March / April Bareboat Destination for Newbie

[Matt_7819]

Hello all, I'm new to sailing and this forum. My fiance and I are getting hitched in March, we've decided to do a bareboat charter for our honeymoon.

Being from Australia, we originally thought of heading to the Whitsundays, but the weather in March is often rainy there - so we're looking internationally.

Can anyone recommend a good spot for beginners to cut their teeth on a 7-10 day sail, not too crowded or technically challenging - with a good chance of having calm waters and sunshine. Also suggestions on good operator would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Matt

[Zanshin]

If it weren't so far away, I would heartily recommend the BVI as your optimal destination. There are numerous charter companies to choose from, ranging from Sunsail/Moorings to many smaller operations. Hundreds of boats to choose from in conditions where anyone can sail (since there are no licensing rules, quite a few charterboats have crews aboard with little or no experience). Lots of anchorages and bars, tradewinds offering steady winds from the same direction and great weather.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

I would heartily recommend the BVI as your optimal destination. .

I better do a quick translation as an Australian may not have heard of BVI.. British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.

[Zanshin]

MarkJ - I lived in Sydney and the sailors I spoke to in Oz all knew about the BVI - mainly because of it's distance in both space and time from Australia

[Matt_7819]

Hi Zanshin & Mark, I'd heard of BVI, but that's about the extent of it. Sounds like an amazing place and perfect for us - distance from Aus would be the only drawback. I'll do some investigating - perhaps we can make it work. Have you had any experience sailing in or around the Thailand area?

Thanks for your replies.

Matt

[Zanshin]

I have heard nice things about Thailand but haven't been there personally. I would check the time of year and rainy seasons there as well, March might not be in season.

I flew from Oz to the BVI directly and it was a looooong set of flights and only worth it if you stay for 2 weeks or more considering flight times and jet lag.

[damo_ushuaia]

Matt,
We were exactly the same as you and wanted to do a bareboat in Whitsundays for our honeymoon. We ended up doing it in March also. The weather whilst not sunny every day, was still warm and we had a great time. We rented through Whitsunday Rent a yacht. Its a great area to explore for first timers. I must say it got us hooked and we subsequently bought a yacht. Need I say more?! Enjoy it!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by damo_ushuaia

Matt,
We were exactly the same as you and wanted to do a bareboat in Whitsundays for our honeymoon. We ended up doing it in March also. The weather whilst not sunny every day, was still warm and we had a great time. We rented through Whitsunday Rent a yacht. Its a great area to explore for first timers. I must say it got us hooked and we subsequently bought a yacht. Need I say more?! Enjoy it!

And there you have it..... the less complicated your travel arrangements/destination the more the pleasure....
Get there fast, get on board and..... Chill....

[Matt_7819]

Brilliant thanks Damo - very reassuring to hear you had a good experience up there in March. Hard to imagine there's a more perfect place than the Whitsundays. Think we'll just have to go for it - can't wait.
Cheers everyone.

[SweetSerenity]

Highly recommend the BVI---- wonderful!!! romantic.....lovely! secluded beaches...uninhabited islands.....


I would not recommend Horizon as a Charter company...our experience was terrible with them -- they did not even come close to fulfilling their own stated service expectations....

We were looking at TMM or BVI possible for next time....Heard good things about the Moorings as well.. Sunsail makes you sleep aboard the night before, no choice....

would be happy to share and try to answer and questions you may have...

there is another great forum to get info...

traveltalkonline.com

Congratulations!

[Matt_7819]

Thanks for the advice SweetSerenity - BVI is certainly as must do - think we are settled on Whitsundays now. It seems like all our seasons are upside down in Aus at the moment anyway. The debate we are having now is whether to sail or cruise. My partner wants the extra space to lie around on the deck of a cruiser - whilst I want the challenge of sailing. We might have to settle for a Cat! All the best!