OF CHARTERING
Yeah, the waters of the Eastern Caribbean really are that blue. We can't think of anything more refreshing than jumping in for a swim.
under the stars again and prepping for another long sail down to the Southern end of Grenada. Rising with the sun, we set sail for Port Louis Marina, at St George’s, Grenada. The wind continued to rise to a breezy 24 knots and the sailing was perfect. As we passed on the lee side of Grenada, we were again joined by dolphins. Only four this time, but they stayed with us for a full 15 minutes, playing in our bow wake. What a perfect way to finish up our cruise! The crew loved the trip so much that we are already in discussions about doing another one. Where to? Not sure, but lots of options are being discussed. — capt'n john lacy texas John — It's nice to know we have regular readers in Texas. Sounds as if you and your crew had
a blast. And judging by your Facebook photo galleries, it looks as if doing occasional Caribbean cat charters has become habit-forming. We can certainly understand why. As a 'thank you' for your report, we'll be sending you some 'official' Latitude 38 swag.
Kristin and her boyfriend Chris, who returned home with big news — read on. After doing price comparisons, Leeanne and Pat booked with BVI Yacht Charters, a company that offers older boats than those offered by the big international firms, but at substanially lower rates. With the Christmas and New Year's period being the priciest time of the year, Pat figures his group saved about $18,000 on the three 47-footers. "These boats weren't new, but were in fine condition," he reports. "Temperatures were about 80-85° daily," he recalls, "and there was often a shot of rain in the morning. We had Christmas Winds (strong easterly trade winds) of about 15 to 24 knots, with 4- to 6-foot seas. "We had many first-time 'virgins' on board and they loved every place we stopped at." Pat sent us a list of some of the highlights: • We got the last 12 lobsters available on Anegada. (The grouper, red snapper and mahi mahi were also great.) • The Painkillers and Bushwackers were perfect at Jost Van Dyke's Soggy Dollar Bar. • From Marina Cay, we watched New Year's Eve fireworks at Trellis Bay. At Virgin Gorda, Leeanne and Pat took a hike high above the new Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, a haven for superyachts.
"Old Year's Eve" In the British Virgins Thanks to many hours of careful planning over a six-month period by his wife Leeanne, familiar Bay Area racer Pat Patterson (of the Beneteau First 36.7 Summer and Smoke Smoke) led a three-catamaran flotilla through the British Virgin Islands during the week surrounding New Year's — or as they say in those latitudes, Old Year's Eve. Aboard were mostly family members, aged 25 to 62, including his daughter February, 2013 •
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