All inclusive vacation brochures from Vacation Express.(Photo: Mary Hance / The Tennessean)Buy Photo

If you are a fan of beach vacations and want to know on the front end exactly how much you will spend, an all-inclusive Caribbean trip may be right up your alley.

The reason I am writingabout these now (instead of some other time of year) is that American and Delta airlines currently have nonstop seasonal once a weekflights to Cancun,and tour operator Vacation Express kicks off its 2017 season of Nashville charter packagesin March with nonstop all inclusive service to Cancun, and later to the Dominican Republic, the Grand Bahamas, and Jamaica.

These packaged vacations that you can book on your own or through a travel agent, generally bundle airfare, transportation to your hotel, your accommodations at a fancy beachfront resort, and in most cases all food and drink, plus free nighttime entertainment, at one reasonable fixed price.

Other tour operators like Apple Vacations and GoGo Tours also offer all inclusive vacations, but Vacation Express is the only one currently offering non stop service from Nashville to these Caribbean destinations.

And for my money (and time), the direct service adds to the appeal of these trips.

It is hard to believe that you can get to these exotic emerald water beaches quicker than you could speed your SUV to 30A or the Gulf Shores area.

With some of these packages, you can hop on a nonstop charter flight at 7 in the morning and be on the Caribbean beach by about noon. And the price can be as little as $1,000 per person for a six-night stay, depending on when you go and what kind of resort you choose.

"They are very user friendly," said Genie Herron, whose Herron Travel agency sends dozens of couples and families and other groups on these package trips each year.

"People really seem to like them, because everythingis included," she said. "For the most part, you knowwhat you are going to get."

Herron says the price differences are generally determined bythe quality of the resort. She explained that vacationers can choose their resort based on the star rating system that Vacation Express has, as well as on TripAdvisor reviews and the information that her agency pulls together from their trips and from their other clients' experiences. In most cases, the resort have a base price and then some upgrade options for ocean view, poolside, etc.

Beth Smith, of Southern Cross Travel and Tours in Mt. Juliet, is also a fan of these affordable and predictable vacations. "People really like that the food, and drink and entertainment and non-motorized sports are all included. And there are some resorts where kids can stay in a room for free." Herronsaid the feedback that her travel team gets on these trips is generally positive.

"We try to find out as much as possible about what they want andtry to match the people"with the resorts that have what the amenities they want. She said that some properties are adult-only;some are very family-focused and have more amenities and perks than others."Some offer golf, or casinos, or discos, or scuba or tennis or honeymoon packages." Smith said some of the resorts are divided where there are "adult only"areas and family areas, making them very versatile for destination weddings and other trips that attract groups with a variety of ages and interests. She said the best prices will be before and after the school year, and not in March when so many spring break travelers will hit the beaches. "April and May are good the weather is good and the prices can be better," Smith said.

Donna Lynch, who has just arranged her third all inclusive trip for her family of 18 (three generations rangingin age from 7-71) says compared to their previous beach-house trips to the Gulf Coast, the all-inclusive "is just a whole lot easier.

"With 11 grandchildren, if they want a snack, they just go get it (at the all inclusive resorts). At the beach house, we were making breakfast and then getting lunch ready. It took four cars to get there and when we got there, an $800 trip to the grocery.Thecost (of the all inclusive) may be a little more but it is just easy and the places have been nice,"she said referring to the resorts they have stayed in near Cancun and Punta Cana.

RafaelRoman, business development manager for Vacation Express which has relationships with 600 hotels in the Caribbean, says Nashville is his top market amongthe six states he oversees.

He said the price range is wide - $699 to $2,000 - for a six night stay. "The price really depends on the hotel. The hotel amenities make the difference."

Details of the four Vacation Express direct charter flights from Nashville

Cancun: These all-inclusive packages include air and six nights and run March 12 - August 6 with Sunday departures and Saturday returns.

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic: These all inclusive packages include air, plus six nights and run May 14- July 30, with Sunday departures and Saturday returns

Grand Bahamas: These packages include air and four nights and the departure return dates vary. Dates include May 29-June 28.

Jamaica: These include six nights and Monday departure dates run from July 10- August 7

Vacation Express is owned by Sunwing Travel Group.Sunwing Airlines, Swift Air and Viva Aerobusoperatethe flights to and from Nashville to these resorts.

Advantages to anall-inclusivevacation:

No financial surprises. You pay on the front end for airfare, hotel, food and beverage and transportation to the resort, so you know exactly what your trip will cost.

The package pricing is definitely a bargain. Many of these packages could be cheaper than driving to the gulf coast for six nights.

It is quick and easy to get there. With these charters and direct flights, you can leave early on a weekendmorning and be on the beach by early afternoon.

Since everything is included, you can put your money and valuables in the safe and move around eating and drinking and taking part in resort activities with no worries about cash for yourself or your children or the people in your group. Even for people who do not drink alcohol, this arrangement can be a deal because you can order unlimited soft drinks, milk shakes, coffees, etc. on a whim all day and night, without spending an additional cent.

No schedule: Many of the resorts have some restaurants that require reservations, but they all have other options, including free room service at some, and restaurants where you could just show up at almost any time to eat. The ones I have visited have a wide variety of choices, and the food has been not exactly gourmet but mostly very good.

The security is generally good because the resorts want to keep out anyone but their guests who have paid.

These all-inclusives offer a great opportunity to be adventurous with the food because it is all included in your price. For example, if you ever wanted to try papaya juice or tapas or paella, or other exotic and different foods or drinks, this kind ofvacationis the perfect time to experiment.

Vacationtips

If you are going on anall inclusivevacation, here are some things to know:

You must have a valid passport to go to any of the Caribbean countries featured here. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip.

Don't choose the lowest price package unless you want to be at a resort with other people who pick the lowest end package. (You get my drift?) An extra $100 - $200 on the front end might bump you up to nicer accommodations (and maybe a classier crowd if that is what you want).

Know that your charter all-inclusive Sunday to Saturday trip does not give you an option of returning any time other than the next Saturday. If for some reason, you need to cut your trip short, you would need to fly with a commercial carrier at your additional expense.

Take everything you will need with you. The resort shops may have what you forgot in stock, but their prices probably will be crazy expensive. On our most recent trip myhusband went in search of mouthwash and ended up paying $15 for a small bottle of Listerine in the resort shop. An 8-ounce tube of Banana Boat 15 sunscreen was priced at $40. Yikes! I was glad I had packed plenty of sunblock.

If you want an all-inclusive trip, be sure that is what you book. There are some packages that do not include everything so be sure to double check.

It is probably not best to be on a diet when you go. Although there are plenty of fresh healthy options, the spreads of food, from the lavish breakfast buffet to a variety ofchoices at every other mealand any moment in between, is not conducive to a serious diet.

Do your homework before you book your trip. I would use a travel agent because it does not cost you any more than if you book it on your own, and a good agent knows the properties either personally or through the experiences of clients and colleagues. If you want a romantic getaway, one resort may be better than another, or if you want a family trip, or group reunion, another one might be better suited. Some resorts have better beaches than others, some have fabulous pools while others are more modest. Also most resorts have access (at an additional cost) to excursions, as well as golf, casinos, scuba diving, tennis etc. So check on those amenities if they are important to you.

I also would check TripAdvisor and the resort's website to see details on the property and any other information, such as whether it is family friendly or adult only, and details like tipping, whether currency needs to be exchanged and whether there is a dress code at the restaurants. I also would check weather reports for your planned dates because summer can be brutally hot in some of these places and not all of the common areas are air-conditioned, and of course there is a hurricane season to consider.

Once you are checked in, use the safe in your room. Put everything of value money, jewelry, passports, etc. in the safe and then no worries.

Talk to other guests at the resort when you first arrive to find out about best restaurants and quirky things that most of us don't figure out for a couple of days after we arrive. Plus you get to meet lots of interesting people from all over the world.

Take lots of $1 bills. The hardworking local workers at the resorts we have visited are so pleasant and are super appreciative of any tip.

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All inclusive Caribbean trips with nonstop flights hit the vacation spot - The Tennessean

February 09, 2017 at 2:22 pm | By DANICA COTO

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) The Caribbean received a record number of visitors last year as arrivals topped 29 million, tourism officials announced Thursday, and they said growth should continue this year, though at a slightly slower pace due to uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump and the impact of Britain's move to leave the European Union.

Last year's 4.2 percent jump marked the seventh consecutive year of growth for the Caribbean, which officials said was a result of relatively low oil prices and U.S. economic growth.

The majority of tourists came from the U.S., but there was also a more than 11 percent growth in visitors from Europe and the United Kingdom, according to Hugh Riley, secretary general for the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Officials said cruise ship arrivals, which are counted separately, also set a record with 26.3 million arrivals.

Overall, tourists including cruise ship passengers spent $35.5 billion last year, a 3.5 percent increase from the previous year. But Riley said that despite more visitors entering the region, hotels reported a drop in occupancy rates.

Arrivals to the Caribbean in 2017 are projected to grow somewhat more slowly, between 2.5 and 3.5 percent, said Ryan Skeete, research director for the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization.

"It's a little bit unpredictable," he said of Trump's administration. "We're still monitoring it very closely ... That's all we can do."

He said the fallout of Britain exiting the European Union also could affect the number of visitors to the Caribbean this year.

Seven destinations reported double-digit growth rates last year, including the Turks & Caicos Islands, Cuba, Bermuda and the South American country of Guyana. Six other destinations reported a drop in visitors, including the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Visitors from South America dropped 11 percent last year, and those from Canada dropped nearly 3.5 percent.

"We haven't reached anywhere close to our full potential," Riley said.

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Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - Beloit Daily News

HIGHLIGHTS

2016 closed with 10.7 million people affected, 10 per cent more than in 2015.

Floods are the most frequent type of disaster in the region, although drought affected more people.

The Atlantic hurricane season was more active than 2012 and more deadly than 2005.

The United Nations requested funding for US$339 million for emergencies in the region.

2016 marked the 25th anniversary of UN Resolution 46/182.

More than 10 million people affected by disaster in 2016

Drought, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes were the main disasters that affected people in 2016. Dengue, chikungunya and Zika affected another 3.7 million people.

Preliminary data shows that disasters affected 10.7 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2016. Drought affected the largest number of people, followed by Hurricanes Matthew and Otto, floods and complex emergencies such as a lack of potable water in large cities in Bolivia, due to structural failures in the distribution systems.

Floods, earthquakes and the effects of violence and migration are some of the 75 events that also affected the region in 2016. There was an increase of more than 10 per cent in number of people affected compared with 2015 (1.4 million more people affected).

Zika, one of the major emergencies in 2016

Epidemics transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito affected 3.7 million people some 2.5 million people fell ill with dengue, 700,000 from Zika and 495,000 from chikungunya. In November, the World Health Organization announced that Zika was no longer a sanitary emergency; however, it would continue to challenge public health systems. The virus reached a level of epidemic in 49 countries and territories in the region and was declared a global sanitary emergency due to the cases of babies born with microcephaly from infected mothers and cases of Guillain-Barr syndrome.

Hurricane Season 2016 The Atlantic Hurricane season was more active than 2012 and more deadly than 2005. La Nia contributed to the increased intensity, which caused an above-normal warming of the oceans surface, favouring hurricane formation. The season officially ended on 30 November and affected 2.7 million people in 13 countries. The hurricane season formally begins on 1 June, however, five months before in the middle of January Hurricane Alex formed in the North Atlantic, an event that has not occurred since 1955. The strongest and most deadly hurricane was Matthew, followed by Otto. In the Pacific, the season was very active but did not because major damage as the majority of the systems did not make landfall. Otto put preparedness measures to the test in Central America Otto was the seventh hurricane of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season. Northern Costa Rica received the worst impact. In Nicaragua, the hurricane made landfall as a category 2 with winds of up to 175 km/h, affecting the southern Caribbean area. Otto also caused damages in Panama.

The hurricane directly affected more than 10,000 people in Costa Rica, killed nine and caused US$56 million in economic losses in agriculture. In Nicaragua, authorities evacuated 11,600 people to safe areas and official shelters, while in Panama more than 2,500 people were affected by the storm. OCHA deployed a Humanitarian Affairs Officer to Costa Rica to bolster United Nations support to the Government response. OCHA also allocated US$30,000 in emergency funds for immediate relief items.

In total, Hurricane Otto affected 24,940 people in three countries, causing 18 deaths, 16,000 people to seek shelter, 120 houses destroyed and 2,300 damaged. Although Costa Rica was hardest hit, authorities responded immediately. Humanitarian needs were relatively small due to Governments leadership in the response, bolstered by joint efforts. For more information visit: http://www.redhum.org/emergencia

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Humanitarian Bulletin Latin America and Caribbean Volume 30 | November December 2016 - ReliefWeb

This photo gallery highlights some of the top imagery and news moments made by Associated Press photographers in Latin America and Caribbean that were published in the last week.

Celebrations for the Feast of Candelaria ended with big hangovers in Peru, while in Mexico people made sure to take their ornately dressed baby Jesus dolls to church to get them blessed. In Uruguay, thousands of worshippers went to the beach during African sea goddess Yemanja's feast day, bearing gifts to show their gratitude for her blessings.

In Argentina, bare-chested women and bikini-clad men went to the streets to protest after police threatened weeks ago to detain several women sunbathing topless on a beach.

The Brazilian state of Espiritu Santo erupted in deadly violence with dozens dead. The killings prompted help from the army after police stopped patrolling the streets to demand higher pay.

Chile's president has said the worst fires in the nation's history are mostly under control but not before claiming the lives of at least 10 people, destroying forests, livestock and entire towns.

Panama's recently expanded canal continue facing operational problems as ships are still scraping the walls and prematurely weakening the defenses designed to protect the ships and the locks themselves.

In Venezuela, protests continue over the dire shortage of medicine and medical supplies.

Lastly, in Mexico's northwestern city of Cuilacan, heavily armed men attacked marines on patrol, leaving several suspects and one marine dead. At about the same time and just a few miles away, at the Tomateros stadium, Puerto Rico's Criollos de Caguas beat Mexico's Aguilas de Mexicali and won the 2017 Caribbean Series baseball tournament.

This photo gallery was curated by photo editor Dario Lopez in Mexico City. Follow Lopez on Twitter : @DarioLopezMills

Follow AP photographers and photo editors on Twitter: http://apne.ws/15Oo6jo

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AP PHOTOS: Editor Selections From Latin America, Caribbean ... - ABC News

Royal Caribbean Blog (blog)

Pros and Cons of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages Royal Caribbean Blog (blog) Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages have been available for a few years and are quite popular with guests who are intrigued by the idea of having most of their beverages included, rather than having to pay for each drink. The beverage packages ... Cruises that cater to the Chinese on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the SeasMiami Herald Forward Earnings Estimate of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(RCL ...Highland Mirror Lisa Lutoff-Perlo Sells 7948 Shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) StockThe Cerbat Gem StockNewsJournal -TravelersToday -Post Analyst all 53 news articles »

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National Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson discusses attending the Caribbean Series in hopes of bringing artifacts to Cooperstown

CULIACAN, Mexico -- The Caribbean Series has secured a spot in Cooperstown.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum president Jeff Idelson and Jean Fruth, the Hall of Fame's photographer, were in Mexico this week gathering items and documenting the annual tournament between the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Cuba, an original member of the Caribbean Confederation, participated in the tournament as a special guest for the fourth consecutive year.

Complete Caribbean Series coverage

"The Caribbean Series, the Serie del Caribe, is an important part of the world baseball calendar," Idelson said. "From the Hall of Fame's standpoint, we are here to collect artifacts, to meet new people from the different federations and teams and to really make sure that this event is documented properly in the Hall of Fame."

In 2015, Idelson attended the Caribbean Series in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and returned to Cooperstown with several items, including the championship jersey of Pinar del Rio outfielder Roel Santos from Cuba. He returned with many artifacts from last year's Caribbean Series in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, including the jersey of Jorge Vazquez of Mexico's championship team.

This year, Idelson will take back a list of artifacts that includes the ball from the first pitch thrown by Mexico's Hector Velazquez to start the championship game between Mexico and Puerto and jerseys belonging to Puerto Rico's Jonathan Morales and Puerto Rico's Randy Ruiz. Morales drove home what proved to be the winning run in the top of the 10th in Puerto Rico's 1-0 victory in the Caribbean Series title game.

Puerto Rico defeats Mexico to win Caribbean Series

Manager Luis Matos and pitcher Dereck Rodriguez discuss Puerto Rico's 1-0 victory over Mexico to win the 2017 Caribbean Series

"The artifacts we collect can end up anywhere in the museum," Idelson said. "Viva Baseball!, which is our first bilingual exhibit, talks about the great baseball playing countries like Puerto Rico and Mexico. What we collect could very well end up in Viva Baseball!"

The Viva Baseball! exhibit was opened in 2009 to recognize the impact of Latin America on baseball through an exhibit that celebrates Caribbean countries and its players. All of Fruth's work will reside in the permanent archives, and some will be used in the Viva Baseball! exhibit.

Jesse Sanchez, who has been writing for MLB.com since 2001, is a national reporter based in Phoenix. Follow him on Twitter @JesseSanchezMLB and Facebook. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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A new coalition of LGBTQI organizations in the eastern Caribbean is setting its sights on improving the lives of the regions sexual minorities. The Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality Inc. (ECADE), which was launched late last year, issued this update:

Board selected to guide new eastern Caribbean Alliance

(St. Johns, February 6, 2017) Another step has been taken toward a more united Caribbean with the election of a new board to head the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality Inc. (ECADE).

The eleven-member board was drawn from representatives of eighteen regional organisations at the Alliances Feb. 6 general meeting.

Board Chair Ren Holder-McClean-Ramirez notes, The new board fully recognises the wide scope of work ahead of us. We are committed to fostering a space that will complement the development and strengthen the communities, territories and by extension the region of which we are all a part.

ECADE executive board includes (from left to right) Joan Didier, treasurer; Richie Maitland, vice-chair; Ren Holder-McClean-Ramirez, chair; and Arlene Gregoire, secretary. (ECADE photo)

The new board comprises members from St Croix, Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, Antigua, Barbados, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. In addition to Holder-McClean-Ramirez, the Board executive comprises Richie Maitland Vice-Chair, Arlene Gregoire Secretary and Joan Didier Treasurer.

Now is the time

In welcoming the board, Executive Director Kenita Placide also expressed hope for the work ahead.

Kenita Placide, executive director of ECADE (Photo courtesy of YouTube)

The movement of the sub-region as a unified people is important at this point as we all feel now is the time. The democratic process invoked of nominating and voting in a new board is vital in the ownership of stakeholders. The work ahead is not light or easy but everyone is at the table. We are hopeful and being strategic.

The general meeting held discussions on the status and development of ECADE as the new regional hub for advocacy in eastern Caribbean countries and resulted in agreements on its governance structure. In addition the meeting explored the needs of member organisations, including institutional strengthening of the national organisations and a clear delineation of roles between the regional hub and the local organisations. These will be among the core undertakings for the board going forward.

ECADE is an independent umbrella organisation, inclusive of all small island territories in the eastern Caribbean. Geographically, from the Virgin Islands to Grenada. ECADE will work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex groups and other rights organisations within these countries to strengthen their institutional capacity and provide a platform to strategize and work towards equality within the eastern Caribbean.

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Jamaica Observer

Caribbean reports record of 29M visits The San Luis Obispo Tribune The Caribbean received a record number of visitors last year as arrivals topped 29 million, tourism officials announced Thursday, and they said growth should continue this year, though at a slightly slower pace due to uncertainty over U.S. President ... Number of Caribbean visitors rose 4.2% in 2016, says CTOTravel Weekly Caribbean tourist arrivals hit all time highJamaica Observer Caribbean wary of Trump after setting record of 29M visitsBristol Herald Courier (press release) (blog) all 18 news articles »

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Caribbean reports record of 29M visits - The San Luis Obispo Tribune

"Being my first year as a manager in Puerto Rico and knowing that Puerto Rico has not won in 16 years brings a lot of joy," said Puerto Rico manager and former Major Leaguer Luis Matos. "I'm very happy and I'm very excited. We've been down in every series. We were 0-3 and we came back with three wins, and we are champions right now."

A team from Puerto Rico has won the Caribbean Series 14 times, but the island had not taken home the title since Santurce won in 2000. Caguas had not won the Caribbean Series title since 1987.

Both streaks are now over.

"This is unbelievable and it's a feeling I've never felt before," said Twins Minor League pitcher Dereck Rodriguez. "It was a dry spell for Puerto Rico, but we broke that and hopefully from now on, it becomes a tradition."

A pitchers' duel for most of the game, Yadiel Rivera, who played 35 games in the big leagues with the Brewers last season, led off the top of the 10th inning with a double. He moved to third base on a bunt by Phillies Minor Leaguer Jesmuel Valentin and scored the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Morales, who was in Class A with the Braves last season.

It was quite a week for Puerto Rico. It lost its first three games of the tournament before defeating the Dominican Republic, 10-2, on Saturday. On Monday, Puerto Rico topped Venezuela, 9-6, in the day's first semifinal game.

Next year's Caribbean Series is scheduled for the first week of February at Estadio Antonio Herrera Gutierrez in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Cuba, a special guest during the past four tournaments, could return for one more year in that capacity and start the process to become a full member of the Caribbean Confederation. There's a chance Cuba could play host to the Caribbean Series in 2020 in Havana.

"If it depended on the Caribbean Confederation, Cuba could be a member and host just as other member leagues do," Caribbean Confederation commissioner Juan Francisco Puello Herrera said. "The problem with Cuba is that it doesn't depend on us, but on limitations due to political matters. Cuba even sent us a letter saying they wanted to be a member and possibly host a Caribbean Series in Havana in 2020. That would depend on us, too, but there are limits because of politics. Once that is resolved, Cuba could absolutely be a member of the Caribbean Confederation."

Panama might have the best chance of joining the Caribbean Series in the near future. Other countries are also petitioning to become members of the Caribbean Confederation.

"We have a meeting scheduled in Panama in early March, probably March 5 and 6," Puello Herrera said. "The presidents of the leagues and some executives are going. We are very interested in having Panama join our roster. I think we need to work out some scheduling and economic issues, but there is definitely an interest in having Panama become a member. As far as Nicaragua and Colombia are concerned, I'd say we have to wait a bit, but we are interested in having them join the Caribbean Confederation as well. It depends on economics and scheduling and finding a format that is viable for these leagues."

In the end, Mexico walked off the field proud. A team from the country has still won four out of the past seven Caribbean Series titles. Mexico also lost to Cuba in the championship game in 2015.

"The support we've received from Mexico's fans, especially from the state of Sinaloa, not just the city of Culiacan, and fans from other countries," Puello Herrera said. "We've witnessed a packed house, even for games in which Mexico didn't play. The attendance was around 19,000. We can't ask for more."

Jesse Sanchez, who has been writing for MLB.com since 2001, is a national reporter based in Phoenix. Follow him on Twitter @JesseSanchezMLB and Facebook. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Puerto Rico edges Mexico for Caribbean Series title - MLB.com

The new location has been a hit with customers, as Caribbean Charm has moved from Main Street to the Victorian-style boutique on the corner of Pitkin Road and New London Turnpike.

Owner Lauren Cheney, a lifelong Glastonbury resident, first opened Caribbean Charm in 2008, occupying the space above Daybreak Coffee Roasters. A move in 2013 to the 2235 Main St. location (now occupied by Nana's Infant & Children's Boutique) brought more visibility, but that brought more customers demanding more inventory.

"Basically, the other place, I was growing out of," Cheney said, adding that as Caribbean Charm's popularity grew, it became necessary to find a larger space. "This place popped up, and I just liked the space. I didn't want to move into a mall. We did a lot of renovations here. It was an office space, but we made a store out of it. We didn't want it to be like a cookie-cutter store."

The new store, at 136 New London Turnpike, opened Oct. 1, and since holiday gift-buying started soon after, there wasn't time for a grand opening celebration. A ribbon cutting on Feb. 1 included several members of the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce, which Caribbean Charm re-joined.

"The uniqueness of Caribbean Charm is indicative of the work that Lauren puts into the store," said Chamber Ambassador Bobby Dibella. "She has accumulated unique gifts from around the world that represent emphasize a a full body of feminine attire, as well as jewelry, at the right price."

Reactions to the new location have included people who say the new store feels like a well-decorated home, and that they like its proximity to Eric Town Square.

"We like the location," Cheney said. "I've gotten really good response from the customers, because they're already out and about, at lunch or dinner at the restaurants, or at other shops nearby. People come for a lot of gifts on their way, or if someone forgot their earrings, they'll stop here on their way to dinner and get some."

Caribbean Charm Boutique specializes in unique one-of-a-kind women's accessories, featuring Brighton Collectibles, Vocal, Spicy Girl, Spanx, Suzie Sleepers, a pajama line designed by Glastonbury resident Suzanne Balducci, and many other treats.

"What is hot now is Brighton. Brighton is big," Cheney said, of one particular brand of jewelry and pocketbooks. "Our own jewelry is doing well, and the clothes. I'm expanding on the clothes. I like my products to be unique. We also offer monogramming and engraving on-site."

Cheney said future renovations are likely to include larger windows, so passers-by can see more of what Caribbean Charm has to offer. Caribbean Charm also offers online shopping and services.

For more information, visit http://www.caribbeancharm.com.

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Caribbean Charm Enjoying New Location - Hartford Courant

St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)

World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean St. Lucia Times Online News (press release) Press Release:WASHINGTON, February 9, 2017Tahseen Sayed Khan is the new Country Director for Caribbean countries. She will be responsible for maintaining a solid partnership with the countries to address their development and financial ... and more »

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World Bank Appoints New Country Director for the Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)

College of Coastal Georgia recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Anguilla Community College, located in the Caribbean Islands, in a move that CCGA administrators hope will promote international education opportunities for its students, faculty and staff.

The memorandum, signed Feb. 3, aims to promote cooperation in the exchange of students, faculty and staff for both schools.

Tracy Pellett, provost and vice president of academic affairs at CCGA, and James Lynch, the interim director of international education and director of institutional effectiveness, visited Anguilla this month to meet with government and education officials and to sign the MoU.

CCGA is honored to forge a connection with Anguilla, its people, and its Community College, Pellett said during the signing ceremony. We see immediate partnering and impact opportunities that we will be following up on in the next few months. We are fortunate to have this opportunity to further enhance our cultural, programmatic and professional understanding and development.

LeRoy Hill, dean of studies and acting president of ACC, said during the ceremony that the MoU is guided by the schools interests in several fields, including coastal ecology management, biological and environment science, health sciences, hospitality management, education and maritime research and training.

A seed is a powerful metaphor for this occasion, Hill said. Not only because it represents the opportunities and potential for bearing fruit, but a seed in this setting also represents an historical-cultural connection.

Conversations between CCGA and ACC about forging an international education partnership began several months ago.

During our extended conversations with government dignitaries and education officials, we all shared the same feeling of excitement and optimism given education areas of common interest underscored by a strong focus on student welfare and success through impassioned teaching and learning at the heart of this evolving partnership, Lynch said.

Costal now has four formal memorandums of understanding with international schools. The college also recently signed them with two other Caribbean institutions in Belize Ecumenical Junior College and Stan Creek Independence Junior College. And in 2015, CCGA began a partnership with the American College of Greece.

ACC greatly values the partnership with the College of Coastal Georgia and hopes it will be long lasting and mutually beneficial for both institutions, said Rodney Rey, ACCs chairman of the board of governors.

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The RORC Caribbean 600 attracts the world's fastest racing yachts, magnificent superyachts and corinthian production cruisers. Gathered in Antigua for the start of the 600-mile blast around 11 Caribbean islands, the fleet is a phenomenal sight.

Among the spectacular entries this year are two colossal schooners; Eleonora and Adela, with at least 12 classic-designed yachts joining them on the race course.

Adela dates back to 1903 and at 182ft (55 metres), she is the largest yacht competing in the race. Displacing 250 tons and capable of 17 knots of boat speed, the forces on board are off the charts; the mainsail alone can generate 50 tons of load. Adela has an extraordinary record in the race; coming in the top ten overall under IRC in all four races she has competed in, including third overall in 2013. Adela is unbeaten in the Spirit of Tradition Class and is likely to have 35 crew for this year's race. Since she last competed in 2015, the schooner has undergone major modifications to her rudder and keel. Changing a headsail on Adela requires crew out on her mighty bowsprit, a position for agile, strong and trustworthy crew.

"We are really starting from scratch in terms of how to sail Adela after the refit," commented crew boss Guy Salter. "There have also been a few changes to the crew, so we will be working on boat handling in the run up to the race. We still have Kym 'Shag' Morton on the helm and that is a good thing. Experienced guys from the Maxi era are the closest thing to experts on driving these sort of boats and when you have crew on the bowsprit, which is really just an extension of the foredeck, you need someone on the helm who knows how to drive a displacement yacht. He won't come up at a mark until it is safe to do so. Protecting the crew is the most important part of the race."

Displacing 213 tons with an overall length of 162ft (49.5 metres), Eleonora is an exact replica of the famous 1910 Herreshoff schooner Westward. Since her launch in 2000 she has followed Westward's heritage of racing, however, this will be Eleonora's first RORC Caribbean 600.

"It is an event that the crew have been looking forward to ever since it was decided to enter," explains Brendan McCoy, Captain of Eleonora. "Adela has shown formidable speed in the Caribbean 600 and she has an advantage over us in waterline length and sail area, so it will be against the odds to beat her over the water. On IRC rating, we just don't know how we will fair and the conditions will play a big part. However, it will be an achievement to sail Eleonora well around the course. There are so many manoeuvres; it will be a real challenge for the crew and that is what we are looking forward to. For the race, we will have members from the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Ocean Racing Club on board and we are keen to ensure they all have a memorable race."

Classic yachts have always been a part of the RORC Caribbean 600. Competing this year is the 78ft Maxi Kialoa III, best remembered for victory in the 1975 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with the race record lasting for 21 years. The 70ft mahogany ketch, El Oro was originally owned by Baron Marcel Bich, the founder of Bic pens and built as a cruising version of his 1973 Whitbread racer, Kriter. Australian yachting enthusiast and owner, Tim Wilson rescued El Oro in 2008 and following a full restoration, has raced the classic yacht for the past five years. Many of the crew will be flying in from Australia to compete in the race. Mat Barker's 65ft sloop, The Blue Peter has unfinished business after retiring from last year's race. The Blue Peter is a true classic, almost unchanged since being launched in 1930.

Nine majestic yachts, built by Nautor's Swan will also be competing this year, including three classics designed by Sparkman & Stephens; Swan 48s, Isbjorn and Sleeper, a Swan 44 Freebird. Other classic designed sloops in the RORC Caribbean 600 include the 88ft Dutch Frers, Tulip, Irish C.N.B Briand 76ft, Lilla and Hound, a 60ft Nielsen Custom from the United States.

The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 will start from Antigua on February 20th 2017 and in excess of 70 yachts are expected, with over 900 sailors from 24 different countries taking part.

For more information visit: http://www.caribbean600.rorc.org

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Classics Gather in Caribbean - Sailing World

WASHINGTON, United States, Tuesday February 7, 2017 A study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates the direct annual cost of crime and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean at US$261 billion or 3.55 per cent of GDP roughly what the region invests on infrastructure.

The Costs of Crime and Violence: New Evidence, New Revelations in Latin America and the Caribbean provides comparable crime costs numbers for 17 countries in the region including the CARICOM nations of Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago benchmarking them against six developed countries.

Crime and violence are at near crisis levels in Latin America and the Caribbean. The region accounts for nine per cent of the worlds population but contributes nearly one-third of its homicide victims, making it the most violent region outside of war zones.

Six out of ten robberies in the region involve violence and 90 per cent of murders go unsolved. Its prisons are the most overcrowded in the world, the report adds.

Crime has reached alarming levels in many countries, said Ana Mara Rodrguez, the manager of the IDBs Institutions for Development Department.By providing estimates of the costs of violence at the regional, sub-regional, and national levels, the study will help governments and international cooperation agencies better allocate resources, as well as design better policies to control and prevent crime.

Crime-related costs are, on average, 3.55 percent of GDP in Latin America, compared with 2.75 percent in the US, 2.55 per cent in the UK and 1.34 percent in Germany.

The IDB said if the region brings its crime costs down to the level of developed nations, it could increase its infrastructure investment by 50 per cent.

Costs of violence against women in Latin America and the Caribbean double the world average, and the study points to future avenues for more research on gender violence.

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Former U.S. president Barack Obama is trying some new and dangerous water sports that the Hawaii native had to miss out on for safety reasons while serving in the White House.

Obama, whose eight years as president ended last month when he was succeeded by Donald Trump, learned to kiteboard while vacationing last week on a Caribbean island owned by British billionaire and adventurer Sir Richard Branson, who published an accountof their trip on Tuesday.

Photographs and video on the website of Branson's Virgin Group show the former president, a life-long surfer, figuring out the increasingly popular sport in which people ride a board while being pulled behind a kite.

"Being the former president of America, there was lots of security around, but Barack was able to really relax and get into it," Branson wrote.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, were spotted last week in the British Virgin Islands, and people posted photos of them on social media. Branson owns 120-acre (48-hectare) Moskito Island, which is part of the archipelago.

Kiteboarding was chosen in 2012 as a sport for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, replacing windsurfing. The decision was criticized at the time because the sport can be lethal, and it was reversed within months.

According to Branson, Obama studied the pastime for two days and flew a kite from the beach, "as if going back to being a child again," before heading out into the waves.

Branson was trying to learn a similar sport, foilboarding, which uses a modified board that rises a few feet above the water. He wrote that he challenged the ex-president over which of them would succeed first.

Obama triumphed, he said, by kiteboarding for 100 meters (328 feet).

"After all he has done for the world, I couldn't begrudge him his well-deserved win," Branson wrote.

(Reporting by David Ingram in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Frances Kerry)

WASHINGTON Two Republican senators proposed steps to slash the number of legal immigrants admitted into the United States by half on Tuesday, but the legislation, developed with the Trump administration, faces an uphill climb to get through Congress.

WASHINGTON/HOUSTON The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will grant the final permit needed to finish the Dakota Access Pipeline, a controversial project to move oil quickly to the U.S. Gulf Coast that sparked protests by Native American tribes and climate activists.

BATON ROUGE, La. At least six tornadoes tore through New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana on Tuesday, injuring 13 people as the storm roared across highways and streets, tearing down trees, power lines and homes, officials said.

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Obama kiteboards in Caribbean with billionaire Richard Branson - Reuters

The work of Lapo Simeoni at Biennale de la Biche 2017 (all photos courtesy Biennale de La Biche)

What describes itself asthe worlds smallest contemporary art biennale is currently taking place on a tiny island off the northern coast of Guadeloupe.La Biennale de La Biche, which launched its inaugural edition on January 6, boasts no grand pavilions and no champagne-sipping crowds; reachable only by small boats, it is identifiable by a dilapidated tin-roofed shack surrounded by mangroves that riseabove clear turquoise waters.

The biennalesclaim to itssmallness is defined by its scale, ascurators Alex Urso and Maess Anand explained. Ilet La Biche, the biennales eponymous venue, technically has no ground above water, although it exists as a landmass on Google Maps. Rising sea levels have submerged the island save for the small wooden shack, which is rotting. Still, its interior is dry enough, serving as a fitting place for a remote and incrediblyscenic exhibition. If you were to assign the biennale another superlative, it would likely be Most Relaxing.

Represented here are 14 international artists, mostly from Poland, where Urso and Anand are based. Invited by the curators to participate, they proposed works based on online pictures in response toIn a land of a theme that reflectsthe islands particular relationship with its setting; its position of in-betweenness. In the shack, a piece by Zuza Zikowska-Hercberg resembles either an unfinished or decaying stained glass window that enlivens the space with color when sunlight hits it;Urso and Icelandic artist Styrmir Orn Guomundsson have contributed paper works to the exterior wall viewable from a boat or with wet feet highlightingthe structures integration with its natural surroundings.

Some artists designed works that overcome these architectural limitations: a sculpture by Norbert Delman floats next to a mangrove and an installation by Yaelle Wisznicki Levi consists of fishing ropes that stretch from the shack far into the shallow waters, disappearing into the blue. Unlike those at a traditional biennale, all of these installations are intended to be left behind, all subject to the forces that are slowly consuming the island itself. Likea traditional biennale, the event does have its missteps, leaving behind a human mark on its landscape an especially concerningoversight, on this disappearing island.

The intent of the project was to propose an artistic event overtaking all guidelines that usually characterize the art world today, Urso told Hyperallergic. To have artworks on a place visited by a few hundred visitors throughout the year, left without certainties, constricted to consume themselves in loco, and overturn the idea of artworks as monumental and durable fragments in the timeline of art history. We were interested in emphasizing the fragility of these pieces, as elements that decay, following the limits of the world they belong to.

The uncertainty of the fates of the artworks and consequently, how they may impact their environment isperhaps the most interesting aspect of the Bienniale. The event has no end date, and the curators have no expectations about a subsequent edition since the island may be completely unfit for a similar display in two years. If they did organize a second Biennale, they envision featuring more local artists and collaborating with Guadeloupean art institutions, perhaps to explore the countrys history and legacy in relation to the slave trade.

The island is not as easily accessible as the many majorcities famous for their biennials, but it still receives a fair share of visitors every day. Barefoot and wearing bathing suits, many are touristswho have driftedby while island hopping, having traveled from afar to revel in the French islandscluster of islets, home to coral reefs, shipwrecks, and wildlife.Urso described the Biennale de La Biche as an anti-biennale, but in some ways, its still very much like those grand, international affairs, where privilege is your ticket to access.

The 2017 Biennale de La Biche is on view indefinitely on the let de La Biche (Guadeloupe).

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World's Smallest Biennale Drops Anchor on Caribbean Islet - Hyperallergic

While several cruise lines will be following on the heels of Carnival with limited visits to Cuba this spring, both Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line have announced they have expanded service through the fall.

Royal will send Empress of the Seas out of Tampa on 4- and 5-night sailings from Tampa through November and Norwegian Sky will sail out of Miami on 4-night trips through December.

Carnival Corp. was the first U.S.-based cruise line to visit Cuba on a regular basis in nearly 50 years when it sailed on May 1, 2016 on its Fathom brand aboard the Adonia as part of an approach that was aimed to provide passengers cultural and educational immersion in the Cuban culture. That brand is going away this summer, and Carnival has yet to announce sailings on any of its other brands beyond May.

In late 2016, Norwegian, its sister lines Oceania and Regenet Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean and sister line Azamara Club Cruises as well as Pearl Seas Cruises all announced various sailings to the island nation, some of which will began in January, but none of the lines were slated to sail beyond May, not having received approval from the Cuban government.

Royal was the first to announce the expanded approval on Friday with Norwegian following on its heels today. Norwegian Cruise Line had five itineraries slated out of PortMiami, all with overnight stays in Havana, with departures in May. The line's addition 25 trips run from June-December.

"We are thrilled to be the first cruise line able to offer weekly sailings from Miami to Cuba through the fall of 2017," said Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO Andy Stuart in a press release. "We have seen great demand from our guests for sailings to Cuba and we look forward to providing more opportunities for them to experience this incredibly culture-rich destination on a weekly basis."

The trips will offer 15 full and half-day cultural immersion activities in Cuba including a farm-to-table dining experience, exploring natural gem Soroa, exploring Havana in a classic car and others. The four-night trips will also feature stops at the line's private island Great Stirrup Cay. The new cruises will open for sale Feb. 21. Inside cabins start at $699 per person, based on double occupancy. Those rates don't include taxes and port fees. Visit http://www.ncl.com/cruises-to/cuba-cruises for more details.

Royal Caribbean's newly announced trips will offer some overnight stays in Havana - a first for the line - as part of itineraries that also feature stops in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. 4-night sailings start at $499 per person, based on double occupancy and 5-night sailings start at $599. Those trips are slated to run through Nov. 4, and are currently on sale at RoyalCaribbean.com.

Cruise to Cuba: 'People from all over the world are experiencing this together'

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Norwegian, Royal Caribbean expand Cuba sailings through end of the year - Orlando Sentinel

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Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad Forbes But the real winner is the one that came in second place, namely Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. It's a matter of expectations. One commercial merely confirmed what we already knew, while the other one changed expectations in a ... Dissecting the 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' trailer: What to expect from the 'reboot'Hypable Pirate's Life: 'Pirates Of The Caribbean 5' Trailer Breakdownmoviepilot.com Pirates of the Caribbean Teaser: Dead Men Tell the Same TalesTVOvermind /FILM -Philippine Star all 19 news articles »

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Why Disney's 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Had The Best Super Bowl Movie Ad - Forbes

Pitcher Cesar Valdez of Tigres de Licey from Dominican Republic reacts in a game against Aguilas de Mexicali from Mexico during the Caribbean Baseball Series.

CULIACN -- As well as being the largest international exporter of talent to the Major Leagues and other circuits, the Dominican Republic is the current champion of the World Baseball Classic. It is no coincidence that the country is known as baseball island.

Regardless of the fact that the Caribbean Series, which sees the champions of the Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan and Dominican winter leagues face off each year, will not exactly define the legacy of the participants, the recent poor performance of Dominican teams is eroding the country's image.

When you wear a uniform that carries the name of your country, regardless of the type of event, the result affects or benefits the whole country. That has always been the case and it always will be, said Dominican second baseman Anderson Hernndez, an original Licey member and one of the most veteran players on the roster.

Nobody wants to do badly on the field. Especially not when you're wearing a shirt that says Dominican Republic on the chest, said Hernndez.

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Cuba 1, D.R. 0 Mexico 4, P.R. 2

Thursday, Feb. 2 Venezuela 4, P.R. 3 Mexico 7, D.R. 2

Friday, Feb. 3 Cuba 7, P.R. 2 Mexico 5, Venezuela 1

Saturday, Feb. 4 P.R. 10, D.R. 2 Venezuela 8, Cuba 3

Sunday, Feb. 5 Venezuela 4, R.D. 3 Cuba 4, Mexico 0

Monday, Feb. 6 Semifinal 1: P.R. 9, Venezuela 6 Semifinal 2: Mexico 1, Cuba 0

Tuesday, Feb. 7 Championship: Puerto Rico vs Mexico, 9pm ET, WatchESPN

All games on ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN

Outfielder Ren Reyes hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to lead Aguilas del Zulia to a 4-3 win over Dominican club Tigres del Licey at Tomateros Stadium at the close of the round robin phase of the 2017 Caribbean Series in Culiacn.

Zulia (3-2), who had already qualified for the semifinals since Saturday (but lost to Puerto Rico on Monday in the semis), sent Licey (0-4) home winless and extended Dominican teams' losing streak to 10 games across the last three editions of the Caribbean classic. Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico progressed to Monday's semifinals and Puerto Rico beat Venezuela and will face Mexico in the Caribbean Series championship on Tuesday.

Licey, with 10 titles, is the most successful team in the history of this tournament that was founded nearly seven decades ago. The Dominican Republic, which debuted in the tournament in 1970, has amassed 19 titles, and leads the way among countries. But Gigantes del Cibao, Leones del Escogido and Licey have lost every game played by the Dominican Baseball League (Liga Dominicana de Bisbol - Lidom) since February 6, 2015.

It hurts a lot. Some people are questioning this, said Audo Vicente, manager of Tigres del Licey, who arrived in Culiacn without some of their key men, after winning the Dominican championship in a decisive final game against their arch rivals, Aguilas Cibaeas. Players like Hanley Ramrez, Emilio Bonifacio, Yamaico Navarro and Juan Francisco played for Tigres in the postseason, but did not make themselves available for the Caribbean Series for various reasons. Nor did others who played in the league, such as Robinson Can, Nelson Cruz, Maikel Franco or Jonathan Villar, among others.

Since the creation of the World Baseball Classic in 2006, which sees Major League baseball players representing their nations, the Caribbean Series is no longer a major tournament for stars from countries like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Even if they decide to play in the domestic league for some reason, whether to get in shape for the World Baseball Classic or so their relatives back home can see them play, their plan does not include the Caribbean Series.

In years to come, all our players should give this some thought. Not all our players are out of work or looking for work or competing for a spot in the Major Leagues. I think we should also take into account national pride and our country's reputation, said Vicente.

The Dominican Tigres not only lost all four of their games, but were also outplayed by their opponents, except for Sunday's clash against the Venezuelan Aguilas, which they led until the final inning.

The Cspedes brothers: Yoenis and Yoelkis are not quite alike. Enrique Rojas | Deportes

Series flavor: Mexico does it best. Enrique Rojas | Deportes

The Big Show: Cualiacn's Tomatero Stadium is set. Eric Gmez | Deportes

Players to watch: Current and former MLB players. David Schoenfield

Schedule: Results | Rosters

More coverage: ESPNDeportes.com

All games on ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio and Watch ESPN.

Ariel Pea pitched five good innings and Licey were leading 3-1 heading into the eighth inning, but Aguilas responded by scoring three times after one out against reliever Juan Grulln, who took the loss. Ronny Cedeo doubled in Herlis Rodrguez and Reyes followed this with a huge home run to left field to complete the comeback.

Licey finished the series batting .203 (128-26) and was outscored 25-7. Outfielder Zoilo Almonte, who batted .385 (13-5) with three RBIs, and pitcher Pea were by far their best performers.

I think baseball is about execution and in general, although we played a lot better [in our final game], we didn't execute well, said Vicente. We failed to execute at the level expected of a baseball power like the Dominican Republic.

Only one of our starters reached the fifth inning and the bullpen, which was key for the two teams that reached the Dominican final - and forms the basis of the team that traveled to Culiacn - failed. Our offense was ineffective, especially with runners in scoring position, said the manager.

Vicente, who lost the last two games of the 2015 Caribbean Series with Gigantes to begin Dominican teams' current losing streak, became the first domestic or foreign manager to lose six consecutive Caribbean Series games at the helm of the island's representatives.

There is nothing to change. These were the guys who are here, who took up the challenge. The first person I question is myself and, if the games were replayed, there would be a lot of changes. There were lots of things that didn't work, Vicente said.

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The 'baseball island' is taking on water at the Caribbean Series - ESPN (blog)

(February 7, 2017) The RORC Caribbean 600 attracts the worlds fastest racing yachts, magnificent superyachts and corinthian production cruisers. Gathered in Antigua for the start of the 600-mile blast around 11 Caribbean islands, the fleet is a phenomenal sight. Among the spectacular entries this year are two colossal schooners; Eleonora and Adela, with at least 12 classic-designed yachts joining them on the race course.

Adela dates back to 1903 and at 182ft (55 metres), she is the largest yacht competing in the race. Displacing 250 tons and capable of 17 knots of boat speed, the forces on board are off the charts; the mainsail alone can generate 50 tons of load. Adela has an extraordinary record in the race; coming in the top ten overall under IRC in all four races she has competed in, including third overall in 2013. Adela is unbeaten in the Spirit of Tradition Class and is likely to have 35 crew for this years race. Since she last competed in 2015, the schooner has undergone major modifications to her rudder and keel. Changing a headsail on Adela requires crew out on her mighty bowsprit, a position for agile, strong and trustworthy crew.

Nimble crew work is required on the magnificent schooner, Adela seen here approaching Redonda in the RORC Caribbean 600 RORC/Tim Wright

We are really starting from scratch in terms of how to sail Adela after the refit, commented crew boss Guy Salter. There have also been a few changes to the crew, so we will be working on boat handling in the run up to the race. We still have Kym Shag Morton on the helm and that is a good thing. Experienced guys from the Maxi era are the closest thing to experts on driving these sort of boats and when you have crew on the bowsprit, which is really just an extension of the foredeck, you need someone on the helm who knows how to drive a displacement yacht. He wont come up at a mark until it is safe to do so. Protecting the crew is the most important part of the race.

Displacing 213 tons with an overall length of 162ft (49.5 metres), Eleonora is an exact replica of the famous 1910 Herreshoff schooner Westward. Since her launch in 2000 she has followed Westwards heritage of racing, however, this will be Eleonoras first RORC Caribbean 600.

The crew of the 162ft Eleonora, the exact replica of the famous 1910 Herreshoff schooner Westward will include members of the Royal Yacht Squadron and Royal Ocean Racing Club onEdition

It is an event that the crew have been looking forward to ever since it was decided to enter, explains Brendan McCoy, Captain of Eleonora. Adela has shown formidable speed in the Caribbean 600 and she has an advantage over us in waterline length and sail area, so it will be against the odds to beat her over the water. On IRC rating, we just dont know how we will fair and the conditions will play a big part. However, it will be an achievement to sail Eleonora well around the course. There are so many manoeuvres; it will be a real challenge for the crew and that is what we are looking forward to. For the race, we will have members from the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Ocean Racing Club on board and we are keen to ensure they all have a memorable race.

Classic yachts have always been a part of the RORC Caribbean 600. Competing this year is the 78ft Maxi Kialoa III, best remembered for victory in the 1975 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with the race record lasting for 21 years. The 70ft mahogany ketch, El Oro was originally owned by Baron Marcel Bich, the founder of Bic pens and built as a cruising version of his 1973 Whitbread racer, Kriter. Australian yachting enthusiast and owner, Tim Wilson rescued El Oro in 2008 and following a full restoration, has raced the classic yacht for the past five years. Many of the crew will be flying in from Australia to compete in the race. Mat Barkers 65ft sloop, The Blue Peter has unfinished business after retiring from last years race. The Blue Peter is a true classic, almost unchanged since being launched in 1930.

The Blue Peter was launched in 1930, although the teak used in the construction of her hull was brought from Thailand in 1870. She was designed by Alfred Mylne and has unfinished business having retired from the race last year. Tim Wright/Photoaction.com

Nine majestic yachts, built by Nautors Swan will also be competing this year, including three classics designed by Sparkman & Stephens; Swan 48s, Isbjorn and Sleeper, a Swan 44 Freebird. Other classic designed sloops in the RORC Caribbean 600 include the 88ft Dutch Frers, Tulip, Irish C.N.B Briand 76ft, Lilla and Hound, a 60ft Nielsen Custom from the United States.

The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 will start from Antigua on February 20th 2017 and in excess of 70 yachts are expected, with over 900 sailors from 24 different countries taking part.

Event details Notice of Race Entry list

Background: The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20, 2017. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barths.

Source: Royal Ocean Racing Club

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RORC Caribbean 600 attracts Classics - Scuttlebutt Sailing News