stevearino

Hi!

A few friends and I are looking to charter a private sailboat in either the British or US Virgin Islands for 5 days. Our budget is about $700-$800/day and hoping to have a chef on board. Does anyone have specific contact info of people who offer this type of service?

Also, which island(s) are best for this type of travel?

Thank you in advance for your help and advice!

Callaloo

Is your budget per person? Or all-in, per day? Do you need a captain as well as a chef? What time of year?

Many of the larger charter companies (e.g. Moorings or Sunsail) offer boats with crew. Also, a charter broker can help you figure out which independent boats will meet your needs. I would suggest visiting the British Virgin Islands forum on www.traveltalkonline.com to get the latest and greatest on chartering in that part of the world (both BVI and other destinations).

As for where, the BVI are considered Disney World for sailors, and it's where most people start. They are a very popular destination, with lots of amenities, and mostly gentle seas. Other destinations also have their charms, but many people save them for when they are more experienced as the sailing is more challenging, or there are fewer amenities. It all depends on what you're looking for. The forums at TravelTalkOnline will give you lots of guidance.

stevearino

Thanks for the info Callaloo and for pointing me in the right direction!

The $700 is all-in, each day (so total of about $3,500). We def need a captain and chef is a bonus. Our dates are 1/11/17 - 1/16/17.

doug_stallings

I could be wrong, but I don't think that's even a remotely realistic budget for a crewed charter, though it would work for a bareboat. It's going to be double that (at least), but it really depends on the number of people and type and size of the boat. During high season, most charters are by the week, but that's probably something you can work out. The price isn't.

Your starting point will be either St Thomas or Tortola. Either will work. The Moorings has a huge operation there, but there are many other companies and individuals. But I'm not sure you are going to get over the budget issue.

Callaloo

Agreed, that for a crewed charter, this isn't enough of a budget, especially during high season. But, if they were to charter a boat from a second-tier or third-tier company, and then hired a skipper on a per diem basis, they might be able to swing it. (I priced a 39 foot catamaran from Footloose in the BVI in January, and it came to $600/day; that would allow room to hire a skipper at up to $200/day). But definitely not the chef as well.

I will note that some charter companies have a few weeks in January, post-holidays, that are priced at shoulder-season prices, before picking back up again.

sarahkenders

To save money, have you considered departing from another location/ country? The Dominican Republic has some great options and its a great location point to start your cruising adventure around some of the Caribbean Islands. ALso your dollar goes a lot longer than in most of these other Caribbean countries.

eastenderusvi

To the OP: You should engage the assistance of a crewed charter broker to negotiate the ins and outs of chartered yachts. It will be difficult to get less than 7 days at that time of the year (high season).

The DR doesn't have a charter industry.

Caperositagris

Please contact us we will be more than happy to get you onboard.
You will find all details here http://crewed-sailboat-charter.com
and a skype could be a plus to prepare a special itinerary for you.
regards
Angelica