Charter sailboat from Florida to Bahamas

[Jared1048]

I'm loving the sailing in the Pacific Nortwest but it would be a dream to sail in the tropics. Some of the charter prices I've seen for a 34' boat are between 3800- 4500+ for two weeks. Seems kinda steep!

You guys ever see "swaps"? ie You can come use my boat for 2 weeks to sail the San Juans and I can use your boat to see florida keys? Maybe I should create a new website to connect people!

I know there would be a huge level of trust for something like this to happen but seems like a good idea if you could make it work.

-Jared

 

[Bill1565]

There are boats for charter in the Bahamas as well as in Florida. Not a good idea to charter and plan to cross the Gulf Stream. You could spend your whole charter in a marina waiting for a weather window.

 

[Sailm8]

I agree with Bill. Try the BVI's for a first tropics charter. You will have a blast.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I recall a web site just for arranging boat swapping. I think I first heard about it in SAIL. A couple from Mane went sailing in Ireland. Must have been at least 15 years ago. I haven't subscribed to SAIL for that long.

Several of the larger charter companies allow their boat owners to use any similar boat at all of their charter locations. Much like condo time shares.

I have to agree with the others. The BVI is great. A couple of dozen charter companies to choose from. Great deep water sailing with islands always in view. Nothing farther than 1 day's sail away. You can choose where to spend the night based on what is going on ashore that evening. Mooring balls everywhere so you never need to touch an anchor.

I did charter in Abaco Bahamas. The Sea of Abaco never gets deeper than 6'. I had to follow careful plot lines to stay in the 'deep' water. Every morning the radio reports on the conditions of the passes out to open water. They were often unpassable due to the winter swells renown in the Caribbean. This was on great sunny sailing days. All that bother without even crossing the Gulf Stream.

 

[Jared1048]

Good points about waiting for weather.

I was worried about the depths and mooring also. I'd like to find a place that isnt too picky about shallow water, shoals and all that.

Some of the charters on Beef Island at BVI is looking pretty appealing though!

 

[Sailm8]

Just to add: A group from our sailing club waited almost 2 weeks for a weather window to cross. There are no guarantees when weather is concerned. That being said I hope to make the crossing someday myself.