Mid-summer charter recs (small kids)

[parobellum]

Any recommendations companies/specifics for a July charter in the Caribbean? We have had two weeks in July open up and I am looking at options for us and our 5 kids (ages 2-9). We may cruise one week and then stay on land for a week. I want crewed as we are taking the first step towards handling larger boats ourselves. I would be open power/sail, though I think a cat might be our first choice as that seems the most likely future option. Last fall we debated it for spring break but I went to a few charter places and they were immediately pushing me into 62' cats at 40K+ per week which put me off. It seems like a 40-44' budget I am fine with. To put things in perspective, we live in a 3 bd/2ba house as it is and stack the kids like cordwood.

thanks

[seahorseFL]

I'd look into Sunsail or the Moorings. I think their prices for 40 ft cats during that timeframe would probably be pretty decent. You'll probably end up in BVIs since that's where most boats are, and its a good family cruising ground because the hops between islands will be short. With very young kids on board short sails seem best to me!

A catamaran will be essential IMO, to have enough room for both captain and your family.

Maybe you could also do a week at the Bitter End Yacht Club in BVIs or some other family oriented full service resort where you can get childcare and have some couple time? Both you and your wife, and the older kids, would be able to take sailing lessons appropriate for your level, and they probably offer daycare for the little ones.