Full Moon Party Times 2014/2015.

Photo compliments of www.bvimusic.com

There's no shortage of partying in the BVI at any time of year, but once each month, there are some very special events. Some adult focused and some for the whole family and friends. 
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Pick a date, and book your charter week to coincide with these very special Events.
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Full Moon Schedule: 2014
Monday, Sept. 8th*
Wednesday, Oct. 8th
Thursday, Nov. 6th
Saturday, Dec. 6th
Full Moon Schedule for 2015

Monday, Jan. 5th

Wednesday, Feb. 3rd

Thursday, Mar. 5th

Saturday, Apr. 4th

Monday, May 4th. 

 Tuesday, June 2nd

Two for July!

Thursday, July 2nd

and Friday, July 31st*

Friday, August 29th*

Monday, Sept. 28th

Tuesday, Oct. 27th

Wednesday, Nov. 25th

Friday, December 25th (Christmas Moon Splendor!)

* indicates the months where some venues will not be open. Also, some boats are hauled out for Summer maintenance. But I do offer many who charter throughout the summer. Please inquire HERE  

On to the festivities!!! 

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Aragorn's Place

Located in Trellis Bay, Tortola on the East End and very near the Beef Island airport (EIS).

Each Full Moon (and also during the Trellis Bay New Year's Eve festival) he places the Fire Sculpures on mounts in the sea just beyond the shoreline for the public to view from the beautiful beach. The sculptures are fueled with firewood and set ablaze. On New Year's Eve the festivities gain momentum against a backdrop of fountains and fireworks accentuating the life and movement of the sculptures themselves. (Excerpted from here: Aragorn's Studio)

Make a note to self:

GO TO THE NEW YEARS EVE FIREBALL PARTY!

(Locals call it Old Years Night, by the way)

 

Showing 3 sculptured Fireballs and One Flaming Man.

Here's a great little video to give you more on this family oriented event. Fun for ALL ages!! 

Oh, and don't forget the Mocko Jumbies!!

You will not believe how they dance on those tall sticks, many much more than 15 feet off the ground!!

Here's a fantastic video posted by someone at the Full Moon Party! 

Mocko Jumbies Video

(Kindly shared by the owners of a visiting cruising sailboat.) 

"Ev'ryting's gonna be alright
Ev'ryting's gonna be alright
Ev'ryting's gonna be alright
Ev'ryting's gonna be alright
Ev'ryting's gonna be alright...."

Repeat!!

(Thank you, Bob Marley!)

There's plenty of Caribbean music, demonstrations of pottery firing, metal sculpture and of course, RUM!!!

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Now, on to some, ahem, "adult" entertainment. 

PARTY TIME!!

Bomba Shack 

Here's what the Toronto Star had to say about Bomba Shack Full Moon Party:

TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS—The walls of Tortola’s Bomba Shack bar are rudimentary at best. A few warped sheets of plywood comprise the roof; bras, panties, t-shirts and bikinis decorate the walls.

Still pretty tame at 9 p.m., but wait until midnight during the Full Moon Party.

It’s probably the most notorious bash in the Caribbean. It certainly tops the list of must-dos for the sun-worshipping partier.

FULL MOON RISING

Bomba Shack, perched like a drunken pelican over the sand of Carrot Bay, is no family restaurant.

Bikini donors get a free drink — several if the staff gets to watch the disrobing.

When the clock strikes 12, a different kind of drink appears. Magic mushroom tea.

The band belts out Bob Marley covers.

Things start to sizzle in the silvery light of the moon.
Magic Mushroom tea....Hmmmmm. 


Bomba's by day......A crude collection of washed up objects, donated, ahem, clothing, and various other flotsam that arrived by unknown courier. :) Somehow this ragtag collection of "stuff" has survived several tropical storms and Hurricanes. It's de eyeland jumbies, mon, who watch over dem.

And then there's Bombas by night.

Go to Trip Advisor HERE for some reviews of this totally fun place. After you go, write your own review, if you can remember what you did!

So, when you're ready to get down for some Island Style partying, just let me know.

I love what I do... :)

Email: margo@slipaweighcharters.com

Charter Broker, member of CYBA International Charteryacht Brokers Assoc.

 www.cyba.net 

http://www.slipaweighcharters.com

margo@slipaweighcharters.com

US Phone/Fax: 1.866.297.0163

Florida Office: 1.727.289.4372

Florida Cell: 1.727.324.9471

SKYPE name: charterlady

Anegada: BVI Have you seen it?.... 43' high at the most. Full of Beauty and History. Come see!

Unlike her sister Islands created by ancient volcanic action, this island is unique in the BVI. It's mostly flat....and set off from the other islands. A short sail will get you there when staging from Virgin Gorda or other Easterly islands in the BVI. And the fringing reefs make this an amazing snorkeling and Scuba diving site.

This coral island of Anegada is well known for miles of white sand beaches, the large salt ponds which cover much of the west end of the island, and unique fauna. In the 1830s, thousands of Caribbean Flamingos lived in these ponds, but they were hunted for food and feathers throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries and disappeared by 1950. They are now being re-established into the ponds. The birds are another tourist draw, but officials are trying to keep the number of visitors to the flamingo areas at a level that allows the birds to flourish. You can quietly walk back into the Salt Ponds to see and photograph them. 

Other rare or endangered animals include the Anegada rock iguana (Cyclura pinguis) and several species of turtles. Conch, Caribbean lobster (Metanephrops binghami), and many fishes can be found near Anegada, particularly in the deep waters off the North Drop to the north of the island.The reef adjacent to the Settlement used to be one of the more fertile conch grounds in the Caribbean, but overfishing has wiped out the conch population at the site. Visitors to the Settlement are greeted by the sight of mountains of empty conch shells on the shore when they arrive.There are also populations of feral cattle, donkeys, goats, and sheep which live in all areas of the island.

 Flamingos!!!

Memories: One evening, I was on board preparing dinner for our guests who were ashore with the Skipper. To the West, there was a black-bottomed storm cloud, no threat, as the Winds always blow from East to West. There is a ring of feathery casuarina trees (aka Australian Pines), just on shore near the Anegada Reef Hotel, when suddenly, from behind them, a flock of around 30 rose colored flamingos took to the air and circled around the boat. The light from the setting sun fired up their colors to a great degree. And if that wasn't enough: As the sun appeared from behind and beneath that cloud, sinking into the sea, the legendary Green Flash appeared.

The best part: The Skipper and the guests saw all this too! They all came back, very excited.

Not my picture below, but I've seen so many just like this in these waters. 

You will too!!

 

Can it get any better than this?

Yes, it CAN!

When taking a dinner ashore as part of your yacht charter plan, here is the place to do it! 

Anegada's most famous delight!!

Roasted to perfection over a manjack charcoal fire and bathed in an Island-style garlic butter, you will swear off Maine lobster forever!

If you go nowhere else in this world, come to this magical island, The Drowned Island aka Anegada. You will return again and again. I did and you will too.

We can get you there. Give us a call.

Holiday Update: BVI and Caribbean Christmas and New Year's Eve Openings

 Special Notice: 
Current Christmas and New Years availability
In the Beautiful Caribbean Sea!

 

Celebrate your Holidays
Caribbean style!
 We have reviewed the Calendars of some of our favorite charter yachts. Happy Browsing for your Holiday Vacation of a lifetime!

Please note: All charter yachts will take up to their capacity of guests. 

Or  2 persons can charter any boat for just themselves, even if rated for 6 passengers or more. 

All rates listed include the traditional surcharge for Holiday cruising dates and are presented for maximum guest count. 
If fewer are on board, the rate will often be lower.

(The open dates are as of this date and subject to change at any time.)

These boats will not last long for this popular cruising time to the US and British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.

Watch for SCUBA Availability From Your Boat

Please click on "View HERE"  to see the details and visit with your crew!

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Below is a Sample Itinerary to dream on!

Things to do in the US and British Virgin Islands

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Sailing Boats...Traditional Single Hull

2 Passengers Max 

• Corus:  View HERE: $6200 Inclusive Open for Christmas and New Years, BVI SCUBA available

4 Passengers Max

•  Paradise:  View HERE $9625 Inclusive Open for Christmas and New Years, BVI
•  Dream Ketcher: View HERE $5975 Inclusive but Plus Bar, Bahamas Taxes and Cruising fees... Open for Christmas and New Years, Abacos, Bahama Islands  SCUBA available

6 Passengers Max

• Crystal Clear: View HERE $12,300 Inclusive, Open Christmas and New Years, BVI
• Zephyrus: View HERE Open for Christmas. Florida Keys or Bahamas 1-6 passengers: $8,250 - 7 night minimum, plus BYOB, taxes and Bahamian cruising permit (for Bahamian charters only)

8 passengers Max

• Blue Passion:  View HERE 8 passengers: $20,000 Inclusive Open for Christmas, BVI or St. Maarten SCUBA available
• Coral of Cowes: View HERE Beautiful Classic Yacht: $19,250 All Inclusive (offering many extras on board)  Open for Christmas and New Years For Down Island charters. Inquire for location.
• Three Moons: (Pictured at the Top) View HERE $20,900 For up to 8 passengers Open for Christmas USVI and BVI

Motoryacht, Twin Hull Catamaran: One Only! Up to 6 passengers

• Sea Boss:  Pictured above. View HERE Up to 6 guests: $32,450 Inclusive Open for Christmas BVI

Motor Yachts: Single Hull traditional style

• M/Y Analisa: Pictured above View HERE  Up to 4 guests: 1-4 pax $16,500, 7 night minimum. Special accommodation is offered for parties of 6 passengers.  Open for Christmas and New Years
• M/Y Viaggio: View HERE For up to 4 passengers: $29,120 Inclusive but Plus Fuel Now open for Christmas and New Years BVI
• M/Y Flame: View HERE   For parties up to 6 passengers $20,900 Inclusive...Open for Christmas USVI and BVI 

Sailing Catamarans....Twin hulled sail boats

2 Passengers Max   

• Two Much Fun: View HERE $8250 Inclusive Accommodations for ONLY 2 passengers, very private.. Separate cabin/head using one complete side of the boat. Open for New Years, USVI and BVI

4 Passengers Max

•  Blossom:  View HERE $16,500 Inclusive Open for Christmas and New Years, BVI

5 Passengers Max

•  Surprise Cat: View HERE $9125 Inclusive but Plus Bar and Cruising Taxes Open for Christmas and  New Years, Florida and the Bahamas.

6 Passengers Max 

• Catatonic: View HERE $14,850 Inclusive, Open for Christmas, USVI and BVI SCUBA available
• Soul's Calling: View HERE Open for Christmas : up to 4 people, inclusive..$18,630, or up to 6 people....$20,930 BVI
• Black Pearl: View HERE $14,850 Inclusive Open for Christmas  US and BVI SCUBA Available
• Copper Penny 56': View HERE $28,500 Inclusive open for Christmas SCUBA available
• Dreaming On: View HERE $16,995 Inclusive Up to 6 guests. Open for Christmas 
• Katlo:  View HERE $17,600 Inclusive. up to 6 guests  Open for New Years (boarding on Dec. 30th, 2013) BVI
• Two If By Sea (aka TIBS): View HERE $15,620 Inclusive Up to 6 passengers Open for Christmas BVI SCUBA available

8 passengers Max

• Belline 2: View HERE $16,280 Inclusive open for Christmas SCUBA available
• Marmot 67': View HERE Inclusive 6 guests, 7 nights - $25,300, or 7 or 8 guests, 7 nights - $26,400
• Nutmeg: View HERE Inclusive: 8 guests: $18,810 or 6 passengers (minimum): $17,710 Inclusive. Open for Christmas
• Pentesilea 2: View HERE Up to 8 guests: $16,060 Inclusive Open for Christmas SCUBA available
• Quest: View HERE Up to 8 guests $20,020 Inclusive. Open for Christmas SCUBA available
• The Big Dog: View HERE  Up to 8 guests $30,000 Inclusive. Open for Christmas 

9 Passengers Max 

• Braveheart: View HERE $23,100 Inclusive for up to 9 passengers Open for Christmas BVI SCUBA available.

“TAILS” (and Fur and Feathers) FROM THE FAMOUS NECKER ISLAND in the BVI. Wouldn't you like to visit?

My Story of Necker Island 

When I was first in the charter yacht business in the early ‘90s, how many times did I sail past the beautiful island of Necker? It was said, "It's private, you can't go"…..And one day, one day I took the dinghy from North Sound, Virgin Gorda and, simply, went. I was compelled by the sparkling white beaches and the aura of mystery. Although the land on the island is entirely privately owned, under British Virgin Islands law, all beaches up to the high-water mark are Crown land, and are open to the public. 

So, I went….just to see. I must admit, I didn’t feel comfortable so I stayed close to the edge of the water.  No one challenged me, and I witnessed great, quiet beauty. I saw..............no one. I stayed for a little bit, sniffed the air, and said........I want to go here!! And see more, here!

North Sound area, Virgin Gorda BVI with Gorda Peak in the background.

Here can be found many places to explore and enjoy. There is unparalleled snorkeling to experience, several little restaurants to savor, hiking trails all around especially up to the top of Gorda Peak with views that are unsurpassed. You can visit Pusser’s Leverick Bay, Biras Creek resort, the Saba Rock resort,  the Fat Virgin Café and of course, the famous Bitter End Yacht Club which plays host to several regattas and other events throughout the year. Kite and wind surfing is very popular here as well. In fact, you can try your hand in the steady Easterly trade winds of the wide open Sound. 

School of Blue Tang, Eustatia Reef, Virgin Gorda BVI

Sir Richard Branson 
Name ring a bell? Here's his story of his love affair with this island (and his wife, too!) 

http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/my-story-of-necker-island 

The island was named after the 17th-century Dutch squadron commander Johannes de Neckere, although it remained uninhabited and virtually undeveloped until the late 20th century.

At the tender age of 28, not long after starting his Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson first became aware that some of the islands in the British Virgin Islands were for sale in 1978. He promptly went to the British Virgin Islands for a holiday to investigate the prospective real estate. On first observing the islands, he envisioned using them to house rock stars performing under his record label. Upon arrival, they were given a luxury villa and traveled around the islands for sale by helicopter. The final island he saw was Necker Island, and after climbing the hill and being stunned by the view and wildlife, fell in love with the island...and made it his own.

And from that time on, everything changed....

Not only has this island hosted heads of state, Princesses and Princess, A-list movie stars and famous performers of all ilk, but now...now, Sir Richard has a plan. A plan which includes his passion for reintroducing the native wildlife, long wiped out by aggressive hunting and other reasons. He's also passionately involved with saving endangered wildlife, anything that might thrive in the climate of the British Virgin Islands.

Now, it's possible to go and see and visit and interact with these lovely creatures on a pre-planned guided tour. Here's just a little of what you will see:

Scarlet ibis, white ibis and spoonbills, clouds of which used to inhabit this and many other islands in this part of the Caribbean Sea.

A large flock of flamingos....Yes, they are historically native here and now can be found in the BVI and also on Anegada, BVI where they are breeding successfully thanks to the efforts of this man and others.

Not content enough to stop there, Sir Richard hosts native soldier crabs and iguanas and the local and famous red-footed tortoise with more newcomers joining the party. And some of the newcomers are part of a conservation effort. Sir Richard Branson has teamed up with The Turtle Conservancy  to help keep the species alive. The new arrivals will join their existing herd of endangered giant Indian Ocean Aldabra Tortoises and Red Footed Tortoises on Necker.

Lemurs, you say??? But...they're not native to the Virgin Islands.

Right. But they are seriously endangered in their native land of Madagasgar. Sir Richard is concerned about all species' ability to survive and is hard at work trying to help.

Here's one of my favorite charter skippers from Majestic Spirit, Capt. Dave, playing with a few of these little charmers. Wouldn't you want to do this too?

Well, as you can see, times have changed. 

Through prior arrangement and schedule permitting, now anyone can go visit this magical place. This young man, one of Sir Richard's entrepreneurs, is conducting tours of this island. His name is Gumption and he surely has that! In addition to tours of Necker Island BVI, he also conducts sea life tours, night and day, on his glass bottom boat over the surrounding reefs. Of course, on your charter yacht with your crew, you also can do just that. As much as you want to.

(Please note: Land/wildlife tours are subject to schedule permitting and if guests have secured the whole island of Necker for their private holiday it will not be possible to go. Your charter skipper will contact Gumption to inquire if there is an opening for you to visit.

Tours range in pricing from $90 for adults to $60 for children. Extras might include $20/pp for the enclosure tour where the lemurs live.) 

  So what are you waiting for? Finally, you can visit this wonderful place once off limits to all but the island's owners and privileged guests. Now you can add this amazing experience to your life of adventure.

Get in touch with me and I'll put this together for you!!