Hello and welcome to the March edition of the Ondeck USVI Newsletter.
As our success continues to grow we want to inform you of our latest developments and share with you a few special stories of people we've met along way.
So please sit back, relax and enjoy the latest news from Ondeck.
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Peter Holmberg at the Helm of Alinghi |
Ondeck Ocean racing in St. Thomas is an exciting company that understands champion behaviours. so we are are delighted to partner with Olympic Silver Medalist and Helm of the America’s Cup winning boat Alinghi, Peter Holmberg.
Peter learned to sail at age five in St. Thomas and began racing internationally at age nine. After many years of training locally in the Virgin Islands, Peter won the Silver Medal in the Finn Class at the 1988 Olympics in Korea. This is the first and only Olympic Medal ever won by the Virgin Islands.
After winning the Olympic Medal, Peter began racing as a professional sailor and has since gone on to win numerous World and International Championships. In 1992 Peter shifted his focus to Match Racing and traveled the world extensively with his small team of Virgin Islanders, finally reaching the #1 ranking in the World in 2002.
Peter then joined the Oracle BMW Team for the 2003 America’s Cup where they finished second in the Challenger Selection Series. Following this, Peter joined the winner of the 2003 America’s Cup, Team Alinghi from Switzerland, as one of the helmsmen. After four years of training and racing, Alinghi successfully defended the 32nd America’s Cup in July 2007 in the waters off Valencia, Spain.
When Peter decided to take leave of the Alingi team this past season Virgin Islanders were thrilled to welcome home one of their own.
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Through his efforts of representing the Virgin Islands around the world in sailing, he hopes to encourage others to pursue excellence in sports.
With Peter back in St. Thomas we are now able to offer our fleet of Farr 65s and Farr 40s complete with the ultimate tactician/race advisor/technical expert who can deliver in-depth training and development for our corporate and racing clients.
Sailing a yacht breaks down boundaries and has excellent results in effective teamwork no one know this better than World Class sailing champions. Peter Holmberg is now available to share his dynamic personal and team endeavor and leadership skills.
From practical sailing instruction to the ultimate winning attitude you and your team will improve your technique and knowledge, on or off the water! Peter Holmberg is also available for lecture style seminars, motivational speaking and after dinner speaking engagements. For further details contact Pamela Busby by e-mail at: pb@ondeckoceanracing.com |
The first round in the Caribbean Regatta program hosted by the St. Croix Yacht Club USVI was attended by over 50 boats this year between Feb 8th-10th.
This was the 15th Annual International Regatta and the first time Ondeck has entered this regatta with 2 of our own Farr 40s.
Tactician, John Holmberg with his signature "whistle" commands guided Helmsman Billy Bones around the course, with special guest Larry Kupfer (CEO of Hovensa Oil) onboard enjoying manouvers!
After 7 races over the two days with True Wind Speeds in excess of 25 knots both Farr 40s Bandit and Madina successfully completed the racing with excellent finishes and were honoured at the Prize giving being presented with the Commodores Trophy!
As a starter event for the Caribbean race season we are warmed up and ready to go for even better results during the upcoming Regatta’s such as the Heineken St Maarten, The Rolex St Thomas and the BVI Spring Regatta with the grand finale being Antigua Race Week.
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Travis, JC, Billy Bones, and Clive from Ondeck USVI being presented with the Commodore's Trophy at the St Croix Regatta |
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There's still time to join in with The St Thomas Rolex, BVI Spring, and Antigua Sailing Week Regattas. Remaining spaces are going fast so don't miss the boat! - Call us now and reserve your place. |
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Ruth Bogia with Skipper Joey |
So how old were you when you learnt to sail?
Well for Ruth Bogia she celebrated her 90th Birthday at 45 degrees onboard one of Ondeck's Farr 40 yachts.
On a recent cruise with NCL, sons Tom and David Bogia returned to Ondeck for the second time and brought the whole family with them, including mum, Ruth!
Ruth said she couldn't have wished for a better birthday gift than doing something she had never done before!
The Bogia brothers promise to return for her 91st!
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85% of our guests are novice sailors!
The Reverend Duane Ronan visiting from New York City booked direct with Spirit Airlines.
The first question he was asked as he boarded Bandit, one of our Farr 40s, was "Have you ever been sailing before?"
His reply was, “Do dreams Count?”...
... We think they do. If you are coming to stay on our beautiful island you may now book online with Expedia, Travelocity and direct from the “Big Apple” with Spirit Airlines.
Look us up on their websites and book your experience of a lifetime. |
Reverend Duane Ronan from NYC making his dream come true. |
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What does Atlanta Falcon Superbowl Champ, Esra Tuaolo do on vacation? ...
... when he is in St. Thomas he joins a different team and races with the Ondeck crew.
Defensive lineman, "Mr. Aloha" , shows his strength in the pit as Medina attempts to take the lead from Bandit.
Ondeck is the place to come and have fun!
The Shore Excursion Teams from Princess Cruises, NCL, RCCL, HAL and Carnival have come out to join us for a much needed break and some fun in the sun.
For all of the teams who have come racing with we would like to say a big thank-you and the challenge continues!
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"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore ... Dream ... Discover." Mark Twain
No experience is necessary for this opportunity of a lifetime!
We are delighted to offer two Transatlantic crossings this year.
Our matched fleet of four Farr 65s will be taking part in both events, each with three professional staff (skipper, mate and 2nd mate), a mixed ability crew, professional forecasting, and advice. |
Having a matched fleet lends the opportunity for a friendly, competitive element - it will be up to the crew, with the support of our professional staff, to set the pace and build a strong team!
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Atlantic Challenge
Leaving Antigua on 6th May, this 3,500nm voyage will inspire you.
Sail from the beautiful island of Antigua in the Caribbean to the Historic Naval Dockyard at Portsmouth in England, with a well deserved stopover in The Azores!
As crew you will be involved in all aspects of sailing and running the yacht with our professional crew in this 4 week passage across the Atlantic.
A full information pack can be downloaded from here. Alternatively, you can contact Clive Yarwood by e-mail at cy@ondeckoceanracing.com
Transatlantic Adventure
The Transatlantic Adventure is open to anyone who is up for a challenge. It has been put together with time commitments in mind, so it is feasible for anyone to take part, whether it be for one week, two weeks or the complete passage.
With a start and finish to each leg, this enables those with constrictive time commitments to take part in this Atlantic crossing. The trip offers beautiful locations, history and is truly unique!
Departing Cascais (near Lisbon, Portugal) on 17th October for Madeira, Cape Verde Islands and finally on the Atlantic passage to Barbados!
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If you are interested in taking part or would like more information please contact Clive Yarwood.
Of those that have dreamt of sailing across The Atlantic, there are only a few that experience that feeling and live out the adventure - join Ondeck to live your dream! |
Ondeck will have the largest fleet of world class Ocean Racing Yachts entered for Skandia Cowes Week in 2008. With over 20 boats entered, we have something for everyone including a large VIP Hospitality area on Cowes Yacht Haven and Hatherleigh (Pindar Ocean Racing’s 114’ Classic Fishing Trawler/Party Boat!).
You can join us as an individual, small group or take exclusive charter of a whole yacht for private or corporate racing or hospitality. We are even running a 14 big boat ‘Round the Island’ race the original 1851 route (East about) with Gala Dinner at the Haven Events Centre, Cowes Yacht Haven on Saturday 2nd August (2 & 3 day packages available). Full details are available here |
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The Ondeck Crew continues to grow from strength to strength.
Tiffany Devine joins the Guest Escort and Retail store team, and Fred Jackson has joined us as Senior Engineer.
Tifanny is in her fourth year studying Marine Biology at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Fred, who comes to us with an incredible pedigree, becomes a part of our dedicated team maintaining the Fleet both here in St. Thomas and Antigua.
Our established crew have also upgraded their individual qualifications.
J.C. Burke has successfully taken his USCG Captains License and Joe Walters has upgraded to a 100 ton USCG Captains licence!
Here at Ondeck we are committed to a process of continuous training and career development for all our employees. We also had 4 of our latest recruits go through there STCW shore based courses to further enhance our growing reputation as a premier employer in the Leisure Marine industry here on island! |
Tiffany Devine |
Fred Jackson
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Joe Walters |
J.C. Burke |
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Thanks to everyone who has completed our feedback surveys. Ondeck constantly strives to maintain our high levels of customer satisfaction and your input is much appreciated.
Your comments are always welcome. If you wish to contact us please e-mail John Holmberg at admin@ondeckoceanracing.com.
We hope you enjoyed reading this newsletter - bye for now!
The Ondeck Team
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All content Copyright © 2008 Ondeck Ocean Racing LLC.
9100 Havensight, Suite 10, Port of Sale Mall,
St. Thomas. USVI
00802 - Telephone: +1 (340) 777 4944
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