail the open waters. Check out Cucumber Beach Marina at the Old Belize complex where there are plenty of attractions like train rides, ziplines, and water slides that are sure to keep everyone entertained.
Dive into the Unesco protected Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System in Turneffe Atoll where you can find a colorful selection of coral species along with turtles, dolphins and a variety of colorful fish. Then head over to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll to experience The Blue Hole Natural Monument – one of Jacques Cousteau’s favorite spots!
Another perfect place to spend your day in Belize is The Northside Beach Club on Caye Caulker. This beach-party destination offers an array of activities and amenities that will make your visit unforgettable. Enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun, playing beach games, or listening to music while snacking on some delicious jerk-shrimp tacos. You can even take part in lively conversations with other travelers as you share stories from your recent travels!
For those who prefer something more serene you may want to anchor off South Water Caye which boasts one of Belize’s most beautiful views with its barrier reef just steps away from pristine beaches ideal for snorkeling or simply admiring nature’s beauty at its finest!
Before or after your charter be sure to go on a ruins excursion. There are the two most visited Maya ruins, Xonaantunich and Cahal Pech, that can be explored in the western part of the country and are a day trip from the marina. There are also two other Maya ruins, Nimli Punit and Lubantun, which can be found in the south. There is a day trip to these ruins that returns to the marina between 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
And the Monkey River tour is not to be missed while in Belize, either on your first or last day on board your yacht. Make a stop at No Name Point, about two miles north of Monkey River. This anchorage is in a lagoon, with excellent protection from any wind, the small island in the anchorage area is a nesting home to herons, frigate birds and ospreys.
The guide picks you up from the yacht and takes you on the tour, where you will see interesting flora and fauna – black howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds, river turtles, and bats. Part of the tour includes a walk into the jungle and ends with a tour of Monkey River village and local lunch in the village. There are a few tour companies to choose from – one option is: Monkey River Eco-Tours.
Belize it or not! There is something for everyone: from nature lovers looking to explore its rich wildlife or adventurers wanting an unforgettable experience on land or sea – this Central American gem won’t disappoint! So come sail away in paradise today by visiting beautiful Belize!
Contact us today to help you get started!
