Island Life Connections
Embark on the planning journey now! Discover our idyllic getaways in the Virgin Islands or explore the local treasures of the Chesapeake Bay, take a sneak peek at our extraordinary yachts in both the Caribbean and Annapolis, delve into details about our skilled and attentive crews and experience a glimpse of our delectable personalized menu service aboard Neptune’s Escape or map out several anchorages/ marinas to visit on Sweet & Salty in St. Michaels, Baltimore, Solomon’s Island, or Rock Hall.
Who We Are?
We at Island Life Connections believe in sharing our knowledge and experiences in sailing, vacationing, and exploring new destinations with our guests and well as ensure you receive top-notch service as we would expect as a charter guest. Our core values of honesty, integrity, and transparency impact the decisions we make and the service we provide to our guests.
Story of Us
Island Life Connections is owned by Matt and Suzanne Orendorff of Annapolis, MD. Matt’s love for boats started when traveling from his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to Annapolis, MD with his dad to attend the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Matt continued to pursue his passion for sailboats and entered the Coast Guard Academy in 1992 and graduated in the class of 1996. Matt is now retired from active duty and manages an LED lighting contracting business. Suzanne grew up in Wheeling, WV, graduated from West Viriginia University with an accounting degree and joined KPMG LLP. Suzanne retired after 33 years as a Tax Managing Director and now spends her time managing Island Life Connections. Matt and Suzanne have three children (ages 20, 15, and 13), love to travel and along the way have acquired interests in several timeshares that they sell on VRBO. Suzanne now works solely on Island Life Connections during her “retirement”, managing a busy home life and planning her own families’ vacations!
During Covid, Matt and Suzanne acquired Sweet & Salty, a Helia 44 Evolution catamaran, already in charter in the US Virgin Islands. In July 2024, they brought her up to Annapolis and refurbished her with new cushions, trampoline, linens, kitchenware, and décor. In March 2024, Matt and Suzanne also purchased a Neel 52 Trimaran (Hull #3) and named her Neptune’s Escape. She is currently in the Virgin Islands as an all-inclusive crewed yacht charter with And Beyond Yacht Charters.
Frequently Asked Questions
The expenses associated with a yacht charter exhibit significant variability, contingent on factors such as the yacht’s size, location, charter duration, and the extent of service desired. In broad terms, smaller vessels may range from a few thousand dollars per week, while opulent megayachts can command rates surpassing a million dollars per week. Additional elements influencing the charter cost encompass the time of year, the guest count, and any specific requests made.
The expenses associated with a yacht charter exhibit significant variability, contingent on factors such as the yacht’s size, location, charter duration, and the extent of service desired. In broad terms, smaller vessels may range from a few thousand dollars per week, while opulent megayachts can command rates surpassing a million dollars per week. Additional elements influencing the charter cost encompass the time of year, the guest count, and any specific requests made.
The expenses associated with a yacht charter exhibit significant variability, contingent on factors such as the yacht’s size, location, charter duration, and the extent of service desired. In broad terms, smaller vessels may range from a few thousand dollars per week, while opulent megayachts can command rates surpassing a million dollars per week. Additional elements influencing the charter cost encompass the time of year, the guest count, and any specific requests made.
The expenses associated with a yacht charter exhibit significant variability, contingent on factors such as the yacht’s size, location, charter duration, and the extent of service desired. In broad terms, smaller vessels may range from a few thousand dollars per week, while opulent megayachts can command rates surpassing a million dollars per week. Additional elements influencing the charter cost encompass the time of year, the guest count, and any specific requests made.
Typically, crewed yacht charters come with a minimum duration of seven days. However, the length of your charter can be customized to align with your unique requirements and preferences. Feel free to engage in discussions with your charter broker prior to confirming your booking to ensure it meets your desired timeframe.
The specific components covered by a charter fee depend on the yacht and the charter agreement with your selected broker. Typically, the charter fee encompasses the use of the yacht and its equipment, crew salaries, as well as meals and accommodation. However, certain additional costs, such as provisioning and marina fees, cruising permits, excursions, local taxes, and fuel, are not incorporated in the standard charter fee.
The majority of crewed yachts feature a tender, a smaller vessel designed to transport guests to and from the main boat. Typically, a crew member, such as a deckhand or a dedicated tender driver, is responsible for operating the tender.
Most crewed yachts have designated living quarters for the crew separate from the guest areas, typically located on the lower deck.
The captain is ultimately in charge of and responsible for the yacht, and the safety of all those on board.
When the captain is off duty, the first mate or most senior deckhand will take over navigation and watch duties.
Certainly, the crew operates in shifts and generally observes scheduled breaks throughout the day. Nevertheless, the timing and duration of these breaks may fluctuate based on the day’s itinerary and the specific crew members on duty.
Connect with our Yacht Consultant
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