Getting cold in GA, and a long time until my boat is back in the water in RI. So, thinking about a week in the BVI. Don't know a thing about bareboat charters except the name The Moorings. What would others recommend. It will be just my wife and I so I think a 35 - 38 foot boat about right. Looking for any advice (smaller boat? 32-34, other company etc.) Thanks for any input. Ed
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L and W
Good deal with Sunsail
We looked into the Moorings, TMM and Sunsail. Sunsail is having some good specials, depending on your boat size and charter vacation timing. We ended up with an Odyssey 40 (for two couples) the second week of May for $1,706.00 plus taxes and insurance. About half of what the Moorings would charge for a 40' monohull. Check out www.sunsail.com - they have a "Special Offers" link.
We looked into the Moorings, TMM and Sunsail. Sunsail is having some good specials, depending on your boat size and charter vacation timing. We ended up with an Odyssey 40 (for two couples) the second week of May for $1,706.00 plus taxes and insurance. About half of what the Moorings would charge for a 40' monohull. Check out www.sunsail.com - they have a "Special Offers" link.
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John
Depends on $$$ available
We have done Moorings and others in the BVI. Moorings is the class of them all - newer boats, great checkout and location, cell phones on all boats, remote base on Virgin Gorda, nice facilities. However, if you are looking for savings as one couple, Sunsail is definitely a savings as noted in the previous post. The boat might be a little older and the facility not as neat, but you will get along fine. We have had a little trouble with all the boats we chartered and it did not matter where we chartered - refrig compressor belt kept falling off, shift mechanism quit, anchor windlass dropped all the chain off at wrong time. But we all have those troubles with our own boats and we fix it and keep on going. If you already own a 32-34' boat, maybe go for a 38'. It is not that much harder to handle. Maybe it will give you ideas for your next boat. Go cheaper and have a great trip.
We have done Moorings and others in the BVI. Moorings is the class of them all - newer boats, great checkout and location, cell phones on all boats, remote base on Virgin Gorda, nice facilities. However, if you are looking for savings as one couple, Sunsail is definitely a savings as noted in the previous post. The boat might be a little older and the facility not as neat, but you will get along fine. We have had a little trouble with all the boats we chartered and it did not matter where we chartered - refrig compressor belt kept falling off, shift mechanism quit, anchor windlass dropped all the chain off at wrong time. But we all have those troubles with our own boats and we fix it and keep on going. If you already own a 32-34' boat, maybe go for a 38'. It is not that much harder to handle. Maybe it will give you ideas for your next boat. Go cheaper and have a great trip.
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Mat
Second Sunail
We have bareboat chartered four times. Three with Sunsail, BVIs, Greece and Spain. The boats were clean and problem free. The staff friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful.
We have bareboat chartered four times. Three with Sunsail, BVIs, Greece and Spain. The boats were clean and problem free. The staff friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful.
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Paul Akers
Step Up
What size boat do you sail at home? One of the times that I chartered with my family, I steped up in size to see if I could handle it. It worked out fine and I learned a lot. Take this as an enjoyable opportunity to learn.
What size boat do you sail at home? One of the times that I chartered with my family, I steped up in size to see if I could handle it. It worked out fine and I learned a lot. Take this as an enjoyable opportunity to learn.
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Bruce Hill
Once each withMoorings and Sunsail
One of the things to consider are the land based amenities that make your trip easier. For a first time charter, Tortolla is a pretty easy island to do, with direct flights from San Juan, new airport, and a real "charter culture". Staying at the charter base is real handy, both Sunsail and Moorings will arrange an entire vacation including land accomodations at the base and boats. Both companies have nice accomodations and boats on Tortolla. You can save some money by provisioning yourself, taxis will take you to the grocery store. Sunsail used to rent different classes of boats (defined as older) for a lesser price, not sure if they still do. Top line boats at both places were great. Just be sure upfront what kind of boat and age/condition you are renting. It really is a pretty simple vacation, and once you do the first one you can figure out variations next time. Plan to bring some extra cash, as all those cute little restaurants on those cute little islands can get kinda pricey. Have a great time!
One of the things to consider are the land based amenities that make your trip easier. For a first time charter, Tortolla is a pretty easy island to do, with direct flights from San Juan, new airport, and a real "charter culture". Staying at the charter base is real handy, both Sunsail and Moorings will arrange an entire vacation including land accomodations at the base and boats. Both companies have nice accomodations and boats on Tortolla. You can save some money by provisioning yourself, taxis will take you to the grocery store. Sunsail used to rent different classes of boats (defined as older) for a lesser price, not sure if they still do. Top line boats at both places were great. Just be sure upfront what kind of boat and age/condition you are renting. It really is a pretty simple vacation, and once you do the first one you can figure out variations next time. Plan to bring some extra cash, as all those cute little restaurants on those cute little islands can get kinda pricey. Have a great time!
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Merrill Mant
Try Footloose
I have chartered with Footloose ( a Moorings Company) and was impressed with their superior level of customer service. I had twice chartered with Moorings and on both times the boats suffered mechanical problems that Moorings were less than responsive on for the repair. One a broken transmission cable and 2nd a non functioning dinghy. The Footloose boat though older was in remarkably better shape than the Exclusive Class of Moorings boats. In my humble opinion the Footloose team wants to beat big brother at the customer servive game at 30% or more less costly.
I have chartered with Footloose ( a Moorings Company) and was impressed with their superior level of customer service. I had twice chartered with Moorings and on both times the boats suffered mechanical problems that Moorings were less than responsive on for the repair. One a broken transmission cable and 2nd a non functioning dinghy. The Footloose boat though older was in remarkably better shape than the Exclusive Class of Moorings boats. In my humble opinion the Footloose team wants to beat big brother at the customer servive game at 30% or more less costly.
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Steve W
Beer or Champagne?
Ed, We've chartered with the Moorings, Sunsail, TMM, and VIP. They all have their strong suits, however I think you get what you pay for. VIP has Hylas yachts and provides you with a chance to sail these beauties you probably won't find elsewhere. Great staff and service. The Moorings boats are always clean and the few minor problems we've had were always handled promptly. On the higher price end, but worth it for the known quality and service. TMM has a variety of boats but if they have what you want to try, you'll probably be satisfied. I think their service and staff is okay, however their BVI facility is not the same quality as VIP's in St. Thomas nor Sunsail or the Moorings on Tortola. Decide on what you want to spend and then go for the largest boat your budget will allow taking into consideration all the other qualities that are important to you. Regardless, I think you'll have a great time in the VI. Fair winds, Steve S/V Options
Ed, We've chartered with the Moorings, Sunsail, TMM, and VIP. They all have their strong suits, however I think you get what you pay for. VIP has Hylas yachts and provides you with a chance to sail these beauties you probably won't find elsewhere. Great staff and service. The Moorings boats are always clean and the few minor problems we've had were always handled promptly. On the higher price end, but worth it for the known quality and service. TMM has a variety of boats but if they have what you want to try, you'll probably be satisfied. I think their service and staff is okay, however their BVI facility is not the same quality as VIP's in St. Thomas nor Sunsail or the Moorings on Tortola. Decide on what you want to spend and then go for the largest boat your budget will allow taking into consideration all the other qualities that are important to you. Regardless, I think you'll have a great time in the VI. Fair winds, Steve S/V Options
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Rip Edmundson
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Steve W.
paid $1300 for 11 days on a 2001 Beneteau 381
in the BVI's May 2002. Boat had in-mast as well as headsail furling, perfect shape, nothing broke and was really fast. It was just my wife & I, both 46 years old and we had no problem handling it. Charter company was Trade Wind Yacht Charters, www.tradewindyachts.com. Marina is 5 minutes from the Beef Island airport, We have used them twice, in 2001 we had a 331 Beneteau and it was also perfect. Have fun, it is sure worth the trip.
in the BVI's May 2002. Boat had in-mast as well as headsail furling, perfect shape, nothing broke and was really fast. It was just my wife & I, both 46 years old and we had no problem handling it. Charter company was Trade Wind Yacht Charters, www.tradewindyachts.com. Marina is 5 minutes from the Beef Island airport, We have used them twice, in 2001 we had a 331 Beneteau and it was also perfect. Have fun, it is sure worth the trip.
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J. Tesoriero
TMM
Each year our Power Squadron charters a few boat from Tortola Marine Management (TMM). The boats are slightly older than Moorings but well kept and cheaper. The staff and service are great. I would charter with them again.
Each year our Power Squadron charters a few boat from Tortola Marine Management (TMM). The boats are slightly older than Moorings but well kept and cheaper. The staff and service are great. I would charter with them again.
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