TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats?

We are planning our first sailing trip to BVI this summer. We are a group of 7 - all new at this but looking forward to the adventure of an 8 day sail. We have narrowed the choice to 2 charter companies with different boat options. Need some opinions please.

Boat 1 - Bali 4.5
Boat 2 - Lagoon 450

We will have a captain with us for a total of 8 people.

Thanks in advance

What 2 charter companies? TMM will provide an outstanding experience. There are several great owners on this board that you can charter from directly and save a few dollars.

If you plan on the skipper sleeping in a coffin berth (oops, sorry …. I mean crew berth) then he/she might have some input. I've chartered both and don't really have anything bad to say about either choice. Since your skipper will be operating the boat, I guess it comes down to comfort and accessories (and price), along with location of the charter company. For simply socializing I lean toward the Bali 4.5. The bow has a larger sitting area with tables, as well as a large drop-down window between the salon and the bow for passing snacks, drinks, as well as communication between those in the salon and those out front. The Lagoon has a couple of small windows that can be used for the same thing. The stern of the Bali has a drop-down swim platform, whereas the Lagoon does not. I found other 'creature comforts' to be similar.

TMM and DYC. The DYC is a newer boat Bali 4.5 2019 but I’ve done enough reading on this forum to know that TMM gets rave reviews. The TMM boat is a Lagoon 450 2016. Just trying to figure out if the newer boat trumps the TMM service.

We have a boat in TMM, leaving their fleet in April.

I cannot say enough good things about the care and attention to detail that occurs at the TMM base. TMM is extremely service oriented. My experience is that they keep all of their boats in great shape.

I have heard mediocre comments about Dream from owners and guests. I would be careful with dream.

I would book the 2016 TMM boat without hesitation.

I have some friends who chartered a Bali and really hated it....it was with DYC. Not a reflection on DYC who they have used in other locations and loved - they just hated the way the boat handled.

Disclaimer-We'll have an L46 in the TMM fleet starting next month.

I can't speak for the Bali's or DYC but I do know the newer Lagoons have big front windows for pass through and breeze. Nice new feature. They've also added folding teak cockpit tables and a movable bench so that you can fully seat a full crew at dinner. Something we've struggled with in the past.

Good luck either way VD4144, my guess is you'll get sucked into this just like the rest of us who can't get enough of BVI sailing.

TMM service trumps in my view

There is a reason Moorings, Sunsail, & Barefoot has the largest fleet in BVI

Personally, I love the R&C Leopard cats. Designed for charter cruising, great amenities, nice base, and modern fleets. YES you will pay a little more. But in my opinion you get great value for your dollar.

I tried moorings once. Never again. That’s just my experience.

Yep, it is very similar to the reason Holiday Inn has more rooms than the Ritz. I would still rather stay at the Ritz.

I'm the owner of a Lagoon 42 with TMM. The primary reason we went with TMM is the way they maintain their fleet. I visited with virtually every charter operator on Tortola in 2016 and I was most impressed with TMM. A long-time charter operator in the USVI had told me TMM had the best maintained fleet in the BVI - he was spot on.

At the end of the day it will be the captain that will make your trip great or spectacular! I have no knowledge as to the qualities of either TMM and DYC captains and suspect you will not know who your captain will be until your arrival. At the end of the day it is boat, Base location and price that you will need to compare.

Both boats are about the same in terms of room. The Bali will be nicer from a cruising perspective as already mentioned. The lack of a trampoline in the Bali means that it can have a large forward sitting area that would be great in the early mornings and evenings when the sun is not so hot and you are enjoying sun downers with friends all comfortably lounging. The large integrated salon and cockpit area will also fit 7 comfortably in the Bali.

In terms of service or maintenance or sailing qualities you don't really care as it will be the captain worrying about this!

Also another point. DYC's base is in scrub island which means you will start and end your trip on scrub with access to the resort, pool, beaches, restaurants. It is also only a free ferry ride from the airport (if you don't mind walking your luggage 200m to Trellis bay...

I will be chartering a Bali 4.3 in May with 3 friends from DYC. I have sailed with DYC twice in Grenada and have no issues with their service or boats. Both boats that I have chartered (2019 Saona 47, and the yet to be chartered Bali 4.3) were/will be both brand new. I choose DYC due to: past experience and available discounts; I wanted to try a Bali for the first time; and I wanted to start and end my trip on Scrub island (I have never been but I expect it trumps all of the other operator's base locations...)

Good luck, you will have fun regardless of which charter you select I am sure!

Getting a resume and photos of available captains is important they’ll be aboard (In your home)for a week.

I'm very surprised that not many people ever mention Horizon. I have used Moorings in the past and it is a great experience. Am I missing something with Horizon? I have used them many times and have had great experiences from start to finish and Nanny Cay is a great place to start. In June, this will be my first trip back since Irma and I'm looking forward to see the new marinas.

Thank you all for your comments and opinions. They are all very helpful for a newbie trying to sort everything out!

Ligot - you are right we will probably be hooked!

Looking forward to the experience.

Jay, I could not agree more. Very well stated.