Captain’s Blog

The landscapes that make up the Greek Islands are known as one of the premiere sailing destinations on the planet. Over 2,000 islands and islets sparkle like diamonds across the blue cover of the ocean (only 169 are inhabited). The islands represent 20% of the total area of Greece creating a coastline 15,000 km. Each island oozes with its own unique beauty and charm.

Santorini

The Cyclades island cluster is one of the many popular areas for sailing enthusiasts to steer their vessels. It is the central group of islands in the Aegean Sea. The Cyclades were given their name because its 220 islands create a circular ring surrounding the center island of Delos. Delos is an ancient center of trade and worship. It is also known as the birthplace of the Greek God Apollo. The islands are peaks of underwater mountains that cut through the delicate ocean surface. The penetration of these peaks into the mild climate above creates a setting filled with natural life and breathtaking scenery. The stunning shores and unspoiled beaches are doorways into vacationing bliss. (more…)

Dive into a Whole New World

For every diver the ocean holds surprises.  From day to day, season to season, the inhabitants and complexion of these sites change. Beneath the current of the ocean lies a mesmerizing world of bustling mystery. Passing through the flowing doorway, your body is bombarded with sights, sounds and sensations that exist no place else. Free from gravity, flying through the aquatic sky opens a horizon of endless exploration.

Though the world has many diving sites here are some popular destinations all diving enthusiasts can enjoy.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system. Billions of tiny organisms craft the majestic wonder making it the only site of its kind visible from outer space. The reef system is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in North East Australia.  Composed of over 2,900 reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef stretches an estimated 1,600 miles from Lizard Island in the north down to Great Palm Island in the south.  Over 400 types of hard and soft coral cover the region and shelter some of the planets most diverse marine life. Much of the Marine life found is endemic to the area. Rays, Dolphins, sea turtles, mollusks, sea horses and giant clams are among the inhabitants who dwell in the blue abyss.  Over 1,500 species of fish such as the clown, red-throat emperor and lionfish call the reef home. There is no shortage of sharks or whales who roam the corridors of the reef as well. A few endangered species such as the Dugong (Sea Cow) also swim freely in the Great Barrier reefs vast ecosystem. (more…)

With summer months brings with it great weather and some almost invisible creatures. During this time of the year you may encounter Jelly Fish. The Moon and box Jellyfish is the most common.

The moon jelly fish is round and has a distinct purple color and is not known to be quite as dangerous as the Box Jelly fish and the Man “O”  Wars,however, do exercise caution. If spotted, swim in the opposite direction. (more…)

Charming Croatia

The Croatian Coastline is an extremely alluring sailing destination located on the Adriatic Coast. This coast is an abode to many abandoned coves, breath-taking beaches, and several small villages, which serve as ideal spots to drop anchor for the night, while sailing in Croatia.

The Croatian islands simultaneously boast appealing weather in the form of good sunny spells and a great heritage. It is endowed with over 1000 islands offering ample potential for a sailing adventure! These islands are more accessible via a private yacht, than on ferries, (which have designated stop over ports) because ferries limits an individual’s exposure to the islands charm. A sailing trip to Croatia offers a sailing experience, that is one of a kind.

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The breath-taking experience!

Sailing is quite a valuable experience in itself, providing both relaxation and rejuvenation, while serving as an excellent vacation. However, before the holiday unfolds, proper packing needs to be done for a smooth holiday. Once, a sail charter is booked with a company, the next step is to chalk out the essentials to take on the trip. Usually, individuals on their first sailing ventures packs a lot more than necessary, which creates added responsibilities.

Pertinent items include (more…)

Everyday the view changes as you sail through Thailand’s endless slide show of jaw dropping images. Discovery is constant with many varied and untouched destinations. Warm blue and turquoise waters surround lengthy tropical coastlines and countless chains of islands. Thousands of these unique sanctuaries shudder against the frame of a fresh blue skied horizon. Coupled with a soothing breeze these indescribably beautiful sites could bring a mountainous range of goose bumps to even the most rugged of sailor’s skin.

The Island Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and the premiere sailing destination in South East Asia. (more…)

Sail the Caribbean on this Hot Beneteau! Now you can charter this beautiful yacht at a special owner’s discounted rate during the 2011 to 2012 charter season – that’s 30% off normal rates! Contact Captain Marsha for details! 1-888-706-7393!

Extra Special offer

Learn more @ http://blueodysseyvacations.com/

The BVI Spring Regatta started off in high gear and Team BVI was on the top of their game. The first race was from Nanny Cay to the Bitter End and commenced at 10: 15 am on March 31, 2009. The teams were allotted 6 hours to complete the course of which team BVI only need 3 hours and 20 minutes to dominate the race. The course took the team from Nanny Cay, heading east on the Sir Francis Drake channel and then south between Salt and Peter Island, leaving Salt and Cooper Island to port of the vessel. The course then took us back into the Sir Francis Drake channel and outside The Dogs; from here the team needed only 3 tacks to make it to the finish line. Victory was in plain view and the Bitter End trophy was later awarded to the team for first place.

Team BVI

On day 2, (more…)

Day 1 Manuel Reef Tortola – the Bight, Norman Island

The journey through the Virgin Islands began today with my two crew members Debbie and Daniel, from Manuel Reef on Tortola, British Virgin Islands on a 38 feet catamaran. Once outside the channel we hoisted the sails and headed for Norman Islands, also known as Treasure Island. The winds were blowing from the east at 15 knots and the seas were moderate, this made for a lovely sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The sail ended at the Bight in Norman Island where calm, soothing turquoise waters enveloped by a powdery white sand beach caressed our bodies. As we plunged into the blue, all our cares that were already being lifted from sailing suddenly disappeared. We sat and watched the sun set then disappeared over St. John and a perfect day has come to an end.

Day 2 Norman Island – Cooper Island

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JTV News interviews Captain Marsha of Blue Odyssey Vacations about Team BVI – a team that brings the BVI community together to race in the Bareboat A division of the BVI Spring Regatta. This is a great overview of Team BVI, the support from the community, applying tatics and overcoming challenges all in the spirit of the team work.

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Enjoy and get ready for Team BVI 2010!