Day sail in the Caribbean

[oldsalt]

I am making the following stops on a cruise ship. April 18 – San Juan, 19th St. Thomas, 20th Tortola. I am looking for a day sail opportunity in one of these ports. Off the cruise ship about 8:30 or 9 AM , sail half or all day and return about 5 or 6 PM.
The day sail offerings I have found on the internet so far include a significant stop for SCUBA or snorkel. I strongly prefer to SAIL most or all of the outing. I need someone in one of these ports to help me connect to a provider that fits my needs.
I am a “low maintenance” guy. A bottle of water and some time at the wheel is all I am looking for. No booze, no fancy lunch, etc.
My sailing experience is 50+ years on small boats in the protected waters of the Midwest. Currently sailing an O’Day 23. HELP.

 

[Benny]

The harbor in San Juan opens to the Atlantic Ocean and you will not find day charters out of there. There are a some going out of Fajardo but that is a 1 1/2 hours drive away. Out of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas may be more convenient. There is a Rumbaba Charters advertising day cruises in a Hunter 37. It may work out well as there is not much to do in St. Thomas and you can play land tourist in San Juan.

 

[higgs]

There are a number of charter companies in Tortola, but they are geared for longer charters than one day. None the less, once your there, if they have a boat hanging around they may be willing to let it go out for an afternoon. It will be over 30ft.

 

[Ed Schenck]

What about that recent thread regarding solo charters? The sailor was unable to find a company that would let him have a boat without a crewmate.

 

[Ron20324]

I never could figure out why cruise ships stopped in Roadtown, Tortola- unless it was for a day trip to the beach at Cane Garden Bay. Go Sailing!

 

[BobM]

Most of those day "sailing" trips never shake out a sail at all. I have gone out of my way to take sailing tour instead of just a powerboat and just ended up with a slow ride to the snorkeling area.

 

[CalebD]

Many years ago (about 25) I rented a Prindle catamaran at Magen's Bay on St. T. It was a blast.
I highly doubt that operation is still ongoing. Magen's Bay is a great place to sail a small boat as it is well protected and the water was so clear.
This resort was built since I was there:
http://www.magenspoint.com/mbb.html

 

[Tim R.]

I will take you for a sail when I am there in a couple of years Oldsalt. A good bottle of Scotch is all I require.

 

[oldsalt]

A little more from Oldsalt70

I appreciate the feedback from all of you. I know I have defined some somewhat unusual wants compared to the typical visitor.

Again – most of the commercial charters do not give me a good feeling about the time spent SAILING – they talk a lot about diving and a great lunch.
I don’t want to charter the boat as a solo skipper – just go as a paying customer – but with lots of sailing time not diving.
I agree with Bob M about the “sailing” trips – don’t want a slow ride to the snorkeling area. That is my major concern.

Note to Tim R.
I will hold you to that ride in a couple of years – assuming I am still around and able to get on the boat… Hope that move works out for you.

My ideal solution would be to find someone like Tim who would take me out for a few hours and who is already there and in place - a private party – not in the business would be just fine.

Again – thanks for the input. Looking forward to the WARM visit.
Old Salt 70

 

[Tim R.]

I went to Ireland about 25 years ago and I arranged a sail in Galway Bay by calling the local sailing club.

 

[Benny]

Don't blame the day charters, they just provide what the majority of the tourist are willing to pay well for. If it is pure sailing you are after perhaps your best bet would be to go to one of the resort hotels and rent a Sunfish for a few hours.

 

[David in Sandusky]

Moorings

I'd call Moorings or a competitor, and ask about a crewed charter for one day.

 

[Ron20324]

I am making the following stops on a cruise ship. April 18 – San Juan, 19th St. Thomas, 20th Tortola. I am looking for a day sail opportunity in one of these ports. Off the cruise ship about 8:30 or 9 AM , sail half or all day and return about 5 or 6 PM.
The day sail offerings I have found on the internet so far include a significant stop for SCUBA or snorkel. I strongly prefer to SAIL most or all of the outing. I need someone in one of these ports to help me connect to a provider that fits my needs.
I am a “low maintenance” guy. A bottle of water and some time at the wheel is all I am looking for. No booze, no fancy lunch, etc.
My sailing experience is 50+ years on small boats in the protected waters of the Midwest. Currently sailing an O’Day 23. HELP.

http://sailbravura.com/

 

[cephius (Dave)]

The smaller cruise ships, like operated by Club Med, carry watercraft with them. You can day sail at every anchorage. They also go to the less traveled places that the big ships can't get into.

Something to consider the next time you book.

I did arrange a 1/2 day charter with Moorings on one visit to Tampa Bay. They don't have anything under 36', so it can be a bit pricey.

 

[Hermit Scott]

I will take you for a sail when I am there in a couple of years Oldsalt. A good bottle of Scotch is all I require.

Tim- Do you really have plans to retire there in a few years?

 

[Tim R.]

Not retire but maybe some extended world cruising for a few years. We are currently shopping for a new boat that we will live aboard for a couple of years first so we can learn the boat and make any mods needed.