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charter in BVI real soon

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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/05/2004 : 17:45:31

We decided to go charter in BVI Oct. 14th - 23rd +/- weather permitting. Kind of a last minute thing.
Two couples going.

Can anyone recommend a good charter outfit they have personally used in the last few years?

I'm thinking a 42' to 54' and prefering the larger.

My friend said he wanted a motor sailor so I was thinking a deck salon so he might like the improved visibility in the cabin. (possibly a catamaran but I'm not sure.)
I saw a couple of Hylas 54's that looked really nice.
I'd also like to sail a catalina 42 'cause that might be on my dream / future-reality list.

I might buy some kind of charter insurance in case a tropical storm is brewing and I decide to cancel.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

Cap'n Dave
Sailing The Blues
1986 C25 sr/sk #5413

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2004 : 19:14:34

The Moorings and Sun Charters are both reputable outfits, and my sailing club has done group charters with Moorings in the past. CAUTION: Two of our club members contracted Dengue Fever two years ago on a BVI charter trip in September, and one almost died. Until my club friends picked it up in the BVI's, I had never heard of Dengue-infected mosquitos anywhere except the southwest Pacific islands - places like Guadalcanal, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. I guess some hitched a ride on a ship or aircraft, and now it's spreading in the Caribbean. Dengue is serious - it killed a lot of military personnel on both sides in the Pacific Theater campaigns during WWII, so be careful and use whatever means you have to fend off mosquitos on your BVI charter.

Edited by - lcharlot on 09/05/2004 19:15:27

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2004 : 22:04:21

I've chartered with both the Moorings and Sunsail and prefer Sunsail however both are excellent choices. With two couples you may find the larger offerings (above 47') have the accomodations broken down into too many individual cabins which for you would be wasted space.

I can see why you'd want to try a Catalina 42, but haven't tried one. The Beneteau 461 (Sunsail) or 465 (same boat moorings) were great boats and I would worry more about the cockpit layout where you'll spend most of your time than the deck salon. My next charter will be a Beneteau 471.

For a few hundred bucks a week you can get a vessel with generator powered A.C. and I recommend it. Without A.C. expect to be awakened in the middle of the night by unexpected downpours resulting in damp bunks since you'll need to keep your hatches open at night.

Sunsail offers more flotillas than the Moorings and they're a lot of fun since you meet plenty of great people and enjoy their company in many activities. You can leave the company of the flotilla whenever you want and join up later. Usually even if you stick with the flotilla there's one day and overnight solo sail. If you don't know the area and like to socialize a flotilla is a great plus. Flotillas also include daily morning briefings which are a heck of a lot of fun and the company boat carries an engineer if you run into mechanical trouble (which I never have). So's meeting up at night for a good time ashore. I know the area quite well but still choose flotilla sailing.

Sunsail is a British comany so the people you meet include quite a few Brits and other Europeans.

Both the Moorings and Sunsail offer top notch yachts.

No matter which company you choose, moor overnight using the privately owned Sea Cure moorings rather than the hook.

Good luck and have a great time.

Edited by - oldsalt on 09/05/2004 22:12:45

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2004 : 23:42:19

My friend want to socialize a lot, particularly with cruisers or liveaboards, as he is contemplating that lifestyle.
But I wonder if the flotillas would have many cruisers, I 'spect that most would be like us. Just chartering for the fun of it.

Edited by - on

pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 03:22:46

You will meet some cruisers. We chartered last year and met a couple of boats coming back from the islands off of south america..ABC..Aruba Bonaire...They said they motored most of the way.

Met them at Marina Cay. Great bar at the top of the island. featured in lats/atts a couple of issues ago. Great performer nightly...sea songs....sing alongs etc. one of my favorites. the fuel dock at night is lit up underwater...attracts fish...looks like a swimming pool ....really neat.

You will have a great time.

Pierre

Edited by - on

Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 08:10:50

We used Sunsail in the BVI a few years ago and it went well. We used a company called Ed Hamilton to do the booking.

www.ed-hamilton.com

For example:They provided a shopping checklist for provisions and we had the choice of getting them ourselves or letting them stock the boat.

Ed hamilton was a great help. That was our first time chartering so they helped a great deal with the huge list of questions we had.

I could now do it alone now but I will probably use them again since they "know" what's going on down there and have good lists of what to ask etc....

We chose Sunsail because somebody recommended them and also the fact that they are not as large as Moorings. We were hoping for more personalized service with a smaller (but not too small) company.

Tortola and Virgin Gorda is a nice place. You can't get lost and there are plenty of mooring balls available.

One thing that surprised us is the $10-11 charge/night for using the mooring balls. You can anchor for free but the mooring balls help you sleep worry free.

Rent a dinghy too. You will use it.

We went in Oct when there aren't as many people.

Enjoy.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 10:29:54

I have just been invited to join some other members in my sailing club to join them in chartering from Sunsail in Tortola in mid November. If 4 of us go the boat will cost about 500 each for a 45 footer. Sunsail can arrange airfare from Knoxville for about 650 round trip. They charge 50 per day to stock the boat with half provisions (whatever that means)

The other folks are all experienced cruisers

Decisions, decisions. My kitchen renovation project has turned into a nightmare and I would really like to finish it before the holidays, and could use that vacation time to finish it. What to do. What to do.

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 12:37:41

Go Sailing Frank! Sounds like a trip full of memories to be..

Hey I was wondering if you needed any certificates for chartering or do they rent those boats out to anybody with a credit card?

Edited by - sailgal on 09/06/2004 12:39:08

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 12:52:12

Hi Suzie,
I hope that you, or you boat didn't suffer with this latest hurricane. How bad was it in Sarasota.
I'm not arranging this trip, but I'll ask the guys who are. One of the docs that I work with is chartering in Tortola this winter, and he doesn't have any certifications. I believe he is using Sunsail too. I'll let you know what I find out.

Meanwhile, back to painting..........

Edited by - on

Dkn420
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 13:13:51

Frank: I agree with Suzie, go sailing! ddlyle: I went to the BIV last year for two weeks, end of November and beginning of December, with a friend and his wife, and it was wonderful. We chartered from the Moorings, a 362 Benneteau. It was a little small and I think moving up to as big a boat as possible and affordable is the way to go. The A/C is also something to consider. There were several nights that I woke up in the v-berth with rain water in my face and then going through the boat closing hatches to keep things dry...then waiting for it to stop and opening hatches again, but that is part of the adventure

We chartered out of Tortolla. Arrived a night early to give us time to get adjusted. We had the boat provisioned, but the next time I think I would still go the extra day ahead and do the provisions myself. We had some problems with the boat while we were there, mainly the batteries died on the second day out and we had to go back to Tortolla for repairs and a few other minor things. I think it was more the boat we had than the folks at the Moorings. They did adjust some of the price at the end of the trip for the troubles.

We had to submit a "Sailing Resume" prior to the charter. My friends have ASA Bareboat Certification and I have an ASA Basic Cruising Certification, so we didn't have a problem there, also my friends lived on a boat in SF at the time. I also think sailing experience and boat ownership comes into play in all of that, and of course buying insurance. I understand that once you have chartered, reason for keeping a log signed off by who Captain's the boat, it is much easier the second time.

I've heard good things about Sunsail and would try them myself the next time...although Moorings has some very good deals during the "off-season".

Everyone in the BVI is friendly and helpful. There is just so much to see and do that you won't lack for anything, and then there is the true "do-nothing vacation time". Thje sailing is great, we had only one day without any wind. You can always see land of some sort, the mooring balls are the way to go but do figure in the cost each day so you aren't surprised. We did spend a couple of nights along the way at marina's that are on most of the islands so we could do some laundry and change the pace a little. Good places to meet interesting folks...we just missed Morgan Freeman at one marina...but did see his boat

My friends recently bought a condo on St. Thomas and are in Deltaville, VA waiting for delivery of a 1994 40' Island Packet to take back to St. Thomas. I'm going to join them in VA and make the sail back to St. Thomas as soon as they are ready to go...something about not going "into the box" because of their insurance, until November 1st, but I'm starting to get things organized for the trip. I would imagine that it is a three to four week trip altogether...chance of a lifetime, so far

I'm sure you will really have a good time!!!!

Dan #727

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 13:46:20

If you do decide to charter with Sunsail I recommend that you let them handle everything as a package including airfare. They have an in house travel dept. and they are super. The woman I suggest you ask for to make arrangements is Jill Harner who will take care of everything in a highly professional manner and they are more than competitive pricewise.

Here's some more tips:

Don't rely on matchlight charcoal since it is extremely hard to light in any wind. Get some charcoal lighter fluid and save a lot of grief.

Don't worry about not having any charter certification or "certificate" on your sailing resumee. They are absolutely not in any way required. Your experience with your C 25, along with a signed check as a deposit

, will be more than sufficient to charter any vessel you want. On one charter, a young family from Germany, who had never sailed before except for a week's training on small daysailerss at a Sunsail resort the previous week, chartered a yacht and had a great time.

I absolutely guarantee that you will be able to easily handle any size yacht you decide to charter assuming you have experience on a C 25.

On my first charter, on arrival, I was daunted by the fact that the yachts were so tightly packed together and I was hesitant to back out the first time. Sunsail employs "boat movers" who will put you into an easy departure location so you'll be on your way without incident. They are very professional, and friendly and they don't even accept tips.

You'll save some money provisioning yourself but purchase at least 1/2 of what you'll want aboard through the charter company. What they supply, chicken, steak, hamburger, fruit, etc. is of extremely high quality.

Besides the other benefits of a flotilla I mentioned previously, you'll also be certain of the best itinerary if you flotilla. You'll want to see the best sights without wasting any of your charter time.

The people in the BVI are friendly, and honest. They are proud of their country and make excellent hosts.

Regards,

Mark

Edited by - oldsalt on 09/06/2004 13:56:21

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 22:25:45

This boat belongs to a friend in our club, he will be the PRO for the nationals next year.

[url="http://www.sailmoby.com/"]Sail Moby[/url]

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2004 : 23:25:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by sailgal
 Go Sailing Frank! Sounds like a trip full of memories to be..

Hey I was wondering if you needed any certificates for chartering or do they rent those boats out to anybody with a credit card?

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

A signed check will do quite nicely Suzie if you have any sailing experience at all to put on your "sailing resumee".

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 10:28:19

Frank, We in Sarasota made out lucky again ( our day is coming

) My marina tied down for hurrican conditions and all went smoothly. I don't believe the wind gusted over 75 in my area, but needless to say that hearing a steady 35 mph wind for more than 12 hours was stressing (with 45 gusts on an off all day). I ventured out a few times over the weekend to check my boat and all was fine, the boat next to me forgot to double one of his rear cleats, and the one chaffed down to a core string, I threw another line on fast. I've heard many boats in downtown Sarasota broke their moorings and a couple of larger boats slipped in Marina Jacks sunk ( bashed against docks). We only lost 5 trees on my condo property. Still windy at this time and it is days later! Thanks for concern.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 10:51:08

... I've heard good things about Sunsail and would try them myself the next time...although Moorings has some very good deals during the "off-season". - Dan

When is the "off-season?" Why?

Thanks!

Edited by - on

Dkn420
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 13:43:43

Buzz: You might try this link and the "plan and price" section: http://www.moorings.com/specialoffers.asp Dan #727

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 15:13:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Buzz Maring
 ... I've heard good things about Sunsail and would try them myself the next time...although Moorings has some very good deals during the "off-season". - Dan

When is the "off-season?" Why?

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

Basically you're talking about hurricane season when both Sunsail and the Moorings offer substantial discounts. It happens to be a great time to go because the breezes are nice but not overly gusty, the temperature is fine and the entire area isn't very crowded which makes it easy to find moorings and make restaurant reservations wherever and whenever you want. During peak season it can feel as crowded as mid town Manhattan.

A few years ago I went in late July and the very next week a fairly weak hurricane passed over Soper's Hole which was the base for Sunsail at that time, causing very little damage. However when a storm is on the way the locals shut down the power grid to limit damage and you don't want to be around during any hurricane.

I prefer to go off season myself.

Edited by - on

jguyot
1st Mate

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USA
97 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 22:57:49

Another Charter Company to try is www.HorizonYachtCharters.com We have used them the last couple of years and they are great to work with. Their prices are very competitive and the boats are in great shape. They specialize in Bavaria and carry both brand new boats as well as used boats. Last January we chartered a 44' Bavaria and the year before a 40' Bavaria (But was upgraded to the 50' at no additional charge!) For provisioning, I would not go with the charter company. You will pay 20-30% more for the same food and will get a lot of things that you won't need. I now order almost all of our provisions online with Bobby's Market place where you can pick & choose exactly what you need. They have an excell spreadsheet with all the prices and you just pick off of it what you need. Also, the mooring cost is now $25 per night at all locations, but is well worth it for the peace of mind. For those wanting more information on the BVI's, a good place to start is www.traveltalkonline.com. They will have all your answers

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2004 : 23:24:53

And don't over provision, there are great local restaurants all over, and dinner and drinks at Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, Pussers at both Marina Cay and Soper's Hole is a lot of fun as well. The Bitter End Yacht Club up north sound on Vigin Gorda is well worth the trip after a day of swimming at The Baths. It's amazing how many regular and beach restaurants and bars there are, even in places you'd never think to look for them, although a few are closed off season. We eat breakfast and lunch aboard and dine out and have drinks with the flotilla group each night. At some of the local places, it's best to radio ahead to let them know you're coming.

Best snorkling: the caves off Norman Island, the Indians, Sandy Cay off Jost Van Dyke and Trellis Bay close to the airport just off Tortola.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2004 : 10:15:05

Out of curiosity, I sent a sailing resume to the Moorings, which consisted of 10 years ownership of 25 foot sailboats on the Great Lakes, and this is their reply...

Dear Mr. Lucier,

Congratulations! We have received and approved your request to skipper a Moorings yacht on a future sailing vacation.

We are pleased to inform you that you are qualified to sail any Moorings bareboat yacht, monohull or catamaran, up to 41' in length at any of the following nine Moorings' bases: Tortola, Abacos, Baja, Nice, Hyeres, Turkey, Corfu, Tonga and Australia..."

Edited by - on

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