TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Help with a crewed charter

Hi all! It's been quite a few years since I have been on this board! My husband and I are thinking about taking our kids and their boyfriend/husband on a crewed charter over Christmas next year. We have never done crewed because my dad always captained us around but sadly he is no longer wth us. Can you guys point me in the right direction of places/people to start looking into this? We don't necessarily need a cook, but are open to looking into that as well if there are some that come with the captain. Would like 10-14 days depending on kids work schedules. We haven't cruised the islands in about 15 years so I want my kids to get the same experience and develop the same love for it as I have! Thanks for any and all help!

Catatonic might be just right for you..great crew, amazing fully equipped boat.

I would second Catatonic - we used them a few years back so I could learn C & I process adding ST. John to our possible future itinerary. Different crew back then but same owners and current crew

I believe Catatonic accommodates only 6 guests plus crew.

If cook "optional", and you need someone to captain as your dad not there, perhaps a Bareboat Charter with an add-on skipper.

Many have "pilot" berth plus room for 8-10 guests.

We have great luck with ORION. A sponsor on this forum. Great owner, and love Captain Earl. Sleeps eight and a Captain comfortably. Good Luck.

We are crewed yacht brokers specialising in the BVI/USVI. We’ve recently attended the annual BVI and USVI Crewed Charter Yacht Shows to view yachts and meet their crews. We’d be delighted to recommend yachts/crews to you based on your requirements. We are sponsors of TTOL so please contact us and we’d be delighted to help - you don’t pay any more for using our services.

Years ago, on our first charter in the BVI's, we chartered a cat from TMM with a "training captain" He was with us for the week, but also let my husband take the helm as much as he wanted. It was a great introduction to sailing a large vessel. We've been back multiple times since then (and completed our ASA training) but having that first experience was great. Another recommendation for the vessel ORION. We loved the boat - I believe it's still in charter with TMM.

Yes it is. You can also contact Mark directly for owners time.

Thanks everyone! I will look into all your suggestions. If my mom agrees to go with us we will have 7 people and need 4 berths. If she doesn't we will have 6 and only need 3. I don't think a charter teaching my husband what to do is for us. He's never had any boating experience, except with my dad and I think it's best to keep it that way!!!!!!!

dtenel

You are right in that without any boating experience, your husband does not need to go as part of a "learn to sail". That being said, he needs to have the vacation of a lifetime, THEN if he wants to learn while on vacation, he will. Hopefully he will catch the "bug" and want to frequent the islands, becoming the skipper or just enjoying being passenger.

Many ways to arrange this. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

We used Virgin Islands Sailing (vidailing.com). Good selection of boats and crew when we did our first BVI cruise a yr and a half ago,

Ahoy, I lived aboard and ran term charters for many years but have recently moved back to the States to help out parents in their later years. I still captain a few charters per year for folks like yourselves.
I can often do this for less than other captains, even including my travel expenses, because I just love it and am willing to do it for very little. Happy to do half board also....I cook a number of meals and help out
with provisioning, also can assist with a bareboat charter and can generally get you a better rate. Would be happy to discuss with you when you're ready.