TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Is Boatyball essential ?

This is our 4th trip to BVI. 2 years ago we had issues contacting Boatyball and were lucky to not need them by arriving early to our next destination.
Is this still possible, or should we plan on using BB?
We've not been there in February.
What kind of competition can we expect for mooring as our charter does not allow anchoring overnite?
Thanks!

Can you tell us what charter company does not allow anchoring?

Virgin Charter Yachts contract prohibits anchoring except in an emergency.
Any guess on lack of first come first served mooring ball problems in February?

Is it an emergency if you cant get a ball?Silly rule IMHO

Watching the anchoring skills of many bare-boaters this past trip it may actually not be a silly rule……. And keeps them out of White Bay……..

?? I don’t get it .
Sorry I guess I am old school . We pretty much anchored as much as possible with Reef Song. Things have really changed .

Re balls in February depends on where you want to go I guess. Don’t think BB is essential with exception of a few spots like Cooper . I am sure you will get some advice from others more familiar with the non anchoring issue .

Over the years we have seen “captains” do some crazy things but our worst experience was years ago when we were rammed by a boat while we were anchored in the mooring field in Anegada. We were hit at 10pm by an improperly anchored Moorings boat that had a paid captain on board while his guests were at Potter’s. The boat was jammed into ours and it took four of us to push it off. Thankfully Moorings paid for the damage without any issues. We now have a different boat that is in the VCY fleet and we are very grateful they don’t allow anchoring.

Anchored in the mooring field?

Sorry, I should have been more specific, just outside the mooring field where the mooring balls owned by Neptunes Treasure used to be.

IMHO if you don't have the necessary anchoring skills you should not be allowed to charter.

While I agree with you (I assume you meant one should NOT be allowed to charter), the charter companies have no incentive to turn away a paying customer for lack of skills. Chances are, nothing bad will happen and if they do, somebody else has to pay for it.

I remember being quite proud of the fact that I was approved for chartering after sending in my sailing resume on the first trip. And then I got a look at some of the other skippers and crews on some of the boats in our Flotilla. I remember saying to my wife "Well dang, looks like they will let just about anyone rent these things!"

I didn't feel so special anymore.

Some companies have more stringent requirements than others……

Wouldn’t it be a good idea if the chartering company could arrange mooring balls for each night of their charters and make sure their workers were online at 6:59 am