Adamsails:
A big shoutout to TMM, they will provide a great boat and take care of you and your family. I had a Lagoon 42, Ocean Song, with TMM but took her out of charter because of COVID. TMM is simply the BVI’s best!
Two suggestions to anyone chartering in the BVI, but especially with young children. We’ve been to the BVI many, many times with almost every combination of crew you can imagine:
1) Don’t overfill your itinerary.
Even with a full, 10-day charter it’s very easy to try to get too much in. Admittedly, on our charters we always knew we’d be returning soon, but trying to see it all just doesn’t make for a relaxing charter. On charters of 10 days or more we had a policy to stay in at least two anchorages/mooring fields for 2 straight nights each. The days at anchor are relaxing and there’s always something to do ashore or in the water. We stay at Norman for 2 nights every trip, then (usually) at either North Sound or Anegada for 2 nights. The lazy days at anchor always got our crew a little more jazzed for sailing the next day. I highly recommend it.
2) Get a very good boat briefing.
Even if you’re an experienced sailor, learn as much as you can about the boat before leaving Road Reef Marina. Tim or Rory do most of the charter briefings and they know what they’re talking about. They will answer all your questions. They’re good sailors and can advise you on all aspects of your charter, take advantage of their knowledge. Delays and minor problems are amplified when young children are onboard. A good briefing can save you headaches down the road. (Whoever does your briefing, even if it isn’t Tim or Rory, will have loads of good advice.)
Finally, if Joyce offers you coffee, accept it - but beware, her coffee fights back!
Have a great trip!
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