April 2012 Seven Day Caribbean Bareboat Charter - Suggestions ?

[bsc]

We are taking our 30-something daughter and husband on a 7 day bareboat in April 2012, largely to teach them how to do this for the future. We are experienced sailors and have bareboated before in Greece, Bahamas, US and BVI, Grenada.Grenadines.Bequia

We want a monohull, not a cat.

Have looked at returning to Grenada.Grendaines, but may be too ambitious for 7 days. We are considering Belize via Moorings who have a Beneteau. BVI is always an option as well as Abacos, but have done both of these. St. Martin and At. Bart have also been suggested.

Any thoughts?

[s/v Moondancer]

Grenada to the Grenadines is doable in 7 days, you just have a long overnigher at the beginning and the end.

Horizon have good boats and are well run.

Yacht Charter Vacations from Horizon Yacht Charters

[Hud3]

I'd suggest that you look into the available flights to and from the destination as you narrow down your choices. With only seven days to spend you'll want to avoid wasting too much on the travel part.

Although I prefer the Grenadines, I think I'd choose the BVIs for what you're trying to accomplish. It's the ideal spot for introducing someone to bareboat chartering for a lot of reasons.

[svgaladriel]

Chartering in Guadeloupe is fun - perfect for 7 days.

[rnjpinz]

I have to agree with Hud3. I also perfer the Grenedines, however, flights can be difficult and you really need at least 10 days or you will be on a dead run.

The BVI is more accomodating for your flights and your needs. Especially, with only 7 days.

Bob

[Dave]

Originally Posted by rnjpinz

I have to agree with Hud3. I also perfer the Grenedines, however, flights can be difficult and you really need at least 10 days or you will be on a dead run.Bob

I also agree, however there are charter operations in Blue Lagoon - St. Vincent (Barefoot, Sunsail, TMM), Canouan (Moorings) and Union(Switch) which put you right into the heart of the Grenadines without the long haul from/to South end Grenada. My preferred air travel is through Barbados and then into the Grenadines on SVG AIR. The small local airline is a joy for connecting passangers - they meet you as you step off onto the tarmac, take care of luggage and give a personal escort over to your connecting single engine plane. The views are spectacular which makes for a great start to a holiday. For a group of 6 or more you can charter a private flight which can save a potential layover in Barbados and be cheaper in the long run. If it's good enough for Tommy H. or Mick J. then why not ?

Sure beats LIAT !

Dave L38 #38

[nautical62]

My thought as an outdoor instructor/programmer is that if you want to show newbies a good time and get them ready to do it on their own, take them someplace you know that's easy and has a lot to offer. I think the BVIs are certainly a safe bet.

I'd pick St. Martin for a cultural experience, but don't like the sailing as much. I love the isolated islands of the Abacos, but I think the BVIs are a wonderful introduction to cruising.

Where ever you choose, have a great trip.

[Hud3]

A side note. You're planning this trip for April. If you happen to be there over the Easter weekend, be prepared for four days of festivities, complete with loud music into the wee hours, parades, crowds of revelers, and many shops closed. At least that was our experience when we were stuck on Virgin Gorda because of a mechanical problem with the boat we were using.

[bsc]

Thanks so much to all of you for great information.

All good points re the trade offs on where to go. We're still leaning to St. Martin for several reasons - we have never been there before, but have done the Grenadines, BVI and Abacos (so while the trip will teach our daughter and husband re cruising, this would give us a plus as well); the cultural variety; and easier in/out to get there (don't want to eat up too much time traveling, as some of you noted). But we have not closed down on anything yet.

We hope that St. Martin might be a bit less crowded than BVI over Easter/spring break weekend. I realize both will be busy, but hoping St. Martin area might be less so. Naive? Easter Sunday will be the day we leave.

Any comments on bareboat providers? We've used Moorings before, but are not locked on them. We value sail performance more than needing all of the comforts below.

[speedoo]

Only problem with the BVI's is the sheer number of boats out cruising. I have not been there in a long time, and I don't believe I have ever been there in April. So if people say April is one of the busier times, I would beware, because not being able to find a spot in a crowded anchorage is no fun.

[Vasco]

Do a one-way from St. Lucia to Grenada.

[seahorseFL]

Originally Posted by Hud3

I'd suggest that you look into the available flights to and from the destination as you narrow down your choices. With only seven days to spend you'll want to avoid wasting too much on the travel part.

Although I prefer the Grenadines, I think I'd choose the BVIs for what you're trying to accomplish. It's the ideal spot for introducing someone to bareboat chartering for a lot of reasons.

Speaking from the experience of a relative newbie who has been learning the "lines" myself, I would agree that for teaching purposes, and to make the trip relaxing for all, BVIs would be optimal to avoid overwhelming your daughter and son in law. Alternatively, especially if the crowds or festivals cause concern, I have a friend who has chartered with an outfit out of St. John and simply cruised around that island (with gf who was newbie). He said it was relaxing and anchorages were less populated than BVIs.