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Swashbucklers
Sailing Adventure in the Virgin
Islands
January 31 – February 8, 2003
LIKE SAILORS OF YORE
Many boyhood fantasies have been fueled by tales of the sea—from great works
of literature to the exciting Saturday afternoon movie matinees. Long
John Silver in Kidnapped and Treasure Island, Errol Flynn
in The Sea Hawk and Captain Blood, Mutiny On the Bounty,
and Captains Courageous. These titles conjure up images of adventures
in exotic places that all of us have yearned to visit. With the passing
of time, however, these childish reveries usually fade under the pressure
of serious, grown-up responsibilities. There is no place in the workaday
world for fantasies of swashbuckling pirates and buried treasure.
If you are fortunate, a glimmer of
these past desires might drift back into your subconscious and wander
into your dreams. The cool sheets that caress your body in sleep suddenly
become vast canvas sails snapping in a gentle breeze, and you are standing
on the deck of a great masted ship. The stars remain constant in the night
sky and the only indication to signal your seaward progress is the wind
whistling through the rigging and the timbers creaking as waves break
against the hull.
At last
you reach your destination, a deserted island paradise with waving palm
trees framing the pristine beaches. Making your way ashore, you stroll
the moonlit sands while watching the first streaks of dawn cross the horizon.
Alas! You realize it is only the sun streaming through the slats of bedroom
window shades as your alarm clock rudely jerks you back to the reality
of another day.
Dreams
can come true, however, and opportunities to step into your fantasies
occasionally present themselves. For eight days this February, you will
have the opportunity to live your dream aboard a classic sailing vessel,
the Spirit of Massachusetts, and be a “salt of the seas” like
the daring adventurers of the past.
At
last you will find yourself standing upon the solid decks of a proud vessel
with a good breeze abeam. You will finally understand the siren call of
the seas that has lured men for thousands of years. Whether streaming
along at 10 knots upon the open water, or “ghosting” along upon a calm
sea, you will feel the awesome power of the wind and the sea and the
inner
glow of a dream come true.
In February there will still be a
couple of months of seemingly interminable cold, gray winter ahead. There
is no time like the present to plan your winter escape to the warm waters
of the Caribbean—a tropical paradise where you will enjoy a week of sailing,
sun, surf and sand on this rugged, manly adventure in the beautiful U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
THE ITINERARY
Friday, January 31, 2003
Arrival on St. Thomas
Make travel arrangements to arrive on the island of St. Thomas in
the U.S. Virgin Islands by 5pm today. Upon arrival, take a cab from the
airport to the Best Western Emerald Beach Resort. Tonight Toto Tours
hosts
a Welcome Dinner with a brief orientation and introductions all around.
The evening is free to explore St. Thomas. (Dinner Included)
Sat. Feb 1 – Fri. Feb 7, 2003
Sailing in the Virgin Islands
This morning, following continental breakfast at the hotel, we board
our ship. After stowing gear into our cabins, the ship’s captain will
provide us with an orientation to shipboard life, safety equipment and
sailing procedures, discuss the upcoming week’s itinerary, and answer
your questions. Afterwards, set sail for unknown adventures.
In keeping
with the laid-back, tropical atmosphere, the week’s itinerary is flexible,
determined by the suggestions of the Captain and crew, the wishes of
the
passengers, and the whims of the wind. We will take advantage of the
best spots as we sail through the Virgin Islands. Possible ports of
call may include:
St. John—Two-thirds national park, this island is a tranquil, quiet paradise
with lush mountains and secluded coves.
Norman Island—It is believed to be the inspiration for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Treasure
Island. Treasure Point has caves large enough for a small boat to
enter. Snorkel here to observe an astounding variety of fish. Snorkelers
and divers will also not want to miss the opportunity to view the nearby
wreck of the Rhone.
Virgin Gorda—This island is known for “The Baths,” a unique formation of giant
boulders with dimly lit, ethereal sea caves that form interesting grottos.
The
beach here is beautiful!
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola—The Jewel of the BVI, it is one of the most beautiful
palm-fringed beaches and natural harbors in the Caribbean.
Jost Van Dyke—The island was named for a Dutch pirate who earned considerable fame
during the heyday of the buccaneers in the 17th Century. Known to every
ship in the Caribbean, Foxy’s Tamarind Bar and Grill is the quintessential
beach bar, open to the elements, and personally attended to by Foxy himself,
the yachties’ troubadour.
Cooper Island—A scarcely populated bit of heaven on earth. You’ll take one
look at the
Cooper Island Beach Resort and begin making plans to return someday.
These are just a few examples of the many adventure options awaiting
us in the Caribbean. On the Internet, check out Caribbean On Line and BVI Welcome for more information. (All
Meals)
Friday, February 7, 2002
St. Thomas Return / Farewell Dinner
Our final sail today will bring us back to St. Thomas by late
afternoon. We will celebrate the end of our adventure together with a
Farewell Dinner aboard the ship. This has always been the perfect opportunity
to thank the Captain and crew for all their many services and kindnesses
throughout the voyage. (All Meals)
Saturday, February 8, 2002
Departure
Be prepared to disembark the ship by 10am to allow the crew time to
prepare for the next departure. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
HOTEL: Best Western Emerald Beach Resort is ideally situated just a few minutes
cab ride from the St. Thomas Airport and downtown. The hotel has a pool,
waterfront bar, and a beachside restaurant, where every Friday night a
West Indian buffet is served, accompanied by live steel pan music. All
rooms feature marble bath, A/C, cable TV, and private balconies with ocean
views.
SHIP: The Spirit of Massachusetts is owned by the Ocean
Classroom Foundation—a
non-profit corporation whose primary interest is in educational programs
relating to the sea and our rich maritime heritage. The ship is
used most of the time as a sail-training vessel, so she is not a luxury
cruise ship by any stretch of the imagination.
To keep the experience as authentic
as possible, the ship’s amenities are very basic. There are marine heads
(toilets), and bathing is done the way sailors have scrubbed up for centuries.
Lathering up and rinsing off together using the time-tested “bucket-pour”
or “jump-in-the-ocean” method is always a bonding experience on this adventure!
The food is plentiful, guaranteed to satisfy
even the hungriest sailor’s appetite. Please let us know in advance if
you have any special dietary requirements. Feel free to bring along a
bottle of your favorite libation, although safety concerns dictate moderation
in the use of alcohol on any sailing vessel. No smoking is allowed below
decks.
You are encouraged
to be an active participant in the adventure of sailing by performing
such crew duties as hoisting the sails, casting off and coiling lines,
manning the helm, or striking and furling the sails. There is ample
time for sunbathing, beachcombing and exploring the islands. Few vacations
in your life will match the adventure and relaxation of sailing aboard
the Spirit of Massachusetts!
WHAT TO BRING
Pack light!
Dress is very casual in the Caribbean, and storage space is at a premium.
Many of our past “sailors” hardly wore anything other than their swimsuit
all week long. Please do not bring more than what is listed. If you’ve
packed more than one small bag, you’ve brought way too much!
Do
not pack crucial items in luggage that will be checked with the airline.
Pack valuables, toiletries, any medications you require, a day’s change
of clothing, and a swimsuit in a “carry on” bag, just in case your luggage
doesn’t arrive when you do.
Suggested Packing List:
q Passport. Necessary
for travel in the British Virgin Islands.
q Rubber-soled
sneakers for deck shoes.
q Sandals for
the beach.
q T-shirts (3
- 4).
q Shorts (1
or 2 pairs).
q Long-sleeved
shirts (1 or 2) for evenings / sun protection.
q Lightweight
long pants (1 or 2 pair).
q Workgloves to
prevent blisters when handling the ropes.
q Cool
sleepwear.
q Sunscreen
/ lip balm.
q Sunglasses
/ sun hat.
q Suntan
lotions, avoid oils, you’ll
burn!
q Windbreaker
or water repellent jacket.
q Flashlight
and batteries.
q Personal
toiletries.
q Swimsuit
q Beach
towel/bath towel/washcloth.
q Camera & plenty
of film.
q Snorkeling
gear (only if you need a perfect fit; there are many “used” sets
aboard).
q A
good book for the plane
or beach.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
Our crew provides the services of concierge,
chef, guide, teacher, entertainer, chauffer, and deck hand—all of which
you would normally tip or pay a service charge for at home. If you are
pleased with the charter crew at the end of the voyage, we encourage you
to leave a gratuity. A minimum tip of $50 per passenger is suggested.
LIABILITIES & DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall
be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept
responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal
injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault
of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required
to sign a standard liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right
to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and
to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice.
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants.
To reserve a place on this tour, click
on the "Reservations" link above. Complete
the information requested, sign and mail the form to Toto Tours with
your
deposit of $500. The final balance is due 80 days prior to departure
(by November 12, 2002). Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a
form
of payment. Installment plan possible. Make checks payable to: Toto
Tours, Ltd. Our mailing address is: 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60626-4753.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel
Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure
Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers
can be identified by certain traits. They are:
q fun-loving
optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
q good
natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
q undaunted
by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
q willing
to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
q eager
to try new things & test limits;
q punctual;
q not
whiners!
You are a sailor now, with the ship’s
wake stretching out astern, your mates beside you and the horizon lying
ever ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to make the dream a reality!
If you have any questions, please call: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour price per person)
Price: $ 1,150
Single supplement: Not applicable on this tour
Deposit: $500
Final Payment: $650
Final Payment Due: 80 Days Prior to Departure
(November 12, 2002). Full payment due if reserving after November 12,
2002.
Included: One night hotel accommodations
on 1/31/03 with Welcome Dinner and continental breakfast on 2/1/03; eight
day / seven night fully-crewed private charter with shipboard accommodations
in open berthing; all meals on board from lunch on 2/1/03 through breakfast
on 2/8/03; daily sightseeing under sail; use of snorkeling gear aboard
ship.
Not Included: Round-trip transportation to/from
St. Thomas; ground transport on islands (taxis, local guides, etc.); optional
activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; scuba diving; meals
ordered ashore; gratuities to the crew; alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
aboard ship (including bottled water, juices, sodas, and mixers); insurance,
laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
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