Chartering a Sailboat

[Maya]

My boyfriend and I recently got engaged, and for our honeymoon are thinking about renting / chartering a sailboat in the Caribbean somewhere for a couple weeks. Any suggestions on where to get started locating a reputable company that does this sort of thing? I can't find a travel agency that even knows where to get started. Any suggestions or first hand knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dennis Thomas]

Just got back!

Buy a copy of Crusing World or other sailing magizine. They are full of ads for charters. Also, lots of web sites. Do a search on (sailing, charters, bare boat, location), and you should get lots of info. Moorings is one of the largest with locations in all the best sailing areas. But there are many others that may be beter for your particular plans. We just got back from 10 days on charter in the British Virgin Islands and it was wonderfull!

 

[Jeff Jackson]

Caribbean sailing

The British Virgin Islands are a great place to go, especially for a first time. It is real easy sailing. It can get kind of crowded in any season other than summer. If you want a more secluded area go to the Grenadines (more difficult sailing though). The U.S. Virgin Islands are not as crowded as the BVI's and have great beaches on St. John. Just about every bay on St John has tons of mooring balls and they are free. You pay $20 for them in the BVI's. The Moorings is a great outfit. I was there when hurricane Georges came through in September 1998 and they put us up in the hotel and fed everyone for free (drinks included). Also got vouchers for additional sailing on top of that.They have mainly Beneteau yachts and have them set up for easy handling.In November 1999 I sailed with Island Yachts out of St. Thomas on an Island Packet 380. They are a small organization that gives you personal attention and will spend as much time with you as you need.In all but there high season they offer 10 days for the price of 7. That is a great deal when you figure what the daily cost of the boat comes out to be.We spent 4 days in the BVI's and 6 in the U.S. In the BVI's it was a race to the mooring balls starting at 1:00. It may have been more crowded there than usual at that time of year because hurricane Lenny had just caused alot of damage at St. Maartin and alot of charterers switched to the BVI's.Good luck on your decision.

 

[SEAN]

Virgin Islands

Do it! Wind chill facter, 82 degrees. Best sailing there is. We went through the Ed Hamilton agency. They are always advertised in Cruising World and Sail magazine. There is no charge for their service and they set everything up for you including your pickup at the airport and delivery to your boat. They represent just about every company down there, so you can choose your options and get exactly the boat you've dreamed about. Sean- Carnaby Street

 

[ToyBox]

When are you going?

We too are getting married soon. We are due to tie the know on Sept. 17th and are looking into honeymoon spots. Be careful if you are looking in the Sept- Dec time frame. It is hurricane season in the Caribean. We are looking further south. Like Aruba or Trinidad and Tobago. Good luck.Chris Dchris@boatopia.com