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World’s Largest, Private Sailing Yacht Anchored Near Coral Bay

EOS
File photo – Courtesy of Marine Traffic

Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of the huge yacht that sailed into St. John waters sometime late Thursday or early Friday? We saw it over near St. Thomas Thursday, and we just heard from Cheryl over at The Tourist Trap that it’s currently (Friday night) anchored near Coral Bay. To say this yacht is spectacular simply doesn’t do it justice. Here are the details:

It’s called Eos, and you may recognized its owners – media mogul Barry Diller and his fashion mogul wife Diana von Furstenberg. The yacht is 305 feet long and cost an estimated $200 million to build. That may be considered pocket change for Diller, whose estimated net worth is $2.1 billion, according to Forbes Magazine. He was number 260 on this year’s The Forbes 400 list of the richest people in America.

Diller, a college dropout, is a self-made millionaire. Here’s a brief bio from Forbes:

Barry Diller’s entertainment and media group IAC/Interactive sold Newsweek in August to IBT media for an undisclosed sum. IAC is a backer of controversial startup Aereo, which streams TV programs to subscribers’ smartphones, tablets and computers for about $8 a month. TV networks, including Fox sued Aereo in 2012 in a court battle that is still ongoing. He chairs online travel site Expedia. Diller dropped out of UCLA, got a job in the mailroom at the William Morris talent agency. He worked at ABC, Paramount and Fox for decades and oversaw launches of hit TV shows, including Cheers, The Simpsons. He launched IAC in 1995.

Diane von Furstenberg, on the other hand, is one of the world’s top fashion designers and is known for her iconic wrap dresses made for the working woman.

But back to Eos. We did a little research and we found a few random facts that we thought you’d enjoy.

  • Diller once paid $2,000 a day to “park” Eos in Chelsea Piers in lower Manhattan, which was conveniently located across from his IAC offices. Click here to read more on that.
  • von Furstenberg didn’t allow her guests to wear shoes on the yacht when she launched a new fragrance on the yacht back in 2011. And yes, that even included her guests’ fancy Manolo Blahniks. Click here to read more on that.
  • The yacht caught fire back in 2012 while docked in Oslo. Click here to read more about that.

Here’s a nice picture that Margie Mapes took Friday afternoon:

Photo courtesy of Margie Mapes
Photo courtesy of Margie Mapes

And here’s a picture that Cheryl took of Buster, the most famous St. John rooster, and Eos late Friday night.

Picture courtesy of Cheryl Geller
Picture courtesy of Cheryl Geller

And here is another image courtesy of Lana Myers:

Eos near Coral Bay
Picture courtesy of Lana Myers

(If anyone has any other photos, please send them over to [email protected] and we’ll post them.)

Waterfalls Flow After Heavy Rains

Waterfall

We get a lot of questions about whether there are any good waterfalls on the island. The answer is typically no, however, that wasn’t the case yesterday.

The island got a pretty good soaking Wednesday night and into Thursday, and that created some pretty good waterfalls (and some pretty happy cistern owners). I’m sure the waterfall at the petroglyphs was pretty amazing Thursday, but we were a bit too lazy to hike all the way down the Reef Bay Trail to see it (and the guided hike was postponed due to the weather).

But we did come across a pretty good one over on the North Shore just past Cinnamon Bay. Here’s a short video of that and a pretty good flow running through Mongoose Junction:

Wednesday Night Jam is Moving to Sunday Night

jam session
After performing thousands of times in front of an estimated 20,000 people, Wednesday Night Jam sang its swan song Wednesday night. The popular event will now move to Sunday nights beginning this weekend.

“We became a victim of our own success, but that’s not a bad thing,” said Michael Barry, owner of the Sun Dog Cafe and the newly opened Virgin Fire (which is delicious by the way).

According to Michael, the weekly event became so popular that it essentially stopped traffic in Mongoose Junction. While that was great for the jam session, it was a bit problematic for some of the nearby businesses; therefore Michael agreed to move the jam session to Sunday nights. The first Sunday Night Jam will take place this Sunday, November 24.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Wednesday Night Jam, it’s a very cool event. It takes place in the courtyard at the Sun Dog Cafe, which is on the upper level of Mongoose Junction. The way it works is simple – people who play instruments show up and jam. And the music they create is simply amazing.
“Over the seven year existence of the event, the overflowing stage has welcomed Jonathan Edwards (‘Sunshine’, ‘Shanty), Fly Amero of Orleans (‘Dance with Me), and other notable musical guests, along with a steady local offering of talent,” Michael said. “In contrast to a band or having an open mike, the now Sunday Night Jam is unique in that it encourages musicians who didn’t even know each other to join each other on stage. The results are often magical, occasionally erratic, but always entertaining.

We stopped by the jam session last night and it was a blast. Check out these videos we took for you:

Looks like fun, right? Be sure to check out the new Sunday Night Jam session this weekend and every Sunday through the season. It will take place between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

 

Update on Pirate’s Bight

New structure at Pirate's Bight
New structure at Pirate’s Bight

We’ve got some pretty exciting news to share with you today. If all goes as planned, Pirate’s Bight will reopen by the weekend. How great is that?!

As many of you may know, Pirate’s Bight over on Norman Island burned down last month. It happened during the early morning hours of October 1, the day they were scheduled to start preparations to reopen for the season. But sadly, the fire destroyed the restaurant. (Click here to read about the fire and to see pics.)

There’s some pretty good news to come out of this, however, First, the owner, Dr. Henry Jarecki, has continued to pay his employees their full salaries since the fire destroyed the restaurant. We spoke to a few of the waitresses Tuesday who were busy cleaning up the new space, and they were all very appreciative of that.  So kudos to Dr. Jarecki.

And second, it looks like island time did not prevail over at Pirate’s as the restaurant is expected to reopen by the weekend. Double kudos to that.

They’ve constructed a temporary bar and makeshift restaurant to the left of the dock and it looks quite nice. (The restaurant that burned down was located to the right of the dock.) The manager hopes to reopen Thursday, but it may take an extra day or two for it to happen. Either way, it looks like one of News of St. John’s off island spots will be back in business by the weekend. Thank goodness for that!

As far as the main building is concerned, that area is also undergoing construction. Concrete was being poured Tuesday and the structure is going to be rebuilt very soon. That area is expected to reopen completely by February.

Here are a few pictures taken Tuesday:

Old Pirate's Bight space
Old Pirate’s Bight space
New Pirate's Bight space
New Pirate’s Bight space
New equipment being delivered Tuesday
New equipment being delivered Tuesday
The new bar is looking good!
The new bar is looking good!

Christmas Winds Arrive Early

honeymoon waves pic

Christmas has come early on the island but not in the good way.

As some of you may know, the winds kick up every year right around the Christmas holiday. These winds, dubbed the Christmas Winds, kick up the north shore beaches and cause quite the stir. Well, they’ve come early this year – more than a month early to be exact.

A VI Alert was issued last Thursday for unusually high surf. It was expected to end by Sunday morning, but the winds have yet to die down. This is affecting most of the north shore beaches as the waves have been unusually high and the visibility has pretty poor. Even the calmer beaches like Maho Bay have been affected. See for yourself here:

And here’s another video we took Sunday at Honeymoon Beach:

According to St. John’s weather guru, Captain John Brandi of Palm Tree Charters (ok, well he’s our weather guru), the north shore swells are due to an unusual northern wind. The swells started from the northwest but have shifted to the northeast. The winds went from east to almost north Monday, compounding the swell on the north waters. These northern winds are very unusual for this time of year and typically hold off until Christmas time. That being said, he thinks they will start to diminish tomorrow. Thank goodness.

So as we mentioned, John Brandi is the island’s weather guru in our opinion. He posts a daily weather report on his Facebook page. You can check that out here.

In the meantime, you can head down to the south shore beaches to avoid the north shore swells. Salt Pond is always a great north shore alternative. Hansen Bay is great too, and it’s a News of St. John favorite.

What Exactly is a MARSEC Level?

Marsec Level sign at Caneel Bay
MARSEC Level sign at Caneel Bay

Ever notice those signs around the island that read:

SECURITY NOTICE 

This facility is currently operating at MARSEC Level 1. (Hopefully that’s what it said)

Entering this facility is deemed valid consent to screening or inspection. All vehicles are subject to inspection. 

Failure to consent or submit to screening or inspection will result in denial or revocation of authorization to board or enter. 

There’s one over on the ferry dock near the Visitor’s Center and a few more over at Caneel Bay. So we were curious – what exactly is a MARSEC Level and what does it mean?

Well, it turns out that the MARSEC Level relates to Homeland Security, so the fact that we here at News of St. John have only seen a MARSEC Level 1 posted around the island is good thing. Here’s what we found on the U.S. Coast Guard’s website:

The Coast Guard employs a three-tiered system of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels designed to easily communicate to the Coast Guard and our maritime industry partners pre-planned scalable responses for credible threats. If the Secretary of Homeland Security issues an NTAS Alert, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard will adjust MARSEC Level, if appropriate, based on the commensurate risk, any maritime nexus, and/or Commandant consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security. 

So here’s a quick breakdown of the three levels, according to the Coast Guard:

Level 1: The level for which minimum appropriate security measures shall be maintained at all times.

Level 2: The level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a transportation security incident.

Level 3: The level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a transportation security incident is probable, imminent, or has occurred, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution breaks it down in simpler terms. Here’s what they had to say:

Level 1: The threat of an unlawful act against a terminal or vessel is, though possible, not likely.

Level 2: An unlawful act against a vessel or terminal is possible, and intelligence indicates that terrorists are likely to be active within a specific area, or against a type of vessel or terminal.

Level 3: An unlawful act against a vessel or terminal is probable or imminent and intelligence indicates that terrorists have chosen specific targets.

Here are a couple more images from around the island:

Another sign at Caneel
Another sign at Cannel
Marsec sign 2
A sign in Cruz Bay

News you can use. News of St. John.

 

Sights and Sounds: Island Stones

Advertorial

This week’s Sights and Sounds brings us over to a spectacular villa in Catherineberg. Island Stones is a 6,000 square-foot villa with six-bedrooms and eight baths. It’s a great home for large families or small groups. The best part, however, is its beautifully-designed outdoor spaces and stunning North Shore views. See for yourself:

Click here to learn more about Island Stones and to see Villa Vacations’ other rentals.

 

Waterspout Appears off St. John

Image courtesy of Linda and Homer Hickam
Image courtesy of Linda and Homer Hickam

Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of the waterspout that formed off of the island yesterday? It’s pretty small in the picture above, but it’s definitely there in the upper righthand corner. See it? Linda and Homer Hickam did, and we thank them for passing along a few pics.

Linda Hickam said the waterspout touched down about three times during a five-minute period Wednesday morning. She and Homer were able to see it from their home, Skyridge, which is located in Upper Carolina.

Here’s a closeup pic:

Image courtesy of Linda and Homer Hickam
Image courtesy of Linda and Homer Hickam

So what exactly is a waterspout and how does it form? Well, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it’s a “whirling column of air and water mist.” Here’s a little more detail from NOAA:

Waterspouts fall into two categories: fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts.

Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.

Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.

If a waterspout moves onshore, the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, as some of them can cause significant damage and injuries to people. Typically, fair weather waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely penetrate far inland.

Wednesday wasn’t this first time waterspouts have been seen around the island. Bob Schlesinger, of Tropical Focus Photography, reportedly saw four waterspouts in one day back in January 2011. Here’s Bob’s image that captured two of those waterspouts:

Bobs Waterspout

And here’s a short video from July 2012 that captured a waterspout as if formed over the waters north of Tortola:


 

Friends of VINP Auction Begins Saturday: Check Out This Year’s Items

A seven-night stay at On a Clear Day is this year's top auction item.
A seven-night stay at On a Clear Day is this year’s top auction item.

The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s fifth annual auction kicks off this Saturday with almost 50 items up for bid. Last year’s auction raised nearly $43,000. Hopefully this year’s will surpass that number.

As always, the auction features items of varying values. The least expensive item this year is a sterling silver pendant with earrings valued at $75 but with an opening bid of only $25, while the most expensive item is a seven-night stay for eight people at On a Clear Day, a premium villa overlooking Francis Bay. That item is valued at $12,250 but has an opening bid of $4,000.

The auction begins Saturday, November 16 at 9 a.m. EST. It ends on Sunday, December 8 at 9 p.m. EST.

Here is a list of auction items as of 11/12/13:

  1. Sterling silver pendant with earrings featuring the beautiful beach at Trunk Bay. I am a “Captured Moment” by Paradise Pendants.
  2. $100 gift certificate to Banana Deck
  3. $100 gift certificate to Island Cork
  4. $100 gift certificate to Fabric Mill
  5. Lovely detailed sterling silver turtle necklace with a hand-selected Larimar Stone inlaid on its back. Larimar is the gem stone of the Caribbean and this pendant is custom made for Caravan Gallery by Bali Craftman.
  6. Two Sea Turtle Encounter swims at Coral World
  7. Aluminum pull tab purse: This unique purse is approximately 9″ x 11″. It was hand crocheted by Escama Studio, a fair trade artist cooperative located in Brazil.  All Escama Products are handmade with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum pull tabs.
  8. Sunset sail for two on Island Spirit: Welcome aboard “Island Spirit”, a 60-foot U.S. Coast Guard inspected catamaran. Experience a Caribbean sunset and celebrate one of nature’s wonders of color under full sail.
  9. Two hour hypnosis session to relieve stress or be taught self-hypnosis.
  10. Pearl and leather necklace: 15″ leather necklace with two strands of six and seven pearls craftfully positioned throughout.
  11. Recycled license plate purse: US Virgin Islands “LADY 50” License Plate purse. Little Earth Certificate of Authenticity. Green Accessories that put fun in the world.
  12. Two Sea Lion Encounter Swims at Coral World
  13. Chiropractor Evaluation and Adjustments: “Dr. Bob” DeBonis is well known on St. John for healing and support of healthy backs at his office in Coral Bay.  This package includes initial exam, analysis, case history and adjustment, plus one follow up adjustment.  Valid for one year.
  14. Guided Paddleboard Adventure for Two: Paddleboards are a great way to explore this unique tropical world where land and sea meet. Glide out on an early morning or late afternoon paddle to pristine bays, beaches and cays. Use the sea as a looking glass 20 feet down.
  15. Full day for two aboard Calypso in US waters or to Jost van Dyke, BVI
  16. 25 Zumba Classes: Cardio-based group exercise classes given by Michelle Pappas.
  17. Champagne Sunday Brunch for six at Garden by the Sea
  18. $250 gift certificate to Asolare
  19. “Seaview” is an orignal linocut by local artist Janet Rutnik.  Edition of 15 – image size is 7.5 x 12″, with paper backing, approx. 10×16″
  20. Two night stay at the St. John Inn: Experience the magnificent sunset views while you enjoy our complimentary morning breakfast and nightly happy hour. Right in the heart of Cruz Bay.
  21. Honeymoon Beach All-Inclusive Full day Fun Pass for six people: No need to carry anything with you, because you will be provided with a complete set of snorkel gear with a life jacket, a locker and a beach chair.  You will also have full use of single, double and Peekaboo kayaks, beach floats and hammocks.
  22. Kayak and hike Cas Cay Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas on this three-hour tour for 4 people.  Kayak among the many small islands in the mangroves, explore tidal pools with a geologic blow hole and snorkel in a clear lagoon with knowledgeable eco-guides along the way.  Located near Red Hook, 5 minutes from ferry dock.
  23. $300 gift certificate to Caravan Auto Services
  24. $300 Gift Certificate to East West Catering
  25. Join Cruz Bay Watersports aboard the 60-foot express cruiser “Island Time” for a comfortable tour for two of the British Virgin Islands to the most famous destination in the Caribbean. Beat the crowds and explore “The Baths” of Virgin Gorda & “Caves” of Norman Island.
  26. Two night Stay at Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel: The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cruz Bay town’s best restaurants, bars and shopping. This lively location is the perfect spot for accessing all of St. John’s beaches and attractions.
  27. Lifestyle Beach Portrait Session with Savannah Loftus: 90-minute session (sunrise or sunset), 30 professionally edited digital photographs. Online gallery to download digital, share and print.
  28. “Ophelia” is a unique Geo-Kinetic sculpture created by local artist Larry Lipsky. This tropical fish piece is made from copper and spun recycled glass for the eye. Dynamic movement that catches the eye and creates wonderful shadows.
  29. Hand-crafted Sterling Silver Blue Topaz and fresh water pearl link bracelet.
  30. Join Captain Arthur Jones aboard his 18-foot Edgewater for a half day or full day of fly fishing and/or light-tackle, inshore fishing. Arthur has over 15 years of fly fishing experience in St. John and in the Virgin Islands.
  31. Join us aboard our 60-foot cataraman “Island Spirit” for a full day trip to Jost Van Dyke for four people!  Check in at the Westin dock at 7:45 a.m. for a fun-filled and relaxing trip to the most popular destination in the British Virgin Islands.
  32. Historic Hassel Island – Kayak, Hike and Snorkel, VI National Park, (3 hours, 8 people): This tour leaves from Virgin Islands Ecotours’ Frenchtown Marina location in St Thomas’ busy scenic Charlotte Amalie’s Harbor.
  33. Sterling Silver pendant with adjustable necklace featuring the Trunk Bay overlook view. All pieces are hand made in the USA, from original sketch drawings to final quality control.  Made of tarnish-resistant fine silver (999) and argentium silver.
  34. Sadie Sea Snorkel Cruise for up to 30 People: Come join us on one of St. John’s most recognizable boats for an experience that is second to none. Allow Captain Tom & First Mate Loretta to guide you around the waters surrounding St. John and come see why it is called the “Jewel of the Caribbean.”
  35. Five night stay for up to five people in an Eco-Tent at Concordia Eco-Resort, St. John, USVI
  36. Five night stay for two in an Eco-Studio at Concordia Eco-Resort, St. John, USVI
  37. Livy Hitchcock is known for her intimate portraits and dramatic landscape paintings in both pastels and oils. Her fresh use of color captures the scenes of St. John in a memorable way.  If you have a favorite photo that you would like replicated as a portrait, Livy will make it come to life for you.
  38. Private Full-Day Sail for six with Snorkel, Lunch, Open Bar on Spitfire: True to the meaning of her name, Spitfire is a high-spirited lady and fast yacht. She has appeared on the cover and inside of the December 2007 issue of Travel & Leisure magazine, as well in photo-shoots for macys.com (bathing suits) and a Target 2008 catalog.
  39. Two nights, two breakfasts & use of our water sports at Buccaneer Hotel on St. Croix.
  40. Seven Night Stay at VIERS, Near Tranquil Lameshur Bay on St. John: Stay in one of only 11 cabins at the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) in Lameshur Bay.
  41. “Windswept Beach” was painted on the beautiful north shore of St. John within Virgin Islands National Park by well-known local artist, Kimberly Boulon.  The picture overlooks Trunk Bay Cay and out towards the Durlows.  This original oil is 9″x12″ and framed in a classic black frame.  It can be viewed at Kimberly Boulon Art Gallery in The Marketplace, 3rd floor, in Cruz Bay prior to the auction closing.
  42. Spend 3 nights on the white sugar-sand beaches and turquoise waters that create the sublime tropical retreat that is Westin St. John.
  43. Get some Tranquility back in your life while supporting the National Park with a seven-night stay at this lovely villa with pool and short walk to a secluded beach, yet only 10 minutes from Cruz Bay.  One bedroom, one bath house plus convertible bed, for two or three people.
  44. Seven Night Stay at Bombalassy: Enjoy spectacular ocean and harbor views from this luxury villa in Great Cruz Bay. This two bedroom, 2.5 bath villa has its own pool and is close to Cruz Bay and the Westin.  Villa Bombalassy is one of two “sister homes” that neighbor each other in this exclusive area of St. John.
  45. Beauty and class don’t begin to describe this stunning emerald and diamond pendant, earrings and chain are valued at $3,290. The emerald in the pendant is 0.18ct surrounded by .48ctw of diamonds.  The earrings are 0.35ctw emerald and 0.24ctw diamonds, all set in 18k gold. Made on St. John by R&I PATTON goldsmithing at Mongoose Junction, where you can view the jewelry up until it is sold to some lucky bidder on December 8th.
  46. Sunset sail on Kekoa for up to 40 people: Come unwind and experience the perfect ending to your perfect day in the Caribbean and set the mood for a great evening. Feast your eyes on the sun as it sets on a horizon of mountainous islands, watch as the sky is painted with tropical colors, feel the ocean breeze and relax.
  47. Seven-night stay at Sirenusa, three-bedroom, luxury villa resort: Bring your family or friends for a fantastic vacation in this new luxury villa resort. Your three bedroom villa sleeps six and has resort ameneties.
  48. Seven-night Stay at On a Clear Day: This villa lies nestled deep within the confines of the Virgin Island National Park on the North Shore of St. John. This brand new villa (construction completed 2012) is perched 170 feet above sea level and offers the best of all worlds spanning the peacefulness and privacy of the Park’s surroundings to a “to die for” view of Francis Bay to easy beach access.

Click here to visit the auction site and to bid on one of these amazing offers. Check the auction site regularly as new items may be added prior to the auction’s start time.

 

Ocean 362 Moves Up Opening Date; Seaborne Partners with JetBlue

View from Ocean 362
View from Ocean 362

How many of you miss that view? Well if you’re lucky enough to be on island right now, you won’t have to wait much longer.

Gallows Point Resort announced Monday that its long-awaited restaurant – Ocean 362 – will open its doors to the public tomorrow night. (The restaurant previously announced it would open this Friday.) The sunset lounge will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday and dinner service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Ocean 362 will be open nightly November through April. It plans to close on Sundays May through October. The restaurant’s dress will be resort casual.

Ocean 362 will be headed by Ramesh Pillai, an internationally-recognized chef known for his creative and innovative cuisine. Ramesh, who will serve as both chef and an owner/partner, will serve contemporary American fare that will feature gourmet-style, health-oriented dishes.

Click here to view the full menu.

 

Seaborne Airlines Logo

Seaborne Airlines also made a big announcement this week. The St. Croix-based airline has signed an interline agreement with JetBlue. This is what the airline had to say:

Seaborne Airlines today announced that an interline agreement facilitating connections at Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan, PR (SJU) to and from all JetBlue Airways flights at SJU has launched.  With the agreement, baggage can be checked at either JetBlue or Seaborne and bags will be transferred without having to be rechecked. Additionally, Seaborne Airlines tickets will be sold on jetblue.com and both JetBlue and Seaborne will be able to issue each others boarding passes in the coming weeks.

Prior to the agreement, JetBlue only permitted connections with Cape Air.

Last summer, we printed a couple of stories with tips on how to find the best airfare. Click here and here to read those stories.