TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Sunsail versus Moorings (Antigua)

Hi All,

I am hoping to get some feedback on the Sunsail / Moorings operation in Antigua and whether there is any meaningful difference between chartering with one over the other. I can charter the same boat (Moorings 46.3 or Sunsail 46, which as I understand it are both the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1). I'm leaning towards Sunsail since the boat from them is a bit newer. Thanks for your help!

Matt

Sunsail and Moorings are operated under the same company and have the same Sales, Marketing and Operation teams. Since Moorings is more well known in North America, and Sunsail in Europe, the company chose to keep the separate brand names. The big difference as a charterer is that Moorings charters start at noon and you can pay for a sleep aboard the night before. Sunsail charters start at 6pm so essentially your first night of charter is your sleep aboard, although you can often get on the boat early if it is ready. I also believe (at least it is the case for owners using their owners' time) that Sunsail has you pay for fuel consumption and Moorings is included. Both companies typically have the same boats with some possible small differences like the Leopard 42. With the 42 the Moorings typically provides the 3 cabin with an Owners' version layout while Sunsail has the 4 cabin boats. Neither has newer boats compared to the other, it just might be that the newer boat was available with Sunsail and wasn't with Moorings.

I’ve charted from both brands, though not Antigua, and totally agree w Sue!

There is only one common base for both companies, in English Harbour. The operation is relatively small and located right next to the historic pillars (used to careen boats). There is dockage for 4-5 catamarans (it get quite shallow at the base docks) and several moorings.