"WHAT TO EXPECT"
Since our purpose is to show you the Virgin Islands, where
to go, how to anchor and care for your boat and yourself, and above all have fun
doing it, basic hands-on sailing and boating familiarity is a plus for you before
your charter for you to get the most out of your experience.
Please don't have unrealistic expectations of your abilities after one week if
you have had no previous sailing experience. Basic "how to sail"
knowledge beforehand will greatly help prepare you for our program. If you
are a beginner, we can show you the basics; but remember basic skills are
best learned on little boats. If you are a competent
sailor, you will be bareboating in no time at all! If you are a beginner,
it will take a little longer.
Bel Ami is a luxurious, spacious vessel with accommodations for four guests: two persons have a private cabin and two others are each in single separate berths in the main saloon. We encourage charter couples to consider bringing a single friend ( or two), which not only tends to make the charter a lot more fun for everyone but decreases the per person cost as well.
Bring Friends
Sharing your
experience with friends will greatly increase your fond memories later on. Our
new charter fees encourage groups of 3 or more. Give it consideration when you do your booking. Some of our
most memorable charters have been with groups of 3
or 4.
Seniors
Over the last several years, we have built up a clientele of senior charterers
who are accomplished sailors in their own right, but who for reasons of
convenience, prefer to sail with less responsibility. You may be in this category of
a sailor who knows what he/she is doing but appreciates the peace of mind of not
being continually in charge. We have sincerely enjoyed our
mature charterers and believe in the adage that "old sailors don't quit
sailing, they just charter!" We have many repeat guests who return now, not just as guests, but
now as lifelong friends.
Personal Items to Bring
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Swimsuits/shorts/shirts - you won't need much |
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"Dressy" if you want to go out posh; however, no ties are ever necessary |
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Lightweight, long-sleeved cover-up for sun; daytime big hat |
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Warm-up suit for topside at night in winter only |
| Rubber sandals; flip-flops are best. Please no shoes of any kind on boat at any time---barefoot only! If you must wear shoes please dedicate a pair for on board only. |
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Old tennies for hiking |
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Snorkeling items (can be rented or purchased reasonably close by in St. Thomas) |
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Cameras, videos, and lots of film and video tapes. Film is expensive here. |
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Nausea cures, if applicable. Not usually a problem, but if you are susceptible....... |
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Insect repellent (for hiking) |
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Pack in collapsible luggage. Duffel bags are good |
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Linens: 1 double or larger per couple; towels, wash clothes, beach towels |
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CD music of your choosing/viewing |
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Sunscreeen lotion, NO OILS PLEASE! |
Costs to You
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Basic fee: $3195 for two, $3995 for up to three persons and $4495 for groups of four per week (7 nights). Fifty percent (50%) of total fee is due at booking, with the remainder due 60 days before the charter. Cancellations 60 days before are refundable less $100 administrative fee. |
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Your ashore meal/taxi expenses |
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Customs fees, mooring fees, British Cruising fees. |
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All alcoholic beverages. |
What We Furnish
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Groceries and all non-alcoholic drinks (except a few meals ashore "dutch treat" to give everyone a break). |
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All fuels and lubricants, propane, water, etc. |
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Nice library with charts, cruising guides, fiction, history, boating/cruising books. |