[Rhodes22-list] Bare Boating in the BVI

[Charles Henthorn]

Bob & Kathy
      Thanks for all the great info.  It sounds just like we'd hope it would be.  Noticed some charterers required a higher deposit for the dinghie than the cruiser --- my guess is they are more at risk to be stolen.  Was security an issue on any of your experiences and how did you secure the dinghy at night or on the beach during a hike?
  Rex  

rjquinn at bellsouth.net wrote:
  Charles, "Admiral," and other "interested parties:"
Your planned trip in the BVI struck a chord here as we have 
bare boated there many times over the last eleven years and absolutely LOVE 
THE PLACE! All our trips were through Sunsail and, at least as of three 
years ago, they do a fabulous job briefing you either the evening you get in 
or the next morning. We'd advise you to bring your charts, Cruising Guide, 
and paper for note-taking to the briefing and really listen to what they say 
(as opposed to some we've seen who sit there and talk, tell jokes and 
basically don't seem to realize that you have a lot of responsibility!) 
That said, the BVI is really neat because most of what you will do is 
line-of-sight navigation. Totally agree with advice already given as to 
packing in duffle bags (actually, wheeled duffle bags!) Pack light ... 
you'll spend most of your time dressed rather casually! Shorts and a clean tee shirt qualify as a tux. We did a lot of 
provisioning through Ample Hamper, but found we did much better picking and 
choosing what we wanted from their lists. Do your ordering on-line ... 
they'll deliver it to the boat. There are several places where you can 
replenish your stocks, so don't feel like you have to have everything you 
may want on the first day. Most anchorages have neat eating places for 
dinner ashore ... the first couple of times we went, we ate out a good bit, 
then found there were a few places we really liked, so stuck with those ... 
Cooper Island Beach Club being one of our favorites ... Breakfast at Peter 
Island and Bitter End was always a must ... read through your cruising guide 
before you go and lay some plans! Pusser’s Restaurants in several locations are also fine (Marina Cay, Leverick Bay (Sp?), and Soper’s Hole to name a few. Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke is a must visit for a drink. Anagada has a nice restaurant as well as Pam’s Bakery for some great bread and brownies.

Enough about food. Our main purpose was sailing and snorkeling and we did great amounts of both. Our first year down we only chartered for a week as we were unsure how we would adapt. After three days, we were kicking ourselves for not booking at least two weeks. All trips after the first were for two weeks and we always wished for more. The Baths, Monkey Point, the Dogs, Sandy Cay, the Caves at Norman Island, and the Indians and Pelicans were some of our favorite snorkeling spots but there are tons more. We also snorkeled over the Rhone, but scuba was probably a better bet there. 

As to boats Kathy and I sailed on 35 to 41 footers with no problems. Actually after our first bareboat charter, we decided that a 35’ boat was perfect for two people. Thus the adage: six for drinks, four for dinner, and two for sleeping. 

Oh, the reason we have not been back over the past three years is that we acquired a 37’ Tartan that we sail around (literally) south Florida. 

Oh, as to qualifications. Sailing experience seems to be the key to most charter company folks. If you have experience, they seem to let you go. As to us, we sailed small boats for nearly30 years before our first charter. As I had never worked with a diesel auxiliary engine before, I opted to take an ASA (American Sailing Association) program for Bareboat Chartering. I challenged the basic courses with no problems and then sailed a 40’ Chapman School of Seamanship Endeavor to Grand Bahama with an instructor and two other students. We spent a week at sea (nights tied up in Lacaya ). What a blast. After the course I felt competent enough to “go for it’” In my opinion, a great investment. Overkill? Maybe, as I had read tons of sailing books and knew the process but I had never put it into practice before the course. 

As an alternative, you can hire a Captain from the Charter Company who will stay with you as long as you want to teach you what you need to know. 

As to mosquito netting, when we were there, it was not a necessity. The wind blows them away. On land in the weeds, use Off. 

Any other questions, just let us know. 

Bob and Kathy on the "NoKaOi"




__________________________________________________
Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list