Wow Agrim, perhaps a lil decaf would be in order, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />...or a little more tolerance with those with different opinions and experience. . While quoting and blasting my take, you didn't quote the most important parts..."I don't have a dog in this fight" ..I am not pushing a charter company. And you didn't quote my "for what it's worth" disclaimer on the new sailor looking to charter's question. I don't care whether they charter in the BVI, the USVI, The Bahamas or Mediterranean and certainly don't care what company they use. I simply gave my thoughts and free advice based on spending months a year for over 15 years on land and sea in the US and BVI. I No longer own a charter boat, don't any longer charter, use a private boat.

Given his situation green skipper, green crew I'd go with a BVI charter.

I always like to hear differing opinions when I ask questions on a travel site. That way I can weigh the responses as pertains to my own situation. Never read reviews on a vendors site, simply because I want to hear what others think.

As to size of vessel, since this person and his crew are new and will be taking Asa courses..if they want a larger platform for their first charter, consider an instructional skipper for a day or two. It will make the transition much less stressful and continue your sailing education. In addition you will learn more about that vessel than any boat briefing. You will learn a lot about the area as well. Our best friend in the islands which we meet up with a few times a year was our instructional skipper many years ago.

Anyway I'll try to get caffeinated so I can get passionate about a differing opinion. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />