*Why use a broker?

Brokers attend the Charter Yacht Show to get familiar with yachts and crews. They are familiar with crews and will try to match you with the right crew and yacht. There is no extra charge to you since their commission comes out of the total charter fee and is paid by the Charter Yacht. USE THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE FOR FREE!

 

* What can we expect for weather?

The Virgins claim extremely reliable weather in the Winter and that's one of the reasons it's the charter capital of the world. Cold fronts with their associated weather don't generally make it that far south. Expect clear days with great visibility.

 

*Why are the Virgin Islands considered the sailing capital of the world?

It has been said that the Virgins were created for sailing! The layout of the islands provides protection against ocean swells and the latitude puts them right in the path of reliable, steady trade winds. The scenery is stunning and the snorkeling superb.

 

*What is the procedure to book and reserve our desired date for our sailing vacation?

Call us with your credit card info to hold you reservation. A 3% bank charge will be added but using your credit card protects you against fraud so it may be well worthwhile for your peace of mind. You can send check as another option. A50% deposit will reserve your yacht and crew for your sailing dates. Request contract and preference sheet email. Print, fill out, sign and mail. We will make copies, sign and mail back to you.

 

*Can we charter for a different length of time than a week?

Of course. We can pro-rate a longer vacation or make it shorter. However, from our experience we feel that anything less than 6-days you will be short-changing yourself from the full experience. We think 4-days is absolute bare minimum and you'll get just a taste of it. Also, anything less than 6-days has a sur-charge applied to the charter fee.

 

*How much privacy can we expect?

We think we're pretty good at "reading" guest desires, but the amount of privacy you desire will be clearly determined before your sailing vacation even starts. We can make adjustments after we meet as different situations arise. We expect daily feedback from you as to how we're doing and wether your expectations are at least being met. The guest aft cabin has its own private head and shower and is located at the opposite end of the boat as the crew's cabin.

 

*What quality and style food do you serve?

Expect gourmet/homestyle dinners that you would get at a top quality restaurant with good presentation.

 

*Will I get sea-sick?

All the sailing grounds we cover are mostly protected waters. If you're prone to sea-sickness, be safe and get a prescription from your doctor for a medicated skin patch. There are generally no side effects. If you have used oral remedies like Dramamine with no side effects, then that will generally be sufficient.

 

*Where can we stay the night before boarding and after drop-off?

There are places to stay but you have to book them early. Cost is from $130 for the night. Send us an email.

 

*How far is Red Hook from the airport?

Including traffic, figure on 40 minutes from airport.

 

*Can we land and explore the islands?

Of course. Stretching your legs after a great sail is recommended. There are many hiking trails in St John, long and short, steep and flat. And you even have choices for getting to shore... we can take you in the ship's motor-tender or you can romantically and quietly row to shore in our rowing dinghy on your own! Go and come as you please.

 

*Is there an itinerary and who sets it?

We make recommendations according to your tastes since we know the islands. The final decision is yours subject to weather and safety.

 

*Can we earn an ASA Sailing Certificate aboard Islander?

Yes! But you must pass a written test and practical tests that have been designed by ASA.

 

*How much will it cost to take ASA courses with Certification?

Cost for each course per person is 5% of charter fee plus $50. The cost of materials and books is also additional at about $40 per course Figure on about $320 per course. About half the cost of going to a sailing school... and way more fun!

 

*What ASA courses can I take?

We are certified to teach Basic Keelboat (101), Coastal Cruising (103), Bareboat chartering (104), and Coastal Navigation (105). You can take as many as you want in a week but all four courses will be a challenge unless you have some previous experience in sailing. A more relaxed pace will be one or two courses.

 

*Can we paraticipate in the sailing?

To any degree. You can adjust sails, take the wheel as you please. You decide when and if you take control. We'll be with you to keep you safe and out of trouble.

 

*How do we know we'll enjoy each other's company?

We think we're easy-going, non-judgemental and friendly. Our bio describes us exactly and we can touch base on the phone after several emails to see if we're the crew for you. We also have references, one of which is a charter broker that actually booked us last season for his charter vacation aboard Islander. He booked his family vacation with us after inspecting all the yachts and crews at the charter boat show! See testimonials.

 

*Can we get informal sailing lessons?

Absolutely. ASA Certification courses are very rigorous and they will take time from your other fun activities. With informal lessons you learn on a relaxed pace when you wish. Just ask questions and we'll do our best to get them answered. We welcome participation.

 

*What can we do at night?

The choices are numerous and yours to choose. Some guests like the variety of a secluded anchorage with a walk on a moon-lit beach followed by an anchorage full of beach bars the next night. But the choice is yours.

 

*Will we have a chance to eat out and sample local foods?

You tell us... in the contract, there's a preference sheet where you will indicate how many times you expect to eat out. If it will be more than once, we can make it up by inviting you out the next time (and paying for it). We're very flexible.

 

*How flexible are you with meals?

Again, in the contract, there's a preference sheet where you will spell out what you want to eat and drink... even the things you want to do!

 

*Which is the best place for boarding?

Red Hook in St Thomas is great because flights are generally less expensive to St Thomas than other surrounding locations. The location is also convenient... you can see St John (paradise) from Red Hook!

 

*Would it cost less to do a bareboat charter with no crew?

Research prices and do the math but don't forget to add provisioning, fuel, water, and other hidden costs associated with a bareboat charter. Our answer is defenitely NOT! But check it out and decide. Besides, you're on vacation, isn't your mate entitled to feeling like she's on vacation too? We think you will find that when you add all extra costs of a bareboat you will find the cost comparable to a crewed charter even if you include the crew tip!!!

 

*We noticed that BVI Customs, Cruising Permits, etc. are not covered under charter fee. How much does that come to?

These BVI Government Fees totaled around $120 last time we checked into Customs/Imigration in BVI.

 

*We don't know you, why should we trust you with our deposit?

First of all, you can use a credit card. We would have to add 3% bank charge but your bank would protect your payment against fraud. Secondly, we recommend travel insurance (see link page) which is double protection against that and other unforseen problems.

 

*Is it customary to tip the crew?

Yes, tipping is customary and industry averages range from 10-20% to deserving crew depending on level of satisfaction. Even owner-operators are struggling with the high cost of yachting and trying to make it as affordable as possible for all to enjoy. With a $150,000 yacht and $25,000/year on maintenance and costs, we need to cover expenses, not to mention making a profit.