Sunshine Charters, St. Thomas and The Chesapeake

Two of my former students, from my teaching and coaching days at Jackson Memorial HS, have recently begun a 43" Catamaran Charter Service in St. Thomas, VI.  Last fall Michelle Emmons and her partner Capt. Bill Wilson  re-commissioned a 43' Leopard Catamaran he purchased in 2006, built by Robertson and Caine, with the intent of chartering her for six months in St. Thomas and six months on the Chesapeake. "Steppin Up",  as the vessel was named, is a beautifully laid out Catamaran that features spacious accommodations, shaded dining and seating areas as well as a comfortable bow Hammock for relaxing as the boat glides across the sea. As Capt'n Bill's resume indicates, he has sailed in the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Croatia. His experience sailing in the Southern Caribbean this past winter has served to enhance his ability to deal with any condition the sea has to offer in that Idyllic environment. Luckily, I have sailed in some of those same waters, not as a Captain, but rather as a guest aboard a beautiful ship.

Capt'n Bill Willson and Michelle Emmons
Sunshine Charters

This fall will be their first active season and with Captain Bill's reputation as an accomplished sailor, Michelle's knack for preparing wonderful on board meals, and a variety of exciting adventures available, I'm sure that their efforts will be greatly rewarded. I have provided a link to their Website that will answer any questions about the vessel, pricing, destinations, accommodations and activities. You can follow the sailing adventures of Michelle and Capt'n Bill Wilson on their Blog @ http://sunshinesailingcharters.wordpress.com/

http://sunshinesailingcharters.com/Sunshine_Sailing_Charters/Ahoy%21.html

This summer Michelle and Capt'n Bill used their time, aboard "Steppin Up', to sail from St Lucia, to NY Harbor. During their voyage they visited almost every Southern Caribbean Island, including the Windward, Leeward and the Lesser Antilles Islands then on to the Bahama's before arriving in North Carolina, their home Port. Without much down time, Bill and Michelle headed their vessel North, with the idea of stopping in NJ to visit with friends and family, having done this, "Steppin UP"and her crew will head back to NC, and make last preparations for the return trip to the Caribbean in early October.

Steppin Up visiting friends in NJ
Barnegat Bay

In light air Steppin Up relies on two 40 HP diesel engines to power her.

After the NJ visit she'll head back to NC then to St. Thomas.

Relaxing aboard Stepin Up

Michelle and Bill chilling with friends

Storm developing off Sandy hook

Never a good thing to see
Lightning strike off  sandy Hook

Dan Black and his wife Vickie aboard Steppin Up.
You can never have enough friends




I wish all the best to Bill and Michelle and hope their endeavour is safe, happy and successful.

Fair winds