| VICL 5304 Yacht Haven Grande, Ste. 104 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Ph: 800-524-2061 340-774-3944 info@vicl.org |
| VICL realizes the importance of working together as a solid, united group. Together, we've made a difference! VICL Board of Governors |
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| Great News from The Virgin Islands Charteryacht League! |
| Click Here to view the Newsletter Archives |
| Translator: |
Erik K. Ackerson
Director
Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League
340-774-3944 or 800-524-2061
erik@vicl.org
Director
Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League
340-774-3944 or 800-524-2061
erik@vicl.org
| VICL Crew Photo of the Month! |
| Submit your VICL Crew Photo of the Month to: erik@vicl.org |
VICL Newsletter
| Updated December 1st, 2009 |
Thought for the Day: "For a business not to advertise is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but no one else does." Stuart H. Britt, US advertising consultant "Unless your campaign has a big idea, it will pass like a ship in the night." David Ogilvy in Confessions of an Advertising man "You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can not get them across, your ideas will not get you anywhere." Lee Iacocca |
| Annual VICL Membership Meeting Our next General Meeting will be held Thursday November 12th at Yacht Haven Grande Marina. It will be a breakfast meeting prior to that days showing of the boats from 7-9 am. All current and prospective members were invited to attend this meeting for the purpose of recapping our current progress, mapping out our future. |
| JOIN the newest "crewsinUSVI" chat group with Yahoo: crewsinUSVI@yahoogroups.com! If you haven't already received an invitation to join the group, contact me at: erik@vicl.org. What is it? Group Description: This venue provides communication for working crews of charter vessels in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as the British Virgin Islands. It allows for nearly instant communications among all users regarding issues such as vendor alerts, special deals and discounts for crews, events, job openings, anchorage and marina closures or problems, weather, theft, vandalism, for sale bulletins and other marine related items of interest. It is not a venue for vendors to sell to the members, but a place for the members to discuss the yachting industry. ONLY CREWS OF CHARTER VESSELS WILL BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THIS GROUP. |
Dear Members and Friends, As the Holiday Season prepares to gear-up in earnest, it is as important as ever in these challenging economic times to create, develop and follow through on our goals for our business as well as to stop and give thanks for all that we do have. The beautiful environment we have all chosen to work in, friends and family to share our lives with and the endless possibilities that lie before each of us. This quarterly newsletter has been created for the purpose of keeping the VICL membership as well as the chartering industry informed as to the numerous activities your Charter Yacht League has been initiating on your behalf. It is your newsletter and as such I invite you to respond to my office with comments and suggestions about issues and information that you would like to see implemented in future issues. I invite everyone to stop by and visit us at our new location and take advantage of the new features and benefits of your VICL membership. Fair Winds, Erik |
ANCHOR LINES NEWS LETTER OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CHARTER YACHT LEAGUE December 2009 |
• St Thomas Fall Yacht Show Re-Cap
• VICL License Plate
• VICL Renewals and New Membership
• VICL History at a Glance
• “On the Water” ; VICL’s own Radio Program
• VICL License Plate
• VICL Renewals and New Membership
• VICL History at a Glance
• “On the Water” ; VICL’s own Radio Program
After weeks of polishing, scrubbing, last minute repairs and some very interesting travel stories
just getting here, the VICL fleet and more than a few new VICL member yachts rolled out the red
carpet to sixty-five charter brokers from all over the world at the St. Thomas Fall Yacht Show,
November 9th through the 12th. Captains and crew were treated to samplings of food and drink
from the various fine dining restaurants located at Yacht Haven Grande at a poolside check-in
social. It was a great time to relax in preparation for the next three days of events. It was also an
opportunity to share Summer vacation stories and catch up on the latest news and stories about
friends and families.
An early shower did not deter the revelers at Tuesday evenings champagne dock walk. A wide
array of appetizers both sweet and savory were prepared by the yacht chefs and the wine and
champagne flowed like…well, champagne!!
Brokers were treated to gourmet box lunches each day as well as a variety of guest speakers
who brought an intimate illustration of the Territory’s financial picture as well as the re-dedication
of the Tourism departments commitment to the charter yacht industry.
One of the highlights of the week was surely being the guest of Governor John P. deJongh Jr. at
the Governors Mansion for cocktails and appetizers. The Governor was very pleased to be able to
socialize with the guests as well as to briefly touch on the importance of the charter industry to
the overall economy of the Virgin Islands.
Flagship Yacht Services hosted an “Eggs and Issues” breakfast for both crew and brokers to
openly discuss contracts, cancelation policies and other very important items common to
everyone in the industry. The breakfast was very well attended and looks to be an annual affair in
the future.
A Taste of St Thomas Land and Sea capped off the week with the combining of desserts lovingly
prepared by the charter chefs and the very best food samplings of over thirty- nine local
restaurants and caterers at the very popular fund raising event for Virgin Islands Public
Television. Over eight hundred were in attendance to mingle with yacht chefs and see first hand
what incredible offerings are served to our charter yacht guests.
Hopefully a very successful show such as this, with the chance for guests to mingle with
captains, Crews and Government officials will translate into charter vacations in the upcoming
season.
just getting here, the VICL fleet and more than a few new VICL member yachts rolled out the red
carpet to sixty-five charter brokers from all over the world at the St. Thomas Fall Yacht Show,
November 9th through the 12th. Captains and crew were treated to samplings of food and drink
from the various fine dining restaurants located at Yacht Haven Grande at a poolside check-in
social. It was a great time to relax in preparation for the next three days of events. It was also an
opportunity to share Summer vacation stories and catch up on the latest news and stories about
friends and families.
An early shower did not deter the revelers at Tuesday evenings champagne dock walk. A wide
array of appetizers both sweet and savory were prepared by the yacht chefs and the wine and
champagne flowed like…well, champagne!!
Brokers were treated to gourmet box lunches each day as well as a variety of guest speakers
who brought an intimate illustration of the Territory’s financial picture as well as the re-dedication
of the Tourism departments commitment to the charter yacht industry.
One of the highlights of the week was surely being the guest of Governor John P. deJongh Jr. at
the Governors Mansion for cocktails and appetizers. The Governor was very pleased to be able to
socialize with the guests as well as to briefly touch on the importance of the charter industry to
the overall economy of the Virgin Islands.
Flagship Yacht Services hosted an “Eggs and Issues” breakfast for both crew and brokers to
openly discuss contracts, cancelation policies and other very important items common to
everyone in the industry. The breakfast was very well attended and looks to be an annual affair in
the future.
A Taste of St Thomas Land and Sea capped off the week with the combining of desserts lovingly
prepared by the charter chefs and the very best food samplings of over thirty- nine local
restaurants and caterers at the very popular fund raising event for Virgin Islands Public
Television. Over eight hundred were in attendance to mingle with yacht chefs and see first hand
what incredible offerings are served to our charter yacht guests.
Hopefully a very successful show such as this, with the chance for guests to mingle with
captains, Crews and Government officials will translate into charter vacations in the upcoming
season.
| 1. Oh What A Show! |
In July a formal request was submitted and accepted by the Virgin Islands Department of
Motor Vehicles allowing the VICL to produce and distribute its very own Virgin Islands
License Plate. Featuring a local sailing vessel, the Virgin Islands Flag and a great ocean
scene, the plate is simple in its design and proclaims the U.S.Virgin Islands; A Boaters
Paradise. This one of a kind authorized plate should prove to be very popular not only with
our VICL member yachts but to recreational and commercial boaters throughout the
Territory. VICL members are eligible to purchase a pair for each of their island vehicles at a
discounted rate of $50.00. Plates are available for the general public to purchase for $60.00
a set starting December 1st. A $20.00 fee is needed by the V.I. Department of Motor Vehicles
to register your plate. Order stations for the Boaters Paradise License plate will be located
on all four islands as well as the VICL office at Yacht Haven Grande. Please see the VICL
website for additional details at www.vicl.org on how to order your very own Boaters
Paradise License Plate.
Motor Vehicles allowing the VICL to produce and distribute its very own Virgin Islands
License Plate. Featuring a local sailing vessel, the Virgin Islands Flag and a great ocean
scene, the plate is simple in its design and proclaims the U.S.Virgin Islands; A Boaters
Paradise. This one of a kind authorized plate should prove to be very popular not only with
our VICL member yachts but to recreational and commercial boaters throughout the
Territory. VICL members are eligible to purchase a pair for each of their island vehicles at a
discounted rate of $50.00. Plates are available for the general public to purchase for $60.00
a set starting December 1st. A $20.00 fee is needed by the V.I. Department of Motor Vehicles
to register your plate. Order stations for the Boaters Paradise License plate will be located
on all four islands as well as the VICL office at Yacht Haven Grande. Please see the VICL
website for additional details at www.vicl.org on how to order your very own Boaters
Paradise License Plate.
Thomas Hodgins started his career as a teacher in Northern Ontario at a place called
Geraldton. At the end of eleven years of teaching he found himself on the staff of the
Toronto Teachers College from which he had graduated. After ten years there he went on
to pursue PhD Studies and became over qualified. Sailing and the urge to travel emerged
as an alternative lifestyle. Through a series of serendipitous experiences he discovered
that pushing his paint brushes would result in a suitable source of income to allow him to
continue his travel and his accumulation of experience.
Even after swallowing the anchor (giving up sailing) and hanging up his brushes; there
continued to be additional opportunities to break out the brushes even though the
computer had almost completely taken over.
“I was in the USVI on and off between 1980 and 1989. It was in 1988 that Jeanie
Drinkwine (then Director of VICL), asked me to make a suggestion regarding a burgee.
“You seem to have some good ideas with your signs” - she said. I was known at the time
as TOM THE SIGNPAINTER, self taught with no training except that as gained from
teaching school for over twenty years.
The reason for the $35 was since I had spent only 15 minutes actually working on the
design that the $35 was at the rate of $140 per hour. I did not realize at the time that
designs themselves were worth something.”
You too may fly the VICL Burgee with pride, now knowing the history of the flag itself. Ask
in the VICL office about purchasing one of your very own!
“Of all the work that I did in the USVI this small piece (the second flag from the top) will
likely outlive all the others. The Virgin Islands Charteryacht League asked me to design a
small flag, (burgee) to be flown on their 100 or so vessels.
I thought for a couple of days and when, standing in line downtown for a pizza an idea
occurred to me, I grabbed a napkin jotted down the design. After fifteen minutes back on
board, I had a sketch ready to submit. The heavy blue letters represented a boat, the red
dot, the sun, and the hills the islands. The idea of the sun came from a local supermarket,
near the hospital, that had their specials marked with a large red dot.”
Geraldton. At the end of eleven years of teaching he found himself on the staff of the
Toronto Teachers College from which he had graduated. After ten years there he went on
to pursue PhD Studies and became over qualified. Sailing and the urge to travel emerged
as an alternative lifestyle. Through a series of serendipitous experiences he discovered
that pushing his paint brushes would result in a suitable source of income to allow him to
continue his travel and his accumulation of experience.
Even after swallowing the anchor (giving up sailing) and hanging up his brushes; there
continued to be additional opportunities to break out the brushes even though the
computer had almost completely taken over.
“I was in the USVI on and off between 1980 and 1989. It was in 1988 that Jeanie
Drinkwine (then Director of VICL), asked me to make a suggestion regarding a burgee.
“You seem to have some good ideas with your signs” - she said. I was known at the time
as TOM THE SIGNPAINTER, self taught with no training except that as gained from
teaching school for over twenty years.
The reason for the $35 was since I had spent only 15 minutes actually working on the
design that the $35 was at the rate of $140 per hour. I did not realize at the time that
designs themselves were worth something.”
You too may fly the VICL Burgee with pride, now knowing the history of the flag itself. Ask
in the VICL office about purchasing one of your very own!
“Of all the work that I did in the USVI this small piece (the second flag from the top) will
likely outlive all the others. The Virgin Islands Charteryacht League asked me to design a
small flag, (burgee) to be flown on their 100 or so vessels.
I thought for a couple of days and when, standing in line downtown for a pizza an idea
occurred to me, I grabbed a napkin jotted down the design. After fifteen minutes back on
board, I had a sketch ready to submit. The heavy blue letters represented a boat, the red
dot, the sun, and the hills the islands. The idea of the sun came from a local supermarket,
near the hospital, that had their specials marked with a large red dot.”
Heard any good radio lately? The VICL twice weekly radio program “On the Water” can
now be heard every Wednesday from 3-4pm and every Saturday morning from 8-9am on
Radio 1000am WVWI. For those who choose to listen on-line the show can be heard by
accessing www.amg.vi (WVWI) or by accessing the VICL website at www.vicl.org (See
Radio Program). Featuring a different guest each show and a call-in format, the program
addresses marine issues and serves as a venue for marine based organizations to
announce events and to inform the listening public about the ‘goings on’ in the local
marine community. Regular guests include the US Coast Guard, DPNR, Captains and
Crew, as well as addressing various environmental issues that are important to us all.
Tune in and join us on the only marine radio program by and for the boating community
in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Past shows have also featured your fellow VICL fleet members. Interested in being a
guest and feature your charter business to listeners from Puerto Rico to St Marteen?
Contact Erik at 340-774-3944 or erik@vicl.org
To promote and market Caribbean Charter Yacht vacations while maintaining and upholding
the highest professional standards in the industry has been the mission statement of the
Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League now for over forty years.
VICL memberships run from January 1st through the 31st of December each calendar year.
As a current member I believe you have been able to see and witness several new and
exciting events this past year made for your benefit. A new and more easily accessible
office space at the premier marina in the Caribbean, Yacht Haven Grande.
A new radio program broadcasting the numerous features and benefits of the industry
while also incorporating the workings and accomplishments of the fleet throughout the
entire marine community.
Additional discounts and exclusive member only offerings from the marine and business
community.
the highest professional standards in the industry has been the mission statement of the
Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League now for over forty years.
VICL memberships run from January 1st through the 31st of December each calendar year.
As a current member I believe you have been able to see and witness several new and
exciting events this past year made for your benefit. A new and more easily accessible
office space at the premier marina in the Caribbean, Yacht Haven Grande.
A new radio program broadcasting the numerous features and benefits of the industry
while also incorporating the workings and accomplishments of the fleet throughout the
entire marine community.
Additional discounts and exclusive member only offerings from the marine and business
community.
| 4. From The Ocean Waves to the Air Waves |
| 2. Show Your Boating Pride |
| 4. A Glimpse in to VICL History |
| 3. VICL Membership 2010 Renewals |
December 11th…Join us for the 10th Annual Lighted Boat Parade. The parade will
begin and end at Crown Bay Marina and awards presentation will immediately follow at
Tickles Dockside Pub. Registration is available at the VICL office.
December 31st…New Years Eve at Yacht Haven Grande Marina. A ‘Blue Moon’ all
island party featuring Ziggy Marley. Ring in the New Year with friends and enjoy the
fireworks display at midnight!
January 17th…VICL Holiday Pot Luck. Join your fellow charter crews for a day of fun
and sun at Honeymoon Beach on beautiful Water Island. As voted on at our last
General Meeting, we are inviting members of the local marine enforcement agencies
to share the day with us as a way to thank them for their service. Bring a dish and
utensils. Beer and sodas provided. Take this opportunity to invite a potential new VICL
member!!
April 14th-16th…St Thomas Spring Yacht Show. Hosted by Yacht Haven Grande. Call
your favorite broker and invite them to attend.
| 5. Upcoming Calendar Of Events |