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USVI Trip Report Oct 16-25th
#238442
10/29/2020 12:27 PM
10/29/2020 12:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 117
Rush
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 117
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Like several who have recently reported, we had a terrific experience with a USVI only charter 2 weeks ago. I would encourage other BVI lovers who have not chartered there to give it a try. This was a make-up trip from July where we encountered the only real storm of the season (Isiais). We never left the marina and made for a short 2 day trip. This time it was just Jessica and me and left the kids at home to fend for themselves. Here are the highlights:
Chartered a well-equipped FP Lucia 40 with Virgin Island Yacht Charters (Compass Point Marina). Had a great experience with VIYC and the boat was ideal for the 2 of us (owner’s version). It did have an icemaker which is very helpful for sailing around St. John.
We rented a car and did most of our provisioning at Cost U Less (Like a CostCo). Really good pricing and selection – particularly booze. Grabbed some other items at Moes at Redhook. We had great delicious sushi at Raw in Redhook the first evening. Paradise Car Rental picked the car up from the marina the next day.
Enjoyed staying on mooring balls at Maho, Honeymoon/Caneel, Lamshur, and Salt Pond – basically had a lazy week around St. John. Only boat at Great (or Littlle) Lamshur for the evening. Only one other at Salt Pond.
Snorkeling highlights were Waterlemon (Leinster), Lamshur and Salt Pond. Coral and sea life were abundant. Hiked Ram Head (and Salt Pond to Drunk Bay), Maho to Annenberg, but otherwise fairly lazy with plenty of swimming and paddle boarding.
While we had a great time just the 2 of us, we also had plenty of “beach bar” time at Maho Crossroads, Bikinis on the Beach (Honeymoon), Cruz Bay (High Tide and Beach Bar), and Lime Out (floating taco bar in Coral Bay).
Since we really stayed around St. John, there were plenty of things we missed (Christmas Cove – Pizza Pi was not open yet, and Water Island will definitely be on our next trip). Sails were somewhat short and many without a purpose (i.e. head out and back just to get out on the water). But we thoroughly enjoyed them. Winds were down during the beginning of the week and picked up towards the end.
General takeaway was that it offered an excellent change of venue (from the BVI) and there was plenty to keep us busy (or countless beautiful spots to do nothing). We just cancelled our February BVI trip with the kids and moved it to USVI - they are excited for the change. Also, we are headed to the SVI over Thanksgiving for the first time, and will report on that.
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Re: USVI Trip Report Oct 16-25th
[Re: Rush]
#238453
10/29/2020 01:05 PM
10/29/2020 01:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
jpfitzy7
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
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Thanks for the great report. We used VI Yacht Charters on our last charter and had a great time. We are heading down in about 2 weeks and chartering with CYOA this time. I think we plan on hitting a lot of the places you did but we will also hit up Magen's Bay and Water Island. Where did you anchor to go to Lime Out? I have heard it can be crowded and sometimes tough to find anchoring room. Your beach bar tips sound great. Any recommendations for dinner in Cruz Bay?
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - beer in hand - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
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Re: USVI Trip Report Oct 16-25th
[Re: Rush]
#238485
10/29/2020 05:08 PM
10/29/2020 05:08 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
jpfitzy7
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 113
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We were hoping to make a lunch stop at Skinny Legs before heading to Little Lameshur for the evening. There will be 5 of us with a 15 hp dinghy so you have given me another option. Also thanks for posting about the entry process. I will make sure my crew is aware of what to do/bring so there are no issues
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - beer in hand - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"
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Re: USVI Trip Report Oct 16-25th
[Re: jpfitzy7]
#238518
10/30/2020 05:47 AM
10/30/2020 05:47 AM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,423 Bucks County, Pa.
toast
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,423
Bucks County, Pa.
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For dinner in Cruz Bay, Morgans Mango has very Caribbean menu. I also ate at the restaurant inside Mongoose Junction, sort of open air, do not remember the name. the best little lunch spot is at the back of Mogoose Junction , I think it is called Sun dog Cafe, Their jerk tacos are wonderful. I know there are many other wonderful spots too.
Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth. Diane
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