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trip report #136567
07/24/2017 03:53 PM
07/24/2017 03:53 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
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mg3355 Offline OP
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The boat: Our crew of 6 adults and 4 kids used Horizon for the 3rd time. We have had nothing but excellent service with them. If we have a problem with the boat, they come fix it. Simple. This time we were on the new Nautitech Fly 46. The boat handled very well. We went out to fish the drop one day on our way from Norman to Cooper and had 25-30 knots of wind and about 5’ seas. No problem. Loved the flybridge, where most of the crew could sit while sailing. However, I was surprised at the number of minor issues on the boat, given it is only 8 months old. The door frame between the salon and cockpit was coming apart and was very poorly constructed. Considering the use this door will see, it seems like they should have put a little more into it. I later looked at a leopard 46 and noticed how well the door was constructed. There were several other minor issues. Nothing huge, but again, considering the age, if I were the boat owner, I wouldn’t be happy. I pointed all of the issues out and I’m sure Horizon will address them.

The trip: We got in around 8pm and did a sleepaboard. Riteway delivered groceries the next morning 15 minutes early. Island surf and sail was right on time with the SUP’s. We finished all the paperwork and were off the dock around 11. We did the usual counter clockwise tour. Norman, Cooper, VG, Marina Cay, JVD. Everything was awesome as usual. Stopped at the Kodiak Queen and dove. That was amazing. After JVD, we headed to St. John for the first time. Really enjoyed St. John. Started at Cinnamon Bay, sailed to the south side (lamshur bay) the next day, and then back up to Maho Bay the day after that. I’d stick to the north side of the island next time. Everyone agreed we’d like to go back to St. John and stick to the cinnamon/francis/maho area. Overall, it was a great trip and we will be back!

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Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136568
07/24/2017 03:56 PM
07/24/2017 03:56 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
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mg3355 Offline OP
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mg3355  Offline OP
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Oh yeah, we used intercaribbean to and from San Juan. The first flight left early and the return flight left right on time. No complaints about them whatsoever...

Last edited by mg3355; 07/24/2017 03:57 PM.
Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136569
07/25/2017 02:12 PM
07/25/2017 02:12 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
Texas
purplelily Offline
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purplelily  Offline
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Texas
I'm curious about how your check out and back in went with customs (time wasted, provisions, paperwork, hassle, etc).

I love, love, love Maho, and if I could combine that with a BVI charter easily - well, dreams are made of this.

Re: trip report [Re: purplelily] #136570
07/25/2017 02:35 PM
07/25/2017 02:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
Quote
purplelily said:
I'm curious about how your check out and back in went with customs (time wasted, provisions, paperwork, hassle, etc).



I love, love, love Maho, and if I could combine that with a BVI charter easily - well, dreams are made of this.

We make that dream come true every week multiple times at CYOA. :-)

Charter from St Thomas. Easier,cheaper and better flight options. No ferry rides and better less expensive provisioning options.

You also have the added bonus now of not paying the cruising fees while in the USVI. Basically the more days that you spend in St John and St Thomas the less expensive the trip gets.

The customs are simple. We provide the forms with a filled out example in the boats documentation. You do not have to clear out of the USVI while going into the BVI's. Spend the first few days around St John. When your ready to go to the BVI's bounce over to Jost or West End and clear in. On your return come back to St John and clear back in at Cruz bay.

Jay

Re: trip report [Re: purplelily] #136571
07/25/2017 04:00 PM
07/25/2017 04:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
M
mg3355 Offline OP
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mg3355  Offline OP
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The clearing in and out was really no big deal. We had already done our counter-clockwise trip around the BVI and were in Great Harbor JVD anyway. I just dinghied up to the customs building, filled out a form, and left. At Cruz bay, we anchored in a 3-hour anchorage and then dinghied to the customs building. I later saw a boat pull right up to the customs dock. It can be done, but there are many ferries coming in and out. The anchorage at Cruz bay was small and there were already 2 boats in it. Although I anchor my catalina 30 every weekend, this was our first time anchoring a big cat. We had to reset the anchor several times before we were comfortable with it. We dragged a little the first couple of times. Again, we went into the customs building, filled out a couple of forms, and were on our way. The Customs officer was very rude, not much you can do about that...clearing in at west end took about 5 minutes. I would seriously consider Captain Jay's suggestion next time, as we all felt like we could use more time on St. John. We are more into diving, snorkeling, beaches than we are bars, so we found it pretty awesome.

Re: trip report [Re: CaptainJay] #136572
07/25/2017 04:02 PM
07/25/2017 04:02 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
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mg3355 Offline OP
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mg3355  Offline OP
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Captain Jay, how long does it take to get from your base to say maho or cinnamon?

Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136573
07/25/2017 04:13 PM
07/25/2017 04:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Saint Thomas, USVI
Quote
mg3355 said:
Captain Jay, how long does it take to get from your base to say maho or cinnamon?


Maho is two to three hours depending on which boat.

We also have a lot of cats with water makers and ice makers that work out well in the National Park with limited shore side resources.

Jay

Last edited by CaptainJay; 07/25/2017 04:15 PM.
Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136574
07/25/2017 04:17 PM
07/25/2017 04:17 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
Twanger Offline
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Maryland
Quote
mg3355 said:
Captain Jay, how long does it take to get from your base to say maho or cinnamon?


We charter from CYOA almost every year and we typically motor/sail from Frenchtown to Francis Bay (2-3 hrs) the first day, and then sail to Jost (1 hr) to clear into the BVI the next morning.

Easy-peasy lemon squeezy. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Re: trip report [Re: Twanger] #136575
07/25/2017 04:41 PM
07/25/2017 04:41 PM
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 64
Toronto, ON
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Bgs Offline
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Toronto, ON
In terms of overnight anchorage, How are cinnamon, Francis and Maho in December, January winds?

Re: trip report [Re: Bgs] #136576
07/25/2017 04:54 PM
07/25/2017 04:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Saint Thomas, USVI
Maho and Francis are two of the best overnight anchorages in the Caribbean. Cinnamon is a day stop in anything but the calmest of conditions. It is too exposed. Leinster Bay is also very nice. Hawksnest is great as long as there is no swell running. Then you head on around to Salt Pond, and the Lamesure Bays on the south. All in the park with $26 moorings. The south side is some of the best stargazing you will ever see short of being offshore. There is virtually no artificial light on that side of the island.


Jay

Last edited by CaptainJay; 07/25/2017 04:55 PM.
Re: trip report [Re: CaptainJay] #136577
07/25/2017 10:22 PM
07/25/2017 10:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
M
mg3355 Offline OP
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We stayed at cinnamon one night and it was in fact pretty rolly! Also lamshur was VERY dark! We were the only boat there and there is nothing nearby...a st. Thomas start on a boat with a watermaker and ice maker sounds pretty darn intriguing... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136578
07/26/2017 07:49 AM
07/26/2017 07:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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Saint Thomas, USVI
Quote
mg3355 said:
We stayed at cinnamon one night and it was in fact pretty rolly! Also lamshur was VERY dark! We were the only boat there and there is nothing nearby...a st. Thomas start on a boat with a watermaker and ice maker sounds pretty darn intriguing... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Here is one of the five Helia 44's that we have. Four of them have water makers. All of them have ice makers.

Big Papa Lulu

Re: trip report [Re: CaptainJay] #136579
07/26/2017 09:55 AM
07/26/2017 09:55 AM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
M
mg3355 Offline OP
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mg3355  Offline OP
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we chartered one of these 2 years ago from Horizon and liked it...

Quote
CaptainJay said:

We stayed at cinnamon one night and it was in fact pretty rolly! Also lamshur was VERY dark! We were the only boat there and there is nothing nearby...a st. Thomas start on a boat with a watermaker and ice maker sounds pretty darn intriguing... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Here is one of the five Helia 44's that we have. Four of them have water makers. All of them have ice makers.

Big Papa Lulu [/quote]

Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136580
07/26/2017 01:26 PM
07/26/2017 01:26 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Saint Thomas, USVI
We also have two Saba 50's and the first 47 Saono going in charter. It will be on display at Annapolis then come to St Thomas in the fall.

Re: trip report [Re: CaptainJay] #136581
07/26/2017 01:35 PM
07/26/2017 01:35 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
M
mg3355 Offline OP
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Quote
CaptainJay said:
We also have two Saba 50's and the first 47 Saono going in charter. It will be on display at Annapolis then come to St Thomas in the fall.


Saono 47 looks awesome. If you get the 5 cabin version, I'm in!

Re: trip report [Re: mg3355] #136582
07/26/2017 03:39 PM
07/26/2017 03:39 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 240
Texas
purplelily Offline
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Texas
Forgive my ignorance on this topic, (I only have so much time to waste at work!) but wasn't there a big hullabuloo recently about having provisions on board that were crossing borders?

Is anchoring the only way to clear in at Cruz Bay (forget docking near a ferry!)? No short term mooring balls?

Thank you Captain Jay for the suggestion. I'll look into CYOA again. As I recall, we've skipped that option in the past to avoid the half day check out procedure. I'm thinking now we might make up that time by avoiding the ferries. Not interested in hanging around STT long.

Also on that note, I think that's the other thing with a STT start - you'd have to spend 1 night in the marina there on each end.

Re: trip report [Re: purplelily] #136583
07/26/2017 03:56 PM
07/26/2017 03:56 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
rhans Offline
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rhans  Offline
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Michigan
"we've skipped that option in the past to avoid the half day check out procedure"

Where did that come from? They are undeniably complete but if you are experienced then a couple hours for the chart, boat and checkout is all that's necessary. All in all they are very good at what they do.

Re: trip report [Re: purplelily] #136584
07/26/2017 04:54 PM
07/26/2017 04:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
Quote
purplelily said:
Forgive my ignorance on this topic, (I only have so much time to waste at work!) but wasn't there a big hullabuloo recently about having provisions on board that were crossing borders?

Is anchoring the only way to clear in at Cruz Bay (forget docking near a ferry!)? No short term mooring balls?

Thank you Captain Jay for the suggestion. I'll look into CYOA again. As I recall, we've skipped that option in the past to avoid the half day check out procedure. I'm thinking now we might make up that time by avoiding the ferries. Not interested in hanging around STT long.

Also on that note, I think that's the other thing with a STT start - you'd have to spend 1 night in the marina there on each end.


Our briefing while thorough is by no means a half day. Typically two to three hours depending on the client and the complexity of the boat. Yes we are one of the most thorough in the industry but half a day would be an instructional skipper or refresher not a briefing.

The simplest way to clear customs in Cruz Bay is to take a mooring at Lind Point and dinghy in.

As for the night in a Marina on either end I am not sure where that comes from. Most guests do a sleep aboard the first night. We offer that at 50% of the daily rate. Typically unless your on a red eye from the West Coast you will arrive in the afternoon. The lions share of flights arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. You show up do your provisions get comfortable do dinner in one of the half dozen or so restaurants in Frenchtown and start your briefing at 9:00 AM the next day. You should be off the dock and under way between 11:00 and 12:00.

On your return the only reason to stay on the dock the last night would be if your on the one early morning American flight back to Miami. Otherwise there are a bunch of options to stay close enough to return and be off the boat by noon.

St John, Christmas Cove, Water Island, Lindbergh Bay, Brewers Bay. All of these are very suitable anchorages for the last night.

There is no customs issue with food on board for consumption while in BVI waters.

Jay

Last edited by CaptainJay; 07/26/2017 04:55 PM.
Re: trip report [Re: CaptainJay] #136585
07/26/2017 07:26 PM
07/26/2017 07:26 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
rhans Offline
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rhans  Offline
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Michigan
Quote
CaptainJay said:
Quote
purplelily said:
Forgive my ignorance on this topic, (I only have so much time to waste at work!) but wasn't there a big hullabuloo recently about having provisions on board that were crossing borders?

Is anchoring the only way to clear in at Cruz Bay (forget docking near a ferry!)? No short term mooring balls?

Thank you Captain Jay for the suggestion. I'll look into CYOA again. As I recall, we've skipped that option in the past to avoid the half day check out procedure. I'm thinking now we might make up that time by avoiding the ferries. Not interested in hanging around STT long.

Also on that note, I think that's the other thing with a STT start - you'd have to spend 1 night in the marina there on each end.


Our briefing while thorough is by no means a half day. Typically two to three hours depending on the client and the complexity of the boat. Yes we are one of the most thorough in the industry but half a day would be an instructional skipper or refresher not a briefing.

The simplest way to clear customs in Cruz Bay is to take a mooring at Lind Point and dinghy in.

As for the night in a Marina on either end I am not sure where that comes from. Most guests do a sleep aboard the first night. We offer that at 50% of the daily rate. Typically unless your on a red eye from the West Coast you will arrive in the afternoon. The lions share of flights arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. You show up do your provisions get comfortable do dinner in one of the half dozen or so restaurants in Frenchtown and start your briefing at 9:00 AM the next day. You should be off the dock and under way between 11:00 and 12:00.

On your return the only reason to stay on the dock the last night would be if your on the one early morning American flight back to Miami. Otherwise there are a bunch of options to stay close enough to return and be off the boat by noon.

St John, Christmas Cove, Water Island, Lindbergh Bay, Brewers Bay. All of these are very suitable anchorages for the last night.

There is no customs issue with food on board for consumption while in BVI waters.

Jay


Yep to all the above by Jay. Class act.


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