New Equipment

Today, Soterion got a couple of new pieces of essential gear.  

First, as required by BVI Shipping Registry law, two new 24" commercial life rings with SOLAS-grade reflective tape, and the name SOTERION in 4" high letters.  I can't think of anything I'd rather have thrown to me if I were to fall off the boat (besides a cold beer).  Only thing it is missing is the beer holder.

Also upgraded the trolling gear, this appropriately named "Charter Special" made by Shimano boasts 4 ball bearings and a lever that allows you to set the drag to the precise level required for the fish you are fighting.

New Bilge Pump System

Bilge pumps are important.  So when the bilge pump float switch failed in the engine room, I decided to replace the switch and the old pump (which was getting squeaky anyway).  I went with a new pump with an integrated solid-state (capacitance-based) water sensor.  In case that failed, I installed a secondary float switch located higher in the bilge.  At that same level, there is another float switch which activates a high-pitched alarm in the crew cabin which is also audible at the helm.   Here is a picture of the new system.

Clean Gear

Guests always look at me when I hand them a mask and snorkel.  They usually don't say anything, but I can see the look in their eyes, which betrays the question that I know they are afraid to ask: "How many people have sucked on this before me?"  

Well folks, rest assured, we replace the gear regularly.  Furthermer, I personally soak the masks and snorkels in a solution of degreaser and bleach after every charter, and then rinse them off well and let them dry in the sun.

So snorkel on, and don't forget to use defog on the inside of your mask!

Sunset St John

Soterion at anchor in Waterlemon Bay, St John,
with the lights of St Thomas in the background.

My Winnings from Good Moon Farms

Please excuse the hot pink shirt and the sheen of sweat across my brow...  we were on a 24 hour turn from Christmas to New Years charters.  A prize from winning the appetizer division in the culinary competition at the BVI Charter Yacht Show was a gift certificate from Good Moon Farms here on Tortola.  I used the gift certificate to help put a dent in my provisioning bill for the NYE charter who were instant that they wanted a large green salad for every lunch and dinner all week.  My fridge was packed with the freshest produce I could get me hands on-- thank you Aragron and the crew a Good Moon Farms!

 

Stow Away!

This little guy was not at all happy about being escorted off Soterion.


We found him on New Years Day-- he snuck on while we spent the nigh on the dock at Scrub Island.  

Soterion on Soggy Dollar Webcam

Another beautiful day in paradise!!

Back on Charter!

Soterion's 2012-2013 season is off to a great start!  We had four couples from RI on board for a quick 5 day get away that inclued one entire day at the spa on Scrub Island.  

The diet was Vegan so Tara spent most of her time in the galley this week.  This was one breakfast - Cinnamon Tahini & Apple Bread Braide served with Cool Blueberry Soup.

The final evening was spent waterskiing with this as our back drop.  

Not too shabby at all. 

Culinary Competition

Another way to be involved during the Boat Show is to compete in the culinary competition.  This year this year there were three categories - Starter, Entree, Dessert - and about twenty chefs from boats ranging from 112ft. motor yachts & 76 ft sailing yachts with dedicated chefs to 45ft charter boats with chefs like myself who play hostess, chef, deck, mate, etc.  The fun of the competition is to have the top restaurant chefs in the area tasting and grading your work against their own very high standards.

The last few minutes of prep.  You can't tell in the picture how badly my hands are shaking. 

Mini Hibiscus Mofongo & Saltfish Croquette
(First Place)

Braised Oxtail + Wahoo Parcel w. Local Spinach & Harvest Risotto Cake
(Second Place)

Banana Colada Ebelskivers w. Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
(Second Place)

The judges & professional photographers.

CYS Boat Show 2012

Yes we did!
 This was the 31st annual CYS boat show and after 30 years of hosting the event at Village Cay Marina we made a move to Nanny Cay Marina and the show was a raging success!  Sasha climbed a hill during the show to snap a few pictures of all the boats in the marina.  Do you see Soterion??


Recognise this motley crew?  One of the nights of the show boats host a "Broker Hop" where they have snacks and drinks on board.  We decided to take the party to the docks this year because we were picking up charter the next day.  The idea was very well received-- along with our shots of home infused rum :)

Down the hatch without a scratch!  Mango Rum & Banana Spice Rum.