Hi!

I’m new here, so please forgive me if I’m going about this the wrong way…I did do a quick search but didn’t find what I was looking for—perhaps I’m searching incorrectly

I’m in the beginning stages of planning a week long, island hopping trip in the BVIs for early next March 2025. We are a family of 5, kids in early 20s. I’ve looked at The Moorings as well as Sunsail, but would prefer to support a small business. Can anyone provide any recommendations for where I should be looking?

Thank you very much!
Kelly

I am on the Moorings side for about a decade and every June take 5-7 college kids down to the islands. While I like to support small businesses I do like if something goes wrong it will be fixed or a boat substituted with a big player like Moorings...

as fyi I take out powercats mainly so limited use on sail side

and welcome...I cant think of a better place to learn as I learn from this group every day

If you are looking for a small charter company I would recommend Virgin Charter Yachts, a family owned and operated company in Nanny Cay. We have a power cat in their charter fleet and we are very happy with the maintenance of our boat and the customer service they provide our guests. The staff is helpful with big and small issues from lost luggage to boat toy rentals. No matter who you charter with you will find lots of great info on this forum to help you plan your trip.

Look at TMM Yacht Charters. They have been in business for decades - exceptional boutique charter experience. Beautiful, well maintained boats and outstanding customer service.

Thank you all very much! I won't rule out Moorings at this juncture and will look into these smaller operations as well. I appreciate the recs and warm welcome!

Are you looking for a chef too?

I've chartered with just about every company (including Moorings multiple times) in the USVI/BVI going back to the mid-80's. When it came time to buy a boat and put her in charter, there was only one company we ultimately considered, TMM Yacht Charters. As mentioned above, TMM has been in business since 1979 under the same ONSITE ownership and management. Many of the employees have been with the company for over a decade. The boats are all super well equipped and maintenance is top notch. As an owner, knowing that our boat is well maintained is just about the most important thing.

You might want to reach out to Wes (Deepcut in the forums) about Sea Tiger. Great boat in the TMM fleet, with a great owner. In fact, they just had an incident with a hired captain no idea who picked him), and somehow they reached out to him (don't think they booked directly thru him). Basically one call by him to TMM and the issue was resolved. In the end, you can get fabulous service by (imho) the best yacht management companies out there, and still get to deal with the owner of the boat.

If you don't find him here, his website is Sea Tiger. Definitely worth the time to talk to him.

Keep Smiling!!!

Echo the recommendations for TMM. They are truly the best and chartering with them feels like family. They are also by no means a tiny operation and have all the resources necessary to address any problem that might come up during your vacation. I have also chartered with Captain Brent and Captains Compass and had a great experience there as well. Based on the little info you've provided, my recommendation for this case would be TMM.

TMM are basically a bareboat company but they will provide a captain on request. Ask for Sam if he is available. You'll have a great time with him. Ex-Navy and used to be (perhaps still is) very active in Visar the local search and rescue organisation. Very knowledgeable and a real character.

No chef at this time, thank you warren460. Sounds like TMM is the way to go

Many TMM fans on here.I was lucky enough to ride around on Mike and Jean Beswick's lovely Privelege cat that was in the TMM fleet..and it was well maintained and they were happy with TMM..Great memories..

TMM is great. You can’t go wrong with them.

I too vote for TMM. We have been using them since the early 90s and have never been disappointed - including one charter when we had a breakdown. TMM took care of this situation immediately. Appreciate your wanting to support small businesses and by comparison, TMM is a small(er) business and as a result, can provide more personal care.

Lots of great crewed boats in private charter as well. PM me if you would like some recommendations.

Whoops, I should have read the OP topic more carefully....there are lots of great fully crewed (captain and chef) in private charter. I am not aware of any with just a captain. For that, a bareboat with TMM or (some of the other charter companies mentionec) plus a hired captain would be the way to go, IMO.

Be aware that the captain will need their own cabin. Sometimes a hired captain can use a forward coffin cabin (the ones way up in the front of one of the hulls), but they usually need a full cabin. This limits the available cabin on the boat. A 4 cabin sailboat would only have 3 cabins available for your family. Discuss this carefully with the charter company you select.

Ahoy Captains,

That is the Very Nice thing about the Leopard 454 with The Captains Compass.
It has a proper fully finished Private Single Captains Cabin with AirCon in the Port fore-peak, and a fully finished Private 5th Bathroom with an electric head and h/c shower in the Starboard fore-peak.
So 4 Queen Beds each with en-suite Bathrooms for the Guests.
Perhaps one of the most Economical Yachts available if You would like to compliment the Skippers professionalism with more respectful accommodations.

I Need More Quality Cats for Chartering !
Fair Winds, Brent
thecaptainscompass.com Yacht Charters and Management
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