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First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
#94096
04/13/2016 03:36 PM
04/13/2016 03:36 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 48 FL/NC
FLMarine
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Hello everyone. I found this forum several weeks ago and have been spending a lot of time on it planning my upcoming bareboat in mid June. You guys are a great community and have been very helpful in my planning. I’ve got the first several days of basic planning down, and I am looking for some suggestions for the last several days.
This will be my first time chartering, but I did two trips as a teen with the Action Quest summer sailing program in the BVI and have wanted to go back since. I have about 30 years of offshore fishing and boating experience so I won't have a problem handling the boat.
This will be my Honeymoon trip. I’m surprising my Fiancé on where we are going, and that her best friend and her friend’s husband from college will be joining us.
I went with a Moorings PC 393 and am planning a counter clockwise trip. Here is what I have planned so far. We are flying into STT on a Wednesday night and spending the night at Emerald Beach. We’ll catch the ferry over in the early afternoon, check in with the Moorings, and get provisioning. I’m planning on spending the night on the boat and getting an evening chart briefing so we can get going at first light. Day 1- Head over to the Indians, and caves to snorkel. Spend the night at the Bight and hit Willie T’s up.
Day 2 – Go to the Rhone and Salt Island, anchor in Manchineel Bay and have dinner at Cooper Island Restaurant.
Day 3- Visit the Baths in the morning, then motor up to Levereck’s Bay Marinia to spend a night in a slip. Rent a Jeep and go to lunch at Hogs Heaven and explore Virgin Gorda.
Day 4- Snorkel in the North Sound somewhere and moor at Saba Rock.
Days 5-7 I don’t have planned yet, but I am leaning towards the North side of Tortola, CGB, Jost, Sandy Spit, etc.
I’ve considered Anegada, but I’m not sure if it is worth the trip up there for one night. Might have to save Anegada for another trip. Definitely want to spend a night somewhere around Jost though. Any suggestions on what to do for the Days 5-7 and where to anchor overnight? Thanks for the help, can’t wait to go.
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94097
04/13/2016 03:49 PM
04/13/2016 03:49 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,956 St. John, USVI
RickG
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We enjoy Oceana restaurant on St. Thomas. Its close to your lodging, located in Frenchtown on the water. There are a lot of other options, but this keeps you out of the scrum of downtown Charlotte Amalie traffic. There are additional spots in Frenchtown if you want to do a bit of walking about.
For days 5-7, we love the Diamond Cay anchorage near Foxy's Taboo, B-Line Beach Bar, Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay. Lots of turtles and nicely protected.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: RickG]
#94098
04/13/2016 03:57 PM
04/13/2016 03:57 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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Just a suggestion for Day 3/4. Consider heading to the Dogs for a snorkel and then head to Leverick to stay two nights. Get a rental car and go out to dinner - Coca Maya is a favorite of my wife's. The next day, visit the baths, copper mine point, other sites as desired and stop at Hog Heaven on the way back. Have dinner at Leverick at the restaurant upstairs (or if you are lucky enough that this works out to be a Friday, enjoy the BBQ). You could also as you have time take the free ferry over to Saba for drinks.
Days 5-7 you could stop at Fallen Jerusalem (another favorite of my wifes - great snorkel spot with features like the Baths, but usually empty), Marina Cay, Monkey Point then Jost Van Dyke before heading back to the base..
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: maytrix]
#94099
04/13/2016 04:05 PM
04/13/2016 04:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 846 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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I was also going to suggest a stop at Great Dog en route to North Sound. There isn't much snorkeling in North Sound... we've had OK conditions on the back of Colquhon reef.
Dinghy to the inside of the reef in Eustacia sound and look for a white BEYC buoy at the far end. There are a couple of sunk cannons that are not hard to find with 50 or 80 feet of the buoy.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94101
04/13/2016 04:39 PM
04/13/2016 04:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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Yeah, that's the only way we do it now. It's very cool to see the island by car that way. And since the rental car is 24 hours, its great to get it the day before and do dinner. Being your honeymoon, that will be a great place to do it.
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94105
04/13/2016 09:27 PM
04/13/2016 09:27 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288 Kansas
Chriskal
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FLMarine said: Maytrix,
That's a good idea on doing the baths via rental car the next day along with the other sites. That would make a fun day trip around Virgin Gorda via rental car. I'm planning on being in Leverecks June 19th. Along those lines, what we've done that worked out well was moor at Saba/BEYC day three, snorkel around behind Saba, take in their happy hour, tarpon etc. the next morning motor over to Leverick early, grab a slip and hook up with a rental car to explore VG for the day. That way you experience a little more of NS and have virtually the entire day to explore VG since the motor over from Saba takes no time at all.
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: Sunnykm]
#94106
04/13/2016 09:46 PM
04/13/2016 09:46 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 48 FL/NC
FLMarine
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Sunnykm said: are you sure you want to bring her friends on your honeymoon? And risk surprising her with the news?? Yep, very sure. They are both her best friends from college, I'm in my late 30's she's in her 40's, and we have been together for 6 1/2 years so this isn't a 20 year olds type of honeymoon where you don't leave the hotel room for most of the trip, lol. I asked both her friends that have know her for a long time and they said she would love it. We did a romantic trip to last year to an all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic after I got out of the Marines. That was right after we decided to get married so that was sort of a honeymoon trip. This is a trip where we have a great time with each other, friends, and have some great experiences.
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: jboothe]
#94108
04/14/2016 10:13 AM
04/14/2016 10:13 AM
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200 Oklahoma
LivinLarge
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Agree with jboothe ... Absolutely love Cow Wreck !!! We wish we had gone sooner -- now it is always on our list.
Allan
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: Manpot]
#94110
04/14/2016 12:15 PM
04/14/2016 12:15 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 348 Pittsburgh, PA
Schwendy
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I've been taking everyone's advice into consideration. Most tell me to skip Anegada and/or CGB and Jost in lieu of more time at Leverick. At some point I'll make up my mind. Right now I'm still in the "tossing around ideas" planning stage. So, for simplified purposes, assuming I'm cruising at 10knts in a 43 pc, Leverick to Anegada is 12nm give or take, correct? So, 11/2 to 2 hrs? Then, Anegada to CGB approx 22nm? So, 21/2 hrs? Not sure what the governed speed is on the power cat but I'm sure it's capable of 15-17 burning much more fuel just in case I get a lot of "are we there yet" comments or some weather pops up or we run out of ice. I think a lot of the suggestions to skip those long routes are based on sail. Plus, for me half the fun of this trip will be the journey.
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: Schwendy]
#94111
04/14/2016 12:45 PM
04/14/2016 12:45 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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As my brother-in-law says (who's a mechanic and sells used cars), "There's an [censored] for every seat".
Everyone has different reasons for liking certain stops. For us, Anegada is nice, but we like to dive and you can't dive from the boat there. My recommendation for two nights at Leverick (aside from being a great way to spend time) was based on it being your honeymoon. Driving to the Baths and exploring other sites as well as having a nice meal out at Coco Maya or other spots is a great change from the typical dinghy trip you tend to always take.
I'd suggest looking at the suggestions, looking at the cruising guide and knowing what your fiance likes, base your itinerary on that. Just remember weather can change it all.
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94117
04/14/2016 03:39 PM
04/14/2016 03:39 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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FLMarine said:I want to see as much of the BVI as possible and Levericks looks great, but I don't want to spend two nights in the same place. I have a night reserved in Levericks, but I plan to move on the next day. Whatever you end up doing, you'll have a blast either way. I'll just say, I wouldn't think of Leverick as spending two days there. It's two nights, but much of your time isn't even spent there. We tend to arrive late afternoon, then are out the majority of the following day and then leave the following morning. It can actually be a refreshing break to not move two nights in a row and you don't see any less since you can explore Virgin Gorda from end to end. Just my 2 cents. In regards to Anegada - that might be a good decision to make after a couple of days to see how everyone is doing if no one has done a trip like this before and also see what conditions are like.
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94118
04/14/2016 03:46 PM
04/14/2016 03:46 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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Just read your NEW itinerary and it sounds good. I think you'll enjoy Fallen Jerusalem - There's an interesting "Conch Graveyard" - that's what we call it. Here's a video I made about 5 years ago now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdmfYMBITRIAnd you can probably fit time in at the Bubbling pool after Sandy Spit - well worth it if the swell is up. If its really calm, not as exciting.
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: BVIBoundCrew]
#94120
04/15/2016 12:38 PM
04/15/2016 12:38 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 846 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
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Rented a car there recently... cheapest was about $50 per day, I think a jeep is about $85 per day.
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: hallucination]
#94123
04/19/2016 07:50 AM
04/19/2016 07:50 AM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 48 FL/NC
FLMarine
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hallucination said: if you have "youngin's" Anegada is really fun. the way out there can be a challenge, as it is pretty open water going out there. We took our little kiddies out on the flats that is at "the bridge" headed towards the settlement. There are ALOT of critters in the shallows off to the east. You can walk in ankle/knee deep water quite a way out. there are all sorts of critters in that water that had us having to be very persuasive to get them to leave. No youngins this time, unless you count myself as a semi grown up kid. The open water run won't be a problem as I have about 30 years of Offshore fishing experience. We are going to try and make it out to Anegada for sure this trip. Thanks for all the suggestions on going to it. On another note where is the best place to pick up someone by boat that fly's into Beef Island (EIS)? The other couple that is joining us won't be able to make it until Saturday morning and we start our boat on a Friday Morning. I was thinking Trellis Bay.
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: rfrimmel]
#94125
04/19/2016 11:42 AM
04/19/2016 11:42 AM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 48 FL/NC
FLMarine
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rfrimmel said: Trellis Bay is perfect spot. Airport is right there, can walk over from airport. Perfect!! Thank you
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94126
04/19/2016 12:25 PM
04/19/2016 12:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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It's really a great way to arrive - nothing like exiting the airport, taking a walk to a beach and a dinghy ride to the boat Many trips we've picked others up there and dropped some off as well.
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: FLMarine]
#94127
04/19/2016 03:50 PM
04/19/2016 03:50 PM
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999 Macon, Georgia
GlennA
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Final word of advice for all newlywed grooms. Never wear your wedding band while swimming or snorkling! Don't ask how I know. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by GlennA; 04/19/2016 03:50 PM.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: GlennA]
#94128
04/19/2016 04:03 PM
04/19/2016 04:03 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,678 An island state of mind
tradewinds
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GlennA said: Final word of advice for all newlywed grooms. Never wear your wedding band while swimming or snorkling! Don't ask how I know. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Was that yours I found? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: GlennA]
#94129
04/19/2016 04:54 PM
04/19/2016 04:54 PM
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Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200 Oklahoma
LivinLarge
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GlennA said: Final word of advice for all newlywed grooms. Never wear your wedding band while swimming or snorkling! Don't ask how I know. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> I know how you know .... for the same reason I know. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Allan
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: tradewinds]
#94130
04/19/2016 09:22 PM
04/19/2016 09:22 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321 Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma
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tradewinds said:GlennA said: Final word of advice for all newlywed grooms. Never wear your wedding band while swimming or snorkling! Don't ask how I know. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Was that yours I found? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> It might have been Doug's. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning.
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: Sunnykm]
#94133
04/20/2016 08:29 AM
04/20/2016 08:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
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I stopped wearing mine after I read that barracuda like shiny objects.
Matt
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Re: First Time Bareboat in Mid June.
[Re: Curtis]
#94135
04/25/2016 02:14 PM
04/25/2016 02:14 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 48 FL/NC
FLMarine
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Curtis said: FL Marine definitely make the trip to Anegada. For years I didn't include Anegada, thinking too far for just one night. Last 3 trips have included Anegada and it is now a must. Not sure about dinner at Cow Wreck in June. We've always had lobster at ARH but based on posts here we're having dinner at Wonky Dog this year. Renting a car, drive over to Loblolly for some snorkling and drinks, then to Cow Wreck for limin all afternon, back to Setting Point for dinner works well for us. What dates in June will you be on the water? We are planning on making the trip up there, thanks for the tips on Anegada. My dates are the 17-24 of June.
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