After having several iPods, a nano and
an iPhone, we finally bought a Mac computer...and take a look at how we are using it in our business! Amazing!
February, 2010
Recently we noticeed the writing embossed on our wine
cork, “Whatever you do, pour yourself into it.” That quote embodies Three Moons and our ongoing commitment to
making our guests feel special in our home. Here's just a few of the things we’ve truly enjoyed this month:
EAT Cooper Island Beach Club The “new & improved” Cooper Island Beach Club. Have you heard? Cooper Island Beach Club has a brand new restaurant! Even our guests last week, who are self admittedly
major foodies, said their dinner was absolutely wonderful. We love the fresh, clean new look and the furniture built from colorfully painted sailing
dories. Blending the old and the new works well for this island favorite. What did our large table of eleven eat? Our long
time favorites and a few new ones: Conch fritters, Chicken Roti (with a real chickpea wrap) as well as Mussels and Yellow-fin
tuna. Everything was perfect! READ Pulitzer prize winning author! Many thanks to Anna
Quindlen this month for sending a carepackage of her books! How did she describe her stay aboard Three Moons? "Paradise
with a Jib"! There’s nothing like living with clients for eight days, seven night aboard a 72’ yacht to get
to know them! Anna and her talented family filled our week with heart-felt discussions that were clear, thoughtful & opinionated.
Reading her books following the charter with the sound of her voice in our heads only increased our positive opinion of a
woman who truly writes from the heart and a lifetime of experiences. Learn more... EXPLORE Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI Here’s a complete revelation: While
one group of guests wasexploring the Baths, Virgin Gorda, I decided to snorkel Spring Bay. My surprise of the week was when
I discovered that neighboring Spring Bay has all the charm of the Baths...and then some! It has become my favorite recommendation
for those who have already visited the Baths and need something new to explore sans tourists! It’s amazingly untouched
and quiet. INDULGE Check out these websites... Our guests this season come from all
over the world and amaze us with their globe trotting businesses. Recently, we discovered www.dflyswimwear.com through charter client, Martha Booke. Founded in Bali, now based in Rio de Janeiro, Martha’s beautiful fabrics and
thoughtful designs wowed us! Also, check out Jennifer Lyons in Fort Worth, TX: www.dolcevitafw.com. Both sites are similar to the resort wear and jewelry we sold in our boutique/salon in Franklin, TN. As they say, “You
can take the gal out of the retail biz, but you can’t the retail out of the gal”!
We are so enriched by all the charter guests who come on board the yacht Three Moons. Perhaps we should put our own
twist on Robert Mondavi's famous quote...
"Whatever you do, pour yourself into it and sail with
the wind, not against it. ...not a bad way to live!"
Three
Moons Wins it's 11th Culinary Competition Award!
November-12th-2009
Yahoo! Chef Shelly won third place in the St. Thomas Virgin Islands Charteryacht League Culinary
Competition with "Kiss-me Key Lime 'n the Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake!
Meet Our New First Mate for the 2009-2010 Season!
Charlotte Hancock:
Charlotte graduated from the College of William and Mary
in May ’09 with a degree in English. Born & raised in St. Thomas, she was working at one of St. Thomas' popular
high-end restaurants when we met. With her degree, she's naturally an avid reader; but loves being outdoors in the sun and
water. She also enjoys photography, writing and traveling. She'll be working as an intern at the V.I. Daily News when she's
off charter and hopes to someday work with a publishing company. We think she’s a great addition to the Three Moons
Crew for the Fall/Winter 2009 and 2010 season!
Carnival Time in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands!
May-6-2009
Carnival in St. Thomas is the biggest celebrated holiday of all! It's more celebrated
than Christmas, New Year's or any other holiday. It's held the last week of April and is the local even of the year when Virgin
Islanders are anxious to display their creativity and talents. We have our calypso competitions, cultural nights, pageantry,
steel bands, carnival village and of course the parades! Everyone dances in the streets! The parades last two days beginning
with the childrens' parade last Friday (May 1) and the adult's parade last Saturday (May 2). The event ends into a grand fireworks
display at the close of Carnival. What a weekend! This year's Carnival was the best we've ever seen. No, it's not as big as
the carnival in Rio de Janeiro; but it lasted seven hours! The theme this year was "Echoes Through Time 2009", tipping it's
hat to the long history of carnival in the islands. This year's costumes and floats were more elaborate than ever before.
It was truly amazing!
Even USVI Governor John de Jongh along with Senators and other government
officials were spotted dancing in front of the bandstands! Great community involvement! You just haven't lived until you've
seen the Rising Stars All-Star Steel Band double-decker wagon go down the street hopping and jumping to the rthym of over 100 steel pans.If you would like to learn
more about Carnival in St. Thomas, go to www.vicarnival.com.
Chef Shelly Live on Internet Radio!
March-7-2009
Whole Grain Papaya Pineapple Bran Muffins
It was great fun this morning spending time at the AM Radio 1000 in St. Thomas, USVI with
new friends & chefs being interviewed by Captain, chef and cookbook author Jan Robinson! We weren't able to obtain
a tape of the interview; but here's a few things we discussed: One of the predominate questions we are always asked is, "How
in the world do you cook gourmet meals in such a tiny galley?" The answer is charter yacht chefs are very organized! We also discussed trends
in the food industry. Here's a few of the trends I foresee for 2009:
1. Healthy-
Organic, nutritious, fresh locally grown, exotic fruits (acai, mangosteen), artisan cheeses, free range meats, sustainable
seafood, organic wine, smaller portions and mini foods such as tapas and bite size desserts
2. Eggs-They're not just for breakfast anymore! There are many new food combinations for
eggs prepared fried, poached as well as frittatas!
3. Noodles-whole grain,
soba, ramen, udon as well as gluten free varieties
5. Flavors: lavender, persimmon, star fruit, garam marsala & chimichurri
6. Peruvian cuisine is supposed to be the new "Thai"! I can't wait to give it a try! So move
over mojito...here's the new drink: Pisco Sour-Shake 2 oz of the Peruvian national spirit called Pisco (brandy) with the juice of ½ lime, 1 tbs pasteurized egg white, sugar, ice and Angostura bitters and serve!
7. Ginger drinks: ginger beer & cocktails...always a favorite in the islands!
Promoting Our Business During Economic Ups and Downs
March-4-2009
The instability of the economy is only making us work harder
at perfecting our positive image of being a high level professionally crewed yacht. Yes, we are all networking more and reaching
out in new ways to contact prospective clients. We are emphasizing that we are not cutting corners, no matter the cost or
the economy.
In this unusually difficult time, isn't it nice to know that
Three Moons still upholds the level of service that she has always been known for? What does that mean? We don't skimp on
anything no matter the cost or the economy! All inclusive still means "ALL INCLUSIVE" aboard the yacht...there are no extras
for cruising permits, taxes, fuel usage, air conditioning and no additional fees for standard bar & wine. This seems so
much smarter than making "desperation deals". If it results in a quieter season overall, then the results will reflect positively
with the great changes that have been made to the yacht who truly care about how they present themselves to the industry.
Rates beginning at $321.00 per person per night for
an 8 passenger charter at this level of service cannot be beat.
Remodeling Instead Of Roses!
Feb-14-2009
On Valentine's Day, many men follow the usual tradition by purchasing flowers, cards,
etc. Well, you might not know it; but most gals that live and work as crew on a charter yacht never seem to get the frilly
stuff for holidays. Come to think of it, we're always working during the holidays! I thought it would fun to share with you
this year a Happy Valentines wish and an update on what we are doing.
Here's the poem my wonderful husband wrote for me this morning~
"Roses are Red, Violets are Blue,
I just completed the yacht bathroom renovations for YOU!"
Three Moons is excited to announce that we have new Corian counter tops and sinks
in our guest cabins. The best part about having a former contractor/builder on board is that we are always working on remodeling
something to make the yacht look her very best!
Other news: Our First Mate, Becca Lee has been working as a Tour Guide
for Princess Cruise Lines here in St. Thomas for a couple of years. Last month she was awarded with the prestigious "Tour
Guide of the Season" award. See the web link here. We topped off her excitement with a nice tiara to wear while washing dishes in the Three Moons Galley! She's really excited!
Honestly, Becca is a super first mate and our guests are enjoying her fun-loving style.
Speaking of the galley, after a summer of loosing a considerable amount of weight,
we have some new menu options in our ten time Award-winning galley for the health conscious! These new recipes were influenced
by some of our favorite NYC chefs after a recent visit to Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern and Tabla. In addition, we are now incorporating healthier sweeteners such as Agave Nectar and Stevia. Both of these items will become
major "buzz words" in the coming months. These new options have been met with rave reviews from our guests this season!
Grilled Fresh Mahi over Mild West Indian Watermelon Curry and Sesame Snow Peas
No Sweat Beef Wellington, Portabella & Peppered Pearl Onions over Cauliflower/Leek
Mash
Seared Pepper Crusted Tuna with Zesty Lime Relish over Jammin' Jicama-Orange Slaw
Mustard Grilled Chicken Stacks over Spaghetti Squash Trio with Basil, Pine Nut Tomato
Tango
Citrus Marinated Pork Tenderloin over Mushroom-Pozole Blanco Risotto & Green Beans
AND Yes! We do still serve whole Caribbean Lobster each week! It's always a favorite!
We have several bookings for 2010, so please remember to contact us early!
Sail your way to a "Greener" Vacation!
Oct 1-2008
When Three Moons is under sail, she's 50 tons of pure fun being moved purely by the wind on the turquoise
waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. Sure, there are times when the engine or generator is running;
but we're taking extra precautions with our equipment to make sure that we're conscious of our environment. There are other
ways Three Moons is thinking greener too! Such as- We are currently exploring the organic approach to our cuisine! We're working
with local farmers to provide produce for our provisions. This past season we worked with a local gardener who provided all
our fresh herbs. All our fish from our Award-winning galley is caught by local fisherman! Several of our vegetables are delivered
straight to our yacht via a "boat boy" who takes pride in his fresh mangos, papaya, pineapple and other tropical fruits. Stay
tuned...more great ideas are on the way!
After 20+ separate charters yacht vacations
each season, a charter crew needs a break…and they take one every Summer up until November 1st!
I let you know in past articles that owning and operating a charter yacht vacation business is not
just having fun and sailing around the Caribbean. It is a BIG business. It is BIG work! And, it is not for the faint of heart!
Imagine owning a bed and breakfast in the Caribbean, except that it is a boat! If something
breaks there is no one to call except your personal skills in fixing it; generators, ice makers, electrical, plugged plumbing,
air conditioning break downs, sheets and sail issues, and on and on. Are you getting the picture that is not just sailing
in Paradise and keeping sun screen on? The “job” of a charter yacht owner/crew
is to produce an extraordinary tropical yacht vacation experience for every guest…for every week of charters.
And, if that is not delivered to their charter guests they will not have a “Caribbean
floating bed and breakfast” business for very long.
So, in spite of what I have just described, there is a small community of
charter yacht owners who would not change one bit of their lives. They are some of the most professional and competent
business owners you will ever meet. They are the consummate problem solvers every day without their guests ever knowing
there may be something wrong. They deliver four to five 5-Star dining experiences a day! Every water toy you can
imagine is on the yacht - from water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, wind su rfing, etc. And, they know every special
anchorage in the Caribbean so when the anchor is dropped for the night you will witness a
brand new spectacular sunset every evening while you are being served you favorite cocktails. ( If you think I am over
stating the experience one has on a charter yacht vacation, it is because you have been yet. It is the most unforgettable
vacation experience I have ever had - 40 years of sailing in the Caribbean has not dampened
my love for this amazing part of the world.)
Two of the “Rock Stars” of the Caribbean
charter industry are Randy and Shelly Tucker. I had the chance towork with Shelly at last year’s VICL Boat Showat Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. They own the
Irwin 72′ Three Moons - one of my favorite mono-hulls especially built for the Caribbean.
Randy and Shelly are legendary in the Caribbean charter industry because of the consistently
exceptional experience they deliver to their clients. Almost 90% clients are repeat or referral clients. Here
is a quote from Randy and Shelly that truly communicates what is awaiting you for a Caribbean charter yacht vacation, “Comfort,
relaxation, and award-winning cuisine are yours sailing aboard our handsome 72 foot yacht throughout an exquisitely
inviting Caribbean playground…the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.” Because of the cuisine experience
that Shelly delivers to their customers everyday, Crew Life Magazine printed a feature story on this award-winning chef. Shelly has also published
the very successful “Three Moons
Island Cookbook”- in its third edition!
I had the pleasure of hosting Randy and Shelly at our San Francisco Bay Area
home this week during their off-charter adventures. This was their first visit to one of my top five favorite cities
in the world. Yesterday they had fresh Dungeness crab at the Waterfront Restauranton the Embarcadero. They walked their “deck shoes” off exploring this magical City. They stopped by a few days after attending
a family wedding in Cabo, Mexico.
( If you look closely at the photo of the catamaran you will see them with very BIG smiles - even though they are not fans
of multi-hull yachts.) During their stay as OUR “charter guests”, it was such a pleasure to deliver
the best we had for every meal, and even dipping into our wine cellar sharing our favorite wines. ( We also had one
night that started out with Belevedre martinis, some BIG reds, and topped off with some amazing TawnyPort for the Sierra foothills - Indian Rock Vineyards.) I look forward to all of you having the opportunity of booking a charter
yacht vacation aboard Three Moons. It will change your life - and that is not an overstatement. Email me and I can tell you more...Until next time….fair winds!
New 17' Caribe Dinghy with a 115HP Yamaha Outboard!
Fun Guests in May 2008!
A fun time was had by both the Guests and the Crew! What a great week!
Yacht Three Moons Haul Out Blog
Welcome to the boatyard Virgin Gorda, BVI...such a lovely place. Remember
the song Hotel California? Well, we have our very own take on this song set in Virgin Gorda with new lyrics! The only problem
is getting the song out of our heads! It's great fun getting back to the islands and seeing all our friends. What's the biggest
drawback to living in the hot, dirty boatyard? Not having a bathroom!
Did you know that most yachts apply 2-3 coats
of "sacrificial varnish" before they haul out of the water? The tropical climate is brutal on all exposed teak surfaces. Applying
a few coats of varnish before we leave for a 3 month break ensures that the teak will still be in good shape when we return.
We spend about 2 weeks each year in the boatyard working on projects. Rising early every morning, we work until the
noonday temperatures become too hot to stand on the deck. Then we'll rest for awhile. Later in the day, we get back to our
projects and work until dark. The finished look is ahhhh...very satisfying! Thank you to Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor for taking such great care of Three Moons
What We Do When We Are in Tennessee!
Ahh...the end of summer and the last big Labor Day party is over! We've enjoyed our vacation spent in Tennessee with
family and friends. Since everyone is always asking, it seems like a good time to tell you more about what we do when we aren't
working aboard s/v Three Moons:
Remodeling Houses! You already know that Randy always has a summer remodeling
project. Yes, he is at it again with another house that we are hoping to repair and sell quickly. It may be the ugliest house
in TN; but it's going to be a perfect little dollhouse for someone soon!
Biking! We both love to go biking and
walking everyday while we are home. There are miles and miles of paved trails nearby. One of the area parks has a stream running
alongside the path. Nearly every morning we are greeted by a family of deer!
absolutely wonderful. We love the fresh, clean new look and the furniture built from colorfully painted sailing
dories. Blending the old and the new works well for this island favorite. What did our large table of eleven eat? Our long
time favorites and a few new ones: Conch fritters, Chicken Roti (with a real chickpea wrap) as well as Mussels and Yellow-fin
tuna. Everything was perfect! 
