by Sailorman Chuck

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Selecting a Sailing Area and a Charter Boat Company

Choosing the best sailing area

It is a lot of fun to research sailing charter locations. My favorite sailing area is the Virgin Islands. The Bahamas are also great and the sailing is quite different than in the VI.

 

It is a good approach to research the weather and sailing conditions, for different times of the year, before you decide on a location and a date. The weather and sailing conditions in the VI are a little better during the October through May time; however, the cost of the charter is higher and  the anchorage locations are a lot more crowded.

 

The winds are lighter in the June through September time, it is a little warmer ( 85 degrees Fahrenheit ) and it is often hazy. The haze is due to moisture collecting on microscopic sand particles that are carried from Africa by the trade winds.  The upside is that the sailing is still great and there are fewer boats.

 

Another consideration is what type of anchorage you prefer. Anchorage depths in the VI are around 20 feet and around 10 feet for the Bahamas. Both are considered good holding grounds and safe anchorage conditions. Be careful though, you will still need to search for good holding ground wherever you decide to cruise. DO NOT ANCHOR ON CORAL REEFS.

 

Moorings are provided in the most popular overnight use, day only use, commercial use ( dive boat use ) and private moorings. You will need to know the markings for each type of mooring. Use the mooring, it is much easier, much safer and inexpensive (approximately $20 per night in the VI).

 

Land topography is another decision point. The VI terrain is hilly, often rocky and the vegetation is on the lush side with colorful flowers. On the other hand, the Brahma Islands are low and sandy with sparse vegetation. Both are beautiful and prime cruising grounds.

 

Choosing a Charter Company

Choosing a charter company is a little bit like choosing a realtor. They can make your life a wonderful series of events or they can make you question your judgment. Look for a company with happy and helpful employees. Check the sailing magazines and ask other sailors who have chartered in the area that you have in mind.

 

There are advantages to chartering in the USVI and in the BVI. There are a number of magnificent bays on St. John that are more convenient to explore if you charter in the USVI. They offer easy access, comfortable overnight anchorage and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You will need to clear customs and immigration in the BVI when you enter BVI waters and then clear back into the USVI on your return. Plan your cruising schedule to allow ample time to accomplish both requirements. It is extremely important to do so, you may ruin a wonder vacation and you may also forfeit a fine sailing boat to one or the other government agency.

 

Some prefer to charter in the BVI. There are more islands to explore and they are more isolated. You will also find that the BVI is a lot less commercial ( yes, fewer shopping areas ) and slower paced than the USVI. A lot depends on how much time you have and on personal preference. Chartering in the BVI also eliminates the customs and immigration requirements for the cruise as long as you do not anchor or moor in USVI waters.

 

 

Bareboat Charter or Crewed Charter

This decision may be made for you based on how well you do on the checkout session. A crewed charter is for you if you are not experienced or if you feel uneasy about handling a big boat. This is a great way to learn to sail and to gain experience. You can even hire a person to keep the boat clean and to cook.

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas, USVI is a wonderful place to enjoy the wonders of nature. It is definitely one of the nicest beaches in the VI; however, it is not one of the quietest.

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