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Frequently Asked Questions

- I have no sailing experience to speak of. Is this o.k. ?
Absolutely ! Your captain can handle all sailing and boat work. You are free to relax the entire day or take the wheel, hoist sails and learn a little about sailing. Your captain is glad to show you more. ASA certified sailing courses are also available.

- How rough will the seas be ? I tend to get a little queasy on boats.
Most of your sailing will be in and around the Sir Frances Drake Channel. Surrounded by the nearly 60 islands and cays of the BVI, swells in the channel average a calm 2-3ft. In addition, catamarans provide very stable platforms for smooth sailing. Numerous protected bays provide calm, flat water while at anchor. For those that do tend to get a little "queasy", it does not hurt to use one of the more common motion sickness remedies at the beginning of your charter until your body acclimates.

- What do we do everyday ? How often can I snorkel ? Is there a daily schedule ?
No schedules ! A typical day begins when you wish. Usually we set sail for our next destination mid-morning. Average sails are 2-3 hours. The balance of the day is spent at anchor in a nice bay where you can stroll the beach, snorkel, try the windsurfer, or just hangout. No "be back to the ship by 5" here. The captain will get together with you at the beginning of your visit, see what particular interests you have, and develop a loose itinerary so you may get a good taste of the BVI. This "tentative" itinerary may change as you like and weather permitting.

- Does everyone in our group have to do the same things at the same time ?
No ! Once we are at anchor you may choose to join others or do your own thing at any time. There is a tremendous amount of space onboard your yacht. For instance, the Bahia 43’ is nearly 23 ft. wide ! Lay-out up front on the "nets" and read while others enjoy some music back in the cockpit. No problem. Feel like snorkeling ? Most anchorages have great snorkeling right off of the yacht. Whenever you like.

- How big is the kitchen ? Is there enough room to store food and cook onboard ?
The kitchen or "galley" is well equipped. Gas oven and 3 burner stove, as well as on-deck grill provide plenty of cooking capability. Large refrigerator and freezer keep things cold . Simple breakfasts usually consist of fruits, cereals, toast, and the occasional banana pancakes. Cold cuts, salads, and grilled items are typcal lunch fare. Most charterers alternate dinners onboard and ashore. Onboard, grilling tends to be the most popular option. Beef, chicken, and fish are available at the groceries. Local restaurants offer anything from Caribbean style barbeques to European influenced fine dining. Some guests prefer to have dinner ashore every evening.


- What about nightlife ? Is there anything to do ?
If you are looking for casinos and fancy clubs the BVI is not the place to visit. If you would like to enjoy some local music at a beach bar, dressed in your shorts and barefoot, this is the place. Some prefer to relax onboard and enjoy the company and beautiful star filled Caribbean skies. The choice is yours.

- Where do I fly into ?
It is best to fly into Beef Island Airport (EIS) on Tortola via San Juan, Puerto Rico. A taxi ride of 20-30 minutes will get you to the marina. An alternate way is to fly into St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, take a short 10-minute taxi ride to the waterfront, and enjoy a 1 hour ferry ride to Road Town, Tortola. (Please note: the last scheduled ferries depart at approximately 4:30pm daily. Call for current schedules and fares).

- Do I need a passport ?
Passports are recommended. However, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter with a valid picture I.D. and original or certified copy of their birth certificate.