January 2009

Carnival

Too big for a confined schedule, Carnival season begins immediately after Christmas with public and private parties and daily practice sessions in the panyards.

Visitors are welcome to the panyards, where the steelbands practice for the Panorama competition, the year's most prestigious musical contest

Carnival's climax comes on the two days proceeding Ash Wednesday starting with J'Ouvert, a daybreak celebration on Carnival Monday. Costumed revelers and on lookers alike can enjoy the sounds of steelband, calypso and soca music for the duration of the two-day festival.

January

Panorama Steel Pan Festival A truly local event, the steel pan festival as it is known internationally, or Panorama, which is the local term, celebrates Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument, the steel pan.

In addition to zonal competitions held across the country, and preliminary and semi-final national judging, the festival climaxes on Carnival Saturday night at the Queen's Park Savannah, where bands from across the country compete for the coveted Panorama title. Bands can consist anywhere from 100 to 400 players.

March

Phagwa  A celebration focused on welcoming harvest time for the Hindu community, Phagwa is full of dancing, singing, costumes and vibrant colors. Even though this celebration is an ancient Indian ritual, it is not confined to the Hindu community. Over the years a larger population of the island has become involved. A beer is a colored water and is sprayed over the participants of the festival as a reminder of the spring season.

Jazz Artists on the Greens

Audiences crowd the expansive, emerald green lawn at the UWI Centre for Creative and Festival Arts, ready for an evening of fine performances from local jazz acts.

Annual Tobago Game Fishing Tournament

The Annual Tobago Game Fishing Tournament is held in the fishing village of Charlotteville, nestled on Man 0' War Bay at the north end of the island.

April

Easter Tuesday

 
Easter Tuesday in the village of Buccoo with its goat and crab races is known as one of the most unusual events on the dual island nation. The goat races have been have been part of the Easter tradition since 1925 and are taken seriously as prizes and prestige go to the winners.

Buccoo Goat Race Festival

The colorful and festive day starts out with a street parade and booths offering a wide array of goods and information. The race starts with the trainers parading their charges before the spectators, including many dignitaries. Once the bets are placed and the gates are opened, the goats, with jockeys in tow, race down the 100m track.

Companion to the goat races are the crab races where, after all is said and done, the winners and losers taste the same.

Hosay

The year 1884 marked the beginning of the Hosay festival on Trinidad. Once a mourning festival for the martyred grandsons of the Prophet Mohammed, Hussain and Hassan has now evolved into a three day event filled with colorful flags, tadjahs tombs made of bamboo with colored tissue, street parades and tassa drums. The festival ends with the tadjahs and moons wheeled to the sea for a ceremony filled with prayers and offerings.

April/May

Rapsofest

This festival comes from T&T's African heritage. Month-long activities include workshops, lectures, demonstrations and live performances focusing on rapso artists and street poets. The main events include Breaking New Ground, Children's Storytime, Gala Street Procession, Ragin Rapso and Rapso Nite.

May

Angostura Tobago Sail Week  

After two days of racing is Lay Day, where competitions include the Hula Hoop, Salsa, Limbo, Slip n Slide and more.

June

Tobago International Gospel Festival  

A two-day event with gospel music performed by renowned local and international artists.

Ganga Dhaaraa

The oldest river festival in the world, remembering an ancient cataclysmic ecological event when a severe need for fresh water threatened to destroy human civilization. There are seven ghaats, or locations, along the riverbanks where over 25 activities are held and worship is observed in traditional yellow clothing.

July

Tobago Heritage Festival 

Tobago's traditional culture and lifestyle are celebrated in the annual Heritage Festival, with events at villages and community centers across the island. Each village presents an aspect of the island's heritage and shows off its versatility that includes song, dance, drama, cooking and costuming.

Great Fete Weekend 

A 5-night beach party at Club Pigeon Point, showcasing DJs, soca and pop rock stars from Trinidad and Tobago.

August

Emancipation Day

This public holiday marks the abolishment of slavery throughout the English speaking Caribbean in 1839. Since 1985, locals celebrate this day with a strong emphasis on African-oriented cultural events and the Great Race, a power boat race from Trinidad to Tobago.

Santa Rosa Festival

 
The 300 Carib descendants who live near Arima protect hold a festival featuring a procession headed by the Carib Queen, a lunch with traditional Amerindian food and arts and crafts displays.

Osun River Festival

Focusing attention on the importance of good water and the cleansing of the river, a tribute of food and flowers for Osun is placed at the river's mouth, where the tide takes it out to sea.

Carib Great Care

This powerboat race starts in Trinidad and ends at Store Bay in Tobago. Small and big powerboats are divided to in separate categories where prizes of cash and trophies are awarded to the winners.

Independence Day, August 31

 
Celebrating T&T's independence from Britain in 1962, festivities include a military parade, steelband parade, national awards, calypso competition and more.

Divali

 
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” this is one of the major holidays celebrated by T&T's Hindu community. It commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom after 14 years of exile as well as light over darkness. In honor of the goddess of light and the return of Lord Rama, the Hindu's light deyas (clay pots filled with oil) and string tiny lights through trees, homes and buildings. Music, dance, greetings, gifts, fireworks and sparklers mark the festival.

Eid-Ul-Fitr

T&T's Muslim community celebrates the New Year as it focuses on the sighting of the new moon by a holy lmam. Once the new moon has been sighted, the Muslim's go through an entire day of feasting to break the month long fast. The celebration includes visits to relatives and friends, exchanging gifts and lavish dinners celebration.

October/November

Rameleela

The oldest open air theatre in the Caribbean held during the Hindu observance of “Nay Raatam, nine nights of the Divine Mothers.”  This is a 10-day serialized play that recounts the journey of the king, Rama and his consort, Sita, and a story of victory of good over evil. It ends with Divali, the Hindu festival of lights.

November & December

Best Village Folk Festival

A month long series consisting of villages and communities participating in various contests makes up the Best Village Folk Festival. Trinidadians & Tobagonians throughout the country gather to show off their traditional skills in music, dance, drama, cuisine and other contests.

December

Christmas

Apart from traditional Christmas cuisine, other customary specialties include sorrel, a crimson colored soft drink obtained from a local flower, ponche de creme a sweet milk and rum-based drink, pastelles spicy meat filled corn patties, ginger beer and black fruit cake.

Parang Festival

Parang, performed by costumed bands and singers, is performed at concert halls, hotels and private parties during the Christmas season and at an annual national competition.

Events Calendar in Saint Martin 2009

Puerto Rico-When to Go

January

Three Kings Day, islandwide. On this traditional gift-giving day in Puerto Rico, there are festivals with lively music, dancing, parades, puppet shows, caroling troubadours, and traditional feasts. January 6.

San Sebastián Street Festival, Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Nightly celebrations with music, processions, crafts, and typical foods, as well as graphic arts and handicraft exhibitions. For more information, call tel. 787/721-6363. Mid-January.

February

San Blas de Illescas Half Marathon, Coamo. International and local runners compete in a challenging 13-mile (21km) half-marathon in the hilly south-central town of Coamo. Call Delta Phi Delta Fraternity (tel. 787/825-4077). Early February.

Coffee Harvest Festival, Maricao. Folk music, a parade of floats, typical foods, crafts, and demonstrations of coffee preparation in Maricao, a 1-hour drive east of Mayagüez in the center of one of the island's coffee-growing districts. For more information, call tel. 787/838-2290 or 787/856-1345. Second week of February.

Carnival Ponceño, Ponce. The island's Carnival celebrations feature float parades, dancing, and street parties. One of the most vibrant festivities is held in Ponce, known for its masqueraders wearing brightly painted horned masks. Live music includes the folk rhythms of the plena, which originated in Africa. Festivities include the crowning of a carnival queen and the closing "burial of the sardine." For more information, call tel. 787/284-4141. Mid-February.

Casals Festival, Performing Arts Center in San Juan. Sanjuaneros and visitors alike eagerly look forward to the annual Casals Festival, the Caribbean's most celebrated cultural event. The bill at San Juan's Performing Arts Center includes a glittering array of international guest conductors, orchestras, and soloists. They come to honor the memory of Pablo Casals, the renowned cellist who was born in Spain to a Puerto Rican mother. When Casals died in Puerto Rico in 1973 at the age of 97, the Casals Festival was 16 years old and attracting the same class of performers who appeared at the Pablo Casals Festival in France, founded by Casals after World War II. When he moved to Puerto Rico in 1957 with his wife, Marta Casals Istomin (former artistic director of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts), he founded not only this festival but also the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra to foster musical development on the island.

Ticket prices for the Casals Festival range from $22 to $38. A 50% discount is offered to students, people over 60, and persons with disabilities. Tickets are available through the Performing Arts Center in San Juan (tel. 787/721-7727). Information is also available from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, 666 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10103 (tel. 800/223-6530 or 212/586-6262). The festivities take place late February to early March.

March

Emancipation Day, islandwide. Commemoration of the emancipation of Puerto Rico's slaves in 1873, held at various venues. March 22.

Good Friday and Easter, islandwide. Celebrated with colorful ceremonies and processions. March 25-27, 2005.

April

José de Diego Day, islandwide. Commemoration of the birthday of José de Diego, patriot, lawyer, writer, orator, and political leader who was the first president of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives under U.S. rule. April 17.

Sugar Harvest Festival, San Germán. This festival marks the end of the island's sugar harvest, with live music, crafts, and typical foods, as well as exhibitions of sugar-cane plants and past and present harvesting techniques. Late April.

May

Heineken JazzFest, San Juan. The annual jazz celebration is staged at Parque Sixto Escobar. Each year a different jazz theme is featured. The open-air pavilion is in a scenic oceanfront location in the Puerta de Tierra section of San Juan, near the Hilton. For more information, call tel. 787/277-9200. End of May through the beginning of June.

Puerto Rican Danza Week (Semana de la "Danza" Puertorriqueña), Convento de los Dominicos, Old San Juan. This week commemorates what is, perhaps, the most expressive art form in the Puerto Rican culture: danza music and dance. Throughout Danza Week, live performances and conferences are held at Convento de los Dominicos's indoor patio. The building is located on Old San Juan's Cristo Street. For information, call tel. 787/724-1844. Second week of May.

June

San Juan Bautista Day, islandwide. Puerto Rico's capital and other cities celebrate the island's patron saint with weeklong festivities. At midnight, Sanjuaneros and others walk backward into the sea (or nearest body of water) three times to renew good luck for the coming year. June 24.

Aibonito Flower Festival, at Road 721 next to the City Hall Coliseum, in the central mountain town of Aibonito. This annual flower-competition festival features acres of lilies, anthuriums, carnations, roses, gardenias, and begonias. For more information, call tel. 787/735-3871. Last week in June and first week in July.

July

Luis Muñoz Rivera's Birthday, islandwide. A birthday celebration commemorating Luis Muñoz Rivera (1829-1916), statesman, journalist, poet, and resident commissioner in Washington, D.C. July 15.

El Gigante Marathon, Adjuntas. This 9 1/4-mile (15-km) race starts at Puerta Bernasal and finishes at Plaza Pública. For more information call tel. 787/829-3114. Sunday before July 25.

Loíza Carnival. This annual folk and religious ceremony honors Loíza's patron saint, John (Santiago) the Apostle. Colorful processions take place, with costumes, masks, and bomba dancers (the bomba has a lively Afro-Caribbean dance rhythm). This jubilant celebration reflects the African and Spanish heritage of the region. Late July through early August.

August

Cuadragésimo Cuarto Torneo de Pesca Interclub del Caribe, Cangrejos Yacht Club. This international blue-marlin fishing tournament features crafts, music, local delicacies, and other activities. For more information, call tel. 787/791-1015. Mid-August.

International Billfish Tournament, at Club Náutico, San Juan. This is one of the premier game-fishing tournaments and the longest consecutively held billfish tournament in the world. Fishermen from many countries angle for blue marlin that can weigh up to 900 pounds (408kg). For specific dates and information, call tel. 787/722-0177. August 15-22.

October

La Raza Day (Columbus Day), islandwide. This day commemorates of Columbus's landing in the New World. October 12.

National Plantain Festival, Corozal. This annual festivity involves crafts, paintings, agricultural products, exhibition, and sale of plantain dishes; neuva trova music and folk ballet are performed. For more information, call tel. 787/859-2533. Last weekend in October.

November

Start of Baseball Season, in Hiram Bithorn Park in San Juan and throughout the island. Six Puerto Rican professional clubs compete. Professionals from North America also play here from December to January. For more information, contact Professional Baseball of Puerto Rico (tel. 787/765-6285). Early November.

Festival of Puerto Rican Music, San Juan. Annual classical and folk music festival. One of its highlights is a cuatro-playing contest. (A cuatro is a guitar-like instrument with 10 strings.) For more information, call tel. 787/721-5274. First week in November.

Jayuya Indian Festival, Jayuya. This fiesta features the culture and tradition of the island's original inhabitants, the Taíno Indians, and their music, food, and games. More than 100 artisans exhibit and sell their works. There is also a Miss Taíno Indian Pageant, in which contestants are judged by their features and garments that are designed to evoke-both in style and materials-the typical dress of a Taíno woman. For more information, call tel. 787/828-0900. Second week of November.

Puerto Rico Discovery Day, islandwide. This day commemorates the "discovery" by Columbus in 1493 of the already inhabited island of Puerto Rico. Columbus is thought to have come ashore at the northwestern municipality of Aguadilla, although the exact location is unknown. November 19.

December

Old San Juan's White Christmas Festival, Old San Juan. Special musical and artistic presentations take place in stores, with window displays. December 1 through January 12.

Bacardi Artisans' Fair, San Juan. The best and largest artisans' fair on the island features more than 100 artisans who turn out to exhibit and sell their wares. The fair includes shows for adults and children, a Puerto Rican troubadour contest, rides, and typical food and drink-all sold by nonprofit organizations. It is held on the grounds of the world's largest rum-manufacturing plant in Cataño, an industrial suburb set on a peninsula jutting into San Juan Bay. For more information, call tel. 787/788-1500. First two Sundays in December.

Las Mañanitas, Ponce. A religious procession that starts out from Lolita Tizol Street and moves toward the city's Catholic church, led by mariachis singing songs to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the city's patron saint. The lead song is the traditional Mexican birthday song, Las Mañanitas. There's a 6am Mass. For more information, contact Ponce City Hall (tel. 787/284-4141). December 12.

Hatillo Masks Festival, Hatillo. This tradition, celebrated since 1823, represents the biblical story of King Herod's ordering the death of all infant boys in an attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Men with colorful masks and costumes represent the soldiers, who run or ride through the town from early morning, looking for the children. Food, music, and crafts exhibits in the town square. For more information, call tel. 787/898-3835. December 28.

Lighting of the Town of Bethlehem, between San Cristóbal Fort and Plaza San Juan Bautista in Old San Juan. This is the time that the most dazzling Christmas lights go on, and many islanders themselves drive into San Juan to see this dramatic lighting, the finest display of lights in the Caribbean at Christmas. During the Christmas season.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Antigua & Barbuda WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

These individual island calendars are more detailed, providing the best local information.

Anguilla Not as much goes on here, but that's part Anguilla's attraction.

Antigua & Barbuda Extensive all year listing from the tourist board

British Virgin Islands Click on the arrows in the upper left and right corners to change months, keep clicking on the righthand arrow to reach 2009

Cozumel, Mexico Local religious festivals highlight the year.

Big days mean big festivities in the British Virgin Islands. And with so much rich history and culture, we have a lot to celebrate. From taking in the Calypso sounds and sights that highlight the Freedom March during the August Monday’s parade to ringing in the New Year with fellow travelers from all over the globe on Jost Van Dyke, the BVI is a great place to celebrate life.

Raceweek, a natural combination of the St. Thomas International Rolex Regatta, BVI Sailing Festival and BVI Spring Regatta, is back by popular demand. Given that the three events are back to back, March 27 - April 5, and happen within twelve miles of each other in the sunny Caribbean when the snow has not melted in many parts of the world, VI Raceweek is as luring to a sailor as any mythological siren.

Add to the mix of racing and partying in the tropics, prizes for winning the IRC division of a week's holiday on St. Thomas at the Frenchman's Cove Resort and the CSA division prize of an all inclusive week's stay at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the BVI, and it's no wonder that VI Raceweek is too tempting to pass up.

PUBLIC SAILS & CRUISES Spring and Summer 2009

SERENA Family Sail

The entire family is invited to set sail for the scenic barrier islands aboard 50’ classic sailing sloop SERENA.  Get a close up view of dolphin and other wildlife while gliding through the pristine waters of the Lowcountry.  Learn basic sailing skills or relax on the foredeck and soak up the sun.  SERENA features a cushioned cockpit, deck cushions, cabins and bathroom, as well as complimentary soda and bottled water.  With our large ice filled cooler, guests are welcome to bring their favorite beverages and snacks.

(10am-12noon, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Wild Dunes Yacht Harbor, end of

B-Dock, $35/adults, $25/children 12 and under, Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, Minimum 8 passengers to sail, Maximum 20)

SERENA Sunset Sail

What better way to catch a romantic barrier island sunset than from the most beautiful yacht in the Lowcountry!  Join the knowledgeable crew aboard SERENA: Wild Dunes very own classic 50’ sailing vessel.  Toast the perfect finish to another day while listening to the stereo sounds of SERENA’s high fidelity CD changer.  Complimentary soda & bottled water, and of course guests are always welcome to bring aboard their favorite food and beverages.

(6:00pm-8:00pm, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Wild Dunes Yacht Harbor, end of B-Dock, $35/adults, $25/children 12 and under, Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, Minimum 8 passengers to sail, Maximum 20)

SERENA PirateSailing Adventure

Join the crew of the classic sloop SERENA for a legendary Pirate Adventure complete with Pirate Lore Historian “Renegade Russell” our licensed Charleston History guide and Buccaneer expert!  With his Masters in History, Russell taught US History for 17 years, and is a great addition to the crew.  Special hidden treasure is shared with all the passengers, if they can find it!  As always, kids of all ages are encouraged to assist the Captain trimming the sails or taking a turn at the wheel.  Along with the “Pirate Booty” as souvenirs, there’s the pirate treasure map, & complimentary soda & bottled water. Guests are also welcome to bring snacks for the young pirates, and feel free to “dress the part!”

(10am-12pm, Fri., Wild Dunes Yacht Harbor, $35/adults, $25/children 12-3 yrs., children 2 & under Free, Complimentary bottled water & soft drinks, Min.8 pass. to sail, Max. 20)

PALMETTO BREEZE Afternoon Harbor Sail

Board Charleston’s ultimate sailing catamaran and set sail to see all the historic sites from the water!  PALMETTO BREEZE is both fast and spacious.  Relax on the deck, enjoy 1700 sq. ft., including covered cockpit, and experience spectacular views of Forts Moultrie and Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown, the colorful rainbow row, beautiful Charleston city skyline, and all the breathtaking wildlife of the low country.

(APRIL 3pm-5pm, Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun., Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot’s Point, $25/adults, $15/children 12 & under, Complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, with a Cash Bar.  Min. 20 pass. to sail, Max. 100)

(MAY-SEPTEMBER 3:30pm-5:30pm, Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun., Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot’s Point, $25/adults, $15/children 12 & under, Complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, with a Cash Bar.  Min. 20 to sail, Max. 100)

PALMETTO BREEZE Harbor Sunset Sail

Board Charleston’s ultimate sailing catamaran and set sail to see all the historic sites from the water!  PALMETTO BREEZE is both fast and spacious.  Relax on the deck, enjoy 1700 sq. ft., including covered cockpit, and experience spectacular views of Forts Moultrie and Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown, the colorful rainbow row, beautiful Charleston city skyline, and all the breathtaking wildlife of the low country.

(APRIL 6pm-8pm, Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun., Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot’s Point, $25/adults, $15/children 12 & under, Complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, with a Cash Bar.  Min. 20 pass. to sail, Max. 100)

(MAY-SEPTEMBER 6:30pm-8:30pm, Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun., Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot’s Point, $25/adults, $15/children 12 & under, Complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, with a Cash Bar.  Min. 20 to sail, Max. 100)

Sail from Red’s Ice House-PALMETTO BREEZE Straight From the Creek!

Board at Red’s on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant and enjoy a beautiful sunset in the Charleston Harbor. On board enjoy free food and Adult beverages.

(6:00pm-8:00pm, Wed. April 1-30, $30/per person. May-September 7:00pm-9:00pm.  Complimentary bottled water & drinks, & snacks, Min.20 to sail, Max.100)

PALMETTO BREEZE  PirateSailing Adventure

Join the crew of the spacious sailing vessel PALMETTO BREEZEfor a legendary Pirate Adventure complete with Pirate Lore Historian “Renegade Russell” our licensed Charleston History guide and Buccaneer expert!  With his Masters in History, Russell taught US History for 17 years, and is a great addition to the crew.  Special hidden treasure is shared with all the passengers, if they can find it!  As always, kids of all ages are encouraged to assist the Captain trimming the sails or taking a turn at the wheel.  Along with the “Pirate Booty” as souvenirs, there’s the pirate treasure map, & complimentary soda & bottled water. Guests are also welcome to bring snacks for the young pirates, and feel free to “dress the part!”

(10am-12pm, Sat., Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot’s Point, $30/adults, $15/children 12 & under. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, cash bar, Min. 20 pass. to sail, Max. 100)

PALMETTO BREEZE Dolphin Watch

Sail PALMETTO BREEZE for an up close view of Lowcountry marine life.  Marine biologist and naturalist “Jungle Jane” leads the group on the lookout for dolphin, turtles, manatee and shore birds while sailing in harmony with the natural surroundings.  After earning her Masters Jane worked for the Department of Natural Resources, and now teaches middle school science.  As always on PALMETTO BREEZE, soft drinks and bottled water are complimentary. 

(1pm-2pm, Sat., Charleston Harbor Marina at Patriot’s Point, $30/adults, $15/children 12 yrs. & under, Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, cash bar, Min. 20 pass. to sail, Max. 100)

GRATUITY

Crew Gratuity is not included.  Customary consideration is 15-20% of the total charter fee, and of course based upon service similar to dining out. Catering, alternate boarding sites, golfing/boating packages as well as additional provisioning available for all vessels; rate quotes available upon request.

PLEASE INQUIRE FOR ANY SPECIAL REQUESTS

Catering, alternate boarding sites, golfing/boating packages as well as additional provisioning available for all vessels; rate quotes available upon request.

 Rates current as of January 13, 2009.  All particulars contained herein and in the associated pages are believed to be accurate and true, and are subject to change without notice.  AquaSafaris, Inc. accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions.  Verify all rates with your agent.

FOR YOUR COMFORT

We recommend you bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, camera, long-sleeves, deck shoes and a good attitude! During winter months we recommend you bring the same as above, but be sure to dress in layers for the weather.  You can always discard clothing!  If you wish to take home your catch, coolers should remain in your vehicle until our return to dock.  All boats have cooler space onboard for your food and drinks (no bottles please).

ALTERNATE MARINAS

Fees vary depending on boat size and number of passengers.

CATERING

Catering options available upon request.  No charge for catering secured through AquaSafaris.  A galley fee may apply for outside catering.  Outside caterer must contact AquaSafaris 7 (seven) days prior to charter date for briefing.  Please remember that you are always welcome to bring aboard your own food and drinks.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY

AquaSafaris, Inc. requires a 50% deposit to confirm your charter.  We accept credit cards, traveler’s checks, cashiers checks and money orders.  Balance due the day of your charter.  Cash is always preferred for gratuity directly to the crew, but may always be added in the office if preferred.   Personal or company checks accepted for the balance payment only if received ten (10) days in advance of charter date.  All deposits fully refundable if weather causes cancellation of your charter.  Said cancellation is at the sole discretion of the Captain.  The charter deposit is considered an earned fee, and IF YOU cancel the charter, no refund applies.  If you reschedule following a Captain weather cancellation, your deposit will apply to your new charter date.