Getaway Guide To Winter Sailing
OK. You winterized the car, replaced summer clothes with chilly weather rags and had the heater serviced. Now there's one more thing. Plan that winter getaway to a place where the sun shines, temps are in the 80's and there's a refreshing Caribbean breeze blowing from the southwest. It's time to think about chartering a yacht with family or friends to go where the wind and whim take you. Think Virgin Islands - British and American. Here's how, what and where. -- Jay Lloyd
WHAT'S A CHARTER?
Charter sailing is like renting a house at the Jersey shore, except it floats and will take you where you want to go - on your schedule or no schedule at all. Often Caribbean yacht charters can cost less than the rent on that shore home. The boats come in a variety of sizes to accommodate 2 to 8 people. Four to 6 is most comfortable. If you don't know how to sail, no problem. You can hire a skipper for your weeklong cruise. An added advantage is that the Captain will teach you the basics and he or she knows the best bars, restaurants, beaches and scuba spots to fit your own lifestyles.
WHAT'S ON BOARD
Your chartered yacht will have everything you need to sail away and navigate through a collection of islands with stunning shorelines and camera ready features. You'll find modern navigation equipment, nautical charts, safety equipment, first aid kit, linens, cookware and dinnerware. The boats will have a complete galley and often a barbecue grill that fits on a stern rail. You can choose to have the charter company stock the boat with all the food you'll need for the voyage or you can shop yourself at the local markets before casting off. If you decide on a crewed charter, rather than "bareboat" which you sail yourself, a cook can be included along with the skipper. The boat should also have a dinghy to get to shore when moored in snug coves or harbors.
WHAT TO BRING
You'll need personal items in addition to clothes. Make sure you have boat shoes. Bring a good hat that protects the back of the neck and face. Carry sun block and bug repellent. Leave high heels and dress clothes at home. You won't need anything but bathing suits, shorts and T-shirts. Bring wading shoes for islands where you'll have to tie the dinghy just off-shore and walk in. Have a waterproof case that fits in a pocket or zip-up plastic baggies to carry money when wading or swimming ashore. DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT.
BAREBOAT (Do it yourself) REQUIREMENTS
Charter operators want some proof that you have sailing experience. Start with a resume of your sailing background. Then provide references from other charter companies or boat owners with whom you've sailed. You'll likely be required to perform some basic sailing skills during your "checkout" when you arrive to take over your boat.
WHERE TO CHARTER
Most charter vacationers from our area choose the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. You can cover both island groups in a single week-long charter, and flights are available from Philadelphia direct to St. Thomas or via Puerto Rico to St. Thomas in the U.S.V. I. and Tortola in the B.V.I. Four of the most experienced charter companies were well represented at the recent Annapolis Sailboat Show.
THE MOORINGS
Tortola & St. Thomas
moorings.com
The Moorings is among the largest charter operators with bases from the Caribbean to South Pacific. Their operations in the Virgin Islands feature both Catamarans and mono-hull cruising sailboats. While catamarans are roomier and faster, many sailors still prefer the traditional mono-hull for its ease of handling in tight places and marinas. Catamarans are also more costly. A boat rated for 6 people and most comfortable for 4 will cost about $4,000 for a 7 night cruise - $2,000 a couple for 4, less if you have a very friendly group of 6.
SUNSAIL
Tortola, B.V.I.
sunsail.com
Sunsail is a global operator with a wide range of catamaran and mono-hull boats that are proven ocean cruising yachts. Like The Moorings they enjoy a solid reputation. Sunsail offers "bareboat" charters from its base in Tortola and can provide skippered or fully crewed charters. Boats to comfortable accommodate 4 to 6 people can be rented from about $3,500. As with all charter companies, the price depends on the size, model and extras that are unique to each yacht. as well as the season.
CYOA
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
cyoacharters.com/index.html
I have a warm feeling for CYOA. This St. Thomas based charter service is located on the approximate location that I called home 55years ago in Frenchtown. The advantage of a St. Thomas location is that Americans can avoid Customs and Immigration on arrival and departure. But you will have to clear British C & I if your cruise takes you to the British Islands - and it will. Look for an average cost of $4,000 to $4,500 for a mono-hull to accommodate 6.
STELLAR YACHTS
Tortola, B.V.I.
stellaryachtmanagement.com
Stellar is a smaller and more personal charter company based on Tortola. In chatting with Operations Director Sandra Lessard at the Annapolis Boat Show, I was impressed with a new Bavaria 33 footer that's joined the fleet for this winter. It's the ideal boat for a sailing couple that enjoys going off on a romantic cruising getaway. It is a yacht built for North Sea sailing and has all the modern amenities along with a spacious drop-down platform on the stern. Easy to handle and perfect for leisurely cruising in style. It's the only one in the fleet, so call for availability and pricing at: 1-514-607-3214. (Note: The web page is French. There is a translation button.)
Enjoy summer in January.
