Jetsettersblog

It’s been 125 years since the Isaac H. Evans first slid down the ways and Captains Brenda and Brian Thomas are planning a party to honor everyone who has helped keep her going.

On Saturday, June 11th at North End Shipyard, Captains Brenda and Brian will welcome previous owners, guests, crew, captains, wooden boat enthusiasts, and the general public for an evening of music, food, dockside boat tours, and fun.

Music will be provided by Old Grey Goose, Bob Stuart and possibly Captain Ed Glaser who has a song or two about the Evans. The Captains plan to serve appetizers, beverages, and a feat of dessert engineering – a scrumptious cupcake tree – to be supplied by the Sabrosa Cupcake Co.

Finally, the captains are preparing a museum-style display of Evans memorabilia and ephemera. They are collecting anything and everything related to this magnificent ship and are asking anyone who might have souvenirs, pictures, fond trip memories, poems, songs or fun stories to share to please get in touch with the Captains Brenda and Brian Thomas and plan to come on down!

History of the Isaac H. Evans

In 1886 in Mauricetown, New Jersey, a sturdy, well-built fishing vessel, the Isaac H. Evans, was launched off the banks of the Maurice River leading into the Delaware Bay. She was built for oystering, the biggest fishing industry in America at the time. Most oyster dredgers had a life expectancy of 20 years, which the Evans far exceeded, thanks to several rebuilds along the way. During the Depression years, the Evans lay beached in the mud until the oyster industry rebounded and she was put back into service. In 1946, she was refitted as a power oyster dredge. Gone were her masts, bowsprit and all sails. Instead, she motored throughout Delaware Bay, still fishing, but needing lots of repair.

In 1971, the Evans was purchased by Captains Doug and Linda Lee, current owners of the schooner Heritage. They brought her the Bath Maritime Museum in Maine where she underwent a major overhaul and complete transformation for a new industry – windjamming. She was beautifully restored to her original condition and was designated a National Historic Landmark – a rare honor given only to vessels that are recognized for their significant historical significance to the country. Captain Brenda says, “About two weeks after I became her new owner it really hit me. I actually own a National Historic Landmark. It wasn’t like renting a storefront on Main Street and opening a business or buying a fleet of kayaks to take guests on tours of Maine’s beautiful coast; it really was more of a commitment to the stewardship of a piece of maritime history. I’ve come to feel that I am just one link in the great chain of her life.”

But simply owning the Evans would mean little to Captain Brenda without sharing the experience with her guests. She says, “We specialize in family trips and having the opportunity to see young kids excited about a real experience rather than amusement park rides or video games really makes it all worthwhile to me. There are several museums in the U.S. where kids can walk the decks of historic boats and turn the wheel and pretend to be a sea captain, but on the decks of the Evans those same kids can take the helm and steer us for our next destination. Rather than just reading about how life used to be for sailors they can experience it first hand aboard a working artifact. There’s nothing quite like it when their eyes light up and the huge grin spreads across their face as they realize that they are steering a piece of history.”

Asked how she feels about the schooner’s upcoming anniversary, Captain Brenda says, ”125 years is a big deal . . . especially when you’re talking about a wooden boat with the history that the Evans has. She has survived a few near tragedies and gets to visit small harbors other windjammers can’t. She has gone from carrying oysters to carrying people on vacation. She has gone from pure sail to having an engine to pure sail once again. If she were a human, her memoirs would be a fun read!”

Sailing schedules for the Isaac H. Evans and the rest of the MWA vessels are available online or you can request a packet of brochures from all 13 members.

British Airways unveiled their new First class seat to the Hong Kong market at an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the airline flying London to Hong Kong.

At the same event the company launched a competition for residents offering a grand prize of a First Class holiday to London, during the Royal Wedding Weekend this April.

The lucky winner and their chosen companion will enjoy flights to London and back in First class on British Airways on Wednesday 27 April 2011, just in time to experience all the excitement of the Royal Wedding on Friday 29 April 2011.

“We are delighted to announce this competition to celebrate 75 years of flying between London and Hong Kong. The winner will be lucky enough to experience British Airways’ First class, enjoy springtime in the city staying in one of top hotels in London, and possibly catch a glimpse of the Royal Bride – it will undoubtedly be one of Britain’s most exciting weekends this year,” said Kevin McQuillan, British Airways Regional General Manager, East Asia.

The dream trip includes staying in a Grand Junior Suite for 3 nights in Europe’s first “Grand Hotel”. The Langham, London opened in 1865. Located in the heart of the West End, The Langham has one of London’s most enviable addresses commanding a position at the top of the elegant boulevard of Regent Street. The guests will also be able to enjoy Tea Royale in the Palm Court, a celebratory afternoon tea to commemorate the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton.

After enjoying a long weekend of dining, shopping and culture, taking in the sights of one of the best cities in the world, the winners will enjoy their flights to Hong Kong in First class luxury on Sunday 1 May 2011.

Jamie Cassidy, British Airways Area General Manager, Asia and the Pacific, said: “This milestone anniversary recognises the importance of this route for British Airways. We have worked together with Hong Kong, growing businesses and building relationships since 1936, and we are proud to be connected to such an incredibly energetic city.”

The competition launched on Friday 18 March 2011, and is open for three weeks until Friday 8 April 2011, when it will close at 11:59 p.m.

Jamie Cassidy also unveiled the new First class seat at the event to celebrate the 75th anniversary. He commented: “The new First class cabin will create an exclusive experience based on classic design and understated luxury. It echoes our commitment and confidence in global premium travel.” The airline has just invested GBP100 million in its new First class cabin.

British Airways is pleased to continue the tradition of flying between Hong Kong and London in its 75th anniversary year, and remains committed to providing superior service to leisure, business and luxury customers travelling between Europe and Asia.

Four Fresh, Luxurious Hotels Harmoniously Mix With The French Quarter’s Rich History
K Hotels is excited to announce the expansion of its southern family with the collaboration with New Orleans Hotel Collection – Dauphine Orleans Hotel, The Bourbon Orleans Hotel , Hotel Le Marais, and The St. Louis Hotel. Each conveniently located in the city’s French Quarter, just 25 minutes from the airport, guests can indulge in the area’s old world charm and immerse themselves in the luxuries of these quaint hotels, customizable to any traveling needs. Serving up a platter of culture, history, site-seeing, shopping and local cuisine, visitors are sure to satisfy each and every vacationer craving.

Dauphine Orleans Hotel offers travelers a chance to experience a serene oasis with its 18th century townhouse walls and saltwater pool. Those looking to relax can lounge in the palm-filled courtyard while indulging in the complementary continental breakfast and afternoon tea. Dauphine Orleans Hotels provides the perfect intimate wedding setting and boutique style locations for business-related or social events.

Successfully achieving the dichotomy of business and pleasure, The Bourbon Hotel is the ideal location for weddings, vacations and corporate trips alike, providing event halls with capacities up to 250 people, in addition to its 211 guest rooms, suites and bi-level town houses. Guests will enjoy an escape from modern day, and travel back in time with The Bourbon’s historical architecture, reminiscent of the early 1800′s.

Set amid the historical backdrop, the modern and upscale Hotel Le Marais is a sanctuary of sophistication, providing four star amenities and unprecedented guest features, including a saltwater pool, comfortable waffle cotton bathrobes and a state of the art fitness center. This 100% non-smoking hotel invites vacationers to unwind and immerse themselves in old French culture both within, and outside the hotel.

The St. Louis Hotel, a secluded haven in the heart of the French Quarter, provides a homey setting for those who enjoy both serenity and the hustle and bustle of city life. Located just a half a block from Bourbon and Royal Streets, this elegant and intimate hotel allows guests to enjoy their crepes and eat them too, by providing guests complimentary wireless Internet access and valet parking.

“We are thrilled to expand in the culturally rich city of New Orleans,” said Lara Weiss, Global Director of Sales, K Hotels. “By teaming up with New Orleans Hotel Collection, we will be able to transport every guest to their ideal vacation and present the best accommodations and services available.”

“Teaming up with K Hotels gives our hotels exposure to sales and marketing opportunities available all over the globe,” said Marc Becker, Area Director of Sales & Marketing at New Orleans Hotel Collection. “With New Orleans being such a popular travel destination already, we are confident that our new partnership will introduce the experienced travelers of the K Hotels to the delights of the hotels of the New Orleans Hotel Collection!”

Suitable for business or pleasure, The New Orleans Hotel Collection strives to create an atmosphere of convenience and accessibility, as all hotels offer complimentary high speed wireless Internet. K Hotels’ new properties allow for a unique cultural and historical experience, without sacrificing the comfort of contemporary luxuries. K Hotels continues in its dedication to providing avant-garde hotels and services to each and every guest. For more information on K Hotels, please visit http://www.k-hotels.com

ABOUT K HOTELS
K Hotels represents a worldwide collection of independent hotels. K Hotels approaches each member (and traveler) with an exclusive relationship supported by professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm. K Hotels distinguishes itself from its competitors by applying direct sales strategies, personalized marketing campaigns and customized services. With the mission of growing consumer awareness and strategically defining the independent hotels’ position in each market around the world, K Hotels has succeeded in becoming a leader in its category, and providing unforgettable experiences for its members and travelers alike.

As events in Egypt continue to stabilize, Trafalgar is supporting the welcome resumption of travel and tourism by resuming bookings for their Egypt vacations effective May 1, 2011.

The U.S. State Department has reported its Embassy in Cairo is returning to normal operations and has revised their travel warning for Egypt. As a result, tourism, the country’s major source of revenue, is getting back on track.

Paul Wiseman, President of Trafalgar, stated, “Egypt is a country with a fascinating history and culture. This is a wonderful opportunity for travelers to see history in the making, and we are proud to be supporting the people of Egypt at this time. I hope travelers will take advantage of this special opportunity.”

Wiseman added, “All Trafalgar Egypt vacations feature the services of professional Tour Directors and expert local guides, and Trafalgar’s local ground staff in Egypt is always on hand to ensure our guests’ enjoy the best of their Egypt experience in safety and comfort.”

Trafalgar’s attractively priced guided vacations in Egypt include three itineraries, ranging from 9 to 13 days, that explore Egypt in depth and two additional itineraries that feature visits to Egypt in combination with Greece and Turkey. To add further value and encourage travelers to return to this magical destination, Trafalgar is offering discounts up to $165 per person off their current brochure prices for land-only vacations (discount varies by itinerary).

About Trafalgar Tours

For over 60 years Trafalgar has been using their knowledge and expertise to design unforgettable guided vacations that offer authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences connecting travelers to stunning worldwide destinations. Trafalgar’s vacations include First Class hotel accommodations, luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship, outstanding cuisine, daily included sightseeing and optional excursions, both with expert local guides, and the personal concierge services of Trafalgar’s Tour Directors, who share their insider’s view and reveal hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks.

For more information and reservations, see your Travel Professional or call (866) 544-4434 or visit www.trafalgartours.com . Brochures can be ordered online at www.trafalgartours.com

British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia have announced they will deliver more benefits to customers as schedules are coordinated across the North Atlantic and more destinations are launched in summer 2011.

From March 27, American Airlines and British Airways will effectively create a transatlantic shuttle service between the top US-UK routes by aligning the timing on their schedules.

The biggest change is on the Heathrow – New York route. Previously, five of the 11 daily flights to New York left Heathrow at almost exactly the same time, leaving gaps of up to three hours between services.

Now flights will depart every hour, on the hour between 1pm and 8pm from Heathrow. There will also only be an hour and a half between morning departures at the most.

Chicago flights inbound to London previously had four flights departing the Windy City at similar times around 5pm and 8pm. Now the flights will be evenly spaced, departing at around 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. The 9am and 9.45pm slots will remain as they were.

Two of the three flights to Miami from London clashed around 10am, and these have now been split to leave at 10am and 11am. The 1.30pm has moved to 1.35pm.

The joint business will also now give customers the chance to fly direct between New York (JFK) and Budapest starting from April 5, and between Chicago and Helsinki, both seven times a week on American Airlines from May 1.

British Airways will launch daily flights to San Diego from June 1, marking the airline’s return to the route after eight years. It offers a great variety of hotels in San Diego suitable for all ranges of budgets and tastes. Customers can save by booking a flight and hotel package for their San Diego holidays at the same time on ba.com plus benefit from a 24 hour in-resort support and expertly chosen hotels which adhere to stringent health and safety criteria.

The British carrier will also increase its services from Gatwick to Cancun from two to three a week from March 27 offering even more choice to customers wishing to take their holidays in Cancun.

Iberia is starting the only direct flight between Spain and California; flying between Madrid and Los Angeles three times a week from March 28, with an additional flight between July and September. Iberia will also launch new flights between Barcelona and Miami three times a week from March 29.

About British Airways:
British Airways offers a wide range of holiday experiences around the world to complement its flight network – with city breaks, beach holidays, hotels from value two star hotels through to luxury five star resorts, fly-drive holidays with Avis car hire and as well as a wide range of experiences in-resort from city tours through to transfers. Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages utilising flight+hotel or flight+car (ATOL number is 5985). Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers’ expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

Tours For Foodies, a French company created in December 2010 and providing food tours to foreign travellers in Paris, announced last week the launch of a revolutionary platform of tours and activities booking called ThingsDoParis.

Compared to Viator and Isango, the leading players in this market, the innovation appears to be in the nature of the tours that are distributed on the platform: 90% of these tours are private tours, which means that there are guaranteed departures every day for small groups such as families or couples, whatever the number of people willing to participate to the tours. Also, since the price is around 50% to 70% higher than for a similar group tour, ThingsDoParis offers a real compensation to the clients by using only licensed guides or licensed driver-guides for these tours.

The tours that are listed on the website range from shopping & spa to arts, romance, fun, transfers etc. The simplicity of this platform and the great quality and diversity of services provided on it should lead to a huge success, according to the earlier “Viator phenomenon”. Tours For Foodies heavily targets the US and Canadian travellers for this new offer.

Hollywood Heights Hotel is a convenient spot for locals and out of town guests to meet before heading to a 2011 Hollywood Bowl concert. Featuring on-site restaurant, the Hideout, serving cocktails and featuring live entertainment for select events.

HOLLYWOOD, CA– Hollywood Heights Hotel provides locals and out of town guests with convenient accommodations and a place to dine before 2011 Hollywood Bowl Events. The hotel is conveniently located blocks from the Hollywood Bowl and features on-site swanky lounge, the Hideout.

Perfect for pre-concert dinner and drinks guests can easily walk to see their favorite artists perform. This season features great music from top entertainers including Rod Stewart, Motley Crue, and the annual Playboy Jazz Festival. Upcoming events at Hollywood Bowl include:

• April 16 &17 – Rod Stewart & Stevie Nicks
• May 20 – Kylie Minogue
• June 11 & 12 – 33rd Annual Playboy Jazz Festival
• June 14 – Motley Crue
• June 18 – Mariachi USA Festival
• July 2-4 – Fourth of July Concert Spectacular with Daryl Hall & John Oats

For more information about upcoming events at Hollywood Heights Hotel please visit http://www.hollywoodheightshotel.com/hollywood_bowl/

Hotel Near Hollywood Bowl Offers Dining and Cocktails at the Hideout Lounge

A hip lounge and restaurant, located inside the Hollywood Heights hotel, the Hideout serves traditional comfort foods and signature cocktails. This pre-concert spot features contemporary indoor seating and an outdoor patio perfect for spring or summer nights.

The Hideout will feature live entertainment for select 2011 Hollywood Bowl events. Visit http://www.hollywoodheightshotel.com/hollywood_bowl  for updated concert schedules and events hosted at the Hideout.

A Relaxed, Comfortable Hollywood Hotel. It’s Cool To Be Different.

Discover Your Scene in a boutique-style setting that is relaxed, comfortable, and uniquely personal. Step inside one of our 160 rooms at Hollywood Heights Hotel – a contemporary yet casual Hollywood hotel, where signature touches and an independent spirit cater to individuality. Feel at ease in decidedly uncomplicated Hollywood hotel rooms, fitted with mindful amenities – from FACE cosmetics to flat-panel TVs. Here, you’ll feel completely understood, with an experience that breaks free from the predictability of the typical chain brand.

From Legendary Nightclubs to Sophisticated Lounges,

Acapulco Offers an Array of Nightlife Options

Acapulco, Mexico – Acapulco has a special magic that keeps both visitors and residents alike fascinated by its incredible beauty and charm. As the sun sets over Acapulco Bay and excitement fills the air, the city comes alive at night. With nightclubs set high on the hills offering spectacular city and bay views to posh lounges reminiscent of cosmopolitan cities thousands of miles away, Acapulco’s nightlife is truly legendary.

Evoking the glamour of Acapulco is Fever Acapulco, a nightclub with non-stop energy, where visitors can dance to the best music of the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s. Also stirring up the glittering charm of Old Acapulco is Coco Wash, the new disco at Hotel Boca Chica one of the destination’s newest and acclaimed boutique hotels.

One of the most recent additions to the nightlife scene is Nisha Acapulco located in the renowned Diamante Zone. Nisha Acapulco is a beautiful architectural space, featuring the latesttechnology and equally modern furnishings. Also at Nisha Acapulco, guests can dine at the restaurant El Japonés, which serves sublime sushi dishes. For the younger crowd, GuGu nightclub features an open-air atmosphere, which frequently hosts Sunset Parties and is rumored to play the best music in town.

Acapulco’s nightlife continues to draw travelers of all ages to the destination, and the array of unique nightclubs provides safe, fun entertainment to all. Visitors can unwind in their environment of choice; an energetic nightclub or a quiet lounge for a cocktail.

A magical combination of incredible beauty and hypnotic charm, Acapulco is Mexico’s largest and most dazzling seaside resort attracting over nine million visitors annually. Acapulco is exotic yet easily accessible via direct or convenient connections via all major airline carriers from gateway cities across the U.S. For more information about Acapulco, visit www.visiteacapulco.com

BRANSON, Mo. — Club enhancements, golf course awards and a new PGA Head Golf Professional are among the new additions unveiled this spring in the Ozark Mountain golf destination oasis that is Branson.
John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club has a completely renovated dining room, ladies’ locker room and fitness center. It will also welcome a new golf cart fleet April 11.
Murder Rock’s good news didn’t end with its clubhouse enhancements, the golf course was one of three Branson courses singled out for distinction in Golfweek magazine’s “Best Courses You Can Play” by state list, which was announced in mid-March.
Golfweek raters voted Branson Creek the No. 1 golf course in Missouri, with Branson courses Payne Stewart (No. 3) and Murder Rock (No. 4) combining to highlight the exceptional golf quality found in the destination.
Branson Creek was also named to Golf Digest magazine’s “America’s Greatest Courses / Best in State” list, a biennial ranking which appears in the May 2011 edition of the magazine, which is currently on newsstands.
“These ‘best-of’ honors underscore the options and values available in Branson, some of the many very fine courses available to visitors,” says Ross Summers, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB.
To view Golfweek’s 2011 award-winners, visit:

http://www.golfweek.com/news/2011/mar/10/golfweeks-best-courses-you-can-play/

Branson Embraces Junior Golfers, Offers Free Golf
In April 2011, kids 15 years of age and under can play free golf at many Branson golf courses. Each child playing must be accompanied by a paying adult (age 16 years old & older). Participating courses include Branson Creek Golf Club, LedgeStone Golf Club, Murder Rock Golf & Country Club, Payne Stewart Golf Club and Thousand Hills Golf Resort. Limit one child per adult, good for both 9- and 18-hole play. There is no limit to number of times a child may play each course.
Thousand Hills Appoints New Head Golf Professional; Unveils Enhancements
Thousand Hills Golf Resort has named Matthew Dillman, PGA, as its new Head Golf Professional. Dillman comes from Sullivan Country Club in Sullivan, Mo., where he held the same post.
A 2001 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a degree in System Science Turf Management, Dillman worked as a Golf Course Superintendent for two years before becoming an Assistant Golf Professional in 2004. He is a PGA of America Class A member.
Dillman assumes leadership of Thousand Hills just after it has completed another cart path renovation phase and a reworking of creek features on holes 3 – 6, which gives the course a facelift and golfers a different playing perspective.
New carpet and displays have recently been installed at the Thousand Hills pro shop.
For more information about all the great golf-and-resort lifestyle choices Branson offers, visit www.GolfBranson.com.
About Golf Branson
The award-winning courses comprising the golf destination – known collectively under the brand promise “Branson: Discover Golf’s Ozark Mountain Oasis” – are:
• Pointe Royale Resort & Golf Course, www.pointeroyale.com, 417.334.4477
• Thousand Hills Golf Resort, www.thousandhillsgolf.com, 800-487.0769, 417.334.4553
• John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, www.murderrock.com, 417.332.DALY (3259)
• Payne Stewart Golf Club, www.paynestewartgolfclub.com, 417.337.2963
• LedgeStone Golf Course, www.ledgestonegolf.com, 417.335.8187
• Branson Creek Golf Club, www.bransoncreekgolf.com, 417.339.GOLF (4653)
• Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, www.holidayhills.com, 417-334-4838
• Top of the Rock Golf Course, www.bigcedar.com, 417-339-5085
With more than 22,000 lodging and hotel rooms, Branson matches every style and budget, and there are many golf stay-and-play packages available.
Known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” Branson, MO is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination — and incredible value — with 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, an historic downtown district, shopping galore, and full range of dining options, hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and meeting-and-conference facilities.
The Lodging page at www.explorebranson.com  includes a directory of accommodations, resorts and spas. For assistance planning a golf vacation to Branson: 800.296.0463
Branson is less than a day’s drive for one-third of Americans, and with low-cost flights to the new Branson Airport (served by AirTran and Frontier airlines) and Springfield-Branson National Airport, it has never been easier for families and groups to get to Branson.

Israel’s 300 days of sunshine per year, diverse terrain and state-of-the-art facilities make it a world-class sporting destination unlike any other. This year and through 2012, Israel will host a wide-range of sport marathons and fitness competitions, including:

TLV RUN TLV (April 8): Tel Aviv’s annual marathon will feature a full, half, 6.2-mile and 2.5-mile courses through the beaches, boulevards, parks and Bauhaus architecture of the White City. http://www.tlvmarathon.co.il
Herzliya Women’s Triathlon (May 18): The 18th Women’s Triathlon is the largest sporting event for women in Israel, attracting thousands of participants from around the world to compete along the Mediterranean beaches just ten minutes north of Tel Aviv. www.women-tri.com
CEV U20 European Beach Volleyball Championships (July 27 – August 8): The world’s top volleyball players will converge on Tel Aviv’s Gordon Beach for a two-week tournament this summer. www.cev.lu/mmp/online

The 19th Maccabiah Games (July 16-30): A quadrennial competition ranked among the world’s top sporting events, the Maccabiah Games will showcase the world’s top athletes competing in track and field, tennis and fencing competitions, among others, at various sport stadiums and venues around Israel. www.maccabiah.com
Tour de Dead Sea (December 2011): An annual cycle race along the contours of the Dead Sea, the Tour de Dead Sea will attract more than one thousand cyclists from around the world and feature four different routes along the sea each with a varying level of difficulty.
Youth Sailing World Championship 2011 (December 27): For the first time ever, Eilat will host this prestigious sailing competition which is expected to attract more than 2,000 sailors from Israel and around the world. www.sailing.org

Israman Competition (January 20-21, 2012): Ranked by USA Triathlete Magazine as one of the world’s top triathlons, the Israman competition will challenge athletes with a 2.5-mile swim, 111-mile cycle route and a full 26-mile marathon. www.israman.co.il
2nd Jerusalem International Marathon (March 16, 2012): The critically applauded Jerusalem Marathon will bring runners through a landscape rich in history around the Old City holy sites, as well as Mount Scopus and the Knesset and finishing at Sacher Park. www.jerusalem-marathon.com
For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com