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Charter a boat or three in BVI, who's in?

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/23/2010 : 09:06:50

There's a side thread going in one of the other forums about chartering in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), so I thought I'd bring it over here.

Rita & I were going to go a few years ago, and I ended up having a surgery instead, then we were going to go to Greece the next year, and our dog ended up needing surgery for a broken spine, strike two, so now we'd like to resurrect our original BVI plans, and it sounds like there's a bunch of folks on here who'd be interested, so here we go...

We'd like to go over the Thanksgiving weekend, that way I get two free days off, and we can spend 10 days or so in the islands. Our original plan was to charter a catamaran with a teaching captain for a week to get through some courses so we'd be set for chartering anywhere in the world afterward. While I still think that's a good idea (for us), maybe it's not for you. However, if there's enough of us, we could charter two (or more) boats, and those who want some education go on the school boat, and the others tag along at their own pace.

We can't go from xmas through Chinese New Year as Rita will be in SE Asia for that whole time. CNY happens in early February, and I'll be over there for that. I know Randy's said he can't go in the fall, so I'm not sure how we're going to accommodate everyone's schedules, but at least we can try.

Hurricane season ends on the 30th of November, so going during that time involves some risk, but not enough that I wouldn't go.

Who's in?

David
C-250 Mainsheet Editor

Sirius Lepak
1997 C-250 WK TR #271 --Seattle area Port Captain --

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 10:56:05

I believe Moorings offered our members a 10% discount for mentioning the Ass'n - not entirely sure though. My mind is now foggy as that was back before Christmas.

Edited by - on

limey156
1st Mate

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89 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 12:53:42

so, i have only been doing serious sailing for a few months now, and have little idea of what something like this costs..... anyone have a ballpark idea?

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 13:38:25

Just FYI...I know that nothing compares to El Caribe, the land of voodoo, hoodoo and all kinda weird sh#t, but for a less costly option, you might consider the beautiful cruising grounds of southwest Florida. In the St. Pete area you have http://www.sailingflorida.com/ and down in Ft Myers, you have http://www.swfyachts.com/

Friends have utilized both companies and they seemed quite satisfied with the product. I am not associated in any way with either company.

So many beautiful areas areas from Tampa Bay to Sarasota, to Venice, and on to Charlotte Harbor ( http://www.cabbagekey.com/home/ )

And no...No oil currently hitting our area...hopefully the loop current will keep that mess off our shores.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 13:45:56

Limey,
If I recall, it was about $1k for the week for the charter & captain, but I think that was for a monohull, it's probably more for a catamaran. That didn't include provisions (you have to feed the captain too), airfare down there & back, etc. We expected to spend between $3-4K for everything I think.

Splitting the cost of the charter among 3-4 couples makes it pretty attractive.

Edited by - on

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 14:59:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by limey156
 so, i have only been doing serious sailing for a few months now, and have little idea of what something like this costs..... anyone have a ballpark idea?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

$4-$5k/week in prime season for a 40-footer, including insurance, park fees, etc. from a top-tier fleet such as Moorings in the BVI. You can pay less by going offseason and/or using a second-tier fleet such as Footloose. The price is for the whole boat. The cost gets split, of course, depending upon how many people climb aboard.

It's the greatest vacation you'll ever take.

Edited by - on

Delilah
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 15:30:51

My family and I chartered a 38 Lagoon last July and had the absolute time of our life. It was through Barecats charters and they were great as well. In ten days we took 500 photos! Our 4 and 5 year olds still ask when we are going back to the boat....

The job situation prevented us from our plan of chartering in Greece this summer but next summer.....look out Greece!

The catamaran was definitely the way to go and I highly recommend. Plenty of room......comfortable.......cool etc etc

I wish we had done it years ago we loved it so much!

I can provide more info if anyone is interested.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2010 : 17:55:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Don B
 Just FYI...I know that nothing compares to El Caribe, the land of voodoo, hoodoo and all kinda weird sh#t, but for a less costly option, you might consider the beautiful cruising grounds of southwest Florida. In the St. Pete area you have http://www.sailingflorida.com/ and down in Ft Myers, you have http://www.swfyachts.com/

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

And if a Canadian registered yacht, which there are many of in Fla charter fleets from what I hear, with a Candian skipper arrived in a place like Havana - it would be Cigars all around!

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2010 : 12:43:46

What sort of proof of competency do you need to charter? Will they take your word for it or do they test you out??

Edited by - on

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2010 : 13:24:34

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2010 : 14:20:46

I've downloaded the resume from The Moorings before, and I'd think that most of us would qualify pretty easily. The requirements don't seem too stringent.

That fact is one of my major hesitations about putting a boat into charter down there. Don't really want someone running my boat up onto a reef because they didn't know where they were, or were unable to read a fathometer.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2010 : 15:03:24

When I contacted The Moorings, they said besides resume, they will want to take you our for a 30min to 1 hr test. If you pass, you are on your way. And they are very forgiving and boats are pretty easy to operate, even a 50' like I would like to sail in. Unfortunately I only qualify for one up to 41'. I think between all of us here, we could qualify as a captain. Its a very easy sail there, and winds are not too crazy and everything is in visual sight. You cant really screw up there. BTW, the larger(51') mono-haul boats have 5 cabins/bathrooms for 10 people at a cost of $5500 for a week. A comparable catamaran would cost over $8500.
I am torn with the catamaran even those who have sailed them say they are great so I am open to that. I had planned to go after 1st of year as they have great rates but at this point I just want to go, PERIOD!
David, as I tossed my brochure years ago, did you order one? Is Thanksgiving one of the times with greatly reduced rates?
Lets all keep in touch.
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 06/24/2010 15:30:41

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2010 : 15:26:26

I was thinking more along the lines of the 38' Lagoons they have, which sleep 8 I think, but we're open to anything. Honestly the only reason I want to do a catamaran is because of the heeling that Rita really doesn't like. Part of the idea of doing this is to test out whether we think we could live on a boat, and if doing it on a monohull works for her, that opens up a whole 'nother wide range of blue water boats for far less cash than a catamaran when we look to retire.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2010 : 14:47:35

David, my Mary is the same way re heeling. If we got at least a 41', heeling should be reduced especially there as winds are mild. But should check out during Thanksgiving time. That is a great time to go for us as well but The Moorings is giving 20% off if you go by end of Sept.
BTW, what did you get approved for in the way of boat size? Also have you guys ever sailed in the Anacortes? I only have takes ferry boats but that would be a great place to sail in, maybe not in Nov!
Steve A

Edited by - piseas on 06/28/2010 14:53:32

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/28/2010 : 17:58:53

Steve, Anacortes is one of the primary launch sites for cruising in the San Juan Islands. It is where we always set off from. Cap Sante Marina is an excellent full service facility in Anacortes. The San Juans are awesome cruising grounds. The islands are close together, the water is sheltered, Canada is easily gotten to and there are lots of interesting things to do. Definitely a premier destination. It would be a fun place together a bunch of 25/250's together.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2010 : 15:13:08

Randy, I would love to do San Juans as well. As I said, I have been up there but only on a ferry. It was absolutely beautiful. I stayed on Orcas Island. I think I could live there.
I don't have a trailer so sailing up there would not work for me. I have thought about a charter.
Now I have 2 great places I want to sail. Guess I will have to retire sooner than later!

Steve A

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/29/2010 : 20:38:55

david -

Just went last year to the BVI's

Shop around - Any of the bigger named companies are reputable. Most of them share a lot of services - support, maintenance at outlying islands etc. We went with Footloose and would use them again.

Skip the captain - but still get the catamaran. You are more than qualified for the boat. I was pre-qualified for any boat in the fleet, any port that moorings, footloose or sunsail owns. Just by filling out their form. You will be too - They aren't looking for much. We rented a 47ft catamaran. Use that cabin for someone paying cash, not taking it from you.

Provision yourself through one of the local groceries, We provisioned for 10 people at about 1500-2000 less than any charter company(sauce included). It takes some time but is well worth it.

I'd get the travel insurance that time of year. Have a stack of links and references somewhere - send me an email and I'll shoot you what I have

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4316 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2010 : 17:24:24

My wifes sister and her husband just flew down there yesterday. They and some of their friends have a 60 or 70' something or other chartered for the next week thru Moorings or Footloose. Not sure which.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2010 : 18:40:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by GaryB
 My wifes sister and her husband just flew down there yesterday. They and some of their friends have a 60 or 70' something or other chartered for the next week thru Moorings or Footloose. Not sure which.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Same parent company. My Footloose charter just came off a year as a moorings charterboat after a 3 month overhaul and rebranding.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2010 : 07:13:18

How are the BVIs in February or March after the Chine New Year??

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2010 : 20:54:47

Port Charlotte is a very nice place to sail.
SW FLA yacht charters is very good.
The BVI is nice too, but FLA is closer and less expensive.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2010 : 07:03:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 What sort of proof of competency do you need to charter? Will they take your word for it or do they test you out??

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

They will take your word for it based on the sailing resume. I'm sure if you look like a total nitwit they will check you out, but when they go over the boat and you ask decent questions they have a good sense that you know what is going on. Keep in mind, the hardest thing for any sailor to do is dock a boat, and you won't be doing any of that.(unless you go to Nanny Cay, then you'll dock 1 time) At the end of your trip, you'll radio ahead and they will send a guy out in a dinghy to 'Park the boat'

Fill out the form here http://www.footloosecharters.com/sailingresume.asp They will respond within a few days via email. Unless something has changed you'll be good for any of the three companies (all owned by sunsail) The condition of all the boats is excellent. The service, regardless of a new sunsail boat or a three year old footloose boat is identical. The price is not.

If you fill out the resume you will wind up on the mailing list.

The captain is a cost that is not, imo, worth spending the cash on. At least in the BVI's. It may be beneficial elsewhere but the BVI's is easy sailing.

Edited by - Champipple on 07/11/2010 07:06:09

Suzannemagee
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 07/11/2010 : 20:17:12

I was also looking for some folks interested in a Thanksgiving Catamaran bareboat charter with a teaching captain! I may have some family who can join us.
I have been to the BVI's three times on a bareboat charter, and have taken sailing lessons and sailed many times. But I do not have my certification yet. Look forward to hearing from you!
Suzanne

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 There's a side thread going in one of the other forums about chartering in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), so I thought I'd bring it over here.

Rita & I were going to go a few years ago, and I ended up having a surgery instead, then we were going to go to Greece the next year, and our dog ended up needing surgery for a broken spine, strike two, so now we'd like to resurrect our original BVI plans, and it sounds like there's a bunch of folks on here who'd be interested, so here we go...

We'd like to go over the Thanksgiving weekend, that way I get two free days off, and we can spend 10 days or so in the islands. Our original plan was to charter a catamaran with a teaching captain for a week to get through some courses so we'd be set for chartering anywhere in the world afterward. While I still think that's a good idea (for us), maybe it's not for you. However, if there's enough of us, we could charter two (or more) boats, and those who want some education go on the school boat, and the others tag along at their own pace.

We can't go from xmas through Chinese New Year as Rita will be in SE Asia for that whole time. CNY happens in early February, and I'll be over there for that. I know Randy's said he can't go in the fall, so I'm not sure how we're going to accommodate everyone's schedules, but at least we can try.

Hurricane season ends on the 30th of November, so going during that time involves some risk, but not enough that I wouldn't go.

Who's in?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2010 : 10:59:40

Got this in my email the other day...

http://www.rbviyc.com/images/CaptofSailing/soggydollar.pdf

Edited by - on

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2010 : 06:18:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 How are the BVIs in February or March after the Chine New Year??
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I was there in March for race week. It was CROWDED, which was not necessarily bad. All the hot spots are hoppin'. The trades were disrupted for the first few days, but then they kicked in and the sailing was great. Very little rain. It's prime season, so reserve early and expect to pay top price.

Edited by - on

Merrick
Navigator

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USA
192 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2010 : 13:46:21

Just got back from the BVI two days ago. We did a flotilla deal from Sunsail since it was our first time chartering. Our prior sailing experience consisted of day sailing C25 or smaller, but it was not a problem. We sailed a 34' mono-hull. there was no checkout, just a dockside boat briefing.
We liked the flotilla because of the guidance you get to the different locations, but the nice thing is you don't sail as a group, you are on your own all day and meet up each night to brief the next days destination. Next time we will feel ready to head out on our own.
You won't regret going. Beautiful place, clear water, great sailing,snorkeling, restaurants, etc. etc.

Edited by - on

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