We chartered a 36' Jeanneau out of St Martin
Sunsail had their base at Oyster Pond - Customer support was superb, and briefing/debriefing was smooth.
The Jeanneau 36i was a good boat - however even though it was only 3 years old was already showing signs of abuse and the running rigging was tired and starting to go. Our topping lift broke at the masthead and we had to swap it with the mail halyard when motoring.
Sailing conditions and winds (12-20kts) were superb. The waters for most part had swells coming from the east and waves + winds were from the south-east / south. That made for what I think they call a "confused sea". Boat was corkscrewing and the autohelm came in handy. We found the passages between island just long enough (3-5 hours). Pull anchor at 10AM and arrive by 3PM. Just enough time to go ashore, get some ice, drink some local beer and get back to the anchorage before sundown.
Anchoring was not an issue. Sandy bottoms which allowed our plough anchor to dig in on the first attempt. Only had to check it the first night and after that we slept without fear on dragging.
Customs was a pain. St Barts (France), Anguilla, (England), Back to St Martin (France). Each location had their own delays, quarks + clerical paperwork issues. Customs officials were not the happiest bunch and in my opinion they could have been better ambassadors for their country. Hell, we're not terrorists, we were tourists trying smuggle in our garbage to the local dumpster.
The locals were the best! We never had one issue and they all went out of their way to make our trip a great experience. We learned to ask them where to eat + shop and they never steered us wrong.
Always have the boat stocked with provisions at the time of departure. We didn't do that and next time we will. Yes, it is more expensive to have Sunsail do the work but shopping each day in a new location was a pain. Store hours, selection and quality food is limited and it takes too much time going there and back on the dingy.
The BVI's are a great location for first timers but in my opinion the sailing condition and winds are better in the St Martin area. St. Martin has the opportunity for long passages and we were allowed our cruising areas included outer islands like Anguilla, St Barts, Stratia, and St Kitts which are some very nice open water passages.
November is the tail end of hurricane season and the rates are great. Always purchase the cancel insurance just in case.
Cheers
Sunsail had their base at Oyster Pond - Customer support was superb, and briefing/debriefing was smooth.
The Jeanneau 36i was a good boat - however even though it was only 3 years old was already showing signs of abuse and the running rigging was tired and starting to go. Our topping lift broke at the masthead and we had to swap it with the mail halyard when motoring.
Sailing conditions and winds (12-20kts) were superb. The waters for most part had swells coming from the east and waves + winds were from the south-east / south. That made for what I think they call a "confused sea". Boat was corkscrewing and the autohelm came in handy. We found the passages between island just long enough (3-5 hours). Pull anchor at 10AM and arrive by 3PM. Just enough time to go ashore, get some ice, drink some local beer and get back to the anchorage before sundown.
Anchoring was not an issue. Sandy bottoms which allowed our plough anchor to dig in on the first attempt. Only had to check it the first night and after that we slept without fear on dragging.
Customs was a pain. St Barts (France), Anguilla, (England), Back to St Martin (France). Each location had their own delays, quarks + clerical paperwork issues. Customs officials were not the happiest bunch and in my opinion they could have been better ambassadors for their country. Hell, we're not terrorists, we were tourists trying smuggle in our garbage to the local dumpster.
The locals were the best! We never had one issue and they all went out of their way to make our trip a great experience. We learned to ask them where to eat + shop and they never steered us wrong.
Always have the boat stocked with provisions at the time of departure. We didn't do that and next time we will. Yes, it is more expensive to have Sunsail do the work but shopping each day in a new location was a pain. Store hours, selection and quality food is limited and it takes too much time going there and back on the dingy.
The BVI's are a great location for first timers but in my opinion the sailing condition and winds are better in the St Martin area. St. Martin has the opportunity for long passages and we were allowed our cruising areas included outer islands like Anguilla, St Barts, Stratia, and St Kitts which are some very nice open water passages.
November is the tail end of hurricane season and the rates are great. Always purchase the cancel insurance just in case.
Cheers
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