Do you want it crewed, or bareboat?

Maria:

You may want to consider going to Tortola for your charter.

You can either bareboat or have a crewed charter.

We've used BVI Yacht Charters for the 3 nights/4 days that you're thinking of. Also, you can use the Moorings, Sun Sail and others.

If you intend to go bareboating (you as Captain) then you will need to provide a resume of experience/certification and also demonstrate your abilities to them. After all they're turning over a $250,000. boat to you and they would like to have some assurance that you know what you're doing.

February is prime season so the cost will be high. Also, charters for less than 7days will require a supplement.

IMHO chartering from the BVIs is better, since there are more islands to see without the need to clear customs.

Hope this helps.

F.I.

Check with VIP in St. Thomas. BVIs does offer a lot more islands to see in closer range and of course the whole customs thing in the BVI. We like going out of STT because of the direct flight into STT (no ferry or puddle jumper to Tortola). Just pick up the boat and sail away. But, sounds like you'll be splitting your trip between land and sea so might not make a difference to you. Future Islander is right on about February being prime season and there will be a premium on less than 7 day cruise. Though my husband has logged thousands of hours and has Captain's license, our experience with the "resume of experience/certification" has usually been....if you can demonstrate that you can fog a mirror and pay the required insurance for the boat, you can take it out. While, I do not recommend a crew & Captain with little to no sailing experience taking bareboat, it has been done. Though,......I've seen these types of crews generally doing a lot more motoring than sailing.

FLBI:

Be careful .....even taking out 'insurance" does not mean you're covered for damages if the insurance company can prove "negligence" if you're really not experienced. Also, most coverage has a $500. deductible and "sea tow", if you're stuck on the rocks, will cost another $500.

F.I.

F.I., absolutely! I strongly recommend having the skills necessary to safely sail or motor any boat before taking the helm. Anytime, anywhere, with or without insurance. It's not just the money - it could be your life or someone elses. There are some companies more lax in scrutinizing the potential charter guest captain's knowledge, ability and experience. When in doubt, hire a Captain.

ok. I cannot resist. Check this out! Not funny.....but.....maybe just a little funny.
http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1749&Itemid=1

FLBI:

Wow! That's terrible!

Even a "certified" Captain can have problems.....but this sounds very "fishy".....if you know what I mean.

btw...there are 3 kinds of sailors.....those who have gone aground....those who will go aground and....liars.

F.I.

F.I., Right you are! "sounds very 'fishy'".....VERY fishy. Experience, skill, license...doesn't matter........I've found that the moment we get a little confident, humble pie is waiting for us just around the next point!

Thank you for the responses. We will NOT do a barefoot, but get a crewed charter. The company www.interlinesail.com has responded and they seem to have a good 3day/2night itinerary. If anyone has used this company, I would like to hear about their experience. Thanks again! Maria

Maria,
We did a two day trip last February with Interlines. Two couples we did an overnight to Jost prior to a weeks stay on St John. We were on Forever Young with Larry and Betty Fries. They were a blast and did a great job. I would highly recommend them. I did a bunch of research as we have done full week charters before and got roped into a land stay last year by friends. They definitely had the best package for a short term charter. Enjoy your trip.
Jay

My ex-mother-in-law captains for CYOA out of Frenchtown...you might wanna give her a shout and see what she has to say, behind the scenes. Her name is Camille, and her address is [email protected].

Maria:

We did a sail out of Red Hook, STT with Captain Omar on the "Slo-Dancin" of interline (September 2006). We had a good time. Captain Omar will allow you to sail the boat under his guidance (if you want to). This was Mrs. F.I.'s first time at the helm. It was a good introduction and learning experience. She liked it so much that since then she's become ASA (American Sailing Association) certified. Now we both do week long bareboats out of Tortola.

F.I.

Try The Moorings

Pia