Yes, I know I've got OCD... Can't help it

[NotJustDreaming]

I know it is early but....
I'm looking to charter a catamaran in January 2012.

This would be for us, (family of five with three young kids) and my brother in law and his wife ( yes! They know the kids are coming - and oddly are looking forward to it).

We're pretty flexible on the dates. In fact, February, March or April would be great as well.

I'm looking for owners time though. Or at least something more economical than TUI. Ten days would be perfect though seven or fourteen would be okay as well.

I'm thinking BVI again. Just because my in-laws have never sailed. (okay and because I've only chartered twice so far.)

I checked out mooring and sunsail and every time I see the $10k plus pop up I get startled....

Any ideas?

Thanks so much in advance!

Colleen

[Palarran]

Colleen,
Planning a vacation 7 months in advance isn't even close to OCD. Try 4 years - and working at it every day. That's bad.

There are plenty of 2nd and 3rd tier charter companies to get a less expensive boat from. I chartered a 40' Lavezzi from TMM with the same numbers of people. We had two kids in the front v-berths. Worked out great.

The fact is, 10 days on a catamaran in January is going to cost you some serious cheese. Enjoy.

[Palarran]

This was the cat. It was in good shape but that was 3 years ago.
Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40 for charter in the BVI

[rodney_k]

OCD? I suffer from CDO. It is just like OCD but in alphabetical order like it should be. :-)

[Jeannius]

Hi Colleen... I own a Privilege 435 in charter in the BVI. 4 cabin, 4 head, Air Conditioning, Generator, everything you want in a cruising cat. Contact me for more details. I guarantee the price will be considerably less than $ 10k!

P.S. Here's a link to my wife's blog recalling our recent round the world trip on Jeannius... Sailing Jeannius

[Abaco]

I helped deliver this boat from Tortolla to Key West, and it is available at prices less than what you see in the Caribbean. The boat was in the Moorings fleet until a year and a half ago.

Leopard 47 Catamaran - Key West, Florida | Inter Yacht Charter

[sandy daugherty]

For the proper perspective, remember how much you would spend to put that tribe in a waterfront resort for that period of time, and on a boat, you can change the view, the neighbors, and the menu on a whim! Plus, you don't need a rental van to try a different restaurant [g]

[NotJustDreaming]

Originally Posted by rodney_k

OCD? I suffer from CDO. It is just like OCD but in alphabetical order like it should be. :-)

That's great! I feel for you. And it is vaguely familiar.

[NotJustDreaming]

Thanks for the replies you guys. I'll check out your suggestions for sure.

[NotJustDreaming]

I've got some questions.....

How is BVI sailing in December? I see TMM has three 2007 Mahe 36s for $3000 per week. Our usual family winter vacation is the first two weeks of December. I had no idea a cat could charter for that price. Thanks again for the info.

Now, the availability for these three cats is for view on the website. Two of the three are almost completely booked and the third cat is mostly available. Do you think I can assume that the third cat is in not as good shape?

Thank you!

[Palarran]

Colleen,
There are a lot of sailors here how can give you more details, but in general, the month of December can be pretty rough. The Christmas winds start blowing and they can be pretty strong and steady.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nds-33819.html

As far as the cat's shape. I would think they are the same. The are all the same build year. Call and ask them but most likely the one was just added to the fleet. Where would you put the three kids though? It's a real pain to set up the table into a berth every night. I'd recommend paying the extra grand and get the larger cat. Actually, I would suggest you negotiate a similar price for the Lavezzi as the Mahe because the Lavezzi is two or three years older. Booking two weeks in early December would be a very nice deal for a charter company and the boat owner.

[NotJustDreaming]

Ahh yes, two cabins. Got ahead of myself. I thought the Mahe was a three cabin. I should really go for a cabin per child so that would be four. More peaceful that way. It is vacation after all.

[NotJustDreaming]

And thanks for the link to the Christmas winds discussion. You're very helpful Palarran.

[Palarran]

I probably wouldn't let the worry of winds or weather put me off from the charter. It is basically the easiest place to sail in the Caribbean.

Have you chartered a cat before? If not, there may be some issues with the size you can get. Your children look young so I wouldn't worry too much about a cabin per. So, try to keep it under 44', imo.

Two weeks? You should think about going to the Spanish Virgins.

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