I need some suggestions for new areas to consider for bareboat vacations. We've done BVI's, Pacific NW, and recently Croatia. Does anyone have any ideas of fun bareboat destinations?? Thanks. Bob
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A couple of suggestions
If you want to go back to the Caribbean at all, then try the Windward Islands, St. Vincent to Grenada (island hopping all the way), and back if you wish; otherwise, I think you can get a one-way charter. It's great sailing; Grenada is a fun place to go ashore and explore. Use Barefoot Charters. The other possibility is the Whitsunday Islands of eastern Australia. Big charter set-up there; take off out of Arlie Beach. It's not the sailing experience of the Caribbean, but it's really pretty as there are several beautiful places to throw out the hook. Also, but I can't say I've done it, you might consider looking into the coast of Maine (i.e., the downeast experience)in or near late July or August; I hear from friends that it's really neat there. Finally, I believe there is a bareboat charter deal out of southern Ireland; the details are fuzzy for me, but I remember hearing what a great area for bareboat chartering. Good luck. BEO
If you want to go back to the Caribbean at all, then try the Windward Islands, St. Vincent to Grenada (island hopping all the way), and back if you wish; otherwise, I think you can get a one-way charter. It's great sailing; Grenada is a fun place to go ashore and explore. Use Barefoot Charters. The other possibility is the Whitsunday Islands of eastern Australia. Big charter set-up there; take off out of Arlie Beach. It's not the sailing experience of the Caribbean, but it's really pretty as there are several beautiful places to throw out the hook. Also, but I can't say I've done it, you might consider looking into the coast of Maine (i.e., the downeast experience)in or near late July or August; I hear from friends that it's really neat there. Finally, I believe there is a bareboat charter deal out of southern Ireland; the details are fuzzy for me, but I remember hearing what a great area for bareboat chartering. Good luck. BEO
Chessapeake
After Labor Day, you just about have the whole Bay to yourself, the weather is mild and the sailing great. The NC system of rivers and sounds is also great that time of year.
After Labor Day, you just about have the whole Bay to yourself, the weather is mild and the sailing great. The NC system of rivers and sounds is also great that time of year.
Belize
We did Belize with TMM and plan to return for more. I have heard that the Moorings recently has been bought by someone else and are not as good as they used to be. A friend had a bad experience with them in the BVI last winter. They had to wait a couple of days with a leaky water tank and the Moorings were not very accomodating and even blamed them for the delay becasue they did not inspect the boat carefully enough before departing. The Moorings seemed to feel a chartering skipper needs to look under floorboard, berths, cockpits, etc. before heading out in one of their boats.
We did Belize with TMM and plan to return for more. I have heard that the Moorings recently has been bought by someone else and are not as good as they used to be. A friend had a bad experience with them in the BVI last winter. They had to wait a couple of days with a leaky water tank and the Moorings were not very accomodating and even blamed them for the delay becasue they did not inspect the boat carefully enough before departing. The Moorings seemed to feel a chartering skipper needs to look under floorboard, berths, cockpits, etc. before heading out in one of their boats.
How about Canada
The North Channel in Georgian Bay / Lake Huron ( Great Lakes) has been called some of the best cruising in the world. July or August would be the warmest, Septmeber would be quieter. Lots of bareboat charters in the area.
The North Channel in Georgian Bay / Lake Huron ( Great Lakes) has been called some of the best cruising in the world. July or August would be the warmest, Septmeber would be quieter. Lots of bareboat charters in the area.
I really like
the Bahamas in mid-winter. Temps are tolerable, winds are steady, and not nearly as crowded as the BVIs. Lots of places to go if you want to avoid crowds and have your own pure white sandy beach to yourself. The sailing is great, snorkeling terrific, and the local foods are wonderful!
the Bahamas in mid-winter. Temps are tolerable, winds are steady, and not nearly as crowded as the BVIs. Lots of places to go if you want to avoid crowds and have your own pure white sandy beach to yourself. The sailing is great, snorkeling terrific, and the local foods are wonderful!
Michigan ...
For a summer trip, I think the area aroudn Grand Traverse Bay could be a great location. Look into this ...http://www.bbyc.com/great-lakes-yacht-charters/ports-o-call
For a summer trip, I think the area aroudn Grand Traverse Bay could be a great location. Look into this ...http://www.bbyc.com/great-lakes-yacht-charters/ports-o-call
Sail Magazine just published a story...
(July edition) on cruising Southern Ireland; here's the charter link. http://www.sailireland.com/sichome.htm
(July edition) on cruising Southern Ireland; here's the charter link. http://www.sailireland.com/sichome.htm
Cruise the fabled land of Margaritaville
... that is the Florida Keys. Crystal clear waters. Plenty of exotic islands and bays. Dolphin and loggerhead turtles romp about in view as you sail on. Tropical pub and restaurants and some hideaway watering holes can be found. Such is the one Jimmy Buffet was known to have patroned at Cabbage Key. The air of the old pirate lingers in the area still to this day. Pirate booty remains to be found on a deserted island. But which one? Find it in the 10,000 island area of Southwest Florida region that stretches 150 miles north of Boca Chita in the Keys to Cape Romano to the north. <snicker> Hope you have a GPS. It is said a man may never cross his own wake there if he lives to be a hundred years. So many places to go ... so little time. Tom
... that is the Florida Keys. Crystal clear waters. Plenty of exotic islands and bays. Dolphin and loggerhead turtles romp about in view as you sail on. Tropical pub and restaurants and some hideaway watering holes can be found. Such is the one Jimmy Buffet was known to have patroned at Cabbage Key. The air of the old pirate lingers in the area still to this day. Pirate booty remains to be found on a deserted island. But which one? Find it in the 10,000 island area of Southwest Florida region that stretches 150 miles north of Boca Chita in the Keys to Cape Romano to the north. <snicker> Hope you have a GPS. It is said a man may never cross his own wake there if he lives to be a hundred years. So many places to go ... so little time. Tom
If you go to South Florida, you'd like it ...
best in springtime; early to mid-April down there; no later than mid-May unless you like hot & humidity; season starts again in mid-October, but past Thanksgiving it can be (but not necessarily) cold with weather fronts starting to come through on 10-12 day cycles. Also, bring your bug spray!! BEO
best in springtime; early to mid-April down there; no later than mid-May unless you like hot & humidity; season starts again in mid-October, but past Thanksgiving it can be (but not necessarily) cold with weather fronts starting to come through on 10-12 day cycles. Also, bring your bug spray!! BEO
The other Great Lake
I've bareboated only once - Lake Champlain out of Burlington, VT. It was great; the sailing, the scenery, the towns, the fishing, the swimming. Check it out. Yes you can sail to Canada.
I've bareboated only once - Lake Champlain out of Burlington, VT. It was great; the sailing, the scenery, the towns, the fishing, the swimming. Check it out. Yes you can sail to Canada.
Phuket
We were thinking really hard about chartering in Phuket, Thailand. The scenery looks absolutely amazing. The chartering costs from Sunsail were about the same as in the Caribbean, but the airfare for 4 people (at $1500 per person) was the deal breaker. We're going to the BVIs instead...
We were thinking really hard about chartering in Phuket, Thailand. The scenery looks absolutely amazing. The chartering costs from Sunsail were about the same as in the Caribbean, but the airfare for 4 people (at $1500 per person) was the deal breaker. We're going to the BVIs instead...
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