We have done more than 30 charters in the VI. After starting in the BVI for many years, we became frustrated by ferry schedules that are more like general guidelines and nearly missing a number of departing flights or last ferries due to incoming delays. We also wanted to see more of St. John.
There are two very good companies in St. Thomas, CYOA and Island Yachts (BVIYC has recently opened a small base in STT as well). We have used them both and plan to continue to do so (an upcoming charter in early July to the SVI from STT). Trying to compare boat prices is easier said than done. Most of the CYOA boats have AC, watermakers and ice makers. IYC only charters Island Packets. Neither of these are directly compatible to most of the BVI based fleets. If there is an extra cost, it is more than offset by the quality and equipment of the boats, not to mention savings on provisioning, ferry costs and the recently implemented increase in the cruising permit fee in the BVI.
C&I is no problem and takes about 15 minutes depending on if there are others ahead of you in line. Going into the BVI, we generally clear in at JVD and then go to White Bay or elsewhere on the island. On the way back to STT after a nice downwind sail from JVD or anywhere in the Drake, we clear in at Cruz Bay, have a good lunch and then continue to Hawksnest, Maho, or Christmas Cove for the last night before returning to Red Hook or CA.
If you want to spend some time on St. John, or go to the SVI, this is the way to go. If you want to spend all the time in the BVI, a Tortola start is probably better.
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