It’s Here!! The Fall Issue!!

I know, I know, it seemed like forever, but this one was worth waiting for.  The Fall Issue of CharterSavvy is bigger and, he said with no modesty whatsoever, better than ever!!

You’ll find a 9-page feature on bareboat chartering in Belize with gorgeous photography, a 10-pager on hunting the Loch Ness Monster through the Scottish Highlands via bareboat, a close-to-home charter along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and an insider’s guide to the best snorkeling sites in the BVIs.

Don’t miss our look at the latest inflatable life vests in our Cargo section, and our Sea Trial is the new Moorings 393 powercat.

Plus all the great columns and departments, too.

Just click on “Read The Magazine” on our website and enjoy! 

Sunsail Goes Racing On San Francisco Bay!

We mentioned earlier that Sunsail was opening a base in Sausalito on San Francisco Bay, and the first eight of the Sunsail First 40s have just arrived. 

What is particularly appealing about these Beneteau-built 40s is that they are Farr-designed, performance-oriented yachts that are fully equipped with spinnaker gear and triple-spreader rigs so that local sailors can charter them for the many regattas on San Francisco Bay. 

The First 40, which has been adapted to Sunsail specifications, has built an envious record for a production boat: winner of the 2010 Rolex Sydney-Hobart race, winner of Cowes Week, winner of Spi Ouest France, and winner of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez.  If you don’t take home silverware with this Sunsail charter, well, it’s not the boat’s fault.

The Sunsail First 40 is a three-cabin layout with a generous sail plan and niceties such as a chartplotter, autopilot and a heated interior that is perfect for Bay sailing.

Details from Sunsail, www.sunsail.com/sanfrancisco or 800-797-5907.

BVI Spring Regatta Date Change

In case you’re thinking about heading to the BVIs for one of the best regattas for bareboat charter sailors, then take note that the Caribbean Sailing Assn (CSA) has changed the dates to a week earlier than normal.  The dates for the 2013 Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival will be from March 25^th to the 31^st.

The BVI Spring Regatta, now 40 years old, not only has classes just for bareboat charter boats, but works with local charter companies to encourage racing packages for the regatta.  This year, the regatta attracted over 700 sailors from 13 different countries aboard 125 yachts, who enjoyed seven days of racing and partying around the BVIs. 

Charter companies whose boats won in the 2012 regatta include MarineMax Vacations, The Moorings, Sunsail, Rob Swain Sailing School, and BVI Yacht Charters.  Click on the company names for details of their racing packages.

Race information is available at www.bvispringregatta.org.

You & The Sun

We normally leave the medical side of things to the HealthSavvy column in every issue of CharterSavvy, but the recent changes to sunscreen ratings are worth noting.  Besides, our dermatologist just gave us a lecture about boats, sun and fair-skinned people.  

Taking effect this summer are new FDA rules regarding the labeling of the various sunscreens.  First, the claim of “broad spectrum” will have to meet tougher standards for UVA protection (which penetrates deep levels of the skin).  All sunscreens must have an SPF rating but, on products without the “broad spectrum” label, that SPF applies only to UVB protection, which affects only the outer layer of skin.

To be called water resistant, the sunscreen must last at least 40 minutes of swimming or 80 minutes of sweating.  A fact box will be required on each sunscreen with warnings and important information.

Tips: Always choose SPF 15 or higher, and the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends a minimum of SPF 35.  Under the new labeling, always choose “broad spectrum” for maximum protection.  Last, don’t rely just on sunscreen.  The toughest times for your skin is between 10 a.m and 2 p.m, so use hats, long-sleeve shirts and sunglasses.  

CharterSavvy Lives! It Lives!!

We are proud and delighted to announce the premiere issue of CharterSavvy is now available online free, and you can read it by simply clicking on the magazine cover to the left or back on the home page of this website. 

CharterSavvy is, as we promised, all about bareboat charters, with great features on the British Virgin Islands, Greek islands, San Juan islands, and canal barging in France.  There is amazingly beautiful photography, a video to add some fun, and great reading, too.

The Cargo section is devoted to the latest and coolest duffel bags, while the charter boat review in Sea Trial is the Lagoon 44. 

Of course, we have all our columns and departments that cover health, finances, insider tips and more.  And it’s all FREE!!