On Jul 7, 2013, at 4:26 PM, Tom B <t...@sv-alera.com> wrote: > We are thinking about doing a bareboat charter in the Virgin Island next > winter. Never sailed there. > > Any references, thoughts, itinerary suggestions, wisdom, wisecracks > appreciated. > > Tom Buscaglia > Alera C&C 37+/40 > Vashon WA >
I was part of a charter in 2009 out of Tortola. We used Footloose, which is a lower level part of the Sunsail organization. The boats are not quite as new as you might find in Sunsail, but they are perfectly fine, both functionally and cosmetically. I believe that Sunsail is now part of Moorings. Footloose loans you snorkeling gear and a cell phone for support if needed. They strongly discourage crossing into US waters (USVI) due to their inability to come to your aid if you have a problem -- they would have to clear customs twice to pay you a visit in US waters. OTOH there is plenty to keep you entertained in BVI waters. BVI is an ideal place to charter. Every bay has a restaurant which you can dinghy to from your mooring. Prices are reasonable and food is great. Moorings cost about $25 (2009 price), and in many places that gets you a free bag of ice or access to fresh water to top off the tanks. Moorings are free until 5PM, so a lunch stop will not cost you anything. Snorkeling is fantastic. Jost van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Norman Island were favorites. Also Marina Cay for a visit to Pussers shop/restaurant and wonderful snorkeling. You can arrange to have your galley stocked by the charter organization, but I suggest you allow time to take a taxi to the supermarket which has a vast variety of foods and supplies, and your taxi driver will wait while you shop. Sunsail/Footloose has a hotel at the dock if you want to stay before or after your cruise. There is also a very good dockside restaurant. You won't regret chartering in the BVI. Micheal S/V Tachyon
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