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First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? #216292
02/01/2020 12:14 AM
02/01/2020 12:14 AM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
V
VD4144 Offline OP
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VD4144  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
We are planning our first sailing trip to BVI this summer. We are a group of 7 - all new at this but looking forward to the adventure of an 8 day sail. We have narrowed the choice to 2 charter companies with different boat options. Need some opinions please.

Boat 1 - Bali 4.5
Boat 2 - Lagoon 450

We will have a captain with us for a total of 8 people.

Thanks in advance

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Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216295
02/01/2020 04:25 AM
02/01/2020 04:25 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
What 2 charter companies? TMM will provide an outstanding experience. There are several great owners on this board that you can charter from directly and save a few dollars.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216309
02/01/2020 09:15 AM
02/01/2020 09:15 AM
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 886
Louisville, KY
NoelHall Offline
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NoelHall  Offline
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Louisville, KY
If you plan on the skipper sleeping in a coffin berth (oops, sorry …. I mean crew berth) then he/she might have some input. I've chartered both and don't really have anything bad to say about either choice. Since your skipper will be operating the boat, I guess it comes down to comfort and accessories (and price), along with location of the charter company. For simply socializing I lean toward the Bali 4.5. The bow has a larger sitting area with tables, as well as a large drop-down window between the salon and the bow for passing snacks, drinks, as well as communication between those in the salon and those out front. The Lagoon has a couple of small windows that can be used for the same thing. The stern of the Bali has a drop-down swim platform, whereas the Lagoon does not. I found other 'creature comforts' to be similar.


Noel Hall
"It is humbling indeed, to discover my own opinion is only correct less than 50% of the time."

www.noelhall.com
Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: warren460] #216332
02/01/2020 11:56 AM
02/01/2020 11:56 AM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
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VD4144 Offline OP
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VD4144  Offline OP
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TMM and DYC. The DYC is a newer boat Bali 4.5 2019 but I’ve done enough reading on this forum to know that TMM gets rave reviews. The TMM boat is a Lagoon 450 2016. Just trying to figure out if the newer boat trumps the TMM service.

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216338
02/01/2020 12:13 PM
02/01/2020 12:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
We have a boat in TMM, leaving their fleet in April.

I cannot say enough good things about the care and attention to detail that occurs at the TMM base. TMM is extremely service oriented. My experience is that they keep all of their boats in great shape.

I have heard mediocre comments about Dream from owners and guests. I would be careful with dream.

I would book the 2016 TMM boat without hesitation.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216381
02/01/2020 10:24 PM
02/01/2020 10:24 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Winterstale Offline
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Winterstale  Offline
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Posts: 5,861
Bradenton, FL
Originally Posted by VD4144
TMM and DYC. The DYC is a newer boat Bali 4.5 2019 but I’ve done enough reading on this forum to know that TMM gets rave reviews. The TMM boat is a Lagoon 450 2016. Just trying to figure out if the newer boat trumps the TMM service.


I have some friends who chartered a Bali and really hated it....it was with DYC. Not a reflection on DYC who they have used in other locations and loved - they just hated the way the boat handled.


[Linked Image]

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: NoelHall] #216413
02/02/2020 10:19 AM
02/02/2020 10:19 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 229
West Chester, PA
ligot Offline
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ligot  Offline
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Posts: 229
West Chester, PA
Originally Posted by NoelHall
If you plan on the skipper sleeping in a coffin berth (oops, sorry …. I mean crew berth) then he/she might have some input. I've chartered both and don't really have anything bad to say about either choice. Since your skipper will be operating the boat, I guess it comes down to comfort and accessories (and price), along with location of the charter company. For simply socializing I lean toward the Bali 4.5. The bow has a larger sitting area with tables, as well as a large drop-down window between the salon and the bow for passing snacks, drinks, as well as communication between those in the salon and those out front. The Lagoon has a couple of small windows that can be used for the same thing. The stern of the Bali has a drop-down swim platform, whereas the Lagoon does not. I found other 'creature comforts' to be similar.


Disclaimer-We'll have an L46 in the TMM fleet starting next month.

I can't speak for the Bali's or DYC but I do know the newer Lagoons have big front windows for pass through and breeze. Nice new feature. They've also added folding teak cockpit tables and a movable bench so that you can fully seat a full crew at dinner. Something we've struggled with in the past.

Good luck either way VD4144, my guess is you'll get sucked into this just like the rest of us who can't get enough of BVI sailing.


S/V Tortuga
Lagoon 46
[Linked Image]
Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216427
02/02/2020 11:46 AM
02/02/2020 11:46 AM
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 133
NJ USA
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mcevog Offline
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NJ USA
TMM service trumps in my view

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216449
02/02/2020 06:25 PM
02/02/2020 06:25 PM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,212
JAX
jphart Offline
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jphart  Offline
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JAX
There is a reason Moorings, Sunsail, & Barefoot has the largest fleet in BVI

Personally, I love the R&C Leopard cats. Designed for charter cruising, great amenities, nice base, and modern fleets. YES you will pay a little more. But in my opinion you get great value for your dollar.

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216450
02/02/2020 07:04 PM
02/02/2020 07:04 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
I tried moorings once. Never again. That’s just my experience.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: jphart] #216474
02/03/2020 10:04 AM
02/03/2020 10:04 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,277
Saint Thomas, USVI
CaptainJay Offline
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CaptainJay  Offline
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Saint Thomas, USVI

Yep, it is very similar to the reason Holiday Inn has more rooms than the Ritz. I would still rather stay at the Ritz.

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: CaptainJay] #216477
02/03/2020 10:43 AM
02/03/2020 10:43 AM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 92
Hillsborough, NC
OceanSong Offline
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OceanSong  Offline
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Posts: 92
Hillsborough, NC
I'm the owner of a Lagoon 42 with TMM. The primary reason we went with TMM is the way they maintain their fleet. I visited with virtually every charter operator on Tortola in 2016 and I was most impressed with TMM. A long-time charter operator in the USVI had told me TMM had the best maintained fleet in the BVI - he was spot on.

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216492
02/03/2020 01:19 PM
02/03/2020 01:19 PM
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 345
Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff Offline
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UncleLuff  Offline
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Posts: 345
Ottawa, Canada
At the end of the day it will be the captain that will make your trip great or spectacular! I have no knowledge as to the qualities of either TMM and DYC captains and suspect you will not know who your captain will be until your arrival. At the end of the day it is boat, Base location and price that you will need to compare.

Both boats are about the same in terms of room. The Bali will be nicer from a cruising perspective as already mentioned. The lack of a trampoline in the Bali means that it can have a large forward sitting area that would be great in the early mornings and evenings when the sun is not so hot and you are enjoying sun downers with friends all comfortably lounging. The large integrated salon and cockpit area will also fit 7 comfortably in the Bali.

In terms of service or maintenance or sailing qualities you don't really care as it will be the captain worrying about this!

Also another point. DYC's base is in scrub island which means you will start and end your trip on scrub with access to the resort, pool, beaches, restaurants. It is also only a free ferry ride from the airport (if you don't mind walking your luggage 200m to Trellis bay...

I will be chartering a Bali 4.3 in May with 3 friends from DYC. I have sailed with DYC twice in Grenada and have no issues with their service or boats. Both boats that I have chartered (2019 Saona 47, and the yet to be chartered Bali 4.3) were/will be both brand new. I choose DYC due to: past experience and available discounts; I wanted to try a Bali for the first time; and I wanted to start and end my trip on Scrub island (I have never been but I expect it trumps all of the other operator's base locations...)

Good luck, you will have fun regardless of which charter you select I am sure!

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: UncleLuff] #216494
02/03/2020 01:36 PM
02/03/2020 01:36 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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sail445 Offline
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Getting a resume and photos of available captains is important they’ll be aboard (In your home)for a week.

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216576
02/04/2020 10:13 AM
02/04/2020 10:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 89
Mebane, NC
mriley4955 Offline
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Posts: 89
Mebane, NC
I'm very surprised that not many people ever mention Horizon. I have used Moorings in the past and it is a great experience. Am I missing something with Horizon? I have used them many times and have had great experiences from start to finish and Nanny Cay is a great place to start. In June, this will be my first trip back since Irma and I'm looking forward to see the new marinas.


I spent all my money on "Boats", "Broads", and "Booze"; the rest I wasted!


[Linked Image]
Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: VD4144] #216605
02/04/2020 01:47 PM
02/04/2020 01:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
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VD4144 Offline OP
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VD4144  Offline OP
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Thank you all for your comments and opinions. They are all very helpful for a newbie trying to sort everything out!

Ligot - you are right we will probably be hooked!

Looking forward to the experience.

Re: First time overnight sailing - opinions on boats? [Re: CaptainJay] #216648
02/04/2020 08:12 PM
02/04/2020 08:12 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
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warren460  Offline
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Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
Jay, I could not agree more. Very well stated.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///

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