RECIPE: Tipsy Caribbean Cruzan Chocolate Chip & Pumpkin Cake, by s/v THREE MOONS

This looks really good and just perfect for our new stovetop oven...

Tipsy Caribbean Cruzan Chocolate Chip & Pumpkin Cake

Chef Shelly Tucker, charter yacht Three Moons

• 1 pkg. (18.25 ounces) plain yellow cake mix
• 1 can (15oz) pumpkin pie filling
• 1/4 cup Cruzan Blackstrap Molasses Rum
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. almond flavoring
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. allspice
• 1/4 tsp. cloves
• 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

1. Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist a 12-cup Bundt pan with vegetable oil spray, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pan aside.
    
2. Place the cake mix, pumpkin, rum, eggs, flavoring, spices and baking soda in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping the sides down again if needed. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
    
3. Bake until lightly browned about 42-50 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Carefully pour the warm glaze (see below) over the cake while it's hot.
    
4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better it gets!
    

GLAZE: Mix together and microwave at 1 minute intervals until very warm: 1/4 cup Cruzan Blackstrap Molasses Rum, 1/8 cup granulated sugar, 2 TBS. butter and 1 TBS. semisweet chocolate chips.

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Charter Yacht Three Moons - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

Three Moons is an owner-operated, 72-foot Irwin ketch with a crew of three. Three Moons is fully air conditioned and has four double cabins with ensuite heads/showers. There's also the possibility of swapping out one of the double cabins for the forward cabin with twin upper/lower bunks, if that is better suited for the make up of your group.

Three Moons: excellent food, fun, and hospitality... What's not to like???

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book THREE MOONS
View Three Moons' online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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ITINERARY: US & BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS USVI & BVI

There are many variations to this sample itinerary for the US & British Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI). Your charter will be customized to fulfill the dreams of your charter party. That's the beauty of a Virgin Islands crewed charter yacht vacation.

DAY ONE

Board your yacht in St. Thomas and after a light lunch, enjoy a leisurely sail (or motor sail) to Frances Bay on St. John. Swim, walk on the beach and enjoy a Caribbean sunset. Savor a delicious dinner either in the cockpit under the stars or below in the coziness of the main salon.

DAY TWO

After breakfast, depart for Leinster Bay, also on St. John, for snorkeling, exploring and a hike to a sugar mill. Return for lunch, and then proceed to Jost Van Dyke to clear BVI customs. Explore Jost, visit Foxy's and other well-known beach bars. This is a good spot for a West Indian meal ashore at moderate prices -- an island pig roast perhaps -- and some evening revelry in the form of a "jump up."

DAY THREE

Depart Jost Van Dyke and motor a short way to Sandy Spit for beach and snorkel time. Sail to West End for lunch and a trip ashore to Pusser's Landing for a "painkiller" and shopping. Sail on to the Bight at Norman Island and visit the "Willie T" (a floating bar and restaurant) for sunset cocktails or after-dinner wildness.

DAY FOUR

Snorkel at the water level caves made famous in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Sail on to Cooper Island for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon sail to Trellis Bay on Beef Island. After dinner, go to the Last Resort for Tony Snell's musical revue on chartering and the Caribbean in general.

DAY FIVE

Sail to Virgin Gorda and visit the Baths, those wonderous house-sized boulders that form fascinating pools and grottoes to explore. After lunch, sail on to North Sound. Visit the Bitter End Yacht Club for snorkeling, boardsailing, water-skiing or hiking. Every activity can be done here. Click here for a slide show of The Baths.

DAY SIX

Depart North Sound after morning activities and lunch for a sail to Peter Island where there's a great beach on Deadman's Bay and good snorkeling in Great Harbor. Visit Peter Island Yacht Club -- a very upscale place for a diner ashore (jackets required in season) if that's your preference.

DAY SEVEN

More water sports in the morning (possibly a rendezvous dive on the coral-encrusted 1867 wreck of the British mail steamer Rhone). Following lunch, sail to Cruz Bay on St. John to clear U.S. customs. Check out the local shops here or sail on to Christmas Cove on Great St. James for snorkeling and water sports. Enjoy your last evening aboard with another glorious Caribbean sunset and a special dinner prepared by your chef.

DAY EIGHT

After breakfast (with a farewell Bloody Mary or mimosa, perhaps?) and a final swim, return to St. Thomas for some last-minute duty-free shopping before you catch your flight home.

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Remember, there are many variations to this sample itinerary. Your charter will be customized to fulfill the dreams of your charter party. That's the beauty of a Virgin Islands crewed charter yacht sailing vacation.

If you want to scuba dive, there are boats that specialize in this activity. They will be well-equipped and have a divemaster or dive instructor aboard and will make sure you dive on some spectacular spots. Another possibility is to do a "rendezvous" dive. This is where a yacht will coordinate with shore-based dive operators to take you on a dive.

Or maybe you want to spend more time sailing than at anchor and improve your sailing skills at the same time. Your experienced captain will be happy to oblige your wishes.

Whether you want an active nightlife visiting local hot spots or just enjoy the pleasure of quiet, secluded anchorages, a charter yacht in the Virgin Islands can accommodate your desires.

And, of course, if your idea of the ideal vacation is no itinerary at all, then a crewed yacht charter vacation is the perfect choice. You can decide each morning over coffee in the cockpit what you want to do that day (even if it's nothing at all), and it's OK to change your mind, too!

OUR PROFESSIONAL CREWS WILL MAKE SURE EACH CHARTER GUEST EXPERIENCES THE PERFECT PERSONALIZED ITINERARY FOR THEIR VIRGIN ISLANDS VACATION.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your sailing vacation

Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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ITINERARY: Antigua & Barbuda, by m/v TIVOLI

m/v TIVOLI - Sample Itinerary

7-Night Cruise: Antigua - Barbuda - Antigua

DAY 1 Pick up guests in English Harbour, Antigua Travel to Green Island Distance & Time: 8.0 nm @ 7kts, 1.1 hours DAY 2 Day at Green Island Water skiing, swimming, beach Distance & Time: 0 nm DAY 3 Trip to Barbuda Arrive at Spanish Point, Barbuda Distance & Time: 35 nm @ 9 kts, 3.9 hours DAY 4 Morning at Spanish Point, snorkeling & swimming Move to Coco Point, Barbuda Distance & Time: 7 nm @ 5 kts, 1.4 hours DAY 5 Day at Coco Point Walk beach, enjoy water sports, swimming Distance & Time: 0 nm DAY 6 Move around to Low Bay, Barbuda Trip to Frigate Bird Rookery, 3 hours Walk beach, enjoy water sports, swimming Distance & Time: 10 nm @ 9 kts, 1.1 hours DAY 7 Trip back to Antigua Arrive at Jolly Harbour, night on dock Shopping, night out Distance & Time: 35 nm @ 9 kts, 3.9 hours DAY 8 Trip back to English Harbour Arrive English Harbour at 12 noon Distance & Time: 15 nm @ 9 kts, 1.7 hours

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Motoryacht Tivoli - Winter: Based in Antigua

Caribbean Yacht Charters

Based in Antigua but available anywhere in the Caribbean (with repositioning fee) TIVOLI can accommodate 6 guests in three staterooms that radiate from a central foyer.  The master stateroom has a centerline queen bed and separate 'his & hers baths' -- one with spacious marble shower and one with steam shower & whirlpool tub.

Two guest staterooms have twin lower singles with enclosed marble showers in the ensuite baths.  TIVOLI is elegantly decorated and fully air conditioned through out. Crew has a separate companionway, heads and shower.

RATES :  Winter 2011-12

• $25,000/wk for up to 6 guests, plus all expenses

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RECIPE: 2-minute Caribbean Pie, by Charter Yacht HONIARA

TWO-MINUTE CARIBBEAN PIE

By Adele, s/v Honiara

Ingredients:

• 1 package (5.1-ounce) instant vanilla pudding and pie filling
• 1 can (20-ounce) crushed pineapple in heavy syrup, undrained
• 1 container (8 ounce) sour cream
• 1 graham pie crust (9 inch) 

Method:

• Mix all of the above
• Put in pie crust
• Top with coconut flakes or fruit
• Refrigerate for a few hours
• Enjoy!

Crewed Caribbean Charter Yacht Honiara - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations

St Martin & Grenadines Yacht Charters, too!

The charter yacht Honiara is a 45-foot Beneteau sloop, owned & operated by the Canadian couple Pierre Boudreau and Adele. Honiara accommodates 4 guests in two cabins, each with ensuite head/shower. A great boat for honeymoons, couples, and families.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book HONIARA
View Honiara's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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ITINERARY - South Pacific, Tuamotus Islands by MATELOT

ITINERARY:  SOUTH PACIFIC

10-Day Itinerary Tuamotus Islands
by Captain Angus Fuller aboard S/Y MATELOT

Day 1:
Fly into Fakarava and board Matelot at anchor. Motor down the narrow channel through the coral heads to the south passage 30nm (Tumakohua), for snorkeling, diving and relaxation. Here there are lovely pink sandy beaches. Take a dive course with Jean Claude or have him act as dive guide (rendezvous diving only).

Day 2:
Day at anchor. Explore Tetamanu village and it’s surroundings.

Day 3:
Depart early, motor to the north end of Fakarava lagoon (30nm) and then sail to Toau (30nm) to Anse Amyot on Toau – this would be a full days sailing.

Day 4:
Day at Toau.  Anchor up here and then explore the lagoon by tender. Have a pig cooked underground or further diving. Alternatively go fishing with the locals.

Day 5:
To Apataki. Enter via Pakaka Passage at SW corner and then explore the lagoon and reefs whilst working up to NW corner. Anchor for the night. Further exploring by kayak.

Day 6:
To Ahe (50nm), wonderful beaches and snorkeling.

Day 7:
At anchor exploring the lagoon by tender and kayak.

Day 8:
To Rangiroa (spinnaker sail) (90nm). Anchor up just inside the Avatoru passage for the night.

Day 9:
On Rangiroa visit a local vineyard for wine tasting, or motor to Motu Faama – an uninhabited island with beautiful beaches. Take the tender to a hoa (shallow underwater channel between two motus) and snorkel with the vast array of multicoloured fish.

Day 10:
Move back to the airport and then depart the yacht.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MATELOT
View Matelot's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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ITINERARY - South Pacific, Society Islands by MATELOT

SOUTH PACIFIC ITINERARY:

10-Day Itinerary Society Islands
by Captain Angus Fuller aboard S/Y MATELOT

Day 1:
Join Matelot stern to in Marina Taina at the foot of Tahiti’s mountains, just 5mins from Tahiti International Airport. Depart for Moorea via the southern passage through the reef – Passe de Taapuna – sailing through this passage lets you know that you’ve truly arrived in the Pacific! Sail to Opunohu Bay (15nm). Night at anchor.

Day 2:
Spend the day at anchor in Opunohu Bay. Apart from relaxing onboard the yacht and using the water toys, the options of activities to do off the yacht are almost limitless – diving, feeding sting rays by hand, picnic lunch on a Motu, shopping for pearls in the local village, horse riding and land tours. There are also two excellent, but very different restaurants (Matiehani and La Villa des Sens) to enjoy dinner at. Finally there is an eco outdoor spa for those who are looking for further relaxation!

Day 3:
Enjoy an all day sail downwind to Huahine of 90nm. Enter the reef passage and anchor in Bai Haavia. It’s not unusual to have surfers on either side of the yacht as we go through the pass!

Day 4:
A day at anchor off Baia D’Avea in Huahine Iti. This island has probably the best beaches and prettiest lagoons in the Society Islands and is a wonderful, quiet location in which to relax (it would be possible to spend many days here). Go horse riding along the beach and even take the horses swimming! Have dinner in Restaurant Mauarii  - a lovely setting on the beach.

Day 5:
Spend the morning at anchor or move north to visit the town of Fare. After lunch sail the 25nm to Tahaa. Have a refreshing swim on arrival, anchor in Baies Haamene or Faahe for the night.

Day 6:
Day at Tahaa. After breakfast, have a private tour of the Vanilla plantations. In the afternoon visit a pearl farm and snorkel on the pearls. Here there is also the opportunity to visit Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa - a Relais and Chateau hotel. In the evening enjoy a local Polynesia Dance Troupe ashore.

Day 7:
Sail the short distance inside the reef to Raitaa. There is the option of taking a hike inland to a waterfall or go on an island tour here and visit the Marea at Taputapuatea. This Marea is referred to as the “father” of all the sacred sights in French Polynesia, so for those who have an interest in history or archeology it would be well worth a visit.

Day 8:
After breakfast, sail the 26nm to Bora Bora. Enter the lagoon and continue to the southern end and anchor off the renowned Bloody Mary’s restaurant and bar. Have lunch ashore here. In the afternoon go snorkeling off the motus and reefs or take the tender on an exploration along the south side of the lagoon and reef. Night at anchor.

Day 9:
The activities available in Bora Bora are endless, but the following provides a taster of what can be done: Renting a private motu/ beach for the day, Diving, Hiking through the mountains and gardens, 4x4 excursions, Jet Ski tours of the island, Parasailing, enjoy the spa at the newly refurbished Pearl Beach Spa, visit the Pearl Market to purchase any pearls you missed earlier in the holiday!

Day 10:
After a morning onboard, sail to the northern end of the lagoon and depart via tender which will take you to the dock at the airport. Alternatively, if moving to a hotel for a few nights we can anchor the yacht off the hotel and take the guests in by tender (depths and weather permitting).

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MATELOT
View Matelot's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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ITINERARY - Mexico (La Paz) by s/v Odysseus

LA PAZ, MEXICO

Itinerary courtesy of s/v ODYSSEUS

Day 1:  La Paz

Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a romantic sunset.  Indulge in delicious local cuisine and dance until the wee hours.  Explore historic museums or shop for authentic Mexican arts and crafts.  Experience legendary sport-fishing for marlin, wahoo, tuna, dorado and more.  Snorkel with playful sea-lions or scuba dive with hammerhead sharks and great mantas.  Kayak alongside friendly dolphins and whales.  Or just relax on an endless white beach and get reacquainted with your inner self.

Day 2:  San Carlos

San Carlos is basically a tourism oriented extension of Guymas which is only 10 miles away.  Almost all the business here is oriented toward tourism with an emphasis on sportfishing and diving.  There is a large population of retired Americans living here and two new large  marinas support quite a few permanent liveaboards.  Besides the  excellent marinas, there are at least 40 anchorages along the 55 mile coast that stretches from San Carlos south.  Want an isolated cove or beach all to yourself?  You will find them here in abundance.

Day 3:  Loreta

The first settlement on the Baja peninsula has more than 300 years of history.  Ancient cave paintings, historic stone missions and stunning artwork and crafts await your discovery.  The sunny climate, the warm sea you can swim in year around, the world class sport fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, whale watching, hiking and golf make Loreta the ideal place for either an adventure-filled or laid back getaway.

Day 4:  Isla Espiritu Santo

Twenty miles off Baja’s LaPaz, this arid Manhatten-size island in the Sea of Cortez, with its towering cliffs and deeply carved inlets, is home to a third of the worlds’ whale and dolphin species.  Though kayakers flock to the island’s electric blue waters, you can always find an empty cove to call your own.  Besides world-class kayaking, there’s snorkeling, scuba diving, and fly fishing for black skipjack and topsail pompano.  Also, there is a good chance that you may find yourself in the water with Sea Lion pups and giant Manta Rays.

Day 5:  San Jose Palmilla

Simply put, Palmilla is the grand dame of Los Cabos. Located just four miles from San José del Cabo and overlooking the most beautiful bay in the area, the Palmilla resort provides its residents and guests with elegance, privacy, amenities and luxury that no other community offers. From the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course to the exquisite One&Only Palmilla, and from the lavish Mandara Spa to the miles of pristine swimming beaches, Palmilla is in a league of its own.

The ultimate resort community, Palmilla was one of the first full-scale master-planned developments to break ground in Los Cabos, and upon its completion, will feature more than 1,000 high-end properties plus all the amenities today's luxury traveler desires.

Day 6:  Cabo San Lucas

Once a tranquil fishing village, Cabo San Lucas is now a perfect vacation spot for the entire family.  Known worldwide as the “Marlin fishing capital of the world,” Cabo is also blessed with 5 championship golf courses and is considered the gold capital of Mexico.  If golf, water sports, fishing, ATV’s, and horseback riding are what you seek, Cabo has it all.  With nightclubs like Squid Roe, Hard Rock Café and the Giggling Marlin, Cabo’s night life is hard to beat!

Day 7:

Enjoy a leisurly breakfast in the shade of the large cockpit.  As an added treat, you can watch the Cabo fishing fleet leave the harbor for a day of marlin fishing in the vast Pacific.  You captain will plan the day to ensure you reach LaPaz in time to make your departure arraignments, however, if time permits, a brief tour of the Cabo harbor will include the main beach at Playa Medano (one of the great people watching spots in the world), quiet Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach) and Lands End with its magnificent  rock arches.  We think that CABO is a wonderful spot to end your cruising adventure and trust that you will return home with many priceless memories.

RECIPE: Wild Garlic & Nettle Soup - Hotel Barge Shannon Princess, Ireland

This recipe is from the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess.

WILD GARLIC & NETTLE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch of nettles
• 1 large bunch of Wild garlic
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 1 stick celery, sliced into small pieces
• 2 cups (1 pint) stock
• 1 cups (½ pint) milk or creamy milk for extra richness.
• Small knob of butter
• Salt and pepper

 Garnish:

• Cream or Natural yogurt
• Wild garlic flowers

Method:

• Wash the nettles & wild garlic in cold water and drain. Pat dry with a clean towel.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium temperature and add the onions, nettles, celery and potato. Stir to coat mixture with butter and ’sweat’ them in the saucepan for about 5 minutes.
• Now add the Wild garlic - just one minute before the rest of the ingredients are done. The nettles should be just wilted.
• Pour the stock and the milk into the saucepan, bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
• Pour into a blender and zap. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
• Serve garnished with cream or natural yogurt, and heads of wild garlic, accompanied by crusty sodabread.

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess II - Barging in Ireland

Barge Cruises along the Shannon River, Ireland

Visit Ireland and enjoy seeing the sights and soaking up the Irish culture with Ruairi & Olivia, owner-operators of the Barge Shannon Princess, along with their attentive crew. The barge accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer. Shannon Princess is available for private charters and individual cabin booking for shared charter weeks.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHANNON PRINCESS 
View Shannon Princess's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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ITINERARY - Polynesia, South Pacific by m/y MISS KULANI

SAMPLE ITINERARY

POLYNESIA, SOUTH PACIFIC by m/y MISS KULANI

Click maps to enlarge

DAY 1

Arrive Papeete, Tahiti. VIP greetings with flowers. Guests to be taken to Marina Taina. Afternoon visit to the Robert Wan museum.

DAY 2

Early morning steam to Moorea (15 miles). Moorea is Polynesia's second-most popular tourist attraction after Tahiti. Located a mere 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of the island of Tahiti, Moorea is a triangular shaped island encircled by a lagoon of translucent green, fringed by an azure blue Polynesian sea. Covering an area of 51 square miles, it is the only other major island in the Windward group of the Society Islands besides Tahiti. Enjoy water sports, visit to the Marae and Belvedere. Depart for evening trip to Huahine (90 miles).

DAY 3

Wake up Huahine and enjoy water activities and land excursions on 4x4 all terrain vehicles into the mountains. Huahine is, arguably, the most picturesque island in all of French Polynesia. With steep mountains descending into protected bays of azure blue and emerald green colors, the island is also one of the more geographically diverse of the Society Group. Also known as "The Garden Island" due to its abundance of lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery, Huahine is one of the more interesting of the Society Islands to explore. There's also an abundance of long and beautiful white sandy beaches on Huahine... and the good news is that on this island, most of them are easily accessable for total quality beach and sun worshipping. Night voyage to Taha'a.

DAY 4

Taha'a produces 70-80% of all French Polynesia's vanilla. Because of the pervasive aroma of vanilla, Taha'a is known as the "Vanilla Island". Enjoy visiting the vanilla farms. You can also visit the famous Taha'a Island Resort Relais Chateaux. Tahaa's pearls are of also of exceptional quality so take advantage of the black pearl farms too.

DAY 5

Early morning sail to Raiata. Far less traveled than Bora Bora, Tahiti, or Moorea, these two fascinating islands offer the vacationer the experience of a true unspoiled French Polynesia.Visit the Marae of Taputapuatea, the oldest Marae of the Mahoi culture.

DAYS 6 & 7

Bora Bora island is possibly the single most famous island in all the world. The legends, mysteries, and romance associated with the words "Bora Bora" bring an almost mystical presence to the island. Spend two days in Bora Bora. Explore the history of World War II where the US military chose Bora Bora as a military South Pacific base. This island is predestined for snorkeling and scuba diving in and around its beautiful lagoon. Many species of sharks and rays inhabit the surrounding body of water. There are a few dive operators on the island offering manta ray dives and also shark-feeding dives.

DAY 8

Fly back to Tahiti for international departures.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MISS KULANI
View Miss Kulani's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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SEAMANSHIP PROGRAM - Schooner Bonnie Lynn

Schooner Bonnie Lynn

Seamanship Program
 

June & October 2011

Schedule & Outline

 

OUR GOAL

Students who take our course will be better prepared to handle the unexpected circumstances that can arise when boating.  An increased awareness will help them avoid dangerous situations.

'Bonnie Lynn’ is the ideal classroom.   Last summer, in our homeport of Islesboro, ME,  we offered 2 day/1 night courses for 9 - 11 year olds. and 3 day/2 night courses for 12-15 year olds.  Six to eight students slept onboard and worked as part of the crew.

We will again be offering Junior Seamanship Courses on Islesboro this coming summer, as  well as expanding the program to include adult courses.  The Islesboro schedule will be posted at a later date.

During the months of June and October 2011, we will be offering Junior and Adult Seamanship Courses out of Newport, Rhode Island.

JUNE 2011: NEWPORT, RI - COURSE SCHEDULES

Sessions are limited to 12 students. 

Price includes food, beverages and training manual

Students board 'Bonnie Lynn' at Newport Harbor Hotel Marina at 8:30 a.m. and disembark 5:15 p.m.

2-Day Programs:

• June 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26
• $300/person

3-Day Programs:

• June 7-9, 14-16, and 21-23
• $450/person

**Contact us about special group and family rates**

OCTOBER 2011: NEWPORT, RI - COURSE SCHEDULES

Sessions are limited to 12 students. 

Price includes food, beverages and training manual

Students board 'Bonnie Lynn' at Newport Harbor Hotel Marina at 8:30 a.m. and disembark 5:15 p.m.

2-Day Programs:

• October 1-2, 8-9, 18-19, and 25-26
• $300/person
  

3-Day Programs:

• October 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20
• $450/person
  

**Contact us about special group and family rates**

Schooner Bonnie Lynn

2-DAY PROGRAM - DAILY SCHEDULE

• Day 1

0830 - Welcome Aboard  - Juice/coffee/tea, fruit & muffins. Introductions, hand out life vests & training manuals.

0900 - Basic Safety Orientation - Discuss location and use of safety equipmen, including life jackets, life rafts, life ring & water light, EPIRB, radios, life sling, fire extinguishers, flares, boat hooks and medical kit.   Describe mustering and emergency procedures for MOB, Fire, and Abandon Ship.  Talk about "Situational Awareness" and the use of a check off list.

1000 - Underway - Hoist sails - student participation encouraged.  Discuss Rules of the Road and watch keeping.  Describe actual emergency situations, the outcomes, and how they could have been avoided.

1100 - Know your Position - Explain latitude and longitude, charts, compass and GPS; estimating distance, direction and describing your geographic location.

1215 - Lunch - light lunch, usually soup/salad and sandwiches, beverages, dessert and snacks.

1300 - Communications - Discuss proper VHF-FM and cellphone use for security and distress calls. The use of Security, PanPan, and Mayday calls, and procedures during communication with Coast Guard.  Obtaining proper marine weather information.

1400 - Situations - Students practice using radios and cellphones to contact Coast Guard and other emergency services.  How to give concise position and situation information to aid in rapid response. This is a fun exercise.

1500 - Line Handling - Basic knots, bends and hitches. Proper use of cleats, throwing a coil of line for towing and docking.

1630 - Dockside - Students can use this time for additional instruction, questions, etc.

1715 - Students disembark 

• Day 2

0830 - All Aboard - Juice, coffee, tea, fruit and muffins.  Question and answer.

0900 - Underway - Review MOB, Fire procedures, other emergency situations and how to avoid them.   Conduct drills. 

1045 - Use of Flares and Signaling Devices - Discuss when to use different types of flares, including red meteor, handheld rocket, orange smoke, and electronic.  Each student shoots a 12 gauge meteor flare launcher and ignites a handheld locater flare.  We provide gloves and safety glasses.

1215 - Lunch - light lunch, usually soup/salad, sandwiches, beverages, dessert and snacks.

1300 - Onboard Fires - Classifications of fires and how to fight each type.  Each student discharges a fire extinguisher.  Discuss fire and carbon monoxide alarms.

1400 - Rules of the Road - Introduction to right of way and collision avoidance using hands-on simulations.  Discuss emergency and maneuvering sound signals.

1530 - Course Review - Questions and discussion

1600 - Dockside -

1715 - Students Disembark -

3-DAY PROGRAM - DAILY SCHEDULE

• Day 1 - Same as above for 2-Day Program

• Day 2 - Same as above for 2-Day Program

• Day 3

0830 - All Aboard - Juice/coffee/tea, fruit and muffins.

0900 - Underway - Hoist sails, marine weather - dealing with severe conditions and lightning.

1100 - Anchoring - Principles of anchoring, types of anchors, using ranges to determine anchor set.  Where to anchor, students practice anchoring 'Bonnie Lynn'.

1215 - Lunch -  light lunch, usually soup/salad, sandwiches, beverages, dessert and snacks.

1300 - Haul Anchor, Underway - Getting home in limited visibility if instruments fail - using our "six" senses to full advantage.

1500 - Legal Requirements - Required equipment, getting towed vs. salvage, licensing.

1600 - Course Review - Question and answer while we enjoy sailing home.

1630 - Dockside -

1715 - Students Disembark -

BONNIE LYNN offers very comfortable accommodations for up to 6 guests and is ideal for couples and families alike (up to 8 guests for families). Three spacious guest cabins and two adjoining guest heads & showers are located in the private, forward area with crew cabin and crew head & shower located aft. Starboard guest cabin has double bed & port guest cabin has double bed which can convert to single bed with day couch. The forward guest cabin has a starboard bunk that pulls out to a large double and to port a lower single & small upper double.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your Seamanship Course
View Bonnie Lynn's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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