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Passport:
A passport is
the principal requirement for entry into the BVI. Visitors from some
countries may also need a visa - if in doubt ask us to check with the
BVI Immigration Office for you.
Special Medication:
These should be brought with
you. There are pharmacies on the islands but your particular
prescription may be impossible to obtain. Most yachts do carry a basic
medical kit.
Sea Sickness:
Rarely do our clients suffer
from sea sickness. The many islands that make up the BVI offer wonderful
protection from the ocean beyond. You get ideal sailing winds without
rough seas. If you are susceptible to motion sickness we recommend you
bring over the counter medication - but we don't expect you will need it
after the first day.
Luggage:
Bring soft
luggage that can be stored in your stateroom. Whatever you bring in the
way of clothes will undoubtedly be too much. Repeat guests always pack
much lighter the second time around!
Shoes:
Most of the
yachts are "no shoes" boats, so please don't go running out to buy some
expensive pair of yachting shoes. You probably won't use them. We
suggest you bring along sandals, sneakers and maybe reef shoes. If you
prefer to wear shoes on deck, talk with your captain about it, before
you start your trip.
Suntan
Lotion:
Modern day
sunscreens are very effective. You should come well stocked up. May we
just mention that many of the lotions which contain PABA stains the
decks and so do oils. Please try to bring PABA free lotion only.
Photographers:
Bring plenty of
film for your camera and maybe some spare batteries as well. Many guests
bring their own video cameras and it's fun watching the footage at the
end of the day!
Music:
We encourage you to bring a
selection of your own CDs with you.
Linens:
Do not bring towels. The yacht
will provide enough towels for you.
Telephone:
Most of the yachts have a phone
and some even internet access . So, if you need to keep in touch with
your family or business, please let them know that you will call them on
the first day and give them your personal number aboard the yacht.
Smoking:
Most of the yachts do not allow
smoking under deck.
Children:
Some yachts offer family
specials. Children have fun on a yacht vacation if they are water safe.
About the
weather:
Lying just
over 1000 miles from the equator the Virgin Islands enjoys a balmy
sub-tropical climate, plied by constant trade winds. Temperatures
rarely drop below 77F in the winter or rise above 90F in the summer.
The night temperatures vary by only 10F. Hurricanes are very rare
and are most likely to occur from late August to the end of
September.
Our year is characterized as
follows:
Winter:
While the US
Mainland and much of Europe is locked in the icy grip of winter the
BVI enjoys fresh trade winds and abundant sunshine. Daytime
temperatures average 80 - 85F dropping to 75 - 80F at night. Winds
average 10 - 20 knots providing exciting sailing conditions and cool
night ventilation. Short localized rain showers may pass over us but
these rarely last for more than 30 minutes.
Xmas and New Year are the
busiest weeks of the season and the BVI high season is January -
April.
Spring:
From the
middle of April the winter trade winds begin to moderate and we
experience a slow increase in daytime temperatures. Daytime highs
average 90F, nighttime lows 80F and there is a 20% chance of short
showers. The islands take on a fresh green lushness that heralds the
arrival of a new season. In Fall it is the reverse pattern, except
that we are prone to more rain showers.
Spring
represents excellent value to visitors. Anticipating the summer,
most prices drop on May 1st and there is a gradual reduction in the
number of visitors to the islands. Finding a quiet anchorage gets
easier and the snorkeling and diving are fabulous with reduced wave
action.
Summer:
July, August
and September are the quietest months in the BVI. It is the warmest
time of year with daytime highs of 95F but nights remain comfortable
at 80F. We enjoy the tranquil anchorages and lazy sailing days and
we have air-conditioning throughout the boat for those still nights.
When chartering a
crewed yacht, you may feel luxuriously spoiled, as the crew’s number one goal
is to please you. Even though they are there to “serve” you, remember,
they are not your “servants”.
Some of the following rules of etiquette
may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised, how many guests
forget to apply them. The crew and your fellow passengers will be truly
appreciative if you keep these points in mind.
On-board Etiquette:
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Ask permission to come aboard –
Stepping on board a yacht is much like entering someone’s home. You
would never enter without first ringing the bell or knocking and
waiting for someone to invite you in. The same courtesy applies when
boarding you chartered yacht. It is considered proper etiquette to
ask the captain for permission to board. Of course, the request does
not have to be formal or stuffy. Simply asking “Permission to come
aboard?” will be much appreciated, not to mention that you will
start your vacation off on the right foot with your captain. After
all, manners make all the difference!
-
Remove shoes when boarding – When
boarding the yacht you have chartered, it is a courtesy to take off
your shoes. The yacht you have chartered is owned and maintained by
someone who probably takes great pride in their investment. The deck
can be easily marred and damaged by the bottom of your shoes. If you
want to wear shoes on the yacht you should bring a clean pair of
deck shoes or tennis, basketball or running sneakers with light
colored sole. When you return to the boat from a sightseeing
excursion or a trip to the beach, it is important to be aware that
your feet or shoes do not have oil, grease, tar or sand that can be
tracked back onto the yacht. Take a moment to check your soles
before re-boarding.
-
Bring soft luggage – Unlike the
Plaza or the Ritz-Carlton, most yachts do not have lavish, full size
closets to store your clothes. As a result, it would not be
realistic to bring three large steamer trunks. As a courtesy to the
other guests, the crew and the lack of space, pack lightly in soft
luggage that can be easily stowed aboard the yacht. Roll-ons with
their frames and wheels are not considered soft luggage. Try duffel
bags or the traditional sea bag.
-
Don’t overindulge during Happy
Hour – One of the perks of a charter vacation is that you may enjoy
“Happy Hour” aboard the vessel or on the shores of an exotic island
with the locals. You may meet someone from another chartered vessel
or from the village where you have anchored whom you whish to invite
on board. Whether it is for one cocktail or to show off the yacht
you’ve chartered, etiquette and protocol dictate that you first ask
the captain’s permission. Don’t forget to use moderation when
enjoying cocktails. As you are in open water and safety comes first,
over-indulging may cause the captain to close the bar. Unruly
guests, whether or not they paid for the charter are still guests.
-
Keep the noise level down – there
is nothing as soothing as the sound of waves gently hitting the side
of the boat as you relax on deck or drift off to sleep. To have that
rudely interrupted by the sound of loud noises and blasting music
can cause anyone lose their cool. When it comes to noise remember to
respect the other guests. Sound travels, oh so well, across the
water and even normal conversations can be heard much farther then
you expected.
-
Don’t enter the galley unless
specifically invited – It is exiting to inspect the yacht on which
you are sailing. From bow to stern, cabin to galley, it is a given
that you want to take in the awesome beauty of your floating
paradise. Perhaps we get curious and decide to see where our
splendid meals are being created. Don’t barge in and expect to be
greeted with open arms, especially when meals are being prepared.
-
Don’t waste fresh water – There is
nothing like a cold, refreshing glass of ice water when you have
been in the sun all day. On a yacht, there are a certain number of
gallons of fresh water aboard. Running out of fresh water can be
quite serious. It is important that every guest aboard respects the
regulations regarding the use of fresh water. Many charters have
rules about washing your hair with fresh water. Of course, there is
no limit to the amount of salt water that may be used.
-
Follow the head instructions –
Believe it or not, there is an etiquette regarding the marine
toilette….also known as “the head”. Clogging the head will not only
cause you much embarrassment, but will inconvenience the crew and
fellow guests as well. If you are unfamiliar with how to operate the
head, take a minute and ask a crew member. It has been said that you
may put anything into a marine toilet as long as it has been
ingested first, except for a miniscule amount of toilet paper.
-
Obey the captain – The captain of
your chartered yacht is responsible for the well-being and safety of
each person aboard. Just like a scout leader or teacher, the captain
has final say over almost everything on the boat. There is nothing
you can do about it, but respect the rules.
-
Tip the crew – It is considered
proper etiquette to tip your crew 15-20% of the charter fee based
upon service rendered. Remember, during your stay aboard the yacht,
the crew has been your navigation team, wait staff, bartender,
gourmet chef and housekeeper. Not to mention dinghy driver, tour
guide, diving instructor, backgammon opponent etc. Take all the
above into account when determining your tip.
No matter where your destination takes you, your voyage
will no doubt be unforgettable. Those who are educated in the finer
points of yachting etiquette and protocol can take comfort in knowing
that they have been a first-class guest.
click here to start the search for crewed charter yachts in the Virgin
Islands
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