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The current weather in Culebra

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New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Adams (---.119.20.98.dynamic.ip.windstream.net)
Date:   01-15-11 10:20

I am tossing around the idea of basing a Day Sail Charter boat in Culebra or Vieques... I know of at least two, and possibly three operations on Vieques, and little else. I am wondering if you folks with far more time in the area than me have an opinion on the need, and viability of the venture? I am not the type who enjoys the "crowd" at St. Thomas, and we won't consider anywhere without clear Caribbean water! We have no need of getting rich, just paying the bills and living a great life. Any input?

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Maria Barco Services (---.dynamic.centennialpr.net)
Date:   01-15-11 11:03

Hi David, I think is a good idea. Though how much would the rate be?

Thank You,



Have a great day!!!!!

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Adams (---.dyn.centurytel.net)
Date:   01-17-11 13:14

I will have to do more local research in order to decide on a rate... I WILL NOT step on anyone who is there doing a quality business's toes. I will have to spend some time in the area and see if I could draw some new clientel. Though too many could change what I like about the place. Many years ago we lived in a remote area of Colorado that was fine the way it was, and the only problem was a lack of income potential... When it became a tourist spot of great proportion it ruined the reasons we had lived there and we moved! It is such a fine line that I worry about too much change, though I doubt little ole me can effect any change that wouldn't have happened already. The bottom line is that we want to be wanted where ever we end up, and we want to be beneficial to all and hurt no one. There is money to be made in St. Thomas and other serious tourist zones, but we would rather find our perfect home than chase money. Obviously we must make a bit to survive, and I am a USCG Master with two paid-off boats, so sailing may be a way, but I do have other talents also. I think we are going to sail that direction in the near future and see what shakes out... It will at least be a great vacation with what I am told are some wonderful people!

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.148.130.148.nw.nuvox.net)
Date:   01-18-11 12:04

I'd *love* to see an affordable day-sail business on Culebra. I come once a year and bring 1-4 people with me. I don't think you'll be stepping on any toes...there was an on-again, off-again, day charter based on Culebra, but I've not seen a thing about it online for several years. Good luck!

Doug

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kirk (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   01-19-11 10:55

Having chartered day sails in several islands I can unequivocaly say that a well-run affordable day-sail option is invaluable to an islands appeal. Culebra in particular could use something like this, especially with the wealth of Cays in the surrounding waters. I might worry about how the water taxis felt if your main destination was Culebrita. To tell the truth though, and you can see from these forums, people really want to get out on the water and at the moment to do that on Culebra you have to be fairly pro-active (go down to the docks, ask around, etc.) To be able to plan a little in advance, see a website maybe, make a reservation, would go a long way. Of course as important as the service itself needs to be, the owners do have to be sensitive to the isalnd they are on and it's particular needs (both local and tourist) though it sounds this is quite apparent in your case. So in general, and I wonder why it hasn't been done more before (is there something particular to Culebra that makes chartering cost-prohibitive?) it sounds like a very strong idea. I know you'd have a repeat charterer right here.

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.revip4.asianet.co.th)
Date:   01-19-11 11:36

One of the major hurdles is licensing. And the money does not warrant the climb of that hurdle - that's why you will not find many that advertise ....

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   01-19-11 14:27

Yet another gov't tariff to quash opportunity.

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DebbieVZ (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   01-19-11 17:27

David, We are visiting Culebra in February and have been in touch with two day sailing catamarans on of which we have booked a trip. They are the only two I know of and both were $125 full day (up to six), snacks, lunch, fishing and snorkling equip incl. We have done other trips in other locations (Bonaire and Belize) and will do it again and again! Don't see how you can go wrong in my opinion. I'm sure learning the surrounding waters and cays and the island/people itself would be essential...you sound like you are the right kind of person for the "business". I'm quite jealous!

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DebbieVZ (---.hsd1.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   01-19-11 17:40

David...that's $125 per person full day .. alittle more than the other places we sailed but I'm sure well worth it!!

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Adams (---.stat.centurytel.net)
Date:   01-21-11 09:19

Yes... It does require that we "import" our US Documented vessel into Puerto Rico, and there will be fees... There are always the fees! but we are considering it anyway. We would definately start a website, and could likely book through outside sources. Another consideration would be to purchase "another" boat that is already in Puerto Rico's waters and if we can find the right one we may consider it. We already own two, and are in the market for a mid-sized center console twin outboard for other forms of on-the-water services such as fishing or diving. Culebra may have a mildly sleepy market, but it is the type of place so many are looking for........ It is such a fine line to capitalize on that AND YET NOT CHANGE IT!

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Kirk (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   01-23-11 11:18

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure those catamaran charters mentioned above are based out of Fajardo. They bring people over from the mainland but will pick you up if you are on Culebra. So in fact, not Culebra based charters. Not sure exactly what the difference is, but I'd imagine a lot of that charter is spent getting to and from Culebra. I'd also imagine from the Company's standpoint it makes more sense since you've got a lot larger customer base on the mainland.

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-23-11 15:06

Good afternoon,
There is one catamaran charter that we refer guests to. It is based here in Culebra. The charge is $125.00 pp for the day. They go out for a full day, snorkel, fish, have lunch & snacks.

We used to live in the BVI's & full day cat day-sails were a bit less & included all drinks, but this is a different market.

Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-27-11 04:13

Have you come down and talked to some of the people doing day charters here? Might be a great idea to talk with some that are actually doing that, to understand the realities, along with checking out the potential market as you have here. Things are done a little differently on Culebra than some places... ;)

Save What's Left!

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Adams (---.dyn.centurytel.net)
Date:   01-28-11 22:29

I really like "different" far more than normal... All we are looking for is a place where we add to the local environment and fit in and feel welcome. We want to be able to "make it" financially but have no great desire for riches.

The suggestion to show up at Culebra and get to know the local way is a forgone conclusion here... We are just finding the appropriate time for us to go... And in the interim we are asking local opinion.

Thanks everyone for the input. We will be there as soon as we close a few open projects and gain the time to visit at leisure.

Until then; Never take for granted those around you, for neither time nor money can replace them.

David & Brenda

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Re: New Opportunities
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   01-28-11 22:40

It sounds like...you get it! Looking forward to meeting you both.

See you when.

Save What's Left!

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