We leave a super sailing yacht and join a super powerboat
Smartly dressed in their white uniforms captain Keith Talasek and his happy crew of five stood on the swim platform of the motor yacht Aerie to welcome us aboard.
We left the sailing yacht Tenacious to board the power yacht that is to be our home for the next few days as we continue to enjoy the waters and the islands of the British Virgin Islands. Cold towels are offered and accepted, a freshly made mango smoothie is pressed into our willing hands and we are immediately made to feel welcome.
Aerie charters through Fraser Yachts for $75,000 on AYCA terms.
The yacht built by Delta in 2001 has been given a facelift in 2009 and is in excellent shape. To take your own personal virtual tour click here.
Designed by J Q Barnett, her interior is a fascinating mix of art and function and every turn is pleasing to the eye.
Finished in soft earth tones with highlights of ocean colours her designers have made good use of stone in her make up.
Curves and angles distinguish the passenger accommodations, which have room for eight guests in comfort. Staterooms are illuminated by sculptured cast glass portlights that pass natural light through origami shoji screens to great effect.
And yes we are in the master stateroom, which has a stunning super large double bed and two bathrooms. Mine (of course I have the bigger one) has a huge bathtub and even a high definition TV that can be viewed while I laze in a bath of bubbles. Trust me it did not take long for me to try that one out!
Michael has a powerful man sized shower in his bathroom.
Leaving Marina Cay, the tiny island made famous by the book and the subsequent movie starring Sydney Poitier and John Cassavetes we moved first to Cooper Island and then onto Deadmans Bay.
There we went snorkelling, the water is calm, the wind slight and on the surface turtles bask in the sunshine while on the beach tourists from colder climbs roast to a golden tan. I can not wait to go diving tomorrow with Dan, the first mate who has thousands of dives under his weight belt.