It’s no secret – The U.S. and British Virgin Islands have been the premier yachting playground for decades!  Protected waters, white sand beaches, gentle trade winds and the best charter value of any winter destination entice INTERPAC clients year after year!  Other favorite Caribbean Islands include Antigua/Barbuda and the Grenadines. This year we have more than 200 crewed yachts in the Caribbean – both power and sail – in all price ranges.

For those who are keen to expand their horizons and venture further afield we offer the following …

FRENCH ANTILLES
Guadeloupe … St. Barts… Martinique …Les Saintes … Marie Galante … The French Caribbean Islands have so much to offer … West Indian culture with a European Flair!  Hike through lush volcanic rain forests, swim in underwater parks, explore historical forts, enjoy duty free shopping, and dine on French and Creole cuisine in world class restaurants.

BAJA AND THE SEA OF CORTEZ
Sheltered by a 900-Mile Peninsula, the Gulf of California is one of the richest bodies of water on earth.  Baja’s unspoiled frontier offers dozens of protected coves, unique desert islands, dramatic cliffs, secluded sandy beaches and pristine sapphire waters.  Proclaimed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is a magnificent cruising destination for ecotourism.

MEXICAN RIVIERA
The sun-drenched Pacific Coastline from Mazatlan to Acapulco boasts world class marinas, pristine beaches, verdant jungle landscapes, lively nightlife and luxury resorts.  Spend your days fishing for dinner, kayaking in protected harbors, horseback riding, bartering with local craftsmen ashore or simply basking in the warm Mexican sunshine! 

SEYCHELLES
Far from home,  the spectacular Seychelles regularly rank on Top 10 travel lists.  Shimmering turquoise waters for snorkeling and water sports, bird watching, tropical hiking, giant tortoises, sport fishing, towering rock formations and starry nights come together to make the Seychelles a stunning delight.

MALDIVES
Acclaimed by some to have the clearest water on earth, the Maldives is another dream destination.  The area is composed of more than 1,000 atolls and islands and is famous for brilliant sunshine, pristine beaches and a diverse culture.   Rare underwater beauty,  and variety of marine life attract water enthusiasts worldwide.

THAILAND AND THE ADAMAN SEA
Southeast Asia is gaining in popularity as a top charter destination.  Alluring, exotic, and culturally diverse, it is a yachtsman’s paradise waiting to be discovered!  Experience dramatic limestone rocks, crystal clear lagoons, lush tropical vegetation, tranquil fishing villages, friendly locals, and tantalizing Thai cuisine.

MALAYSIA
Untouched by tourism, the Malaysia cruising area consists of hundreds of small islands offering stunning scenery, ancient rainforests, deserted beaches, culinary delights and the opportunity to experience first hand the timeless traditions of local villages.

Make this winter your most memorable … Contact us now to begin planning your own special getaway.  With the destinations above to entice you, the selection process begins.

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA! 

This brought to mind how much the charter industry has changed in the past 40 years, when a broker’s main concern was to find a safe and comfortable yacht with professional crew and good food.

Before Satellite, cell phones, email, skype, the web, twitter and facebook, communications were restricted to the single side band and VHF radios.  Clients left our office number with their family for emergencies and set off for a week of uninterrupted  pleasure and relaxation.  Any important or urgent messages were transmitted to the yacht through a marine operator.

Nowadays, most clients feel a strong need to be connected on their yacht vacation.  They may have an important conference call, want to watch a special sporting event, or stay in touch with their office or an ailing family member.  They may want to preplan their itinerary to secure dockage in advance or be sure their children can update friends on facebook.  Are their iPod connections in the staterooms?  How many movies are on board?  Play Stations for children?  Are there enough outlets to charge multiple net books, cell phones and digital cameras?

Now and again, some charter clients still ask that the crew hide TV screens and bring out old fashioned games like Scrabble and Monopoly.

Chartering in the 21st Century is still great fun — Just different!

Sometimes I wish for the days when charter guests boarded their yacht and took each day as it came: enjoying long laughter-filled meals, taking a turn at the helm, helping set the sails, and – to quote Mark Twain – “Explore, Dream, Discover”.

Other days, it is such a relief to know we are all connected.  I recall an incident more than 30 years ago when a California family arrived on Tortola on a very late flight and forgot their charter contract and boarding letter.   All hotels were closed and there was no access to a telephone.  Their taxi drove from marina to marina looking for the yacht while the crew waited anxiously at the appointed spot.  I was horrified to learn after the charter that the family slept on a sandy beach that night.

Thanks to modern technology, an adventure like this need never be repeated!

BEGUILING… BREATHTAKING…ACCESSIBLE
Baja California Sur is one of the purist natural environments in the Western Hemisphere.  The area feels remote, yet is easily accessible with direct air service to La Paz daily.

A RARE UNION OF DESERT AND SEA
Dramatic Desert, Sand Rock, and pristine waters provide a stunning backdrop for your Baja Charter.  Anchor in sheltered coves, swim in secluded sandy beaches and explore mysterious marine caves.
A SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE
Baja beckons active explorers and offers bird watching, hiking, surfing, kayaking, diving, and world class sportfishing.

AN ECOLOGICAL WONDER
The Baja Peninsula contains one of the most biologically rich bodies of water on earth, and much of the Sea of Cortez is part of the protected UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere.

THE “GALAPAGOS OF THE NORTH”
The area of Espiritu Santo is home to more than 271 species of fish, 98 of birds, and 31 of marine mammals – some unique to the islands.

 VIEW OUR YACHTS IN LA PAZ:  PANACHE 85, MARAZUL,  SOGNO

CLICK HERE FOR  ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS  IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ

Last week I had an opportunity to revisit CAESAR’S RESTAURANT in Tijuana, home of the original Caesar Salad.

MARTA PLASCENCIA WITH SAN DIEGO FRIENDS

The restaurant has recently reopened after a meticulous restoration effort by the Plascencia Group, a family of restaurateurs.   The long mahogany bar was gleaming and renewed to its original splendor, and the walls are decorated with fascinating vintage photos.

CAESAR’S originally opened in 1927 during prohibition when the Hollywood set and bon vivants  flocked to Tijuana for a good time!  Italian-born Mexican, Caesar Cardini, hosted his patrons with great service and style.

AUTHOR WITH PORTRAIT OF CAESAR CARDINI

According to his daughter, Rosa, the Caesar Salad was first created on a busy July 4 weekend when the restaurant was short on supplies.  Cardini took ingredients he had on hand and added the dramatic flair of tossing the salad tableside.

The  Caesar Salad became an instant hit and the recipe was soon distributed to various restaurants in the U.S. by Hollywood fans.  Wallis Simpson, future wife of Prince Edward VIII of Wales, is credited with introducing her favorite salad to Europe.  In the 1930s, Caesar Salad was voted by the master chefs of the International Society of Epicures in Paris as the “greatest recipe to originate from the Americas in fifty years.”

Today, manager Julian Plascencia treats his guests to the same great service experienced by CAESAR’S original patrons more than eight decades ago.

MANAGER JULIAN PLASCENCIA - GRACIOUS HOST

CAESAR’S  has generously shared their signture recipe:

1 head Romaine lettuce
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tablespoon ground mustard
1 clove crushed garlic
1  coddled egg
1 lime, juiced
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 sliced baguette oven baked garlic croutons
2 anchovy filets

Clean lettuce thoroughly and refrigerate until crisp, at least 1 hour or more. In a wooden  bowl combine  olive oil , mustard ,anchovies , garlic and part of the grated parmesan ,     whisk with a wooden paddle until it forms a paste. Once cooled crack open the egg and whisk into dressing until thoroughly blended.  Add whole Romaine lettuce leaves and gently roll them into the dressing add the rest of the grated cheese, croutons freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.

The original Caesar Salad was served on whole leaves of Romaine lettuce which were meant to be lifted by the stem and eaten by the fingers!

Hint from the author …
Start your dining experience with a delicious Tamarind Margarita -  a house specialty!

Baja’s unspoiled frontier is fertile ground for the ecotourist to witness majestic migratory whales, cavorting colonies of sea lions, pelicans diving for their dinner, playful manta rays and dolphin, and world class sportsfishing!
For lovers of nature and isolation, the Sea of Cortez is a magnificent cruising destination!

Many rumors claim that HOTEL CALIFORNIA is in the town of Todos Santos on the Pacific side of Baja California, Mexico.  This seemed a possibility as the Cabo San Lucas area was popular with rock stars of the 70′s.  I recall being anchored next to Crosby, Stills and Nash on David Crosby’s Alden, MAYAN in the mid 70′s and, of course Keith Richards married Patti Hansen there.

On a recent trip to Baja we decided it was time to visit the town of Todos Santos and see HOTEL CALIFORNIA first hand.

 We found that the Mexican hotel absolutely captures a perfect image for the song’s lyrics …

“On a dark desert highway,
cool wind in my hair…
Up ahead in the distance,
I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy
and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell..”

Unfortunately, however, we learned that the HOTEL CALIFORNIA of Todos Santos is not related to the song.  In fact, the song is not about a hotel at all, but rather an allegory or metaphor about  loss of innocence of  artists  who find themselves ensnared in the “glittering web” of life in the music industry.

In a 2007 interview with 60 Minutes, composer Don Henley described HOTEL CALIFORNIA as “a song about … excess in America, which is something we knew a lot about.”   It seems that Henley and the Eagles are not arguing that the American culture of decadence and wealth is a sham, but rather how easy it is to be trapped in the high life and having to deal with the dark underside of the music industry.

“And she said ‘we are all just prisoners here, of our own device’ “ to later discover that “you can never leave!”

The Eagles themselves are living examples of the American Dream … four musicians from the Midwest arrive in California and, within five years, release the best-selling album in American history!  (Now equaled only by Michael Jackson’s THRILLER).

Even though the Baja HOTEL CALIFORNIA is an urban legend, I encourage  you to take time after your Sea of Cortez charter and treat yourself to a day trip on the Pacific side of Baja to Todos Santos.  The drive through miles of protected cactus of the Baja desert is amazing. 

After visiting some local galleries and shops, head for TEQUILA SUNRISE BAR & GRILL right across the street from HOTEL CALIFORNIA.

Be sure to try their house favorite – shrimp chiles rellenos – and one of their famous Margaritas …  When you see the recipe, you will understand why you will only need one!  Owner Emmanuel (“Mr. Margarita”), has won the last seven national Margarita competitions with this recipe and when you taste it you will see why!  As you enjoy your lunch in the colorful cafe listening to dreamy Eagles music, you will be so glad you made the trip!

Mr. Margarita’s Award Winning Recipe:
Wet rim of glass with key lime slice (not water)
Salt rim
Fill glass 3/4 with chunky ice
3 oz. El Capricho tequila
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Damiana
4 key limes  (cut and use lime squeezer)
Serve with slice of key lime on rim

98' Westport HI BALL cruising San Diego Bay

CALIFORNIA GETAWAYS ARE RELAXING, AFFORDABLE AND FUN!

CATALINA MARINA & CASINO

Treat your family to a getaway cruise with Captain Keith Wolcott and his friendly crew of HI BALL in Sunny Southern California! 

NEWPORT HARBOR & BALBOA ISLAND

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

70% OF OUR PLANET IS COVERED BY WATER

 WATER AND LIFE ARE INSEPARABLE!

RELAX ...

DIVE IN ...

EXPLORE ...

CELEBRATE!

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA!

ROMANTIC ISLAND LAGOON

SURPRISE YOUR SPECIAL VALENTINE WITH A DREAM VACATION THIS YEAR!
A private yacht charter is a unique and special way to show how much you care.

In the words of Christopher Cross:
“It’s not far down to paradise … if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility … The canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see …”

For special yachts and destinations visit: http://www.interpacyachtcharters.com/yacht-selections and http://www.interpacyachts.com/

“THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA!!

WELCOME TO INTERPAC’S FIRST BLOG POST!

We at INTERPAC YACHTS want to keep you up-to-date with all the latest charter fleet news including special rates, exotic destinations, featured yachts, photography tips, delicious charter recipes, and more.

We also invite input from you, our valued clients.   Let us know about a “must see” charter destination, your favorite anchorage or port, an incredible crew, or unforgettable meal on board …

To submit your personal photographs and favorite charter memories, write to bev@interpacyachts.com Be sure to include a description of the photo and if you wish to remain anonymous.  Otherwise, we will use your initials, city and state.

WE INVITE YOU TO DIVE IN AND ENJOY THE SPECIAL WORLD OF CHARTER YACHT VACATIONS!