TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands The Captain's Compass Bareboat Charters

Hello all, I'm a newbie to this forum and to bareboat cruising but excited for our first trip to the BVIs this winter!

We have rented the Chachaa from The Captain's Compass and would like to know if anyone has rented from them recently and more specifically, that particular boat?

I have read a few older posts on this forum but looking for something more recent with advice, boat details, overall experience and the 'red zones' that Brent marks on the map.

Thanks very much for your assistance.

Captjack7. When I looked into chartering with Brent, his redlines were no mooring in White Bay JVD. As for Anegada, you can go, but no chase boat. I did not charter from him so I cant offer any info the boats themselves. Hope this helps.

Mike

I'm wondering why you book first and ask questions later. Why not do a little research prior to chartering?

just saw a recent thread on this over at cruisers forum.. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f19/bvi-charter-reviews-101867.html#post1430703

I'm the owner of Island Fun, a Leopard 42 in Brent's charter. We chartered with Brent over the years prior to buying The main reason we both chartered AND now have our boat in his care is because of his care and over the top concern for continued great sailing for everyone using his boats. Maintenance is a top priority as is maintaining the safety of his boats and charters. You will never go wrong chartering from Brent. There are reasons places as White Bay are red lined. There's another tread dealing with White Bay. There is more damage done to boats there than the rest of BVI put together. Granted, Brent looks after the well being of his boats and why shouldn't he? And believe me he is more intoned to the pros and cons of sailing in the BVI than any charterer. As an owner, I have a substantial investment in my boat. A boat I love and appreciate not being abused. I am very happy to share my boat and only expect people sailing her to be safe and considerate. If you have issues about Brent not allowing going into White Bay, please don't even consider my boat, I have no problem taking the dingy over from Great Harbor. Getting back to your main question, you will find on your arrival, a fully operational and well maintained boat ready for a great adventure. Brent has many repeat customers, that says tons to me. We were down last week and on our return, a family had just arrived for their turn on the boat you have chartered. She looked great, was fully operational and ready to sail. You will find "your" boat in that same state and ready and waiting for you.
Happy sailing, Frank

CaptJack, welcome to TTOL a great place for great info...

I recently returned from the BVI from our 3rd rental from Captains Compass.

I agree with Brent about White Bay, several years ago we were on a boat from another company and while safely moored in white bay, the boat was hit twice from 2 other boats and one other failed to set his anchor properly and ended up between our pontoons. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

I had a starter problem, called Brent, met his mechanic in Trellis Bay and was repaired in less than 4 hours after the initial call.

The boats are clean and ready to go when you get there, and Brent gives you a very good briefing on the boat as well as the Chart.

Have not been on Chachaa but have seen her, looks good.

Franks "Island Fun" is an awesome boat, had a great time on it in June. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Feel free to PM me if you have other questions. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

I have chartered ChaCha twice. Last time was last March. Time before that was two years ago. For us the boat was fine. We're not fussy though. I will say that I did notice a decline in its condition by the second time we chartered. Mostly cosmetic stuff on the inside. The bottom looked like a hay field. I assume it's been cleaned and/or painted by now. One other thing that bothered me a bit was that the boat seemed to list to one side at anchor. Not sure why. It was enough I could feel myself wanting to roll to one side while I slept. Weird. The rigging and sails were good. Motor ran well. Never had issues with battery charging. One thing I wish it had was light in the cockpit. I would consider bringing a battery operated light next time. It would make sitting out in the evening a little nicer.
Anyway regardless you can't beat the price Brent charges. We would charter again just for that reason. Pm me if you want more info.

Not what I would consider a great endorsement but you tried.

Brent like all of us, is unique, either your personality works with him or it doesn't. He doesn't drink or smoke which are common island vices. He also is constantly in motion.

No one can clean a boat like he does, but he won't put sheets on the bed since people put suitcases on the clean sheets. When I do a SAB, I don't want to put sheets on my bed.

When there is a maintenance issue he is on it quick and generous with drinks and dinner, but he should have done the preventive maintenance, but he is too busy cleaning. His mechanic is a great guy, but moonlights from another charter company.

His boats are cheap and perhaps more like the boat you have at home with issues rather than what you would expect from a charter company. Nothing wrong with this, but don't perfection. For some people any mechanical issue is cause to post bad reviews rather than realize you got a great price and should tolerate issue.

I have no issue with his White Bay redline, but I think you are an idiot to take the dinghy over, use a cab. As for Anegada, usually you will know before you get there if there are boat issues. Rarely do I see chase boats on Anegada, this is a non issue.

He is also very quick to throw the attorney card and will sue. He has his reasons for doing things and does not like to be questioned when you want to do something different.

He has been in and out of the charter business 3 times in BVI under different names. He will say he has been in business for much longer than he has.

He has his very loyal following and very vocal critics, you must make up your own mind.

Ahoy ... Brent here ... I love the internet ...
Bottoms painted - Lom Dee Nov '14, Imiloa Nov '15, Island Fun Nov '15, Afloat Nov '15, Chachaa (Beneteau 393) Nov '15.
2 Court cases in 20 years (Former business and former boat owner ... never a guest) and won both ... so?
10 years with Pro Valor Charters starting '92, 3 years with Pro Valor Sailing, 5 years with Captains Compass and, yes, most of my guests are repeats or referrals.
Kneafsey/Tortola 7 is right - definitely not perfection, it will never be good enough for me.
Just had my best year ever but always looking for ways to improve, Happy New Year.

BrentCummings - thanks for the info and the tip about the light in the cockpit. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.

Thank you to everyone for the help.

We've taken to bringing some white strings of Christmas lights and an extension cord (we always bring an inverter) as many of the mono's come with a dim 12 volt bulb (usually in a wicker cover) and that just doesn't cut it for playing cards or grilling. We got the idea from a boat that had those tube lights all around the bimini, it was great. After everyone goes to sleep I turn out all the lights because I like to sit in the dark and star gaze but sometimes light is nice.

We chartered Island Fun from Brent in July 2014, and have nothing but good things to say. Yes he can be a bit quirky (no offense meant Brent!), but he's a straight-up guy - says what he's going to do and then does exactly what he said he'd do. His rules are clear and make sense, and you can't beat the value. We enjoyed the boat and had *zero* problems. As for White Bay, I recommend the walk over from Great Harbour - good to get the legs moving, and the views are spectacular.

Just back from 10 days on Island Fun and while the boat is not perfect (what boat ever is?) it was an excellent value, was clean and tidy upon arrival and sailed exceptionally well. Brent was quick to repair a couple of things we spotted on our walk around. After we got underway we had a water leak which we traced to a hot water tank fitting. We reported it to Brent when we reached Sopers Hole and he had a mechanic do a repair to stop the leak the next AM. At the end of our charter he had his mechanic do a proper repair so he's right on things to make them right. We liked his no nonsense, straight forward approach...after all he's the middle man and has to keep both owners and charterers happy! We'd charter with Brent again.

I was aboard Afloat, the 38' Admiral catamaran for 3 weeks in June & July 2016.
We had chartered Imiloa, the 44' Voyage catamaran last year, and I was a little concerned about the smaller 38' until I got aboard. Surprisingly roomy.
There were 2 adults, 5 teenagers, and 1 child. All were comfortable, and want to sail Afloat again next year, so I already booked her.
I love the professional service from Brent. We needed the toilet fixed, and "Boots," mechanic had us going quickly.

Anticipating another great charter in the BVI aboard "Afloat," the 38' Admiral Catamaran in June 2017. I have been chartering yachts from Brent Fennell since 1999, and appreciate his serious attitude about great service. At his reasonable prices, I can afford a longer trip and get my family a great value. Thanks Brent!

Dr John Lloyd
Seal Beach

I am glad to see this post. We are chartering from Cap't Compass this summer, via a recommendation from Travel Talk.

Had used Pro Valor many times. I like the so called 2nd tier companies. I think there is a lot of value and the friendship with the owners gained over several visits brings a lot more to the charter then I think the bigger 1st tier groups. This is just my little ol' opinion.

Also not too worried about boat issues. Most issues happen in the first or second day. I have had them when chartering other places on 1st tier boats. It just comes with the territory sometime.

I am really looking forward to our summer's cruise with Cap't Brent, a nice long 11 days on the boat, can't beat that.

I would agree that Captain's Compass brings value and personal attention to each yacht and customer that may not be found elsewhere. We chartered last April on Imiloa, a Voyage 44, and had a wonderful week. 2 thumbs up for Brent's operation. We look forward to our next trip with CC.

Hi TWalsh- this is our 3rd trip with Captain's Compass. Yes we have had issues but they were handled quickly with little impact on our trips (similar issues with other companies). Our first 2 trips were on Island Fun.
This is our first on Imola(IF wasn't available). Would you have any concerns taking her out again? If so what would they be? 35 Days til wheels up! Thanks, Shauneen

Does Captain's Compass still redline Anegada?

You can get permission to go to Anegada ... if you have skippered a boat there before and agree to the fact there is no chase boat available if a problem arises.

We sailed Island Fun there last year.

"you can't go there unless you have been there!"

Exactly !

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Actually I forgot this part (because we had already sailed there before) but if you could present a charted course to Anegada that would suffice too.

Question for Brent or others with experience with Brent's charter. I see from his website, the fleet is rather small, not surprising. Any experience with a charter going wonky because a boat is not available due to maintenance or any other reason? What is the fall back plan for a substitute boat on no notice, due to availability issues, with small fleet to draw from? Especially curious about this situation in peak March times. Thanks in advance for any info!

I have found this to be an enlightening thread. And all I can say is that I'm glad we don't all want the same thing and that there are choices for everyone which is what I think this thread points out.

Personally I don't want to be MacGyver and either fixing, waiting for a fix, or accepting a problem in exchange for a somewhat cheaper boat. A large portion of the posts indicate they had problems but Brent fixes them quickly which impresses them. I admit that all boats will have a problem once in a while. But to be excited about how fast the service call happens baffles me - I don't want to see the service guy! I'm on vacation. I don't want my itinerary to be dictated by where spare parts and/or mechanic can be found. I don't want "adventure" to be defined by the broken boat. I only have so many days of vacation and want those days to be as enjoyable as I can possible make it. But happy there are choices for any budget - to each his/her own!

I have been chartering boats from Brent Fennel since 1999. I have also chartered with other companies. The reason I keep coming back to Captain's compass is because Brent is a stand-up guy offering a great product.

Dr John Lloyd
Seal Beach <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dance.gif" alt="" />

I recently had some friends charter 2 large new power cats from a larger company.

They had more problems than I ever had chartering 3 times with Brent.

They spent a whole lot of money and lost 2+ days of vacation. Both boats had issues one was major.

You never know, but if it is going to happen, its gonna happen out there....

I agree. During my 3 week Charter, engines purred like a kitten, systems up and running great. My family had a wonderful and memorable Adventure in the BVI. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/wave.gif" alt="" />

Been 3 years since we sailed the Lom Dee with Captain Carol for 10 days, honestly the best vacation we've ever had. We had a slight hiccup on our second morning out, but we motored into Sopers Hole and Brent had the issue taken care of right away. Gave us an opportunity to drink a few more Painkillers...Hoping to head back in November of 2018.

Just finished 3 weeks aboard Afloat. Had a fantastic trip. Afloat is a reliable and comfortable catamaran. We really loved spending cool evenings at the Baths of Virgin Gorda when we were the only people there. Many thanks to Brent for his great service! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/band.gif" alt="" />

You spent Overnight on the mooring ball at the baths ?

LOL, my immediate thought too. Surely not.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Just noticed that Mei Nui is now in his fleet....pretty boat....used to be at CYOA.

I love evenings at the Baths when at anchor at Valley Trunk Bay. It's a short dinghy ride, and good sandy bottom for anchoring. Valley Trunk Bay has a nice beach, but it's exposed to the West, so it's best during settled weather. I also love Baths after 3PM when "Bad Kitty" tour boats are done.

It's completely exposed. It can and will get nasty there if you get a Tstorms.
G

Just finished an 11 day charter with Captain's Compass. It was an awesome trip! His boats are older, but worked perfectly! I've used sunsail and conch charters in the past and have to say that Brent's boat wasjust as good mechanically. The engines had no issues, sails looked almost new and we had the best dinghy ever. In my past 7 charters, there was always something with the dinghy...either it didn't idle, was filled with water everyday, or needed to be filled with air everyday...not the case with Captain's Compass! Another issue I find on charter boats is crappy refrigerstion...this charter had no issues! I would definitely recommend Captain's Compass....I don't think a newer boat is worth the extra money...

Hi Brent, will you ever consider taking a boat with a genset and AC in your fleet?

Ahoy George,
And Ahoy to all the other Salty Pirates that continue to contribute to TTOL with your positive knowledge and experiences,
Yes, I am looking to expand my 'fleet' with more cats, both with and without gen-sets, between 38' and 45'.
Fair Winds ...

As Hurricane Irma approaches, I am reminded of another reason why I like Captain's Compass Yacht Charters. Sea Cow Bay has lots of mangroves, and is relatively small and protected. Brent has excellent local knowledge. Much better chance of protecting the boats.