Caribbean Charters

[Gary Wyngarden]

We're planning to charter next winter in the Caribbean and would like some input on destinations and charter companies. I have only chartered down there before out of St. Martin (St. Barts/Anguilla).The BVI's sound wonderful but are more expensive and probably more crowded. The Windwards, Leewards and Grenadine's have better prices and probably would be less crowded. But the cruising guides predict 20-25 knot winds most of the time during the winter and pretty boisterous seas when you get out from behind of the lee of the islands.Any thoughts on destinations?Also looking at various charter companies. Moorings has more base options but seems quite a bit pricier. Any suggestions on companies to choose or avoid?Thanks for your help.Gary WyngardenS/V Wanderlust h37.5

 

[Kirk M.]

my 2 cents

I've done the BVI's and the Grenadines. Both were very nice...although I like the BVI's more. The Grenadine's was tougher sailing and we had a few problems there, but still very nice. We used Sunsail for both trips and everything was great. I kinda thought BVI was less expensive though??? Crowds can depend on when you go...You might want to check out some trip reports on traveltalkonline.com..they were very usual for me. You'll enjoy either place!

 

[Hank LeSieur]

BVI Charters

We used Moorings last March and were pleased with service. We chartered a Beneteau 463 for 9 days which was a bit large for 4 people but gave us plenty of space. We didn't experience any unusual problems with crowds except at restaurants. As you may know, you can make reservations for 7 PM but not get service until whenever. If we go again, I think we would try Sunsail just to try something different. Their boats (Beneteau's) looked as if they had been well maintained. We also found out that you can play one charter company against the other to get a better price in case you prefer using a particular charter company. After all, it doesn't hurt to ask.Good luck!

 

[tkwhalen]

I prefered

the Grenadines the sailing was outstanding the achorages were empty and the locals friendly. The BVI's have become way to crowded for my taste.

 

[Bil sv Makai]

6 months in the windwards

Having just spent 6 months in the WIndwards during off season, my response is that they are all very, very crowded. It is even worse during peak.Having said that, if you havene't sailed anywhere else in the Caribe you will find the Windwards fun with plenty of islands, Cays, and little island towns that will make a wonderful vacation. (we just didn't like living there on the hook)If you have been to our website or read some of my other comments we didn't like the Windwards because we have had expsoure to much nicer, less crowded, less expensive (less touristy) places in the Caribe. But because the vacation charter can't get there that is why the difference.Moorings. More expensive but from what we saw and heard they take good care of the boats and people.

 

[Bill]

Charters

Might check with these folks:http://www.vipyachts.com/I have chartered with them twice and have been satisfied. They are out of St. Thomas, have provided good flexible support, have boats in decent condition and are close to a source of reasonably priced provisions. We have always found we have saved $ by flying into St. Thomas.http://www.vipyachts.com/

 

[Denis]

BVIs

We just did the BVI in June with the Moorings. They were offering 25% off which made them cheaper than other outfits. Excellent service and boat. Check their Website as they are always running some specials. I did not find the BVIs crowded. Most nights there would be only 2 or 3 boats in the anchorages, probably becausse of the time of the year. Winds were about 10-15 knots, perfect and there was always a breeze at night keeping things comfortable without A/C. The comment about the restaurant is valid, and you will wait for other services too. It's just a slower pace down there, but it did not bother us. This was the best vacation we have ever had.

 

[Andy]

Something differnent

Want something different-try Offshore Passage Opportunities. This is not a trip you take the family on and your spouse may have not interest, but if you want some offshore sailing experience check out OPO. I did the Annapolis Boat Show trip in 2003. Great experience and something most of your dockmates will never do!

 

[Phil Herring]

Not exactly the Caribbean but...

Check out Tonga. Not crowded, still not too touristy from what I read, protected sailing grounds like the BVI, or do some sailing in the Pacific if you want. The Moorings has base there. Not easy to get to Tonga, though.