From those of you who have done this: When is the best time for a BVI Charter? It is looking like my window is early October -- is there enough time to plan this trip for 2006? Will I still be in hurricaine season? Should I stick with the major companies (Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose). I really just want a 32-33 footer for a friend and myself. As always want to keep it a inexpensive as possible. Thanks in advance! Dan
BVI Charter
- Thread starter Dan B
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First time?
I would go with a major carrier for the first one. You will then learn what you like and don't like for the next trip. You are probably ok with hurricanes except that if they get hit this year, they will have little time to clean up and repair before you go. As for inexpensive, last minute deals are always better. It might be cheaper in the summer(hotter). Try Ed Hamilton in Maine. They do a great job arranging charters in the carribean. they work just like a travel agent. Tim R.
I would go with a major carrier for the first one. You will then learn what you like and don't like for the next trip. You are probably ok with hurricanes except that if they get hit this year, they will have little time to clean up and repair before you go. As for inexpensive, last minute deals are always better. It might be cheaper in the summer(hotter). Try Ed Hamilton in Maine. They do a great job arranging charters in the carribean. they work just like a travel agent. Tim R.
Dan
Spring is the best time, but also has peak season rates. October is still hurricane season, but rates are probably lower as a result. You might get lucky, but maybe not. Recommend Footloose for deals. They are owned by Moorings who passes boats on to Footloose after about five years. I chartered from Footloose in January and found the boat in good shape. They are definitely cheaper than Moorings or Sunsail who are also now both owned by the same corporate parent. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Spring is the best time, but also has peak season rates. October is still hurricane season, but rates are probably lower as a result. You might get lucky, but maybe not. Recommend Footloose for deals. They are owned by Moorings who passes boats on to Footloose after about five years. I chartered from Footloose in January and found the boat in good shape. They are definitely cheaper than Moorings or Sunsail who are also now both owned by the same corporate parent. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
BVI is great!
Early October is still within H-season, but you may be OK, but then again... A great source of information on BVI is the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Nancy and Simon Scott. Well worth the purchase price. http://www.cruisingguides.com One way to keep expense down is by provsioning yourself. Moorings and Sunsail have extensive provisioning plans that result in most people leaving food untouched/spoiled. We didn't believe that on our first trip, but it is true. It seems that hot weather suppressed our appetites. Then, any dining ashore will just contribute to your uneaten food. Do a search for Bobby's Market, they even have an online ordering system.
Early October is still within H-season, but you may be OK, but then again... A great source of information on BVI is the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands by Nancy and Simon Scott. Well worth the purchase price. http://www.cruisingguides.com One way to keep expense down is by provsioning yourself. Moorings and Sunsail have extensive provisioning plans that result in most people leaving food untouched/spoiled. We didn't believe that on our first trip, but it is true. It seems that hot weather suppressed our appetites. Then, any dining ashore will just contribute to your uneaten food. Do a search for Bobby's Market, they even have an online ordering system.
Plan now, recommend Horizon
I had a great first charter with Horizon. Since then I had one friend that chartered with Horizon and had a great experience and one friend that enjoyed his Moorings charter. October is the end of hurricane season. I can't tell you more because it makes me want to go too much!
I had a great first charter with Horizon. Since then I had one friend that chartered with Horizon and had a great experience and one friend that enjoyed his Moorings charter. October is the end of hurricane season. I can't tell you more because it makes me want to go too much!
SunSail Flotilla
We just got back from BVI sailing in a flotilla with Sunsail. It was great. A story is available online at: http://home.att.net/~dragonflyb331/ We selected our own provisions. We had a six pack of soda, a gallon of water and a half bottle tequilla left. Mark
We just got back from BVI sailing in a flotilla with Sunsail. It was great. A story is available online at: http://home.att.net/~dragonflyb331/ We selected our own provisions. We had a six pack of soda, a gallon of water and a half bottle tequilla left. Mark
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