20/04/2020
As a full-time crew member on-board a luxury sailing catamaran, I receive questions daily about what exactly it is we offer, and what guests should expect. Consider this a quick-guide to understanding what it is you are getting when booking one of these incredible trips.
The Virgin Islands is currently the number one sailing destination in the world. This archipelago creates protected sailing channels from the open ocean, allowing for moderately smooth sailing conditions with constant trade winds to fill those sails to keep you moving along (and cool!). The islands offer crystal clear snorkeling/scuba diving waters, calm anchorages, picturesque sunsets, incredible natural granite playgrounds, solar powered breweries, off-the-grid beach bars, full access marinas, delicious caribbean restaurants, unique floating taco/pirate bars and so much more.
Chartering a Sailing Catamaran is more affordable than you are led to believe. They are rapidly becoming more and more popular every year, and for many reasons. When its all said and done, if you were to book a hotel somewhere, purchase all of your own food for a week, alcohol, taxis, hotels, excursions, restaurants, rental cars, tours, you name it, All-Inclusive Sailing Vacations can actually end up costing you less than a land-based vacation. Imagine having all of those things INCLUDED and the hardest decision you would have to make for the day is what kind of activities/spots you wanted to go, or what cocktail you'd like the crew to make you. Your crew and boat sail you there with ease with the logistics already taken care of.
Not much of a sailor? No problem. These trips can be as much or as little sailing as your heart desires. In the past, it was common to see older monohulls, or single hulled sailboats being most frequently chartered out. Complaints would be of rocky sleep and limited mobility. These days, however, multi-hulled catamarans have taken the charter industry by storm and it is clear as to why. Catamarans offer much more stability, and provide ample amounts of living spaces in both the hulls, the salon/galley/fore and aft decks. They are also well equipped with lots of features, from full-cabin Air Conditioning, 110v power plugs, TV, Ice makers, plenty of open lounging areas, electric heads (toilets), etc. You also will enjoy memory foam mattresses, fresh towels, all linens, water toys, paddle boards, snorkel gear, fishing equipment, covered customs fees and fuel expenses.
"Think of it as a modern style, spacious hotel on the water."
All-Inclusive means full service is always available to you. Your crew is there to make fresh delicious cocktails, provide clean towels, and are constantly tidying up. On top of that, you will also have a full-time personal chef that creates all of your delicious, high quality meals.
A preference sheet would be sent to you weeks before the charter, asking all questions from your food likes/dislikes, alcohol preferences, and any other things you would like your crew to know for your week on board. Provisioning is done prior to your arrival based on these preferences and a specific menu is created and prepared all week by your chef. Sea-to-table is our specialty, so if you wish to get in on the lobster catching, rod and reel fishing action from the moment its caught to the moment its on your plate, you can!
Chartering your own sailing yacht allows for flexibility to design your own itinerary.
Having a hired Captain on board who knows all the "secret spots", you are sure to feel like you haven't missed a thing by the end of your week, even with having over 50 Islands to choose from. Whether you want to spend your week island hopping "off the grid" in seclusion or hit all of the popular beach bars and islands. This vacation is completely customizable to tailor to your day-to-day desires. The real beauty of this trip is that guests can do as much or little as they please. If some in the group want to relax on board, sunbathing and do some light snorkeling, they can, all while some may choose to reel in fish, learn to fillet them, go on hikes, go on scuba trips, learn about sailing, and even set the sails. If sitting on the sky lounge with a cocktail in hand and watching as the captain impressively sets the boat for the next intended course is more your speed, you can do just that.
"The service was impeccable and first class. The crew are somehow invisible yet available at all times." -Coquina
This is one of the few trips that somehow perfectly pairs a Luxurious vacation with an Adventurous one. Every day you wake up in an new bay with an excitement for the possible activities ahead. No lines, no traffic, no packing for the day or coordinating rides to places. Just a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a different beautiful bay each sunrise, and a list of destinations/activities/options for the day presented to you by your captain while your chef prepares breakfast.
The living space
Guests find the bedrooms to be surprisingly open, light, spacious and comfortable. High ceilings mean there is no ducking to walk in your room. Each has its own en-suite bathroom complete with separate shower, head (toilet), and sink. Unlike bareboat charters (where you can rent the boat yourself with no captain), these queen beds are equipped with super-comfortable and cool 4" thick gel memory foam mattress pads and smooth as butter 1000 thread count sheets.
"The vessel is meticulously maintained and spotless in appearance. It has all the conveniences a guest could possibly wish for and then some. At no point on our week long cruise did I ever feel cramped or crowded" -Gordon
The Sailing Grounds
Sailing around the U.S. and British Virgin Islands is unique because the islands are anywhere from 15 minutes-2.5 hours apart. This means, if desired, your crew may take you to 3 or even 4 different islands in one day! Most of our guests will fly into St. Thomas, USVI, where we meet them on the dock to embark on our journey into the BVI. The crew take care of all customs paperwork and checking-in so you can just sit back and relax on board your yacht while your passport gets stamped. You are now cleared into the British Virgin Islands where the exploring begins.
It all comes down to what you want out of your vacation. As a crew member on board, I feel strongly that your vacation should be spent relaxing, all while exploring new places, enjoying fresh delicious food, and creating memories that you will enjoy for a lifetime. Because that is what a vacation is all about, right?
For more information, check out www.caribbeantermcharters.com for more about crew, photos, the experience, videos, availability, rates and reviews!
Adventure in Luxury. You couldn't have dreamed a vacation any better. Neither could we. Experience the true Virgin Islands
