Adventure Travel Blog

Tips for finding the right monohull or catamaran charter for your sailing vacation

Once you have made up your mind that a bareboat sailing charter to the Caribbean is the perfect way to experience a paradise vacation, you still have several decisions to make. For instance, where in the Caribbean do you want to go; what cabin layout do you prefer; what size sailing vessel will you need and do you want a monohull charter or a catamaran charter? A good charter yacht broker (like VISailing.com) can assist you in choosing which sailing vessel best suits you based on the number of people in your party, you budget, your sailing skills and your desired level of comfort. Which type of charter is best? The answer is that there simply is no such thing as the best boat. The range of available monohull and catamaran charter boats can be mind-boggling. Selecting the right one for you means finding the sailing vessel that can best serve your needs.

Here are some tips to keep in mind and point you in the right direction in order to find the optimal monohull or catamaran charter boat for you.

Location: Unless you have unlimited time, most sailing charters last somewhere between one and two weeks. Therefore, you have to select a destination in the Caribbean. Whether you want an easy island-hopping vacation; long offshore open water passages or something in between, where you intend to cruise may have a strong impact on what sailing vessel you select.

The US and British Virgin Islands are confined in a 60 square mile area at the northeastern corner of the Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands are one of the most compactly perfect cruising areas and thus have become the world capital for bareboat chartering. The weather varies little year round in the Virgin Islands, with brisk trade winds mostly from the east. Much of the sailing area is protected, though the stronger winter breezes can kick up a good sea in the more open stretches of the Sir Frances Drake Channel (the main waterway at the heart of the British Virgin Islands). A good anchorage is never more than an hour away from any spot in the area

Enjoying the same wind and weather conditions as the Virgins are the rest of the islands of the Caribbean which string down from Anegada Passage at the eastern end of the BVI to Grenada- 90 miles from the coast of South America. These islands are rich in history and local color- each with different cultures and physical features. The sparsely inhabited Grenadines that lie between St. Vincent and Grenada are close enough together for easy daytime sailing.

There are short stretches of open water and some protected sailing in the lee of the islands. North of the Grenadines, the islands of St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe and Antigua are bigger, more mountainous and more populated. The sailing varies from wet, hard fast reaches in the open channels between the islands anywhere from 20-35 miles across, to idle motor sailing in the lee of the high mountains.

Regardless of your destination, you need to consider the conditions and purpose of your charter boat vacation. Do you want a vessel for superior sailing or stability and comfort while making a passage? Will you be in shallow waters? Do you want to minimize any roll while at anchor? How experienced a sailor are you? How experienced is your crew? Do you plan to cover as many islands as possible during your vacation or explore hidden coves at a leisurely pace? Your answer to these questions may mean the difference between selecting a monohull charter or catamaran charter, and might even influence the size boat you select. If you plan to make longer, open water passages, consider the largest boat your budget will allow and that you can comfortably handle. Discuss your cruising plans with your charter broker. They are very familiar with the monohull and catamaran charters in their fleets and are happy to provide specific advice about the type and size of boat you choose based on where you are cruising.

Cabin Layout:Once you have chosen where you want to go, your next choice is selecting the cabin layout. Cabin layout is a balance between the number of people in your sailing party and the comfort level or tolerance you will have spending 7-14 days with those people. Layout will also determine the size of your monohull or catamaran charter.

If you have a party of 6, you will need at least three cabins. Many charter boats can accommodate two people sleeping in the main salon on a convertible settee. I really do not recommend this because it may be a bad start to a sailing trip for the person or couple who draws the short straw for sleeping in the salon. They will have no privacy. Furthermore, the quarters can get rather cramped if you are trying to cook in the galley, plot a course at the navigation station or anything else that might occur in the salon that has now been converted to a “pseudo-cabin”. If you can afford it, it is always nice to charter a boat that has one more cabin than necessary. It serves as a good storage room for all your extra gear and serves as additional sleeping quarters if someone wants to sleep alone during the cruise. If you have 4 or more people, I would also suggest having at least two heads (bathrooms). Otherwise, it gets really inconvenient and has the potential to become as nasty as an airline lavatory on a cross-Atlantic flight.

Keep in mind that your layout choice will affect the privacy level of your entire party. Typically, in a monohull charter, the cabins will be contiguous and are only separated by a plywood wall. Almost every sound and word in one cabin will be heard in the next. If you ever saw the sailing scene from the movie, Four Seasons, where Carol Burnett and Alan Alda are trying to tune out the “lovebirds” in the next cabin, you know what I am talking about. In contrast to a monohull, a catamaran charter will provide you with considerably more room everywhere on the boat. A typical 38-47 foot catamaran will have four large cabins with double or queen-sized beds, each with an in-suite head. Cabins are usually located fore and aft in each hull. This layout configuration gives you full privacy and you do not hear anything from one cabin to the next. The cockpit and salon in a catamaran are on the same level, providing spacious and comfortable gathering areas. The foredeck has a big net between the hulls, which makes a great sunbathing area. As a result of this roominess, it is easy to get some seclusion and quiet time away from other members of your party.

Regardless of whether you choose a monohull or catamaran charter, when you visit the charter broker’s web site, you will see all the layouts of the boats in their fleet. Everyone has their own tolerance levels for comfort/discomfort, privacy or lack thereof. A group of twenty year olds or a group of buddies on a “boys’ trip” will not have the same expectations as a multi-generational family trip or a group of middle-aged couples. Take your time to determine which layout will be the most comfortable for you and the rest of your party.

Size: The size of your charter boat is determined not only by the level of comfort you want, but also by your budget and sailing experience. As mentioned above, the cabin layout frequently dictates the size of your charter. Boats from 32-36 feet usually contain a 2 cabin/1 head layout. Vessels ranging in size from 36-50 feet often have a 3 or 4 cabin/2 head layout.  A 4 cabin/3 head layout usually requires at least 46 feet, unless you charter a catamaran.  A 5 cabin/4 head layout will be around 50 feet or more. Obviously, the bigger the charter, the more money you must spend. Your charter broker will help you find a vessel to fit your budget. Some charter bases maintain an older but well-maintained fleet which may be a lower cost option.

Another factor that influences the size of your charter is your sailing experience. Although not technically difficult, sailing a 47 foot boat is entirely different than sailing a 36 foot boat because everything is much bigger and therefore more difficult to control. The bigger the boat, the more you have to anticipate and the sooner you and your crew have to prepare for upcoming squalls, wind direction changes or anything else that might test your sailing skills. Be honest with yourself or you may have to deal with the consequences of too much boat.

Monohull vs. Catamaran Charters:There is no absolute right answer in choosing a monohull over a catamaran charter. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I have already addressed the advantages of a catamaran charter in terms of its layout configuration

for the ultimate in privacy and spaciousness. Another major advantage of a catamaran charter is that it is very stable. Catamarans do not heel and do not roll at anchor. For those prone to seasickness, this can be a big factor in opting for a catamaran charter. Because of their greater stability, it makes it somewhat safer for kids running around or less sure-footed older cruisers. A catamaran usually sails faster than a monohull on some points of sail, such as a beam reach and downwind. Finally, catamarans have a shallower draft, allowing you more options for cruising or anchoring in shallow water. The major disadvantage of a catamaran is that it typically does not sail as well upwind and it may be somewhat more difficult to raise and lower the sails. Also, if you are a hard core, “rail in the water” pure sailing buff, you will not get the same sailing feeling as you do with a monohull since catamarans do not heel. In contrast, a monohull will tack easily, it will sail well upwind, and it appeals to sailing traditionalists. A monohull, however, does heel and will have a tendency to roll at anchor. This may be an issue for those concerned about stability or seasickness. Again, there is no right answer in selecting a monohull over a catamaran charter. I have chartered both throughout the Caribbean in a variety of seas and have enjoyed all of my sailing experiences. Ultimately, the type of vessel you select will largely depend on your cabin layout preference and who you are sailing with. If you are bringing a party of first time sailors, very young or older people, or people who may feel somewhat apprehensive while at sea, you might be better off chartering a catamaran.
  
Anticipating your Caribbean sailing vacation is great fun, yet choosing the right charter might almost be as difficult as selecting that ideal Caribbean sailing area. To select that perfect boat, talk to your charter broker about where you want to go, the cabin layout, the size boat that will accommodate your needs, your experience level and who is sailing with you. Today there are several options of sailing vessels to match all budgets. Contact www.visailing.comto book your monohull or catamaran charter. Whether you are an experienced “sea dog” or a complete novice, you can enjoy all the pleasures of a sailing vacation in the Caribbean.

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here.
Caribbean Sailing at it’s best through Virgin Island Sailing Ltd. which offers bareboat, yachts with crew and mega yacht charters, throughout the Caribbean and world wide.

Written By Donna Wolfson of www.visailng.com
Photographs By Donna Wolfson of www.visailng.com

Whether you are enjoying a bareboat sailing vacation or a crewed yacht charter, visit a while in the sunny Caribbean and you will discover a rainbow of cultures and a rich and exciting history. No where is this more apparent than in the cuisine of the Caribbean.

The food of the numerous islands that make up the Caribbean is a mixture of so many styles that it is almost impossible to define it. The islands generally have a separate and distinct cuisine from each other, depending on who they were colonized by. Islands like Puerto Rico and Trinidad have distinct Spanish-influenced cuisine with fish cooked in tomato, lime, peppers, garlic and avocado. The French brought their “patisserie”, tomato and herb fish stews reminiscent of Southern France, and escargots in garlic to Guadeloupe, Dominica and Martinique. The various British colonies- once major slave trading centers- are rich in African flavors.

The Dutch islands enjoy an Indonesian taste to their dishes due to the Netherlands’ early trade connections with the Far East. This ethnic diversity, combined with the Caribbean’s balmy climate, rich agriculture and waters teaming with every variety of fish, has created a cuisine of vibrant flavors that match the intensity of the tropical sun. It is yours to discover on a Caribbean yacht charter.

The Caribbean diet is generally healthy, based on an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a plentiful supply of fish and shellfish. Cooking is colorful, simple and full of the flavors of aromatic spices, hot pepper sauces, fragrant marinades and fiery spice rubs.

Meals tend to be made with recipes that have been handed down through the generations. Most cooks have their own secret ingredients which make their recipes unique. Similarly unique are the restaurants of the Caribbean. Barbecued ribs may be served in baskets at an upturned steel drum table on the beach; whole grilled fish with all the sides may be served on a large banana leaf on a table set among banyan and palm trees draped with last year’s Christmas lights, or a five-star meal may be served on fine china and linen on a romantic candle-lit seaside terrace. Crewed yacht charters also offer a tast of the Caribbean.  

Seafood is one of the most common cuisine types in the islands. As a result of the generally short distance from the sea to the table, it is served particularly fresh, contributing to its intense flavor.  Caught daily in the warm waters of the Caribbean, fishermen bring in hundreds of varieties of fish including sea bass, swordfish, pompano, kingfish, yellowtail, tuna, wahoo, snapper, grouper, dolphin(locally known as dorado) and flying fish. They are grilled, baked or served in chowders and stews. In addition, salt codfish is a Caribbean specialty, commonly served in salads and stews. The Caribbean waters also contain plenty of shellfish including spiny lobster, conch( known as lambis), shrimp(frequently referred to as “giant prawns”) and sea urchin. Each island gives the shellfish its own special Caribbean touch resulting in an exciting array of fresh ingredients, prepared in a variety of tantalizing exotic culinary ways. Popular dishes include conch curries and fritters, and shellfish steamed in coconut milk.

Poultry dishes are widespread throughout the Caribbean, mostly because chicken is the most economical meat. Free range chicken is often marinated with ginger, lime and chilies before grilling. Goat and pork dishes are also common in Caribbean cuisine, while the less popular lamb is used on some islands. A certain amount of beef is imported, but is mainly served in the form of a cheeseburger to appeal to the teenage tourist set on a yacht charter. Most cooking is done over an open fire, and many recipes involve “one pot” meals which include a variety of tasty soups and flavorful stews.

The islands produce an abundance of fresh fruit. There are apples, coconuts, pineapples, passion fruit, papayas, mangoes, bananas, melons, figs, pomegranates and limes. Other exotic fruits not as familiar to those who have not had the good fortune to travel in the Caribbean include breadfruit, tamarind, soursop, plantains, loquats, guavas, as well as numerous others. Many fruits are enjoyed right off the trees as part of a meal or snack. In Dominica, for instance, most locals carry machetes for that very purpose. Other fruit is used in a variety of both savory and sweet dishes.

Mangoes and papayas are often used in drinks, desserts and in spicy chutneys. Coconuts are used for bread, ice cream, flan, shrimp coatings, and of course, Pina Coladas. Coconut milk is used in meat and mussel sauces, as well as to season rice. Plantains, which are similar to bananas, are eaten grilled, fried like potato chips or baked in meat dishes. If you are on a crewed yacht charter, your personal chef will even find numerous ways to incorporate the fruits of the islands into delicious breakfasts that may include pancakes, breads, scones, muffins, jams and fresh squeezed tropical juice. Fruit tends to ripen quickly onboard, so do not buy too much of the same ripeness at once. It is always available for your yacht charter.  

Vegetables are also plentiful on the islands, especially root vegetables. Yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, yucca, callaloo, okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, several varieties of beans and peas mixed with rice, and christophene are all used to their full advantage. Vegetables are often stuffed, mashed or made into stews and curries.

Herbs and spices season most dishes. Allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg are popular spices, as well as cilantro, onions, garlic, thyme, peppers, mint and chilies. The air on some islands is so pungent with the odor of fresh spices that you can smell it several miles off shore.

Meat, chicken and fish are often marinated or rubbed with seasonings before cooking. Each island has its own seasoning blends as well as its own version of hot pepper sauce. A bottle of this fiery concoction is a nice souvenir to bring back from your yacht charter.

Since the 17th century, sugar cane has grown on many of the islands. Like their rum drinks, people from the Caribbean like their desserts very sweet. Blending island fruits and spices, dessert comes in every form from cakes and cheesecakes, bread puddings, flan and soufflé to ice creams and sherbets. And not surprising, most desserts have more than just a hint of rum.

Caribbean cooking is a unique fusion of culinary influences from the Spanish, French, African and Amerindian cultures. You may already know about the impossibly blue waters, pristine beaches and balmy temperatures of the Caribbean, but whether you are on a sailing vacation or yacht charter, eating fruit right off a tree or enjoying freshly caught Anegada lobster, you will be delighted to discover the cuisine of the Caribbean. For your own taste of paradise, contact Melody Delgado or Gail Hartman at Virgin Island Sailing, Ltd. to arrange the perfect island vacation. Yacht Charters & Sailing Vacations  

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here, Caribbean Sailing at it’s best through Virgin Island Sailing Ltd. which offers bareboat, yachts with crew and mega yacht charters, throughout the Caribbean and world wide.
Written By Donna Wolfson
Photographs By Donna Wolfson

by: Rick Moore & Terri Trickett aboard S/V “Sophisticated Lady”

It’s very cool how every cruise we do is so different from the rest, just as different as all the personalities we’ve had onboard “Sophisticated Lady” since we started this venture. You’d think we’d get bored doing the same destinations all the time, but truth is every trip is different, and while we have a lot of our favorite “hotspots” to take guests to you never know which ones are going to be most favorable in the given weather conditions and desires of your guests and there are so many cool places to visit that even if you had 5 years you’d still never visit them all! I guess that’s what keeps it interesting, trying to figure out the best of all the given possibilities and matching them to our guest’s preferences, kind of like a big holiday puzzle! Lol

Having Bob & Cindy onboard has been great, it’s amazing how fast you can connect with someone and feel you’ll be in touch as friends in the future, but hey when you take 4 strangers and throw them together into a 50 foot boat you can expect you’ll get to know each other fairly quickly! Cindy is in real estate and Bob is actually a retired commercial airline pilot who now flies executive jets all over the place, cool job! They love having fun going snorkeling and things like that and given that we’ve had some very light weather which was more favorable for snorkeling than sailing, we snuck in a couple days at new locations we’d heard about but not made it out to yet.

We spent our first couple days at an island with a couple of our favorite places that really “ease” people into relaxation mode, Diamond Cay is by far our favorite spot to start out just about any cruise, it is surrounded on the Atlantic side by reefs with huge breaking waves off one side of the boat, that’s where the “blow hole” is where we got a picture of them with a wave exploding between the rocks behind them. We had a great walk around the far side of the reefs to a secluded tide pool where every wave coming off the Atlantic comes crashing over the rocks and fills the pool then gets sucked out again in preparation for the next wave, very cool! Conditions were a little lighter than when we took the “Sophisticated Ladies” there, but it was lots of fun and we still got knocked off our feet by those unexpected big waves that come out of nowhere!

After that it was nice and calm as the wind was settling down and the anchorage was very still where we were anchored in front of Foxy’s Taboo, so we inflated our big 9 foot “party island” and threw that in the water behind the boat, that made a comfortable platform to hang out on for a few hours and then before you know it, it was sundowner time, amazing how time flies!

Next day we were all up early and pulled anchor to head over to Great Harbour where the original Foxy’s beach bar/restaurant is, they still have the best reputation in the islands for seafood and Cindy reported that her lobster was excellent! Terri and I joined them after dinner for drinks and dancing to the live entertainment they have every night.

In checking the forecast the next morning they were calling for even calmer weather, we still had 15 knots of favorable wind so we set sail for Sopers Hole to fill up our diesel and water tanks, then set sail again for Treasure Island (aka Norman Island) where we stopped along the way at the Indian Islands which are home to some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Virgin Islands, can you say snorkeling anyone? The weather was perfect and this was a stop we had missed so many times before because of strong winds so we were thrilled to finally get to check it out for ourselves! Needless to say, the Indians really delivered! The sun was high and the water was calm and everyone was very impressed with the snorkeling here, Bob is an avid diver and even he said that it was the best he’d seen yet!

That afternoon we anchored in a bay at Treasure Island and went for sundowners at “Pirates Bight” beach bar, a very cool little place in the corner of the anchorage and the only building around really, they play really good live reggae till all hours of the night, and have a ‘cute’ little gift shop, whenever Terri calls something a “cute” little shop I get scared, lol. Anyway, in she went with Cindy so Bob and I broke into a sweat and ordered more Heinekens, lol. A few minutes later Terri comes running out yelling, Rick, Rick, they have the exact pirate flag you’ve been looking for forever! It was true, I had been looking for this flag for sometime now thinking they’d be everywhere in the Caribbean, but hadn’t seen a single one until now, and there it was in Pirates Bight! A lot of boats fly the black and white “Jolly Roger”, I wanted something different and this one is actually called the “Caribbean Pirate”, it even has a red background which I figured would be a less offensive match for our red and white Canadian flag, lol. I figured it was something I’d save until we were alone to hoist, but Bob was even more excited about it than I was, so excited he ran in and bought his own! Lol We had a flag hoisting ceremony that night and it was great to see our new flag take its place amongst all our others.

Those of you that have read our prior emails will remember that “The Bight” anchorage at Treasure Island is also home to the “Willie T”, the floating ship that is host to all kinds of derelict activities including giving out free T-shirts to any ladies willing to jump off the top of the ship naked, judging by the amount of screams we heard that afternoon, they gave out a lot of T-shirts! We waited until after dark to visit the Willie T, and even though it’s not recommended that you jump off the ship at night, numerous individuals still jump after consuming copious amounts of alcohol, lol. Well that night didn’t fail to deliver its share of “unique” individuals, the ladies even got to meet Captain America! Chances are if you can’t find it anywhere else, you’ll find it at the Willie T, lol.

The next day the weather was still calm so we decided to check out another new snorkeling site, the caves at Treasure Island! I think I can safely say that we all had a hard time deciding which site we liked best, the Caves or the Indians, they were both spectacular but at the caves you can actually snorkel right into the side of the cliff and see corals in such iridescent colors that we have just never seen anywhere else. There were underwater cliff edges, reefs, and coral heads that kept us all busy for hours and we got some of the best underwater video footage of any the sites we’ve been to so far! (soon to be seen in our up-and-coming DVD)

To be continued

She said

It was a strange kind of excitement I felt knowing this would be our final charter before flying back to Canada to see our kids. Its always exciting wondering what our guests will be like and thinking of all the fun and adventure that awaits them. But it seemed to have an extra air of specialness knowing it was our last charter for a while. People always ask how we can have all these strangers on board and do we get along with them and do we always like them. We have met some amazing people and felt a real friendship for each one that seems to only grow and strengthen as the week unfolds. We are genuinely sad when our new friends leave and we miss them after they are gone. We have found that the kind of person who decides to go on a trip like this is usually someone who is like us, they have an adventurous heart and a love of life. They are most often fun, easy going and excellent company. It really is like having a long ‘sleepover’ with good friends.

It is more than fun to plan our guests tailored itinerary and to anticipate their reactions to the stunning places we will take them to, the adventures we plan and the relaxation and peacefulness we know that awaits them here in the islands. Some people think that a holiday on a sailboat is just all about sailing but it is so much more than that. We travel to amazing anchorages with snorkeling, swimming, hiking, shopping and great island restaurants. Some are secluded and pristine and some are lively with towns to investigate. They all have their own unique charm. We get to sail to each one and often go to places cars can’t reach and there is nothing like the sight of the perfect beach or a green hillside dotted with island homes as you sail around the point. Being on the water and arriving at each new island from the ocean has a charm all its own.

Our detailed preference sheet gives me a good idea of what our guests like to eat, their ideas of the ideal vacation day and how they want to spend their time. I am always so eager to read their replies and picture them in my head and get an idea of what they are like. It’s a bit like having pen pals you finally get to meet in person. Part of me always gets a little anxious as I am planning the menu, I want everything to be perfect for them, for them to have the best vacation ever and to love it here as much as we do.

Rick usually lets me go to the airport and pick up our new guests and I always have a few excited butterflies in my stomach as I wait for them to come through the closed doors. I wonder what will they look like, what will they be like and try to guess who they are as they walk out. Bob and Cindy came out with huge smiles on their faces and a great energy around them. We walked out of the tiny airport across the dirt road to our trusty dinghy bobbing at the dock. The moon was out and it was a gorgeous warm night with a sweet scented tropical breeze surrounding us. It is the perfect tropical setting with the little wooden dock surrounded by turquoise waters and the bay filled with gently floating sailboats full of happy friendly people. I love bringing people from the airport to this idyllic Caribbean setting.

For Bob and Cindy’s first evening we planned a quiet and peaceful time to unwind, they had been traveling all day and it was already 9pm. I made some hor d’ouvres and we made a pitcher of the yummy and addictive local cocktail called “painkillers”! Everyone loves them and they do make all your “pains” go far away! We sat in the cockpit under the stars and watched as our guests leaned back, took in the scenery and relaxed.

Next morning we set sail for Diamond Cay, this is one of our favorite spots and a great place to begin Bob & Cindy’s vacation. It is this quaint and secluded anchorage with a huge reef and the crashing ocean on one side and a calm bay on the other. There is only one little open air bar with the best bartender named Lewis who is always happy with a huge smile to welcome you. My favorite tiny boutique is attached and is run by Ellen (who is also very awesome!), she has the most gorgeous clothing and bathing suits in the islands as well as cool hats and gifts. I love taking our guests here because everyone loves her clothing, the atmosphere and finding something Caribbean to buy. After shopping to our hearts content we hiked up the hill side to the ‘bubbly pools’ for a cool dip in the natural wave pool on the other side. The hike is breath taking all along the way and the beach and pool at the end is impossible to describe. We all had a blast playing in the waves and taking endless pictures. After a light lunch in the shady cockpit Bob and Cindy floated around in the inflatable party raft which quickly lulls you asleep as you lay back with sun warming you and your feet dangling in the cooling ocean.

Great Harbour was our destination for the next day and we sailed over in under an hour and anchored in the beach lined bay. We had a great time at Foxy’s, the world renowned restaurant. This place is set back from the beach and all the tables and the dance floor are in the sand. The food is great and the bands and dancing are lively and everyone is there to have a great time. The ceiling is lined with t-shirts, hats, and banners from all over the world that people sign and hang as they pass through. Cindy and Bob danced the night away and we joined them to take pictures and dance our toes off too! We climbed back into the dinghy and sighed as we headed back to the boat after another great day. Tucked in our beds with the waves gently rocking us to sleep and the trade winds cooling us, we were all quickly asleep dreaming of the next day’s adventures

We had a yummy breakfast in the cockpit, eating as we enjoyed the view. It really is amazing to sit in the cockpit of the boat with a lovely table set before you, mouth watering food and the most perfect tropical scenery surrounding you. It really is like suddenly finding yourself in a living postcard. You feel like pinching yourself to see if it is real. And we get to share this with our guest’s everyday, we feel so lucky to have this amazing life we can share with others.

We sailed to Norman Island and anchored just off the Indians a grouping of towering rock formations with the most incredible snorkeling you can imagine. Bob, Cindy, Rick and I grabbed our gear and jumped into the dinghy. We could hardly wait to tie onto a mooring ball and leap into the water. The Indians lived up to the stories we had heard. We all were in awe at the underwater world around us. We kept coming up and saying “that was so amazing!”. There were hundreds of fish and huge banks of coral with tunnels and coves throughout. It really was spectacular. We spent the afternoon going ashore to the beach bar called Pirates Bight and finding our own treasures in the cute little gift shop they had. Rick got his pirate flag and Bob soon joined in the fun with his own pirate flag and hat. Bob and Cindy were such wonderful people and we were having such a fantastic time with them. The guys were in pirate heaven as we raised the skull and cross bones and swore to uphold the pirate’s code! LOL We ate under the stars, Bob & Cindy loved my culinary creations which made me feel great and we all ate way too much! We zipped into the floating barge bar “Willie Tee’s ” for a little dancing and people watching and had a good time. Another perfect day with our cozy beds to fall into at the end.

The next morning Cindy and I were so excited. We had taken a little dinghy tour around the point of Norman Island and there are a series of 4 or 5 caves all along the shore line. We knew we had to go back there this morning and snorkel the caves! After breakfast we donned our gear and zipped over. The caves were magical and we all were in awe of the beauty, colors and secret hidden inner chambers of the caves. We felt like we were all exploring this untouched place even though there were others around. It was as spectacular as the Indians and really hard to decide which one was my favorite. I still can’t decide. The mysterious caves with the moss covered openings and deep pink and purple walls were unreal. Under water in the shadow and coolness of the caves brilliant neon colored coral and plants grew that I had never seen before. What a spectacular morning we had!

Part two coming soon

Cheers,

Terri

Sophisticated Lady

by: Rick Moore and Terri Trickett aboard S/V “Sophisticated Lady”

After 2 days of great snorkeling, we were treated to a fresh breeze, it’s time to go sailing! Bob got the idea that it would be great to take some pictures of “Sophisticated Lady” under full sail from the dinghy. Turned out to be a great idea, the weather was perfect, “Sophisticated Lady” was sailing along at 7 knots easily in calm waters with a 15 knot breeze on a beautiful sunny day, boy did we get some nice pictures! Bob & I raced the dinghy ahead of Rick to get ready to shoot some video of “the Lady” as she sailed past. The water looked calm from the sailboat but we were almost bouncing out of the dinghy as we tried to out run Rick! I was trying to hold the camera away from me and as steady as I could in big rolling waves while Rick bore down on us. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and powerful she looked as she sailed by. It was great to get a chance to see her from the water as she sliced through the waves and rushed past us by feet. Bob and I had a great and exhilarating time shooting our footage.

We finished taking our pictures of “Sophisticated Lady” just in time, as we sailed down the Sir Francis Drake Channel a big dark cloud passed over us and starting dumping huge amounts of rain as it blew down the channel. A big beautiful rainbow formed right out the back of our boat and we got a great shot of it behind the dinghy.

A trip to the BVI’s could never be complete without a trip to the famous Baths at Virgin Gorda. We arrived at the Baths early and had breakfast in the sunny cockpit surrounded by the spectacular boulders and white sand beaches. We put our swimsuits on and jumped in the dinghy and headed for the dinghy mooring balls. The surf is too rough to land the dinghy on the beach so we tie up to a mooring ball and swim into shore. Rick was able to neatly drop off Bob, Cindy, Ashley and the cameras at the beach and we swam in. Bob and Cindy were snapping pictures left, right and center – there really is nothing like the scenery at the Baths. The combination of the giant boulders seemingly tossed on top of one another, tall palm trees and soft sand beaches is breath taking and awe inspiring. Bob and Cindy loved it and it is one of Ashley’s favorite spots!

You feel very tiny and insignificant standing at the foot of dozens of house sized boulders towering above you. One of the best parts of the Baths is the “Cave” hike. This is a hike through all the caves, crevices and grottos the giant boulders make. There are parts of the hike where you wade through water, climb wooden ladders and scale boulders. There are people of every age doing the hike and as you meet them on the trail everyone is smiling and happy. These rocks have a wonderful effect on everyone who walks among them. We have done this hike many times and each time I am more impressed and more in awe of what I see.

Posing in the most famous spot in the BVI’s is a must. It is one of the most romantic grottos I have ever seen. We all felt the power and beauty of these huge rocks as we stood underneath them.

At the end of the hike is a gorgeous beach tucked in amongst and bordered by boulders called Devils Bay. We all had a cooling swim in the aqua blue water and marveled at how mysterious and majestic nature can be.

Bob and Cindy’s last night aboard seemed to come too fast for all of us. We had been having such great adventures it was sad to be at the end. We anchored in Marina Cay which is a lovely comma shaped island surrounded by shallow coral on one side. The color of the water is unbelievable and beckons you to dive in. We ate lunch and spent the afternoon relaxing and touring the island. Cindy and I decided to try and find a beach to take Ashley too and had a little adventure going from little bay to little bay. We all got dressed up for dinner and dinghied into shore to eat under the water side restaurant tucked under palm trees.

Bob surprised Cindy by getting down on one knee in the sand and proposing all over! They plan to renew their marriage vows on their 15th anniversary. We had been part of the plan and whipped out champagne and goblets from our knapsack and toasted the occasion. It was such a romantic setting on the beach under the full moon with the sound of the waves beside us and the lights of the sailboats spread out before us. Bob and Cindy treated us to a wonderful dinner and before we knew it the night was over and we were in the dinghy heading for our beds.

In the morning we had one last breakfast as another beautiful day started and then pulled anchor and crossed over to Trellis Bay just behind us. We anchored tucked in amongst the other boats in the bay while Bob and Cindy packed. They posed for one more shot on the deck of the boat and we all sadly said farewell. Bob and Cindy said it was the best holiday they had ever taken and Rick and I felt happy and privileged to have been able to create that kind of holiday for them. We hopped in the dinghy and drove to the dock, tied up and walked across the road to the airport. Hugs all around and fond memories for us all.

So that was our last charter for a little while, now it’s finally time to go visit our kids back in Canada, yes, we know, a holiday in Canada in February. Apparently they just had about 2 feet of snow last week too, just to add to the excitement! It will definitely be good to see our kids for a few weeks and our friends Peter and Carolyn just arrived and will be looking after “Sophisticated Lady” while we’re away. We’ve had a busy couple days finishing up last minute projects and showing Peter & Carolyn around the various systems onboard so they’re ready to go! The boat is fully booked for the entire time we’re away so it looks like they’ll be busy too!

Take care and we’ll talk to you soon!

Cheers,

Rick & Terri

“Sophisticated Lady“

There is no finer way to truly relax than to sail in the Caribbean!
Deciding what islands to explore during your sailing vacation is the hard part. Melody Delgado at www.visailing.com has plenty of suggestions to help you decide on the perfect vacation. Once your sail charter is booked, the next decision is what to take with you. Nothing can be easier than packing for a sailing vacation in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, most first time sailing vacationers pack too much! With plenty of sun and sea, life on the Islands is very casual, and you really need very little. The following nine tips should help avoid over packing and ensure you have a great sailing vacation.

The first thing to keep in mind is that storage space on a sailing vessel is usually limited and not conducive to hard-sided suitcases.

Thus, strong duffel bags work best because they can be folded up when not in use. In addition, their size limits what you can bring. Most importantly, a duffel bag fits in the overhead bin of an airplane.

Too often, I have seen family and friends check luggage for an island sailing adventure only to have it not arrive. Islanders are laid back. As one friendly airline agent on Beef Island, BVI replied to my sister’s inquiry about her lost luggage, “If it’s not here, Mon, it’s somewhere else.” That somewhere else happened to be a round trip flight from Puerto Rico to Martinique and back before finally ending up back at her home in Wisconsin three weeks later. Thus, the first tip is to use a duffel bag and carry it on the plane! This avoids the stress of dealing with lost luggage.

Before thinking of what to wear, there is something more important than how you will look - your travel documents.

The second tip is to put everything together you will need for your sailing vacation. These documents include your passport, as well as a copy of your passport to keep in a separate place in case your original is lost, and your charter package paperwork. Everyone taking a sailing vacation to the Caribbean is now required to have a passport.

Once your sailing vacation is booked, Virgin Island Sailing will send you a confirmation packet. If you are chartering a bareboat and intend to travel to different islands, it is wise to bring additional copies of the crew list to facilitate the customs check-in process.

The third tip is that you do not need a lot of clothes for a sailing vacation. During the days aboard the boat, you only need swim suits and perhaps a cover-up. On shore, there are some finer class resorts and restaurants, like the Peter Island Yacht Club in the BVI, that require dress trousers and jackets for men and dresses for women.

Most people on a sailing vacation prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The majority of island restaurants are casual. Shorts and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable, even for dinner.

For a one week sailing vacation, you will need the following clothing items: 3-4 swim suits; 3-4 pairs of shorts; 7 t-shirts (plus whatever you buy along the way); sandals and walking shoes (either tennis shoes or boat shoes) which can get wet; swim suit cover-up; enough underwear for the week; sleepwear if others other than your spouse or partner are on the cruise; a light windbreaker for quick tropical downpours; a beach towel; and your personal toiletries.It is also a good idea to have some kind of day pack or fanny pack that lets you carry money, sunglasses, passport, guide books, a water bottle, sunscreen or anything else you might need ashore.

The fourth tip is to make sure you have protection from the sun. The constant trade winds keep the temperature comfortable, but the combined effect of overhead tropical sun and reflection from both sails and water can cause severe sunburns on pale Northern bodies. It is imperative to have suntan lotion with at least SPF 15. In addition, do not forget sunglasses, a baseball cap or sun visor, and sunburn soothers.

The fifth tip is to not lose sailing vacation fun time because of small emergencies. Bring any prescription medicine in their clearly marked original containers to avoid any hassles at Customs. Always have enough medicine on hand for a couple of extra days in case of travel delays when returning home.

Although most chartered sailing vessels will have a First Aid Kit aboard, make sure to bring a small pouch of band aids, antibacterial cream, aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers, seasickness remedies, anti-diarrhea medication, and a small can of bug spray. It is also important to bring along a small flashlight.

Flashlights are great to have in your cabin in an unfamiliar dark boat, and are useful as dingy “headlights” when returning to your boat after a night ashore sampling tropical drinks.

The sixth tip is regarding water gear. Almost all of the Caribbean Islands have some place to snorkel. Most sailing charters either have snorkel equipment already on board, or it is available at the Charter office where you pick up your boat.Frankly, using a second hand snorkel is somewhat like borrowing someone else’s toothbrush. If that bugs you, bring along an inexpensive snorkel.

The seventh tip is do not forget your memory maker. You will want to remember your sailing vacation and be able to share it with others. Bring along a digital camera as well as an extra memory card and set of batteries in case you are unable to recharge it. Keep you camera in a good, strong, waterproof bag because it can get wet while sailing. I found the perfect size bag at the local dive shop. A disposable or waterproof camera is great for kids.

The eighth tip is to include small items for free time either during an inter-island passage or in the anchorage. These items can include playing cards, paperback books, and CDs since most sailing charters have audio equipment aboard.

Although your sailing vessel will usually be equipped with a set of binoculars, most charterers like to bring along their own because it is always fun to check out your neighbors in the anchorage.

Finally, the last tip is to bring along Zip Lock bags in several sizes. They are good for keeping important travel documents dry, for putting damp swim suits in before placing in your luggage, for separating clean from dirty laundry, and most importantly, wrapping up that bottle of rum you bring back stateside so it does not leak in your duffle bag. Remember, however, that if you do have that bottle of rum, you will need to check your luggage. You can not carry bottles of liquor onboard the airplane anymore.No matter what your destination is on your Caribbean Island sailing vacation, there are three things in common - there will be lots of sun, lots of sea, and you will be living on a sailboat.If you need more suggestions on how to pack, Melody at www.visailing.com will gladly assist you, but if you follow the above tips, your life onboard will be easy and safe, and most importantly, it will be one of the most relaxing and fun vacations you will ever experience!

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here.

Written By Donna Wolfson
Photographs By Donna Wolfson

Log entry for Friday May 5th, 2006
A Slice of Life Aboard “Sophisticated Lady” At Sea!
By: Rick Moore & Terri Trickett aboard S/V “Sophisticated Lady”

Current Position at 12pm: 28° 25.6N 64° 27.8W

Cumulative Miles since Tortola: 795. 5

Distance to Bermuda: Approx 240nm

He Said:

You guys are spectacular! I must say we feel privileged to have so many great people on our list sending so many supportive emails. We really appreciate it, especially Terri who’s starting to feel a little “land-sick” the last day or so… your emails really help pick up her spirits… and I like them too!

We’ve been making great progress… the wind finally filled in and so far it’s been 15-20K just forward of the beam… good job everyone! “Sophisticated Lady” has become like a freight train, just plowing through the waves and smoothly gliding us towards Bermuda at a speedy 8 knots on average. The sun has been out every day, we had a little sprinkle of rain Wednesday afternoon, just enough to wash the sails and deck for us, and on we go!

The weather has been great… definitely cooled off a little with the temp now in the mid-70’s… we’re not in the Caribbean anymore! Our trend of great meals at sea has continued and everyone is in very good spirits… even Ashley! ‘Lucky’, the parrot, is still swinging away in her cage and still calls out for her share of whatever we happen to be eating at the time… no seasickness there! Lol

Last night the wind really picked up for us… we had 20-25 knots on the beam, straight out of the West! We thought “Sophisticated Lady” was a freight train yesterday… you should’ve seen her last night! Anyone who thinks sailing is boring hasn’t been on the ocean in a 50 footer doing 11 knots! Lol “Sophisticated Lady” definitely likes her wind and it was really helping us pick up our place in the Rally.

The weather dropped off around midnight and we slowed down to about 5 knots… that feels awful slow after the speeds we’ve been getting! It was a nice quiet night, everyone had a shift and Terri & I were on watch for the sunrise. Terri took some fantastic shots of the sunrise this morning… I think she has a sample for you later on! ;o)

Today started off fairly calmly with “Sophisticated Lady” still slicing along at about 5-6 knots and then the wind started to pick up again. It was only about 16-18 knots, but of course it was right on our nose so we were trimmed in real tight to try and stay on course for Bermuda. It wasn’t long after, in fact just before roll call with the Rally, that we heard an unnervingly loud “BANG” and then the telltale sound of sail cloth rustling loosely in the wind… this is a sound that no one likes to hear on a sailboat EVER!

Within seconds we were all hanging out of the cockpit looking up trying to see what had happened. Very clearly we could see that the jib had detached from the masthead and the top of the sail was now flogging madly in the wind. Talk about Deja Vu… this exact same thing had happened on the trip down in November! That time the shackle that fastens the halyard to the head of the sail had let go, but it was completely missing so we never established if it broke or just unscrewed. I remembered immediately from the last time that we had only a few minutes before the entire sail slid down the track and into the ocean, so I quickly asked John to man the furler and wind it in a few turns. This at least bought us some time while we figured out our options. I couldn’t believe we experienced the same failure twice in a row as I had gone out of my way to make sure to replace the shackle with an oversized one and seized it so it couldn’t come undone on it’s own.

John & Dwight went up on deck and prepared everything to drop the sail while I manned the helm to slow us down and head upwind and then the guys pulled it down. We quickly realized that the shackle wasn’t the problem at all… the shackle was still at the masthead with the halyard. We had a new problem… the nylon webbing that takes the load at the head of the sail had completely sheared… not good, I think I would have preferred the shackle problem, at least then we could have replaced it and hoisted the sail with the spare halyard. Now we had no way of attaching the sail, thus no way to hoist the sail, thus no sail… not looking good for keeping up in the Rally at this point!

We all put our heads together and starting coming up with options we could manage with spare parts I had onboard. We decided the best fix would be to drill through the head of the sail and install a couple of carabineer hooks that we could attach the halyard to. It took us a while, but with a little drilling, tapping, filing and a bit of brute force, we got the assembly together and it looked like it may actually work!

With everyone on deck, we had the sail ready to hoist… John was threading it into the track and Dwight was on the halyard pulling it up. My job was back at the helm taking us slowly upwind while not drowning John on the foredeck in the big swells coming at as head-on.

With the sail back up we all gathered back in the cockpit to trim the lines and get back on course. Everything looked good so we were back underway, and back in the Rally! We had lost a couple hours, but such is life. We were all congratulating each other on a job well done when John asked if we should put a reef in the main since the wind had increased again. I was just looking up at the sails to see how everything was handling our course when there was another loud “BANG” and then more sail luffing again…

We couldn’t believe it, all our jaws hit the floor… the clew at the back of the mainsail had just let go and now that sail was just flogging in the wind. I looked at John and said, “yeah, now might be a good time for that reef!” Lol Upon closer examination, it turned out to be the exact same problem… a piece of 1″ nylon webbing that is clearly not strong enough to handle the forces exerted on an offshore sail by a 50 foot boat! It’s amazing how you can take a boat worth several hundred thousand dollars and stop it dead in its tracks when a 50 cent piece of nylon shreds! Needless to say, there will be some replacements on both sails happening when we arrive in Bermuda!

Oh well… like they say… all in a days work! For now, we’re still making way, babying our modified headsail and running on a reefed mainsail in 14-15 knots of wind out of the NW and it’s forecast to drop to 5 knots tomorrow. Will make for a bit longer trip, but we’re still making 6-7 knots of boatspeed and hope to arrive in Bermuda sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning… touch wood! A lot of the fleet behind us spent too much of their diesel fuel reserves motoring the first few days, now they’re all sitting back there in light airs waiting for the wind to come to them because they don’t have enough fuel to be motor the rest of the way. Luckily we chose to sail early on, even though it wasn’t directly on course it still got us here… now we just have to finish! Never a dull moment!!

Cheers, Rick

She Said:

Since our last email things have been going well. Up until today that is! (more on this shortly). We were all settling into a trance-like routine of eating, sleeping, reading, staring into the wild blue yonder and watching for things that go bump in the night ( or day actually). People often ask what we do “on watch” and what is a watch anyway??. Well, let me fill you in. As we travel non stop on an offshore passage we need to have extra crew to work in shifts around the clock. Who ever is on watch stays in the cockpit manning the helm and constantly searching all horizons for signs of other boats, freighters, tankers, lost floating containers, anything that we might hit or might hit us. This is a vital and very important job as anything light that appears on the horizon could potentially be upon us in less then 15 minutes. This is not a lot of time to determine if you are on a collision path or not! We try to vary the watches and have them go for 2-3 hours so in the wee hours of the night you are not too exhausted to function. It is a different existence and you tend to get a bit wonky because of it.

I guess you are wondering what happened this morning. I knew this was eventually coming, Rick kept saying “relax, we are having an easy sail” but I knew. Actually since Rick goes before me you know what happened already! We were all in the cockpit together and it was about 8am when it happened. Me and Rick were nicely napping in the early morning light, John was on the helm and Dwight was watching the horizon. I had earlier been thinking what a great day as I snapped pictures of a fiery sunrise and the winds were good.

We had been going along amazingly fast and stood a good chance to place in this rally. We heard a strange sound and John said “I think we just blew the foresail!” Rick and I leapt up shouting “what , what , there is no way!!”. We all lurched over to the side of the boat peering up front. Sure enough the front sail was starting to fall down and sag from the head or top of the sail. Rick and I looked at each other is sheer disbelief , this is exactly what happened on our way down and we had seconds before the whole sail fell straight into the ocean!! John and Rick quickly furled in the sail till it seemed secure and we got out the binoculars and looked at the top. It was definitely off.

I seriously couldn’t believe this was happening to us again. And just when everything was going so well. That’s the thing about sailing, its great till the **** hits the fan. Which it always does. And tell me again why we like this?! The men folk were in their glory I must say. There was something to save, a battle of the elements, a mission to accomplish. They all strung into action and scrambled out on deck ( in full safety gear of course). Ashley, Lucky and I manned the helm and took tons of pictures. They managed to pull the sail down with no mishaps and then the tedious and tricky job of trying to “McIver” a new shackle and webbing began. It took a lot longer then we thought but with all three guys lending a hand it was done and the jib was hoisted again!! We have no way of furling the Genoa any more because the turny thing is still stuck at the top of the mast but we have a working sail again. We all sat in the cockpit smiling and celebrating with Zucchini bread. Ashley and Lucky are both happily chewing stuff and oblivious to all problems! Oh to be a dog!! Or a parrot.

Less then 5 minutes later we all heard a very loud “pop” and the main sail started to flap and crumple. A picture of all our faces at this point would be priceless. What now, can we not have a small window to enjoy our victory?! Apparently the webbing on the clew, the little cloth piece that attaches the bottom of the sail to the lines ripped in half. We were going to have put in our first reef. This is were you pull the sail down, shortening it so when the winds are strong you have less sail out. This again sounds straight forward but involves going out on deck with big waves crashing, the boat is heeled over to one side and lines always seem to become tangled at these moments. The sail was fixed but we are severely hampered in our progress and going much slower. None of us are happy about that. It means losing our place in the race and worst of all could mean 3 more days out here!!! Yikes. I may lose my mind.

We all ate some well deserved lunch and napped and now the repairs to the sails continue. We are still hoping to pick up speed but the winds are dying earlier then predicted. Never, never trust the weather forecasts, they are always wrong. As I sit here typing the men are pulling on their life vests and heading out on deck to continue fixing the main sail and nursing us along. Their enthusiasm is waning but still there in spirit. Way to go guys, you all did an amazing job. I am so impressed by how well they worked together, their ingenuity, skill and sheer drive to make it work.

I will leave you with the most amazing photo of the million I took of the morning sunrise. Enjoy and think of us and send healing energy to our poor sails!

Cheers, Terri

PS… thanks again for all the great emails, feel free to keep them coming, just remember to delete our original message from your reply. Thanks!

Sophisticated Lady Sailing Charter

There is always something special about shared family time. A few years ago, my husband and I decided to take our niece (then 8 ) and nephew (then 10 ) on a seven day sailing vacation to the British Virgin Islands. Living in Florida, we wanted to provide them with an experience other than Disney. Although I was excited to share a sailing vacation experience with them, I had three main concerns.

First, would they be bored without their television, GameBoys and Playstations? Second, would the normal sibling spats escalate being in a relatively confined space 24/7? And finally, how would they handle different foods when they primarily subsisted on pizza and buttered noodles? I did not need to worry.

Melody at Virgin Island Sailing, Ltd. made the arrangements through the Moorings to charter a 47’ Catamaran for our sailing vacation. The squeals of delight from Tori and Kacey when we met them at the Redhook, St. Thomas ferry dock, with our dingy, were quickly surpassed by the exclamation, “SWEET!” as we pulled up alongside the anchored Cat. This was the first time they had ever been on a catamaran. After a quick tour of the boat and a head lesson, we all retired early so that we could begin our BVI sailing vacation first thing in the morning.

When I went to check on the kids, Tori inquired, “How can you sleep on this thing?” But, I assured Tori that the gentle rocking of the Cat would soon have both children soundly snoring. We cleared the kids through customs in West End, Tortola, and then began island hopping through the BVI.

“I’m bored” was simply not a factor on this trip and my initial concern was a non-issue. Prior to leaving on our sailing vacation, I made journals for Tori and Kacey filled with maps and photos of the BVI.

Each morning we would discuss various topics including the history of the BVI, the culture, music and language. The kids had an opportunity to write down their thoughts and the journals later proved to be wonderful keepsakes for Show and Tell.

The kids loved exploring pirate caves on Norman Island, jumping off the Willie T at the Bight, and snorkeling for hours around the Indians.
They enjoyed the “main drag” on Jost Van Dyke. They decorated and hung a pair of underwear at Foxy’s; Tori had her hair braided and beaded at the beauty shop; Kacey was introduced to Ting ( a carbonated grapefruit drink) at Abe’s By The Sea; and played with Annie’s new puppy.

Both kids became fast friends with Anna’s children and are still pen pals. The crossing to Marina Cay was occupied by learning to man the helm, plotting a course on a chart, and playing hide and seek on the Cat.

The Baths on Virgin Gorda was one of their favorite spots. Climbing through, up and around the boulders without adult supervision was a highlight of their sailing vacation.

I thought Tori and Kacey might appreciate the Bitter End, mainly because I figured they would need a fix at the outdoor big screen television. To the contrary, they wanted to leave because the resort was, “too fancy” and “not islandy enough.” (I think that meant they had to wear shoes and shorts to go into eat, rather than be in swimsuits and barefoot!)

They delighted in playing in the sand at the Beach Club of Cooper Island, chasing goats on Peter Island and swimming with the sea turtles in Great Harbour.

Days were spent snorkeling, swimming, jumping on the trampoline of the Cat, cannon-balling off the aft, telling pirate stories and making up pirate names for each of us. Playing boule and singing with the donkey at Dick’s Last Resort, searching for iguanas, and exploring various coves while learning to steer a dingy were also a great hit.

They learned how to raise a sail and participated in the daily chores of living aboard. Both kids were provided with disposable water cameras and Caribbean fish guides so they could identify what they saw while snorkeling. By nightfall, they were exhausted and often barely made it through dinner.

My second concern regarding sibling fighting was also a non-issue. We were pleasantly surprised to see how well Tori and Kacey got along. The only argument in seven days was a brief spat having something to do with “backwash” in a shared can of Ting.

Overall, the sailing vacation seemed to bring them closer together. My last concern regarding taking the children on a sailing vacation had to do with what would Tori and Kacey eat since their main diet was pizza and buttered noodles. Since this was my vacation too, other than breakfast, I did not cook aboard.

Fortunately, almost everywhere we went had BBQ chicken or ribs, which the kids ate. They tried and liked rice and beans, fried plantains, and a variety of new fruits like mangoes.

We were shocked because they even actually ate triggerfish sandwiches at Foxy’s. Tori did get her buttered noodles on Cooper Island, while Kacey unfortunately developed a taste for fresh Anegada lobster (sorry, Sis!).

Both kids slurped nightly virgin Pina Coladas or Daiquiris – better than any state side slurpee. They thought it was pretty cool to mix their own drink concoctions at Sidney’s Peace & Love. Neither child starved. With all the activity and fresh air, they had good appetites at meal time.

Tori and Kacey were very sorry to see their sailing vacation end. My husband and I have spent many vacations with them, but this was definitely the best. The “BVI” has become as much a normal part of their vocabulary as “pepperoni pizza” and “iPods.”

Recently, my nephew had to write a paper for his sixth grade language arts class about his idea of the most perfect vacation. He did not need to fantasize – he already knew. A sailing vacation on a 47’ Catamaran in the BVI, of course! Since then, we have had several more opportunities to take a BVI sailing vacation with the family.

Luckily for all of us, we are going back again this summer.

For yacht charters and more articles on Caribbean Sailing click here.

Written By Donna Wolfson
Photographs By Donna Wolfson

There is a reason cruisers refer to the British Virgin Islands as, “Nature’s Little Secrets.” The BVI chain contains a stunning variety of islands ranging from the coral atoll of Anegada with its endless white sand beaches to the main island of Tortola with its emerald green mountains. There are the spectacular boulders of Virgin Gorda and the friendly quaint village on Jost Van Dyke, along with the diversity and seclusion of the other islands and cays. Each island has its unique charm and attractions, offering the visitor on a sailing charter an infinite range of experiences, but an amazing world of color and flourishing life lies just below the surface of the turquoise waters surrounding these islands.

One of the easiest ways to explore this warm underwater paradise, with its outstanding visibility, healthy coral, vibrant reefs and abundant fish populations, is by snorkeling. What is most wonderful about snorkeling is that it is easy. There is no heavy gear; no need for special lessons and it is suitable for all ages- from school children to grandparents. Whether swimming from shore, slipping over the side of your dinghy, or simply jumping off the transom of your sailing charter, grab a mask, snorkel and a pair of fins and explore the underwater world of the BVI. If you do not bring your own equipment, many sailing charter bases can provide it to you for a nominal fee.

The British Virgin Islands are known as one of the best sailing and cruising areas in the world. They are also recognized as one of the top dive and snorkel destinations. With so many options, it is nearly impossible to explore the plethora of underwater sites in a typical 1 to 2 week sailing charter. Therefore, following are twelve of my favorite snorkeling spots. All are suitable for the entire family, from novice to experienced snorkeler. In order to protect the coral beds, each of these sites have mooring buoys available from either the National Parks Trust or Moor Seacure.

Leinster Bay

Although located on the north coast of St. John, USVI, this bay is an easy sail from Tortola, however, make sure to check in with Customs if you are coming from the BVI. This well protected, picturesque bay has Watermelon Cay on one end and the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins on the southwest corner. Land your dingy on the sandy beach, and after making sure it is well secured, snorkel along the shore and out toward Watermelon Cay. The grass flats right off shore are home to sea horses and a variety of hamlets. Follow the rocky shore towards the Cay. Schools of grunts, trunkfish, flounder and parrotfish call the reef home.

On one occasion, we came across a field of about 100 rusty orange sea stars. On another trip, we had the joy of snorkeling alongside sea turtles and rays, as well as coming face to face with a moray eel. The bay is very calm and thus perfect for the novice snorkeler on a sailing charter.

The Bight
The main anchorage on Norman Island is the Bight, an exceptionally well-sheltered anchorage popular with many sailing charterers. Excellent snorkeling exists on the reef at the eastern end of the harbor, just south of the beach. Tie up at the Pirates’ dinghy dock and walk a short distance down the beach just past the gift shop. The reef along the rocky outcrop is incredibly healthy and it extends several hundred yards. Floating peacefully over this garden of sea fans, sponges, parrotfish, wrasse, elk horn and brain corals is a delightful introduction to the BVI’s underwater community. We recently spend nearly 20 minutes hovering over a school of reef squid totally intrigued by their prehistoric appearance.

The Norman Island Caves
Norman Island is famed for its tales of buried treasure, but the caves off Treasure Point offer a different type of booty for snorkelers. A short ride from the Bight, you can tie up your dinghy to the line strung between two small round floats or you may also move your sailing charter and pick up a National Parks mooring during the day. Schools of friendly yellow tails, blue tangs and sergeant majors will follow you into the caves. Bring a flashlight to truly experience the Caves, which shimmer with a pastel coating of orange cup coral and red covering sponge.
Look hard – you may just find some of that buried pirate treasure!

“The Indians”
Considered a daytime stop only, the Indians, a series of tall jagged rocks off Norman Island, are well worth the effort of trying to find a mooring buoy. As part of the National Parks Trust, this area is protected and thus offers spectacular reef snorkeling.

Arrive early – this snorkeling spot is popular and cruisers tend to spend several hours exploring. Four cone-shaped rocks rise from a depth of 40 feet to about 30 feet above the surface. Three rocks stand together while the fourth is separated by a narrow channel. Near the bottom, a myriad of fish fill the narrow passages. Expect to see almost every variety of reef fish and crustacean, as well as schools of harmless jelly fish in the summer. Sea fans and corals of every hue dot the walls. When the sun’s rays spotlight the vibrant colors of this reef, you will know why this site is considered to be one of the best spots for snorkeling in the BVI. It is truly a spectacular site not to be missed on your sailing charter.

Buttonwood Bay Located on the western end of Great Harbour, Peter Island, this bay offers private seclusion as both an anchorage and snorkeling spot. A shallow coral reef begins about 20 yards offshore, beginning in 8 feet of water, slopes gently to approximately 18 feet, and then drops vertically to a depth of 40 feet. There is a marvelous array of small marine life. In fact, swimming through literally thousands of small fish felt somewhat like a sci-fi experience. What is particularly special about this site is the large variety of coral and huge, deep purple sea fans.

The Wreck of the RMS Rhone
Before she was sunk off Salt Island during an 1867 hurricane, the Rhone had been the pride of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. During the storm, she hit Black Rock, broke in two, and promptly sunk. Today, she sits in three well preserved sections on a sandy bottom and her steel wreckage has become home to many species of fish and is gilded with colorful sponges and flourishing corals. The Rhone is now a marine park that is part of the BVI National Parks Trust.

Although preferred as a dive site, snorkelers can still enjoy this spot since much of her decking, rigging, steam engine and propeller are still visible in the section closest to shore. The Rhone is perhaps the most impressive shipwreck in the entire Caribbean.

Manchioneel Bay
Located on the northwest shore of Cooper Island, this anchorage is home of the Cooper Island Beach Club. There is a good sandy beach fringed with palm trees with views of many of the islands to the west. Using the dinghy dock, snorkel along the shoreline heading southwest, just past the guest cottages. This shallow, u-shaped reef has plenty of fish action because of the swiftly flowing currents in the nearby channel between Cooper and Salt Islands and the close proximity to the open sea. You will see large schools of blue tang, clownfish, blueheads, butterfly fish and snapper, several varieties of parrot fish and grunts, and an occasional octopus. Along the sandy bottom, closer to the beach, expect to see sea stars, sea horses, and rays.

Cistern Point
For some excellent snorkeling, take your dingy to the south of Manchioneel Bay to Cistern Point – a large rock rising above the surface. You can tie your dinghy to the line attached to two buoys and snorkel around the rock. The reef is home to hordes of reef fish, crabs, a nurse shark or two, large barracuda, and according to my husband, the largest spiny lobster he has ever seen.

Alice’s Backside
Although Ginger Island is uninhabited and no overnight anchorage is allowed, Alice’s Backside is a good snorkel stop on your way to either Cooper Island or Virgin Gorda. Located on the northwestern tip of Ginger Island, there are only two mooring buoys and they are often occupied by commercial dive operators. If you can find an open buoy, it is worth the stop on your sailing charter. What makes this site unique is that it is a huge sand patch dotted with enormous brain coral and mushroom coral heads. Although our group did not see a lot of fish life other than an occasional ray, the size and beauty of the coral is nonetheless spectacular.

The Baths
When planning a sailing charter around the BVI, it is essential to include the Baths, a spectacular boulder formation on Virgin Gorda’s northwest shore. An extraordinary natural landscape awaits – grottoes created by huge boulders that were scattered by ancient volcanic activity. The sea washes between the huge granite rocks, creating large pools of water that are dramatically lit by shafts of light. A fabulous trail between and over the boulders leads between The Baths and Devil’s Bay – the white sandy beach adjacent to The Baths.
Although the trail is really fun, especially for kids, snorkeling is also good. A myriad of tropical fish live amongst the tunnels and crevices formed be these enormous granite boulders as they meet the sea. For an ambitious adventure, snorkel from Devil’s Bay along the rocks all the way to The Baths. National Park moorings are the only mode of securing your vessel in order to protect the coral. In addition, dinghies cannot be left on the beach. Thus, in order to experience this snorkeling spot, someone will have to drop everyone ashore or you will have to swim ashore from your boat. Either way, prepare to be awe-struck at this marvel of nature!

Great Dog

The Dogs make a good stopping off point for cruisers on their way from North Sound to Jost Van Dyke. The snorkeling is excellent and one of the more common anchorages is on the south side of Great Dog. This area is also part of the National park Mooring System. The reef runs parallel to the island going east-west for approximately 100 yards and drops from 10 feet down to 60 feet. Its rock ledges, overhangs, and cathedral-shaped tunnels and grottoes are home to crabs, lobsters, beautiful fan corals and hordes of reef fish.
Snorkelers will be delighted with the kaleidoscope of colors created by encrusting corals and sponges.

Monkey Point
At the southern tip of Guana Island is a beautiful rocky outcrop known as Monkey Point. After hooking a National Park mooring buoy, your vessel will be surrounded by hordes of bluestriped grunt and yellowtail snapper. As you snorkel towards shore, friendly yellow jacks are very curious and appear to adopt you as part of their school. What is most special about this snorkeling spot is the several sea turtles that make this day anchorage home. It is truly indescribable to gently swim behind one of these creatures as they glide ever so peacefully through the water.

Visitors come to the BVI to enjoy the magnificence of the area’s natural resources – the steady, warm trade winds, glorious sunshine, sandy white beaches, and clear turquoise waters. There is also much to explore with just a snorkel, mask and a pair of fins. A marine park system and mooring buoying program administered by the National Parks Trust is dedicated to the preservation of reefs and marine life. The result is vibrant reefs and abundant fish populations. Accessing this extraordinary undersea world is easy. Contact Melody or Gail at www.visailing.com to arrange your sailing charter and experience “Nature’s Little Secrets” for yourself.

Written By Donna Wolfson
Photographs By Donna Wolfson

We made it!! We arrived in Bermuda just before midnight on Saturday night, and under a beautiful clear sky with the help of a bright moon, we guided ‘Sophisticated Lady’ safely through the Town Cut into St George’s Harbor in Bermuda. Our sails held up great with the repairs we had improvised at sea… even the new mainsail clew! The wind had all but died so we ended up motorsailing the last 100 miles or so… once Ashley smelled shore, it was time to go!! It was a perfectly calm night as we made our approach to Bermuda… at about 10 miles out we contacted Bermuda Radio and they were most helpful in assisting us with identifying the navigation aids and making a smooth and safe passage into the harbor in the dark. Once inside we were asked to go into the Powder Hole anchorage, which is the quarantine anchorage where arriving yachts stay until customs opens the next day to clear them in.

We all celebrated with a drink and some zucchini cake as we gazed out at the lights of Georgetown, Bermuda. It was a beautiful sight after only open water for so long. The anchorage was very calm and quiet and we all quickly crawled into our beds. Early next morning we were awakened to a knocking on our hull telling us the customs office was now open. Off we went to check in. Ashley unfortunately was put into boat quarantine until the vet can check her out. She is most unhappy because she has been smelling land for 100 miles and now she can see it and she can’t go ashore. It’s pure torture for her and I feel so bad for her.

After check in we ran into our next crew member Gary, he had been here for a couple days waiting for us to arrive. We all (except poor Ashley) headed to shore for a much deserved breakfast. It feels so good to step onto land and take a walk! We found a little place right down town in the old village square where we had an expensive but yummy breakfast. Bermuda is very beautiful but rather expensive. The downtown area of St George is very quaint with an old fashioned big open town square right in the center. There are scooters everywhere and tiny cars, in models we have never seen before, zipping down the narrow curving streets.

We took a short walk around town to take some pictures and could not stop commenting on how pristine and beautiful Bermuda is. Everything is bright, well kept and beautiful to look at. All the cars seem new and every house has a well tended garden busting with colors and incredible blossoms. As you walk down the street the fragrance from all the flowers wafts down the street and the colors flow all around you and your senses are alive with wonderful delights.

Every house is a different bright pastel color and seem to be almost carved out of clay. They all have perfectly white roofs and rounded edges and it gives them the appearance of delicious wedding cakes decorated with brilliant flowers. Nothing seems out of place or imperfect in Bermuda and it feels like you landed in some idyllic paradise of beautiful yummy houses tucked amongst perfect tropical gardens overlooking the sparkling aqua blue ocean. Every so often a bright and shiny scooter zips by and disappears just as fast. All sorts of tropical birds sing and lend their own touches of sunny yellows and perfect reds to the landscape. You can’t help but feel very happy and content as you walk the streets of Bermuda. Of all the islands we have seen, this one is by far the most gorgeous. It really feels like the perfect reward for all those days at sea!!

We decided to hop on a bus and take a quick tour of the island. It is about 14 miles long and has a bunch of different parishes as you travel along. It was incredible to sit at the back of the bus and stare out the huge windows at the wonderful villages and rainbow of homes as they flowed by. Every corner revealed a more beautiful home or coastline and I couldn’t stop exclaiming with delight at each new sight.

It was a great way to see the island and we ended up in Hamilton, the city of the island. Even this was pretty, shiny and lovely to walk through. This island really has the best of both worlds, you could live on the quiet lush island side and still hop over to a cool and modern city when the urge came up.

When our stomachs started to complain we popped into a traditional English pub called The Hog Penny for a bite. It felt like we stepped back in time and space and suddenly we were in rainy, damp England. The guys had ales and we ordered a typical English fare of Sheppard pie and chicken pot pies. The food was hot, delicious and very filling. We hopped back on the bus with happy hearts, tired feet and full tummies.

Up until this morning it looked like our weather window for our departure was going to be Tuesday morning, which sucked because it gave us no time on land, no time to properly provision, do laundry and get the webbing on our sails replaced. Now it appears that the weather pattern has shifted and we will likely leave Wednesday. That makes us all happier and allows us to relax a little on land and get ourselves and the boat recharged. This last picture was taken yesterday from the top of the mast by John. He gamely volunteered to be hoisted up 65 feet in the air to fix and fluff a few things! Look at that water color!!! All in all I love Bermuda and could spend great amounts of time here happily. But NY is calling!

Cheers,
Terri (& Rick)
‘Sophisticated Lady’