Growing up in Montreal, I dreamed of sailing in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Still, to this day, I am drawn to the Caribbean by the soft white sand beaches, palm trees, warm sunny days, crystal clear blue waters and, of course, beautiful sailboats. Listening to the enchanting songs and melodies of Jimmy Buffett and other tropical rhythms, only served to intensify my resolve to make these dreams come true.
Fast forward to today; I have been sailing the Caribbean islands for over 35 years, usually every two years. In that time, my wife and I have sailed and seen half the islands, from the U.S. and British Virgins Islands all the way down to Grenada. We’ve returned to our favorite islands multiple times.
The best part, is that we’ve been sailing these islands on other peoples’ boats. Not as guests or passengers, but as my own captain and charting our own courses and itineraries.
This is the magic and advantages of bareboat chartering.
LEAVE THE HASSLE OF BOAT OWNERSHIP AT HOME
We often hear of people taking years to plan and prep their boats, at great expense, to finally sail (mostly motor) them down the coast, taking many weeks to do so. Then, once they arrive in the southern parts of Florida, they must wait for the perfect weather window to cross the jet stream toward the Bahamas.
By the time they finally arrive, depending on their original departure point, usually a month or more has now passed by. And they have many stories of being delayed by weather and/or various breakdowns. Not to mention their much beloved boat is now exposed to the harsh salt water environment and all the issues this alone can, and will, bring.
Plus, at this point they’ve only arrived at the gateway to the Caribbean, with many more weeks and various delays on the horizon, before reaching their intended destination island(s). Of course, if you’re retired and have all the time in the world, this can be the way to go.
On the other hand, I have also known a few people that by the time they outfitted their boat, they fell ill or simply decided they were too old to make the journey.
But if you’re not ready to retire yet, and haven’t won the lottery, bareboat chartering may be the way to go. The three most important reasons I prefer this option are: save my boat from salt water exposure, cut the travel time from weeks or months to only hours and, last but not least, cost. Not to mention the hassle of having to un-step and re-step the mast and all the hardware on deck to carry the mast while motoring.
CHOOSE YOUR BOAT SIZE AND LOCATION
When chartering a sailboat, you choose where you want to actually be and your Caribbean dream starts only a few hours once you arrive. You choose the size and type of boat you want or need. As the boat cost is the same regardless of number of passengers, you also have the option of splitting the cost between all passengers unless you simply want to be alone.
My wife and I usually get a catamaran as we’ve mostly chartered with other couples. When we do, a catamaran provides each couple with their own private hull, stateroom and head, which is very convenient. But when we are alone, a monohull is perfect and we get something with more room than our own Quebec-based boat has.
There are many bareboat charter companies throughout the Caribbean and the world. Most charter companies will classify each area by level of navigation difficulty and sailing experience required. Some islands are easy line-of-sight sailing, whilst others have more distances to travel between destinations. Some offer more protected waters whilst others are more exposed to weather, wind, swells and currents. Based on your experience and comfort level, from novice to expert, you will be able to charter boats in the appropriate size and areas to fill your ambitions.
By far, the best destination for first timers and novice charterers (and experts) are the spectacularly beautiful British Virgin Islands (aka BVIs).
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Regardless of your personal years of sailing and boating experience, I always suggest the BVIs as a first-time charter destination. With its many beautiful islands and anchorages, and easy sailing, the BVIs are geared and set-up for the nautical crowd.
The BVIs also have the most boat charter companies. Large international ones such as the Moorings and Sunsail, and smaller ones such as Horizon Yacht Charters and BVI Yacht Charters. But a Google search will provide you a longer list of companies. Make sure to check out the prices and reviews before choosing one.
Most have extensive and informative websites, including suggested sail plans (itineraries) based on how many days you are planning to book. All will display their prices based on the selected boat and the season. Prices are broken down into four seasons, from high season (best weather season), to off season (see BVI chart season details below for dates involved for each season). The better the season, the higher the prices.
If your interest is piqued, below are cruising guides we use for any trip in the Caribbean. These cruising guides are filled with amazing information and details. I’ve also included a few websites of charter companies doing business in the BVIs.
References:
The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands
The Sailor’s Guide to the Windward Islands
You cross the Gulf Stream from FL to The Bahamas
Hi Peter, if you a capable boat already located on the southern east coast (of the US), that might make sense. But for those leaving from more distant and inland waterways, by the time you’ve prepared & equipped your boat, you must now plan many weeks of traveling. Most likely with your mast down and secured. Lots of motoring and many stops, some for a few days due to weather, etc. My objective with this multiple part article is to demonstrate how one can skip all this and be on-board your own charter boat in hours. Plus avoid exposing your own boat to salt water.
Peter Brown’s comment is a reference to the fact that the article mistakenly mentions the “jet stream” instead of the Gulf Stream!
Yes of course.