Mates, I've been nominated by my family to get details on a bareboat charter in the Caribbean. We're planning on going in February. I'd like to find out recommended areas (e.g. BVI, St. Martin, etc.) Most specifically, what characterizes one area vs. another. If line of sight is important and wind conditions, should I stick with BVI. From what I read, although quite crowded, it's a good spot for beginners. Also, on another note, what can I expect in terms of a checkout from a company - what will they expect me to know. My boat doesn’t have as many gizmos as one would find in a 33+ size sloop, so I can't quite say I'm familiar with all components. As an example, I have a tiller and an outboard as opposed to a wheel and a diesel- will this cause problems that would force me to get a skipper? Thanx
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First Choice BVI
I suggest the BVI. Line of sight navigation, fair winds, great weather, friendly people. The charter companies usually require the you have experience on a similiar size boat as you want to charter. We chartered in March and I did not think it was crowded at all. We used Sunsail and I would charter with them again. You should not have any problems with tiller vs wheel. When you finalize you plans feel free to contact me off site & I will give you some sugestions. Chuck Dickhut S/V Obsession Catalina 320
I suggest the BVI. Line of sight navigation, fair winds, great weather, friendly people. The charter companies usually require the you have experience on a similiar size boat as you want to charter. We chartered in March and I did not think it was crowded at all. We used Sunsail and I would charter with them again. You should not have any problems with tiller vs wheel. When you finalize you plans feel free to contact me off site & I will give you some sugestions. Chuck Dickhut S/V Obsession Catalina 320
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Mark
Agree with the BVIs
I would have to agree with Chuck. My wife and I did our honeymoon from the Moorings in Tortola. Back then, we were certainly novices and so we arranged a liveaboard instructor for the first week (Offshore Sailing School). We managed to get our bareboat certification (we had previous courses as well) that week and then spent the second week on our own on a 45 ft Beneteau. It was a lot of fun--LOS navigation and easy anchorages. I would definitely recommend the BVIs as a first charter experience. Cheers!
I would have to agree with Chuck. My wife and I did our honeymoon from the Moorings in Tortola. Back then, we were certainly novices and so we arranged a liveaboard instructor for the first week (Offshore Sailing School). We managed to get our bareboat certification (we had previous courses as well) that week and then spent the second week on our own on a 45 ft Beneteau. It was a lot of fun--LOS navigation and easy anchorages. I would definitely recommend the BVIs as a first charter experience. Cheers!
articles on charters
If you can find it, check out the latest issue of Sailing magazine (the big mag out of Port Washington, WI). It's the "Charter" issue, and has several articles on family charters and charter company ratings. I believe that Sunsail did get the best rating from them. Sounds like a great time, can't wait to do that someday! Shana
If you can find it, check out the latest issue of Sailing magazine (the big mag out of Port Washington, WI). It's the "Charter" issue, and has several articles on family charters and charter company ratings. I believe that Sunsail did get the best rating from them. Sounds like a great time, can't wait to do that someday! Shana
Archives - you can do it!
There's been lots written here on the subject of charter qualifications - check in the archives section and search using words like "Qualification" and "Bare Boat". The link below is to a particularly well written (if I do say so myself) post on the subject. Good Luck! You'll love the BVI! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
There's been lots written here on the subject of charter qualifications - check in the archives section and search using words like "Qualification" and "Bare Boat". The link below is to a particularly well written (if I do say so myself) post on the subject. Good Luck! You'll love the BVI! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
bvi and st. martin
I've chartered both locations with my family which includes two young children. Both are great but the BVI is easier and more predictable. As the other post highlights - very easy line of sight navigation, tidal range is less than 12 inches, almost no hazards, consistent winds, protected waters, and almost every sail is less than 4 hours - very, very, easy and enjoyable. St. Martin is a step up in terms of navigation, weather, length of sails, etc.
I've chartered both locations with my family which includes two young children. Both are great but the BVI is easier and more predictable. As the other post highlights - very easy line of sight navigation, tidal range is less than 12 inches, almost no hazards, consistent winds, protected waters, and almost every sail is less than 4 hours - very, very, easy and enjoyable. St. Martin is a step up in terms of navigation, weather, length of sails, etc.
back in 1989, when i chartered...........
they had a check out that included a chart that was also a placemat (no kidding) they showed you the boat how to turn it on and said see you in a week, if your check or charge cleared you were in!!!!!! great time, every year i plan a return but business or family issue prevents it. good luck! mike
they had a check out that included a chart that was also a placemat (no kidding) they showed you the boat how to turn it on and said see you in a week, if your check or charge cleared you were in!!!!!! great time, every year i plan a return but business or family issue prevents it. good luck! mike
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Tim R.
Check out West Marine
I joined the West advantage program last year for $14.00 and received about a $350 discount on a Moorings charter. Tim R.
I joined the West advantage program last year for $14.00 and received about a $350 discount on a Moorings charter. Tim R.
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