Need Validation and Advice On First-Time Charter In BVI

[Mhprincipe]

Hello all. I'm a salior up here in the Great Lakes, monohull 47' Hunter, spending most of my time racing. Cruising is kind of a new concept to me. LOL

I've read all the posts on how to get your family sailing, and from personal experience, I've concluded that a crewed cat out of Red Hook, USVI and tool around the BVI for a week would be a good start. Feel free to throw advice at me.

Also, as a part of this, I wanted to do a bit due diligence and ask online here about the company BoatBookings.com and a boat named Magic Inspiration. Good Company, good reputation? Anyone know the Boat (46' Fountain) and the Captain? From what I've found online, all looks well, but thought I would do one last check on here.

Please feel free to post or email me mhprincipe at yahoo dot com.

Thank you all for your help.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Mhprincipe.

[bstreep]

I see no reason for you to have and pay for a crewed boat, unless you really want to. As an owner and sailor of a 47' boat, you have more big boat experience than probably 95% of the first time charterers.

Never heard of the company in question. I'd bareboat from one of the reliable charter companies. If you have the $$, go for the Moorings, if you don't want to spend that much, we love BVI Yacht Charters, Tortola. You can always charter a boat and hire a captain and/or a cook, if that's what you want to do.

[Vasco]

Try asking here Traveltalkonline: Viewing forum: British Virgin Islands
They seem to know all the boats.

[Mhprincipe]

Thanks. Normally I would agree with you, but I've found that when it comes to teaching family, it's better to have a third party. That way they are getting mad at the other person and keeps the family dynamics in place. Lol. Also, reading posts on how to get your wife into sailing, keeping everything fun seems to be the absolute key, and of course, since I don't know the waters, this first time it would be nice to have someone show me around.

Thank you for the website, I did check and nada.

[osirissail]

I don't think you will be getting any "sailing school instruction" from a crewed charter boat. That trade is directed towards presenting you with an enjoyable period of time with good food and interesting places to visit/snorkel/etc.
- - If you are looking for an opportunity for your family to learn sailing while having a great vacation - I suggest Googling "St Thomas ASA sailing school" and you will find outfits in St Thomas which also provide "crewed charters" - but the captain will be a rated instructor better equipped to turn your experience into both an education and a great vacation.