Boatyball abuses USVI Government plan

https://stthomassource.com/content/...ue-to-vipca-usvi-government-partnership/

Sadly a deal for profit paid online at BoatyBall
Fees collected fund each mooring’s third-party liability insurance and year-round maintenance

A fine marine moorings project idea administered by a greedy private company

Sad. Very sad.

I am going to reluctantly put my oar in the water on this.

For background I am on the Board of VIPCA. I have also been the chairman of the committee in charge of this mooring project for the last year and a half. The grant funding and basics of this deal were in place when I was elected to the board. And took that position as a volunteer. The board of VIPCA is made up entirely of volunteers from the industry. We all donate our time in hopes of improving our industry. This mooring project is designed to protect the environment and help level the playing field in the Virgin Islands charter and boating industry. It is critical infrastructure that is sorely needed.

Regardless of your preconceived notions about BoatyBall, this is a good deal for the industry and the tourists alike. BoatyBall is taking a very small slice of this revenue. In exchange they will be providing the mechanism for the collection of these fees. The fees are designed to help make this program self sustaining as much as possible. There is no reservation system this is an honor system on a first come first served basis. Any payments on the dive/day moorings are on a donation basis only. VIPCA as part of this grant has agreed to restore and maintain those existing moorings along with the new overnight moorings. VIPCA could not possibly build and maintain, the online systems necessary for this project at five times the cost of BoatyBall's percentage. BoatyBall also has a system of self reporting issues with the moorings that will allow timely repairs and maintenance of the moorings based on real time reporting. The insurance is a requirement of the grant and permits, it is not optional. The insurance was shopped among every carrier possible and the best options were chosen.

In the fifteen years that I have spent working in the charter industry in the US Virgin Islands this is one of the most significant improvements that have been made in support of the industry.

Well Done ! -- CaptainJay -- Thank You

We are very excited about the addition of public moorings outside of the National Park. It is great for local boaters as well as the charter industry. Thanks to Jay and the VIPCA members for making this happen.

Cheers, RickG

Thank you VIPCA! Completely agree with Captain Jay and appreciate his willingness to inform us all with first hand, open and honest communication!

Thanks Captain Jay.

As one who has followed Boaty Ball in BVI since inception, I have seen the BB Haters and their many replies. I use BB sometimes. I find it helpful in BVI sometimes, allowing me to sail on my schedule and not race to next mooring field.

Presently in USVI and at St Croix, I looked for BB where the cruising guide stated they were. They are not installed yet and anchoring can be an issue and no public balls available.

I look forward to these BB being available in St Croix as well as STT area.

Wes--we are planning on heading to STX, probably this fall, and will pick your brain regarding it, if we could.