Itinerary
Your
typical day can begin with an early morning swim followed by breakfast under the
Bel Ami's bimini top while you survey the beach you anchored near the previous
afternoon. You may plan a trip ashore to sun on the beach, go shopping,
walk through native communities or National Park trails, or attend ranger-guided
tours. Snorkeling may be your option. You may decide to prop up a few
cushions and read a book. Your schedule is flexible to meet your wishes and when the time is right, we'll
hoist anchor and move to the next anchorage Incrementally your confidence will
grow as you move safely from one anchorage to another. Involvement
with on-board daily activities including sailing, maintenance, and meal
preparation will soon make you aware that bareboating your own charter is within
your reach--probably sooner than you think! Our teaching is informal and
temporaneous. There is no fixed curriculum. We try to answer you
individual needs. We view our purpose as the last step before bareboating
in the Virgins on your own.
Our sail-and-learn cruises include groceries. All meals off the boat will
be "dutch treat" and all liquor on board will be at the charter's
expense. Our galley is well equipped as you will see below. Don't
worry---I'll help you get acquainted with the utensils and appliances! It
is my belief that cruising needs to be a comfortable, enjoyable experience,
that the art of "cruising" is that of "living" the good
life. As such, we emphasize the need to relax, have fun, eat well, move
safely from place to place and experience the beauty of the art of sailing, the
islands and their fauna and foliage, and the people with whom we will come in
contact. Under no circumstances will we be in dangerous or
frightening situations. Remember sailors, if you want your spouse to
return to the islands they must have a comfortable experience during this
cruise.
Your arrival in St. Thomas will most likely be in the afternoon. From the airport you will taxi to the Bel Ami at the independent boatyard and from there we usually go shopping for food, perhaps with an island tour that same evening. I like to let you do your own shopping, that way you get what you wish to prepare and eat. A few meals ashore during our cruise are also generally fun and appreciated by all.
For
preparation at home, I highly recommend you read any good cruising guide to the
Virgin Islands. I personally like the "Yachtsman's Guide"
best. The commercial videos are good, too. They will help acquaint
you with the topography and get you thinking about where you want to go.
We will have suggestions during your charter, customizing your charter to take
you to the places that best meet your tastes and interests. If you want to
practice navigation, bring your charts and "navigation stuff."
Remember in the Virgins, everything is eyeball navigation.
When
packing--- most everybody over-does it-- be sure to include shorts, shirts,
bathing suits, and possible one dress up item if you plan to eat out posh.
But you won't need much. There are items of a personal nature you must
bring with. Sun is everywhere -- sun blocks (no oils, please) for
protection are a necessity. A long-sleeved cover-up and a big hat are
helpful. Bring a pair of good walking shoes and flip flops; also, your own
bed linens (2 doubles or 2 singles, pillowcases) washcloths and towels.