GOODSPEED The Tradewind Magazine | Issue 15 | November 2022

We’re thrilled you’re joining us today and hope you have a pleasant flight. We've included some helpful information below. Should you have any questions or concerns, please ask your pilots and they will be happy to assist.

SAFETY

The safety of our guests and team members is our number one priority and will never be compromised. Tradewind is a U.S. certificated air carrier operating under Part 135 of FAA regulations. Operating continuously without incident since 2001, Tradewind exceeds the FAA, ICAO and industry standards for aircraft equipment, pilot training and maintenance.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the safety briefing card, located in the seatback pocket.

AIRCRAFT

The Pilatus PC-12 is a modern, turbine-powered aircraft with a pressurized cabin. Built in Switzerland, the PC-12 is fully capable of flying in the same weather conditions and turbulence as larger airliners.

The Citation CJ3 is a light jet with the latest technology, avionics and engines, climbing to 45,000 feet easily and cruising long distances efficiently. It also has a pressurized cabin. Enjoy complimentary WiFi on domestic flights in our Citation CJ3s.

REFRESHMENTS

Complimentary refreshments, snacks, wine and beer are located in the cooler and snack basket in the rear of the aircraft. Please help yourself or ask the person seated closer to pass something forward for you.

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Tag your photos with #flytradewind or @flytradewind.

Photo at right by Holly Rae Estrow Photography

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

tHe QUIEt sEAsOn nO MORe

HISTORICALLY A TIME of rest and reflection, the winter season was once known as the quiet season, offering itself as a stark contrast to the bustle of the summer months for those in the Northeast. However, with travel consistently rising and snowbirds trading in their shovels for sandals at record numbers and lower ages, there’s now just as much action in January and February as there is in June and July. Of course the islands are always hopping during the winter, since that is their typical high season, but that concept, too, has shifted, with the islands staying full of eager visitors right on through the summer months. While there are many things to lament postpandemic, the melding of seasons and travel patterns isn’t one of them. Now, more than ever, thanks to remote work and a heavy sentiment of YOLO (You Only Live Once) pervading humanity, people are moving and shaking all year long, and destinations are no longer strictly seasonal.

Here at Tradewind, we gladly welcome the shifting travel patterns and enjoy the opportunity to entertain, inform and, of course, deliver you safely wherever you want to go, whenever you want to go there. In this issue we bring you content from our core destinations of Anguilla, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Stowe, Newport and St. Barths, while also adding Virgin Gorda, a new charter route for Tradewind, reminding our passengers that charters go beyond our scheduled routes and we are constantly expanding. And as our routes expand, the stories we cover widen as well, and we are able to offer more in-depth looks at the movers and shakers, the new happenings and the consistent aim to entertain and inform within these destinations.

As ever, MEG NOLAN | mnolan@flytradewind.com

THE ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPE

Welcome to the world of Cap Juluca, a place where time is suspended and only moments matter, a place where luxury and authenticity intertwine, complementing each other in every detail of your stay.

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, in Anguilla, is a dream-like escape, spread across the Caribbean’s most beautiful beach, Maundays Bay. Its impressive architecture features an understated white-washed simplicity, with Greco-Moorish style. Each one of the stylish 108 rooms, suites and pool villas, is an enticing beachfront haven to unwind in, boasting direct beach access and tantalizing ocean views.

The island is a bedrock for captivating travel tales, from snorkeling escapes and sunset cruises to luxury treatments inspired by Arawak Rituals. Set in an unparalleled landscape, a diverse gastronomical scene awaits, from Classic Italian to tantalizing Peruvian flavours.

Dive into a new season of extraordinary experiences like its Culinary Shores with Michelin-starred Chefs and Art Exhibitions, along the pristine shores of the lost gem of the Caribbean.

cap juluca, maundays bay, al — 2640, anguilla tel +1 264 497 6666 cap.capjuluca@belmond.com

CHARTER a COURSE

The

Palm Beach, Florida

RECENT YEARS HAVE SEEN RESTAURANTS , hotels and art galleries from both New York City and Nantucket open outposts on the historic isle of palm trees and Lilly Pulitzer. As a result, the island is as bustling as ever and filled with worthy spots to hit, both new and old.

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re a fan of White Elephant in Nantucket, why not check out its sister property, whose chic, contemporary stylings and buzzy restaurant and bar scene—thanks to another Nantucket outpost, Lola Restaurant—are befitting of its in-town location. The Colony Hotel has seen a recent revamping from notable interior designer Celerie Kemble, restoring it to its rightful position as an elegant palace of pink and green. Of course, one is hard pressed not

to consider The Breakers, Palm Beach’s most iconic resort, as their residence of choice while visiting the island; the property boasts multiple pools, restaurants, a kids’ club that your children will beg for, a massive gym and spa area, plus tennis courts and a full 18-hole golf course. And if being downtown is not essential to your needs, the Four Seasons Palm Beach has one of the best beach locations on the island, as well as a notable in-house restaurant and generously proportioned, mid-century-styled guestrooms.

WHERE TO DINE

With so many options and so many diners, finding the right spot for dinner can be a challenge on Palm Beach. If you plan ahead, perennial favorites such as Buccan, Bice, La Sirena in West Palm and the recently opened

Le Bilboquet are well worth the fuss, while stalwart classics like Pizza al Fresco, PB Catch and Table 26 serve guaranteed fresh, lively meals with a fun scene to boot. One of the best parts of Palm Beach is the dining scene, with long lunches and early dinners that make for great people watching. And don’t forget brunch at Swifty’s, another NYC-gone-south hotspot— and yet another smashing success.

WHAT TO DO

Shopping in Palm Beach is a must-do, from the luxury brands on Worth Avenue, to the bolt holes tucked in the bougainvillea-laden gallerias just off Worth, to the recently revamped Royal Poinciana Plaza and the home

stores and surf shops that reside on South County. Some of our must-hits include Well Made Home on South County for design inspiration and accessories, Peter Millar on Worth Avenue for the most discerning selection of their line and Celis Produce in the Royal Poinciana Plaza for top-notch smoothies like the tropical-flavored Blue Majik. Once you’ve exhausted yourself shopping, the beach, with its white sand and aquamarine waters, offers the perfect respite for your weary toes. If a more ambitious beach visit is of interest, check out P.B. Boys Club for some watersports gear and surf and skim board lessons. Families will appreciate the nearby zoo and waterpark, while antique hunters will be hard pressed to think of another place with so many galleries confined to one area than Antique Row, over in West Palm.

HOW TO GET THERE

Though commercial flights fly into PBI, it is one of Tradewind’s most popular charter routes, often with empty leg flights either to or from.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit www.flytradewind.com

ARtI stIC FLAIR At t H e n EW se LLA

After the closure of a St. Barths institution, Maya’s Restaurant, there were concerns as to what could possibly follow such a revered and beloved spot, but after just one visit to Sella, any lingering doubt is squashed.

HAILING FROM JERUSALEM and featuring delicious Israeli fare, creatively presented via shared plates of eggplant, lahmacun and polenta, and main dishes like Kisonai Basar with Wagyu and octopus, plus cocktails served in charming metallic vessels such as bronze sauce pots, Sella’s ambiance can only be described as lively, inventive and entertaining.

Overlooking the port, Sella sets the mood with live DJs spinning soft electronica music that quickly speeds up tempo once the dinner has been cleared and the restaurant’s signature dish is presented. Described by recent visitor and luxury travel advisor Emily Parriseau as a “deconstructed dessert,” first the DJ plays a chaotic dance song and roughly 10 members of the kitchen staff spill out from the back, each with a dessert item. “Then, in a coordinated dance, they splatter the entire table with creams, custards, cakes, fruits and sauces like a live art installation; a Jackson Pollock dessert, if you will.” With such fanfare and revelry, Sella makes for the ideal place to celebrate something special as the night builds even further after dessert with staff dancing on tables, sparklers aplenty and DJ beats to boogie the night away. It’s evident that Sella has firmly cemented itself, just as its predecessor did, as a must-hit restaurant when visiting St. Barths.

LEARN MORE sellasaintbarth.com

GOOD t HI n G s COM e I n s MALL PACKAG es

The recent revamping of downtown Newport’s Chart House Inn this past August, with the successful Stoneacre Hospitality team now at the helm, has visitors reconsidering where to stay.

For existing fans of Stoneacre’s trio of hospitality offerings in Newport— Stoneacre Brasserie, Stoneacre Garden and Stoneacre Picnics—it’s no surprise that those in the know are eager to see how the creative, doublecouple, food-forward team has reimagined the cozy, seven-guestroom historic property. Drawing inspiration from the grounds of Newport’s Stoneacre Estate, not unlike their other outlets, the Inn showcases the very essence of historic Newport with its classic 19th-century architecture (it was originally built in 1880), its elegant antique furnishings, formal dining room and salon, which is set up daily for afternoon tea. The guestrooms vary in size, while the third floor allows for a full floor buyout, combining four rooms to make it an ideal communal space for a family or small group gathering up to 12 guests. The Inn’s residential location, just a stone’s throw from downtown and surrounded by museums and other historic homes, makes it easy to come without a car and feel fully immersed in the downtown life of the City by the Sea. This fall, the Stoneacre team will be offering live music on Thursday and Friday nights at Stoneacre Garden, the weekly farmers market will return in late November and run through late April, and the Brasserie offers half-priced wine bottles on Mondays all winter long.

Fireside Reads

Cozy up this winter, whether by the fire indoors or outdoors, and enjoy these bound-to-please titles, a mixture of guilty pleasures and some more thought-provoking reads, all equally bound to keep you glued right down to the last ember.

Cult Classic BY SLOANE CROSLEY | Tracy Flick Can’t Win BY TOM PERROTTA | Growing Up Getty: The Story of America’s Most Unconventional Dynasty BY JAMES REGINATO | Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch BY SALLY BEDELL SMITH | The Last Resort: A Chronicle of Paradise, Profit, and Peril at the Beach BY SARAH STODOLA | Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World BY TRACY KIDDER

Migrations

BY CHARLOTTE M The Business of Blood

What to Pack for the Holidays

Doug Good Feather Legend™ Sweater Shirt

ACK — Even though it’s cold outside, you can’t miss visiting the beach while on Nantucket no matter the season, and maybe you’ll even spot the infamous slurpee waves. Either way, the best way to keep warm and look good is in this incredibly cozy flannel shirt, the Doug Good Feather Shirt, a perennial favorite from Faherty. $119 | FAHERTYBRAND.COM

Edgartown during the holidays is one of the more charming and classic New England activities one can enjoy, so we suggest you pack accordingly to see and be seen while also keeping those ears nice and toasty with this chic but understated shearling Bucket Hat from Surell Accessories.

$158 | BERGDORFGOODMAN.COM

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, particularly if it means hopping on a Tradewind flight to one of our beloved destinations to ring in the festive season and the New Year. We’ve selected some must-pack items for each destination, which may also be the perfect gift for that one person on your list who you just can’t seem to please.

Leki Makalu FX Carbon Trekking Poles

MVL — With miles and miles of walking and hiking trails, Stowe is a veritable hikers’ and walkers’ paradise, particularly the 11-mile Stowe Recreation Loop. And now, with Nordic Walking catching on as a far more efficient exercise than simply walking, it’s time to invest in some quality poles, especially as the ground becomes tougher to navigate. These poles from Leki are lightweight yet sturdy in all sorts of terrain, and better yet, they fold up to easily fit into a backpack when not in use.

$220 | REI.COM

Yeti Rambler® 26 oz. Stackable Cup

AXA — With so many fun beach bars and spots to see how the white sand meets turquoise waters in Anguilla, not to mention boat rides to explore the cays, it’s super helpful to bring your own tumbler, guaranteed to keep your beverage cold or simply keep you hydrated. Make it extra special and customize a Yeti Tumbler, now complete with a straw option.

$45 | YETI.COM/DRINKWARE

Prada Small Raffia Tote

SBH — As those who have visited before are all too aware, St. Barths is no place to slouch on your fashion choices, so why not pack prepared with this perfectly adaptable, day-to-evening raffia tote bag from Prada with a seaside styling color scheme of tan and blue.

$1,550 | PRADA.COM/US

ARt BEt W een t H e PEAKs

SHOWCASING STOWE’S SPRUCE PEAK ARTS’ COMMUNITY MISSION

Spruce Peak Arts is dedicated to uncovering the profound in each performance it brings to the stage, along with entertaining and informing their audience. Recognizing that they’re located in a rarefied setting, surrounded by nature, the Spruce Peak Arts team, helmed by Executive Director Hope Sullivan and governed by a 13-member board, looks to broaden the horizons for spectators of the arts.

WITH THE IMPRESSIVE TIMBER-LINED Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center as its home base, offering a 420-seat multi-use performance center with the most updated technology, Spruce Peak Arts features year-round programming including educational and family programs in addition to performing arts. Modern technology also allows livestreaming, ensuring no weather delays force out-of-town members to miss an event.

From artists like Natalie Merchant to the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Freedom House to Arlo Guthrie, Warren Miller to Orebolo, Spruce Peak Arts commands a wide variety of acts on their schedule. The Spruce Peak Arts Community & Education Fund provides access to students via discounted tickets for central and northern Vermont students, families and community organizations, and during non-performance days, the Spruce Peak Arts front of house features a mixed-use lobby-gallery and exhibition space that houses exhibitions such as Exploring Earth, the third in an environmental art series that began with Exploring Air in 2018 and Exploring Water in 2019, as well as small private events.

Spruce Peak Arts has also hosted two Ice Dance International Residencies featuring workshops, school tours and performances, while during COVID, they brought music to the surrounding communities by driving bands on a flatbed truck through the streets. According to Sullivan, “These experiences

bring what we do directly to our audiences—we don’t have to wait for them to find or travel to us. This is a new form of access and has inspired our organization to think more creatively about how to deliver our mission and passion.” This season the calendar includes performances from magician Jason Bishop, the SUNY Plattsburg State Gospel Choir and the first-ever stand-up comedy acts (PG-13!) featuring Tony Deyo, Kerri Louise and MC Shaun Eli. According to Sullivan, the season is all about bringing joy and creativity to the community.

Perhaps the most intriguing development is the new community and education programs debuting this fall called The Curious Place. Launching in collaboration with area public schools, the Vermont state college system and nonprofits from a wide range of sectors in Lamoille County, The Curious Place is comprised of camps, workshops, workforce development and an in-school therapeutic theater program. When asked the story behind the name, Sullivan explains, “It’s a title that recognizes where we’re coming from and who we’re inspiring. Spruce Peak Arts programs lead with curiosity—creating opportunities for learners of all ages to explore what inspires them.” After all, isn’t inspiration the ultimate reward for curiosity?

LEARN MORE sprucepeakarts.org

DECEMBER

ACK

MVY

FEBRUARY

ANU

AT LEFT

Bachlakov/Shutterstock

CELEBRATE L’ART DE VIVRE

Perched above Baie Longue, St Martin’s most spectacular beach, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, is a place where elegance and tranquility mingle in perfect harmony. Nurtured in the french joie de vivre and heritage, a getaway to La Samanna becomes a treasured memory. Diving into this season, La Samanna celebrates its 50 years as the sparkling gem of Saint Martin, with curated experiences from epicurean encounters to an exclusive Artists in Residence Series.

Gather for a relaxing Caribbean vacation in total seclusion in some of the finest accommodation in St Martin, each of the Three- and Four-Bedroom Private Pool Villas at La Samanna has their own distinct style and personality, brimming with character. Displaying the works of French and St Martinois artists, the villas feature teak and marble accents and Caribbean sculptures adding to the ambience.

la samanna, 97064 st martin, french west indies tel +1 800 957 6128 reservations.las@belmond.com

The Sun Is Shining and the Weather Is Sweet

THE CHEERFUL MOTTO OF ANGUILLA’S SUNSHINE SHACK—EVERY HOUR IS HAPPY HOUR—IS ONE THAT NOT ONLY MAKES YOU SMILE, BUT COMPELS YOU TO MAKE IT AN ESSENTIAL, IF NOT THE FIRST, STOP WHEN YOU’RE IN ANGUILLA.

Sitting proud and cutting a colorful swath against the white sand beaches of Rendezvous Bay, the Sunshine Shack is open every day except Tuesday and, as owner Garvey Lake explains, “It’s a place to spend the whole day, from 10 am to 4 pm, with beach chairs, good food, good drinks and, most of all, good vibes.” We caught up with Garvey as he prepares for yet another busy season, assuring us he’s got the blender, the snapper and the reggae ready for our next visit.

After the devastating hurricane of 2019, how is the mood at the Sunshine Shack?

Well, you know, it’s always good vibes at the Sunshine Shack. Yes, we did suffer severe damage during the hurricane, losing the whole shack to the ocean and the winds, but we built it back. It took us four to five months to rebuild, working every day from 6 am to 9 pm, but people came out and helped. They came every day, and that’s what kept me going. The vibes are always good at the Sunshine Shack as we offer genuine local food and we’re a family place. You can spend the whole day with us listening to reggae music and hanging out.

The Sunshine Shack is well known as one of the friendliest spots on the island, so much so that guests want to leave their mark and they do so with sharpies, handprints and even donated license plates from their home states. When and how did that all begin?

It started around year 2000, during the first two or three years we were open. People came and wrote their names on the shack, and then one person brought me a license plate, followed by another person, and then the rest is history. The handprints, though, may have actually been the first thing, and I started those . . . so it may have all started with me!

You guys have quite a merchandise collection. When did that begin?

We had T-shirts since the very beginning that were locally made. Then about four years ago we brought on Jeanene Wilson, and she brought us to a bit more of a professional level with social media and a website, and we started making more T-shirts, hats and tank tops. We’re going to bring the hats back this season.

What’s on tap for this year?

We’re going to introduce burgers to the menu, which currently includes lobster, crayfish, chicken and snapper lunches. Of course we’ll still have our signature drinks: the BBC (Bailey’s Banana Colada) and the FSS Passion, a passionfruit-based drink with rum.

How do you get your supplies?

Luckily, we live on an island surrounded by water filled with delicious snapper and lobster. I work with a local fisherman, Eric, who keeps a stash for me every day, but we are truly blessed.

What do you want to say to newcomers to the island?

First, “Welcome to paradise!” Next, come over and get some good food, enjoy the good vibes and great reggae. We have Omari Banks playing live every Sunday, and it’s the perfect place to let your hair down and spend the day, so come join us.

What’s the secret to your longevity and success?

The staff and I remind ourselves every day that people coming is a gift. We just maintain what we are doing at the Shack and we work hard and do it to the best of our abilities. I guess people like it. The secret to our success would be hard work, dedication, persistence and Miss Jeanene Wilson, who helped us take off. Ultimately, it’s the great attitude, great staff, teamwork and consistency.

LEARN MORE AT sunshineshack.net

Life KITETASTIC

JON BEERY OF NEXT LEVEL WATERSPORTS

Next Level Watersports is not new to us here at Goodspeed, nor to many of our readers. However, we can’t deny our love for kitesurfing and now foiling (it’s an air thing; just ask our co-founder David Zipkin), plus co-founder Jon Beery is ever evolving his sixyear-old business with multiple base locations such as Nantucket and Stuart, Florida, as well as a robust private guiding operation that has brought him and his instructors all over the world. He is also looking to expand further in South Florida and the Palm Beach area. We caught up with him between windy days, eager to find out what’s next.

When you began Next Level, what was its core differentiation?

We started NLW back in 2016 with the goal of providing bestin-business service to a premium market in a world-class riding location with limited access to kiteboarding and watersports instruction. We wanted to provide next-level service, and we found Nantucket to be the perfect location. Since then we have taught thousands of people how to practice the sport of kiteboarding safely for the long term.

What about your operations in Florida?

We opened operations in Stuart in 2017 after scouring the Caribbean and South Florida for a potential operating location. We picked Stuart as it is the only place to learn in controlled flat waters from Key West to Cocoa Beach. It is a dream spot to teach. We are there from December 15 through April 15, and then back in Nantucket from June 15 through September 30.

What is it about kiting/foiling that has you hooked?

No pun intended! The first time I ever saw kiting I was sailing with my family in Connecticut and watched a guy jump higher than the rig on our 33-foot sailboat. From there I knew it was a sport I wanted to try. When I felt the power of the kite and realized how intuitive and controllable it was, I knew it was the sport for me. From there we progressed into foiling, and the feeling of flight is . . . well . . . amazing. It feels like you are riding an endless field of powder, floating along silently. Both kiting and foiling are magical feelings.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part of my job is that I view it as sharing a gift. Whether grooming new staff to become incredible coaches and better kiters themselves or starting a new kiter from scratch, the magical feeling for me is watching their progression and the pure, unadulterated, genuine smile that occurs when they come off the water.

What’s up next for Next Level?

We want to keep scaling! We are seeking new operating partners who need professional coaches onsite, new locations to take clients on missions, and new coaches who want to share the gift of the sports we love with others. We’ve expanded our Florida program significantly and are now offering services in Palm Beach

as well as Stuart with three full-time coaches plus my business partner, Jake. We’re also the only outfit in the US that teaches Adaptive Kiting, where if you’ve had a spinal injury, we can still get you out kiting on the water for an incredible experience.

What advice do you give brand-new kiters? And what advice do you give seasoned kiters?

For brand-new kiters, respect the sport. Learn it meticulously and take pride in being the safest, most thorough person on the water. For seasoned kiters, keep pushing yourself on new skillsets, take yourself to the next level, but never become complacent as you do. Always respect safety as number one.

Where’s the most exotic spot you’ve kited?

The craziest spot I’ve kited was in the British Virgin Islands. We were leading a crew on a catamaran trip and we did a crossing from Virgin Gorda to Anegada on hydrofoils, after which we did a downwinder using a helicopter to haul us to the easternmost end of Anegada and ride the entire windward edge of the island, dodging coral heads and playing in the waves. It is a day of kiting that has lasted with me for years.

Where do you recommend a group of kiters go on their first kiting jaunt?

A great spot for beginners is Turks and Caicos in Long Bay, whose massive bay is ideal for learning, plus they have extremely consistent wind. It’s also good for people right on the edge as it’s all flat-water riding. We have taken groups there a few times.

FOR MORE INFO, email them at desk@nlwatersports.com

BEST IN CLASS

ST. BARTHS’ ANNUAL CARIBBEAN RUM AWARDS, NOW IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, SAW RECORD ATTENDANCE WITH ITS BIGGEST AND BEST EVENT TO DATE. GOODSPEED WAS ON HAND, SIPPING, SAVORING AND MARVELING AT THE LINEUP AND DIVERSITY AS WELL AS THE PASSION FOR THIS DISTINCTLY CARIBBEAN SPIRIT.

“JAMES BEARD USED TO SAY it’s the most romantic spirit. Once you figure out the diversity of rums in the Caribbean, it’s a pretty exciting rabbit hole to go down.” Featuring roughly 100 different rums, pitting the best against the best, all in the rarefied setting of St. Barths, the annual awards show is now an official event on the St. Barths calendar—not an easy feat, according to Britell, who remarks that they even ran the event in 2020 to ensure continuity.

Spanning five days, Tuesday through Saturday, and occurring just before the annual Gourmet Festival in early November, the Caribbean Rum Awards is intent on demonstrating its desire to be an island-wide affair. With events taking place in a multitude of destinations, including a new-this-year pop-up expo tent on the quai in Gustavia, Le Barthélemy Hotel and the illustrious Rhum Room at Quarter Bar, owned by co-founder of the Rum Awards Christopher Davis, the idea is to encourage as many as desire to get involved. Foodies will enjoy the rum pairing dinners while connoisseurs will appreciate the cigar-and-rum evenings. The expo tent, sponsored by Tradewind Aviation, showcases 12 different distillers, allowing the public to sample some of their best rums, while the evening party with local rum makers and the cocktail competition featuring some of the island’s best bartenders are the highlights. This year the cocktail spirit highlighted was a special Jamaican Rumfire. It did not disappoint.

In addition to Ti’ Punch parties, there is serious learning to be had. There are three days of master classes, where top distillers come to showcase their product and explain their signature process to ticket holders who RSVP in advance. These classes present an intimate opportunity for tasters to learn the intricacies of rum and particularly Rhum Agricole, a favorite of co-founders Britell and Davis. Rhum Agricole is distilled directly from press sugar cane juice and makes up just 2% of the world’s rum, with the majority distilled from molasses. Rhum Agricole is mainly made in the Caribbean and is especially appealing to Britell because the sugar cane juice can give distinct terroir notes, allowing for notable differences between, say, Rhum Agricole from the northern end of the island of Martinique versus the southern. As a result, he finds it more pure and ultimately more interesting.

“To me, rum is the most interesting spirit in the world,” says Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal and co-founder of the Caribbean Rum Awards St. Barth.

“Once you figure out the diversity of rums in the Caribbean, it’s a pretty exciting rabbit hole to go down.”

“When we taste the white rums from Martinique, it’s remarkable to compare them side by side as they are all so different, yet made on the same small Caribbean island,” says Britell.

Of course, the competition itself is the core event of the awards show. Ten judges from the Caribbean and the US come together to blind taste eight categories of rum. Given the variance in rules with rum production—there is no set standard with molasses-based rum— the better way to compare and judge the rums against one another, according to Britell, is to use price as the setting. “We have both a Premium and Uber Premium category, and our competition is one of the few in the world, if not the only, that features Uber Premium rum due to cost. So at our event we actually taste all the top-tier rums and set out to define what is the best rum and why.” The event features such notable rums as Rum Maison, which goes for $3,000 to $4,000 a bottle, and reputed house Flor de Caña presenting their top rum. Last year the awards show pitted the Uber Premium molasses rum against the Uber Premium Rhum Agricole, and the Rhum Agricole won.

With each year the event has grown and matured until it has become an established brand with a digital medal system for the winners. The goal, as Britell explains it, is to be what “San Francisco is to wine with the International Wine Competition, but in the Caribbean— the destination to taste and learn about rum.” With St. Barths as their host setting, Britell is confident of reaching this goal, as he sees the island as already drawing people who appreciate luxury artisanal products. “So why not encourage them to discover one of the finest exports of the Caribbean?”

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.caribbeanrumawards.com

“. . .

our competition is one of the few in the world, if not the only, that features Uber Premium rum due to cost.”

Q&A

How is this year’s awards show different than previous years?

This year the Collective is allowing us to use the public space at the Capitainerie for both the Friday night Rum Exposition and Saturday’s Rum Cocktail Competition. It is going to be amazing to be there with all the town around us and perhaps some yachts as well. Additionally, we have a VIP tasting of rum from the 19th century that I am not sure has been done previously.

What’s your favorite thing about the awards show?

Each year the Rum/Rhum/Ron category is getting better and thus more competitive of a field. I love the Uber Premium rum category to see all the best expressions from the Caribbean distilleries up against each other in a blind format. Even if they do not want to compete, we put them in anyway. It’s quite an investment for us, but how else are you going to really see how these rums stack up?

What’s the rum that made you the passionate connoisseur that you are today?

Oh, that is a great question, and the best way to show the evolution of my palate is by answering. I started with Angostura 1919 many

years ago, and now my favorites are Agricole Vieux from Marie Galante (Distillerie Bielle) and Martinique (Neisson).

What’s a good starter rum for a beginner?

There are many ways to answer this as it all depends on the starting point. For example, bourbon has been so popular of late, so finding something that has some familiar notes is advantageous. The vast majority of rum has been aged in former bourbon casks, which makes this a good way to go, so I would recommend starting with something a little higher than the industry standard 40% (or 80 proof). Alternatively, start with something smooth and appealing to sip that is both not too expensive and available in the US such as the molasses based Flor de Caña 18. At the other end of the spectrum would be something more like a cognac, with some dryness and complexity, like an XO Agricole (a blended rum with a minimum age of six years) from Martinique, whichever one you can find in the US, like Neisson or Rhum JM.

LEARN MORE rhumroom.com

INTERVIEW WITH CHRIS DAVIS OF RHUM ROOM ST. BARTH AND QUARTER BAR, CO-FOUNDER OF CARIBBEAN RUM AWARDS ST. BARTH

Message IN A BOTTLE

INTRODUCING POCOMO WINE CO., A NEW WINE CONSULTATION/PRIVATE EVENT BUSINESS WITH OPERATIONS IN NANTUCKET AND MONTANA.

Photo by Holly Rae Estrow Photography

Having fostered careers in the wine and hospitality industries via restaurants such as Cru on Nantucket and Ming Tsai at the Yellowstone Club in Montana, the two ambitious and gregarious women are eager to take their restaurant floor knowledge and bring it into the homes of their clients through both in-house cellar consultations and private bespoke wine events. By moving off the floor and into a more personalized setting, the female sommeliers have forged a more intimate connection with their wine knowledge and the people they share it with.

WITH A MYRIAD OF OFFERINGS , from pop-up wine and chef-led dinners to wine-education events and fullcellar consultations, it can be a bit of a challenge to ensure people understand exactly what they do, explains Schadt. However, given that both women have high-level degrees from the Court of Sommeliers and the Wine Spirits Education Trust, which is no easy feat, not to mention that Dusseau grew up on her family’s winery helping to manage the tasting room, their level of knowledge and experience lends itself to their diversity of offerings. Ultimately, if it has to do with wine in a personal setting, these gals can help.

Engaging and disciplined, not to mention quite savvy with their social media and marketing campaigns, Pocomo Wine Co. founders Emily Dusseau and Gracie Schadt are ready to share their wine knowledge and skills with the world.

Ever the creative entrepreneurs, Schadt and Dusseau launched their first-ever series of six pop-up dinners with local Nantucket chef Dan Shaw this past summer. The six-course meal was paired with seven wines (including a glass of bubbles upon arrival) and held at the ultra-intimate sunken space Afterhouse on Broad Street. An impressive feat given the kitchen is more of a prep space than a full working kitchen, the menu was remarkable with fine ingredients such as scallops, lobster, Hamachi and Japanese Wagyu beef. The wines were equally impressive and robust, including an Anjou from the Loire Valley, two Premier Cru Burgundies and a Sagrantino di Montefalco from Umbria. The whole evening was an incredible demonstration of the level of private wine event these two women, alongside a talented chef, can orchestrate and deliver professionally. As they explained, “Learning about wine can be daunting,” so they are eager to share their knowledge in a more casual setting, “where the education feels less intense and less pretentious.”

Dusseau and Schadt have arranged everything from girls’ getaways with a private wine tasting to private cellar consultations where clients have requested such specific aid as how to add more champagne and whites to their collection since they drink those even more often than their flagship collection of Cabernet Sauvignons. “Our goal is to make the cellar more dynamic. We hope to make it more enticing with more wine that you can drink now, making it easier to entertain and more engaging,” says Dusseau. After all, as Schadt remarks, “The more wine you drink, the smarter you become about it.”

With clients who come from their networks on Nantucket and in Montana, they have already seen a fantastic response to their venture. In addition, they have attracted global hospitality providers like the private destination club Inspirato, which has brought them on to arrange private wine events for their clients on Nantucket. This summer they booked over 35 events, and their pop-up dinners were completely sold out. While the women are wise to initially develop their business where they reside, Nantucket in the summers and Montana in the winters, it’s no surprise their sights are set far wider, with global retreats already planned, including one this fall in Italy. They already have collaborations set with Champagne Billecart and Calvisius Caviar for the Nantucket Wine Festival in May, as well as Dana Estate out of Napa. They continue to offer private events and encourage people to book early if they’re on Nantucket during high season. As their motto aptly says, “We’ll take your passion and provide it space to grow.” And isn’t that just what we all want, if not need, in our lives?

LEARN MORE pocomo.co

While the women are wise to initially develop their business where they reside, Nantucket in the summers and Montana in the winters, it’s no surprise their sights are set far wider, with global retreats already planned, including one this fall in Italy.

Photo by Holly Rae Estrow Photography

Photo by Christophe Bielsa

HIDDEN HAVENS

DES CAYES — ST. BARTHS

Tucked up into the northwestern corner of the island, Anse des Cayes’ rocky shoreline and coral areas make it a surfer’s haven with a consistent offshore breeze and sets of solid rollers. It’s also a gorgeous spot to take in the sunset, and you’ll often have the spot to yourself . . . well, other than the surfers out in the water. And should you want to toast that sunset, the nearby bar at Hotel Manapany is a stunning French-bohemian pit stop only possible on St. Barths.

ANSE

THERE IS ANOTHER WAY TO FLY.

It is flying that is an extension of what you value not an interruption of it.

Less harrowing than flying commercial.

More intimate than flying private.

IT’S FLYING PERSONAL.

And once you’ve done it, you’ll never want to fly any other way.

AIRPORT

SWISS CRAFTSMANSHIP

THE ALL-NEW PILATUS PC-12 NGX builds on the rock-solid, 1,700-aircraft foundation of its market-defining predecessor. In over seven million flight hours, the PC-12 has proven itself as the most versatile and valued business aircraft in the world. The PC-12 NGX takes this legacy to the next level of refinement, efficiency and technological advancement.

Scheduled for delivery in November, the first of 20 new Pilatus PC-12 NGX aircraft will join the Tradewind fleet for private charter operations in the Northeast region. The aircraft features an all-new interior with seats and windows inspired by the PC-24 jet, the latest Pratt & Whitney PT6 E-Series engine and advanced automation that allows for lower fuel burn and noise.

Eric Zipkin, CEO and co-founder of Tradewind, said: “We are excited to grow our fleet of Pilatus PC-12 NGX turboprops and further our partnership with a wellrespected industry leader. The latest Pilatus enhancements will benefit our crew and clientele. We look forward to continuing to deliver excellent service to our clients. The innovative and efficient features of the PC-12 NGX correlate with Tradewind’s commitment to sustainability and the new carbon offset program.”

Thomas Bosshard, CEO of Pilatus Business Aircraft Ltd., added: “Our customers value the reliability, performance, safety and innovation that the PC-12 NGX has to offer, and market demand remains strong. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Tradewind as they upgrade and expand their fleet, and look forward to celebrating their uninterrupted success for years to come.”

The Tradewind team tours the Pilatus Factory in Stans, Switzerland, to see the first of 20 new PC-12 NGX aircraft to join the fleet.

SuNdowNErS

Sunset libation inspiration from our favorite local spots

AFTER THE DEVASTATION TO VIRGIN GORDA from Hurricane Irma, Bitter End was left with a completely blank canvas to create what they’re dubbing BEYC 2.0. Open just last festive season to an eager crowd of devotees, the new iteration was every bit worth waiting for—particularly the cocktail bar, the Reef Sampler, which has a special story: For many years, up until Hurricane Irma, MV Reef Sampler was the workhorse of Bitter End, transporting crew members and guests on countless adventures as well as hauling all the fixtures and materials needed to build the original BEYC. After Irma passed, the boat was

nowhere to be seen, the only one that hadn’t been hauled out prior to the storm. Ultimately, she was found by sonar, still tied to the mooring, sitting upright at the bottom of North Sound. She now sits as the deserved star of the property, with her hull repurposed into a gleaming beach bar. We can think of few places we’d rather be as we watch the sun bid her daily adieu.

LEARN MORE AT beyc.com

BITTER END DARK & STORMY

It all started with the British Navy, whose lead ership began cutting the rum onboard with ginger beer to discourage drunkenness and thus was born a seafaring tradition. The drink allegedly got its name from an old sailor who compared the liquid’s murky hue to the color of storm clouds.

INGREDIENTS

60 ml Gosling’s Dark Rum 90 ml Ginger Beer 1 Lime Wedge

In a tall glass filled with ice, add ginger beer, top with Gosling’s Dark Rum and garnish with a lime wedge. For extra sweetness, add simple syrup or make it a float with vanilla ice cream.

THE BITTER END, VIRGIN GORDA, BVI