BVI Sailing Charter

O

Oasis

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Joined
Sep 10, 2002
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10105
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I have been invited to sail on a 51 ft sail boat in the BVI in March. The trip is 7 Days. I would like to find out from experienced Charterer's any info you wish to share.
Things like tips, what to take not take, favorite anchor or bouy locations for snorkeling, bars, resturaunts etc.

Also, what experience have you had with the charter companies provisioning services.

Think of it as if you only had one last trip there what would you not want to miss.

No info is too trivial.

Thanks
 
Sir Francis Drake Channel is a fabulous cruise! Here's my short list- Do hit Jost Van Dyke where you can visit the home of the Painkiller (Soggy Dollar beach bar) during the day and party at Foxy's at night. The Willie T is a not to miss spot at Norman Island. If you feel "native" look into the "free drink" deal. I was not impressed with Sopers Hole on Tortola although it is a nice harbor and we did meet Walter Cronkite there about 10 years ago. Roadtown, also on Tortola is a retuen to civilization and decent shopping, resturants, etc. If "The Last Resort" is still open on Beef Island do try there Buffet dinner and show deal for a "unique" night of entertainment.

There's so much more that I'm sure other's will offer here. Check this site for some ideas as well:
http://www.seaquellcharters.com/Sample-ITINERARY-BVI-7-DAYS-VT.htm

Enjoy!!
 
The first night, if you are still at the charter base, grab a cab and have dinner at Bananakeet's Cafe over in Carrot Bay prior to sunset. The food is great and there is not a better view anywhere. The view from high on Windy Hill is NW out over Jost, St. John and beyond.

I like the snorkling by Monkey Point on Guana Island(it's a nice on board lunch stop) and in the Bay of Water Point on Normand Island. Great variety of fish, sea turtles, and rays. And you're not in the crowd.

Anegada - Rent a jeep/pickup or a cab and head over to Cow Wreck Bay for part of the day on ther beach and finish with dinner at Potters by the Sea with a grilled lobster on the beach with your barefeet in the sand.

As stated before, Willy T in the Bight on Normand Island and Foxy's are the obligatory first timer's must do's.

The preferred travel direction is counter-clockways aroud Tortola as you'll have the smoothest passage due to the predominant SE winds. Do some basic provisioning at the base, but grab what you need along the way in Trellis Bay, Virgin Gorda, Cane Garden Bay, Jost, and Sopers Hole. This will reduce spoilage and waste of food and space.

If you get over to St. John, Cinnnamon Bay and Leinster Bay are very nice semi secluded anchorages with National Park mooring balls.

I been down there 15 times and am still not tired of it. As a matter of fact we'll be chartering down there for New Years Eve in the fray over at Foxy's!

Enjoy!
 
We chartered a Moorings mono-hull and had a blast. Moorings suggested an itinerary which we ignored to stay away from the crowd as we departed on a Saturday morning (lots of boats leaving the base that day).

You cannot go wrong, make sure you take in Foxy's at Jost Van Dyke and the "bubbly pool" on the other side of Jost. Also Marina Cay, Saba Rock (and the Bitter End) on North Virgin Gorda Sound, the Baths at Virgin Gorda and snorkling or diving on the wreck of the RMS Rhone.

Pack light, you will be wearing t-shirts and swim trunks most of the time. The only dinner we dressed up for was at Marina Cay and it was well worth it!

We did our own provisioning, but did not save any money versus what The Moorings would have provisioned us for. I recommend that you save yourself the hassle and have the charter company provision the vessel except for the rum. Rum is inexpensive and most vastly underestimate their consumption and have to re-provision anyway!
 
Bob,
That's not mine (I wish). I just pulled up that website. We chartered through Ellen Stewart Yacht Charters. If you google her you'll see all the vessels that she brokers and the prices. Ellen is a great lady and offers very personal service. Drop her an email or call he 800 number amd she'll fill you in on the details.
 
quote:
Originally posted by MikeeH

Bob,
That's not mine (I wish). I just pulled up that website. We chartered through Ellen Stewart Yacht Charters. If you google her you'll see all the vessels that she brokers and the prices. Ellen is a great lady and offers very personal service. Drop her an email or call he 800 number amd she'll fill you in on the details.

Click to expand...


I'll have a look. Thanks, Mike.

Bob
 
"The Drinking Man's Guide to the BVI" - is a fun read & has a lot of two for one drink coupons in the back - the NOSEEUM at the Loose Mongoose in Trellis Bay is great! We just went over Thanksgiving - Moorings Power charter - the "Christmas Winds" came early - NE-ENE 20-25kts with a northerly 6-8 swell made is a little sporty at times, but good trip overall! I ditto the recommendations above - make sure you get to the Baths. Use only soft luggage, you don't need any nice clothes, heck you really don't even need shoes! Check your provisioning - ie - if you order coffee - make sure they give you coffee filters! Bring extra clothes pins to hang towels etc.

Have fun!

Bob
 
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