Just returned from another great trip. Kind of long report and will summarize by the below sections so you can skip to any that interest.

Waypoints Charter Company and Base Review
Boat Review (FP Aura 51)
Seasonal Observations
Logistics/Travel Comments


Waypoints Charter Company and Base Review:
Booking was easy and friendly and pricing is very competitive. Anthony (previously with BVI Yacht Charters) and his team at the Base including Stefan, Susan, Sayula, and many others could not have been more helpful and inviting. This was our second charter at their Nanny Cay base and we will be back later this year. The chart briefing was one-on-one and helpful and easy. The boat briefing was very thorough, and they were happy to spend as much time as needed. All of their boats (Catamarans are all Fountaine Pajots) are new and appear to be meticulously maintained. They are also very well appointed with options, kitchen equipment, beach towels, etc. We had zero problems with both boats that we chartered with them which is rare.

Nanny Cay is a perfect place to start your trip with a small beach/pool, Peg Legs Beach Bar/Restaurant, nice coffee shop, small Riteway, Omars restaurant, etc. Also, it’s an easy fuel dock to pull into at the end of the trip and the Waypoints staff meets you there, then docks the boat for you.


Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 (Carrie Lee) Thoughts:
We had a large crew and needed the extra space. This was a 5 cabin layout, but had a spacious owners cabin in the port hull that had an aft access door and one that went to the saloon. We really enjoyed the comfort and space and the dual access. The other cabins were reasonably sized (starboard mid and aft cabins were a little smaller). The galley and cockpit were large and flowed well, and the cockpit table expanded to comfortably seat 10-12. With the sky lounge and forward lounging seating, we had plenty of places to spread out or hang out. I was surprised at how fast this boat was. We had ideal conditions (14-17 knots apparent) sailing to and from Anegada on a beam reach. We sailed mostly above 9 knots with significant time in double digits, peaking at 11. We all loved the boat.


Seasonal Observations:
While things were slowing down, mooring fields still felt pretty full at Cooper, Anegada, Great Harbour, and were plenty busy in the North Sound. GH is almost all Boaty Ball
We were at Saba Rock for happy hour as the Poker Run finished their last stop before Leverick. It was very entertaining, but the participants were almost all gone by the time we sat for dinner.

Enjoyed every meal out, including: Peg Leg’s, Cooper, BitterEnd, Saba Rock, Sugarcane (first time and loved it), Tipsy’s, Anegada Reef Hotel (followed by dancing at Potters), Quito’s, Foxy’s Taboo, Hendo’s, Corsair’s (and Vinny was kind enough to wrap my cousin’s broken/jammed toe), and Willy-T. Of course, drinks at many other places. Seriously not a bad meal – although some were quite pricey.

Sargassum was a non-issue for us although saw plenty floating as we sailed. Wind shifted to the south towards the end of our trip and it appeared to start bringing more in.
Weather was excellent but heat and humidity picked up the last 2 days.


Logistics:
Half the crew flew early direct to St. Thomas then a night at the Ritz. Took the 2:30 Red Hook to West End Ferry the next day – much less crowded and easier customs process than going through Road Town. We were able to organize provisions, unpack, and do the boat briefing that afternoon before the rest of the crew arrived via RT Ferry for a sleep aboard.

Riteway and Caribbean Cellars provisioning was easy with typical/reasonable substitutions. The small Riteway at Nanny Cay enabled us to finish up any missing items.

Returned the boat to the base at 8:15 AM so the crew could make the 10 AM Road Town Ferry. We refueled and docked and they left by 9 AM. My wife and I checked the boat in and departed on the 11:30 West End to Red Hook Ferry through Aquatic Rentals. Went through Cruz Bay for Customs.

We stayed at the Ritz one night on St. Thomas before flying back home to Atlanta the next day. We are fortunate to have a lot of Bonvoy points for our Ritz stays which makes “re-entry” easier.

Already can’t wait to get back!

Thanks for taking the time to share.

Sounds like you and crew had a great time.