How do I book a charter?

Once you have decided on a boat, we will verify that the boat is still available for your desired dates and will hold it for you. We will send you a contract which spells out the terms of charter and the cancellation policy. Return of the signed contract along with a deposit of 50% of the charter fee will secure your reservation. The balance of the charter fee is due 60 days prior to the charter date.

How much sailing experience do I need to charter?

For bare boat chartering where the boat comes without a crew, you need to have experience operating a vessel of approximately the same size that you are chartering. The charter company will evaluate your skills, and if necessary, you can hire an experienced skipper for a few days until you are comfortable with the boat. For crewed charters, no experience is necessary; the crew takes care of everything. Most crews will be happy to let you participate in operating the boat if you desire within the limits of your abilities and the rules of safe seamanship.

Do I need a passport?

Although a passport is not required in the U.S. Virgin Islands (a photo ID and birth certificate are acceptable), it is advisable to travel with your passport on any charter except in Florida.

What is our itinerary?

There isn’t one! On a bare boat charter the charter company will advise you on a general plan of action for your trip. On a crewed charter, the cruise is planned with your preferences in mind.

Is scuba diving available?

Assuming you are chartering where the water is reasonably warm, it’s not only available but encouraged. Your level of interest in diving will play a part in choosing the right boat for you. For many boats this is a primary activity. Often the captain is certified as a dive master or dive instructor, and the boat will have a supply of dive gear on board and in some cases will have a compressor. Of course, if you want to bring your own mask, regulator or other personal gear you are welcome to do so. The captain’s knowledge of the area will get you to spectacular dive sites, and not having to go ashore for tank fills is an under-appreciated convenience.

How do I pack?

On all but mega yachts, there is a limited amount of storage space on board. Bring soft luggage where possible as hard luggage will end up taking up valuable floor space or will end up on your bed where it will constantly be in the way. This is a very casual and relaxed vacation. You’ll need swimwear, T-shirts, shorts, wraps and perhaps a light cotton jumper or sweatshirt for the evenings. If you wish to dine ashore at one of the hotels or fine restaurants you will need to bring some more formal attire such as slacks and a shirt with a collar. By mid charter most of our guests comment that they have over packed, and that next time they will bring half as much. A note on footwear: On board most crewed yachts, there is a “no shoes” rule to avoid damage to decks and soles. You will probably adopt the same rule if you bare boat for reasons of comfort. Bring suitable foot wear for shore side excursions.

Special Medications

We recommend that you bring a plentiful supply of prescription medication with you. There are pharmacies in all but the most remote of locations, but your particular prescription may be impossible to obtain.

What about protection from the sun?

If you are chartering in a tropical location the sun is very intense even on hazy days. Sun screen with a PF of 15 or higher is recommended.

What should I expect from a crewed boat?

A good crew has a very simple and very complicated job: Do everything they can to make your cruise the absolute vest vacation memory of your life! They will cater to all of your reasonable requests. They will discuss your itinerary with you to plan a cruise that will suit your wishes at the beginning of the cruise. They will update this each day depending on the weather and your party’s mood. They will keep the boat clean; take you to those dream anchorages you’ve been reading about; anchor with drinks ready in the “golden hour” just before the sun starts going down; cook your meals according to your preferences; let you or teach you how to operate the boat (with supervision); take you to great snorkeling or diving spots; teach the kids how to make knots and tell them great stories; “chauffeur” you to the beach in the dinghy; and be discreet when you and your partner want to be romantic.

What is expected from me on a crewed boat?

Not much except in two crucial areas. The first is safety. The captain’s word is law on the boat. You will be briefed about any safety procedures that apply to the boat you are on. In addition, if the captain decides that a particular destination cannot be reached safely due to weather or sea state then you will not go, don’t try to push it. The second area is general courtesy. While the crew will try very hard to please you, they are not your servants. They are professionals who expect to be treated with respect and courtesy. The degree of formality on board is dictated by the size of the yacht. On a very large vessel there will be little communications with the crew except through the captain and stewards. Most charters are of much smaller yachts and a more casual attitude works better. You can set the tone from the moment you meet the captain. If you introduce yourself by your first name that is how you will be addressed; if you prefer “Mr. or Mrs.” the crew will accommodate you.

What happens if our plans change?

We recognize that circumstances can arise that force you to change your plans. If something does go wrong, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone in your corner? Because of our familiarity with the boats and crews we can normally reach a more satisfactory solution than you can on your own. Having said that, the contract you sign will be the guiding document in case you have to change your plans due to medical emergency, weather or other unforeseen circumstance. It is highly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance and read carefully what situations are covered.

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