The Moorings New Base

Just received a post that The Moorings has set up a base in USVI for charters starting March 1, 2021.

Interesting. Where?

Glad I am chartering in February before this starts......

That has to be a blow to the BVI government. Most charter companies are now doing some form of USVI charters. Depending on how many boats are moved there could be a significant financial impact. I suspect however it will be a small base. The good news is perhaps it puts pressure on the BVI to ease restrictions quickly as the vaccine is rolled out in the BVI.

We have a credit with the Moorings from 2020. I called the Moorings after hearing they moved some of their operations to St Thomas about two weeks ago. I was told they did move a few boats, but they were only going to be crewed boats.

The website now shows bareboats available for booking.

Says open March 1st in STT for both bareboat and crewed vessels

https://www.moorings.com/destinations

I have a credit as well and looked at STT but not many boat options and I couldn't find a 514PC for next May/June. Need to decide on a week in USVI of 10 -14 days in BVI since 1st 4 are quarantined. They do have a special until the end of January extra day free of if you go out before Feb 14 days for price of 10...

I have a feeling these will be rolling specials as I spoke to someone at base yesterday who told me not many boats going out...

I also have a credit from 2020 to use but it was for a monohull charter. Currently they are only showing cats out of STT which means I would basically have to pay an additional amount equal to my credit in order to use it in USVI. Otherwise I'm looking at a 7 day charter in BVI, the first 5 days of which are limited. Neither is an attractive option.

Wouldn't be surprised if some of these promotions are targeted at new bookings, rather than folks using credits. I have long wondered how the charter companies can stay afloat without the cash flow of new bookings.

I think the Moorings is surviving on the strong sail of new boats. I think that’s always been where their profit came from. The used boats they have taken in trade are also doing very well. That seems strange to me given the last year but boats sales are setting records.

I have an email in to them on this point...

are Moorings boat sales setting records? I would imagine the investment risk is higher with uncertain income stream...I know new boat sales in US for recreation are much higher

"I know new boat sales in US for recreation are much higher"

As are RV's. That tells me American's are realizing that foreign travel may not be possible or realistic for a short while. Sometimes I even forget how beautiful the US is. '20 is the first time in 20 years we have not gone to the BVI. I pray for my friends on Anegada.

Don't know if the beauty of the US enters into it. I think it's people looking for the safest way to get recreation. In a few years all those RVs will be rotting in backyards. Fortunately they're banned in our HOA.

I do know that kayaks sold out this summer. We had an overly large fleet at our lakehouse and were able to unload some for excellent prices.

They are sold out on many models with waiting lists going out long term. There certainly is risk but in the end you still have the boat if it all falls apart. The Moorings is the only company to pay all their owner obligations through Irma and the pandemic. They also have a large undrawn credit line. Strangely I think Irma made the Moorings money as they ramped up production to replace the destroyed boats. A high number of owners with boats totaled rolled right over into new boats with their insurance checks. Normally the Moorings has quite a few new discounted boats on their website. At the moment they have none.

I am wondering at what point does USVI mooring areas just get filled up / overran? USVI I am sure is very popular now. But, the options on where to go are a bit limited vs BVI and not quite the same (love St John btw). Unless you can make the run down to St Croix as a part of the trip.

My observation is that both Boat and RV prices have been rising steadily for the last few years. Record sales from what I hear in both areas.

I bought a 31ft travel trailer new in March of 2020. I have already been offered what I paid for it (not including Tax and Service Plan) - but it isn't for sale. Between my family members (got two boys that are in 20s) we have 42 nights in that RV in 2020. Great purchase.

And, on purchases, my wife and I have wanted to get into that Mooring's ownership program for many years. We did finally buy a 514PC (not a Mooring's boat) just last month. It is in charter down in Tortola with Virgin Charters. I do not expect a very profitable 2021 with Covid, quarantine etc. But, optimistic that in 2022 we can see 7 day bareboat charters that make sense. And I think that once we get to that point BVI will be very busy and hopefully I won't be able to see my 514 as she will be booked. But, I am no fortune teller.

For 2021 - gonna try and get down as much as possible, and then some.

While in love with BVI I have been waiting For almost a year for a 10 day cruise on a power cat from Moorings.This will be our seventh charter but all have been to BVI.My question here is would we be happy exploring the USVI.I would rather do BVI but who knows when restrictions will be lifted.Thanks in advance for any advice.

Bamaboy

Personally - Love the beaches in St John, Coral Bay, Skinny Legs, Beach Bar - great Island. It is a solid time.

I do not have experience with St Croix - never been. IMHO - if you could get to St Croix (not sure if your charter company would allow it) - I would say go for it! It is on my list for sure.

I have a boat sitting in Tortola - I can definitely see having is ran over to Red Hook and I take it around St John and down to St Croix. Looking forward to that actually. And, that works on a 7 day trip - which is 95% of all charter durations.

Could I book a USVI Moorings crewed charter but if covid conditions allow do both St. John and BVI? If so, where would we have to go through BVI customs? Sorry if dumb questions but i've never booked a charter before.

I would ask Moorings that question. Ferry arrivals have been pushed back to March (I think). And it would just depend on where / if you can clear into BVI. There are a lot of unknowns there and personally would not count / plan on that being an option for near future.

My advice - for a near term trip (1H 2021) - make a decision. USVI or BVI. USVI you can do 7 day charter, no problem. BVI I would go 11 for 7

interesting...I imagine they made money during Irma because I believe business interruption insurance covered payments/losses which aren't covered with the pandemic...they can make those payments due to the holding charter money. the real key will be when covid resolves and you have no income coming in since charterers are using credits yet still have to pay fixed income payments and overhead again

promotion still valid for credit holders...currently 2 days free for 14 days for charter after Mar...4 days before

You would have to quarantine in BVI for 4 days..i think that would be a non starter

The Governor of the USVI welcomed THE MOORINGS

https://stthomassource.com/content/...pany-the-moorings-to-yacht-haven-grande/