Have you chartered a sailboat before? Where have you chartered and how would you rank the destinations? Which charter companies would you use again and which would you avoid? Have you ever bought a boat for inclusion in a charter fleet? How did that work out during the term of use, and after? Share your chartering thoughts here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Julian H
Chartering Experience
I have chartered 4 times in the Virgin Islands. I used CYOA out of St. Thomas on 3 occasions and was very satisfied. They spend the extra time during check out to totally familiarise you with the boat. We had a mechanical problem on the 1st charter and they took care of it in a very timely manner. I chartered with another charter company out of Red Hook and was not as pleased. It seems we spent the entire voyage repairing little things on the boat. The boat was only 2 years old and it looked 6 or 7. I would highly reccomend CYOA. I will probably charter for a trip in the Bahamas next year.
I have chartered 4 times in the Virgin Islands. I used CYOA out of St. Thomas on 3 occasions and was very satisfied. They spend the extra time during check out to totally familiarise you with the boat. We had a mechanical problem on the 1st charter and they took care of it in a very timely manner. I chartered with another charter company out of Red Hook and was not as pleased. It seems we spent the entire voyage repairing little things on the boat. The boat was only 2 years old and it looked 6 or 7. I would highly reccomend CYOA. I will probably charter for a trip in the Bahamas next year.
S
Stevec
Have chartered in the Caribbean....
for 15 years now and have had experiences from horrendous to heaven. During this time, we chartered many different makes, sizes, from many different companies during March. Some were good, some were not so good. Sometimes we chartered the same company more than once having the second charter turn out to be extremely disappointing from the first. It was as if the company changed hands and complete idiots took over. It was extremely rare for weather to be a problem. Actually, no matter how each turned out, the experiences(good/bad) make great 'war stories' and memories to reflect on. The people we met, along with their cultures and scenery were terrific. If you get the chance to go, do it before the opportunity slips by..
for 15 years now and have had experiences from horrendous to heaven. During this time, we chartered many different makes, sizes, from many different companies during March. Some were good, some were not so good. Sometimes we chartered the same company more than once having the second charter turn out to be extremely disappointing from the first. It was as if the company changed hands and complete idiots took over. It was extremely rare for weather to be a problem. Actually, no matter how each turned out, the experiences(good/bad) make great 'war stories' and memories to reflect on. The people we met, along with their cultures and scenery were terrific. If you get the chance to go, do it before the opportunity slips by..
B
Barry
Tortola / BVI / Tradewinds -Doesn't Get Any Better
Had a great week in Dec '98 on a Privilege 39 cat from Tradewind Yachts. Great boat and service. NOBODY beats their prices. Special deals available on their web site allowed me to get this boat for a week under $2000. Was great to be going 8 knots without the rail in the water. (my crew were motor boaters) High points were The Baths and Foxy's. Still drinkin those "Pain Killers" two years later. I plan on going back, either another charter or I'll try my old Hunter 34 (or it's replacement) Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
Had a great week in Dec '98 on a Privilege 39 cat from Tradewind Yachts. Great boat and service. NOBODY beats their prices. Special deals available on their web site allowed me to get this boat for a week under $2000. Was great to be going 8 knots without the rail in the water. (my crew were motor boaters) High points were The Baths and Foxy's. Still drinkin those "Pain Killers" two years later. I plan on going back, either another charter or I'll try my old Hunter 34 (or it's replacement) Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
J
Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Charter Broker
We chartered this past summer in the BVI/Tortola. We went through Lyn Jackney's brokerage, and found a crewed charter on a really spectacular boat for just a bit more than the Moorings or SunSail would have wanted. The boat was a 64 foot CT ketch (if you've never seen one, they're beautiful pirate ship looking things with clipper bows and lots of wood and a raised transom. Cockpit sole is eight feet above the water!) with skipper and mate. They also cooked and did divemaster duties. Really a great experience and not as expensive as I though it might be. Tortola is a great beginner's cruising area. Everything is reasonably close together so that you can enjoy the anchorages, diving/snorkling, food, and as a previous poster pointed out, pain killers at Foxy's. My favorite is the honor bar on Tortola. Was built as a Cuban bar set for Old Man and the Sea, then after the film, they left the power on and the fridge stocked. Only acessable by dinghy, you leave money for the beer on the counter and take what you want. Tortola exists at this point to serivce the cruiser trade, and facilities are reasonable, and plentiful. There is even a delivery service that visits the anchorages in the morning and will take orders to get stuff from the big island, then find you that afternoon. In my mind, the way to go, at least at first. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
We chartered this past summer in the BVI/Tortola. We went through Lyn Jackney's brokerage, and found a crewed charter on a really spectacular boat for just a bit more than the Moorings or SunSail would have wanted. The boat was a 64 foot CT ketch (if you've never seen one, they're beautiful pirate ship looking things with clipper bows and lots of wood and a raised transom. Cockpit sole is eight feet above the water!) with skipper and mate. They also cooked and did divemaster duties. Really a great experience and not as expensive as I though it might be. Tortola is a great beginner's cruising area. Everything is reasonably close together so that you can enjoy the anchorages, diving/snorkling, food, and as a previous poster pointed out, pain killers at Foxy's. My favorite is the honor bar on Tortola. Was built as a Cuban bar set for Old Man and the Sea, then after the film, they left the power on and the fridge stocked. Only acessable by dinghy, you leave money for the beer on the counter and take what you want. Tortola exists at this point to serivce the cruiser trade, and facilities are reasonable, and plentiful. There is even a delivery service that visits the anchorages in the morning and will take orders to get stuff from the big island, then find you that afternoon. In my mind, the way to go, at least at first. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
J
Jay Kent
Both ways.......
I have chartered on numerous occassions when I head to warm states in winter months. Have had a mix of experiences, but none too bad. Mostly have had issues with cleanliness of the boat, small maintenance problems, etc. Before boarding all of the details had to be taken care of or I would not have boarded. Worst experience was an Annapolis Bay Charter when I was told of a certain size, type, etc when I reserved and then got there to find the only boat remaining was not as specified. Took her out anyway, as it was only a one day charter. Probably would pass on doing that in the future. Also, I purchased a Hunter and put in a charter service on Lake Erie. This turned out to be a negative cash flow as the marina did not do a good job of getting charters (smaller income than promised and small - their term not mine - items that neede to be replaced because of abuse); they, also, did a poor job of checking out the people and going over the inventory lists, cleaning, etc. They just used the charter program to get people interested in their new and used boats. It was - and still is - a hap-hazard business for them. I kept it in charter service 1 1/2 years, and that was at least one year too long!!!! I don't have to worry about someone returning my boat and not shaking out a reef, staining my upholstery with red wine, etc. If that happens now, I do hope that I had a good time! However, if given the right situation, I might put another boat in a better service. I think it could work out well for all, if it was run right.
I have chartered on numerous occassions when I head to warm states in winter months. Have had a mix of experiences, but none too bad. Mostly have had issues with cleanliness of the boat, small maintenance problems, etc. Before boarding all of the details had to be taken care of or I would not have boarded. Worst experience was an Annapolis Bay Charter when I was told of a certain size, type, etc when I reserved and then got there to find the only boat remaining was not as specified. Took her out anyway, as it was only a one day charter. Probably would pass on doing that in the future. Also, I purchased a Hunter and put in a charter service on Lake Erie. This turned out to be a negative cash flow as the marina did not do a good job of getting charters (smaller income than promised and small - their term not mine - items that neede to be replaced because of abuse); they, also, did a poor job of checking out the people and going over the inventory lists, cleaning, etc. They just used the charter program to get people interested in their new and used boats. It was - and still is - a hap-hazard business for them. I kept it in charter service 1 1/2 years, and that was at least one year too long!!!! I don't have to worry about someone returning my boat and not shaking out a reef, staining my upholstery with red wine, etc. If that happens now, I do hope that I had a good time! However, if given the right situation, I might put another boat in a better service. I think it could work out well for all, if it was run right.
B
Bruce K
Sailor Beware
I'm a Moorings charter boat owner and have sailed the caribbean for 20 years. All good experiences or I wouldn't have bought a boat. But one thing I've learned is to take the extra hour or two at the dock to double check the inventory and to test the systems. Most things will be just fine, but I always find something that's needed. The charter company will be most happy to make any necessary repairs before you leave. The BVI are great, but that's nothing new. My only concern is that there may be too many boats for the available facilities/anchorages.
I'm a Moorings charter boat owner and have sailed the caribbean for 20 years. All good experiences or I wouldn't have bought a boat. But one thing I've learned is to take the extra hour or two at the dock to double check the inventory and to test the systems. Most things will be just fine, but I always find something that's needed. The charter company will be most happy to make any necessary repairs before you leave. The BVI are great, but that's nothing new. My only concern is that there may be too many boats for the available facilities/anchorages.
L
Les Murray
Chartered in San Diego this summer
I did a charter this summer in San Diego. I chartered a Catalina 34 from San Diego Yacht Charters. The boat was in decent shape, even though the first day the throttle needed to be re-adjusted. My wife was practicing backing up in a crowded marina and the forward went out. Yikes. I would recommend them again, if going out that way. The only issue is that the marina is located across from the airport and there is not alot of things in the marina. However, Mexico is only a day away along with half the SoCal coast. Les Murray Cat 36 Ceilidh
I did a charter this summer in San Diego. I chartered a Catalina 34 from San Diego Yacht Charters. The boat was in decent shape, even though the first day the throttle needed to be re-adjusted. My wife was practicing backing up in a crowded marina and the forward went out. Yikes. I would recommend them again, if going out that way. The only issue is that the marina is located across from the airport and there is not alot of things in the marina. However, Mexico is only a day away along with half the SoCal coast. Les Murray Cat 36 Ceilidh
J
John North
North South BVI is forgetable
I have chartered sailboats from Sunsail, Tropic Isle, Florida Yacht Charters, Offshore etc. I have had the best of experiences with all of them.I chartered from North South in the BVI three times. The boats are beaten up. In 1999 for old times sake, I made the mistake of chartering a catamaran from them. On the second day we lost the starboard drive due to a lack of transmission oil. The Dirty Dogs billed me for insurance and kept the $500 deductible to fix it. They made out like bandits. I will never do it again.
I have chartered sailboats from Sunsail, Tropic Isle, Florida Yacht Charters, Offshore etc. I have had the best of experiences with all of them.I chartered from North South in the BVI three times. The boats are beaten up. In 1999 for old times sake, I made the mistake of chartering a catamaran from them. On the second day we lost the starboard drive due to a lack of transmission oil. The Dirty Dogs billed me for insurance and kept the $500 deductible to fix it. They made out like bandits. I will never do it again.
M
mark schaefer
sunsail bvi
bvi is great but the boats from sun sail not...traveler ripped off on third day while on a reach in 12 knots of wind...battery always low...poor maintanence...would try the moorings next time...schaefer
bvi is great but the boats from sun sail not...traveler ripped off on third day while on a reach in 12 knots of wind...battery always low...poor maintanence...would try the moorings next time...schaefer
C
Colin Campbell
Several locations.
Several locations in order nest to worst. Canada's North Channel, Cape Cod, Georgian Bay Chesapeak Bay Thousand Islands at the entrance to the St lawrence seaway. This issue is open to so many variables such as weather choice of boat busy part of season.
Several locations in order nest to worst. Canada's North Channel, Cape Cod, Georgian Bay Chesapeak Bay Thousand Islands at the entrance to the St lawrence seaway. This issue is open to so many variables such as weather choice of boat busy part of season.
J
John Van Stone
Favorable chartering experience
We had a 5 year contract with Sunsail from 1994 to 1999. During that time we sailed an average of 5 weeks per year and sailed in the Bahmamas, BVI, leeward islands, Windward Islands, Turkey, Greece, Tonga, Thailand, and Australia. In general we found the boats well maintained and the staff reponsive to problems. At the end of the five years the boat, while definately a former charter boat, was put into reasonable shape and I was able to sell it at 60% of the original purchase price. Since I only paid 50% to start with, I made 20% on my original investment (I had no expenses related to the boat during the period). We now spend six months a year on our new boat but would not trade our chartering experience for anything. After visiting many ports it seems to us that Sunsail and Mooring are usually better that most of the other companies. There are obviously other good companies also.
We had a 5 year contract with Sunsail from 1994 to 1999. During that time we sailed an average of 5 weeks per year and sailed in the Bahmamas, BVI, leeward islands, Windward Islands, Turkey, Greece, Tonga, Thailand, and Australia. In general we found the boats well maintained and the staff reponsive to problems. At the end of the five years the boat, while definately a former charter boat, was put into reasonable shape and I was able to sell it at 60% of the original purchase price. Since I only paid 50% to start with, I made 20% on my original investment (I had no expenses related to the boat during the period). We now spend six months a year on our new boat but would not trade our chartering experience for anything. After visiting many ports it seems to us that Sunsail and Mooring are usually better that most of the other companies. There are obviously other good companies also.
S
Steve Winkle
Caribbean Chartering
We've chartered in the BVI, Guadaloupe, and St. Vincent with the Moorings, TMM, and CYC/VIP on everything from 38 - 47'bareboats. Overall, the Moorings has exceptionally clean boats with superb service - at a price. And they don't particularly offer boats I'd want to own for cruising on my own. Their boats are designed to pack the maximum number of people on board. TMM has a variety of boats and our experience with them was very good - no maintenance problems. Our very best charter ever was with VIP out of St. Thomas this last year on a new Hylas 46. What a beautiful boat and great base support. If we ever charter in the BVI/USVI again, we'll definitely use VIP.
We've chartered in the BVI, Guadaloupe, and St. Vincent with the Moorings, TMM, and CYC/VIP on everything from 38 - 47'bareboats. Overall, the Moorings has exceptionally clean boats with superb service - at a price. And they don't particularly offer boats I'd want to own for cruising on my own. Their boats are designed to pack the maximum number of people on board. TMM has a variety of boats and our experience with them was very good - no maintenance problems. Our very best charter ever was with VIP out of St. Thomas this last year on a new Hylas 46. What a beautiful boat and great base support. If we ever charter in the BVI/USVI again, we'll definitely use VIP.
T
Trevor
Any experiences with Turkey?
I know, we all experience Turkeys on occasion, and I expect the same can be said for charter operators. I mean the country... I plan on visiting Turkey next year for family reasons and hope to take a bareboat sail for a week or so our of Istanbul. Any suggestions or tips? Thanks in advance! Trevor
I know, we all experience Turkeys on occasion, and I expect the same can be said for charter operators. I mean the country... I plan on visiting Turkey next year for family reasons and hope to take a bareboat sail for a week or so our of Istanbul. Any suggestions or tips? Thanks in advance! Trevor
M
Merrill Mant
BVI Chartering
We have chartered 3 times in the BVI. Twice with the Moorings and once with Footloose. As a side note Footloose is owned and operated by the Moorings from a seperate but close base. Altough the Moorings supplied us with a 38 (7 days) on one occaision and a 45 (10 days)on another, it was the Footloose 405 (14 days)that was the best experience. The team at Footloose certainly behave like they want to be superior service providers than their parent company as well as best in the BVI fleets. Even though their boats are ex Moorings yachts, 3+ years old, we found them in better condition than those that we chartered from The Moorings. I suspect that Footloose gets their pick of the best coming out of Mooring contracts. Footloose was at least 30% less costly than the rest of the "Big Name fleet operators. Would refer anyone to them! We have never been prepared to gamble 2 weeks of hard earned vacation on a discount charterer with a minimal or tired fleet. Some of the other charterers we encountered in the bars had some unpleasant surprises to recount. A sailing vacation is not the time for surprises of the equipment type. Merrill Ambition H33.5
We have chartered 3 times in the BVI. Twice with the Moorings and once with Footloose. As a side note Footloose is owned and operated by the Moorings from a seperate but close base. Altough the Moorings supplied us with a 38 (7 days) on one occaision and a 45 (10 days)on another, it was the Footloose 405 (14 days)that was the best experience. The team at Footloose certainly behave like they want to be superior service providers than their parent company as well as best in the BVI fleets. Even though their boats are ex Moorings yachts, 3+ years old, we found them in better condition than those that we chartered from The Moorings. I suspect that Footloose gets their pick of the best coming out of Mooring contracts. Footloose was at least 30% less costly than the rest of the "Big Name fleet operators. Would refer anyone to them! We have never been prepared to gamble 2 weeks of hard earned vacation on a discount charterer with a minimal or tired fleet. Some of the other charterers we encountered in the bars had some unpleasant surprises to recount. A sailing vacation is not the time for surprises of the equipment type. Merrill Ambition H33.5
M
Mark Johnson
Done it twice...
both times with the Moorings. Once in the BVI's and the other in Grenada. Both experiences were great! The boats were in great shape, and the Base support people were very helpful and professional. We are going to the BVI's again in February and will be using Sunsail this time. They too enjoy an excellent reputation. Will let you know how it was after we get back.
both times with the Moorings. Once in the BVI's and the other in Grenada. Both experiences were great! The boats were in great shape, and the Base support people were very helpful and professional. We are going to the BVI's again in February and will be using Sunsail this time. They too enjoy an excellent reputation. Will let you know how it was after we get back.
J
John Van Stone
Bareboat in Turkey
We did a Flotilla with Sunsail in Turkey. It was a lot of fun. The boats were in good shape, the personal very friendly and we enjoyed meeting the other boats each evening. Most of the other boaters were from England. The Turkey coast is very interesting. I highly recommend it.
We did a Flotilla with Sunsail in Turkey. It was a lot of fun. The boats were in good shape, the personal very friendly and we enjoyed meeting the other boats each evening. Most of the other boaters were from England. The Turkey coast is very interesting. I highly recommend it.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
Grenada-Tobago Cays-St. Vincent
Sailed the BVIs, St. Martin/St. Barts, Martinique/St. Lucia, and Grenada/St. Vincents. Love the Grenada/St. V. Been there three times. Will be back there in 02. Going to St. M/St. B this year. The challenge, the beauty of the Tobago Cays, and the weather. Choice time is the 1st quarter of the year for winds, weather, and temperature. Can't beat this region for quiet anchorages, great snorkeling, and a variety islands. Suggest a 40 footer our of Grenada. I prefer the Moorings. Grenada is one island that they welcome the US . . . even saw a sign there saying "Welcome Yankees" If you ever want details feel free to contact me.
Sailed the BVIs, St. Martin/St. Barts, Martinique/St. Lucia, and Grenada/St. Vincents. Love the Grenada/St. V. Been there three times. Will be back there in 02. Going to St. M/St. B this year. The challenge, the beauty of the Tobago Cays, and the weather. Choice time is the 1st quarter of the year for winds, weather, and temperature. Can't beat this region for quiet anchorages, great snorkeling, and a variety islands. Suggest a 40 footer our of Grenada. I prefer the Moorings. Grenada is one island that they welcome the US . . . even saw a sign there saying "Welcome Yankees" If you ever want details feel free to contact me.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
St. Martin for Beach and Dining
On the other hand, if you want great food in a variety of Bays, think of St. Martin. And the beaches here are really great. Sailed the BVIs, St. Martin/St. Barts, Martinique/St. Lucia, and Grenada/St. Vincents. Love the Grenada/St. V. Been there three times. Will be back there in 02. Going to St. M/St. B this year.
On the other hand, if you want great food in a variety of Bays, think of St. Martin. And the beaches here are really great. Sailed the BVIs, St. Martin/St. Barts, Martinique/St. Lucia, and Grenada/St. Vincents. Love the Grenada/St. V. Been there three times. Will be back there in 02. Going to St. M/St. B this year.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
Martique if you Speak French
And lastly try Martinique if you speak French and want a well groomed island with high speed roads without chuck holes. If you don't speak French, have a big smile and look at the pictures on the menu. <grin> This island speaks little English, but one can charter without knowing French. However French knowledge would make the island more fun. Sailed the BVIs, St. Martin/St. Barts, Martinique/St. Lucia, and Grenada/St. Vincents. Love the Grenada/St. V. Been there three times. Will be back there in 02. Going to St. M/St. B this year.
And lastly try Martinique if you speak French and want a well groomed island with high speed roads without chuck holes. If you don't speak French, have a big smile and look at the pictures on the menu. <grin> This island speaks little English, but one can charter without knowing French. However French knowledge would make the island more fun. Sailed the BVIs, St. Martin/St. Barts, Martinique/St. Lucia, and Grenada/St. Vincents. Love the Grenada/St. V. Been there three times. Will be back there in 02. Going to St. M/St. B this year.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.