SOLSTICE

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Sail SOLSTICE for the ultimate Exuma Escape.

Please see many more photos, sample itineraries, and maps at www.YachtSolstice.com.

Cliff and Liza have 8 years of experience chartering full time in the Exumas. They are fully equipped with up to 4 stand up paddle boards (in 3 sizes), inflatable clear bottom kayak, scuba diving for certified divers and scuba instruction for divers who are not certified.

Guests naturally migrate to the spacious outdoor spaces with stunning views as the primary living area. Wide, level decks provide easy access all around the yacht. With over 1,000 square feet of open deck space, a large trampoline and a magnificent cockpit, SOLSTICE stands out as a superb way to sail the Exumas.

The trampoline area forward his a prime sunning area, or may be shaded with a massive custom top. Ultra-thick towels provide comfortable lounging.

The entire cockpit is fully shaded by an oversize rigid frame bimini top that was custom built for SOLSTICE. The cockpit area features a dining table for alfresco dining with L-shaped seating, a long bench seat and two padded seats aft at each wheel.

2 more lounging areas await you, one on each side of the cockpit. Each has lounging cushions for two guests, and 2 adjustable chairs. These lounging areas can be individually shaded by custom removable dark blue tops, protected with clear panels, or left open. The 4 adjustable chairs can also be used anywhere else on deck.

Mesh sun shade panels can be placed across the entire back side of the cockpit, or curved around the sides and aft corners as desired to block the sun.

New 2011: Fast 25hp outboard engine for the dinghy, cockpit fridge/electric cooler for easy access to cool drinks, 10 "electric blue" scuba tanks, clear cockpit enclosure panels. New 2010: Generator, Sherwood Scuba equipment, house battery system, inverter/charger and custom aft handrails for easy and safe water access on transom steps. New 2009: Clear Blue Hawaii inflatable 2 man kayak with seatbacks and clear bottom for reef viewing, Bahamian

SOLSTICE Specifications

SOLSTICE Accommodations

Sleeps 6 In 3 Cabins

SOLSTICE can accommodate 6 guests in 3 cabins.
The Master cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet.
A Guest cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet.
A Guest cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet.
SOLSTICE  is fully air conditioned through out.  The voltage onboard is 110/12 volts.  Smoking is allowed on deck.  SOLSTICE´s crew has a separate heads and shower. Guests are not allowed to bring pets onboard.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE / OR CLICK HERE TO CHANGE LAYOUT

Cockpit

Cockpit

Cockpit

Salon

Salon

Guest Cabin

Side View

Side View

Kayaking

Clear Bottom Kayak

Snorkel Crystal Clear Waters

Cockpit

Fore Deck

Swimstep

Salon

Guest Cabin

Guest Bathroom

Side View

Side View

Great Snorkelling

Bahamian Flag Colored Spinnaker

SOLSTICE Crew Profile

Cliff and Liza are husband and wife owner-operators. 2011/2012 will mark their 8th year of full time chartering in the Bahamas aboard SOLSTICE. They met 15 years ago on a Bahamian Island, and have held a special place in their hearts for these magical islands ever since.

Captain - Cliff Block

Captain Cliff, age 49, American, invites you to join him in an Exuma Adventure! After many years of sailing, flying, diving, photographing and making friends in the Bahamian Islands, he is eager to share this paradise with you. He enjoys guiding exceptional snorkeling, hooking up game fish, and preparing a trademark family recipe for key lime pie.

Cliff grew up throughout the U.S., with an early passion for the water. He was a certified Scuba diver at age 12, and earned his U.S. Coast Guard Master's License by age 20. After formally studying marine science at Texas A&M, he launched a 25 year career on the world's waterways as a professional captain, as well as acheiving his NAUI SCUBA Instructor rating. Cliff can take guests SCUBA diving with no prior certification required and conduct certification courses. He can also provide sailing instruction in cruising skills or ASA 103-104 (American Sailing Association) certified sailing instruction.

Cliff has had the privelege of working in some of the world's premier watersports destinations, including captaining live-aboard dive yachts in Belize, running large Scuba operations for resorts in the Bahamas, working on luxury cruiseliners throughout the Caribbean, as well as on a 170' adventure yacht in Alaska. He also lived on a private island in the Bahamas' Berry Islands for 2 years running the island's operations and entertaining hundreds of guests each week with diving and other watersports. Cliff's prior experience as a Florida lifeguard and EMT has made safety a natural instinct for him, and guests can feel comfort in his knowledge and safety expertise. Cliff loves underwater photography and videography, and has worked with world class photographers on research and specialty dive trips. A former monohull sailboat owner, he is happy to share the space, speed, and stability of a catamaran with his guests.

1st Mate & Chef - Liza

Liza, age 37, American, was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She moved to New York to attend Vassar College, and adopted New York City as a base for traveling the world until christening SOLSTICE with Cliff in 2004. An accomplished chef, her passion for food is evident in everything she cooks for you, whether it's creative or classic cuisine. She was a freelance food critic/writer in New York City, and attended courses at the Institute for Culinary Education in Manhattan.

Liza also has an eclectic background in the arts. She has travelled the U.S. in Broadway musicals, and sang with big bands in New York City and on luxury cruiseliners. Sailing and diving have always been passions, which she followed throughout the Bahamas, Caribbean, South Pacific and South and Central America. A certified SCUBA diver for 15 years, Liza loves underwater photography and holds two ASA certifications. If you like, she can lead inspiring Yoga fitness classes on the front deck. Her caring attention to details and special requests will leave you feeling satisfied and pampered.

Both world travelers, Cliff and Liza love to meet new people and swap travel stories. They have warm, easy-going personalities and keen senses of humor. Both are non-smokers, but guests may smoke on deck.

Together, they welcome you aboard Solstice!

SOLSTICE Menu

Below is a sample menu, but the meals for your charter will reflect your preferences and dietary requirements.

Breakfast

Fresh fruit salad with honey-lime yogurt
Eggs and omelets made to order, served with hickory smoked bacon or sausage links
Blueberry Pancakes
Banana Waffles
Selection of Cereals and Granola with fruit
Selection of Coffee, Teas, and Juices

Lunch

California Turkey Wrap with Cucumber and Tomato-Basil marinated salad
Chicken Cobb Salad with freshly baked croissants
Greek Vegetable Pita Pockets and bowtie Pasta Salad
Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich with Tropical Tomato Soup
Southwestern Chicken Salad with Tortilla Chips
Lemon-Dill Tuna with freshly baked Bahamian Bread
Snacks such as freshly baked cookies and chips and salsa/guacamole are served each afternoon.

Appetizers

Baked Spinach-Artichoke-Cheese dip with fresh vegetable sticks and tortilla chips
Deep Dish Ranch Pizza
Gourmet Cheese and Fruit Platter
Grouper Fingers with Lime Chipolte dipping sauce
Solstice Crab Spread with Peppered Crackers
Selection of signature cocktails and wine

Dinners are served with a unique soup or salad to start, wine and/or cocktails, a variety of breads, and a decadent dessert.

Filet of Solstice (Sole stuffed with crabmeat, shrimp, and breadcrumbs) served with Lemon-herb infused Rice and sautéed Green Beans Almondine
Filet Mignon grilled with Fresh Mushrooms and served with Creamed Garlic Spinach
Fresh Catch of the Day. Whether a guest's catch from the boat or a local island purchase, enjoy the freshest of seafood prepared with our lemon-garlic-butter marinade or to your specifications.
Baked Chicken with Peppered Feta Cheese and Tomato Salsa served with Potatoes Au Gratin and steamed Broccoli

Dessert

Captain Cliff's Key Lime Pie
Strawberry Shortcake
Peach Cobbler
Apple Pie
Chocolate Mousse
Pineapple-Coconut Tropical Tart
Fresh fruit with cream
Selection of Coffees and Teas

SOLSTICE Testimonials

We have nothing but wonderful things to say about our cruise aboard Solstice in the Bahamas. Cliff and Liza were absolutely wonderful! They were both accommodating and professional, friendly and enjoyable to be around. We feel like we have made friends for life with them.

Cliff was a very competent and skilled captain; we were always comfortable and enthralled by his choice of locations and activities.

Liza was an excellent cook and hostess. The meals were fabulous with endless variety and choices. Each meal was a study in taste, appearance and gastronomical delight!

Solstice was a pleasure to be aboard. Our staterooms were very comfortable and Liza and Cliff kept them clean and neat every day. The entire boat was comfortable and very fun to be aboard. They provided an ample supply of towels and toys and there was always something interesting to do and see. Time was also allowed for just laying around and soaking up the sun and sea.

It was the best vacation we have ever been on and we would not hesitate to recommend Cliff and Liza to everyone we know. The only part of the cruise that was sad was when it ended. We are forever indebted to them for providing a cruise that went way beyond the call of duty. - Debi & Randy A.

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Q: Was the yacht ready at the appointed time & place?

A : YES

Q: Was the yacht clean & well maintained throughout your stay?
A : YES

Q: Was the crew friendly & accommodating to your needs & requests?
A : YES

Q: Describe the quality/presentation of meals/beverages & whether your requests were adhered to.
A : Exceeded our expectations!

Q: Were listed watersports/toys available and in good condition?
A : YES

Q: Did you enjoy the area you cruised?
A : Very much!

Q: How would you rate your overall charter experience?
A: Unbelievably great!

Q : How would you rate your Crew?
A : Perfect!

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"We just got back from Nassau late last night. SOLSTICE was wonderful! Both Cliff and Liza were extremely accommodating and insightful /intuitive about the various members of our group. For example, Cliff made certain that our first daughter got to dive as much as she wanted to. I am very grateful for this attention to her, as the confidence that she gained was immeasurable. Cliff also took my tentative husband on a shark dive. We also enjoyed Cliff and Liza being with us for games and talking, but they also disappeared at times. This was considerate, but I never felt they intruded in any way. The food was exactly what we asked for--some Bahamian thrown in the mix, and it was great. Also we had desserts at each meal--a real bonus. Our other daughter going on Semester at Sea is taking Physics for Mariners and had a Sextant which she brought out for Cliff to look at. I really cannot think of any suggestions. The boat was pristine and kept that way. Cliff and Liza were fabulous hosts. Thank you very much for guiding me through the charter and suggesting SOLSTICE." - D.B. and family, USA

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“Dear Cliff and Liza, I just spoke with Elizabeth regarding her Christmas family charter with you. She said it was absolutely perfect, fantastic and the best vacation they have ever had. She will be back! The children loved it, especially all the activities you led with them. Flying in and out of Staniel Cay was a great suggestion, and so convenient with direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale. You delivered a great array of beaches and activities above and below the water, all in a family friendly package. You made the windy conditions not be an issue at all. Thanks so much for taking such great care and hitting the ball out of the park with a perfect charter.” - USA family

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"Absolutely top drawer! The best trip ever by far! Sharks, iguanas, birds and fish galore, complete with gorgeous sunsets! Thanks for the pampering - it was a great relaxing family vacation!" - Raina Family

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"When we arrived the boat was immaculate, clean, tastefully presented and decorated, and ready to board at the agreed time. The boat was kept clean during the charter as well. All advertised equipment was onboard and working properly. We especially enjoyed the diving, the kayak, and the dinghy that we could take ourselves. The boat's cabins, salon, cockpit, sunning space, etc. were comfortable but not opulent- just our style! The Captain,Cliff, was outgoing, professional, and friendly. He was like a good friend in one day, and he WAS a good friend after a couple more! We absolutely felt free to choose each day's activities. Meals were very well prepared and perfect for our somewhat picky kids. All the specific drinks we requested in our preference sheet were onboard and we had all we could want. The meals reflected the requests we made in our preference sheet as well. Our cook was outgoing, professional, friendly and eager to please. Liza was just wonderful- fun, capable, low-key, quiet in her duties- a great match for Cliff. They work as a well maintained engine! The boat is older but very well maintained - perfect for our expectations. The Exumas are a fabulous cruising ground that seems overlooked by charterers. We think it vastly exceeds the BVI in all it offers. We've chartered many crewed catamarans and sailed in many places, but our week on Solstice in the Exumas was a highlight - over the top!" - Francis family

NOTE: The Francis family chartered SOLSTICE again the next year.

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"Thank you for your superb organization and perfect execution! A wonderful holiday with wonderful people! Just lovely - a great ship! Many thanks for the great diving!" - Collomb party

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A great mix of sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving & relaxing
1. Was the condition of the yacht up to your expectations?
Yes the pictures online were very accurate. The boat was in great condition. It was apparent that it was well taken care of by Cliff & Liza.

2. Did you find your accommodations comfortable?
Yes very comfortable. We were amazed at the space available to us. We traveled w/ 2 other couples & it was wonderful having our own head in each cabin. The captain had crafted a bimini top for the boat so we were able to enjoy either the shade or sun.

3. Was the crew attentive to your needs?
They were extremely attentive to our needs & treated us very well. They planned every day around the weather, winds and our requests.

4. Did you enjoy the meals & beverages served aboard?
We were fed good meals & had plenty of liquid refreshments.

5. Was the itinerary fun and exciting?
The captain made every day an adventure. We felt we got a great mix of sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving & relaxing.

6. Would you charter this yacht again?
Yes!!! We would certainly sail with Cliff & Liza again. We have recommended them to family & friends.

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"In short, the trip was wonderful and much of it was due to Cliff and Liza. They were just a joy to sail with. We had done a similar trip some years ago in the Grenadines and we thought that crew was great, but Cliff and Liza were just that much better. I'd recommend them to anyone. They are truly interesting and professional people. As far as the boat itself is concerned, it was perfect. Everything worked well and it was clean, comfortable and very nicely appointed. We are already considering another trip next year." - G.H.

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"The Exumas: A 10! There was so much to do or nothing at all. I loved being able to feel like I was in a remote and exotic part of the world without having to travel a great distance to get there.
The boat itself: A 10. You never know what you're going to get with a charter but Solstice was set-up and maintained to the smallest detail exactly how I would have my own boat.
Cliff and Liza: 11's! They have so much to offer personally, plus I got the genuine feeling that our enjoyment was their enjoyment.

We know it took a lot of work to provision for us exactly what we wanted AND to create a wonderful time once we got there, but they made it seem effortless. So, yes, I would highly recommend the area, the boat and our Captain and Chef. Some of my favorites:

* Cliff diving for lobster. I tried holding my breath just to go down and look for lobster, and it's really, really hard. He was amazing! He caught 3 lobsters and Liza created some wonderful lobster dishes. I'm salivating just thinking about them.
* Cliff & Liza's local knowledge: Interesting without being boring.
* Lots of comfortable spots on the boat.
* Liza anticipating our needs. To be indulged like that was therapy!
* Friendly iguanas, diving with sharks, amazing sunsets -- I can't wait to go back!

One more note -- the sail from Nassau to the Exumas was exactly what we had envisioned -- a relaxing motorsail while we decompressed from our flight to Nassau. We didn't want to get on another small plane -- one that might luggage restrictions as we discovered in the BVI's -- to go from Nassau to the Exumas. I highly recommend sailing in and out of Nassau if you have a week or more."
Karin A., Los Angeles, CA

SOLSTICE Specifications

SOLSTICE Features & Amenities

SPECIFICATIONS

FEATURES

DECK & SYSTEMS

DIVING

DIVING

For certified divers, $60/dive, including equipment. Divers who are not certified may take an introductory Scuba Resort Course for $150, then subsequent dives are $60/dive, including equipment. An Open Water Scuba Referral course to become Dive Certified is $250. SOLSTICE has a dive compressor to refill tanks. Wetsuits, not included, are advised December-April.