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Big on chartering? Step aboard Mirabella V, the world’s largest sloop, for a super sail from Grenada to Bequia.
by Jill Bobrow
photography by Dana Jinkins
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08/01/2006
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| Mirabella V 247 |  |
Bequia is my favorite island. I’ve been going there for 30
years. In fact, almost 10 years ago, I sailed there on Mirabella III, a predecessor to Mirabella V. Admiralty Bay is one of the biggest, most
beautiful natural harbors—not only in the Windward Islands, but also in all of
the Caribbean. The landscape is diverse and the people—a blend of locals; many
descended from North American settlers who came on whaling boats and others
transplanted from far and wide seeking "the good life"—are friendly. The
resultant energy provides a congenial mix. Bequians have long been a seafaring
folk. Many have sailed around the world, only to come home again and bring with
them a taste of what lies beyond. The island, a mere six square miles, is a
microcosm and a melting pot. It did not have an airport until 1995, so its
sea-only accessibility has kept it a special place.
Bequia was to be our final stop, but Captain David was bound
for Antigua to pick up another charter. He dropped us at the Frangipani hotel
dock while he went into Port Elizabeth to clear customs.
 The surf is always up at wild and beautiful Hope
Beach on the windward coast of Bequia. (Click image to enlarge)
We went to the headland to watch Mirabella V sail north from the harbor. A slight squall
commenced as the yacht was putting up sails. We watched her tacking in front of
a midsize cruise ship. The juxtaposition of the two was quite a sight! It was
sad to see her leave Bequia. After a few days aboard we all had come to feel at
home on Mirabella V.
247-foot Mirabella V nearly dwarfs a midsize cruise ship in the harbor; Port Elizabeth in
Bequia’s Admiralty Bay is a seafaring port where vibrant local color both
contrasts and blends with the international yachting scene. (Click images to enlarge)
Owner Joe Vittoria was intimately involved with the conception and building
of Mirabella V. He purpose-built her to charter in the Med and
the Caribbean, a business he learned with his charter sailing yachts
Mirabella I and Mirabella III. I
understand he’s considering selling Mirabella V. If you
charter her, and feel as we did, you can probably buy her for about $90 million.
No doubt Joe is already dreaming of what’s next.
Jacqui Lockhart, Select Charter Services
Tel: 33 493 01 86 71
Fax: 33 493 01 87 86
E-mail: Jacqui@selectcharterservices.com
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