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atoll · 26-06-2012, 07:33

might have more luck if you changed the wording............

"2 girls offering a 3 way to the islands"

dunno about the dog tho,but you never know these days

**bstreep** · 26-06-2012, 07:45

I really don't think folks are trying to be rude here. Well, most of 'em. I think they just want you to think things through. Try reading about the deaths in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), an annual rally trip south to the islands that time of year, for folks who move their boats south during the winter. It's brutal.

What looks like a great time on paper, will likely be a miserable trip for you. Assuming someone takes you.

captainKJ · 26-06-2012, 08:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intentional Drifter

A smart skipper won't be going that way, that time of the year.

A smart skipper won't take 2 passengers (plus dog) down either of the routes to USVI on a typical cruising sailboat.

A smart skipper needs crew who can stand watches, reef sails, plot, knows the difference between stars/planets and navigation lights, as well as cook -- and won't spend the first week puking.

I know it sounds romantic, fun, adventuresome, and all that, but you don't want to go with anyone who isn't a smart skipper.

I recommend you find another way.

ID

How many smart skippers do you really know????

captainKJ · 26-06-2012, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by atoll

might have more luck if you changed the wording............

"2 girls offering a 3 way to the islands"

dunno about the dog tho,but you never know these days

and people say I'm BAD

Kahuna George · 26-06-2012, 08:58

Two greenhorns with zero experience? Plus a dog too. That is chaos in progress and an accident waiting to happen.

Flying down and good luck.

**hellosailor** · 26-06-2012, 09:09

Room for three supercargo...that's gonna mean a big boat, which probably means a Yacht with a paid crew which means, not so likely to take a casual passenger let alone three of 'em.

I hope you get lucky, but frankly, wouldn't expect it. Even if the dog has offshore experience, because taking a dog offshore for over a week, for the first time, could be an adventure in itself.

**Sailmonkey** · 26-06-2012, 09:18

I have a dog that we took cruising. The first week long crossing was hard on him and us. My dog has spent a lot of time on the boat and is comfortable with it as his home but still hard a hard time with the bathroom. To take someone not used to a crossing and a strange dog too boot is both a horrible idea and I would consider it borderline cruel to the dog. Take a plane or get a cabin on a freighter. Do not do this to yourself, your dog and someone else!!

captainKJ · 26-06-2012, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna George

Two greenhorns with zero experience? Plus a dog too. That is chaos in progress and an accident waiting to happen.

Flying down and good luck.

let me put it this way,,,with some of the experienced people that i have sailed with,,,,at times I would rather have greenhorns because they listen and don't know EVERYTHING.

but in this case it would be VERY hard for them to find passage. They most likely do not know that if for some reason they or the dogs can not get into the islands,,,,,the boat is required to get them back home at the boats expense

captsam54 · 26-06-2012, 13:11

I should mention that it is fairly easy to take a dog on the boat and from island to island etc. BUT, you need traveling papers from your local Vet, and all up to date shots... Your Vet can download the necessary paperwork for International traveling off the web if he /she does not have it on hand already...

I have recent experance w/ that from friends traveling w/ a dog and also friends importing 2 of them into Honduras from Canada.. I watched a blog about this subject for a while and they had no problems w/ the paperwork.. Especially if you make extra copies etc.

tomfl · 26-06-2012, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainKJ

How many smart skippers do you really know????

+1 Thread winner.

Sheabutta · 26-06-2012, 13:43

Ok... Thanks for all the help and info. We aren't shady to whoever said that, just asking around our area and here to see our options. I M having a hard time finding a airline that will take a 80lb dog, hence the reason we wanted to try and go by boat. I didn't know where to start and I figured here was good enough. If any one has any more info or ideas I'd be thankful!!

**Sailmonkey** · 26-06-2012, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheabutta

I M having a hard time finding a airline that will take a 80lb dog, hence the reason we wanted to try and go by boat.

Most people with private boats will balk at an 80 lb dog too.

Check here (I saw no restriction on the weight of a single animal in a carrier, only carrier size restriction) I've flown my Schnauzer with them and it went very well.
Traveling With Pets | American Airlines Pet Policy On AA.com

I've also been told Alaskan is a very pet friendly airline.

Traveling with Pets - Alaska Airlines

**Don L** · 26-06-2012, 13:59

and here I keep checking the thread to see if there have been any takers for the crew offer

LostAtSea2011 · 26-06-2012, 14:01

If something goes wrong and you run out of food you can always eat the dog. I don't know how long an 80lb dog would last three people though.

Sheabutta · 26-06-2012, 14:20

I called American airlines and they don't have a "wide cabin" under the plane that goes to virgin islands. thanks for the websites, I'll keep looking. I just wish there was a large boat shipping things and I could hitch a ride haha