BVI: What Charter Company Is the Best for the First Time ?

[wona-b-sailor]

Hello everybody.

Believe it or not, after almost 15 years of "doing-something-else", I want to get back to sea again. I used to serve on Russian Subs, did some sailing while in N. college and in the service. But that stopped in 1989.
My friend and I decided to go to BVI, charter 40' Cat and have nice family vacation for 7 days. We have difficulties choosing a charter company to go with. What do you think guys? Who should we take? Moorings seems to be more attractive, but a bit pricey. On the other hands we do not want to get cheap and crappy boat.
I appreciate your opinion and recomendations.

BTW, if you are in BVI in April-May 2006 and see USSR Navy flag flying below starboard spreader, know that - it is us; come aboard for nice company, nice brandy, beer or whatever you prefer. You are all invited.

Thanks,
Nas

[CSY Man]

Recommend Conch Charters in the BVI.

They were nice to me when I booked a charter there some years ago, then had to cancel last minutte as I found and bought my own sailing machine.

Conch even refunded my non-refundable deposit....

[PapaCocha]

Check out Conch, Pro Valor and also Barecats.

Also do not hesitate to call Sunsail and Moorings and ask for discounts.

Finally check out sailonline for owners in the Sunsail and Moorings fleet selling "their" time directly..i use to give 25% off

[GordMay]

SAILONLINE:
Yacht charters vacation. Secret discount yacht charters. Information for crewed and bareboat sailing, charter boat ownership and charter yacht buyers.
http://www.sailonline.com/
Sailonline Forum: http://pub1.bravenet.com/forum/show....63674675&cpv=1

[henryv]

We chartered with Barecat Charters the last three years and always had a very positive experience.

[wona-b-sailor]

Thank you guys.
www.sailonline.com is particulary helpful.

Nas

[Frank4]

One other suggestion, probably not cheaper - but the boats are the fastest in the BVIs: Check out Voyage Charters. If you go with a crewed option, you'll find the South African crews are really friendly and the ones I've gone with are very good cooks and sailors. If you go bareboat, you'll find the Voyage cats are a great boat to sail - make sure you get one with the electric main winch if you get the 440 (unless you enjoy lots of excersize).

[Sunspot Baby]

Best charter company depends on what you consider most important. We chartered BVI two years. First time with Moorings. Extremely well organized big operation. Second time with Catamaran Company more laid back and friendly. Less selection of equipment available. I liked Catamaran Company best, but both were good.

The Moorings office, through which we booked, required us to take an on-board captain the first day since I had no recent experience in the size vessel we were chartering. Once on site in BVI, the local staff dropped the requirement.

I have trip reports on both charters at http://www.stateham.com/geoandlynn/tripreports.htm

Sunspot Baby

[BambooSailor]

Also look at sailing area restrictons imposed by different charter companies. For example, Moorings will not let to sail to Anegada or White Bay (or some other places) - at least officialy - without their skipper on board (you need to pay for the service). On the other hand Sunsail will organize a flotila once a week and provide a flag boat with their skipper that will not only lead you to Anegada, but if you do not feel comfortable s/he will jump on your boat, drive the boat to your anchoring spot (or mooring) and anchor for you, all of that free of charge. That's what I call first-class service. I do not know about other charter companies though. Just my 1 cent.

[PapaCocha]

bamboo,

Anegada is no longer red lined by anybody..thanks to GPS....

[BambooSailor]

Good news, although I am not sure it was the case last March (2005)

[Knotty Rascal]

I have chartered with TMM (Tortola Marine Management) and will return with them this year. If I owned a boat in the BVI this is the company that would manage my boat.

[Lightfin]

We have chartered with Sunsail each of the past four years and have been pleased each time. Shop around and always seem to get the best price from them.

The one time we had a small breakdown, they got a repair boat to us in a hurry and we were out of commission for only a few hours.