Our Experts Experience a Caribbean Charter Aboard Stunning Luxury Yacht CHE

Our charter destinations are St. Maarten and St Barths, both renowned for fabulous nightlife, beaches, shopping and cuisine. Although these islands are considered top charter destinations in the Caribbean, when you’re chartering CHE, a stunning 114-foot Sunreef catamaran, staying on board and simply relaxing can be as alluring as going ashore.

Step on board CHE and a wave of calm washes over you. CHE is very spa-like. It has bamboo walls and floors that create a tranquil feeling of relaxation. The wife of the owner created a space that reflects her lifestyle of meditation, macrobiotic diet and overall balance.  An aura of peace permeates throughout the yacht, enveloping guests with a sense of well-being.

In contrast to the pervasive sense of tranquility at anchor, the rush of exhilaration you feel as soon as CHE gets underway is thrilling. It is quite spectacular to be on board and feel this yacht surging over the waves, the voluminous capacity of the sails propelling her with seemingly extraordinary speed over the water.

For those of us prone to seasickness, the topmost feature is that this yacht is such a huge platform of stability on the ocean, which enhances the joy of the experience. Despite rough seas with some huge swells in a wind blowing at 20-25 knots the yacht handled the surf remarkably well.

In all fairness, it was also the Captain’s ability to deal with the seas and approach the ocean with this particular yacht. His acumen surpassed any other professionally navigated catamaran we have ever been on. In fact, one of the most outstanding aspects of the entire charter was the crew. They worked flawlessly together as a team and are so synchronized that everything really happens seamlessly.

One example, the evening the Captain and two crewmembers sprang into action to save a 40-foot Beneteau that was dragging anchor. They managed to fend off CHE, jump into the dinghy and, although we were quite far out, tow the Beneteau back into the anchorage and secure it.  The guests onboard CHE were peacefully unaware of any activity, as the entire rescue was accomplished without panic, without flap, without noise, without commotion, without drama.

Luxury Yacht CHE is currently available for charter in the Caribbean with an exiting Mediterranean itinerary scheduled for the summer.

Cruising Club of America’s 2010 Award Winners

The Cruising Club of America (CCA) honored the extraordinary accomplishments of three intrepid sailors at the annual Awards Dinner on March 4, 2011, at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan. CCA Commodore Sheila McCurdy acted as presenter with Awards Chair Bob Drew.

Alex Whitworth 2010 Blue Water Medalist

The Blue Water Medal was presented to Alexander Whitworth of Sydney, Australia, for his circumnavigation of the world via the Northwest Passage West to East.

The Far Horizons Award was presented to William E. Cook of Hyannis, Mass., for a series of meritorious voyages to the far north of the globe including cruises to Greenland and Baffin Island, Canada.

The Rod Stephens Trophy was accepted by Alessandro Di Benedetto of Rome, Italy, for his resourcefulness in jury rigging Findomestic, a 21-foot monohull, upon his approach to Cape Horn in 2010 during his solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe.

Photo Credit: Dan Nerney/ Cruising Club of America

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Meg Toppa: 31st Heineken Regatta Finale

The final day of the regatta was probably the most challenging, characterized by light, shifting winds that demand their unique type of combative expertise. There were a few squalls about but the afternoon saw clear skies. At the end of the day AQUARIUS came in fourth place. Given that they finished first in both the first and fourth races, the crew is justified in feeling that if they hadn’t had trouble with the main they very likely would have won the regatta. Although frustrated, the unfortunate event also fires the competitive spirit and inspires determination to win the trophy next time. Despite not winning, the crew of AQUARIUS and all the other competitors sailed magnificently and had great fun.

Thanks to the sponsors and the gracious people of St. Maarten for hosting such a spectacular event with such grace and generosity. Beautiful Kim Sha Beach on Simpson Bay was the site of the final party and awards ceremony. All the teams attended and cheered jubilantly, whether in celebration of their own achievements or for those of other award recipients. There was a great sense of camaraderie amongst the crowd. Once again the food was phenomenal and the music was fantastic. The featured performer was Wyclef Jean, who despite the midnight hour had everyone on their feet dancing.

Each year the Heineken Regatta brings different challenges to skilled participants. This year was characterized by light winds and occasional squalls rather than the reliable trade winds that usually prevail. Now, with the conclusion of this year’s races, the teams already contemplate the 32nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta and the unforeseen obstacles that will undoubtedly materialize to test their skills.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates Worldwide. Wish you could be a spectator or on the race team like the fortunate competitors on AQUARIUS? Click here to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event.

Meg Toppa From the Rail: Heineken Regatta Day 3

Three races took place yesterday and the competition was fierce in a light breeze of 8 to10 knots. Once again, AQUARIUS proudly finished first in her class in the first race. But tragedy struck in the second race when the main ripped and forced the disappointed crew to return to the dock for the replacement.

Although moral remained high AQUARIUS was only able to garner a fourth place position in the third race, which brought them to a fifth place standing for the day in their class. I was fortunate to be able to visit AQUARIUS where she was moored thanks to the SNSM (Societe National de Sauvetage en Mer), the national search and rescue team on the French side of St. Martin, and reached the yacht bouncing over the waves via one of their imposing orange rescue inflatables. After an all too brief stay I rode back to the dock accompanied by several of the exhausted crew to prepare for the evening events.

This evening a gala affair took place in the delightfully charming harbor town of Marigot, in French St. Martin. The town is much admired for fine French wines, gourmet French cuisine and a variety of shops selling everything from French novelties to high fashion. It is an incredibly picturesque harbor and on this night the Heineken and rum were flowing freely! Of course the lively banter was focused on the trials and tribulations of the day, with several boats strategizing prior to their convergence on the protest room in an attempt to resolve some “issues” occurring on the race course. Again, competitors, spectators and locals were treated to huge video screens broadcasting the highlights of the day’s racing. The biggest difference in the crowd of party goes this evening? Sunburns!!!

Today’s race, Sunday March 6, is the final day of racing, with a course from Marigot back to Simpson Bay where the awards ceremony and final big bash is scheduled to take place at Kim Sha Beach.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates Worldwide. Wish you could be a spectator or on the race team like the fortunate competitors on AQUARIUS? Click here to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event.

Meg Toppa: Heineken Regatta Day 2

Today was a picture perfect for both competitors and spectators.  I am watching all the excitement from a graceful Jenneau Sunfast43. An array of majestic parti-colored spinnakers billowing on a breeze, much gentler today than on day one of the races, propel these magnificent boats downwind.  AQUARIUS was a spectacular sight out on the water and we are elated to learn that she finished first in her class.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Upcoming Yachting Events, Regattas and Boat Show Dates Worldwide. Wish you could be a spectator or on the race team like the fortunate competitors on AQUARIUS? Click here to Charter a Yacht for a Regatta or Sailing Event.