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BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
#238209
10/27/2020 02:09 PM
10/27/2020 02:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 945 Middleburg, VA
cwoody
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 945
Middleburg, VA
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Hang on....Just got this email from Horizon Yacht Charters. The protocols outlined by the Premier last night were not what we had anticipated.
However, Deputy Premier Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Natural resources, Labour and Immigration has offered an olive branch. He has stated that protocols specific to the yachting industry are still to be announced. We are lobbying for direct transfers (after the test on arrival) from the airport to the yacht (which can be pre provisioned through Horizon) and designated quarantine anchorages, where visitors can moor and swim and enjoy life aboard. We are hopeful for several such anchorages, and after day 4, (and test 2) we anticipate additional liberties (to be defined) until the test ( no. 3) on day 8 ( if this remains the requirement), after which you are free to move as you wish. Potentially, some bars and restaurants will be accessible after day 4.
Chuck W.
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: sleepychef]
#238255
10/27/2020 07:08 PM
10/27/2020 07:08 PM
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 973
MIDiver
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 973
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238257
10/27/2020 07:18 PM
10/27/2020 07:18 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,329 USVI
LocalSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,329
USVI
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This seems to be the best distillation I have found.
GPS tracking & multiple COVID-19 tests for VI tourists - when tourist arrivals commence December 1, 2020 ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Tourists who arrive in the Virgin Islands (VI) from December 1, 2020, will be required to meet strict requirements, including GPS tracking and multiple instances of COVID-19 testing, before they are allowed unrestricted access to the territory. The measures were announced tonight, Monday, October 26, 2020, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in a statement broadcasted across radio, television and social media. COVID-19 PCR test before arrival to territory The Premier said that to come to the territory, persons would have to agree to the terms and conditions before boarding their flight and will have to obtain a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at least 5 days ahead of travelling. “These terms and conditions include periods of quarantine at approved accommodation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, medical travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage, subscription to a contact tracing system through their mobile phone, and in some cases using a wearable device, and bearing the costs associated with these measures,” Premier Fahie said. He said approval for the travel will first have to be done via an online portal called BVI Gateway as entry into the VI will be exclusive to air travel via the Terrence B Lettsome International Airport from December 1, 2020. GPS software & second COVID-19 test on arrival “On arrival at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, the traveller will do a PCR test and we will ensure that the visitors have installed the contact tracing software on their mobile phones.” Following that step, the Premier said tourists would then be directed to approved transportation which will take them to their approved accommodation for isolation. According to Premier Fahie, in the first four days, travellers would be required to remain within the compound of their accommodation and to avoid or minimise contact with others outside of their party, as well as to keep their movement to a minimum. Third COVID-19 test after brief quarantine Following that initial quarantine, on the fourth day, the traveller would be required to take another PCR test and once the result is negative, they would be allowed isolated movement to designated places. These would be locations that are not high traffic or high risk.” He said the locations are being coordinated by the Environmental Health Department and other Government agencies and the establishments will be notified. Fourth COVID-19 test for free movement A final PCR test would be administered on Day 8 and once this test also returns negative, the traveller would be able to move within the Territory without limitation, the leader of Government Business detailed.
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238261
10/27/2020 07:43 PM
10/27/2020 07:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559 Apex, NC
agrimsrud
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
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This seems like a pretend opening for tourism. If the intent is to have zero risk, I would do the following if I ran the zoo:
* Tourists coming to the territory must present (a) a negative PCR test taken within five days of travel, and (b) a positive anti-body test. No other requirements.
In other words, only allow tourists in that have either had the covid or have had a vaccine. No Q, no testing, no tracking of people yada yada yada. And what would this mean? Virtually noone would be coming for now. Just like the number of people that will jump through the many hoops announced. But in a few months there will start to be a trickle. That's what I would do if I ran the zoo. But noone asked me. Thankfully.
Life's short - sail more!
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238265
10/27/2020 07:51 PM
10/27/2020 07:51 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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That would certainly be better then their current proposal.
Matt
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238283
10/28/2020 08:28 AM
10/28/2020 08:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148 road town
sleepychef
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
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What I got from last night after listening for over 2 hours is that homeowners and boat owners can come in qnd quarantine without security at their own place after paying for tests and a tracking band so $150 insteadof $3500 .
This is what these protocols are meant for , long term guests.
Last edited by sleepychef; 10/28/2020 08:31 AM.
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: sleepychef]
#238284
10/28/2020 08:43 AM
10/28/2020 08:43 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,239 Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,239
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
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I believe it is more like $500/person for the tests and the band. I am a homeowner and this is too expensive for me. I will wait until I get the vaccine and then get an immunity passport to indicate that I am covid free
Last edited by tpcook; 10/28/2020 08:46 AM.
tpcook
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238291
10/28/2020 09:42 AM
10/28/2020 09:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557 Toronto, Ontario
gordaguy2
Traveler
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Traveler
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,557
Toronto, Ontario
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All I can say is that BVI is protecting its population from Covid which is what any government should be doing - it comes at a cost for all.
GordaGuy2
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238293
10/28/2020 10:00 AM
10/28/2020 10:00 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148 road town
sleepychef
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148
road town
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The $150 is for the band then the tests and they are looking at the 3rd test again. So about $450 with 3 tests.
The problem is the wording saying they were opening for tourists instead of sayingl long term guests
Last edited by sleepychef; 10/28/2020 10:00 AM.
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: sleepychef]
#238294
10/28/2020 10:22 AM
10/28/2020 10:22 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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The $150 is for the band then the tests and they are looking at the 3rd test again. So about $450 with 3 tests.
The problem is the wording saying they were opening for tourists instead of sayingl long term guests So, is it a band, an app, or both?
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: Zanshin]
#238302
10/28/2020 11:24 AM
10/28/2020 11:24 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,025 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 81,025
Central Florida!
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If one is going to be quarantined anyway, and has the funds, you can go to Anguilla and stay at Cuisinart. Mandatory quarantine at the resort for two full weeks. If you're independently wealthy, sure would be more attractive than going to the BVI and staying at some 'government approved housing'. Cuisinart
Carol Hill
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238310
10/28/2020 12:21 PM
10/28/2020 12:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 161 The Beautiful BVI
Brent
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 161
The Beautiful BVI
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Ahoy Captains,
Look how far we have come. Great Advances Internationally in the Medical Testing and Treatment and Vaccines the past few months. Some Vaccines only weeks away now. An Opening Date with a Framework for Testing and Tracking. Multiple entry ports including the airport and ferry terminals. A Testing system based on +95% accuracy within 90 minutes. The overhead expense of the hardware will quickly simplify that issue. The BVI Gov is already reconsidering the 8th day test. ‘Quarantine’ from 2 weeks at a BVI Gov Hotel to a few days on your Yacht. Guards at $6000 a person to no guards and no guard costs and a ‘geofence’. ‘Quarantine’ based on a cell phone app. Possibly bracelets, but the overhead expense and reliability of the hardware will quickly simplify that issue. More constructive Stakeholder Consultations over the next week to consider ‘remote quarantine’. There has never been any written policy or protocol requiring quarantine on the yacht on the dock. This issue has not yet been finalized and most of the conversation has been based on worst case InterWeb rumors.
“Quarantine” – The ‘quarantine’ is a tracking app on your phone. Probably less intrusive then your Google tracking or your Facebook tracking. ‘Geo-fencing’. You are expected to leave your phone on the chart table while you swim and scuba and windsurf and paddle board and then snorkel all your favorite reefs. Why pay $150 for a BVI Gov Bracelet when you can buy and keep an unlocked cell phone from Walmart for $50? Log in your body temp. Body temp is 98.7, that is 37 in Celsius. Everyday. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Testing – At worst a nasal swab. A lot less intrusive than the Vaccine injections we will all be begging for in a few months. Less than every Diabetic does every day. We could all use a little Empathy and Honesty these days so Everybody gets tested so Everybody is safe. And it sets a standard a few weeks before to protect the Time and Money you all have invested in the trip. And you come home Healthy. Maybe Healthier? After 4 days you get retested. Everybody passes and celebrates at the nearest beach bar. Or celebrate on the Yacht as it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Multiple Testing Locations - JVD Great Harbor and then drinks at Foxy’s, Virgin Gorda and then dinner at The Restaurant at Leverick, West End Ferry Terminal and painkillers at Sopher’s Hole Pussers, the Beef Island Airport and cocktails in Trellis at the New Loose Mongoose. All these locations have docks with water/fuel/ice and more. Not to get all ‘Zen’ and seeing the Forest and the Trees. Has it dawned on anyone that if you have a Negative test on day 4 then you will have that PCR test in hand and Not have to Quarantine when you return to the Real World after a week of relaxing in paradise? Another problem solved. This is as about as complicated as renting a car for a few days. Logistically, going in for the tests should be about the same as checking into BVI Customs and Immigration at West End or JVD or VG. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
After 2020 - You need to leave your Bucket List at home this time. For the first few days you need to Relax. And enjoy your favorite author and favorite singer and cook your favorite meals and drink your favorite wines and mix your favorite cocktails. All that food and liquor you had delivered gets BBQd and baked and diced and iced and enjoyed while it is fresh. With your Family and Friends, hopefully some are both. And sleep 10 hours a day. The Protocol for a chase call is ‘Everybody bugger off to the foredeck while I fix this without your advice’. A mechanics dream come true. There has never been any documented BVI Gov policy or protocol that Guests will be required to quarantine on any yacht at any dock. In fact, based on the Draft Protocols for Bareboat charter companies, they can’t get you off the dock fast enough. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Options - Where else can you go this Winter. Paris? Vegas with some guy with a chin diaper trying to cough up his lung at the blackjack table next to you? The Thunderdome of Florida? Enjoy the 14 day Quarantine in New York? Mexico to use your kids to troll for the Virus in the hotel pool, but don’t worry, all the counterfeit medication you can buy, and a little narco-terrorism to spice things up? Please, correct me if I am wrong, and this is the InterWebs so correct me if I am right and then quote your favorite alt-reality source and get the thread locked. All the same few posting the same bad attitude based on the same bad rumors. Look at all the past pessimism on the SXM Board and now all the very good reports coming in. You can spend all Winter in your basement getting lathered up in your Aunt Karens essential oils, or, come on down and get lathered up in sunscreen and rum. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Hopefully - We can get a Neutral Territory. More discussions over the Halloween weekend between the BVI Gov and the Charter businesses. With all the cancellations overshadowing the original Protocols the BVI Gov would be wise to be a little flexible. Marina Cay is nothing open (deserted). Peter Island is nothing open (with Perter Island Resort close to all tourism). Cooper Island has one dock. Pirates Bight has one dock. Willy T has one Floating Dock. Each business with a dock hires a Dockmaster to check Phones and Face Masks for compliance. None of those businesses want to get closed as a ‘Hot Spot’. IF we can get those 4 Islands as Neutral Territory for Yachts under a ‘Remote Quarantine’ then Everybody Wins. The BVI Gov makes money off the Cruising and Park permits and Port Taxes. The BVI People get Employment and Income. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
On a 2017 Leopard 45 with 4 Doubles and 1 Single and 5 Bathrooms and AirCon and a GenSet from Dec 19 to Jan 2 for 14 Nights for $14k.
Please consider that All these Health and Safety precautions work Both ways to protect You and your Family and Friends. Please suggest a Better Sunny Vacation this Winter with the same level of Health Security and No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics?
Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: gordaguy2]
#238312
10/28/2020 12:27 PM
10/28/2020 12:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
ski2play
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
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All I can say is that BVI is protecting its population from Covid which is what any government should be doing - it comes at a cost for all. this, and like it or not, as a homeowner, this was a choice I knew was a possibility when we purchased a home in a foreign country. I am dealing with Covid and healthcare redesign on a daily basis. The announcement made in late September by the government was an opening date not the entire plan to operationalize something so fluid and incredibly hard to manage. I get that you all want it tied up neatly in a package with a bow, sadly COVID doesn't work that way. disclaimer: not making excuses or liking the way this has been handled by the BVI government but at the same time...……….really not interested in doing their jobs, are you?
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: Brent]
#238325
10/28/2020 02:31 PM
10/28/2020 02:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 340 Virgin Gorda, BVI
VirginGordaResident
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 340
Virgin Gorda, BVI
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Ahoy Captains,
Look how far we have come. Great Advances Internationally in the Medical Testing and Treatment and Vaccines the past few months. Some Vaccines only weeks away now. An Opening Date with a Framework for Testing and Tracking. Multiple entry ports including the airport and ferry terminals. A Testing system based on +95% accuracy within 90 minutes. The overhead expense of the hardware will quickly simplify that issue. The BVI Gov is already reconsidering the 8th day test. ‘Quarantine’ from 2 weeks at a BVI Gov Hotel to a few days on your Yacht. Guards at $6000 a person to no guards and no guard costs and a ‘geofence’. ‘Quarantine’ based on a cell phone app. Possibly bracelets, but the overhead expense and reliability of the hardware will quickly simplify that issue. More constructive Stakeholder Consultations over the next week to consider ‘remote quarantine’. There has never been any written policy or protocol requiring quarantine on the yacht on the dock. This issue has not yet been finalized and most of the conversation has been based on worst case InterWeb rumors.
“Quarantine” – The ‘quarantine’ is a tracking app on your phone. Probably less intrusive then your Google tracking or your Facebook tracking. ‘Geo-fencing’. You are expected to leave your phone on the chart table while you swim and scuba and windsurf and paddle board and then snorkel all your favorite reefs. Why pay $150 for a BVI Gov Bracelet when you can get buy and keep an unlocked cell phone from Walmart for $50? Log in your body temp. Body temp is 98.7, that is 37 in Celsius. Everyday. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Testing – At worst a nasal swab. A lot less intrusive than the Vaccine injections we will all be begging for in a few months. Less than every Diabetic does every day. We could all use a little Empathy and Honesty these days so Everybody gets tested so everybody is safe. And it sets a standard a few weeks before to protect the Time and Money you all have invested in the trip. And you come home Healthy. Maybe Healthier? After 4 days you get retested. Everybody passes and celebrates at the nearest beach bar. Or celebrate on the Yacht as it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Multiple Testing Locations - JVD Great Harbor and then drinks at Foxy’s, Virgin Gorda and then dinner at The Restaurant at Leverick, West End Ferry Terminal and painkillers at Sopher’s Hole Pussers, the Beef Island Airport and cocktails in Trellis at the New Loose Mongoose. All these locations have docks with water/fuel/ice and more. Not to get all ‘Zen’ and seeing the Forest and the Trees. Has it dawned on anyone that if you have a Negative test on day 4 then you will have that PCR test in hand and Not have to Quarantine when you return to the Real World after a week of relaxing in paradise? Another problem solved. This is as about as complicated as renting a car for a few days. Logistically, going in for the tests should be about the same as checking into BVI Customs and Immigration at West End or JVD or VG. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
After 2020 - You need to leave your Bucket List at home this time. For the first few days you need to Relax. And enjoy your favorite author and favorite singer and cook your favorite meals and drink your favorite wines and mix your favorite cocktails. All that food and liquor you had delivered gets BBQd and baked and diced and iced and enjoyed while it is fresh. With your Family and Friends, hopefully some are both. And sleep 10 hours a day. The Protocol for a chase call is ‘Everybody bugger off to the foredeck while I fix this without your advice’. A mechanics dream come true. There has never been any documented BVI Gov policy or protocol that Guests will be required to quarantine on any yacht at any dock. In fact, based on the Draft Protocols for Bareboat charter companies, they can’t get you off the dock fast enough. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Options - Where else can you go this Winter. Paris? Vegas with some guy with a chin diaper trying to cough up his lung at the blackjack table next to you? The Thunderdome of Florida? Enjoy the 14 day Quarantine in New York? Mexico to use your kids to troll for the Virus in the hotel pool, but don’t worry, all the counterfeit medication you can buy, and a little narco-terrorism to spice things up? Please, correct me if I am wrong, and this is the InterWebs so correct me if I am right and then quote your favorite alt-reality source and get the thread locked. All the same few posting the same bad attitude based on the same bad rumors. Look at all the past pessimism on the SXM Board and now all the very good reports coming in. You can spend all Winter in your basement getting lathered up in your Aunt Karens essential oils, or, come on down and get lathered up in sunscreen and rum. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
Hopefully - We can get a Neutral Territory. Marina Cay is nothing open (deserted). Peter Island is nothing open (with Perter Island Resort close to all tourism). Cooper Island has one dock. Pirates Bight has one dock. Willy T has one Floating Dock. Each business with a dock hires a Dockmaster to check Phones and Face Masks for compliance. None of those businesses want to get closed as a ‘Hot Spot’. IF we can get those 4 Islands as Neutral Territory for Yachts under a ‘Remote Quarantine’ then Everybody Wins. The BVI Gov makes money off the Cruising and Park permits and Port Taxes. The BVI People get Employment and Income. And all the time on the Yacht it is No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics.
On a 2017 Leopard 45 with 4 Doubles and 1 Single and 5 Bathrooms and AirCon and a GenSet from Dec 19 to Jan 2 for 14 Nights for $14k.
Please consider that All these Health and Safety precautions work Both ways to protect You and your Family and Friends. Please suggest a Better Sunny Vacation this Winter with the same level of Health Security and No Mask and No Distancing and No Politics?
Fair Winds, Brent from The Captains Compass
I appreciate the optimism Brent. Sadly, I don't think many tourists are seeing it the same way. Already getting cancellations on cancellations
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Re: BVI Charter protocols TBA?.
[Re: cwoody]
#238331
10/28/2020 03:01 PM
10/28/2020 03:01 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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I like your optimism Brent, but there are other places to go. USVI for one. Aruba for another..etc.
I think if the requirements were a test prior to arrival, maybe another when you arrive and then you can head to your boat and isolate on your boat staying away from others in any anchorage you want, but avoiding shore activities, I'd go. 4th day if it was easy to get a test in multiple locations (say a stop at Trellis or Soper's) then I think that would be fine. Beyond that, I think its too much hassle for a week or even 10 day vacation.
Matt
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