| 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 April 15th at Yacht Haven Grande Marina. It will be an evening meeting following that days showing of the boats from 6-8 pm. All current and prospective members are invited to attend this meeting for the purpose of recapping our current progress, mapping out our future and electing new Board members for 2010. |
| 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, In the historical sense, sailors have never been a stranger to adversity and challenges. Either by Mother Nature or by the ever present threat of superfluous incumberment thrust upon them by his fellow man. This chartering season seems to be no exemption to that ever continuing process known as rules and regulations. The VICL was the first organization to bring this new enforcement information to the V.I. Government and has been asked to take an active role in providing accurate and timely information to the Governor himself. It is our hopes that while we all should realize that these new regulations will not just go away and proper attention should be paid to them, our goal is to be able to work within the guidelines proposed as the process works itself out, and conform to the unique aspects of the shared chartering waters we all rely on for our economic future. Please do not hesitate to keep in touch with my office for weekly updates. I also invite you all to help us lighten the load by passing along observations and information as you proceed along the road to compliance. A stability library has been started to assist future members. Send me any information you need me to review. 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 February 2010 |
• VICL- Membership is the Key
• Rules of the Road…an ongoing process
• St Thomas Spring Yacht Show…a Marine
Community Event
• VICL History at a Glance
• “On the Water” …heard any good radio lately?
• Show your Boating Pride…with your VICL
license plate
• Rules of the Road…an ongoing process
• St Thomas Spring Yacht Show…a Marine
Community Event
• VICL History at a Glance
• “On the Water” …heard any good radio lately?
• Show your Boating Pride…with your VICL
license plate
If 2010 arrived with a bang, 2009 seemed to have skulked away amidst a cloud of
uncertainty and controversy concerning mandatory BVI regulations and the forecast of a
long economic Winter ahead. Since notification November 1st of the February MCA
enforcement date, we at VICL have been in constant contact with the numerous agencies
involved within the BVI government as well as our own USVI Executive Branch to clarify any
misinformation and to assist our members in chartering through the muddled and confusing
waters ahead.
I do not posses a miracle cure at this time nor do we realistically foresee one in the near
future. The new regulations if not in their current form, are here to stay and should be
addressed by the chartering fleet in as timely a manner as possible. I continue to speak with
the Ships Registry office on a weekly if not daily basis to ask for direct assistance in
answering your many questions. I have then forwarded those responses to you via e-mail.
We have listed the numerous requirements and downloadable paperwork on our website at
www.vicl.org since 2006 to assist you. And as rulings and questions from you are asked and
answered, we will continue to update our postings to further assist you.
We have met with the V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Department of
Tourism and Government House and are in the process of streamlining boaters registration
and business licensing for those of you looking to refocus your charter businesses from a
US Territory prospective, as well as the numerous boats heading this way from the BVI and
other foreign flag vessels who have openly exclaimed their frustration with their current
amass of over regulation.
Will this new enforcement deadline ring the death knell for the local term chartering
industry? Of course not. As an economic force to be reckoned with, and as an industry with
unlimited potential, the V.I. Government is willing to do all that it can to create a boater
friendly environment and assist local charter businesses with the numerous challenges
currently facing it.
I encourage you to read Governor deJongh’s letter to Premier O’Neal in response to the
economic effect this poses for our U.S. based fleet. www.governordejongh.com
Will there be serious challenges ahead for us as an organization because of this BVI policy?
Yes and no. But as an organization made up of chartering professionals, we must look within
ourselves as a group to take on these and future changes. There is strength in numbers. The
reputation of the VICL has grown remarkably in the past year and together we can expect
great days ahead just over the horizon. As a group I am asking for your support in
establishing a stability report library for current and future members. Tell your friends in the
industry to join VICL as a member or business associate and be counted when numbers are
the currency for all future negotiations.
uncertainty and controversy concerning mandatory BVI regulations and the forecast of a
long economic Winter ahead. Since notification November 1st of the February MCA
enforcement date, we at VICL have been in constant contact with the numerous agencies
involved within the BVI government as well as our own USVI Executive Branch to clarify any
misinformation and to assist our members in chartering through the muddled and confusing
waters ahead.
I do not posses a miracle cure at this time nor do we realistically foresee one in the near
future. The new regulations if not in their current form, are here to stay and should be
addressed by the chartering fleet in as timely a manner as possible. I continue to speak with
the Ships Registry office on a weekly if not daily basis to ask for direct assistance in
answering your many questions. I have then forwarded those responses to you via e-mail.
We have listed the numerous requirements and downloadable paperwork on our website at
www.vicl.org since 2006 to assist you. And as rulings and questions from you are asked and
answered, we will continue to update our postings to further assist you.
We have met with the V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Department of
Tourism and Government House and are in the process of streamlining boaters registration
and business licensing for those of you looking to refocus your charter businesses from a
US Territory prospective, as well as the numerous boats heading this way from the BVI and
other foreign flag vessels who have openly exclaimed their frustration with their current
amass of over regulation.
Will this new enforcement deadline ring the death knell for the local term chartering
industry? Of course not. As an economic force to be reckoned with, and as an industry with
unlimited potential, the V.I. Government is willing to do all that it can to create a boater
friendly environment and assist local charter businesses with the numerous challenges
currently facing it.
I encourage you to read Governor deJongh’s letter to Premier O’Neal in response to the
economic effect this poses for our U.S. based fleet. www.governordejongh.com
Will there be serious challenges ahead for us as an organization because of this BVI policy?
Yes and no. But as an organization made up of chartering professionals, we must look within
ourselves as a group to take on these and future changes. There is strength in numbers. The
reputation of the VICL has grown remarkably in the past year and together we can expect
great days ahead just over the horizon. As a group I am asking for your support in
establishing a stability report library for current and future members. Tell your friends in the
industry to join VICL as a member or business associate and be counted when numbers are
the currency for all future negotiations.
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
| Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Meade Be sure and mark your calendars for April 14th-15th as your Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League hosts the St Thomas Spring Yacht Show here at beautiful Yacht Haven Grande Marina. This year’s event will feature a different format than the traditional shows of the past. In these challenging economic times, a marine community event bringing together all aspects of our local marine related business and tourism offerings is just what the doctor ordered. And following that metaphor, this April’s collection of Term and Day Sail charter boats as well as support businesses ranging from chandlers to food suppliers to boat insurance is the shot in the arm that we all can appreciate. The St Thomas Spring Show will be a two day event with a social gathering on the night of the 14th for all participants and guests. What would a Spring Yacht Show be without a party?! Free dockage will once again be offered to all VICL members to further encourage your participation. If your term charter, day sail or tour operations business is interested in taking advantage of this great marketing opportunity, please go to www.vicl.org for registration information. You must register with the YHG marina office separately. If you are a marine related business or service, we invite you to join us as an Associate member of VICL and represent your company in your own booth for this two day celebration of the boating and chartering industry. |
| 4. A Long History Proudly Displayed |
| 2. Rules of the Road...an ongoing process |
| 4. Boaters Paradise..show your pride |
| 3. St Thomas Spring Yacht Show...a Marine Community Event |
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. 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.
| 5. "On the Water"...heard any good radio lately? |
| “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 benefit from several new and exciting events this past year created 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. And last but certainly not least, over seventy eight charter inquiries generated to date through our very popular website (www.vicl.org ), that are distributed throughout the fleet for your follow- up and benefit. Members may expect to receive their 2010 invoices soon for renewal via e-mail. In these challenging times, every penny is important and your continued membership and support are important to us. You will be asked to submit your updated paperwork at the time you are renewing. These include your Captains License, STCW 95, Proof of Insurance for boat as well as for diving, Dive Instructor Certificates as applicable, current passports as well as an updated yacht brochure advertising Caribbean charters. For a 2010 application, please go to www.vicl. org/Join_VICL to download the necessary forms. As a reminder, all renewed membership dues should be received no later than February 28th. All 2009 listings will be removed from the VICL website and placed on inactive status beginning March 1st. |
1. VICL Renewals......membership is the Key