TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Captains Compass - say it ain't so??

I just heard a nasty rumor that Captains Compass is closing up shop and is cancelling already booked reservations? Please tell me this isn't so!

I believe that happened a bit ago. On FB, people said they were offered a 10% refund if they signed paperwork accepting it as full recompense. Some had been encouraged to pay by debit card, so they couldn't file a chargeback on their credit card.

Interested to hear more on this ..Brett where are you? Back in Canada again?? I have e mailed him and "suggested" he responds here.

Brett's silence is concerning..what about the boat owners that have entrusted their boats to him? I believe a couple of folks on here have boats in his fleet..can we hear from you? Brett did "disappear" to Canada once before leaving some folks"anxious"..hoping this is not a replay..

I doubt Brett will respond. This is consistent with his behavior that I experienced when I had my boat with him in Sea Cow’s Bay. He is fundamentally a dishonest person. I feel bad for those who had booked charters with him and will not receive full refunds, and for the boat owners who have to scramble to find new homes for their boats. The BVI charter industry is better off without him.

I first heard of the situation on BVI Charter Chat in early March when someone posted about their charter being cancelled with less than a week notice. They were offered a 10% refund. After that more people posted about their charters also being cancelled but I don’t recall seeing any posts from boat owners. I’m sure they were financially impacted as well.

I hope all is well too...I have a deposit paid for a charter in April 2027

..and he is still a sponsor here..I would immediately try to get my deposit back and book with another charter company.

If your deposit was by credit card and it posted, dispute the charge to have it refunded to you.

He’ll probably fake having cancer again.

Somebody posted a letter from Brent saying he left because he has a medical issue (again). He also said the 10% refund must be agreed to within 72 hours.

Yep, an hour ago a charterer posted that on the FB BVI Charter Chat page. Brent says he has cancer. How that results in his stiffing charterers is beyond me. He is a scoundrel.

The boats are gone. The dock is empty. No message on the website.

Wow! I've used Captains Compass a few times and had no problems. He was an interesting guy, but no issues chartering. It was a great option for a little cheaper rates for people that just wanted to to the islands and sail...no frills.

Just once for me, but we had a good experience. We found it was a good value at the time, recently married, no kids, 10 days on a 42' boat just the two of us for less money than the cost of travel to get to Tortola. It was a nice option to have. Shame to see this happening and absolutely awful for those who are having their money taken. Disturbing and disapointing.

In the BVI expenses have only gone up for the operators. That will hit the bottom of the market the hardest. Did the dock pull the plug forcing the sudden shutdown with one week’s notice? Why is the website untouched? Just cryptic single emails to customers and boat owners. Zero media coverage?

It's not the first time he has taken off like this leaving folks in the lurch. Last time I believe, again, he claimed it was a medical emergency then showed up managing a marina in Canada..

That’s right, Mal. Back then, Mike Kneafsey found an announcement on line that he was the new dock master at a marina in British Columbia. That was after he told me face to face that he was going to Canada for medical treatment. I have no idea if that’s true this time. Even it is, that’s no excuse to only offer charterers a 10% refund. Good riddance.

This does do damage to the entire charter industry. Long ago the other operators in the club would strive to find boats for the victims. I am surprise there is no journalism or industry reports on the issue.

In many jurisdictions, "spending the money now with the intent to pay it back later" is not a valid legal defense against a charge of commingling or misappropriation. The act of using the funds for a purpose other than the one agreed upon is often sufficient for a violation. I know nothing about BVI English Law.

I wonder if someone is still collecting deposits or "retainers" as Brett called them?

http://www.thecaptainscompass.com/Contact_Us.php

I feel sorry for the charter customers, but what about the boat owners? Where did the boats go?

According to a facebook post they were given 1 week to remove them.

How do the laws work in the BVI? If the charterer refuses the 10% settlement offer, do they have any recourse?

Anywhere you would have the right to run to the court and sue. Also the right to report the money missing to the criminal authorities. Hard to get money from a turnip. Just because another party offered to settle. The other party has no duty to accept the offer of settlement. If the money or service is important to you? Always read the contract and know who you are really doing business with. Hotels and vacation rentals fail and go out of business all the time. Fraud is Still Fraud... Theft is still Theft... "Caveat emptor ("let the buyer beware") is a common law principle placing the burden on buyers to inspect goods or property before purchase, assuming risk for defects unless a warranty exists or fraud occurs. While still relevant in real estate ("as is" sales), it is heavily limited by modern consumer protection laws, mandatory disclosures, and implied warranties of quality."

My theory the business was struggling for long time. The recent high season did not work out. The dock was cutting him off with eviction. That brought the entire house of cards tumbling down. Health and Exhaustion would only make a one man shop worse. Many luv'd the guy. Others a poor experience to them.

Back in March I got the notice and canceled out for our June charter. I used him in the past and thought OK...but big mistake. Low cost is sometimes "Cheap" and that is was the problem with dealing with a one man band. Never again. Luckily the cost was very low so between the two couples our loss was manageable. We moved to a "Reputable" company that I used in the past. Maybe a little more $$ but better bot and better company, lesson learned.

There are a few posts on the BVI Charter Chat FB page. Here was my comment:

The Captains Compass is Sorry, due to a Medical Issue, Business at The Captains Compass will End on Fri 19 Mar.
The Captains Compass can Not and will Not supply any Yacht for charter starting after Noon on Fri 19 Mar.
CC will Not have a charter yacht available for You starting 1 June to 12 June.
CC will Offer a Refund of 10% of the Charter as a Final Settlement for Any and All Claims and Issues. This Offer is good for 72 Hours.
CC will Offer To support, with Documentation, your Travel Insurance Claims.


https://www.facebook.com/groups/1266848426813237/permalink/3392408987590493/

I doubt he shows up again. His name is now...lets just say...not good