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cruising BVI

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pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/02/2003 : 21:44:59

Anyone ever chartered in the British Virgin Islands? comments? tips? wind conditions?
etc.

Pierre
reluctantly on the hard in Wi.

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Dkn420
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 11/02/2003 : 22:17:50

I'm leaving on November 18th to charter in BVI with the Moorings, and will be returning on December 4th. Chartering a 38' Benneteau with two staterooms and one head. I've never been there before but the couple I'm going with have been there on a cruise ship. You can get prices on the Moorings website and all seems to be pretty good so far, not as expensive as I imagined but this is the low season for them and when they have the best prices...however American Airlines keeps changing out flight schedule and the last change has caused us to leave a day early and spend that night at a hotel, but that will probably work out better in the long run...will be taking photos and can fill you in when I return...Dan #727

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ekremer
Deckhand

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19 Posts

Response Posted - 11/02/2003 : 23:44:02

Hi Pierre,

My family of 5 chartered via Sun Sail in BVI out of Tortola in 1995 for 10 days. Hamilton Charters arranged everything. We did our own provisioning and arranged our own ground transportation. It was a great trip for all on a 40 ft Benneteau. We chartered in early June, beginning of huricane season, but had steady trade winds of about 15-25 knots the whole time. It was still quite warm below decks at night, so I suggest a small portable fan be included in your travel gear. Also bring your own snorkle mask and fins. The water really is as beautiful as the pictures you've seen.

We had never chartered before and had experience of about 10 years on a 26 foot sailboat. Because of some initial insecurity, we hired a skipper for a couple of days, just to be sure we were able to handle the larger boat properly and anchor it well. We were better prepared than we thought, and really found having the extra person on board to be unnecessary after the first demostration of anchoring and using the windlass.

Ed Kremer,

Ad Lib, C250 wb

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Wayne Wallace
1st Mate

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USA
28 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2003 : 00:25:30

Been there three times all with the Moorings and was always the best trips we have ever taken. This time of the year the winds will be a little heavier than the summer so expect good sailing. The Mooring is based out of Roadtown on Tortola and there are no direct flights so we always had to go through San Juan PR.
Do your own provisioning, do not have your charter provide the provisions, very expensive and a waste generally. All of the BVIs are great but the highlights would be The Bight and Caves at Norman Island; Sprat bay at Peter Island; at Virgin Gorda it would be The Baths (a must see), Spanish Town/Yatch harbor and the Bitter End. While visiting Jost van Dyke visit Great Harbor and take a hike into Foxie's Restaurant. Be sure to day anchor at Sandy Cay and go ashore and hike around the Island and the spend the night anchored at Little Harbor and have dinner at Sidney's peace and Love.
Finish back at Tortola must see Marina Cay, Cane Garden Bay and Sopers Hole.

If you do visit the American Virgins you will need to check into customs, typically at St Johns and then back into Customs at the BVIs...quite honestly not worth the trip to the Americans.

If you are into scuba diving you must see the wreck of the Rhone, an old steamer that went down in 1867. Snorkeling is great all over but spectacular at the Baths, the Indians and Dog Island.

Great 10 or 14 day charter. A great book to purchase published by Cruising Guide Publications Inc. is 'The cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands'

Enjoy

Wayne Wallace
Z Majestic

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Jared
1st Mate

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70 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2003 : 07:24:43

My wife and I went to the BVI last year on our Honeymoon - that is where we leaned to sail (at the Bitter End on Virgin Gorda). I agree with Wayne except we weren't so impressed with the snorkeling at the Bath's - but it is a COOL place to visit. We were most impressed by the snorkeling at Norman Island (and the Indians) and the caves there that you can snorkel into - supposedly the inspiration for Treasure Island. When at Norman Island, you should anchor there for the night and go get some eats and drinks at The Willy-T (William Thorton). Fun, crazy place that is an old raised ship turned bar/restaraunt moored out in a little bay. Also, if you have time, we really enjoyed visiting Anegada - Loblolly Bay. You can check out our honeymoon pics. on my website to get some ideas - http://home.att.net/~jbjamison/honeymoon.html. You will have a great time, it is a beautiful place!

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Kirk McKay
Navigator

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USA
111 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2003 : 11:06:18

We chartered a Benneteau 393 from SunSail back in January for 11 days. Had a great time with a great boat. We had some really good winds both in Drakes Lake and on the other side of the islands as well. We had some bad weather the first day out (thunderstorms) and only one other day where the conditions were rough (big rolling waves.) You might want to check out this web-site and go to the BVI forum and also check out the Trip reports as well. There are some really good trip reports with some great pics too.

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/

I can't wait to go back. Love the Sailing (fairly easy sailing) with plenty of beach bars to relax and plenty of good snorkling spots...

We provisioned lightly and ate dinner ashore every night. I wouldn't go overboard on the advance provisioning as there are places to restock along the way. I'd also get the BVI Cruising guide to read in advance...

Anegada is a must see (if your Charter Company allows.) The Willy T at Norman Island can be fun or it can be loud and obnoxious and raunchy. I keep thing of more to write, but I think the Travel Talk place would answer any question you might think of.

Edited by - Kirk McKay on 11/03/2003 11:10:56

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2003 : 14:18:30

Since everyone else more or less covered the best places to visit all I can add is that the wind and seas make for fabulous sailing in the BVI. I usually charter from Sunsail which I prefer over The Moorings but I have had great charters from both outfits. I've been chartering Benneteau 461s and I was amazed how easy ther transition was from my Catalina 25. I'm sure that your learning curve will be a snap and you'll handle your charter boat like a pro. One thng I would recommend is a flotilla cruise, not only for the sense of security it will provide you as a first timer, it's also fun to meet new people and hang out with them in new places. Sunsail offers more flotillas than The Moorings. When I charter with Sunsail I let them handle everything including air transportation, which they obtain at competitive rates. I use Jill Harner as my in house Sunsail agent and she does a great job. You'll save some money provisioning yourself and all food is pricey in the BVI but fresh and of excellent quality. Stay away from the matchlight charcoal since it's really hard to light in some of the breezy conditions you are likely to encounter; get yourself some charcoal lighter fluid. I'm looking forward to chartering a new Benneteau 471 this year. Recently the charter companies have been offering boats with generator set powered AC and I think it is worth the extra money due to the humidity and the need to keep your hatches open at night for ventilation. Without AC I've been awakened at night more than once by rain which can pour into an open hatch faster than you can believe. Sleeping in a slow to dry, soggy bunk is the result.

Almost everywhere you decide to anchor, there will be privately owned and maintained moorings such as Seacure, which go for 10 bucks or so per night. After you pick up the pennant, someone will appear in a dinghy to collect the fee. I strongly suggest that you use these moorings rather than try to anchor since the bottoms are tricky and you won't want to damage reefs and other habitats, or worry about drifting free in the middle of the night. I remember one woman who showed up at the bight on Norman island in the middle of the night and was crying "I lost my boat and all I have left is this dinghy and this flashlight". They located her boat with all of her possesions the next day many miles out to sea.

I guarantee you'll be amazed at how well you handle your boat. Have a great time.

Edited by - oldsalt on 11/03/2003 14:46:38

pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 11/03/2003 : 21:43:35

thanks to all. I am chartering a 31 Beneteau for a week in mid January. I heard it is a little gusty than ....we will see. Chartered last year in Key West...great time but ran aground on a falling tide. waited for a rising tide and was ok but overall not much water. It was a 35 Hunter and drew 5'. We had a great time and would go back. Chartered a few years ago as crew in BVI on a 45 Jenneau. this time as captain....thanks for all the great insight.

sure makes winter easier!

Pierre

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