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Charter Company #157917
03/29/2018 06:22 PM
03/29/2018 06:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
scottlyn Offline OP
Traveler
scottlyn  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
We have chartered through Sunsail and The Moorings for the last 15 years in the BVI. We are looking to charter this June and would like to support a local company. Recommendations?

BVI Sponsors
Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #157920
03/29/2018 06:34 PM
03/29/2018 06:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
Traveler
tradewinds  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
Voyage, TMM, Conch, BVI Yacht Charters

Re: Charter Company [Re: tradewinds] #157923
03/29/2018 06:49 PM
03/29/2018 06:49 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 770
Kansas
captmoby Offline
Traveler
captmoby  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 770
Kansas
Horizon should be on your list.


Jim
Sailmoby II
Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #157926
03/29/2018 07:20 PM
03/29/2018 07:20 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 74
NY
Thistle Offline
Traveler
Thistle  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 74
NY
We’ve been really happy with CYOA out of St Thomas. Very personalized and thorough service. Super easy, 10 minutes from STT. Provisioning at the huge Plaza Extra store was easy. Mooring is several of the St John bays for a couple of nights was wonderful and no one collected for the mooring balls! Can’t imagine repeating the effort of flying into Beef Island or taking a ferry over to Tortola from STT. Getting on the boat as quickly as possible seems far more appealing. We’re 2 adults and 2 14 year old girls on a 45’ monohull. They have lots of cats too.

Last edited by Thistle; 03/29/2018 07:24 PM.
Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #157932
03/29/2018 09:37 PM
03/29/2018 09:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 58
S
stlmco Offline
Traveler
stlmco  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 58
TMM... we have chartered with them for years. Great folks and very professional. Love them so much that we decided to place a yacht in charter with them.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #157936
03/30/2018 07:34 AM
03/30/2018 07:34 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
Traveler
Winterstale  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
BVIYC...


[Linked Image]

Re: Charter Company [Re: Winterstale] #157937
03/30/2018 07:40 AM
03/30/2018 07:40 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 33
Halifax, Nova Scotia
M
MacGyver Offline
Traveler
MacGyver  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 33
Halifax, Nova Scotia
We have used Conch many times and they have never let us down. Cindy and the team are always very helpful. The boats are a little older but well maintained.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #157940
03/30/2018 08:49 AM
03/30/2018 08:49 AM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 45
PA , BVI, USVI
cheezler Offline
Traveler
cheezler  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 45
PA , BVI, USVI
Virgin Islands Yacht Charters located in the east end of St. Thomas. Fly in to STT, take a taxi to your boat. Avoid the ferry cluster. Easy sail to Sopers Hole or JVD to clear in. Nice selection of new(2016-2018) FP Helia 44's and some mono's. Great people to work with on your next charter!


"Waitress, I need two more Boat Drinks"
Re: Charter Company [Re: MacGyver] #157941
03/30/2018 08:53 AM
03/30/2018 08:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Oak Park, IL
T
TomGarvey Offline
Traveler
TomGarvey  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 583
Oak Park, IL
I ran into Cindy, Brian and Peter when I was on island a few weeks ago. They are enthusiastic about continuing to expand the fleet. I look forward to chartering with them again soon!


Tom Garvey
Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #157973
03/30/2018 03:36 PM
03/30/2018 03:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 544
Jacksonville, FL, USA
onlymedication Offline
Traveler
onlymedication  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 544
Jacksonville, FL, USA
Another recommendation for TMM.

I'll also throw Captains Compass (thecaptainscompass.com) out there, but if you are used to the Moorings/Sunsail experience, that may not be for you. CC is more of a low cost alternative, but we sailed with Captain Brent once and absolutely felt it was a great value.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158056
04/01/2018 12:44 AM
04/01/2018 12:44 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
R
Rhindley Offline
Traveler
Rhindley  Offline
Traveler
R
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
I second captains compass

Re: Charter Company [Re: Thistle] #158060
04/01/2018 07:29 AM
04/01/2018 07:29 AM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
B
BEERMAN Offline
Traveler
BEERMAN  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
Thistle, your STJ mooring fee comment was a joke? STJ has an honor system, floating pay stations. I’ll attach a pic later. TMM is an outstanding operation!

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158064
04/01/2018 10:32 AM
04/01/2018 10:32 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
The Moorings and Sunsail may not be locally owned but the folks that work there are local and can use the support.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158065
04/01/2018 10:34 AM
04/01/2018 10:34 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 528
Ohio
jagmansr Offline
Traveler
jagmansr  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 528
Ohio
On St John the mooring fees are $26. A not well known bonus is if you have a lifetime senior pass to US nature parks the mooring fee is $13. You need to record your park pass number on the voucher. Beerman is correct there are floating pay stations.

Re: Charter Company [Re: NCSailor] #158066
04/01/2018 10:35 AM
04/01/2018 10:35 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Hilton Head, SC
Steve27 Offline
Traveler
Steve27  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Hilton Head, SC
Have had nothing but a great positive experience with The Moorings every time.


Cruising the local waters here in SC and GA. Love the BVIs and miss the Tradewinds!
Re: Charter Company [Re: jagmansr] #158074
04/01/2018 11:55 AM
04/01/2018 11:55 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 631
BaardJ Offline
Traveler
BaardJ  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 631
Originally Posted by jagmansr
On St John the mooring fees are $26. A not well known bonus is if you have a lifetime senior pass to US nature parks the mooring fee is $13. You need to record your park pass number on the voucher. Beerman is correct there are floating pay stations.

Have the floating pay stations been replaced since Irma? They were all still missing as of a month ago. The only pay station we found on St John was the pay box ashore at Salt Pond Bay.

Re: Charter Company [Re: BEERMAN] #158117
04/02/2018 06:53 AM
04/02/2018 06:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
Traveler
CaptainJay  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
Originally Posted by BEERMAN
Thistle, your STJ mooring fee comment was a joke? STJ has an honor system, floating pay stations. I’ll attach a pic later. TMM is an outstanding operation!



Actually they have not been collecting them this season. Some of the pay stations where destoryed and they are currently waving them as they where when Thistle was here.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158149
04/02/2018 12:53 PM
04/02/2018 12:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 434
Northern IL
bagsarepacked Offline
Traveler
bagsarepacked  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 434
Northern IL
BVI YC

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158453
04/05/2018 11:36 PM
04/05/2018 11:36 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
scottlyn Offline OP
Traveler
scottlyn  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
Can anyone tell me about Dream Yacht Charters? I have not seen anything (good or bad) about them.
Thank you!!

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158533
04/07/2018 12:04 AM
04/07/2018 12:04 AM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
Traveler
aarpskier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
Originally Posted by scottlyn
Can anyone tell me about Dream Yacht Charters? I have not seen anything (good or bad) about them.
Thank you!!


After decades and multiple charters of good experiences with Moorings, we switched to DYC in June 2017 and saved a bundle on a Lagoon 52 for a crew of 7 adults and 4 kids. No pool or onsite restaurant at Hodges Creek, but the staff was great. Email Jenny at amazinglife64@yahoo.com. Very responsive and helpful.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158539
04/07/2018 09:45 AM
04/07/2018 09:45 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 14
C
CherylWegner Offline
Traveler
CherylWegner  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 14
If you're looking for a crewed charter, I highly recommend The Breanker. We've booked our 5th trip with these incredible hosts, Kristian and Marianne. This is an owner operated cat with 27 years of BVI charter experience. Top notch sailors, wonderful cooks, and great people! http://www.breanker.com/

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158558
04/07/2018 05:50 PM
04/07/2018 05:50 PM
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 6
Virgin Islands
T
Turquoise Turtle Offline
Traveler
Turquoise Turtle  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 6
Virgin Islands
Are you looking for Crewed or bareboat charter?

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158630
04/09/2018 11:16 AM
04/09/2018 11:16 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
scottlyn Offline OP
Traveler
scottlyn  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
It will be bareboat charter.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #158997
04/15/2018 06:37 PM
04/15/2018 06:37 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
Traveler
Deepcut  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
Just a question about clearing back into USVI since Cruz Bay Customs is still closed... Do you have to go into CA to clear into USVI and then double back to VIYCs?


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #159000
04/15/2018 07:43 PM
04/15/2018 07:43 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
d_fish Offline
Traveler
d_fish  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
Just curious... why are you considering an alternative? Are you looking for a more cost effective charter? Or a small company feel? Or does it matter?

What type of vessel are you thinking of chartering? Mono or cat? What age of vessel, latest and greatest or a little older cared for vessel? Are you looking for a vesssl equipped with a generator, air and water maker?

IMHO The answers to these questions help decide in whom you should choose as charter company.

Re: Charter Company [Re: Deepcut] #159054
04/16/2018 11:47 PM
04/16/2018 11:47 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 631
BaardJ Offline
Traveler
BaardJ  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 631
Originally Posted by Deepcut
Just a question about clearing back into USVI since Cruz Bay Customs is still closed... Do you have to go into CA to clear into USVI and then double back to VIYCs?

Yes, or you can call to make an appointment to meet with C&I in Redhook for a fee. This has been discussed in other recent threads.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #159060
04/17/2018 08:32 AM
04/17/2018 08:32 AM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 97
Germany, Bergkamen
B
bigbone Offline
Traveler
bigbone  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 97
Germany, Bergkamen
Dream Yachtcharter

We used them two times and we'll be back this year. Staff was great and our Lagoon 400 was in good shape. No issues. Verry responsive and helpful

Last edited by bigbone; 04/17/2018 08:39 AM.
Re: Charter Company [Re: aarpskier] #159077
04/17/2018 03:35 PM
04/17/2018 03:35 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
rmoretti49 Offline
Traveler
rmoretti49  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
Originally Posted by aarpskier
Originally Posted by scottlyn
Can anyone tell me about Dream Yacht Charters? I have not seen anything (good or bad) about them.
Thank you!!


After decades and multiple charters of good experiences with Moorings, we switched to DYC in June 2017 and saved a bundle on a Lagoon 52 for a crew of 7 adults and 4 kids. No pool or onsite restaurant at Hodges Creek, but the staff was great. Email Jenny at amazinglife64@yahoo.com. Very responsive and helpful.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #159079
04/17/2018 03:36 PM
04/17/2018 03:36 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
rmoretti49 Offline
Traveler
rmoretti49  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
Sailed with Dream charters a couple of years ago. They were fine, and I would use them again. Hodges Creek does have a swimming pool, or at least it did 2 years ago.

Re: Charter Company [Re: BaardJ] #159101
04/17/2018 07:58 PM
04/17/2018 07:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 45
PA , BVI, USVI
cheezler Offline
Traveler
cheezler  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 45
PA , BVI, USVI
You have 24 hours to clear in. You can take a taxi to CA, clear in and go where ever you want to go, hotel, resort, airport. Just did it in Feb, was easy


"Waitress, I need two more Boat Drinks"
Re: Charter Company [Re: cheezler] #159129
04/18/2018 09:43 AM
04/18/2018 09:43 AM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
S
sail445 Offline
Traveler
sail445  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
Actually your boat is supposed to be in a port of entry.
If they decided to check your boat for contraband and found out it wasn’t in port they would fine you big time.

Re: Charter Company [Re: Steve27] #160012
04/30/2018 10:16 PM
04/30/2018 10:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 26
S
Sailandfly Offline
Traveler
Sailandfly  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 26
I used to be able to say only positive things about the Moorings until they CANCELLED our all inclusive charter on a 62 foot cat 48 hours before sail date. They held our 23000$ hostage until we signed releases we would not sue for breach of contract. Horrible customer service, unwilling to abide by signed contract to find suitable replacement yacht...I could rant on but I have posted before regarding the experience. On the other hand TMM and Sunsail (I know...same owner as Moorings) have been wonderful. I have bareboated 12 times and will NEVER count on the Moorings to supply me with a yacht again. They definitely lost a loyal customer who has introduced others to bareboating vacations...probably another dozen charters by my past guests were booked out of Tortola but not by The Moorings.

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #160015
05/01/2018 12:20 AM
05/01/2018 12:20 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
scottlyn Offline OP
Traveler
scottlyn  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
Thank you all for your help! We are chartering a 44 foot Catamaran from Dream Yacht Charters from June 30th through July 9th. This will be our 11th bareboat charter, and we cannot wait to get back to our favorite place on earth..the British Virgin Islands!!

Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #160017
05/01/2018 06:43 AM
05/01/2018 06:43 AM
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 52
Montreal, QC, Canada
F
Freedom21 Offline
Traveler
Freedom21  Offline
Traveler
F
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 52
Montreal, QC, Canada
You stated in your original post that you wanted to support a local company. Dream Yacht Charters is a good company but hardly a local company. Out of curiosity why didn’t you go with one of the local suggestions given to you in this thread?

Re: Charter Company [Re: Freedom21] #160076
05/01/2018 08:13 PM
05/01/2018 08:13 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
scottlyn Offline OP
Traveler
scottlyn  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 146
Galveston, Texas
I received quite a few private messages as well as the ones that are listed here, with some recommending DYC. I checked out the companies that were suggested (Voyage, TMM, Conch, and BVI Yacht Charters), and they were all wonderful. I did not mean to offend anyone, appreciate all of the recommendations, and look forward to returning to the islands.

Last edited by scottlyn; 05/01/2018 08:14 PM.
Re: Charter Company [Re: scottlyn] #160247
05/04/2018 04:00 PM
05/04/2018 04:00 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 73
Manhattan Beach, CA
ScubaDrew Offline
Traveler
ScubaDrew  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 73
Manhattan Beach, CA
I've never used Dream in the BVI -- but after traveling around the globe to the Maldives for a charter, I was informed 45 minutes before my scheduled start, that the boat I had chartered had both engines broken down and that a replacement over 6 years older with non-working A/C would be provided.

It was an awful experience. I hope the folks in the BVI operate differently.

Many (25+) experiences with Sunsail, Moorings, and one good experience with Navigare in Dec 2017 despite the post-storm challenges.

Last edited by ScubaDrew; 05/04/2018 04:00 PM.

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