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How to charter a crewed yacht in the British Virgin Islands.

2013-10-08T13:44:00.002+01:00

There is nothing quite like relaxing on the deck of a private yacht whilst enjoying the views of palm fringed, white sand beaches. And you don’t have to be a millionaire to do this; there are beautiful yachts available at an affordable price, like dating it is just a matter of finding that perfect match.

It is an important part of the planning process to choose which charter broker you work with - however wonderful the yacht, it is the crew who make the trip a success – and your broker will consider the crew personalities, ages and even hobbies and interests in matching you to the right yacht.

After discussing your requirements in detail you will be offered a selection of yachts to consider, from classic mono-hull to swift power catamarans there is a great range of vessels available in the British Virgin Islands. Any good broker inspects yachts on a regular basis and meets with crew to ensure they are representing only the very best.

Your broker will give advice regarding itineraries, must-see things to do, food and beverage planning, and will liaise with the yacht owner on your behalf regarding rates, starting and finishing locations and other special requests. The yacht owner pays a commission to the broker, so there is no cost to you for these services.

The high season is from Thanks-giving through to Easter, with peak weeks at Christmas and New Year. During any of the school holiday weeks many yachts book up to a year in advance – so it is worthwhile enquiring early to get the best choice of yachts. Spring and summer months can provide quiet anchorages and flat seas resulting in fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving - some yachts will also offer discounts during the summer, especially for last minute bookings.

Most of the yachts that operate in the British Virgin Islands offer an all inclusive package, that’s all meals, snacks, drinks, bar, wine, yachts running expenses and fuel, along with your Captain and crew. Not included will be vintage wines and champagne, docking fees if requested during the charter, use of the boats phone or taxis and excursions ashore, or customary crew gratuity.

With steady trade-winds, uninhabited Islands and serene anchorages, the British Virgin Islands offer some of the best cruising in the Caribbean. However it is not just fantastic sailing, the BVI is one of the best locations in the World to learn to scuba dive, and many yachts offer instructional courses directly from the yacht.

Don’t regret the things you didn't do, start planning your ultimate yacht charter and make some memories.

Contact veronica@iyc.uk.com or call now on U.S 954 357 3950 for more information.

Sailing itinerary for the British Virgin Islands

2013-06-18T15:25:00.000+01:00

The British Virgin Islands offer some of the best Caribbean cruising, from deserted beaches to pristine coral reefs, there are over 40 Islands to explore - most of which are uninhabited National Parks.
Highlights include the Peter Island Resort which hosts an award winning spa, and for a more low key Island experience, the not-to-be-missed Soggy Dollar Bar on the aptly named White Bay, Jost Van Dyke....
Below is our recommended sample itinerary for an amazing BVI adventure:

Day 1: Fly into Beef Island Airport on the island of Tortola.

The crew meet you at the airport and transfer you to the yacht. Enjoy a champagne reception and Captains welcome before setting sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Norman Island, also know as Treasure island, a magical and mysterious island where Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island was based.
Enjoy a late afternoon swim in quiet Benureres bay or a spectacular scuba dive at the Indians.
After a fabulous dinner relax and take in the unpolluted night sky or take the party option and have a night cap at the Willy T's bar - a 1915 black Danish Baltic trader converted into a floating restaurant/bar.

Day 2: After a relaxing breakfast a short motor to The Caves for a breathtaking snorkel.

Natural caves on a shallow decline are the playground for myriads of fish, light sensitive coral, and if you look very carefully perhaps a barracuda or two lurking in the distance.
Set sail to beautiful Deadman's Bay - soft sandy beaches and crystal clear azure water. Swim ashore to relax in the hammocks with a tropical fruit cocktail.
An afternoon sail to The Baths at Virgin Gorda - one of the most stunning sites in the BVI - Gigantic granite boulders and half submerged rocks line the southern seashore, creating grottos, tunnels, and arches - a wonderful place to swim, snorkel, and explore.
Sandy beaches are lined with coconut palms, adding to the dramatic effect.

Day 3: Start the day with an exciting upwind sail from The Baths to North Sound, Virgin Gorda.

This beautiful area is one large playground, boarded by several islands including Mosquito, Prickly Pear, Saba Rock, Eustatia and Necker Island.
For the more active it is the perfect location for some Hobie Cat Racing, Water-skiing, Windsurfing or Hiking - or perhaps strolling around the famous Bitter End Yacht Club for some light shopping.
A short dingy ride out to Eustatia Reef for a snorkel - the seabed here is littered with old cannons and anchors from galleons wrecked on the reed in years gone by.

Day 4: Another exciting sail to Anegada - a unique Island a world apart from it's BVI neighbours.

Anegada is only 10 miles long by 2 and a half miles wide, and it's highest point at 28 feet, and sixteen miles of pristine sandy beaches of primeval quality. It is "guarded" by the third largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere.
After a delicious lunch on board allow a local tour guide to reveal the beauties of Anegada - the abundance of sea life that live on the Barrier reef, the Iguanas that guard the polica station, or if you are lucky the indigenous, and shy, Pink Flamingo's that live on the Salt Pond.
Sample Lobster, caught to order ashore at a recommended restaurant - a fascinating place to dine with the sand between your toes and under a canopy of stars.

Day 5: After breakfast, put your feet up with a good read for the relaxing down-wind sail to Jost Van Dyke.

Stop off at Green Cay for a swim ashore to this tiny uninhabited island, a perfect sand island punctuated by a cluster of rocks with green vegetation and two lonely coconut palms - surrounded by aqua marine water.
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity overnight or take a short hop to Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke, for a visit to Foxy's Bar - infamous for Foxy's clever entertaining and micro-brewery. Frequented in the past by both The Beach Boys and Van Morrison!

Day 6: A comfortable cruise takes you to the famous pirate hang-out of Sopers Hull.

Sopers Hull is a cluster of fanciful pastel West Indian buildings housing some terrific boutiques and craft shops.
Around the anchorage is a mix of old classic brigantines, square-riggers and modern sailing boats. After a spot of lunch, sail between the western tip of Tortola and Eastern tip of St Johns towards Great Harbour, Peter Island. A perfect anchorage for more water shops, including scuba diving and snorkelling.
Either relax in this pristine location watching the graceful Pelicans that gather on the rocky shore, or take another afternoon cruise to historical Salt Island which harbours the ship wreck of HMS Rhone and whose inhabitants still pay a bag of salt a year to The Queen as rent. Snorkel or Dive HMS Rhone or have a cocktail served to you as you watch the sun set.

Day 7: Spend the morning relaxing and savouring your last few hours aboard.

It is a short sail across the Sir Frances Drake channel to your drop off point on Tortola where you depart by noon.

How to avoid high phone bills when on charter....

2013-06-06T17:41:00.000+01:00

Gentle trade-winds, translucent water & afternoon cocktails a not-so-distant memory, the easiest way to bring you crashing back down to earth is a shockingly large phone bill - you just couldn't resist calling your loved ones to tell them what an amazing time you were having.

Think texting is a cheaper option? Don't be fooled - phone companies charge higher rates for international texting and data-transmission costs can also be exorbitant.

Many world travelers have got caught in the trap of texting and downloading during their travels thinking they were still under their domestic calling plan - wrong!

Although many of our yachts have on board satellite phones which guests can use, but this is an even surer way to get yourself a large bill at the end of the charter.

Because the US operates on a different cell-phone standard than the rest of the world, your typical cell phone from back home won't work in most Caribbean destinations.

The exception are phones that are compatible with the international GSM standard -- also commonly called "tri-band" or "quad-band" phones (the Apple/AT&T iPhone and Verizon/Blackberry Storm are examples) -- but even if you can get service you'll pay high roaming charges.

If it is important that you stay in contact with the office or home during your yacht charter then sign up in advance for a discounted international calling plan.

Below are also some suggested alternatives for staying in touch whilst cruising the islands:

• E-mail from the yacht: Most of our yachts have complimentary internet access for guests to use, so either connect to the yachts wi-fi network with your laptop or handheld device or use the onboard computer. O.K. - not quite the same as hearing a voice but at least it is a way of keeping in touch.

• Use Skype: Any two people with Internet access and computers or handheld devices with the Skype application installed can talk for free online (you'll need a microphone, of course, and a webcam if you want video, too). Skype also functions as a "Voice Over Internet Protocol" (VoIP) phone, meaning that for a reasonably low fee you can make international calls from your computer to a regular telephone number back home.

• Use Wi-fi networks on shore: Most resorts & hotels in the islands now have have Wifi, which you can use whilst you have a cocktail, or in some areas you can pay a minimal fee for 24hrs internet access.

• Send a Post-Card – Do it the old-fashioned way… you may be home long before the card arrives, but isn’t it nice to receive a personal card in amongst the bills & junk mail? Every dollar you spend ashore helps support the economy of these beautiful Islands.

Click here to start planning your yacht charter, call Veronica on + 1 954 357 3950 US / 0203 239 5023 UK or Skype me on independent.yacht.charter.

What's the best air route into the BVI?

2012-10-16T17:38:00.000+01:00

We are often asked about the best air routes into the BVI and there are a few options to consider....

From the USA....

Beef Island Airstrip, BVI

There are excellent connections from across the US to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and from there you can take a short 30 min flight directly into Beef Island with American Airlines or a number of small charter companies. Beef Island is in the heart of the BVI, and is attached to Tortola by a small bridge. Trellis Bay is a short 2-3 min walk from the airport terminal and we can often arrange for the yacht to meet you there.

Alternatively you can fly to Charlotte Amaliee, St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. There are regular public ferries which run to Tortola, or we will happily arrange a private water taxi to collect you and bring you directly to the yacht.

The dock at Trellis Bay, Beef Island

From the UK....

Flying from Gatwick there are daily flights to Antigua with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. The Caribbean airline LIAT flies to Beef Island Tortola.

Furthermore British Airways now flies into Puerto Rico via Miami on a daily basis, from where you can fly with American Airlines or a small charter company into Beef Island.

From Europe.....

Air France flies from Paris, and KLM from Holland to St Martin - the smallest Island to be divided between two countries. From St Martin there are good number of flights with Liat to the BVI - it is just a 30 min short hop.

Which ever route you take, as soon as you hit the BVI it will not be long before you are relaxing aboard your luxury yacht.

Have a look at our sample itinerary for the BVI or contact us for more information about chartering in the BVI.

Trellis Bay, just a two minute walk from the airport

A great itinerary from St Lucia to The Grenadines

2012-08-16T19:11:00.003+01:00

St. Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines,

Eleven nights of sailing in a tropical paradise.

Day 1:

Join the yacht at Marigot Bay, St Lucia, a beautiful bay in which some of the 60’s movie “Dr. Dolittle” was filmed. Enjoy your welcome cocktail and a light lunch whilst getting to know your captain & crew.

Marigot Bay, St Lucia

Day 2
Take a short sail down the protected coastline to the Pitons – anchor between these two majestic monoliths of nature. Visit La Ladera resort, nestled between the Pitons for a cocktail & breath-taking views of the bay.

The Pitons, St Lucia

Day 3

Sail from the Pitons towards St Vincent, this will be a sail of between 2-4 hours. Keep an eye out for Dolphins & cast the lines for some blue water fishing! Anchor overnight in the palm fringed Bay, Chateaubelair Bay.

Chateaubelair Bay, St Vincnet

Day 4

A short hop to Wallilabou Bay, where “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed. Take a wander along the beach and chat to the friendly locals or just enjoy the views from the yacht. After lunch continue the sail (2-3hrs) towards Bequia, arrive late afternoon for a cocktail at the bar on pretty “Princess Margaret Beach” pictured below.

Princess Margaret Beach, Bequia

Day 5

After breakfast take a stroll ashore in charming Port Elizabeth, known for building boats which are still hand carved on the beach under the shade of the palm trees. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this charming Island, take a stroll in the town or an Island tour visiting the Turtle Sanctuary. Scuba diving available with a local operator. Optional lunch stop at Petit Nevis, followed by an afternoon sail to Mustique.

Day 6

The village grocery, Mustique

Mustique Island – a favorite of the British Royal Family. Hire a “mule” (golf-cart!) and explore the island, visit one of the pretty reef lined beaches. Enjoy evening cocktails at “Basil’s bar” or “Fire-fly” (no cameras allowed!).

Mustique Island

Day 7

Sail to the Tobago Cays– a group of small deserted islands protected by a Horseshoe Reef. A handful of small sand beaches to explore & crystal clear water to enjoy…..excellent for spotting turtles and some of the best diving in the Grenadines. Enjoy a fresh lobster BBQ on the beach under the stars, with the sound of the surf your background music.

Tabago Cays, The Grenadines.

Day 8

It is a short hop for lunch at Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, a beautiful bay with a sweeping half-moon beach, and a woodland atmosphere.

Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, The Grenadines

Enjoy a downwind sail to Chatham Bay, Union Island. This is an unspoiled & protected anchorage, with a long beach and some great snorkeling. The perfect spot for water-sports, Sun-fish sailing, wake-boarding or waterskiing.

Day 9

Casuarina Beach, Palm Island

After a relaxing morning in Chatham Bay, (or perhaps some kayaking!) take a very short sail to Palm Island. Casuarina Beach is one of the most beautiful in the Windward Islands – golden sand lapped by translucent turquoise water, it is picture perfect, see below.

It’s another short hop to visit Petit St Vincent, which hosts a quiet and exclusive resort where you can enjoy cocktails or dinner. Good snorkeling in surrounding reefs.

Day 10

Sail to Canuan Island, anchor in Charlestown or Corbay for some great snorkeling or diving, or visit the Raffles resort for a round of golf or pampering at the spa.

Raffles Resort, Canuan Island, The Grenadines

Day 11

Sail to Young Island Cut, St Vincent. Take a private guide for a hike in the rainforest or visit the oldest Botanical Gardens in the Caribbean including the spectacular Baleine Waterfalls for a cooling swim.

Baleine Water Falls, St Vincent

Day 12

Depart the yacht at Young Island Cut, St Vincent.

We have a variety of yachts available for charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines, click here to view our hand-picked selection, or click here to make an enquiry.

Contact Veronica now on 1 954 357 3950 (US) or 0203 239 5023 (UK) to start your charter planning.

What's so special about the BVI?

2012-04-24T17:05:00.001+01:00

The British Virgin Islands is known as "Nature's Little Secret", and although it is likely no longer a secret, it still offers some of the best cruising in the Caribbean.

Popular with the bareboat market there are over 40 Islands to explore aboard your crewed yacht, many of which are uninhabited and only accessible by boat. A considerable area is "off limits" to bare boat charterers, so your captain will be able to take you to some of the most beautiful quiet & secluded bays.

With consistent trade winds and the islands close together there is a relatively protected cruising ground during the winter months, when there can be high seas from storms in the North Atlantic. Beautiful crystal clear water with many protected reefs, ship and plane wrecks result in fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving, the highlight being the wreck of HMS Rhone, which is listed frequently among the world's ten best wreck dives.

With endless pristine anchorages for swimming and water sports, combined with beautiful beaches the BVI is an excellent choice for a family vacation. Highlights include the not to be missed "Baths" a fascinating site of huge smooth boulders the size of houses that create stunning pools & grottos - it is not unusual to stumble upon a photo shoot when exploring as the area is so stunning.

Another highlight is Anegada, famous for miles of white sandy beaches, snorkeling on the third largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Lobster, which is just fabulous under a starry night with the sand between your toes.
We have a spectacular range of crewed yachts available in the British Virgin Islands, and unlike other cruising areas the yachts offer an all inclusive rate, all you have to do is get to the BVI, put your feet up and enjoy the view. Have a look at our sample itinerary for the British Virgin Islands.Call or email now for more information on cruising in the beautiful British Virgin Islands.