Charter Smarter Newsletter | May 1, 2025
Not Your Average Hourglass: This Yacht Stops Time
Let’s talk about Hourglass—a 59’ Fontaine-Pajot catamaran that’s equal parts modern luxury and laid-back comfort. Whether you’re planning a celebration, a relaxing getaway with friends, or a week of sun-soaked family fun, this yacht checks all the boxes.
It’s spacious without feeling over-the-top, stylish without being stuffy, and ready to give you a front-row seat to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful places.
What Makes Hourglass a Guest Favorite?
This yacht was made for groups who want to spread out and enjoy every moment together and apart. With 4 guest cabins(all with private en-suite bathrooms), you can travel with up to 8 guests without stepping on each other’s toes—literally or figuratively.
The master suite is especially roomy, with walk-around access and plenty of natural light. It's the kind of space that makes you forget you’re on a boat at all.
Lounging, Dining, and Living—Redefined
Flybridge goals: Unwind with a view thanks to the oversized flybridge, complete with seating and sunpads for ultimate chill.
Indoor/outdoor living: Dine under the stars, sip cocktails in the shade, or curl up in the salon with a breeze through the open doors.
Chef-prepared meals by Martin: From Caribbean flavors to comfort classics, Chef Martin curates every menu to your taste—and yes, every meal is made fresh on board.
Toys + thrills: Paddleboards, snorkel gear, sea scooters and more are included for built-in fun.
The Crew Brings It All Together
What really sets Hourglass apart? The incredible duo at the helm—Captain Adriana Vega and Chef Martin. Their warm, welcoming style and attention to detail turn every trip into something unforgettable. Whether it’s planning the perfect beach day, whipping up a surprise dessert, or making sure every guest feels at home, this crew is all about the little touches that make a big difference.
Perfect For...
Groups of friends wanting an upgrade from the usual all-inclusive
Families with kids or teens
Couples celebrating something special
First-time or repeat charterers looking for comfort, luxury, and a little adventure
Catch the VIBE with Charter Smarter: Your Dream Yacht Vacation Starts Here
Picture this: crystal-clear water, island breezes, luxury yachts, and all the insider tips you need to plan the ultimate yacht charter—all waiting for you this May at the 2025 Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE).
Set your compass for Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas from May 15–18, 2025, and come find us! Charter Smarter will be there all weekend, ready to bring your yacht vacation vision to life (and maybe spark a few new ideas along the way).
Why VIBE is the Event You Don’t Want to Miss
VIBE isn’t your typical boat show. It’s a full-on celebration of island living. Think live Caribbean music, delicious local eats, a vibrant marina atmosphere, and of course, rows of stunning yachts you can step aboard and explore.
It’s the perfect chance to dive headfirst into the world of yacht charters—with the people who know it best.
Come Say Hi to the Charter Smarter Crew
We’ll be posted up at our booth all weekend, and we’d love to meet you—whether you’re ready to book or just daydreaming (both are highly encouraged). Here’s what’s waiting for you:
Expert Advice, No Pressure:
Got questions? We’ve got answers. From picking the perfect yacht to planning a custom itinerary that matches your vibe, our team is here to guide you through it all—with zero sales pressure, just real talk and real experience.Exclusive Show Special:
Book your charter in person at VIBE and save $500 instantly. It’s our way of saying thanks for vibing with us.Local Secrets Unlocked:
Want to know where locals actually eat, swim, and unwind? We've got the inside scoop—and we're happy to share it.A Reason to Plan a Little Getaway:
May is magic in St. Thomas—sunny skies, warm breezes, and fewer crowds. It’s the perfect time to slip into island time for a few days, maybe check out world-famous Trunk Bay, and let the Virgin Islands work their magic.
What’s Waiting for You at VIBE 2025
Fresh local food, tropical cocktails, and live music
Meet-and-greets with charter pros (like us!)
Hands-on yacht tours (get a feel for different layouts and styles)
Booking specials you can only score at the show
A marina backdrop so beautiful, you’ll want to move here
Ready to Set Sail?
Grab your VIBE tickets now and don’t forget to use the code chartersmarter for 10% off. We’ll be at the booth all weekend—come dream big, get inspired, and maybe even lock in your next great adventure.
TODAY’S CHARTER TIP 💡
Morning Splash Magic!
One of the best ways to start your day on charter? Jump right into the crystal-clear water first thing in the morning! A refreshing dip not only wakes you up but sets a joyful, relaxed tone for the rest of the day. There's nothing like a morning swim to shake off sleep and get energized—just in time to enjoy the delicious breakfast your amazing chef has prepared on deck. Trust me, it's the perfect way to dive into paradise!
- Emily, Yacht Charter Specialist
Guest Feedback ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Real Guests. Real Stories. Really Good Times.
We asked a few of our past Charter Smarter guests to let us in on what a real day on charter feels like—the kind of stories you don’t find in a brochure. From sun-soaked mornings to unexpected twists, here’s Holly’s take on her final day at sea… complete with Painkillers, turtles, and one very lucky pair of Ray-Bans.
It was the last full day of charter. As a group of 40-somethings escaping work and responsibility, it finally felt like every single one of us had fully disconnected, relaxed, and were ready to have the best day of our lives.
A smooth, downwind sail from Anegada meant we had breakfast on the flybridge while underway—coffee in hand, sea breeze in our hair, not a care in sight. We scored a front-row mooring ball in White Bay, perfectly poised for a swim to shore where our Dollars, quite literally, got Soggy as we indulged in famous Painkillers at Soggy Dollar Bar.
Then came the music-fueled cruise to Maho Bay, where spontaneous karaoke broke out and we all swore we’d never sing in public again… until the next song came on. Swimming with turtles, sunset drinks—it was shaping up to be the perfect vacation send-off.
It was perfect... too perfect... until...
Muffled hollers echoed from the water. Heads popped up. Was it dolphins? Nachos? A surprise floating taco bar?
Nope.
Turns out my beautiful, dramatic best friend had dropped her brand-new Ray-Bans overboard mid-photo op and was frantically waving like someone had fallen in. The crew didn’t even flinch. Mask on, fins out—and minutes later, one of them surfaced victorious, sunglasses in hand like a prize from the deep.
And no, the party didn’t stop. The drinks kept flowing, the playlist kept bumping, and the laughter got even louder. We all raised our Painkillers in salute. Now we had one more reason to celebrate.
— Holly B., Charter Smarter Guest
