I just booked a week rental for my wife and me of a 32' from Moorings in Tortola, BVI for mid-January. All advice appreciated.
Moorings in BVI
- Thread starter Tom Wells
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get a bigger boat.......................
if budget permits, that 32 will be real small by the end of the week, my superior and i honeymooned on a 45 in 1989, no problem for the two of us without many years of experience. youll have a trip of a lifetime. every year we plan a return visit and business (or lack there of) new children, sick children of something else prevents it. have a great time mike
if budget permits, that 32 will be real small by the end of the week, my superior and i honeymooned on a 45 in 1989, no problem for the two of us without many years of experience. youll have a trip of a lifetime. every year we plan a return visit and business (or lack there of) new children, sick children of something else prevents it. have a great time mike
32' plenty for me
My wife and I spent 10 days in the BVI on a 32 through the Moorings 15 years ago. It was plenty of boat for us. Unless you don't get along, what do two people need all the extra room for? Don't worry about making any set plans for anything. Try to find anchorages away from the rat pack. You'll have a great time.
My wife and I spent 10 days in the BVI on a 32 through the Moorings 15 years ago. It was plenty of boat for us. Unless you don't get along, what do two people need all the extra room for? Don't worry about making any set plans for anything. Try to find anchorages away from the rat pack. You'll have a great time.
Leave early
I've chartered in the BVI on several occasions and here are some general comments for your consideration. 1. Leave early every morning with your next destination in mind. At that time of year, moorings are at a premium and people race from one sheltered cove to the next. The early bird definitely gets the worm. 2. Brings lots of cash. ATM machines are far and few in between. Lots of places take credit cards but lots don't. You'll need dollars and lots of them. 3. Don't bring flippers. The Moorings supplies them. But bring your own mask and snorkel. They'll fit better and be cleaner. 4. The Moorings has its own store on premises. Rather than have them provision the boat for you, do it yourself. That way you get exactly what you want to eat. 5. If you plan on barbequing on board, remember to buy the self igniting charcoal briquettes they sell there. 6. Virtually every place you'll stay at night will have one or more restaurants to eat at. Rather than cook at night on board, it's easier and more fun to plan on eating ashore. 7. Bring some DC powered Xmas lights or some other types of colored lights that you can hang on your boat when you leave to eat ashore. When you are riding your dinghy back to your boat in the dark, all boats look exactly alike. You need some distinctive lighting to pick yours out. Also, bring some good flashlights that cast a spot beam rather than flood beam so you can pick out your boat when trying to find it among the dozens of other identically looking boats. 8. 32 feet is plenty long for two people. You really don't need more than that.
I've chartered in the BVI on several occasions and here are some general comments for your consideration. 1. Leave early every morning with your next destination in mind. At that time of year, moorings are at a premium and people race from one sheltered cove to the next. The early bird definitely gets the worm. 2. Brings lots of cash. ATM machines are far and few in between. Lots of places take credit cards but lots don't. You'll need dollars and lots of them. 3. Don't bring flippers. The Moorings supplies them. But bring your own mask and snorkel. They'll fit better and be cleaner. 4. The Moorings has its own store on premises. Rather than have them provision the boat for you, do it yourself. That way you get exactly what you want to eat. 5. If you plan on barbequing on board, remember to buy the self igniting charcoal briquettes they sell there. 6. Virtually every place you'll stay at night will have one or more restaurants to eat at. Rather than cook at night on board, it's easier and more fun to plan on eating ashore. 7. Bring some DC powered Xmas lights or some other types of colored lights that you can hang on your boat when you leave to eat ashore. When you are riding your dinghy back to your boat in the dark, all boats look exactly alike. You need some distinctive lighting to pick yours out. Also, bring some good flashlights that cast a spot beam rather than flood beam so you can pick out your boat when trying to find it among the dozens of other identically looking boats. 8. 32 feet is plenty long for two people. You really don't need more than that.
Look forward to a great time!
We chartered in the BVI for six weeks (sort of a mini-sabbatical) in 1993 and had a great time with three kids. We rented a Jeep for one day on Virgin Gorda and had a great time seeing another view of the island. Hiking trails are short, steep, spectacular and relatively empty. A good before lunch hike makes a dive in the water feel great. As I remmber, there is a neat trail on Norman Island up from "The Bight." Snorkeling everywhere is beautiful. Scraping the corners of my memory, but I think it was Mosquito Island that also had a neat trail to the top with wonderful views. I second Rick's advice about getting to next anchorage early. It was an amazing expereience the days we anchored, diving to check that the anchor was well set, and seeing a barracuda off in the not-too-distance watching to see what was going on! I also say that 32' is plenty big for just a couple. Hell, we just had a charter in Antigua in March on a 34' boat with two of our kids, 16 and 20, me and my wife. None of us are petite, and we got along fine. Bring plenty of film or digital memory, and an underwater camera too, even disposable is fine. Have a blast.
We chartered in the BVI for six weeks (sort of a mini-sabbatical) in 1993 and had a great time with three kids. We rented a Jeep for one day on Virgin Gorda and had a great time seeing another view of the island. Hiking trails are short, steep, spectacular and relatively empty. A good before lunch hike makes a dive in the water feel great. As I remmber, there is a neat trail on Norman Island up from "The Bight." Snorkeling everywhere is beautiful. Scraping the corners of my memory, but I think it was Mosquito Island that also had a neat trail to the top with wonderful views. I second Rick's advice about getting to next anchorage early. It was an amazing expereience the days we anchored, diving to check that the anchor was well set, and seeing a barracuda off in the not-too-distance watching to see what was going on! I also say that 32' is plenty big for just a couple. Hell, we just had a charter in Antigua in March on a 34' boat with two of our kids, 16 and 20, me and my wife. None of us are petite, and we got along fine. Bring plenty of film or digital memory, and an underwater camera too, even disposable is fine. Have a blast.
A few notes:
What should I bring? Let's break this into to categories. Personal Items: The following is a good starting point: 5 pairs of shorts 5 T-shirts 3 swimsuits 5 pairs of shorts 5 T-shirts/tanks 3 swimsuits 1 pair of sandals or reef shoes 1 pair of tennis shoes A Sarong is a great cover up for the ladies For dinner ashore: Ladies: 1 casual sundress Men: 1 button down shirt & dress shorts Overnight kit with toiletries Sunscreen. If you use #15 at home, bring #30. Make sure it is waterproof. Put it on in the morning before you put your suit on, that way you cover everything. re-apply ever few hours to the exposed spots that hit the sun the most. Make sure you get your backside well before you go snorkeling, the water reflects and amplifies the sun. Your prescriptions with enough to cover you for your complete trip. Your passport! Can't get in or out of the US without it. CD's: Most boats have a car type Stereo with a CD player. So bring tunes, but remember to not play them too loud at night. Books: Bring a few paperbacks/magazines. I recommend John D. McDonald, Clive Cussler, and Carl Hiaasen. If you don't want to bring them back, give them to Sydney. Cruisers and liveaboards are always looking for something new to read. What not to bring: Anything else! You don't need hair dryers, more shoes, socks, dress clothes. If you have to ask yourself if you need something, the answer is a resounding no! Seriously, the lighter you pack, the happier you will be. Shoes are rarely worn, even ashore to dinner, and almost never on a sailboat. Whenever I go, I buy at least 6 t-shirts, which I wear, and sometimes a pair of shorts. You can rinse off swim suits the one or two times you shower, and just let everything else dry in the sun. Just make sure you tie them down so they do not sail off the boat. Food: You can provision at two places in West End, Ample Hamper, or Riteway. If you have special food you need to bring, that is fine. If there are specific items, you may want to bring them. The selection is not so great in the islands. We mainly bought breakfast and lunch stuff, and only eat dinner on board one night. Bagels and cream cheese hold up well for breakfast as well as cereal and milk, and cold cuts for sandwiches at lunch. All boats come with cookware, as well as stove/oven and a charcoal or propane grill. Just remember, you have to clean up whatever you cook with afterwards, which is not what you really want to do, which is relax and have fun. There are very good restaurants all over the islands. Donovans Reef and Marina Cay near Camanoe, Cooper Island Beach Club on Cooper Island, Willie T's at Norman Island, Sandcastle/Soggy Dollar and Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, and three or four at Cane Garden Bay. Keep things you use a lot in a cooler, not the fridge. Things like beer and soda. You will be buying a bag or two of ice everyday anyway, might as well keep the beer cold.
What should I bring? Let's break this into to categories. Personal Items: The following is a good starting point: 5 pairs of shorts 5 T-shirts 3 swimsuits 5 pairs of shorts 5 T-shirts/tanks 3 swimsuits 1 pair of sandals or reef shoes 1 pair of tennis shoes A Sarong is a great cover up for the ladies For dinner ashore: Ladies: 1 casual sundress Men: 1 button down shirt & dress shorts Overnight kit with toiletries Sunscreen. If you use #15 at home, bring #30. Make sure it is waterproof. Put it on in the morning before you put your suit on, that way you cover everything. re-apply ever few hours to the exposed spots that hit the sun the most. Make sure you get your backside well before you go snorkeling, the water reflects and amplifies the sun. Your prescriptions with enough to cover you for your complete trip. Your passport! Can't get in or out of the US without it. CD's: Most boats have a car type Stereo with a CD player. So bring tunes, but remember to not play them too loud at night. Books: Bring a few paperbacks/magazines. I recommend John D. McDonald, Clive Cussler, and Carl Hiaasen. If you don't want to bring them back, give them to Sydney. Cruisers and liveaboards are always looking for something new to read. What not to bring: Anything else! You don't need hair dryers, more shoes, socks, dress clothes. If you have to ask yourself if you need something, the answer is a resounding no! Seriously, the lighter you pack, the happier you will be. Shoes are rarely worn, even ashore to dinner, and almost never on a sailboat. Whenever I go, I buy at least 6 t-shirts, which I wear, and sometimes a pair of shorts. You can rinse off swim suits the one or two times you shower, and just let everything else dry in the sun. Just make sure you tie them down so they do not sail off the boat. Food: You can provision at two places in West End, Ample Hamper, or Riteway. If you have special food you need to bring, that is fine. If there are specific items, you may want to bring them. The selection is not so great in the islands. We mainly bought breakfast and lunch stuff, and only eat dinner on board one night. Bagels and cream cheese hold up well for breakfast as well as cereal and milk, and cold cuts for sandwiches at lunch. All boats come with cookware, as well as stove/oven and a charcoal or propane grill. Just remember, you have to clean up whatever you cook with afterwards, which is not what you really want to do, which is relax and have fun. There are very good restaurants all over the islands. Donovans Reef and Marina Cay near Camanoe, Cooper Island Beach Club on Cooper Island, Willie T's at Norman Island, Sandcastle/Soggy Dollar and Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, and three or four at Cane Garden Bay. Keep things you use a lot in a cooler, not the fridge. Things like beer and soda. You will be buying a bag or two of ice everyday anyway, might as well keep the beer cold.
I beg to differ on one point with ConchyJoe,
Granted, we're bare bones kinds of people, but I think ConchyJoe's list of clothing is a little excessive. I'd be more than covered with one or two pairs of shorts, maybe two T shirts (especially if you're going to be buying some there) and one bathing suit. A slightly decent outfit for dining ashore is a good idea, but nothing at all fancy. This is a vacation and the entire place is pretty casual. Several boats we saw actually seemed to remove all clothes when underway or at anchor. Not quite our style, but a thought ;-). We also brought fishing gear, a kite and other stuff to entertain the kids, and occasionally me, but those are personal choices. Anything else that you'd want for personal entertainment (books, iPod, etc.) is all personal preference. I find myself reading less than I planned, and avoiding music. Often spare time is spent sitting in the cockpit enjoying the view.
Granted, we're bare bones kinds of people, but I think ConchyJoe's list of clothing is a little excessive. I'd be more than covered with one or two pairs of shorts, maybe two T shirts (especially if you're going to be buying some there) and one bathing suit. A slightly decent outfit for dining ashore is a good idea, but nothing at all fancy. This is a vacation and the entire place is pretty casual. Several boats we saw actually seemed to remove all clothes when underway or at anchor. Not quite our style, but a thought ;-). We also brought fishing gear, a kite and other stuff to entertain the kids, and occasionally me, but those are personal choices. Anything else that you'd want for personal entertainment (books, iPod, etc.) is all personal preference. I find myself reading less than I planned, and avoiding music. Often spare time is spent sitting in the cockpit enjoying the view.
Great info---thanks
Thanks for all the helpful replies so far. We own a Hunter 36, and before that an Oday 28. Even after 33 years my first mate and I enjoy being close to each other so the 32 footer is fine for us. We will actually be on the water 8 days, leaving and returning to Road Town. Any route suggestions or must see stops?
Thanks for all the helpful replies so far. We own a Hunter 36, and before that an Oday 28. Even after 33 years my first mate and I enjoy being close to each other so the 32 footer is fine for us. We will actually be on the water 8 days, leaving and returning to Road Town. Any route suggestions or must see stops?
I agree with you Lou
The idea is that this is a absolute maximum to bring. We did bring a laptop and DVD's that last time and that was helpful in the evening. The kids, 4 total, would watch a movie after dinner at the Settee, and we would lounge in the cockpit. And when the Admiral and I go alone or with the right couples, we bring much less because we are the folks you mention..... My fishing gear story: I hand carried a fairly nice rod with me the last time, decided not to get a tube. I made it all the way to West End, and forgot it on the luggage transfer area. When I went back an hour later, and had grown legs, and everybody shrugged at me. We did catch a small Dolphin with just the reel, but released it.
The idea is that this is a absolute maximum to bring. We did bring a laptop and DVD's that last time and that was helpful in the evening. The kids, 4 total, would watch a movie after dinner at the Settee, and we would lounge in the cockpit. And when the Admiral and I go alone or with the right couples, we bring much less because we are the folks you mention..... My fishing gear story: I hand carried a fairly nice rod with me the last time, decided not to get a tube. I made it all the way to West End, and forgot it on the luggage transfer area. When I went back an hour later, and had grown legs, and everybody shrugged at me. We did catch a small Dolphin with just the reel, but released it.
Provisions
When we went we emailed a provisions list to Bobby's Market in Tortola. The order was delivered to the dock at (Horizon-Nanny Cay). Really made it easy. The website for Bobby's escapes me right now, but you may find in by searching the website archives or by going to Traveltalkonline.com Bon Voyage!
When we went we emailed a provisions list to Bobby's Market in Tortola. The order was delivered to the dock at (Horizon-Nanny Cay). Really made it easy. The website for Bobby's escapes me right now, but you may find in by searching the website archives or by going to Traveltalkonline.com Bon Voyage!
A typical trip for us:
I am not big at beating upwind, especially in a Cat, so we normally sail around the north side of Tortola on a tack to Monkey Point. Day 1 Snorkel Monkey Point and have lunch Catch a Mooring at Marina Cay Kids eat on board, we go to Donovans Reef(now closed), but you can go to Pussers and take the kids. They love the quarter showers there. Day 2 Sail to Baths and snorkel. Get there early, and miss the crowds and Cruise Ships Catch a mooring ball at Spanish Town, and go ashore Eat on board. Day 3 Sail to Salt Island and Snorkel the Rhone Sail to Cooper Island Eat at Cooper Island beach club Day 4 Sail to The Bight Snorkel the Caves Catch a Mooring ball, eat at Willy T's. There is no more naked jumping, so it is safe for kids. Day 5 Sail to Cane Garden Bay ("As soon as we sail on to Cane Garden Bay"). Go ashore and hang if there is not a Cruise Ship in. Get Callwood Rum(Through the people and places and callwoods rum). Eat dinner at Myett's. Day 5 Sail to Sandy Cay Hike the Island Sail to Great Harbour Go ashore, eat at Foxys, wander around. No mooring balls so set your anchor well. Day 6 Sail to White Bay No mooring balls so set your anchor well. Eat at SandCastle, kids eat on board. Day 7 Back to West End. On a flight home by 3:45 A couple of other things. We do bring dry goods, like the little wal-mart water bottle drink mixes, and Kraft easy mac. Also lots of snack bars and such. Also bring microwave quart zip lock bags. The kids loved cracking 2 eggs in a zip bag, dropping cheese, ham and such, and boiling omlettes. Easy to make, and clean up.
I am not big at beating upwind, especially in a Cat, so we normally sail around the north side of Tortola on a tack to Monkey Point. Day 1 Snorkel Monkey Point and have lunch Catch a Mooring at Marina Cay Kids eat on board, we go to Donovans Reef(now closed), but you can go to Pussers and take the kids. They love the quarter showers there. Day 2 Sail to Baths and snorkel. Get there early, and miss the crowds and Cruise Ships Catch a mooring ball at Spanish Town, and go ashore Eat on board. Day 3 Sail to Salt Island and Snorkel the Rhone Sail to Cooper Island Eat at Cooper Island beach club Day 4 Sail to The Bight Snorkel the Caves Catch a Mooring ball, eat at Willy T's. There is no more naked jumping, so it is safe for kids. Day 5 Sail to Cane Garden Bay ("As soon as we sail on to Cane Garden Bay"). Go ashore and hang if there is not a Cruise Ship in. Get Callwood Rum(Through the people and places and callwoods rum). Eat dinner at Myett's. Day 5 Sail to Sandy Cay Hike the Island Sail to Great Harbour Go ashore, eat at Foxys, wander around. No mooring balls so set your anchor well. Day 6 Sail to White Bay No mooring balls so set your anchor well. Eat at SandCastle, kids eat on board. Day 7 Back to West End. On a flight home by 3:45 A couple of other things. We do bring dry goods, like the little wal-mart water bottle drink mixes, and Kraft easy mac. Also lots of snack bars and such. Also bring microwave quart zip lock bags. The kids loved cracking 2 eggs in a zip bag, dropping cheese, ham and such, and boiling omlettes. Easy to make, and clean up.
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