That's so nice, and a little melancholy, that you will be honoring your dad with a trip to the BVI.

Times are very different now, compared to the old days. There are so MANY choices available! With whatever charter company you choose, by all means talk to them about your concerns....directly at the base, not the toll-free number.

Having been a charter boat captain (both bareboat and crewed) a hundred years ago, if someone said to me that I should disappear during private family times, I'd be jumping for joy, and you wouldn't see me again until sunrise.

Most often it was the opposite...we couldn't get rid of our charter guests, who now considered themselves part of our 'crew'!

Speaking for myself...I skippered for the money. I did my best to be engaging and charming because that was expected of me. But if you told me that I could putter this boat around the BVI and not have to suck up to the guests....I've just won the lottery!

Don't worry. Just be upfront. You're gonna have a great time!