USVI charter yacht show competition winners 2022
Best Yacht in Show – 50’ & Under
Winner: Ether, Crew: Richard and Dominique Vincent
Runner Up: Oceana, Crew: Umberto Genovese and Judith van de Nieuwendijk
Best Yacht in Show – 51’-60’
Winner: Altesse, Crew: Kennon Jones and Stephanie Johnson
Runner-Up: Liquid Zen, Crew: Michael Wilson and Casey Strickland
Best Yacht in Show – 61’ & Over
Winner: Seaclusion, Crew: Ricky Moss, Jessica Muller, Jacob Telford, and Lyndsay Vos
Runner-Up: Aeolus, Crew: Mayon Hight, Elizabeth Bork, and Sam Middeke
Best Crew in Show
Winner: Robbie Sargeant, Sofia Ribeiro, and Dean Cumberbach, Boat: C’est La Vie
Runner-Up: Austen Anderson and Philomena Anderson, Boat: Vicarious
Honorable Mention: Casey Laaro and Angela Wilt, Boat: Pelican
Cocktail Mixologist Competition – Grey Goose Vodka – 2022
Winner: Maya Walsh, Nae Kae
Cocktail Mixologist Competition Captain Morgan Rum – 2022
Winner: Ryan Querry, Justified Horizons
Culinary Competition – 2022
1st Place: Chef Neen Reynolds, Ocean Vibes
2nd Place: Chef Renata Himiona, Libra
3rd Place: Chef Cara Whiteman, Koru
Want to plan a trip to the USVI? Contact Us or learn more about USVI Charters.
7 day and 14 day sailing itinerary from Palermo and Capo D'Orlando
Capo d'Orlando in southern Italy is a "sailing path" leading to the volcanic Aeolian islands and the captivating coastline of Sicily. You can easily find our base at the marina of Capo d'Orlando.
The history of Sicily is rich and varied, it consists mostly of successive waves of invaders (the Greeks that founded Syracuse in 734 BC, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, and the Spaniards) occupying the island and leaving cultural influences which have blended in often fascinating ways, such as the unique Arabic-Norman architecture of the Middle Ages.
Sicily is well known for its unique natural beauty, Etna’s volcano, and its very imposing coasts, islands, and islets. Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral houses royal tombs, while the huge neoclassical Teatro Massimo is known for opera performances. Also in the center are the Palazzo dei Normanni, a royal palace started in the 9th century, and the Cappella Palatina, with Byzantine mosaics. Busy markets include the central Ballarò street market and the Vucciria, near the port.
Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano will be in front of you, after a few nautical miles.
As soon as you will have hoisted your main sail up and opened your genoa, you will be able to sight the red and black rocks with the green Indian figs of Alicudi, the bushes of brooms, and the so-called “Cave of the Marine-Ox of Filicudi, the typical fumes of sulfur of Vulcano, the wild promontories of Salina and the white beaches of Lipari; sailing a little bit more, then, you will see the so-called “Faraglioni” and the typical low-houses of Panarea and the infernal spectacle of the slopes of Stromboli standing out in front of you.
On the contrary, if you will decide to sail along the coast, going on the east side, you can penetrate into the numerous bays of incomparable beauty that you find between Capo d’Orlando and Messina, having a look from the sea to the stately Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tindari. You can moor in the near harbors of Capo d’Orlando, Porto Rosa, Milazzo or Messina, or you can continue further than the strait of Messina to visit the wonderful Taormina or to organize an unforgettable trip on the Etna, the highest volcano in Europe. Still, you can also decide to direct your boat straight to the Tyrrhenian coasts of South Calabria.
Our second base in Sicily is located in Marsala, a picturesque town, founded by the Carthaginians but took the name from the Arabs (Marsal-Allah, harbor of God), well known for the popular wine.
Marsala, it’s a pleasant relaxed place from where you can sail North West for visiting a range of 25 miles of the Egadi Islands which are three principal islands, Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo, or sail South for visiting Pantelleria, an island of volcanic origin, and the barren rocky island of Lampedusa that has recently become popular for the good underwater fishing around the coast.
Marsala is also ideal as a starting point to Malta (120 miles) and Tunisia. You may also start your sailing journey from Capo d'Orlando where our 3rd base is located.
Suggested 7 days itineraries from Sicily
Departure : Base of PALERMO
Total distance : 195 nautical miles approximately
1st day: Embarkation 17:00
2nd day: Palermo – Cefalù (33 n.m.)
3rd day: Cefalù – Vulcano (50 n.m.)
4th day:Vulcano – Lipari - Panarea(16 n.m.)
5th day:Panarea – Salina (12 n.m.)
6th day:Salina – Filicudi (15 n.m.)
7th day:Filicudi – Palermo (62 n.m)
8th day:Disembarkation 09:00
Departure : Base of CAPO D'ORLANDO
Total distance : 102 nautical miles approximately
1st day: Embarkation 17:00
2nd day: Capo D'Orlando - Vulcano19 n.m.)
3rd day:Vulcano - Panarea15 n.m.)
4th day:Panarea - Stromboli13 n.m.)
5th day: Stromboli - Salina (24 n.m.)
6th day:Salina - Lipari9 n.m.)
7th day: Lipari - Capo D'Orlando (22 n.m.)
8th day: Disembarkation 09:00
Suggested 14 days itineraries from Sicily
Departure : Base of PALERMO
Total distance : 238 nautical miles approximately
1st day: Embarkation 17:00
2nd day: Palermo – Cefalù (32 n.m.)
3rd day: Cefalù – Vulcano (50 n.m.)
4th day: Vulcano – Panarea (15 n.m.)
5th day: Panarea (visit of Island)
6th day: Panarea – Stromboli (13 n.m.)
7th day: Stromboli – Lipari (25 n.m.)
8th day: Lipari – Salina (9 n.m.)
9th day: Salina (visit of Island)
10th day: Salina – Filicudi (15 n.m.)
11th day: Filicudi – Alicudi (13 n.m.)
12th day: Alicudi– Cefalù (34 n.m)
13th day: Cefalù (visit of Town)
14th day: Cefalù – Palermo (32 n.m.)
15th day: Disembarkation 09:00
Departure : Base of CAPO D'ORLANDO
Total distance : 275 nautical miles approximately
1st day: Embarkation 17:00
2nd day: Capo D'Orlando - Vulcano (19 n.m.)
3rd day: Vulcano -Alicudi (29 n.m.)
4th day: Alicudi - Filicudi (13 n.m.)
5th day: Filicudi - Salina (15 n.m.)
6th day: Salina - Stromboli (24 n.m.)
7th day: Stromboli - Panarea (13 n.m.)
8th day: Panarea (visit of Island)
9th day: Panarea - Lipari (12 n.m.)
10th day: Lipari (visit of Island)
11th day: Lipari - Giardini Naxos (68 n.m.)
12th day: Taormina (visit of Town)
13th day: Giardini Naxos - Milazzo (54 n.m.)
14th day: Milazzo - Capo D'Orlando (28 n.m.)
15th day: Disembarkation 09:00
If you are looking for a vacation in Aeolian Islands, get in touch with us now.
New charter destination - ARUBA, BONAIRE, CURACAO
Seize The Day Charters are excited to announce a new charter yacht BALI 5.4, which will be available this winter season between islands Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. This will give our clients an opportunity to visit and explore even more new places.
ARUBA - In search of exotic, paradise beaches, it is definitely worth visiting Aruba, where you can swim in crystal clear, warm water, lie on the white sand and meet with flamingos passing in a short distance from the campers. The stay does not require a visa, as Caribbean Aruba is a dependent territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Are you planning your vacation in January, April or August? It doesn't matter, because it hardly ever rains in Aruba and the average annual temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. Aruba is called "paradise on earth" because the sun shines here for 12 months of the year, and the island lies outside the hurricane belt. It is also called "One Happy Island" and it is the quintessence of Aruba.
BONAIRE - a small Dutch island in the Caribbean Sea, well known among enthusiasts of windsurfing and sailing. It is located off the coast of Venezuela and together with its sister islands Aruba and Curacao form the so-called ABC islands. Historical sources indicate that Bonaire was inhabited by the Arawak tribe, later the Spaniards came here until the island came under the rule of the Dutch. Currently, the island is the perfect place for a true exotic Caribbean vacation. There are excellent conditions for diving here: the transparent water makes it perfectly visible in the water for various species of fish and over 100 types of corals. Due to the richness and beauty of aquatic life, the area around Bonaire is under the protection of a marine park. The Marine National Park (Bonaire National Marine Park) was founded here in 1979 by the American Don Stuart,
CURACAO - The paradise island of Curacao is a novelty among the exotic offers of sailing companies. There are great conditions for relaxation throughout the year. Elegant and modern hotels, tropical climate, white, sandy beaches with a gentle descent to the sea, amazing nature, great conditions for diving enthusiasts and the famous blue drinks with bitter orange peel. The capital of the island is Willemstad, full of colorful buildings, known as Little Amsterdam. Visiting the town is the perfect way to enrich a relaxing holiday in Curacao. What we love the most about this island is the underwater life. Underwater, you can find many species of fish and other creatures that we cannot even name. It's also easy to find turtles, including the really big ones.
Please CONTACT US for any additional questions and inquires.
Planning a charter vacation to Croatia and want to know which islands to visit and why? Read on to learn about 10 popular islands and what to expect there.
Did you know that the small, seaside Republic of Croatia is home to over 1,000 diverse islands? As one would expect, this makes it a prime location for travelers looking to go island hopping. But of those many beautiful islands, which are most worth visiting? While each island has a lot to offer, some are more popular than others. If you're planning to go island hopping in Croatia, check out what 10 of the most well-known isles have to offer.
Brač is a Croatian island known for its white pebble beaches, including Zlatni Rat. But pebbly beaches aren't all this island has to offer. For one, Brač is one of the most convenient Croatian isles to visit, thanks to its close proximity to the mainland. It also features various medieval attractions, such as the Blaca Monastery, and other natural locations with breathtaking views, including the peak of Vidova Gora.
The Brijuni is a group of 14 tiny isles in the Adriatic Sea. Renowned for its natural beauty and interesting history tied to the ancient Greeks and Romans, it's a fantastic island to visit if you want to admire raw nature in the Brijuni National Park. Feel as though you’re taking a trip back in time while visiting this island’s various history and art museums.
Vis is a long sail away from the mainland, but the trip is worth it! This popular isle is full of ancient and natural wonders, including the Levaman Fortress and various coves and caves. One of Vis's most famous attractions is the Blue Cave, or Blue Grotto, a sea cave in Balun Bay. What makes this cave unique is the interior's haunting cerulean hue, which occurs due to sunlight reflecting off the pearly white seabed. Boating through this natural wonder is a relaxing and enchanting experience that will stay with you forever. Vis is also home to the Green Cave, which is bathed in a vibrant emerald green.
Though it has a convenient location just a few miles from the mainland, Šolta island isn't as well-known as some of the other names on this list. But just because it isn't mainstream doesn't mean it isn't worth visiting. Šolta has a lengthy history dating back to Neolithic times. While there, you can engross yourself in old legends like the tales of Queen Teuta and Emperor Diocletian, explore the island's ancient (and scrumptious) traditions of olive oil, wine, honey, and gingerbread-making, or just enjoy the masterfully crafted medieval structures found all over the island.
If you prefer peace and quiet, the small remote island municipality of Lastovo can provide it. This tiny island has a population of less than a thousand, with its towns and cities vastly outnumbered by dense forests. Most of your time in Lastovo will be spent wandering through the charming, history-rich old villages, hiking up the well-marked trails, or swimming, scuba diving, or snorkeling in the biodiverse waters.
Dugi Otok is a long, thin isle found just off the Dalmatian coast, west of Zadar. It's the seventh largest island in the Adriatic Sea. Biking around Dugi Otok is a fun and active way to travel if you want to avoid traffic. Stop by the active Veli Rat lighthouse, a well-known landmark of the island, or Telašćica Bay, an azure bay situated on a scenic, forested cliff.
Hvar is easily the most popular Croatian island. While many consider Hvar a "party city" for the nightlife and luxury resorts of Hvar Town, it features a more natural, family-friendly side too. Its secluded beaches, pine forests, and quaint renaissance and fishing towns make it a great destination for travelers of all ages.
Kornati is the densest archipelago in the Adriatic Sea, consisting of 140 uninhabited islands, 109 of which are part of Kornati National Park. While you won't find luxurious resorts or restaurants on Kornati, you will find stunning karst-limestone rock formations, beaches surrounded by a clear blue sea, and rare wildlife.
Korčula is a long and populous island just off the Dalmatian coast. It's known for its dense forests, sandy beaches, and groves full of olives. But most notably, it's known for the Old Town! The Old Town is where you'll find most of Korčula's attractions, such as the Land Gate, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the infamous Marco Polo House. Additionally, there are a lot of local restaurants and family-owned wineries here, making this island a top destination for self-proclaimed foodies.
Another beautifully natural island, Mljet, is in the southeast part of the Adriatic Sea. While slightly difficult to access, the sheer natural beauty of the island makes the trip worthwhile. The northeastern part of the island is fully dedicated to the Mljet National Park, which is home to a sprawling pine forest, several lakes, and various endemic plants and animals. There's also a small, picturesque village on the southern end of the island called Sobra. Sobra features several stores, guesthouses, and restaurants serving traditional Croatian treats; you can relax here after hiking through the park.
If you're going island hopping in Croatia, this list of what each island has to offer can help you plan your itinerary. It's impossible to visit all of Croatia's islands in one go, but by planning carefully, you can maximize the number you see and make the most out of your yacht chartering vacation.
So, which islands should you prioritize? It depends on your personality and the kind of experience you're looking for. Nature-lovers will adore islands like Kornati and Mljet, while those seeking luxury will feel at home in Hvar and Krk. Tailor your schedule to your interests, and you're sure to have a grand time!
And remember: this list only contains ten of Croatia's isles! There are plenty of other islands to visit as well. With so much to see and do in this coastal country, your next Croatia yacht charter is bound to be an eventful one.
To plan your next trip to Croatia and its many islands, get in touch with the passionate, trained brokers at Seize the Day Charters. Tell us about your dream vacation, and we'll do our best to bring it to life. We can find you a yacht charter that features everything you want and need, whether that's a big yacht for the whole family or something cozy for a solo vacay.
Are you busy packing for your upcoming yacht charter vacation? Here are five essential but commonly overlooked items to add to your luggage.
Before heading off on your yacht charter vacation, you need to pack. Clothes, medicine, and your phone are obvious essentials. But there are some items you should bring along that are a bit easier to forget. Below, we list five overlooked items you need for your next charter.
Instead of packing normal sunscreen, pick up a bottle of reef-safe sunblock. Reef-safe sunblock lacks oxybenzone and octinoxate, two UV-blocking chemicals that could bleach coral. The last thing you want to do is damage the beautiful place you’re traveling to. Reef-safe sunblock protects both you and the environment from harm.
While you’re on the dinghy, we recommend placing any devices or valuables into a dry bag. A dry bag is a flexible, sealed container that will protect anything you put in it from moisture. Water doesn’t mix well with most items, so use a dry bag to avoid any issues.
The wind and water can be unpredictable at times. For this reason, you should bring along a hat and sunglass straps so that you don’t lose these items to a stray breeze or wave.
Streaming is convenient, but when you go abroad, it’s not very reliable. Sometimes, music licensing will prevent you from listening to certain music when in certain counties. To guarantee you can listen to your favorite jams anywhere, you can download them to your phone. This measure ensures you can play them offline anytime.
The last two overlooked items you need for your next charter are earplugs and eye masks. It can be hard to sleep when you’re in an unfamiliar environment. Earplugs and an eye mask will block out any noises and other distractions, making it easier for you to doze off and get your beauty rest.
Ready to embark on your next yacht charter vacation? Get in touch with Seize the Day Charters. Our passionate and experienced brokers can help you find the yacht charter of your dreams. Whether you want to sail to the warm Mediterranean shores of Greece or party in the Bahamas, we can help!
Are you planning a vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands? Here are five traditional and delicious Caribbean delicacies to try during your trip.
During your trip to the U.S Virgin Islands, your stomach will rumble; that's your first sign to start looking for a local restaurant! The USVI is home to a wide variety of foods for you to try, but Caribbean-inspired dishes are the most common. If you're not sure what kind of cuisine to sample, check out these five Caribbean cuisine dishes you need to try on your next U.S Virgin Islands vacation.
Callaloo is a popular Caribbean soup named after the leafy green veggie it's made from. It's traditionally stewed with callaloo (dasheen leaves), onions, garlic, and other greens like scallion, tomatoes, scotch bonnet, and okra. There's no "right" way to make callaloo soup, so we recommend trying it out more than once to see the spin each chef puts on it!
Johnny cakes are thin, flat, baked- or fried- cornmeal cakes bound to remind you of pancakes. But Johnny cakes are more like french fries in the U.S. They're a popular side that you eat with main dishes like pot fish and curries.
Fry up sweet sea conch meat, and what do you get? Conch fritters! If you're a fan of foods like battered cod or tempura, this deep-fried seafood dish will be up your alley. Conch fritters are a staple offered at most restaurants. They're served with a creole remoulade or spicy, creamy ketchup sauce for extra flavor.
Another Caribbean cuisine dish you need to try is jerk chicken. This is a classic Caribbean cuisine that everyone's heard about. "Jerk" is a cooking method where meat, like chicken, gets slathered in spices and cooked slowly over burning coal. The result is smoky, flavorful meat that will knock your socks off!
The unofficial national dish of the USVI, fish and fungi, is similar to polenta but with a Caribbean twist. The dish includes a whole, seasoned, and fried fish covered in sweet onion gravy and fungi (pronounced fun-ji), which isn't a mushroom but okra mixed with water and cornmeal and cooked into a mash. While simple, this dish is a healthy and hearty mainstay of Caribbean culture.
Ready to hit the seas in search of your next meal? Seize the Day Charters can help you find a St. Croix yacht charter so you can try traditional Caribbean dishes like callaloo and jerk chicken on a relaxing, delicious trip.
The next time you vacation in Greece, take the time to sample these five traditional Greek delicacies. Delicious and unique, these dishes will wow you!
You can’t visit Greece without enjoying its mouthwatering Mediterranean eats. If you want to taste your way through this charming coastal country, here are five delicious foods to try when visiting Greece. While these aren't the only tasty treats you'll encounter on your trip, they're some of the ones that best represent Greece.
Widely considered the national food of Greece, moussaka is a traditional casserole that contains layers of roasted eggplant and seasoned meat covered in creamy bechamel. This rich, decadent dish will fill you up after a long day of sightseeing.
Another delicious food to try when visiting Greece is dolmadakia. Also known as dolmades, dolmadakia are grape leaves stuffed with rice, ground meat, and herbs. Most dolmades only contain rice and herbs, making it an ideal food choice for vegetarians, but the ground meat version is also widely sold. You can drizzle these with lemon juice for a tangy punch!
This is one of Greece's most popular fast foods. Souvlaki is a basic dish, consisting of small pieces of marinated meat (usually pork) and, occasionally, fish on a wooden skewer. You eat the souvlaki hot off the skewer. It's a conveniently portable food item you can grab and eat on the go.
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love the nutty amygdalota, an almond cookie also fondly called "Greek macaroons." These chewy yet crunchy cookies are gluten-free and only contain six ingredients: almond flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, egg whites, and sliced almonds. Simple and delicious: it's the best of both worlds!
Sound like a mouthful? These fried zucchini meatballs are also commonly called "courgette balls"—much easier to say! While usually in ball form, you can occasionally find them in patty form. These fried munchies are typically served for lunch and taste best when paired with tzatziki.
Explore the flavors of Greece by embarking on a yacht charter trip to its pebbly shores. At Seize the Day Charters, we can help you find a private yacht charter in Greece. We're a team of experienced brokers with access to a variety of top-quality charters in this Mediterranean paradise. Contact us today to plan your next trip!
Captains tips on Exumas, Bahamas
Penny Jo is a charter yacht based out of the Exumas in The Bahamas, and Candice, the CEO of Seize the Day Charters, had the pleasure of interviewing the captain. The boat is a Bali 4.4, built-in 2022.
Candice's question was: why are the Exumas such an ideal charter destination?
Captain Ainsley answers: Well, it's a very easy question to answer. I've been in the Bahamas for over 25 years. You're going to enjoy the Exumas because of the color of the water and the beauty of the islands. There are lots of uninhabited islands that nobody visits. You can have a beach to yourself. The snorkeling is wonderful.
In the special places I know of, we can find restaurants as well as beach bars. The flora and fauna are excellent and the solitude is attractive.
Penny Jo still has some availability this season, so please reach out to us and we will be happy to arrange a great trip to the Bahamas for you!
Yachts SERENITY and CHAKRA are available for the FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 for the dates of November 21 - December 18.
Yachts SERENITY and CHAKRA are available for the FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 for the dates of November 21 - December 18.
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If you are interested in chartering these yachts, please feel free to GET IN TOUCH.
Need a vacation? These five European islands known for luxury and leisure are perfect for anyone who wants to relax and unwind in comfort and style.
Are you feeling tired, stressed, and in need of a nice, long vacation? Treat yourself! While there are hundreds of places where you can relax and live like a royal, these five European islands known for luxury and leisure are your best bet. Plan your next trip to one of these prime locations and let yourself unwind.
Near Naples on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find Ischia, a volcanic island known for its thermal waters and medieval architecture. Many of the beaches in Ischia are hot, hot, hot, with warm sands and heated rocks you can cook on, and there are also numerous hot springs where you can soak your worries away. Cartaromana Beach is a popular destination thanks to its rich Roman history and its spectacular view of the ancient Aragonese Castle and stone bridge.
Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is part of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Spend your mornings strolling through the capital city of Palma, admiring the enchanting medieval cathedrals and palaces and visiting the various stores, cafés, and bistros lining the quiet streets. After sunset, the city goes from serene to lively, and you can visit bars and clubs to partake in the local nightlife.
Another European island known for luxury and leisure is Hvar. Hvar is a trendy, five-star luxury island in Croatia known for its party scene. During the day, party at one of the lively beaches and shop and dine from top-tier businesses in Hvar Old Town. Then, at night, go dance and drink in a Hvar Town club before retreating to your yacht on the breathtaking, glittering shoreline.
This idyllic Greek island is the most popular in Greece, mainly for its sheer beauty. The white-and-blue homes, the amazing cliffside views, and the clear waters will all take your breath away. While you could realistically spend hours leisurely admiring the scenery, you can also explore Santorini’s rich history through museums and monuments like the Pyrgos Castle or go on a wine-tasting tour showcasing the Mediterranean’s best.
Corsica is a French island characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain, dense forests, and luxurious coastal towns. Despite being a French island, Corsica has a heavily Italian-inspired culture, perhaps due to its proximity to Sardinia, Italy. An hour-long ferry ride is all that separates the two. Bonifacio, located in the south, is a popular destination in Corsica. It’s an old, medieval town that has incredible views, interesting architecture, and plenty of shops and restaurants to visit by the marina.
If you want your next vacation to be relaxing and beautiful, get in touch with Seize the Day Charters. Our team can help you find the ideal Croatia yacht charter so you can see and do all Hvar has to offer. We can also help you reserve a charter to any of the other posh and serene locations on this list. What are you waiting for? Seize the day and plan your next trip now.
