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I've mentioned before that Wifey and I are planning to do a crewed sailboat charter in the BVI for our 25th anniversary in April, 2011. I think it would be lots of fun to have a bunch of PHs out there with us! The more couples per boat the cheaper the cost per person. PHs wanting to do bareboat charters are welcome!

The week we are shooting for, April 23-30 2011, is based on the anticipated school spring vacation for that year. Our anniversary is on the 26th. We'll just miss the full moon the 18th.

Right now I'm gaging interest and giving PHs time to think about it and start saving $$$. I'm not great at organizing events like this, but I'll try to help people out with choices, matching groups on boats, etc.

Here are a few sites to look at potential boats and to get a handle on the wide range of costs:

http://www.sail-csu.com/

http://www.visailing.com/

http://www.yacht-charters.tv/

http://www.moorings.com/default.aspx

http://www.sunsail.com/yachts

WHO'S IN?

Hmmmmmmm.....

Now that's something to think about.

there is actually a parrothead regatta in oriental nc in July I think.....

sunseeker wrote:there is actually a parrothead regatta in oriental nc in July I think.....

that's a load of junk(s)

We were lookng into this last summer but chickened out. Below is a contact of a very nice person we were talking to in St Thomas who seems to know lots of folks down there who can set you up. Feel free to contact here and ask as many questions as you need, she was very easy going.

Margo Rose
US Toll Free Phone/Fax: 1.866.297.0163
Email: info@yachtchartersusvi.com
http://www.yachtchartersusvi.com

go with moorings.... they have the best boats.

AlbatrossFlyer wrote:go with moorings.... they have the best boats.

Moorings is very large and own their boats, they hire crew. Booking through an independent will get you an owner/crew which is a much better experience if you want a crewed charter. If you are crewing then Moorings is good they have very reasonable prices and their boats are layed out for chartering. Most of their boats are Benateaus. Good boats for the most part have step transoms. The step transom makes a nice swimming platform but sailing performance suffers, plus a little space is lost.

Anyone that has sailed BVI has a favorite agent because they are all good. The boats are also all great. If you are going with a crewed charter stick to the owner/crew boats you will be a guest in their home and they treat the boat and you better.

Hmmmmm.....April 2011.........have to start running this one by the wife! Supertrooper, if you haven't visited the BVI Forum on traveltalkonline.com definitely check it out. They are a true wealth of BVI sailing/travelling info.

Skibo wrote:

AlbatrossFlyer wrote:go with moorings.... they have the best boats.

Moorings is very large and own their boats, they hire crew. Booking through an independent will get you an owner/crew which is a much better experience if you want a crewed charter. If you are crewing then Moorings is good they have very reasonable prices and their boats are layed out for chartering. Most of their boats are Benateaus. Good boats for the most part have step transoms. The step transom makes a nice swimming platform but sailing performance suffers, plus a little space is lost.

Anyone that has sailed BVI has a favorite agent because they are all good. The boats are also all great. If you are going with a crewed charter stick to the owner/crew boats you will be a guest in their home and they treat the boat and you better.

I agree ... Most of the indepepndants have the same boats as Moorings...only cheaper and less hasle...this last go'round we went with Conch Charters out of RoadTown....great folks, very friendly/helpful. We chartered 2 boats, a 45' and a 42' cat. SPent 7 days sailing, raiding beaches and generall having a great 'ole time. All of the 'Keets want to go back....

What a fun plan!

And it's very tempting - we may participate! Our anniversary is also in April and 2011 will be 15 years!

I personally don't have first hand experience with the bare boats. I was a bit spoiled when I lived down there since my man at the time was a charter boat captain. He had a 51' Morgan Out Island which sailed all over the US and British Virgin Islands...

He still is down there frequently (run a Captain School and is a dear friend) so I know that closer to the time, he would recommend which companies to use. Or, if you wanted to charter a boat with a crew, he could advise which captains are EXPERIENCED and FUN!!!!!!!

I'd probably round a group of friends still down there who have boats...

I do believe that there are some local sailing races down there in April, but it escapes me which one(s) and which islands. (Don't know if the schedule is still the same - I lived there from '89-92) Could be fun to watch or could be crowded...

Skibo wrote: If you are going with a crewed charter stick to the owner/crew boats you will be a guest in their home and they treat the boat and you better.

I second that.

That's what we did, although we didn't live on the boat. However, my ex owned it and ran it very professionally as a business.

I'd also recommend inquiring about the captain's experience. There are lots of them down there - you want somebody who is fun and knowledgeable, but also professional and responsible. As guests, it's fun to party and have some drinks, but do you really want a drunk captain? I've seen people get into trouble that way.

just a thought ST we went with a group of 16 on a windjammer that went through the bvi's hit the hot spots very very fun realize many people like to do their own thing, smaller boat etc.. but it was easy to book a big group, got a great doscount WJ easy to work with and everyong was responsible for their own booking/payment etc.. that way no hounding for the money committments. I know WJ may be in money troubles, but, it was fun fun fun best bar you will ever go to.

Angostura Sail Week is in Tobago every April. Regatta.