By Jeff on 11/23/2008 8:41 AM

Here at the palatial Charter Island headquarters, we finally saw our first heavy frost. Although the skies are clear, the temperature gauge shows a chilly 36deg F. For those of you in the islands, I'm glad someone's doing it! For the rest of us, we can dream of our next adventure. And, maybe drift off to warmer memories of our last charter.My mind is stuck on memories of being anchored off Petit St. Vincent, 11 feet of crystal-clear, warm water, and a brisk easterly that despite its velocity of around 15 with gusts to 20, is still 85def F and (remarkably) carrying sands aloft from as far away as Africa.

By Jeff on 11/5/2008 3:22 PM

A few years back, my father-in-law bought me a headlamp. I first thought, "hmm... cool. Not sure what I will use it for but cool. And, I might look funny wearing it." These days, after having it around, it has become indispensable. It's one of those pieces of gear that I always know where to find when I need it most. While doing some work outside in the dark a few nights ago (trusty headlamp deployed), I was reminded how useful it really was. And, the majority of my memories of it saving the day are directly related to sailing AND applicable to chartering.

Think about it; they are light, incredibly small, are relatively cheap, usually come resistant to the elements, and enable you to work in limited light situations with two hands instead of having to rig up some stand for a flashlight (or rely on someone to hold one while shaking or drifting off the subject you're working on).

Here are 7 examples of how I've used my headlamp or how it can come in handy during your next charter:

1. Backup flashlight - on a bareboat charter, chances are you'll find weak or dead batteries in the single flashlight onboard. You won't want to pack an extra flashlight to travel lean. A headlamp - probably about 2 ounces and no bigger than half your fist is a great backup when you need it.
2. Cleaning out a plugged sump pump - On a charter in the San Juan Islands, I got the pleasure of clearing years of hair out of a sump pump reservoir/drain grate in the forward head. No one wanted to be near and I needed both hands while trying to figure out what the heck was going on. Saved by the headlamp.
3. Dealing with a dragging anchor at 2am - when you're in a new cruising area, different boat, different anchor, usually very little anchor chain with lots of rode, and maybe someplace that blows 24 hrs a day (like the Grenadines), you're going to drag anchor. It's that simple (especially if you don't dive on the anchor to check it out before you retire for cocktails). Walking around on deck in the middle of the night trying to run the windlass or at the helm trying to see other boats in the anchorage before you hit them, having the ability to look at something and have it automatically illuminated is very nice.
4. Picking up a mooring after dark - sure - you're not supposed to be sailing your chartered boat after dark. But, it happens. Unexpected weather. A longer than anticipated lunch stay because the beach was so great. Next thing you know, someone is trying to wrangle a corroded, growth-encrusted mooring loop in the dark. Enter the headlamp. (be sure to tie a tether to the headstrap though so that it doesn't fall off when you pull your head back through the lifelines!)
5. Reading a book in the cockpit at night - simple but important. For some of us, this is just about the only time we get to actually read a book. Even though many charter companies provide funky, little, half-coconut shell cockpit lights, they don't work half the time. You usually want to sit outside, even after dark, to enjoy warm temperatures and read. So whip out your headlamp and you're set. Ignore the comments from the crew.
6. Finding your dinghy at the dinghy dock after a late night at the bar - this is really one of you potential worst nightmares. You've been enjoying a great evening... A jump-up at Basil's or Bombashack... just pick any of the usual places. It comes time to leave, you head down to the dinghy dock, and there are 39 dinghies that look just like your charter boat dinghy! What? A very cruel test - usually while somewhat "impaired". While I can't guarantee that a headlamp will make your vision and senses clear, it can make it easier to spot some unique identifier you've thoughtfully placed in or on your dinghy ahead of time. Note: place that identifier first.
7. A makeshift steaming light - if you've spent much time in the Caribbean, you know that popular anchorages can be treacherous at night. Locals careening through the anchorage at dark. Fellow charterers that successfully navigated #6 above only to now face finding their boat while in a hurry. Whatever the case, this is a useful tip that I've heard others say has come close to saving their lives; wear the headlamp while you navigate through the anchorage back to your boat. Some headlamps even offer a strobe/flashing option. That's even better. But, it's all about making yourself visible and keeping two hands to use as needed.

I'm sure there are more examples but these are the most obvious that come to mind from my experiences and those of others I trust. But, don't forget to buy and pack a headlamp - it's crucial gear for your next charter.

By Jeff on 11/3/2008 10:58 PM

Moorings recently announced their 40th Anniversary Photo and Video Contest.  I know from experience that photos and video from charters are always a highlight of mine as well as with friends that wish they had been there. With some of the incredible scenery in the islands and unique situations that come up, I'm sure Moorings will end up with some entertaining and amusing material to review. Understandably, a "Visible Moorings logo is a plus" but I'm just wondering; how many striking images will incorporate the Moorings logo?

I definitely applaud their use of things like YouTube for video. However, a friendly tip to the folks running the contest: your video requirements to something other than ".jpg format" (you might not get many videos - that's for still images only).

For more details on the contest - including information about the prizes including a free 7-day charter or 2-person stateroom on a crewed charter - be sure to visit the Moorings site. You have until June 1, 2009 to submit your photos and/or videos.

By Jeff on 11/3/2008 10:47 PM

Well, we finally made the swing we've been promising for... well... months (and months and months and... you get the picture). But, we believe it's been worth the wait. Over the next couple weeks, we'll be turning on a few more areas of this site that will be quite cool. We've upgraded our web platform. We've expanded content. Let's just say that it's been a major effort that, with some luck and contribution from the community, will become a useful resource for first-time charterers and experts alike. That's it for now. Stay tuned over the coming days...

By Jeff on 8/21/2008 10:22 PM

While running a quick errand during lunch hour, it was hard to not notice how many tourists were exploring the streets of my home city. Staring and pointing at landmarks while waiting for traffic to clear crosswalks. Locals also seemed to be caught up in the hubbub of the urban experience.

For me, it reminded me that - in reality - I would rather be standing on a corner of a very different type of city (or in some instances, town). In this case, I drifted off to Ensenada, Mexico, where I had cleared through customs during a sail last fall from San Diego to Cabo with my Dad and uncle. The buzz of the typical US city just doesn't cut it for me and it's probably relates somehow to why I so enjoy chartering in far off, culturally different locales.

The sights... sounds... smells... Honestly, they're not always the freshest or happiest. But, they are different, new, and bring a new perspective in unexpected ways. And, it's the texture that makes visiting these places - particularly by boat - so remarkable.

On virtually any corner in Ensenada, there were curious shops with names are only vaguely understood. Farmers were camped out at various locations selling their best produce. Food stands were serving up carne asada tacos. And - I was just a little uncomfortable with which direction I should had and that made it pretty enjoyable. Everything about it felt new and exciting.

Isn't that what travel and adventure are supposed to be about?

By Jeff on 8/20/2008 11:41 AM

I've blogged before that Kenny Chesney's music is a great charter trip companion. He seems to be poised to receive the torch from Mr. Buffett someday as the sailing/partying/escapist musician. So, it was a pleasant surprise to find the other day that XMRadio has a new channel: 18 - Kenny Chesney's No Shoes Radio.

Yeah - it's probably a leeeetle more Kenny Chesney than I need. However, somewhat like Jimmy Buffett's "Radio Margaritaville", it features a wide range of music that will either make you think about sailing in paradise or possibly inspire you to book that trip and load up your iPod with some great tunes for a charter!

XMRadio listeners - check it out on 18 (or online, via the "Listen Online" option).

By Jeff on 7/1/2008 10:53 AM

Everyone should do a St, Maarten Heineken Regatta. The gorgeous sailing. The spectacle. The parties. In an era where regattas continue to shrink in size, they keep putting on a fantastic event. The best thing about it is you really don't have to ship your own boat - you can charter. This adds a nice aspect to the event and there are a number of charter companies (typical bareboat and others) that make it easy to book a boat and enjoy the event. Check out the new 2009 promo video. Truly remarkable...

 

Looks like fun to me!

By Jeff on 6/25/2008 4:12 PM

While I don't have much experience with charter cats, I know they're the range - for good reason. They're spacious. They have a more upright stance for some folks that don't enjoy burying the rails on a monohull, and despite a wider tacking range, they have somewhat better click of speed which can get you from your lunch spot to your evening anchorage just a little faster. (and, we know THAT means your rum cocktail a little sooner, right?)

If you haven't seen what one of these look like, you should check out this video from the Moorings folks. Not exactly the way I would shoot it but it provides a nice little overview of the boat and it's many appealing aspects.

By Jeff on 4/24/2008 6:33 AM

For some of you, this might be interesting. For others... well... not so much. I just successfully completed an upgrade to the blog software we're using. In includes some new layout changes, some nice comment features, and more.

By Jeff on 2/11/2008 3:08 PM

During a charter years ago in the BVI, something happened that I didn't expect: RAIN! When packing for the trip, I had all kinds of gear but even though my Seattle roots have wired me to plan for (and accept) rain, I didn't pack any foulies. Go figure? It's paradise - it's not supposed to rain!

As with about every charter I've done, there were some boat foulies in the foward hanging locker. I reached in to find a crispy, plastic, mildew-laced jacket that was practically useless. Oh well..

Fast forward to 2008. There are more and more great technical fabrics being created every day that are light, breathable, pack well, and protect from the elements.

Enter the Atlantis Microburst shell. Light, packable, and the perfect fit for charter foulweather protection and a decent travel jacket to boot. Check it out.

Tags: sailing, foul weather gear, outerwear, yacht charter, bareboat charter