I asked what she did for a living. She said she was a software engineer working with SOA. I did not think about my plane ride much until I arrived in San Francisco to attend the SOA World Conference & Expo this past Monday and Tuesday. The first day of the conference as I walked into the hotel, guess who I saw? My friend who I met on the Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul. What a small world, isn't it? Her company was one of the sponsors of the event.

To generate an adequate buzz about the event, representatives from Antigua Show Management (ASM) will be making an appearance at the Genoa Boat Show (that is scheduled to take place at the end of this month). ASM will have their own booth at theGenoa show. They are confident that their showing in Genoa will help expose them to international representatives of other yachting districts.

While the Caribbean Sea is full of treasures, perhaps none are as rich and diverse as Jamaica. Sure, it has the beaches, beautiful weather and resorts to make it a popular winter destination, but veer off the beaten path, and you will find a vibrant culture and natural wonders to excite any adventurer. Is it any wonder that Jamaica was once the destination of choice for 007's creator, Ian Fleming?

The first Swan Hellenic Mediterranean cruise traveled to the Greek Islands in 1954, and in 1983, P&O purchased the company and furthered its development as a destination-rich cruise line, visiting numerous international ports of historical and archeological interests. Since 2004, Swan Hellenic is part of the Carnival Corp, along with the Yachts of Seabourn, Cunard, NCL, Princess, Costa and Windstar.

SeaDream Yacht Club has enhanced its series of ten South America sailing in the winter of 2006-2007 by modifying its previously announced voyages to include two Buenos Aires, Argentina roundtrip sailings it has dubbed South America Adventure Voyages. This move comes on the heels of SeaDream?s South America announcement in November and separates the ultra-luxury yacht operator?s South America voyages into two diverse offerings: the South America Riviera Collection (which includes vibrant and sophisticated cities like Rio and Buenos Aires as well as chic resorts such a Buzios) and the new South America Adventure Collection.

When I signed up to sail for a week in the British Virgin Islands with a crew of women I hardly knew, I would never have guessed that we would have enjoyed such camaraderie or that I would have learned so much. Not having previously vacationed aboard a boat before and never in such close quarters with five other women, I trusted an old friend of mine when he told me that I would share 'good karma' with these co-workers of his. Seven days on a 52.5-ft Sun Odyssey called Pure Indulgence proved him right.

Discerning travelers who are seeking the flavor of The Bahamas but prefer their conch salad served to them in a private cabana by a secluded beach untouched by the masses may want to consider the newly developed Emerald Bay at Great Exuma Island. A destination unknown to the mainstream vacationer, hidden in the Bahamas Family Islands amid tranquil cays and powder-white virgin beaches, Emerald Bay awaits to delight guests whether their quest is for relaxation or adventure. The 470-acre Emerald Bay property encompasses the five-star Four Seasons resort, the exclusive Grand Isle Villas residences, a Greg Norman?designed oceanfront golf course, the newly opened Marina at Emerald Bay, and solely for members ? The Club at Emerald Bay.

A secret oasis awaits yacht charter guests to an elite paradise destination called Emerald Bay. Until now the shallow waters of the Exuma Islands made navigating challenging for megayachts wanting to find refuge. For the first time in the family islands, The Marina at Emerald Bay provides dockage for vessels up to 225' and grants access for megayachts to enjoy the serenity of Great Exuma and exclusivity of The Four Seasons Resort.

The tiny island of Anguilla is beautiful and romantic - a place where you can really hide away from the rest of the world protected by the fiercely proud and loyal locals who are always on hand with a friendly smile.

The 44th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting opened with 111 yachts attending. This year was the show's most popular year ever since its inception 44 years ago. Several European yacht management companies which did not participate at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show due to hurricane Wilma were all present in Antigua. The first day of the Antigua show was also the last day of St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition. Due to overlapping dates this year, many brokers left St. Maarten before that show officially closed. 'The second day in St. Maarten was pretty slow,' said one broker YV&C news desk spoke with. Many brokers and industry participants opted to visit both islands.

I placed two show directories on my table to review them as the brokers started walking into the docks. My unofficial poll shows 30 out of 30 brokers this morning said the Antigua Charter Yacht Show Directory was hands down much better than the St. Maarten Show Directory and the St. Maarten Show Bags were better than the Antigua show bags.

Who has never dreamt of being a pirate with an eye patch, a parrot on their shoulder and cutlasses at their hip; of desert islands with white sand and long-legged palm trees; secret coves, caves and treasure maps where X marks the spot And of the bursting treasure chest with jewel encrusted goblets and gold doubloons spilling out?

The second annual St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibiton - SCYE opened with a welcome reception. This year the following charter agents and management firms participated at this annual event. YV&C International Yacht Vacations & Charters Magazine is a media sponsor of the show. The following is a group of photos from the show's opening party.

The pretty little island of Grenada has been dealt many unfair blows by history and politics. To many it was just recovering from the invasion ordered by President Regan, who sent in troops to put down a Cuban-lead rebellion, when just as that reputation was beginning to sink below the horizon, Mother Nature sent one of her somewhat destructive sons to visit the island on September 7, 2004.

Camper & Nicholsons announced charter yacht availability in the Caribbean for the Winter 2005/2006 season. The following is a list of charter yachts and their availability for the season. Updated information on these and other charter yachts can be obtained through Camper & Nicholsons.

Mention a Caribbean cruise and most people assume you're talking about St. Martin / St. Barths or perhaps the Virgin Islands. People usually do not think of the Southern Caribbean which includes St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, that is starting to change. 'The Caribbean is the most beautiful place in the world' said one of the guests cruising aboard the M/Y Velista, ?and the islands of the Grenadines are so spectacular that there is no way to describe this with photos or words 'you literally have to see it to believe it!'

Once a favorite haunt of pirates, and the setting for Treasure Island, the riches in this area of the West Indies now lie in abundant coral reefs and unpopulated islands accessible only by boat. When I was able to tear myself away long enough to return to the tender of the 85ft Hatteras, Obsession, I removed my snorkel and asked Captain Gene Costa about the source of the noise. He told me it was the sound of the vividly colored, multistriped parrotfish chewing on the coral. In fact, he said, their teeth are designed for just that purpose. I resumed my drifting, facedown in the 86-degree turquoise sea, this time focused on spotting the culprits. I suddenly came upon a whole group darting in and out of the reefs: stoplight parrotfish with brilliant stripes of turquoise, purple, green, pink, and blue, with a yellow band on their tails.

The first annual St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition - SCYE2004 opened this morning with an impressive organization and presentation. Mostly superyachts lined the decks of several marinas accessible by water taxis. Brokers enjoyed viewing a variety of popular charter yachts, including some that are not often at shows. One of our favorites so far: Lady Madelyn, a 122ft classic Italian yacht with a fabulous crew. Watch for the story in an upcoming issue. Following are the SCYE2004 photo album being updated as the show progresses.

On the scene on the beautiful island of Antigua, YV&C editorial team inspected charter yachts of all sizes. The 43rd Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting hosted more than 100 yachts in three marinas, including the newly refurbished Nelson's Dockyard. According to Afsaneh Franklin, show administrator, there were more than 550 attendees--charter brokers, agents, and press from all over the world.

Two friends revisit the islands they fell in love with 30 years ago, and find that the essential pleasures remain. From the finest cuisine to the ultimate in shopping to the incredible beaches, everything takes on new meaning when experienced from aboard a charter yacht.