A Message from David Murray, 2027 St. Charles Yacht Club Commodore
Tonja and I invite you to explore the enchanting islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora in September 2027. We will be boarding the historic Wind Star yacht. Recently refurbished from stem to stern, the Wind Star sails to areas where large cruise ships cannot go, offering an intimate and luxurious sailing experience through French Polynesia.
Windstar Cruises are renowned for their friendly atmosphere and outstanding personalized service. While the sailing yacht is smaller, it offers the same excellent food, fine wines and cocktails, and diverse excursions without waiting in long lines or fighting for a lounge chair. Guests can customize their sailing experience from active daily water sports and on-island activities to more relaxed island and whale watching from the resort-like comfort of the yacht.
David Fritz of Cruise Everything is our trip coordinator. He and his team have developed this website to provide all of the cruise details and to help guide members through the reservation and planning process.
This trip has long been on Tonja’s and my travel “bucket list.” Sharing it with SCYC friends will make it especially wonderful. Come sail away with us!
ABOUT THE COMMODORE'S CRUISE
Optional Pre-Cruise Events: September 23 to 27, 2027
Seven Night Cruise aboard the Wind Star Yacht: September 27 to October 4, 2027
Optional Post Cruise Events: October 4 to 5 or 6, 2026
Join fellow SCYC members and 2027 Commodore, David Murray, aboard the historic Wind Star Sailing Yacht for a seven-night voyage through the French Polynesian islands. We will embark on September 27 and disembark on October 4. The yacht is limited to 148 passengers with 101 crew members.
Pre and post sailing details will be finalized once 2027 flight and hotel schedules open in late 2026.
Tentative plans include:
Flight from Fort Myers (Or other gateway) to Los Angles (LAX) with arrival in time for dinner.
A private dinner and layover in Marina del Rey (Los Angeles) on September 23, 2027.*
Air Tahiti Nui flight from LAX to Papeete Tahiti on September 24, 2027.*
Two nights at a French Polynesian Resort (with overwater bungalow option) on September 24 & 26, 2027.*
Private island tour and Polynesian cultural immersion with lunch at a local beachfront restaurant.*
We intend to offer two private excursions during the trip. Example: Boating and snorkeling with humpback whales at the height of their season in the Tahitian waters.*
The Cruise aboard the Wind Star is September 27 to October 4, 2027. The yacht will sail roundtrip from Papeete.
Windstar also offers a wide range of daily adventures and the aft of the yacht opens daily to create a marina with direct water access for kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and sun lounging.
At the end of the trip we may have an additional day or overnight until our flight on Air Tahiti Nui departs for the US. As mentioned before, these details will be available in late 2026.*
Expected return date to Fort Myers will be October 5 or 6, 2027.
*Optional arrangements at an additional cost to the cruise rates listed. Full details and rates will be provided by the end of 2026.
For additional information or to make a reservation, please call David Fritz at (239) 275-1717, ext. 16 or email him by clicking here.
Create lifetime memories as your Windstar yacht sails the ethereal paradise of Tahiti, enhanced by curated Tahiti excursions that bring you closer to the region's extraordinary beauty and culture. On your French Polynesia voyage, you’ll explore cerulean seas, lush greenery in Raiatea, and Moorea’s dark peaks, ending each day with a fiery sunset. A Windstar yacht — especially one where you can swim, snorkel or kayak right from the aft Marina Platform — is the perfect way to take in these remarkable sights.
Visit six spectacular islands — which would otherwise be difficult to combine on one vacation, with immersive Tahiti excursions that showcase both iconic highlights and local traditions. Tour romantic Bora Bora, with its legendary white-sand shores (and a visit to a private motu, or islet), and Huahine, visiting millennium-old ruins. Overnight visits allow cultural immersion; learn to tie a pareo and sample local cuisine while mingling with villagers. Windstar’s Signature Beach Party features a splendid barbecue and a rare and dazzling performance of Polynesian fire dancing.
Complimentary Windstar Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast & Fire
In Tahiti, Windstar is proud to offer this complimentary Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast & Fire on this and other select voyages. Your private feast on the beach promises to be extraordinary. The menu has been carefully selected by Windstar’s executive chef and is sure to please and tantalize your palate.
When your meal is complete and the stars begin to shine, the highlight of this enchanted evening will begin. Fire dancing has long been deeply embedded in the Polynesian culture as a way to send messages to the gods. Your fire dancing experts will be wearing traditional loincloths and will dazzle you with high-speed acrobatic moves, throwing flames so hot you’ll feel the warmth feet away.
Please note: This Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast & Fire has been scheduled in a way that will allow you to book and experience another shore excursion on the same day and you will not miss anything.
OUR CRUISE ITINERARY
Sep 27 Mon: PAPEETE - DEPART AT 5:30 PM
Sep 28 Tue: AT SEA - 8:00 AM TO 12:00 PM
Sep 28 Tue: RAIATEA - ARRIVE AT 1:00 PM (OVERNIGHT)
Sep 29 Wed: RAIATEA - DEPART AT 6:00 AM
Sep 29 Wed: TAHA'A - 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
Sep 30 Thu: BORA BORA - ARRIVE AT 9:00 AM (OVERNIGHT)
Oct 01 Fri: BORA BORA - DEPART AT 9:00 PM
Oct 02 Sat: HUAHINE - 7:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
Oct 03 Sun: MOOREA - 7:00 AM TO 4:30 PM
Oct 03 Sun: PAPEETE - ARRIVE 8:00 PM (OVERNIGHT)
Oct 04 Mon: PAPEETE - DISEMBARK IN MORNING
Itinerary subject to change without notice. Please confirm itinerary at time of booking.
Ports of Call
Papeete
Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you’ll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.
Raiatea
Raiatea, "The Sacred Island," is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa'aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.
Taha’a
We will spend the day on a private island complete with swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches. Swim, snorkel and enjoy a variety of water sports in the crystal-clear waters. There will be a delicious barbecue lunch and tropical drinks waiting for you. Explore Tahaa with optional excursions to discover the vanilla plantations and sacred sites of the island. If guests would like to visit Taha’a, they must book a Windstar Cruises shore excursion. Guests without a shore excursion booked, will be transferred directly to Motu Mahaea for a relaxing beach day.
Bora Bora
Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs - and you'll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You'll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. But the highlight here will be the Windstar Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private motu complete with fire dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.
Huahine
Anchor here in the place whose nickname is “Garden of Eden.” Take your time to explore the lush forests, the tropical landscapes, and the quaint villages to discover one of Polynesia’s best kept secrets. Here, at a slower pace, see a glimpse of the authentic South Pacific island lifestyle. Stop by the Maeva archaeological site and wander around the 150-odd marae (temple sites) and 400-year-old stone fish traps that are still in use, and you’ll have your pick of the world’s best snorkeling once again.
Moorea
Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. During our stay here you’ll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.
Itinerary subject to change without notice.
WIND STAR YOUR PERSONAL SAILING YACHT
Wind Star is the yacht that started it all. Commissioned in 1984, this 148-guest sailing icon helped pioneer a new kind of cruising — one with real working sails, that felt more like a private yacht than a regular cruise.
Four decades later, Wind Star still delivers that same elegant yet laid-back atmosphere — now with upgraded amenities and a stunning redesign under our Setting Sails initiative.
This intimate sailing yacht features wide-open teak decks, staterooms with ocean views, an Owner’s Suite, the World Spa by Windstar, a pool with a bar, a hot tub, a water-access marina and much more.
Wind Star also offers multiple dining options — all open seating and complimentary — including our main restaurant Amphora, the full-service breakfast and lunch buffet Veranda, and our specialty restaurant Candles.
Every inch of your 188 sq ft. stateroom is designed for comfort. Luxurious Egyptian cotton linens wrap you in pleasant sleepiness as you stretch out in your queen bed (can be separated into twins if you prefer). Your spacious bath features granite counter tops, ample storage, and a roomy shower with massage shower head. L'Occitane® bath products invite you to indulge, while comfy waffle-weave robe and slippers entice you to relax. You'll find fresh fruit and flowers always waiting for you after a day of sun or sightseeing. And, of course, everything else you need and expect - flat-screen television, DVD and private safe. And always at your fingertips, anything you wish from room service.
Category B (Forward or Aft, Deck One) 188 sq ft.: $2,859.00
Taxes and Fees: $33.00 per person (Subject to change)
OPTIONAL ONBOARD PACKAGES
- All-In Package: $693 per person
This all-inclusive package will provide you with the following:
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi allows guests to keep in touch with loved ones and share their vacation escapades while globe-trotting through Windstar’s signature small ports of call.
Unlimited Beverage Package: This ultimate beverage package includes all domestic and imported beer and 33 varieties of wine or sparkling wine by the glass plus cordials, liqueurs, aperitifs, cocktails, and mini-bar items. Cocktails are based on house and select brands, and guests may choose from more than 40 liquors such as Grey Goose, Hendricks, Johnny Walker Black, Ketel One, Glenfiddich, Hennessy, and more (brands rotate and are subject to availability.)
Hotel & Beverage Service Fee: All your hotel and beverage service fees are included with the purchase of the All-inclusive Fare. If you purchased beverages a la carte there is an 18% gratuity added to your purchase.
- Drink Package Only: $553.00 per person
- Pre-Paid Gratuities Only: $112.00 Per person
- Internet/Data Wi-Fi Package Only: $245.00 per person
Please carefully review the following information, which will reference your legal rights and Windstar Cruises Policy.
PASSENGER CONTRACT
By making a reservation and deposit with Windstar Cruises, you are accepting the WINDSTAR CRUISES PASSAGE CONTRACT ("Contract"). To view and read the Contract, please click the following link, which will take you to the Windstar website page where the Contract is located: CLICK HERE
This is a legally binding contract between you and us. This Contract contains all the terms of our agreement and supersedes all other oral or written agreements, communications or representations.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Windstar strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection.
PAYMENT, CANCELLATION, AMENITY POLICIES, AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION - CLICK HERE
VISAS, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, AND PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION:
All Windstar Cruises guests must carry a passport valid for at least 6 months after the scheduled return flight home in order to embark their cruise. Meeting entry requirements for the embarkation and debarkation country is the responsibility of the guest.
PRIVACY POLICY & REQUIRED PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Personal information provided to us will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy, which is available on our website: CLICK HERE
SPECIAL NEEDS & ACCESSIBILITY
Please see our webpage for detailed information on Guest Accessibility: CLICK HERE
Any guest with special requirements or concerns that needs accommodating must fill out our Guest Accommodation / Special Request Information form here: CLICK HERE
Some ports in French Polynesia require wet landings via RIB/Zodiac, where you'll disembark into shallow water. Your itinerary will specify which ports have wet landings. Find more information on wet landings here: CLICK HERE
Having trouble logging in? Please use the email address on your Windstar reservation as your username. Accounts created before May 2024 will need to be set up again with a new account. If you have any questions, please contact Windstar Reservations team for assistance.
Tonja and I invite you to explore the enchanting islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora in September 2027. We will be boarding the historic Wind Star yacht. Recently refurbished from stem to stern, the Wind Star sails to areas where large cruise ships cannot go, offering an intimate and luxurious sailing experience through French Polynesia. 
Join fellow SCYC members and 2027 Commodore, David Murray, aboard the historic Wind Star Sailing Yacht for a seven-night voyage through the French Polynesian islands. We will embark on September 27 and disembark on October 4. The yacht is limited to 148 passengers with 101 crew members.
Air Tahiti Nui flight from LAX to Papeete Tahiti on September 24, 2027.*
The Cruise aboard the Wind Star is September 27 to October 4, 2027. The yacht will sail roundtrip from Papeete.
Visit six spectacular islands — which would otherwise be difficult to combine on one vacation, with immersive Tahiti excursions that 
In Tahiti, Windstar is proud to offer this complimentary Destination Discovery Event: Polynesian Feast & Fire on this and other select voyages. Your private feast on the beach promises to be extraordinary. The menu has been carefully selected by Windstar’s executive chef and is sure to please and tantalize your palate.
Ports of Call
Taha’a
Moorea
WIND STAR 
TONNAGE: 5,736 gross registered tons (grt)
STATEROOM ACCOMMODATIONS 
All Accommodations Feature
Taxes and Fees: $33.00 per person (Subject to change)
Please carefully review the following information, which will reference your legal rights and Windstar Cruises Policy.