Would you suggest that I just take captain only for a sail to the BvI's. Ive looked at the menus's and I do not require meals to that degree. A bagel for breakfast is fine for me and I certainly dont mind making it myself. Also, I would like to go into town for dinner.
Also, Ive sent out a few requests a few days back and havent received an answer. Is that normal.
Thanks Dawn

Sometimes it takes a few days to get a response. This is a busy time of year for charter companies as well as trying to spend holiday time with their own families.

Captain only is fine and common. Keep in mind that it is customary to feed the captain on the trip.

Hi Dawn. As I recall, you initially posted looking for a cabin or cabins on a charterboat (bareboat or other), and created quite the hubbub among TTOLers in doing so...I can't remember why.

Of course it's just MHO, but maybe you should just dip your toes in the water, and not jump in head first. For example, perhaps you can plan a land-based vacation with your friends on Tortola or Virgin Gorda. You could take a couple of daysails, and maybe even a one or two night overnight sail (yes, there's plenty of small daysail boats and bareboat companies that will do that). If you like it...next year do a skippered bareboat charter. You'll have a whole year to sell some people on the idea, so you can have an entire boat to yourselves.

Failing that, how about trying a 'headboat' first? A headboat is basically a cruise ship - although MUCH smaller. They book people per cabin. It's a great way to be introduced to a destination, without the sadness of a large cruise ship, and the hassles of a bareboat (or the expense of a crewed charter yacht).

Here's one such company, although there are a couple of others:

http://www.islandwindjammers.com/virgin-islands-cruises.aspx

Good luck, and have fun in your quest!

Bah, what fun is just dipping your toes in the water? I've never been to the BVIs either, but I've already picked out the house I'm going to buy, assigned rooms on Necker Island for a big family reunion, and planned my 14-day crewed charter yacht vacation--all of which will occur just as soon as I win that lottery, dang it.

Sorry you are getting shuch distracting answers. You might try Capt. Jim Phillips on Blue Moon. He is a sponsor here and you can link to his site on the sponsor page. Jim is a laid back captain with a nice catamaran who has been intertaining guests for several years.

Alternately, the Moorings, BVI Yacht Charters and other charter companines can arange a charter of a 3 cabin mono with a captain for you at a fairly reasonable rate. The captains are independent, count on a good tip at the end so they know the islands and where the parties are, can intertain or stay out of your way as needed.

Plenty of places all over the islands for great lunches and diners so you only need provisions for breakfast, a few sandwiches and light snacks.

Dawnp, GlennA makes good recommendations, a few years ago we wanted to take my daughter and 3 other graduating HS seniors on a trip, but we figured it best to let someone else do the driving. Captain Jim on BlueMoon was a great choice for us, the girls had a blast. I wrote a looong trip report here on TTOL with photo's if you want to read it.

Chartering a bareboat mono/cat and hiring a captain is another option, check out all of the websites Moorings, Sunsail,CYOA, TMM, BVIYC, Conch, Footloose etc etc. Check out the availability of a 3 cabin mono or cat that fits your budget, then add in approx. $200 per day for a captain. Send your online requests directly to the charter companies and you'll get a quick detailed cost estimate, if you've never chartered before you'll be surprised by some of the added fees.

when do you plan to charter? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Third the recommendation for Capt. Jim and Blue Moon....

Ive tried Capt. Jim and Blue Moon (twice) and am still waiting for an answer. I understand its a busy time with Xmas and all.
Has anyone heard of a Capt. Ken (sailsunshine). He has offered to take us for a week. Thanks again for all your help

I can highly recommend Capt. Jim & Blue Moon.
Good Captain-only charter. We had a great time.