Crewed Insider:
Crewed Yacht Of The Month
DISCOVER
Imagine sailing along Belize’s sandy palm studded beaches, while discovering the second-largest barrier reef in the entire world, and experiencing an incredible underwater wonderland.
With tropical beverages and 5-star private cuisine served to you in the comfort of your own private party boat, your all-inclusive sailing charter on DISCOVER – (affectionately know as Disco) will take you to some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking locations anywhere in the world.
This 50 ft. Fountaine Pajot luxury sailing yacht has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 9 charter guests in 5 suites.
With 4 distinct and separate social areas at the bow, aft cockpit, flybridge, and indoor salon, she provides endless dining, lounging, and socializing opportunities for larger groups.
The guest cabins comprise of a primary suite with a queen size bed and en-suite bathroom facilities, 3 cabins with a queen size bed and en-suite bathroom facilities, and a cabin with a single bed and en-suite bathroom facilities. All cabins have their own AC controls along with various lighting options.
Your luxury charter will be managed by a crew of 2 including the captain and will ensure you have a relaxed and enjoyable charter experience with all of your needs catered for while on board.
Discover is the complete package for a dream sailing vacation in the Belize!
Your All-Inclusive Charter on Discover Includes:
9 Guests in 5 Cabins
5 En-suite Bathrooms
Full Air Conditioning
Integrated Entertainment System
12′ Dinghy 15HP Outboard
Snorkeling Gear
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Kayaks
Swim Platform
Sun Deck Trampoline
Decked out with extra sparkly touches, complete with a fun party kit to toast the era (did someone say mimosa Tower?!) and sprinkled with tasteful decor and toys, Disco is the ultimate all-inclusive sailing party boat!
Captain Eric Ortega, a born and bred “San Pedrano” (referring to the residents of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye), was privileged to have grown up on one of the most classic island fishing villages in the world.
During his younger years, he also spent time in the village of “Crooked Tree”, home of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area dubbed one of the best birding sites in Belize.
After his studies, Eric joined his uncle in the tourism industry, learning to captain tour boats for several years before achieving his Divemaster certification, and then his SSI Dive Instructor certification.
Being a lover of the ocean, sailing has become a huge passion for Eric, so combining his tour guiding experience with the ability to sail his guests down the magnificent barrier reef of Belize, to remote islands and unrivaled snorkel spots mean you are in for a trip of a lifetime!
Chef Ellen Nicholas was born and raised in Belize’s quintessential “Go Slow” island of Caye Caulker. Ellen is a gracious island girl and a warm host, first mate, and chef de cuisine.
She has been in the hospitality industry for many years, bringing to the table – quite literally – her passion for gourmet cuisine paired seamlessly with exquisite service. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and she enjoys spoiling her guests with her creative flair and decadent concoctions.
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!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Crewed Charter in British Virgin Islands
VI Sailing Team
“First time booking with a charter broker and the experience was very easy with a good amount of communication.”
Yacht & Crew
”Tara and Matt are an awesome team. Tara welcomed us with her big smile and warm heart and made us feel very welcomed on board. She kept our tummies full with the most delicious food and accommodated all of our dietary requests.
Matt was a wonderful Captain and knew exactly where to take us for kiting, snorkeling or sightseeing. He was always game to take the kids tubing or play a game of cards. We enjoyed every minute of our time with them.
Food was 5 out of 5 on taste, variety and presentation. Tara is a wonderful chef and went above and beyond to fill our tummies with the freshest foods and desserts.
Every morning we woke to a beautiful breakfast of fruit, bacon & pancakes or croissants and gourmet coffee. Lunch and dinner were always wows… from tuna tartar to lamb to sliders to salads, we enjoyed every meal. lemon tarts to white chocolate mousse, her desserts were over the top.
Best crew in the BVIs period!!!! They love what they do and do everything to make your trip memorable, fun and easy! We miss them already.”
– Michael Mahaffy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Crewed Charter in US Virgin Islands
VI Sailing Team
“Very easy working with the broker and vacation planner was very informative.”
Yacht & Crew
5 star all the way. Food was amazing what came out of that small galley.
Crew was very personable. Enjoyed their company at night. But they left us to ourselves when we went ashore or in the evenings after dinner. They never infringed on our personal time but gladly joined in when we asked.
It was amazing. We have been going to St Thomas for 40 years but have never been to Honeymoon beach on Water Island.
We missed the BVIs, but this trip was awesome. I didn’t think we would want to snorkel as much as we did, but there was no complaints.
– Buddy Jones
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Crewed Charter in US Virgin Islands
VI Sailing Team
“Very easy working with the broker and concierge team.”
Yacht & Crew
“Captain Sean and First Mate / Chef Lori were amazing. They were such great hosts. Lori’s vegan food was incredible and she was great to talk and listen to. We loved her sense of humor. We felt very safe with Captain Sean at the helm and loved hearing his stories of the islands.
The food was amazing. This was a duly vegan diet, which can be very challenging. This was Chef Lori’s first vegan charter, but she hit it out of the park!
We know Lori and Sean will host many more guests, but we will remember this trip for the rest of our lives.”
– Eric Wolak
Bareboat Insider:
Horizon Yacht Charters Announces New Bareboat Catamarans and Monohulls For The 2022/23 Season!
Horizon Yacht Charters is excited to announce the following new yachts are joining the Horizon fleet in the BVI this season and include the:
- Jeanneau 349
- Jeanneau 410
- Lagoon 42
- Nautitech Open 44
- Nautitech Fly 46
- Lagoon 46
- Lagoon 50
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349
The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is a comfortable cruiser, perfect for couples and young families. From the very first glance, the Jeanneau 349 captivates with her pure lines, generous interior volume, and spacious cockpit, with walk-through access to the swim platform between her twin-wheel configuration. The 349 is the perfect combination of performance, comfort, and safety at sea. Whether in the cockpit or at the helm, at anchorage or at sea, you will enjoy taking full advantage of this easy-to-handle and rewarding to sail yacht.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410
The brilliant innovation of a walk-around side-deck on this 2023 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 is so simple but so logical, that it is a wonder it has never been done before. The side deck slopes down towards the helm station on each side so that there is no more clambering over thwarts and coamings to get to the side deck – you simply walk around the helm. The aft cabins are not compromised, as the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 carries her beam well aft. The other evolutionary design is that the cockpit coamings are hinged, and folded down to make flat lounging day beds whenever you want.
The design below decks excels, as well. Instead of a V berth double forward, the double is offset, giving a Queen size double to starboard, with an en-suite head and shower on the port side. The two doubles aft, and share a head and shower which is on the starboard side of the saloon. Another stroke of brilliance is that all drawers and cabinets open parallel to the centerline, so nothing flies out when opened underway.
Lagoon 42
The Lagoon 42 catamaran won the best “Boat of the Year” awards from both Cruising World and Sail magazine in 2017. Need we say more?
This 2023 Lagoon 42 catamaran has an open plan saloon and cockpit with a bulkhead helm position on the port side. A beam of just over 25ft and a true LOA of 42ft make her feel very spacious and uncluttered indeed, both above and below decks. Flush deck hatches and handholds in the coach roof make moving around her wide decks easy and safe. The cockpit has a large table, and seating for all the crew and their friends, with a cockpit fridge to keep the drinks cold. There are plenty of areas to relax, underway or at anchor.
Nautitech 44 Open
This 2023 Nautitech 44 Open is the natural evolution of the Nautitech line, a new advanced design that redefines, once again, the standard on bluewater cruising boats.
Featuring a revolutionary interior layout, rigging upgrades for enhanced performance, and a sharp look, the Nautitech 44 Open is on top of its class. The double helm station is an ideal position to have unobstructed views of the sails and the sea, whatever the speed, but also to keep an eye on the crew members in order to sail in complete safety.
A unique living space aboard the 44 Open offers a spacious cockpit connected to the galley that welcomes your guests into a friendly atmosphere during your trip at sea and a forward cockpit designed for lounging thanks to its large sunbathing area, is the ideal place to enjoy a sunset or perfect your tan.
The “Open” concept and offers a 360-degree view of the outside and flows around the new bar area, that separates the salon from the Kitchen.
Nautitech Fly 46
This 2023 Nautitech Fly 46 catamaran is loaded with extras. Watermaker, generator, air conditioning, foredeck lounge area, a cockpit table that converts into a lounge bed… or an alfresco bed! Full coverage bimini for the helm station and bridge deck, with seating for 12 comfortably.
There is an integrated fridge drawer under the helm seat for easy access to cool drinks underway. In the saloon, an 85 L fridge, a 182L fridge, and a 55L freezer, so you can provide for an extended charter. There are 4 electric heads in the hulls with amply sized showers, 4 double cabins, plus 2 singles in the bows, accessed from the deck or the forward cabins. There are Led lights under the bridge deck for watching the tarpon glide by at night.
The Fly 46 has proven immensely popular in charter in the Caribbean, due to her immense outdoor living space; the “open” concept where sliding doors between the cockpit lounge and saloon merge both of them into one large living space.
Lagoon 46
A next step to the perfect liveaboard, this 2023 Lagoon 46 catamaran reinforces the fundamentals that have made their brand what it is today.
The Lagoon has accomplished the perfect balance between the different living spaces. She combines modular cockpits front and aft with a complete cooking area at the back. With its double access, the Flybridge is dedicated both to maneuvering and relaxing. The centered helm station offers protection and visibility. For even more comfort, different solar protections are possible: a folding cabriolet or a rigid Bimini.
The inside embraces a refined, elegant and functional style. The master suite is generous and equipped with an island bed for optimal comfort. The other cabins also adopt impressive volumes, in particular the front cabin where the bed is now as comfortable and spacious as the aft cabins.
Lagoon 50
This 2023 model Lagoon 50 charter catamaran has elegant exterior styling, advanced handling features and a gorgeous interior with rich colors and fine joinery throughout.
The large, open-plan, aft cockpit of the Lagoon 50 features an L-shaped lounge area that is very comfortable for relaxing and provides uninterrupted views of the ocean. In the evening, the cockpit can be transformed into a fabulous dining area, seating a large number of guests for dinner, and a small wet bar with a sink and ice maker is perfectly placed for serving drinks
There is a spacious helm station with a center steering wheel to ensure the best possible visibility on the raised flybridge. A large sundeck is positioned just behind the wheel to allow the helmsman to drive, while enjoying the company of guests relaxing nearby.
The Lagoon 50 catamaran’s large and spacious saloon is truly unique. The well-equipped galley is positioned aft and looks onto the elevated saloon area for a fabulous open-plan living space. The slightly raised lounge with large glazing provides panoramic views that can be enjoyed whether sitting or standing.
Furthermore, the comfortable, deluxe seating area features a clever fold-away table that can be adjusted in height to be suitable as a dining table or coffee table. This creates the perfect dining area.
News & Events:
Belize Sailing Vacations December Flotilla Update
Two cabins are currently available for the December Flotilla with Belize Sailing Vacations!
Join this by-the-cabin charters for six nights on December 10, 2022. Indulge in an all-inclusive sailing vacation along the coast of Belize without the pressure of having to book an entire yacht.
No sailing experience?
No problem! Sit back, relax, and make the most of a fantastic, resort-style getaway island-hopping to a plethora of idyllic cayes.
Or call us at (941) 966-9387
Touch The Sky All-Inclusive Charter Update
Exciting upgrades for the all-inclusive charter yacht, Touch the Sky, are almost complete!
Touch the Sky will have some very exciting changes and upgrades as she gears up for the new season!
She will have a completely new and fresh look, with an innovative paint job and new canvas, a color scheme that reflects the beautiful hues of the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. There are still some finishing touches coming, like a new logo and mermaid graphics to be applied, and when fully completed, Touch the Sky will surely shine among the best charter yachts out there!
Additionally, Touch the Sky is being refitted with a brand-new hydraulic Tenderlift® swim platform. This major upgrade will have a direct and positive impact on your enjoyment of Touch the Sky!
To complement these major changes, additional smaller upgrades are being implemented as well, such as new throw pillows to freshly accent all of the new interior and exterior upholstery of the main salon and fly-bridge.
All of these upgrades and improvements are being made to provide her guests with the best vacation experience possible!
Touch the Sky has also received her BVI Charter License and is fully legal to complete charters in BVI waters for the upcoming season! Charters will still begin and end in the USVI (generally American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook, St Thomas).
This Leopard 58 is the perfect charter yacht and has been purposely designed with the charter guest in mind. Spacious and abundantly apportioned, she hosts up to 10 guests perfectly without ever seeming to feel crowded. And we don’t have to tell you just how amazing the flybridge is!
HOLIDAY CHARTERS AVAILABILITY
We’ve done the homework…
Here are yachts that currently still have availability for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and/or New Years charters!
Please inquire with us to reserve!
Availability is subject to change!
Or call us at (941) 966-9387
Yachting Cocktail Recipe Of The Month
~ MEZCAL PALOMA ~
Looking for a distinctive cocktail that combines the flavors of sweetness, tartness, salt, and smokiness?
The Mezcal Paloma fits the bill.
This cocktail is perfect for any occasion. The sharp lime and fizzy soda water contrasts with the grapefruit juice’s sweetness.
Finish it off with a salt rim and a background smokiness of mezcal, and you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients:
~ 2 ounces mezcal or blanc tequila
~ 3/4 ounces triple sec
~ 3 ounces grapefruit juice freshly squeezed
~ 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
~ Club soda
~ Ice
~ Garnish: grapefruit wedges
Instructions:
1. Add ice to the cocktail shaker.
2. Pour in the mezcal, triple sec, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
4. Add ice to a highball or tumbler cocktail glass.
5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
6. Add a splash of club soda on top.
7. Slice a tiny slit into your grapefruit wedge and add as a garnish.
Optional: If you would like a salt rim, rub the outside of the glass using a wedge of grapefruit. Dip the glass into a shallow bowl or plate with salt on it to rim the glass.
Destination Spotlight
Mallorca, Spain
The Balearic Islands are a premier destination for a sailing vacation because of short passages, many sheltered coves and bays, and uncluttered anchorages which makes it an ideal place to sail.
Mallorca is teeming with charming port towns like Port d’Andratx, Portocolom, and Cala Figuera, each of which has its own distinct attractions and a laid-back way of life. In the lively town of Palma, friendly greetings and quaint Spanish attitudes rule supreme and the most scrumptious Mediterranean meals will treat you to a gourmet experience like no other.
You will be sailing out of Palma de Mallorca, which has one of the biggest marinas in Europe and is the capital of Mallorca. It is a lovely city to explore. Stroll through its winding cobblestone streets, see its great gothic church, and get lost in the many tapas bars, eateries, and cafes that can be found there.
There will be no shortage of things to do and see in Mallorca. The wealthy and famous are no strangers to the well-known harbor town of Andratx. Its dramatic cliffs are dotted with magnificent holiday houses and villas, and the chic, contemporary marina is a fun place to stay overnight.
Es Trenc, a two-mile stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, is one of the nicest beaches in Mallorca and is located in Sa Rapita. The marina is near to the town and offers fantastic views of the southward-facing sea. A tranquil spot to spend the evening.
With its stunning blue-green ocean, wonderful beaches, and location in a lengthy, protected inlet, Porto Cristo has long been a favored stop for yachties. Enjoy the historic ambiance of this genuine fishing community.
Near Mallorca, one of the best-preserved marine habitats on the Spanish coast, is Cabrera National Park, a virtually unspoiled paradise.
Given the abundance of natural beauty and life there, it’s a great place to get away from the neighboring busy ports.
Make the most of your Spain sailing vacation experiences by being immersed in the charismatic culture of Palma and taking time to explore what charterers love most about Mallorca… short passage sailing, crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, historical sites, monumental architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and lively marinas.
Contact us today to help you get started!
