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Cheap Chartering #217693
02/14/2020 03:52 PM
02/14/2020 03:52 PM
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 45
Tennessee
RebeccaTN Offline OP
Traveler
RebeccaTN  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 45
Tennessee
Good afternoon. My husband and I just finished ASA sailing certifications and we can't wait to get back. I'm looking for tips from this community about how to charter for less. I've checked with several of the charter companies and rates seem to be similar for similar sized vessels. Just wondering if there's a cheaper alternative. TIA!

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Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217697
02/14/2020 04:06 PM
02/14/2020 04:06 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
In the words of the great William "Smokey" Robinson.."You'd better shop around". There are so many companies out there now..large and small in the BVI's and USVI's ( Shout out to Capt Jay) that a few e mails and phone calls may well get you a decent deal.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217701
02/14/2020 05:09 PM
02/14/2020 05:09 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
I don't have first hand experience but many folks on this board speak well of Captains Compass. Older well maintained boats. I think they are a sponsor.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217719
02/14/2020 08:12 PM
02/14/2020 08:12 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
agrimsrud Offline
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agrimsrud  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
Originally Posted by RebeccaTN
Good afternoon. My husband and I just finished ASA sailing certifications and we can't wait to get back. I'm looking for tips from this community about how to charter for less. I've checked with several of the charter companies and rates seem to be similar for similar sized vessels. Just wondering if there's a cheaper alternative. TIA!


You usually get what you pay for.
I would suggest instead of trying to find the boat where you need to bring your own tool box that you instead look at chartering in low season and charter a smaller boat or find someone to split the charter costs with. The costs in low season ore substantially less expensive plus if you are somewhat new to the charter/sailing fun the, conditions in terms of wind/wave plus crowds are better suited to someone with less experience.


Life's short - sail more!
Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217724
02/14/2020 09:20 PM
02/14/2020 09:20 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,212
JAX
jphart Offline
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jphart  Offline
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,212
JAX
Thread title= Oxymoron?


JPH
I spent my money on booze, broads, and boats...the rest I wasted.
Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217726
02/14/2020 09:23 PM
02/14/2020 09:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
DanS Offline
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DanS  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
My perception is that it has gotten harder to find low cost charters. We chartered a couple of times from North South, which is gone. Their boats were not in great condition, but we had a blast anyway and appreciated the savings. Then we used Footloose several times. They're still around, but only have cats, not the lower-cost monohulls we used to charter. Captains Compass lost their monohulls in hurricane Irma.

Given the ongoing struggles to recover from Irma, I'm ok with paying a bit more to help the BVI economy. But it just seems like chartering is heading in a more luxury-oriented direction.

By the way, our last charter (pre-Irma -- it's been too long) was with TMM. It was our most expensive charter to date, but I must say it was a beautiful boat in great shape. They're now down to just one monohull.

Dan cheers

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217728
02/14/2020 10:49 PM
02/14/2020 10:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 45
Tennessee
RebeccaTN Offline OP
Traveler
RebeccaTN  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 45
Tennessee
Really appreciate all the input. I don’t mind an older boat as long as it’s in good repair. The catamaran we were on for our ASA certifications had all kinds of problems so we got some unexpected lessons in boat repair smile.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #217739
02/15/2020 07:45 AM
02/15/2020 07:45 AM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 168
The Beautiful BVI
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Brent Offline
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Brent  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 168
The Beautiful BVI
Ahoy Captain, Sorry, not cheap, but a Great Value with ' thecaptainscompass.com ' with the Leopard 43/42 with 4Bed and 4Baths for 10 Nights this Spring and Summer for $3850.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218109
02/19/2020 01:04 PM
02/19/2020 01:04 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
R
Rhindley Offline
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Rhindley  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
I have used Captains Compass...older boats - yes...bring your own toolbox - no. Everything worked as it was supposed to,

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218112
02/19/2020 01:17 PM
02/19/2020 01:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 54
London, England
S
sunman60 Offline
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sunman60  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 54
London, England
if you can do things last minute 'latesail.com' are quite good with offers, you're better to call them than rely on their website imo.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218115
02/19/2020 01:47 PM
02/19/2020 01:47 PM
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 155
Southeast of Disorder
Time Will Tell Offline
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Time Will Tell  Offline
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 155
Southeast of Disorder
Some of us work directly with charterers to give them good deals compared to many of the companies. I wouldn't necessarily call them cheap charters - like agrimsrud said, often you get what you pay for.

Also, sign up for the email lists from individual boats, since I know I send out occasional deals. Also worthwhile to email or message an owner with your dates, and ask what sort of deal you can get - or make an offer! Especially true for last minute trips. Like Manpot said, you're going to end up shopping around a bit, but its fun, and I think, worth it!

Feel free to check out my site (www.syTimeWillTell.com) and send me a message!


-Peter


Peter
s/y Time Will Tell (2019 Lagoon 42)
peter@syTimeWillTell.com

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218969
02/27/2020 12:40 PM
02/27/2020 12:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 18
P
PermaVacation Offline
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PermaVacation  Offline
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P
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 18
Try ownertimecharters.com. Personalized service, large fleet, discounted pricing.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218971
02/27/2020 12:54 PM
02/27/2020 12:54 PM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 46
Annapolis, Md
B
bviicatter Offline
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bviicatter  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 46
Annapolis, Md
Hi, on our recent charter BVIs 1-25 to 2/1/2020- we noticed that they are stacking the boats at Sunsail/Moorings three deep in the slips- and at the same time- every mooring ball is taken by 1:00pm at popular anchorages.

There appears to be a glut of supply of charter yachts. If the long time laws of economics apply, I would expect that charter yacht prices should decline.

I have been receiving e-mails from some companies- I think I got one today from Conch- announcing 20% off sales and the like.

Time will tell!

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218975
02/27/2020 01:34 PM
02/27/2020 01:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 45
Tennessee
RebeccaTN Offline OP
Traveler
RebeccaTN  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 45
Tennessee
Thanks for all the replies. Maybe "cheap" wasn't the best choice of words, but cheap is relative smile. Just trying to find the most cost effective way to go so we can go as often as possible. We've been visiting St John regularly since 1998, but we're new to sailing and to this forum. Appreciate all the input. Everyone on this board seems incredibly helpful.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218990
02/27/2020 03:24 PM
02/27/2020 03:24 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
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GeorgeC1  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
Make sure in any type of agreement your name is on the charter contract. I would also confirm it’s acceptable to the charter company for the owner to sell time.
G

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #218995
02/27/2020 03:46 PM
02/27/2020 03:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
cwoody Offline
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cwoody  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
I was offered a discount when I talked directly to the owner of this cat.

Knot On Call

Think These folks used to be a TTOL sponsor.


Chuck W.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: RebeccaTN] #219033
02/27/2020 09:31 PM
02/27/2020 09:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 74
NY
Thistle Offline
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Thistle  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 74
NY
Start in St. Thomas and avoid the cost and time to take the ferry to the BVI. I've used CYOA in Frenchtown Marina twice and been very pleased with the quality of the operation, boats and service. They won't be a budget charter company since most of their catamarans are new and all have water makers, ice makers, etc. Once you factor in not having to take the ferry, they are likely comparable to any of the quality companies in the BVI.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: bviicatter] #219047
02/28/2020 07:07 AM
02/28/2020 07:07 AM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 54
London, England
S
sunman60 Offline
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sunman60  Offline
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S
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 54
London, England
Originally Posted by bviicatter
Hi, on our recent charter BVIs 1-25 to 2/1/2020- we noticed that they are stacking the boats at Sunsail/Moorings three deep in the slips- and at the same time- every mooring ball is taken by 1:00pm at popular anchorages.

There appears to be a glut of supply of charter yachts. If the long time laws of economics apply, I would expect that charter yacht prices should decline.

I have been receiving e-mails from some companies- I think I got one today from Conch- announcing 20% off sales and the like.

Time will tell!


so I think Sunsail/ Moorings have 250+ boats on base, and they all go out at Christmas/ New Year & other busy times, heaven knows what the traffic/ mooring issues are at busy times but it means there's a lot of boats on base at quieter times; in theory the lower prices in low seasons attract business but not enough to mop up the slack.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: Thistle] #219067
02/28/2020 11:09 AM
02/28/2020 11:09 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
cwoody Offline
Traveler
cwoody  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 962
Middleburg, VA
Originally Posted by Thistle
Start in St. Thomas and avoid the cost and time to take the ferry to the BVI.


Done the US to BVI to US sail twice.

Yes on time but maybe not so much on cost. Cost us $450 in 2017 and $1000 in 2019 to clear customs from US into BVI last May. Seven days sailing BVI, 44' cat with seven total crew.

Going back to do the Ferry thing in June. Hoping for a smooth ferry transition. thinks


Chuck W.

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: sunman60] #219069
02/28/2020 11:19 AM
02/28/2020 11:19 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
Traveler
GeorgeC1  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
The Moorings bookings were very strong. Keep in mind the dock can only hold a small portion of the fleet. It’s basically always going to be full with boats being turned even with bookings near 100%.
Having said that I suspect it will all be changing in the next month. Charter companies may be going into survival mode again.
G

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: GeorgeC1] #219076
02/28/2020 11:54 AM
02/28/2020 11:54 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
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Deepcut  Offline
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D
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
Originally Posted by GeorgeC1
.
Having said that I suspect it will all be changing in the next month. Charter companies may be going into survival mode again.
G


George, Not quite sure why you think charter companies will be going into "survival mode" next month?


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: Deepcut] #219084
02/28/2020 12:25 PM
02/28/2020 12:25 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht Offline
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JasonHelmbrecht  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Originally Posted by Deepcut
Originally Posted by GeorgeC1
.
Having said that I suspect it will all be changing in the next month. Charter companies may be going into survival mode again.
G


George, Not quite sure why you think charter companies will be going into "survival mode" next month?


Airlines are already offering cancellation waivers. I expect to see cancellation requests soon. I'm sure that's why...

Last edited by JasonHelmbrecht; 02/28/2020 12:25 PM.

JasonHelmbrecht
Coconut Breeze Villas
Cane Garden Bay
reservations@coconutbreezevillas.com
www.coconutbreezevillas.com
Re: Cheap Chartering [Re: Deepcut] #219100
02/28/2020 04:26 PM
02/28/2020 04:26 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Offline
Traveler
GeorgeC1  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
People are starting to panic. A high percentage of people will be unwilling to use any form of mass transit. Lets hope this thing burns out with the spring thaw. If not it’s going to get ugly.
G


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