Offering Advice and Tips about Living on a Sailboat in BVI for Two Weeks
 

Rather than writing a lengthy and extensive trip report, just posting to invite questions and advice about living on a boat and cruising (bareboating) with DH, friends, and family around the BVI for two weeks.

We own a catamaran which has permanent anchorage in Road Town on Tortola. I have been on boat and land down there for the past four years many times and would be happy to answer any questions or offer my experience in any way that would be helpful to other travelers with this particular interest.

Living on a sailboat for two weeks is a totally different experience from staying in a villa or resort, so if this is the area of your interest perhaps I can be of some assistance. Please ask your questions. Four years ago I was a total novice to this way of life. Now I feel that I have accumulated enough experience to be a resource to others.

I have received so much assistance from this forum on my upcoming trip to Rome, I would just like to give something back. Please feel free to ask me anything about living on a boat in the BVI. jg

jg- I think that chartering in the BVI was one of my best trips. It is really hard to compare. I loved it, sleeping on the boat, waking up early sitting on deck drinking coffee and watching the sun come up. You are right its a totally different vacation from a villa or resort. I loved being able to go somewhere new everyday, but on your own schedule. We snorkeled at Norman Island which was a magical day, something I will never forget! Glad it was good.

When do you go to Rome (or have you gone already) We go to Italy in June and have received a lot of help from the Europe fodors board as well. :)

MIM, thanks for confirming what I already know and that few have experienced. I must confess that I am a bit of a Woos (sp?) who loves my creature comforts, doesn't like water all that much, and used to prefer posh resorts. Now I am a convert, but I must confess it did take a while to learn to love this life style. Each time I go I like it more and more, for all of the reasons that you described in your message. Plus--it's very good for my marriage to learn to love the same things that make my DH so happy.

Norman Island is my favorite anchorage, and my now we have been to them all. It was the first anchorage that we ever stopped at several years ago when these adventures started. We also like Pirates Bar and Restaurant, which you may recall used to be Billy Bones. When we first started going down there, we got to know the woman who was the grand daughter of the original owner of the island, which I believe he bought for about 125 pounds. Now she has sold it for millions to some new developers. I just hope that they don't turn the island into some mega all-inclusive and spoil the natural beauty. Ah, this is the way it always goes. "Pave Paradise, put up another glam resort."

Good to talk to you about a mutual interest. It was very hard to return to Chicago this week and face the snow and single-digit weather, after two weeks on the boat in the Caribbean.

My DH keeps trying to seduce me into spending more and more time down there on the boat and maybe even get involved in some serious cruising down island for months at a time. But I am not quite ready for that kind of commitment, plus I am really worthless as first mate.

Let's chat again and share with others our love for the BVI.

jg - I know what you mean, about the creature comforts. I was not sure about the whole thing myself, but once you get "into" it I think it all works out and you don't mind certain things. Being able to jump off the boat into the water anytime you want was heaven for me. I am so glad you found something you and DH both can enjoy. It would be amazing to live on a boat for several months, but I understand it being an adjustment.
We also chartered in St Martin, but that was not as enjoyable as the BVI. Plus the seas were rougher and it made for some queazy days. But being able to take the dinghy ashore for dinner and making reservations over the VHF for dinner, and having our trash picked up at various locations, just so cool I thought. Plus going to dinner places that you really cannot get to, (or cannot get to easily) except by boat. Its an amazing experience. I hope to do it again once my DD is a little bit older.
Nice to "chat" with you. I hope you have a wonderful (next) trip BVI or Italy... :)

Dear MIM, thanks for the feedback. You are so right-on about all of the positives about bareboating and living free in the BVI, if you have a good captain and crew who know what they are doing to make you feel safe and secure. Since my captain is also my DH, and a very experienced sailor, all is fine in this department.

For the benefit of other readers here, I will reiterate the positives:
--A total sense of freedom in how you use your time and choose your destination every day.
--Short sails from island to island. You anchor, jump immediately into the beautiful water to cool off, pour the rum punches and just chill and chill and chill.
--Use the radio, as you suggested, make a reservation at a lovely dinner restaurant on "your beach", enjoy a light lunch on the boat.
--Swim and snorkel some more, return to boat, shower off on the back of the boat, have another rum punch, retreat to cabin or trampoline with a good book or your sweetie, take a nap.
--Take another dip in the beautiful water if you like, shower off again, have another drink and get ready for dinner.
--Get into dinghy and putter ashore to lovely restaurant for great dinnder of conch fritters and mahi-mahi.
--Dinghy back to boat, have another cocktail, go to cabin early (you will be tired) and sleep as you have never slept before--lulled by the gentle (most of the time) rocking of the boat and the lapping of gentle waters (most of the time).
--Wake up close to dawn, make a great pot of coffee, watch the sunrise, greet your fellow sailors as they arise and come top deck to discuss the plans for the day.
--Pull on swimsuit and go for a morning swim around the boat.
--Rinse off salt water on the back of the boat.
--Enjoy a light and easy breakfast of granola, fruit, and yogurt, PBJ sandwich on wheat, or scrambled eggs if someone feels ambitious (not me).
--Lean back and say, "Thank God! Life is beautiful!"

OK, enough of that. Later post will add the details of the harsh realities of life on a boat, that you will begin to gladly accept in exchange for all of the above.

Hope you enjoyed this summary and that it reflects your own feelings. I hope other readers will be inspired. jg

--Wake up early

jgarvey, I just posted a request for suggestions for our family of ten in August. Is it possible to have a boat with A/C, and a crew that does the cooking? Thanks, Owa

jg - yes you are right on. I think it is the freedom that people enjoy so much being on a boat. It is such a great feeling just being out there on the sea. And such a different experience than being on land :)
I cannot wait until my DD is a little older that I feel comfortable taking her. I was on boats from a very very young age, but with my own DD I think it will have to wait. BUT I am really anxious to do it again. I hope you are able to again soon!

OWA - I am sure that jg will respond with great advice about this , but in the meantime yes all of this is possible and it is a wonderful trip! Impossible to compare it to anything else. One co. we have chartered from a few times is the Moorings out of Tortola. :) We have also used Sunsail out of SXM. :)

Dear owa, sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but there is no way that 10 people can fit comfortably for daily living on a sailboat--even if it is a catamaran like ours, especially if you also have a live-aboard captain and/or crew who does the sailing and cooking for you. First off, there are only four cabins on a catamaran, each of which sleeps only two people comfortably. At the max, that is only eight people if you do all of your own sailing and cooking and cleaning up afterwards. If there is a captain and/or cook aboard living as well--he (they, maybe husband and wife) will need their own cabin as well; then this leaves sleeping room for only 6 other people. Maybe (only a maybe) 3 very small children could be in one cabin together, but I don't recommend this for peace and harmony of all involved.

As for air conditioning on this sort of sail, fagettaboutit! I have been there in August, and you really don't need AC on the boat even then. Each cabin will have at least two hatches, and a "breeze booster" added on will add more than enough lovely air to blow through the cabins at night. Occasionally a gentle rain may necessitate the closing of the hatches, but in the BVI those generally last only for a few minutes. I almost always sleep with a top sheet and have occasionally had to pull up the blanket. On my first trip to the BVI several years ago, we rented a luxury motor boat (only two cabins, though) with A/C and never turned it on even once. Nothing feels or sounds better at night than the whisper of real breezes from the Caribbean Sea and gentle waters lapping at the sides of the boat.

Since I have experience only with our catamaran, I really don't know what to suggest for your group/family of 10 people. Perhaps you could look at some of the Windjammer-type of cruisers that give you a taste of the genuine sailing experience but also provide the room for your group and the type of catering that would be such a nice touch.

Good luck with your choices. If I can help some more by telling you specific details about the islands, especially about Tortola and Cane Garden Bay, please write again.

If you do choose to sail with your family, I promise that it will transform your life. jg

A family of 10 on a sailboat--OK Owa...I assume you can afford

These folks can handle you:

http://www.swainsailing.com/family_charters.asp

Thanks, MIM04 and jgarvey for your replies. My husband and I will be on Tortola for 4 nights in May before going to VG for a week. Jgarvey, does your husband do day trips from Tortola? Thanks, Owa

Owa, sorry to say that my husband and I use our boat only for personal and family excursions. The rest of the time the boat is with a charter base for private rentals. He has been down there for 7 weeks (returning on Wednesday), and I was down there for two weeks with him from Jan. 10-24th. The best sail of my life so far, since I am now retired from teaching and was able to escape the Chicago winter for those glorious two weeks. It is the first time I just absolutely did not want to come back. As I said before, this way of life has taken some time to grow on me.

About your 4 days on Tortola: Have you made any plans yet for that time or are you still seeking advice. As I said, I am a fountainhead about info on Tortola. What sort of experience are you seeking (luxury or authentic rustic, pricey or budget?) and what activities are you looking for while there? Let me know if you would like to have some suggestions about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while on Tortola. Also, will you be renting a car or not? I can also tell you a LOT about what that is like if you want some real hair-raising, Disney-ride type of adventures.

I know you are in for the time of your lives in the BVI. If this is your first visit, you will never be the same. jg

MIM--how old is your daughter now? Perhaps this is really not something you have to put off for too long. We have had friends who have bareboated with an infant and toddlers. You have to be fairly experienced and know what you are doing, but it is possible. jg

Owa, there may very well be a boat that can accomodate your group of 10, but it won't be a "conventional" charter boat. The standard options typically fit 8 guests and 2 crew at most. For your needs, I would suggest using a charter broker who represents independent boats. Reputable brokers (who do their work at no charge to you) include Sherry Yates (www.yatesyachts.com) and Ed Hamilton (www.ed-hamilton.com). A quick look at Sherry Yates' site shows a number of crewed options that accomodate 10 or more guests.

There's nothing quite like a sailing vacation -- I've got my next one coming up in a matter of days (aboard a 72 foot racing machine in St. Martin)...

Thanks Callaloo, Do you know anything about Promenade sail/dive cruises? They look wonderful on their web site. I want a crew that does everything. Do you think it would get to long for the teens? Owa

jg - She is 2 and I know for many people that is OK. I was on boats much younger thant that. However, for me I just cannot see doing it until she is a little bit older. She is one who would get up in the middle of the night and sneak out of the cabin! :0

Owa, I'm not familiar with Promenade. (It sure does look alluring, though...). Posting your query on the BVI Board at www.traveltalkonline.com is your best bet for getting a response.

Hi jg - I just have a few questions.

We're going to the BVI's in about 2 weeks - my in-laws are chartering a sailboat and taking my husband, myself and my sister-in-law and her boyfriend. We've sailed and stayed on their boat in Annapolis many times (although not for an entire week), so I'm familiar with some of the less glamourous aspects of sailboat living1

One question I have is how rough the water gets -I rarely get seasick, but if the water gets really choppy, I do feel pretty queasy. Just wondering!

Do you have any especially memorable anchorages to recommend?

Also, not necessarily sailboat related, but do you have any suggestions for romantic restaurants? My husband and I are taking a night on our own and would like to have a romantic dinner somewhere on the beach or water. I've found a few, but thought I'd see if anyone had any specific recommendations. Any island would be fine, as we're not sure of our itinerary yet.

Thank you so much!

Crista

Dear Crista, you are going to have a wonderful time, especially if this is your first time in the BVI. It is, afterall, known as the "Sailor's Paradise." It will be a sailing experience like no other you have ever had, I promise.

Before I continue with my tips for anchorages, restaurants, etc., I need to get more info from you in order to better answer your questions. First, what type of sailboat is it, how large? Will you be bareboating or will there be crew aboard? Does the captain (your Dad?) have any previous experience sailing in the waters of the BVI? Will you be snorkling and or doing any scuba diving? How long will you be sailing, and will you also be staying any nights in accommodations on land?

Just provide a little more info about your trip, and I will get back to you ASAP.

I was down there for 2 weeks (Jan 10--24) and my DH gets back tonight from his 7-week adventure. Each time I go I learn more about how to adapt to life at sea and learn to love it more and more. Back to you soon. jg

Hi jg,

We are chartering from Moorings, a 44 foot boat (Darfour 44, I think?). There are 3 staterooms and 2 heads. We are, indeed, bareboating it - my father-in-law has been sailing for over 20 years, and the rest of us have been his "crew" many times! My husband and I go down several weekends during the summer to race with them in Annapolis. Racing's great fun, at least when you have wind!

In-laws were sailing in the BVI's about 10 years ago with friends for a race week, and they simply loved it.

I hope to do some snorkeling, although I've never done it before! I'd also like to try horseback riding. Not sure about scuba diving, at least for me.

We'll be gone a week, and we will only be staying on land the first night, when we arrive.

I am really looking forward to the trip, as it's been a pretty rough year for both our families, and it will great to just relax!

Thank you again for your suggestions!
Crista

Crista, thanks for answering my questions so I can better advise you. I was also going to ask if your boat was a monohull or catamaran, but I think you have answered that by telling me that your family is into racing. Of course you already know then that a monohull will heel over, unlike a cat, and then you will definitely be more exposed to the effects of rougher water. I have never experienced seasickness on our cat, but others have (inexperienced sailors) though only on their first day out. Since you already a seasoned sailor, I would think that you would be all right in the BVI. Just take the normal precautions, stay top-deck and look straight out at the horizon as much as possible, don't drink too much liquid, keep some ginger ale on hand. we love the local "ginger beer, a little more intense and biting than ginger ale, non-alcoholic, carbonated, and really great for a queazy stomach. Take along some bonine just as a back up in case you need it.

This time of year, the waters tend to be rougher than usual from the North Sound. At Cane Garden Bay, normally very calm, there were even surfers enjoying the large swells, something I had never seen there before. Even my experienced DH made the mistake of taking our dinghy in too close to the beach one day and succeeded in getting us swamped and the dinghy dumped us both out on the beach. I'm still nursing a few bruises and sand in my ears from that one!! But when we were safely back on the boat, a nice Pain Killer (the local drink, you know) took care of all my ills, and I eventually forgave him.

Our favorite overnight anchorages: Norman Island (great snorkling in the nearby Caves), Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, Cooper Island also good swimming and snorkling, Saba Rock, and of course Anegada (the northernmost island, and a really different view from all of the other mountainous islands, plus fabulous reef snorkling on the ocean side of the island, and a great lobster dinner right on the beach.

Favorite romantic restaurant on Tortola--Brandywine--a little pricey by a killer sunset and very romantic.

Have to run now, more later. jg

jg,

Thank you! I will look into the Brandywine - sounds great!

I think I'll be fine concerning seasickness - I usually pack a few Bonine with me whenever we sail, just in case.
Thank you again!
Crista

I just returned from a week-long sail - my first - in BVI and loved it! I too was very nervous about getting seasick but my doctor (who's into sailing) prescribed the patch for me and it worked great. I put 1/2 of a patch on in SJU flying down, replaced it three days later with anothe 1/2 and let it run out through the end of the trip. I am normally very prone to motion sickness (got sick on a tour of Pearl Harbour) but this worked for me. It didn't make me sleepy or interfere with downing a few Pain Killers!

Crista, to continue with a bit more info for your trip to BVI. Great snorkling and rock-grotto exploration at The Baths on Virgin Gorda (but not an overnight anchorage; time there is limited to a couple of hours to allow for rotation of boats). When you anchor overnight at the Bight on Norman Island, you have to dinghy over to the Caves for a great snorkling experience, or you can anchor your boat there but not overnight. Great little restaurant at Norman, Pirates, which used to be Billy Bones before the island was sold and management changed. Other places for just a short time of snorkeling are mentioned in almost all of the guide books. Of interest are the Dogs, the Indians, Monkey Point, the Chimney, and of course the wreck of the Rhone (mostly you will find scuba divers around the boat wrecks, but still some good snorkling around them, since they attract a lot of sea life).

There are generally no Jelly Fish around at this time of year, but have a bottle of plain white vinegar aboard just in case, the best antidote around.

More about Tortola. Another one of our favorite restaurants on Tortola is Myett's; we especially like to have lunch there, but there is a great dinner as well. It is right on the beach, and at night there is a fantastic open grill/buffet that you can walk around and choose your grilled meat/seafood and sidedishes from. Not as fancy or pricey as Brandywine, but a good experience nonetheless. Go to Quito's for great live music and good food also. We don't like to eat at Quito's as much as we used to since he remodeled and moved his dining area upsairs instead of right on the beach first floor. ut Quito is a great local guy and a wonderful singer and musician.

Stanley's is comfortable casual, but has good ribs. This is the place where Jimmy Buffet ate, sat, and wrote "Hamburger in Paradise." Good local legend, but also true. He lived on the island for a while. Other friends on the island really like Coco Plum's and Bananakeet's for good food. Another classy place, though in Road Town and not on the beach, is Spaghetti Junction; don't miss the pasta jambalya--extraordinary!

Last bit for today, I forgot: Make sure you anchor, dinghy ashore, and have a Pain Killer at the bar where they were invented--The Soggy Dollar Bar, so called because you have to swim there from your boat (short and pleasant swim) and thereby get your money wet, soggy dollars, but not if you take along a zip lock baggie.

Well, have to dash out again in 0 degree weather and to get a hair cut as part of my to-do list before I leave for Rome next week.

Please post again if you have more questions. BTW, there is even great food at the AIRPORT on Tortola!

I know you will have a wonderful time. Please post a trip report when you return. jg

aparker - thanks for the advice about the patch - I will look into it!

jgarvey - thank you again, I've printed out your suggestions, they sound wonderful.

I will most definitely have a Pain Killer at the Soggy Dollar! My mother-in-law has been singing their praises!

Can't believe that in 10 days I'll be in the sunny Caribbean! An especially nice thought since it's only 15 degrees here!

Have a wonderful time in Rome, it's a great city, and Italy is my favorite place! I'm trying to convince my husband to go in October, for our anniversary - so far he's in the "thinking about it" stage!

Thank you again!
Crista

Crista, you will be singing even louder praises when you return to your winter weather and have to leave the Caribbean and all of its warm glory behind. This last time was the hardest transition I have ever had to make from there back to Chicago. But praise and thanks for our good fortune in being able to go at all.

Tnanks for your good wishes about Rome. It's not my first visit, but I am building up a lot of anxiety about packing, getting ready, and living there for a month. My daughter has been living in Rome for 2 years, teaches English, and is fluent in Italian, so this should be an even better trip for me. I will also enjoy a brief visit from one of my nieces and DH will be joining me for the last week. Maybe this visit will help ease some of the grief about missing the BVI.

I know you will have a wonderful trip and will probably return, as most of us do. Please write about your experiences when you return. All the best to you and your family. Soon you will be "lymin" and everything there will be "aerie" and fine. jg

jg-my husband and I are sailing out of Nanny Cay for 2 weeks on a friends sailboat right after the Spring Regatta .... looking for advice on provisioning the boat on Tortola before we leave and then while sailing around - looking for fruits, vegetables, snacks, water, rum, etc. any thoughts are appreciated!

I am planning a bareboat sailing trip for December. I believe the charter company is in Road Town. Do you have any suggestions for a place to stay the night before we depart. Thank you.

escapetoo: Hope I'm not too late with this reply; just returned from one month in Rome and still catching up on business. If you get this message and haven't left yet, just send me a quick note and I will give you all info you need about provisioning your boat before you leave and along the way. Actually, it's pretty easy and convenient.

Sharlene: We actually have never stayed in Road Town, even though our boat is in charter there. What we have always done is spend the first night on the boat at the base and then take off the next morning. Tell me the name of your charter company. If I know the location, I will be happy to get some info to you about places that are nearby.

Good sailing! Is this your first time sailing in the BVI? If so, I have additional info and helpful tips to provide. DH and I just spent two weeks on the boat this past January and getting ready to do a 5-week stay this coming May/June--one of the blessings of retirement!

Hope to hear from you soon, jg

Wow, hoping you're still interested in lending advice. I'm so stumped about our vacation this summer. Two familes, (4adults, 20, 18, 14 and 12 yr.old kids.) We've been to the Bitter End several times. We share your love for the BVI's. Our friends can't understand why we don't try someplace new, obviously they've never been. My problem is I am wanting to branch out. The last two trips the Bitter End didn't run their trip to Norman Island for one reason or another and it was our favorite snorkle spot. Very disappointing of course. Also because of Virgin Gorda being somewhat out of the way, we've never gotten to go to Jost. I would love nothing more than spending a day at Norman, a day at Jost, maybe even St. John (never been there)or Anegada-love the Big Bamboo. Just nervous about my creature comforts, and I love to be on the go. I guess I've never really thought about eating dinner on island. Do you not get board? (Don't get me wrong, I love chilling with a toddy, and it's not like we look for nightlife at all. At bitter end we always just went back to room after dinner, so maybe this wouldn't be that diffferent.) We do love being outside, big runners and everyone is very active. Just not big on camping, but at least we would have a bathroom I suppose. What about 3 or 4 days on a boat and then staying on island for luxury a few days. If we did this where would you suggest we stay on land? I know this is wordy and please overlook the punctuation. Hope Italy was great. My daughter is going for graduation trip in May.

jgarvey - I think we have decided to spend the first night on the boat. So I won't need a hotel recommendation after all. This will be my first bareboating experience. My husband loves sailing and has gone before with the guys. We are using TMM and taking a catamaran - (Bahia 46) out for a week. I'd really like to know some of the "harsh realities of life on a boat" that you mentioned in one of your earlier posts. We are planning to eat out for dinner each night But, I could definitely use some info on provisioning the boat and what stuff I should pack. We are not sailing until December. Do you know if the weather is chilly that time of year or if the water/wind is rough? Thank you.

LHarbar, sorry it took me so long to get back to your questions. I'll do the best I can. As far as going where YOU want to go, I would suggest that you choose one major base, such as Road Town or Cane Garden bay and then look into ferrying to the other islands to spend a day of snorkeling, sightseeing, eating, etc. In the late afternoon, just take another ferry back to your hotel. It is also possible to hire boats and guides to take you out for a day or half-day of snorkeling; I've even seen some preparing lunch on the boat for the swimmers and divers. I will ask my DH about whom you might call for this sort of service.

Personally, we would never stay at a high-priced resort like the Bitter End and be confined to just the choices presented there; we too like to have more mobility.

Are you sailors yourselves or would you need to hire a boat with a captain if you wanted to do it that way? That would be the only way to do it if you cannot "bare boat"--meaning do it all by yourselves. And don't forget: a catamoran has only 4 cabins, that's a total of eight people (not counting the captain sleeping aboard as well), presuming the kids would have to double up, which at their ages I can't imagine working out in such tight quarters!

Before I developed a greater love and tolerance for "living and sleeping" just on the boat (I also need my creature comforts), I would go ashore alone for a couple of days, stay in a nice hotel with AC and a pool, comfortable bed, hot shower, regular-flushing toilet, and dining on site. Thus refreshed, I would be willing to return and DH would sail in and pick me up on the beach for a few more days of sailing.

We have always stayed on Tortola, in Cane Garden Bay and Long Bay. It was also fun to rent an air-conditioned car and drive around the island for some variety and sights away from the beach. If this idea appeals to you, I could give you some exact info on places to stay. Just let me know.

A really convenient place we like for your sort of group is the Cane Garden Bay Cottages, very close to the beach and all of the action for the teens.
These are separate cottages, each with two units and a connecting front porch. I'm sure the adults would enjoy being in their own unit and, of course, so would the young'uns.

Sorry, it was a little difficult for me to sort out and categorize all of your questions. I hope this helped somewhat. If not, please feel free to write again. And of course, it takes one to know one. WE understand why you always want to go back to the BVIs!
In fact, this is the only place my husband ever wants to go on vacation, so it was a real stretch for him to join me in Rome for that one week. He's a smart man, though, and he knows the power of a little compromise here and there.

Hope to hear from you again soon. jg

jgarvey, with no advice to go on I went it alone and took the big step. We have chartered a boat (Catamaran sp?) with captain and cook. All 8 of us are going. It has four cabins for our use. (Don't know where crew sleeps.)Mercy, I hope we like it. We are very excited. If nothing else it will be an adventure, never a dull moment here. We're going July 5-12 so I guess we have a while to make plans. I may try to contact you and get advice on favorites of yours. (frequent traveler type stuff that's not in the travel books) although there's so much online. We'll try to eat ashore 2 or 3 nights just to avoid the same scenery and spend some time onshore exploring. We've never even been to anywhere fun on Tortola, always just landed there and flew right back out. I'll stay in touch. Thanks for the advice, what a fount of knowledge, lucky you. Lhar

LHarbar, sorry I wasn't there for you earlier. Let me get this straight: Are all of you, including captain and cook, going to be sleeping on the same boat? Quite frankly, I can't imagine in my wildest dreams how the logistics of all these people on one cat (including captain and cook), with only four cabins, is going to play out for the comfort of all involved.

Please write back and fill me in if you have arranged this already and how you envision it working out. jg

Reading these entries are making me excited...leaving for the VI in 3 weeks for half land/half sailing vacation! Haven't been since 2002, so it's been WAY too long! Thanks for the stories.

My husband and I are heading to VG and Tortola in July. We will spend 6 days in Virgin Gorda first, and 4 in tortola.

Last year we went on a day sail out of Tortola and loved it. Is there such a thing as short term chartering? Say 2 or 3 days. Do you know anyone that might be interested?
It's probably cost prohibitive for just one couple, but never hurts to ask.

I tried to get a group large enough to charter a boat for a week, and just couldn’t get the committments out of friends. Would love to get out on the water for a few days, but are on a reasonable budget. Any ideas?

Hi, thank you so much for sharing all of this information. It is so helpful! My friend and I are chartering a small bareboat cat and a skipper for a week in early June (either a Lagoon 380 or Leopard 4000).

We have sailed a little bit, and are both experienced travellers (low maintenance). We have a lot learn about cruising.

I have some questions that I would love your opinion on.

Small cats without a/c - will this be hellishly hot in early June? What do people do to stay cool and sleep well?

How much should we budget for fuel for the boat and the dinghy? Do we need cash at marinas or do they all take major credit cards?

Do most of the restaurants take major credit cards or will we need cash?

What is the protocol for mooring in bays or in a marina? How much do we budget for this?

We plan on provisioning in Tortola before we leave, but understand that we should only bring 3 or 4 days of food due to the means of cooling not being the best. Where do we re-provision as we go, and are their things we should assume we just won't find? I assume we can get ice at any Marina?

We will look for good, casual restaurants as we will not be bringing dressy clothes. I assume there are lots of casual places? What should we budget for dinners/lunches ashore? What is the typical cost for a casual dinner? We are both foodies but have realistic expectations, we just do not want a lot of fried stuff. Some grilled fish, fresh veggies/fruit, or a good burger or BBQ chicken and a rum drink or cold beer and we are very happy.

Finally, what are some items we should pack that we might not think of? I am bringing a solar charger to power my phone and camera, and lots of things for sun protection. What are the things we need that we might not think of?

Thank you so much for any advice you can give to a newbie!

Welcome to Fodors SharonDG. You may have not noticed this thread is 10 years old.

It would be better if you started a new topic of your own.

SharonDG - you may also want to post your questions on the BVI Forum at Traveltalkonline - there are lots of "bareboat sailing experts" on that forum who can give you specific answers to your questions.