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I took a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise back in the 90's that sailed around the BVI's and I loved it. I always meant to take one again. I loved being able to dive off the boat right into the water after several rum swizzles! Unforturnately, I learned a couple of years ago that once the founder died, the fighting among his heirs over the running of the company managed to run it out of business.
I can't find anything comparable. I've looked at the Star Clipper Line, but my husband refuses to wear slacks to dinner. Also, he gets a little sea sick so a barefoot charter is out of the question. Our jobs require that we wear business attire during the week so we like our vacations to be as casual as possible. The last couple of times to the Caribbean we have stayed at Gallows Point Resort as Cruz Bay, St John, USVI. I love it but want to get out on the water more. The trips to Virgin Gorda and Jost just are not enough!.
Anyone have any suggestions?
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Anyone found a cruise comparable to Windjammer Barefoot Cruise experience?
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I know you said a charter is out of the question, but have you considered a catamaran instead of a monohull? Much more stable, and perfect for sailing the BVI.
There are at least four other options:
Diamante
Arabella
Caledonia
Liberty Clipper
Dexter Donham
ddonham@sailingshipadventures.com
Hi. Great timing on your question. I went on a windjammer cruise to the BVIs a 4 years ago and was bummed when they went out of business.
A group of former die hard windjammer passengers recently started a new company Island Windjammers which sounds like they are re-creating the Windjammer experience. They are sailing from Grenada to the Grenadines, which is the itinerary that the WJ Yankee Clipper sailed. I never hit that itinerary with WJ, although I wanted to as I heard it was amazing. I'm going to try and sail with Island Windjammers this winter or spring.
Their website is www.islandwindjammers.com
Thanks for the reply jeffego. I got on the sailingshipadventures.com website and found other former Windjammer ships that you can book. It lists: Legacy, Mandalay, Polynesia and Yankee Clipper. The itineraries are different than when they were with Windjammer though.
I wish I had known about these sites sooner. I own a vacation house at the Lake of the Ozarks in MO with a friend and we always sit around and bitch about not being able to take a Windjammer cruise anymore.
I'd like to hear how the sailing is from Grenada to the Grenadines. I've heard that the BVI is where the boys go to play and the Grenadines are where the men go to sail. If that is really the case I'll have to leave my husband, who is prone to sea sickness, home and go with my friend instead.
Hi Paula,
I haven't been yet to the Grenadines, but it is supposed to be some of the best sailing waters around. And apparently the island windjammer people are loving their ship. I've been following updates from their maiden voyage on their facebook page. You can get there from a link at the bottom of their site: www.islandwindjammers.com
It sounds like they are having a great time! I'll be booking a trip this winter.