BVI Advice Please

[Steve L22188]

We're making plans to go to the BVIs in February for a week's bareboat charter.

Need your advice on a couple of things:

1. We're thinking about a Friday to Thursday sail. First, it meets our schedule/calendar needs and second, it might not put us in as much competition for moorings from the usual Sunday to Saturday folks. Does this make sense?

2. We're thinking about the Moorings...and getting the next tier down from the newest boats. Any thoughts on the Moorings? Or would you recommend another company?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Ron20324]

I sent you a P.M., but also if you avoid the Sat/Sun charter, you'll miss all the cruise ship people at the airports.

 

[Ken Prichard]

If a new boat is not important to you have a look at Conch.
http://www.conchcharters.com/
We went with them in Dec. last year and we're going with them again this year. They're not as fancy as the Moorings but we found the boat well maintained, the price reasonable and the service great. I'm sure thier schedule is flexable.
BTW, the worst charter experience I ever had was with the Moorings in the Bahamas. I have no experience with them in the BVI's.
You'll love it down there. Have fun!

 

[lsfrench]

If you are not a boat OWNER being serviced by the Moorings in the BVIs (Tortola) they treat you pretty well. Be sure to go through the ENTIRE checkout checklist on the boat.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

My experience suggests that Moorings is a great charter company and good folks to do business. I did business with them. They do use newer boats, so you pay more for a charter, but then often the newer vessel has fewer problems. Other companies use slightly older vessels, which will reduce the price. Companies with older boats might be cheap, but the boats might be beat up some.
Regarding obtaining Mooring Balls......you can be rest assured there will be plenty of people chartering during the midweek as well. If you want a mooring ball, then regardless of the day, you have to get there early before they are all taken up. But, they charge for their use and you can use a good old anchor too, but make sure you have good holding ground as there is a lot of sea grass near those islands and holding is not so good in sea grass.
For sure, when you get on board, inventory everything on board (they give you a check list) counting everything right down to each knife, fork and spoon, flashlight, etc. Because they will count it when you are done and if something is missing, they will charge you for it. If it wasn't there before you started, you will pay for it anyway. This is with any charter company.
You can have them provision your boat with food, but it is best to buy it yourself in a store. You will have control over portions, cut of meats, etc, and know what you are getting rather than how they proportion food (maybe not enough), etc. and it will be cheaper. There are a number of fabulous restaurants all over the area, so you might want to do breakfast and lunches on board and dinners ashore, unless you are on a budget, because with great food and drink comes bigger bills. Have a ball. It is a great, comfortable place to cruise.

 

[David in Sandusky]

Moorings

We have used Moorings, or their partners in the BVI's, Anacortes in the San Juans, and Nice. Compared to other charters, they are the most consistently good, and you pay for it.

The BVI's are a great cruising ground - enjoy yourselves!

 

[Banooma]

I had an excellent experience with the Moorings for my first charter in June. We chartered a second-tier 32, and had one minor problem - a failing shower drain that they fixed at their satellite location at Saba Rock. We loved our boat and the location, and were already making plans to return by the second day in the BVI.

 

[agaliha]

Thumbs up to Moorings

Steve,
I have chartered from Moorings twice and certainly recommend them. The new "Yacht Base" in Tortola is magnificent. They are very attentive to any problems you might have and also very fun and friendly. I think your idea about Thursday departure is excellent...if the Moorings can accomodate it. There is kind of "clump" of bareboats that traverse the BVI on a counterclockwise track. Starting on a Thursday would put you "off cycle" and therefore you would find fewer boats at each destination.
Agaliha

 

[Ron20324]

[FONT=Impact,sans-serif]The Moorings National TV Debut![/FONT]

Nov. 2, 2009 - 8:30pm & 11:30pm ET​

This features a captain and a cook....not exactly us, but it should give a pretty good idea of what we are going to see.
In the BVIs.