Looking ahead to better times

So, planning ahead, looking at May 2021, bareboat charter for the 5th trip.

Question: what is the benefit of using a broker? We've always contracted directly with the charter outfit.

Oh, another question: we've always chartered during high season. For May, can/should we wait till the last minute to secure a boat and maybe a deal? The reason I ask is if travel is still restricted, hate to have a deposit floating around (floating....lol)

During the mid nineties in the off season some of the charter companies would offer 2 weeks and some 10 days for the price of one.
I’m sure if business doesn’t pick up you’ll be able to negotiate a deal.

When this is over we will be offering 10 days for the price of 7 at CRC.

So......anyone have any input on what are the benefits of using a charter broker?

We have never used a broker - we go directly to the charter company. Are you looking to sail out of Tortola or St. Thomas? I have great recommendations for both.

I've used Virgin Island Sailing for our 3 charters. The primary benefit is that I just give them our boat parameters and budget and they provide a few options of boats that are still available. The cost for the broker is paid by the selected company and I don't know of any companies that will reduce their price if you don't use a broker. VISailing also provides the latest cruising guide and an online cruising guide. Also remember that no all companies allow brokers, so after you get a list of options, you may want to check companies that don't pay brokers.

If you know exactly what boat you want and/or you know who you want to charter from, then it's only a matter of whether the broker provides you with other services/products that matter to you.

As far as waiting to book in low season, it's a matter of whether you're particular in the boat requirements. Obviously, the longer you wait, the fewer boat options you have, but possibly a better price. As mentioned, there are already some pretty good deals during low season which may not adjust your price much. Since most boats are owned by someone other than the charter company, the company has to pay the owner an amount and then the company has to make some money. There's always a limit to their bottom price. If you show up at the office and ask to charter any boat they have ready, I don't think you'll get much more of a discount than booking earlier. I'm only going by the emails I receive from the charter companies and VISailing on their specials for late selection chartering.

Thank you all! And it will be Tortola

I have used Ed Hamilton for the last 13 years and I think 16 charters throughout the Carib. They get you plenty of options and can be a great intermediary if things go south. Would never go anywhere else, exceptional service as well.

I think charter brokers provide a great service. It’s naive however to think you can’t get a better price not using a broker, especially with the smaller companies. They know exactly what they have to pay a broker. If you’re negotiating for discounts it’s certainly going to be a factor. I witnessed one company telling a charterer that next time please book directly with them and they would give a additional 5% off. Ultimately the bottom line is the bottom line. Many companies in the BVI once charged extra to use a credit card because again it impacts their revenue. I think the credit card companies have however tried to stop that practice.

What kind of yacht are you looking for? There are many resources on this board alone that could steer you to contact an owner directly. We have had great experience with this avenue.

We've always chartered 40' monohulls in the bvi but might go with a 45 footer this time, ac preferred

Sounds like a great idea Manpot - September will be interesting given that it is still hurricane season - maybe we can get more people to come down in Oct and November with some good discounts

BVI Yacht Charters have several monos with gen/AC in the 45 and up length — I have found most 41 and under monos are usually shoreside AC only.

We have had the same experience. Last few years we have moved up to the 46 ft range and found more with gensets.

Thanks for the heads up!

The only folks that will have disposable income are the high end folks so I don't know if offering a discount will encourage them. They will come if they have the funds and want to. Folks who have been hit are not going to be looking at BVI villas. Hope I am wrong!! However I do feel that the 2020/21 season will be reasonable. Lots of folks will want to get away.
For me this has been a double hit. I have spent 2.5 years to complete the villa. Now it is done and once I leave I will not be able to come back until Sept Several guests have asked for their money back and not do a delayed rental. One guy is delaying until Oct