Hi,

My boyfriend and I are chartering a Beneteau 405 ('95, fully refurbished in '99) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the Christmas/New Years holidays and have two spots available. We've yet to confirm dates, but are looking to depart on or around Christmas Day.

We're late 20s, early 30s and looking to have a relaxed and productive holiday on the boat. We'll be focusing on practical skills and studying for ASA 104 (Bareboat) certification during the day, with shore excursions, swimming and snorkeling in the afternoons and evenings. Anyone interested in studying at another level or not at all would be entirely welcome.

Costs would be $1k/ea, which includes:

* 7 days, 6 nights sailing on a Beneteau 405 * Stateroom with 1 double bed * Skipper/ASA Instructor * 6 days of ASA-certified instruction, customized to everyone's needs * All breakfasts and lunches, provisioning, water, ice * All fuel, mooring fees and park entry fees (for the Tobago Cay) * All taxes and insurance for the boat

Not included:

* Flights, airport taxes (we're flying LIAT Airlines from Puerto Rico, ~$200 each way) * Taxi and transfers to the boat * Evening meals and alcohol (we'll be mooring each night within reach of a town where we can all go out for food and drinks)

Here's more info from the company we're chartering with: http://www.barefootyachts.com/html/school.htm

There's a sample itinerary on that page. Generally the gist is to depart St. Vincent and visit the various islands as our schedule and the weather permits. Supposedly, the Windward Islands are more challenging than BVI, but the distance between islands is shorter and the moorings are less crowded.

Here are some great photos of the Grenadines and Tobago Cay: http://www.svgtourism.com/channels/1.asp?id=114 http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneeighteen/102850745/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/junksnowgirl/543482371/

If you're interested in joining up with our group or if you have any questions, please get in touch. I can be reached via e-mail (ciorsida@gmail.com) or at the phone number below. We'd jump at the chance to include another SF Bay Area couple or single on our trip.

Cior O'Neil

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San Francisco, California 415-971-4526