Hi Lisa. I highly recommend CYOA. We have been chartering in the VI for over 30 years and have used a number of different companies out of different locations (most of whom are now defunct). But for many, many years now, we have sailed almost exclusively with CYOA. We did charter with Moorings out of Tortola last year, and I'd have to admit that we were very pleased. Nonetheless, as we made plans to book our trip for this coming January, CYOA was our first inquiry and we are very much looking forward to returning to our go-to charter company. The personalized customer service and extremely friendly atmosphere have made loyal customers out of my family...not to mention a fantastic fleet(though comparatively small next to the big companies like Moorings). John, Kirsten, Jay and the rest of the gang are terrific to work with and aren't at all anxious to put you out to sea so they can get on to the next charterer. Plus, their Frenchtown base affords great access to the airport, provisioning and restaraunts (especially the Hook Line & Sinker right next door).
As for sailing to the BVI out of Charlotte Amalie, we've done it numerous times without any complaint. There has been a time or two that we were sailing so uphill that we chose to motor up the south side of St. Thomas to make port at St. John for our first overnight. But always worth it.
And you hit another nail right on the head...the airfare to STT is so much cheaper than to EIS! Not to mention the cab ride to and from the airport is ultra quick and easy.
Like I said, we've used several different charter companies, but CYOA has proven time and time again to be the outfit with a proven and consistent record of launching their clientele into a fantastic charter experience.
Doug from Indiana
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