Charted a Robinson-Caine 4600 Cat from Conch Charters May 27 - June 5, 2015. My first time on the 4600 after many, many times on the R/C 4700 (predecessor to the 4600). Just LOVED the 4600 - she sailed beautifully - really liked the raised helm (even though the view aft was not as "open" as on the old 4700). Still, no trouble at all maneuvering. Even though the 4600 is a bit "smaller" then the 4700 (albeit, by just a very small LOA amount) I found the boat to be "roomier". Particularly enjoyed the electric heads, the lower bunks in the staterooms, the fact that the showers are separated from the head by a glass door and the front opening refrig and freezer. Also, the davits for the dinghy were quite an improvement over the way you had to rig the dinghy on the 4700. If you're a "cat fan", you should enjoy this boat.
Kudos to Conch Charters. Our friends had their R/C 4700 at Conch for about five years before they moved the boat up to Fort Lauderdale - so we got to know many of the folks at Conch pretty well. Their attention to detail, boat preparation, response to any questions / problems (which there were none) has always been excellent. OK, I admit that their shore facilities are not up to "The Moorings" standards but their lower charter prices make up for those minor shortcomings. We'll definitely charter from Conch again. Give them a chance sometime and I think you'll be pleased.
There were six of us on the boat and we had plenty of room - used the vacant cabin for storage (suitcases, other stuff). Since we had three "newbies" on boat that had never sailed before, we hit the usual stops - Copper Island, The Baths, North Sound, Anegada, Jost, St John and Norman Island.
Some "high spots" follow.....
Lunch at Cow Wreck and secluded beach walks were great as usual - nice to see Belle again.
Lobster dinner at Potter's was excellent.
The steaks from Starfish Market on St John (grilled on the boat) were perfect as always - have NEVER bought a bad steak from Starfish
Splurged for dinner one night at ZoZo's at Caneel Bay since we were on a mooring ball just off their dock - good food, excellent service but a bit pricey.
Dinner at The Pirate in "The Bight" was excellent - really, really nice ambiance after the remodel.
All in all, a great trip - looking forward to doing it again.
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