Just booked my first bareboat charter through Moorings in the BVI. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions or comments regarding their experiences. We have spent time in the BVI but only day sailed and stayed at a resort. Looking forward to a very needed vacation albeit not untill November.
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Walt Allensworth
You'll have fun!
I've rented 3 times in the BVI, and the last time was with the Moorings. A few thoughts: If you rent for two weeks you may want to get half you food at the start, and half in the middle of the trip. If you've got a boat-full, 2 weeks of food will STUFF the freezer, and you will have no room for a couple of bags of ice, which is nice for making drinks. BUT - DOn't come back for your REPLINISHMENT on Saturday! Big problem. EVERYBODY comes and goes on Saturday, and it's a MADHOUSE. Come in on friday for your replenishment. Evening starts are cheap and save you alot of money. The down-side is that 1) you may find yourself stocking your own boat, and 2) you will probably find yourself staying in the Marina that night - can be hot and muggy in Roadtown. Nov. should be better than now! It's alot more comfortable sleeping on the hook somewhere. I printed-out charts of prospective routes between major anchorages, with magnetic bearing and mileage. These I put in a plastic sleeve and would bring ito the cockpit for reference. Very handy. If you can, DO the floatilla to Anegada. Very remote, and un-crowded. It's SO different from the rest of the islands it's worth the trip. The lobster at Neptune's Treasure is worth the trip. Also, snorkling at THE DOGS on the way back from Anegada is AWESOME, and a good lunch-stop on the way to Trellis Bay. Oh yes, also - don't miss the BATHS on Virgin Gorda. It's best to Anchor for the night at Marina Cay or Trellis Bay and run over under power at first light to pick up a mooring. You get your batteries charged, and get an early start! The crew can get breakfast started while on the way, and you can eat after you pick up a mooring. We got there so early that somebody motored by and accused me of staying there over-night - which is a no-no. Why all the fuss? Moorings at the Baths fill up FAST! You've gotta get there early. We got there before 7am. If you don't like to cook, get the package where you plan to eat-out for about half the nights. There is a ton of places to eat, all over.
I've rented 3 times in the BVI, and the last time was with the Moorings. A few thoughts: If you rent for two weeks you may want to get half you food at the start, and half in the middle of the trip. If you've got a boat-full, 2 weeks of food will STUFF the freezer, and you will have no room for a couple of bags of ice, which is nice for making drinks. BUT - DOn't come back for your REPLINISHMENT on Saturday! Big problem. EVERYBODY comes and goes on Saturday, and it's a MADHOUSE. Come in on friday for your replenishment. Evening starts are cheap and save you alot of money. The down-side is that 1) you may find yourself stocking your own boat, and 2) you will probably find yourself staying in the Marina that night - can be hot and muggy in Roadtown. Nov. should be better than now! It's alot more comfortable sleeping on the hook somewhere. I printed-out charts of prospective routes between major anchorages, with magnetic bearing and mileage. These I put in a plastic sleeve and would bring ito the cockpit for reference. Very handy. If you can, DO the floatilla to Anegada. Very remote, and un-crowded. It's SO different from the rest of the islands it's worth the trip. The lobster at Neptune's Treasure is worth the trip. Also, snorkling at THE DOGS on the way back from Anegada is AWESOME, and a good lunch-stop on the way to Trellis Bay. Oh yes, also - don't miss the BATHS on Virgin Gorda. It's best to Anchor for the night at Marina Cay or Trellis Bay and run over under power at first light to pick up a mooring. You get your batteries charged, and get an early start! The crew can get breakfast started while on the way, and you can eat after you pick up a mooring. We got there so early that somebody motored by and accused me of staying there over-night - which is a no-no. Why all the fuss? Moorings at the Baths fill up FAST! You've gotta get there early. We got there before 7am. If you don't like to cook, get the package where you plan to eat-out for about half the nights. There is a ton of places to eat, all over.
J
John H380 1999
Plan ahead
Some things we have learned: 1 - take as much food as you can stuff in your luggage. You will save a ton. (yes, it is illegal but we do it all the time, even hams and beef packed in dry ice) 2 -get the condiment pack from the Moorings(napkins, ketchup, salt, etc) 3 - plan your meal menu ahead of time and buy the food at the grocery store. We found that the food plans you purchase from the Moorings have too much food and it is easy and fun to walk to the store and back. The store will let you use a shopping cart to bring the food back to the boat. We eat out only once per week on our trips. Buy food for the whole week so you won't have to mess with food shopping again. 4 - plan your day and destinations ahead of time with those going on the charter. We go north with all the stops to the Bitter End YC and then take a south route back. We eat out at the Bitter End YC restaurant. 5 - get to your destinations earlier in the day so you get a mooring ball. Every year it gets more crowded. Anchoring is not a problem if you wish to do that. 4 - snorkel morning and afternoon in different places 5 - sail in the South Atlantic at least once. It is a great ride. 6 - we started bringing our own hand held GPS along with waypoints entered ahead of time. Not really needed in the BVI but if you have one and it is your first time, why not? 7 - this is without question an all world cruising ground - you are going to experience it the best way possible. Check our web site. We have routes and pictures if you are interested.
Some things we have learned: 1 - take as much food as you can stuff in your luggage. You will save a ton. (yes, it is illegal but we do it all the time, even hams and beef packed in dry ice) 2 -get the condiment pack from the Moorings(napkins, ketchup, salt, etc) 3 - plan your meal menu ahead of time and buy the food at the grocery store. We found that the food plans you purchase from the Moorings have too much food and it is easy and fun to walk to the store and back. The store will let you use a shopping cart to bring the food back to the boat. We eat out only once per week on our trips. Buy food for the whole week so you won't have to mess with food shopping again. 4 - plan your day and destinations ahead of time with those going on the charter. We go north with all the stops to the Bitter End YC and then take a south route back. We eat out at the Bitter End YC restaurant. 5 - get to your destinations earlier in the day so you get a mooring ball. Every year it gets more crowded. Anchoring is not a problem if you wish to do that. 4 - snorkel morning and afternoon in different places 5 - sail in the South Atlantic at least once. It is a great ride. 6 - we started bringing our own hand held GPS along with waypoints entered ahead of time. Not really needed in the BVI but if you have one and it is your first time, why not? 7 - this is without question an all world cruising ground - you are going to experience it the best way possible. Check our web site. We have routes and pictures if you are interested.
J
Jim Rushing
Dinner a shore
Watch the amount of food that you load the boat up with. The best thing about BVI is that all of the mooring areas have little ma and pa restuarants. We ended up on our second trip to BVI in only buying breakfast and lunch items. No dinners on the boat. It is more fun on the beach with the rest of the sailors.
Watch the amount of food that you load the boat up with. The best thing about BVI is that all of the mooring areas have little ma and pa restuarants. We ended up on our second trip to BVI in only buying breakfast and lunch items. No dinners on the boat. It is more fun on the beach with the rest of the sailors.
J
Joe
Half the clothes and TWICE the money
Have a GR8 time! Went twice last year, going again in '04. Here is a GR8 link if you have any BVI questions. Joe
Have a GR8 time! Went twice last year, going again in '04. Here is a GR8 link if you have any BVI questions. Joe
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Debra B
Anagada is worth the trip
Of course hit Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, and go to Norman Island. I would plan a trip to Anagada. You have to leave early to get there around noon, but it is a short sail, just watch the coral heads. You can take a van from the Beach Hotel over to Flash of Beauty Beach for the afternoon. Well worth it! The Beach Hotel (if memory serves) has lobster and ribs for dinner. As someone said - you won't need a lot of clothes ... but it isn't cheap. Eating a quiet dinner on the boat can be very nice too.
Of course hit Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, and go to Norman Island. I would plan a trip to Anagada. You have to leave early to get there around noon, but it is a short sail, just watch the coral heads. You can take a van from the Beach Hotel over to Flash of Beauty Beach for the afternoon. Well worth it! The Beach Hotel (if memory serves) has lobster and ribs for dinner. As someone said - you won't need a lot of clothes ... but it isn't cheap. Eating a quiet dinner on the boat can be very nice too.
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Bob F
BVI's
Just did it in June. Had a great time. Suggestions: Newer synthetic athletic type clothes handle the warm humid temps better that cotton. Buy you own food. The supermarket in Roadtown is great and they'll even deliver you & food back to your boat. Bring an ice chest,pack it with big towels. Its nice to keep the drinks cold. Also a bit of baby powder keeps the sheets fresh. Best expensive meal? Peter Island & Bitter End. Favorite anchorage? Cane Garden bay, Bitter End. Least Fav? Trellis Best Dive site? Rhone, Dogs. Biggest regret? Didnt go to Anagada
Just did it in June. Had a great time. Suggestions: Newer synthetic athletic type clothes handle the warm humid temps better that cotton. Buy you own food. The supermarket in Roadtown is great and they'll even deliver you & food back to your boat. Bring an ice chest,pack it with big towels. Its nice to keep the drinks cold. Also a bit of baby powder keeps the sheets fresh. Best expensive meal? Peter Island & Bitter End. Favorite anchorage? Cane Garden bay, Bitter End. Least Fav? Trellis Best Dive site? Rhone, Dogs. Biggest regret? Didnt go to Anagada
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Rob Irvine
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Bob Keller
Thanks to all
Thank you all for the great information. We will certainly include your suggestions in our plans. Bob and Camille SV Kathryn
Thank you all for the great information. We will certainly include your suggestions in our plans. Bob and Camille SV Kathryn
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Tony Cyfko
BVI
My wife & I chartered a 37'Jeanneau with Trade Wind Yachts for a 14 day vacation in June 2002 & we had a wonderful time to say the least... We suggest you plan a trip to Anagoda Island. When you arrive call on your VHF to make reservations for a lobster dinner, the owner will pick you up & drive you back. Beautiful place in the middle of nowhere right on the ocean & great food! I'm not sure of the name but someone there will be able to help you. Have a great vacation & if you want some more info e-mail us at tcyfko@qsbagri.com Tony & Josee Cyfko Arielle, Hunter 356,#246
My wife & I chartered a 37'Jeanneau with Trade Wind Yachts for a 14 day vacation in June 2002 & we had a wonderful time to say the least... We suggest you plan a trip to Anagoda Island. When you arrive call on your VHF to make reservations for a lobster dinner, the owner will pick you up & drive you back. Beautiful place in the middle of nowhere right on the ocean & great food! I'm not sure of the name but someone there will be able to help you. Have a great vacation & if you want some more info e-mail us at tcyfko@qsbagri.com Tony & Josee Cyfko Arielle, Hunter 356,#246
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Mike Harris
BVI
Went last Xmas/New Year - FINE! Suggest counter-clockwise loop: Road Town to Norman Is. (1st nite), next AM early to Indians for snorkle & breakfast then sail to Marina Key. Next AM early to Baths. North Gorda was Ok, but I would go for Anegada - It is not tricky if you study charts & line up well outside channel entrance - no shortcuts! Snorkle/dive outside the reef at Loblolly Beach. I would spend half the week at Anegada next time. Return via Cane Garden, Jost Van Dyke, Soper's Hole. Do dinners on shore unless you love to cook. You lucky guy!
Went last Xmas/New Year - FINE! Suggest counter-clockwise loop: Road Town to Norman Is. (1st nite), next AM early to Indians for snorkle & breakfast then sail to Marina Key. Next AM early to Baths. North Gorda was Ok, but I would go for Anegada - It is not tricky if you study charts & line up well outside channel entrance - no shortcuts! Snorkle/dive outside the reef at Loblolly Beach. I would spend half the week at Anegada next time. Return via Cane Garden, Jost Van Dyke, Soper's Hole. Do dinners on shore unless you love to cook. You lucky guy!
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John Richard
Spent 10 days there and on to Bermuda
Last month I crewed on an Oyster 485 owned by friends from Calif. My first experience in that type of locale. The sailing was first rate, reaching consistently over 8 knots on double reefed main and genoa. The trade winds are constant and offer untold excitement. Watch yourself around the other charter boats. It seemed their skippers were somewhat inexperienced and failed to heed basic right of way rules. Due to the high humidity, we drank tons of water. So unless you have a water maker (we did) plan accordingly. I over packed, so go lightly on the clothing you take. My favorite spot was Sopers Hole and Pussers. You've got to oder a "Pain Killer". The wind in that area funnels through very strongly which makes for a refreshing time. Incidentally, the sail up to Bermuda offered a range of terrifying lightening (a bolt came down a 100 yards off our beam) rain squalls to beauty. I have never seen water as blue as it is in this part of the open ocean. On this 5 day passage, the boat reached a max speed of 9.6 knots on double reefed rig with never ending winds from the southeast at 25 knots! Aside from the great sailing, things got really boring; there is nothing out there except you and a bunch of flying fish. Take a couple of books to read. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Last month I crewed on an Oyster 485 owned by friends from Calif. My first experience in that type of locale. The sailing was first rate, reaching consistently over 8 knots on double reefed main and genoa. The trade winds are constant and offer untold excitement. Watch yourself around the other charter boats. It seemed their skippers were somewhat inexperienced and failed to heed basic right of way rules. Due to the high humidity, we drank tons of water. So unless you have a water maker (we did) plan accordingly. I over packed, so go lightly on the clothing you take. My favorite spot was Sopers Hole and Pussers. You've got to oder a "Pain Killer". The wind in that area funnels through very strongly which makes for a refreshing time. Incidentally, the sail up to Bermuda offered a range of terrifying lightening (a bolt came down a 100 yards off our beam) rain squalls to beauty. I have never seen water as blue as it is in this part of the open ocean. On this 5 day passage, the boat reached a max speed of 9.6 knots on double reefed rig with never ending winds from the southeast at 25 knots! Aside from the great sailing, things got really boring; there is nothing out there except you and a bunch of flying fish. Take a couple of books to read. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
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