Which destination would you choose as your Great Charter? Popular spots like the BVI or Greece? The less traveled waters of the Windward Islands or the South Pacific? Perhaps the cooler climates of the San Juan Islands, Maine, or even British Columbia? How about steamy Thailand? Share your thoughts on the perfect charter, then vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page.
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Pacific Northwest
Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and Inside Passage to me is the best charter area with the boat from San Juan Sailing.
Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and Inside Passage to me is the best charter area with the boat from San Juan Sailing.
Belize or the BVI
We plan to visit Belize next January for sea kayaking and snorkeling. It would be nice to throw in some sailing as well. BVI has always been a dream of mine, lots of islands, beautiful water, lots of sun, what more could you want?
We plan to visit Belize next January for sea kayaking and snorkeling. It would be nice to throw in some sailing as well. BVI has always been a dream of mine, lots of islands, beautiful water, lots of sun, what more could you want?
North Channel
Most definitely the North Channel of Lake Huron. Having spent 4 years in the West Indies and both sides of Central America I can honestly say there is no place like this. Go in September after the crowds have gone, the water is still warm and there are no bugs.
Most definitely the North Channel of Lake Huron. Having spent 4 years in the West Indies and both sides of Central America I can honestly say there is no place like this. Go in September after the crowds have gone, the water is still warm and there are no bugs.
Right now...
The Channel Islands. When I get proficient enough (we are talking at least 2~3 years from now) and a bigger boat, I'd like to go to Alaska. If I survive that trip, then maybe Hawaii or points beyond. But for now, Channel Islands.
The Channel Islands. When I get proficient enough (we are talking at least 2~3 years from now) and a bigger boat, I'd like to go to Alaska. If I survive that trip, then maybe Hawaii or points beyond. But for now, Channel Islands.
BVI Charter
We have chartered 2 times in the BVI's and loved it. Good snorkeling, restaurants and great moorings.
We have chartered 2 times in the BVI's and loved it. Good snorkeling, restaurants and great moorings.
Belize
We love the BVI's, but would like some feedback from sailors who have sailed around Belize. Belize is another destination we would like to try.
We love the BVI's, but would like some feedback from sailors who have sailed around Belize. Belize is another destination we would like to try.
Scotland was amazing
Chartered out of Oban and sailed in the Hebredes. Put in at small, secluded villages, including one called Tobermory that wrote the book on "quaint." I think I'd love to do the Nordic countries, if it's possible to charter up there.
Chartered out of Oban and sailed in the Hebredes. Put in at small, secluded villages, including one called Tobermory that wrote the book on "quaint." I think I'd love to do the Nordic countries, if it's possible to charter up there.
So many places to dream about
Here is the short list: Mediteranean, BVI's, San Juan's, Eastern Carribean, South Western Pacific Islands. I am not picky, I just want water with beautiful scenery. Wether it is the water, the coastline, or the wildlife, I am game.
Here is the short list: Mediteranean, BVI's, San Juan's, Eastern Carribean, South Western Pacific Islands. I am not picky, I just want water with beautiful scenery. Wether it is the water, the coastline, or the wildlife, I am game.
Just Got Back from Grenadines
On Saturday we sailed our 46 ft. Sunsail cat from Bequia to St. Vincent in 25 to 30 knots true and seas up to 12 feet. Reached speeds of 10+ on the GPS on a beam reach. Most fun I have had on a boat in years. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a great charter spot, but we saw few Americans there. Mostly French, Brits, Italians and Canadians. You can charter out of St. Vincent, Canuan or Union Island, all of which have air service from Barbados, Puerto Rico or St. Maartin. Lots of great spots including Tobago Cays for snorkeling/diving, Mustique the island of the rich and famous, and Canuan which now has a Raffles resort and a Tiger Woods designed golf course. Boat boys visit moored and anchored yachts offering lobster, fresh bread and ice in every port. White sandy beaches, palm trees, that special blue tropical water. Good to very good bars and restaurants in every port. The sailing is considerably more challenging than the BVIs. There is usually at least 8 to 10 nm of open water between major islands, with substantial seas. Trade winds never fell under 20 kts the whole time we were there always between ene and se, so beating up to Mustique from Canuan (almost due ne) was hard and wet. There are lots of reefs and rocks to hit, so chart reading is essential. This is not a line of sight charter. On average there were about 15 boats in major anchorages, and mooring balls available in most. We had a great time; I would recommend it for all experienced sailors.
On Saturday we sailed our 46 ft. Sunsail cat from Bequia to St. Vincent in 25 to 30 knots true and seas up to 12 feet. Reached speeds of 10+ on the GPS on a beam reach. Most fun I have had on a boat in years. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a great charter spot, but we saw few Americans there. Mostly French, Brits, Italians and Canadians. You can charter out of St. Vincent, Canuan or Union Island, all of which have air service from Barbados, Puerto Rico or St. Maartin. Lots of great spots including Tobago Cays for snorkeling/diving, Mustique the island of the rich and famous, and Canuan which now has a Raffles resort and a Tiger Woods designed golf course. Boat boys visit moored and anchored yachts offering lobster, fresh bread and ice in every port. White sandy beaches, palm trees, that special blue tropical water. Good to very good bars and restaurants in every port. The sailing is considerably more challenging than the BVIs. There is usually at least 8 to 10 nm of open water between major islands, with substantial seas. Trade winds never fell under 20 kts the whole time we were there always between ene and se, so beating up to Mustique from Canuan (almost due ne) was hard and wet. There are lots of reefs and rocks to hit, so chart reading is essential. This is not a line of sight charter. On average there were about 15 boats in major anchorages, and mooring balls available in most. We had a great time; I would recommend it for all experienced sailors.
North America
The North Channel is the best cruising destination we have sailed - simply unrivaled scenery, wildlife, waters, hikes, and limitless anchorages. The San Juans and nearby sailing grounds are right up there, and the Apostles are unique and beautiful. There are some truly great anchorages in the Thousand Islands. We would rate the BVI's somewhere between the San Juans, and the Apostles, although it is true that the snorkeling is a whole new dimension! Little known here is the west coast of Sweden, like the North Channel for many beautiful, rocky anchorages but with thousand year old Viking navigational aides, and great little fishing/tourist villages. We have not yet chartered in the South Pacific, or New Zealand, but hope to some day. David Lady Lillie
The North Channel is the best cruising destination we have sailed - simply unrivaled scenery, wildlife, waters, hikes, and limitless anchorages. The San Juans and nearby sailing grounds are right up there, and the Apostles are unique and beautiful. There are some truly great anchorages in the Thousand Islands. We would rate the BVI's somewhere between the San Juans, and the Apostles, although it is true that the snorkeling is a whole new dimension! Little known here is the west coast of Sweden, like the North Channel for many beautiful, rocky anchorages but with thousand year old Viking navigational aides, and great little fishing/tourist villages. We have not yet chartered in the South Pacific, or New Zealand, but hope to some day. David Lady Lillie
the body of water I'm heading for next...
...is always the one that interests me most. This spring I'll be spending a couple more weeks down in the Sea of Cortez, and so....
...is always the one that interests me most. This spring I'll be spending a couple more weeks down in the Sea of Cortez, and so....
If I could . . .
If we had the time and money (at the same time), my wife and I would love to explore our forefather's lands - Ireland and Norway, by boat. On the more likely side, the San Juans are not too far away and the h23 is trailerable and good for that trip, especially since the kids are, mostly, grown up. But anywhere I can sail isn't all that bad. Dreaming still. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo.
If we had the time and money (at the same time), my wife and I would love to explore our forefather's lands - Ireland and Norway, by boat. On the more likely side, the San Juans are not too far away and the h23 is trailerable and good for that trip, especially since the kids are, mostly, grown up. But anywhere I can sail isn't all that bad. Dreaming still. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo.
Scott, it was a Leopard Catamaran
I had never spent time on a big catamaran before. The space is a revelation - the cockpit and main salon are huge. We had four state rooms and heads and lots of room for the fifth person "upstairs" in the salon. The boat is good for the area as the winds are almost always on or near the beam. The boat does not point well and is heavy, but once it gets going, it can make some knots. The shallow draft, even with saildrive on the engines, allows anchoring in thin water and thus more scope and security at night. As with all charters, the boats get used up fast. My advice is to get written assurance that your charter is not more than 2 or 3 years old - you might have to pay more for this but it is worth it.
I had never spent time on a big catamaran before. The space is a revelation - the cockpit and main salon are huge. We had four state rooms and heads and lots of room for the fifth person "upstairs" in the salon. The boat is good for the area as the winds are almost always on or near the beam. The boat does not point well and is heavy, but once it gets going, it can make some knots. The shallow draft, even with saildrive on the engines, allows anchoring in thin water and thus more scope and security at night. As with all charters, the boats get used up fast. My advice is to get written assurance that your charter is not more than 2 or 3 years old - you might have to pay more for this but it is worth it.
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