TradeWinds Members Update on COVID-19

[RNCollins]

-received an email from TradeWinds on March 17, 2020

TradeWinds Members Update on COVID-19

“Dear Member,

In these uncertain times we want to provide you, our loyal TradeWinds Members, with an update regarding our response to the situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus. With more than 20 years of experience in the sailing vacations industry we have navigated turbulent waters in the past, and we wanted to assure you that we are taking all necessary steps to mitigate this new challenge with as little disruption as possible.

First of all, our thoughts and heartfelt wishes go out to the people who have been affected by this unprecedented event. We especially appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities, and governments who are on the front lines working to contain the virus. Please know that we are closely monitoring all updates and following any advice issued by the CDC, WHO, FCO, and international government entities and airlines of the countries across the globe where we operate.

Above all else, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees is always our utmost priority! Following the most recent COVID-19 developments and travel restrictions, we are announcing for the first time since 1999, that TradeWinds will be suspending all charters across the globe beginning Saturday March 21st until April 30th.

If your embarkation date is between March 21st and April 30th 2020. TradeWinds will allow you to reschedule your sailing vacation for a future date or destination of your preference without penalty fees.

Our team will keep monitoring on developing events and protocols set by the authorities and governments of the countries where we operate. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

The destinations pages on our website are being updated regularly, but with the situation changing by the hour it is extremely important that you regularly check official government, health department and airline websites as well, as these are the most updated sources of current info.

On behalf of the entire TradeWinds team we would like to thank you for entrusting us with your loyalty and precious vacation time. We look forward to welcoming you back aboard again very soon.”

Stay safe and well,

Magnus and Edith

 

[RNCollins]

-received an email update from TradeWinds on March 19, 2020

“Dear Member,

COVID-19 - GUESTS PLEASE TAKE NOTE

We have previously communicated that we are currently allowing you to reschedule your March and/or April vacations as all our Aqua, Aqua-Terra and Terra (land and sea) vacation services are cancelled from this Saturday 21st March until 30th April due to the COVID-19 outbreak and travelling restrictions.

We are now announcing an exception to our cancellation policy for those guests who have booked a TradeWinds Aqua, Aqua-Terra or Terra experience in May and June 2020.

In the event that we will not be able to charter in May or June 2020 there is no need to cancel at this time. In the case you need to reschedule or cancel your TradeWinds vacations later you will not lose your PlusPoints and all fees paid up front will be carried forward to your future booking.”

 

[RNCollins]

-received an email update from Tradewinds on April 8, 2020

“Dear Member,

First and foremost, we want to say Thank You to you all. The wonderfully encouraging emails and calls our team has received from our Members has kept our spirits high and our thoughts positive. We truly are honored to have all of you as part of our global TradeWinds family.

This global event has certainly slowed our lives to a different pace and given us time to think about our future. Among the TradeWinds family, the discussion has been of ideas and future plans on how we can improve and be even more environmentally conscious when we are back in operation. Following our message sent on March 17, 2020 regarding sailing and land based vacations during March and April 2020, below is an update regarding the TradeWinds schedule for the month of May 2020:

After the recent US State Department announcement of extending the restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the subsequent announcement from airlines of an 80 - 100% reduction on international flights during the month of May, we have no other option but to suspend all of TradeWinds' sailing and all land-based vacations (AQUA, AQUA·TERRA and TERRA) across the globe scheduled from Friday May 1st until Sunday May 31, 2020.

If your embarkation date is in May 2020, we will be happy to assist you to reschedule your vacation to a future date or destination of your preference without any penalty fees. Please contact reservations through the different channels available, including emailing support@trade-winds.com and we will assist you through the rescheduling process.

We are also sad to inform you that due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government of Croatia, it will not be possible to launch the new TradeWinds base in Croatia this year as planned. All Croatia charters booked in 2020 can be rescheduled to 2021 and 2022, without any penalty fees. Even though our 2022 Croatia schedule has yet to be released, members with current 2020 reservations in Croatia will be given priority when rescheduling now before the schedule is released to all other members. Our reservations team can assist in the rescheduling process for dates in 2021 and in to 2022. Alternatively, you can use the credits from your cancelled charter for any other destination or dates as well.

Our reservations team is experiencing a very high volume of inquiries following the impact of COVID-19. To ease the process and ensure that you will not lose your precious bookings unnecessarily, we have temporarily suspended the normal 90-day booking rule for all cruises in June - September 2020. If you have a booking confirmed for a TradeWinds Experience during that time period, should we not be able to operate during those months, you will not lose your PlusPoints. All fees paid will be used as credits for a future booking. We appreciate your patience.

On behalf of the entire TradeWinds' team, we again would like to thank you for entrusting us with your loyalty and precious vacation time. At our worldwide destinations, our beloved TradeWinds crews have all completed their 14-days of self-quarantine onboard our yachts or properties and are waiting to welcome you back as soon as it is safely possible.

Stay safe and well, we can't wait to see you again!”

Magnus and Edith


Administrative Office: Bequia Marina, Port Elizabeth, Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Phone: +1 784 457 3407 - fax: +1 784 457 3524 - USA toll free 855-600-5821
info@trade-winds.com - www.trade-winds.com

 

[RNCollins]

I received an email from Tradewinds today, updating us with the current conditions at their bases...

May 2006

​

“From the serene and sunny Caribbean we would like to extend our wishes that you and yours are safe and staying positive under these unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in.

We want to express again how grateful we are for the love and care you are continuously sharing with us in these difficult times. You belong to the TradeWinds' global family; we are in this together!

Here is our latest update.

Destinations with Summer closures​

British Virgin Islands​

The government of the British Virgin Islands has announced that non-citizens/non-residents of the country will not be allowed entry to the BVI's until September 1st, 2020 initially. This is not good news for those of you who have been hoping to sail in the BVI's this summer. However, the good news is that we are going to move our BVI yacht fleet south to beautiful St Vincent and the Grenadines, where borders remain open, the impact of COVID-19 is minimal, and the turquoise waters are just as crystal-clear and inviting for a relaxing week far from the crowds! As travel to our base in Tortola is presently impossible for tourists, those Members and Guests who have confirmed bookings for BVI from the 20th of June 2020 until the end of August 2020 are now automatically rescheduled to sail in St Vincent and The Grenadines instead (aboard the exact same yacht) or, if you have other preferences, you can use the credits to reschedule for any other available destination or date, subject to availability (with no rescheduling fees). All charters on the 6th and 13th of June are cancelled. We feel that the Grenadines is possibly the very first TradeWinds' destination which could welcome Members and guests back for charters. As is the case in most of the Caribbean, COVID-19 impact on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was minimal, with no deaths and only 7 cases still active. Currently, the international airports and the seaports of St Vincent are open, which is a very good sign. There is however a mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed on all arriving passengers, which we hope will be lifted in order for us to offer charters. Stay tuned for more information.

St Martin, Anguilla and St Barths​

Our base on the French side of St Martin shares International Princess Juliana Airport as the main entry point for all tourists, located on the Dutch side of the island (St Maarten). Current plans for Princess Juliana Airport are to remain closed until there are no active cases of COVID-19 in St Maarten, St Martin and St Barths. Therefore, as our St Martin base was only going to be open until end of August, all sailing dates in June, July and August 2020 can no longer take place. Please contact reservations to rebook your cruise. This also includes any Caribbean Summer Adventures to neighboring St Kitts & Nevis booked, as these are also operated by our St Martin base.

June 2020 - Destinations where we will be rescheduling your vacations​

Antigua and Barbuda​

The Antiguan authorities are currently in discussions about opening up the country for tourism on the 4th of June. This first phase will only include government authorised hotels and resorts, so therefore no liveaboard yacht charters are allowed to be offered.

Bahamas, Exumas​

Currently, all Bahamian borders remain closed and once they open up, there will be a period when only nationals and permanent residents will be allowed back into the country, with the condition of a COVID-19 test proving the person showing negative. As our Members and Guests won't be able to arrive to our base, we have no other choice than to reschedule your vacation weeks and close the Bahamas for the month of June.

Belize​

It has been officially announced by Belizean authorities that Belize International Airport will be closed until end of June. Therefore, we will have to wait until airport opens up, and our Members and Guests can travel to Belize.

Château Alizés, France​

Due to the closed EU borders in France, Château Alizés will be closed for the month of June.

Guadeloupe​

Borders with EU are closed until end of June, therefore our Guadeloupe base will also be closed for the month of June.

Greece​

Due to the restrictions of closed EU borders and current restrictions on tourism operations in Greece, our base here will be rescheduling your June bookings.

Fiji, Tonga and French Polynesia​

Our three South Pacific bases will all be closed for the month of June, due to the restrictions imposed by those countries governments; airports being closed for international travel hence our Members and Guests won't be able to travel to our destinations.

Please contact Reservations through the different channels available, including emailing support@trade-winds.com and we will assist you through the rescheduling process....”

 

[RNCollins]

-received an email update from Tradewinds on June 8, 2020:

June 2006

“Dear Member,

Who would have ever believed, only a few months ago, that the pandemic of Covid-19 would alter the state of the world in such a profound way, affecting us all to such an extent? When it comes to TradeWinds, as a travel & tourism company, the impact has been immense, with all of our worldwide bases closed down since March. During this period, we have remained positive, and every morning, we wake up with the hope of a possible reality where we start operating charters again, in a safe and practical way, ensuring the safety of all members, guests, staff and the island communities where we operate.

Living with uncertainty is very challenging, as we have all learnt to accept over the last few months, as we rely on external authorities such as governments and health organizations when it comes to our lives in these difficult times.

On the islands where we operate, the number of Covid-19 cases and the death tolls have thankfully been low. Many of the islands currently have no cases of Covid-19 at all, which is a very impressive feat. We have our local governments to thank for that, due to the measures imposed to ensure the safety of the people, through border closures, general social distancing measures and curfews.

It has been tough, but it has paid off, as most islands are now moving towards being completely Covid-19 free.

It has also been challenging for our base staff and crews also, as months have passed while many have been in quarantine onboard their yachts awaiting positive news of possible opening of borders, and a return to a more "normal" way of life.

As all of our bases rely fully on you arriving by air travel, the total turmoil and confusion of the airline industry is certainly not helping the situation in any way. We have seen promise from airlines of the recommencement of airlifts here and there, only to see it retracted and cancelled a few days later.

Even when borders open up, most, if not all of the Caribbean nations (and other TradeWinds destinations) require a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon arrival, to be spent in government approved accommodation. In reality, this means that nobody will come until such measures are dropped, which does not seem to be on the horizon. Adding to this, most island nations will initially only accept tourists who are going to stay in government approved resorts & hotels, therefore excluding yachting vacations in this first phase of opening of borders.

As the majority of our bases are in the Caribbean, we are now also faced with the added challenge of the official start of the 2020 hurricane season on 1st June. It has been predicted that the 2020 season will be "above-average" when it comes to named storms and hurricanes, and a worrying factor is that as of today, there have already been three named storms, something that statistically only happens around August in an "average" year. The possibility of a combination of a storm system during this Covid-19 pandemic situation would be challenging, to say the least.

The reality and challenge of all of the above factors have left us with no other choice than to suspend all worldwide charter operations until 30th October 2020. Even though we know it will disappoint many of you with current bookings during the period June through October, we feel it is in the best interest of TradeWinds to put the health and wellbeing of all members, guests, TradeWinds staff and our local communities as our first priority.

This decision will enable us to properly prepare for the reopening of TradeWinds charters on the 31st October, when we believe it will be safe to return to our paradise locations, without risking health and safety. Airlines should also be in a better place to offer safe travel to you all, when you return for new TradeWinds Experiences once again.

All Members with confirmed reservations for a vacation with us between now and end of October will automatically get a one-year extension of the expiry date of your PlusPoints and there will be no costs to rebook.

Our reservations team is ready and happy to help you to reschedule your vacations to a time and place when we can all safely continue to experience the beauty of our unique vacation destinations worldwide.

Please rest assured that these beautiful islands and their hospitable and friendly people will be welcoming you back with open arms, once we know it's safe to return again.

Start dreaming now and book your next TradeWinds vacation into the future. Within the next few weeks, we will also add 2023 to your calendar, in addition to 2021 and 2022, which is already available for bookings now.

With love,

Magnus & Edith and the whole TradeWinds family.”

 

[RNCollins]

-received an email update from Tradewinds on Sept 23, 2020:

Announcement September 2020​

“Hello Member,

We hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and well.

2020 has been a truly unexpected year! Globally, we have all been connected by a universal uncertainty with so many challenges and interruptions - but we continue to remain positive and hopeful.

A huge THANK YOU to all our TradeWinds Members for paying their maintenance fees. We are truly humbled by your on-going trust and support, and we shall continue to do our best to give you the wonderful and unforgettable experiences you expect and deserve...

Here's what we know so far: many countries where TradeWinds operate will still remain closed to visitors while others are working on opening up their borders to tourism, whilst exploring ways to control the spread of the virus.

Where possible, we have been communicating with governments to help us find workable solutions that comply with their legally required safety protocols. Some governments will not allow entry into their countries, though our yachts and teams are there. Other governments require a 14-day quarantine period before boarding our yachts.

On the up side, we are so ready to go sailing again. We're looking forward to have you with us again in some of our bases very soon. We expect to get more positive details to share before the end of this month, so please keep visiting our Members Area.

Currently, in our worldwide network of bases, there are three sailing destinations that TradeWinds Members can travel to with relative ease. Antigua, French Polynesia and St Vincent and the Grenadines are open to international visitors. Also, our Pelican Villa in Sint Maarten will open earlier than planned. Please look out for news coming soon with more details. Here is a snap shot of the current situation:

If your booked destination is not open yet in November or December, Antigua, French Polynesia and St Vincent and the Grenadines could be exciting options, when you are keen to go sailing in the coming months. We are also able to have extra yachts in Antigua and St Vincent, so when you cannot find what you are looking for, let us know. Contact us now, if you would like to change your booking.

In case you would like to go sailing in 2020:

Antigua​

As of now Antigua will be OPEN for tourists. Apart from any unforeseen changes, you can travel to Antigua and we will be operating there from October 31. You will need to have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result not older than 7 days before flight. When you test negative, you will be free to make your way to the base and board your charter. However, if you are deemed to have symptoms, you may be quarantined for up to 14 days.

French Polynesia​

Currently OPEN for international passengers. Tourism has begun and is going smoothly. You need to have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result not older than four (4) days by the time of your flight. No quarantine required and you can start your charter upon arrival. We are aiming to start charters from October 17th, earlier than planned.

St Vincent and the Grenadines​

Currently OPEN for international passengers. Guests arriving from high risk countries including USA must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result not older than 7 days before border crossing and will be retested on arrival. A mandatory 14-days quarantine is required, aboard a TradeWinds yacht or at Tribu Villas in Mayreau. Currently only private charters are allowed by the SVG authorities. What this means is: when you already have a booking in the Grenadines or you wish to make a booking, your options are 1) AQUA St Vincent, 2 weeks private charter sailing The Grenadines or 2) AQUA·TERRA Mayreau, 1 week spent at Tribu Villas, Mayreau and 1 week sailing The Grenadines. TradeWinds is in continuous communication with the St Vincent and the Grenadines authorities , therefore we can offer you the best experience while complying with the travel restrictions and safety regulations.

Guests arriving from within CANADA and the CARICOM bubble must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result not older than 7 days before arrival and may be retested on arrival. No quarantine required!

Please look out for more details to be announced over the next few days.

St Martin, Anguilla & St Barths​

French St Martin is CLOSED to entry from the United States and from the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. St Barths is CLOSED to international passengers. Anguilla borders are CLOSED to visiting yachts.

This destination is interesting because it involves multiple countries, we are hoping that something positive may still happen for the opening of the base in 2020, but currently it is not available for sailing. However, our Pelican Villa, on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, is open and ready to welcome you without quarantine restrictions.

Escape to this exclusive beautiful 4-bedroom home and relax away from the crowds with exquisite views and private pool. The exclusive area of Pelican Key is one of the most beautifully developed residential and resort areas on the island. With the advantage of close proximity to Simpson Bay, this area boasts a large choice of restaurants, white sandy beaches, shops, boutiques, casinos and entertainment.

_____________________________________

Below you will find a list of our destinations, and the current situation regarding COVID-19 travel restrictions. If you have a current booking for 2020, and once you have assessed the status of your destination, we will ask you to please go to the link below, and click to confirm that you are coming. Should you wish to change your booking to Antigua, French Polynesia or St Vincent and the Grenadines, you can also do that. Should you instead decide not to travel at all, you will be able to cancel your reservation without penalty.

Travel Restrictions Update​

Several countries where TradeWinds operate are open to international travelers at present and may require passengers to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR  test  prior to  arrival.  Visitors may be  subject  to documentation requirements and mandatory conditions prior to arrival and during their stay.  These conditions may include proof of medical testing, international medical insurance coverage, travel visas, health registrations, health assessments, quarantine requirements, wearing of masks and possible additional conditions.

We will require all Members and Guests to abide by the local COVID-19 specific laws and policies.

Please note that details below are as of today and could be subject to change. We also invite you to answer a short questionnaire after reading the update by visiting our website's Members Area.

BAHAMAS: As of now Bahamas will be OPEN. Apart from any unforeseen changes, with the limitations imposed by inter-islands travel restrictions, we can operate from October 31. However, a mandatory 14-day quarantine on island at your cost is required before boarding the yacht. You must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result obtained within five (5) days before flight.

BELIZE: Currently CLOSED to all international passengers. However, expectations are very positive and we hope to have good news regarding reopening in October. There is a very good chance you can come for the opening of the base in Belize on October 31.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: Currently CLOSED to all international passengers, therefore at this time our guests cannot travel to BVI and the country will reopen to international visitors from 1st December 2020. We will keep you informed when the Government of BVI announces more details. If you have bookings in BVI for November 2020, why not reschedule your booking now moving it to Antigua, French Polynesia or St Vincent and the Grenadines?

FIJI: Currently CLOSED to all international passengers, therefore at this time you cannot travel to Fiji. Reopening date not officially announced. We do not expect tourists to be allowed entry for the opening of the base in 2020. Why not reschedule your booking now moving it to Antigua, French Polynesia or St Vincent and the Grenadines?

FRANCE: Chateau Alizés is CLOSED for the rest of 2020, as usual, due to the European Fall/Winter.

GREECE: Greece is CLOSED for the season, as usual, due to the European Fall/Winter.

GUADELOUPE: Passengers arriving from USA are not permitted. Please verify whether your country of origin is allowed entry to Guadeloupe. In case your country is not included in the list of countries where you can travel from and entry Guadeloupe, why not reschedule your booking now moving it to Antigua, French Polynesia or St Vincent and the Grenadines?

TONGA: Currently CLOSED to all international passengers at this time. Reopening date not expected in 2020.

Important Notice​

TradeWinds is doing its best to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and traveling restrictions of all our destinations. We are updating our website as fast as we can, but it is your responsibility to check your specific case by consulting your destination’s Government and Health Authorities, your chosen airline, embassies and other official departments. In case of doubt, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team via support@trade-winds.com, website chat or call USA toll free 855 600 5821.

With love,

Magnus & Edith and the whole TradeWinds family.”

 

[pedro47]

-received an email update from Tradewinds on June 8, 2020:

View attachment 22207

June 2006

“Dear Member,

Who would have ever believed, only a few months ago, that the pandemic of Covid-19 would alter the state of the world in such a profound way, affecting us all to such an extent? When it comes to TradeWinds, as a travel & tourism company, the impact has been immense, with all of our worldwide bases closed down since March. During this period, we have remained positive, and every morning, we wake up with the hope of a possible reality where we start operating charters again, in a safe and practical way, ensuring the safety of all members, guests, staff and the island communities where we operate.

Living with uncertainty is very challenging, as we have all learnt to accept over the last few months, as we rely on external authorities such as governments and health organizations when it comes to our lives in these difficult times.

On the islands where we operate, the number of Covid-19 cases and the death tolls have thankfully been low. Many of the islands currently have no cases of Covid-19 at all, which is a very impressive feat. We have our local governments to thank for that, due to the measures imposed to ensure the safety of the people, through border closures, general social distancing measures and curfews.

It has been tough, but it has paid off, as most islands are now moving towards being completely Covid-19 free.

It has also been challenging for our base staff and crews also, as months have passed while many have been in quarantine onboard their yachts awaiting positive news of possible opening of borders, and a return to a more "normal" way of life.

As all of our bases rely fully on you arriving by air travel, the total turmoil and confusion of the airline industry is certainly not helping the situation in any way. We have seen promise from airlines of the recommencement of airlifts here and there, only to see it retracted and cancelled a few days later.

Even when borders open up, most, if not all of the Caribbean nations (and other TradeWinds destinations) require a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon arrival, to be spent in government approved accommodation. In reality, this means that nobody will come until such measures are dropped, which does not seem to be on the horizon. Adding to this, most island nations will initially only accept tourists who are going to stay in government approved resorts & hotels, therefore excluding yachting vacations in this first phase of opening of borders.

As the majority of our bases are in the Caribbean, we are now also faced with the added challenge of the official start of the 2020 hurricane season on 1st June. It has been predicted that the 2020 season will be "above-average" when it comes to named storms and hurricanes, and a worrying factor is that as of today, there have already been three named storms, something that statistically only happens around August in an "average" year. The possibility of a combination of a storm system during this Covid-19 pandemic situation would be challenging, to say the least.

The reality and challenge of all of the above factors have left us with no other choice than to suspend all worldwide charter operations until 30th October 2020. Even though we know it will disappoint many of you with current bookings during the period June through October, we feel it is in the best interest of TradeWinds to put the health and wellbeing of all members, guests, TradeWinds staff and our local communities as our first priority.

This decision will enable us to properly prepare for the reopening of TradeWinds charters on the 31st October, when we believe it will be safe to return to our paradise locations, without risking health and safety. Airlines should also be in a better place to offer safe travel to you all, when you return for new TradeWinds Experiences once again.

All Members with confirmed reservations for a vacation with us between now and end of October will automatically get a one-year extension of the expiry date of your PlusPoints and there will be no costs to rebook.

Our reservations team is ready and happy to help you to reschedule your vacations to a time and place when we can all safely continue to experience the beauty of our unique vacation destinations worldwide.

Please rest assured that these beautiful islands and their hospitable and friendly people will be welcoming you back with open arms, once we know it's safe to return again.

Start dreaming now and book your next TradeWinds vacation into the future. Within the next few weeks, we will also add 2023 to your calendar, in addition to 2021 and 2022, which is already available for bookings now.

With love,

Magnus & Edith and the whole TradeWinds family.”

This email is dated June 2006. LOL.