Sail BVI – Info from Charter Base

More info from BVI Yacht Charters…

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SAIL IN THE BVI?
There is no bad time to sail in the BVI, the best time for your group really depends on you. December through April is our Mid/High season and can be busy. If you like a bit more action, like to be lively and get involved then this is a good time to come. Throughout this period winds average anything from 15-20 knots.

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE YACHT?
Your boat will come with a fully equipped galley, all linens, bath towels (not beach towels), face towels and hand towels, a charcoal barbeque, bimini, one roll of bathroom tissue per head, VHF, Cellular Phone, Chart, Cruising Guide, Binoculars, Flashlight, safety gear, AM/FM/CD Stereo with auxiliary jack & Cockpit Speakers and a dinghy and outboard. Snorkel gear is available to borrow free of charge, and because we don’t know what sizes you will need, please come and chose it from our office before you depart from our docks!

Woody, “As part of our partial provisioning, we will be adding some stuff to the boats.  Tp, food and food related stuff.  Simple breakfasts and lunches and a couple of dinners.   Local food/ambiance available ashore at every stop in the BVI.”

ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS
Please visit our website for a sample itinerary. http://www.bviyachtcharters.com/planCharter/itineraries/. You can also check out the BVI’s online cruising guide at http://www.onlinecruisingguide.com/ for more details on the islands. Your itinerary should be flexible to take into account any change in weather.

CAN WE GO TO ANEGADA?
We are quite happy for you to go to Anegada, weather permitting. We do ask that you call us in the morning before you set off so we can check the weather forecast. If you are chartering any of our monohull’s with a deep draft please bear in mind you will not be able to use the moorings at Setting Point, but you will need to anchor out.

YOU NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA TO ENTER THE BVI
All persons, including US citizens, require a passport when entering the British Virgin Islands. Your passport must be valid for another 6 months upon entering the territory. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry.
If in doubt about the necessity of a visa check http://www.dgo.gov.vg/index.php?mpageid=153, or contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at (284) 494-3471 or (284) 468-3701 ext. 2538.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN THE BVI?
The currency is US dollars. You will find most of the bars and restaurants will accept credit cards and travelers checks. Due to the high bank charges in the BVI most establishments will charge a 3% to 5% fee on all card transactions. Always have some cash with you to pay for moorings, or to use in some of the smaller bars and restaurants.

WHEN WE LAND, HOW WILL WE (GET TO THE BASE OR HOTEL)?
The airport here is small and you should not have any problems.  Jump in any taxi.  The rates are standard across the island, and you can expect to pay $12 per person, a minimum of $27.

Woody, “As we do in all other countries, confirm the price before closing the cab door.”

WHAT IS YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS?
Our physical address is BVI Yacht Charters, Joma Marina, Port Purcell, Road Town, Tortola, BVI.
Most of the local people will know where we are by saying ‘opposite Fort Garden Centre’.

WHAT TIME CAN I BOARD?
Your charter starts at 12 noon on the first day and finishes 12 noon on the last day.

Woody, “I will let you know who your skipper is soon.  I encourage you to find him/her when you arrive at the charter base.   The skipper will let you know when the boat is ready to board.”

WHAT FACILITES DO YOU HAVE AT THE BASE?
Our base is at a private marina, dedicated to the BVI Yacht Charters fleet. Our shore facilities are basic, but do include a toilet and shower for our guests, which remains open all night. The largest supermarket in Tortola, Riteway, is less than a five minute walk, and we are (not far) from Village Cay in the heart of Road Town, where you will find a choice of restaurants and bars at your convenience. We do have free WiFi on our dock, a drinks machine and we sell ice from our office. Our marina has 24 hour security for your safety and comfort. C&F Restaurant is under 10 minutes walk away and is well known for the delicious local menu, featuring famous ribs and excelent local fish.

WHERE CAN WE RENT DIVE GEAR FROM?
For rendezvous diving check out Blue Water Divers  www.bluewaterdiversbvi.com
or UBS Dive Center http://www.scubabvi.com/.

Woody, “We do not allow dive gear on the boats (tanks, bc’s etc.). You are welcome to arrange a rendezvous dive from the boat when the boat is done moving for the day. The dive company will provide tanks, bc, octo, etc. I usually bring my own mask”

IS THERE WIFI ON THE BOAT?
There is no WiFi on your boat, however it is available for rent for $35 per day. Just let us know and we will organize it for you. There is free WiFi available on our dock, just ask in the office for the password. You will find as you go around the islands, that almost all the marina’s have WiFi, and many of the bars and restaurants.

DO WE NEED A FISHING LICENSE?
Anyone aged 18 and over who will be fishing is required to obtain a fishing license. The license is $45 and will last for one month. You can obtain the license from the government administration building when you reach the BVI, or you can organize it in advance by emailing Sharlene at sparsons@gov.vg.

Woody, “No fishing poles allowed on the boat though a hand line is fine.  Be sure you have your permit.”

ARE THERE OVERNIGHT MOORINGS?
Most of the bays have overnight moorings and a lot of our guests prefer the safety and comfort of an overnight mooring instead of anchoring. Expect to pay from $25 to $30 per mooring per night. Moorings at the 5* Peter Island Resort are $65 per night.

FUEL
You will collect the boat with a full tank of fuel. At the end of your trip, when you return to our base, we will refuel the vessel, and you just pay for what you have used. Fuel is currently charged at $1.50 per litre, which is about $5.75 per gallon, but does change with the market rates.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN?
In case of any mechanical issues you must report them. Use the cell phone provided to call our head mechanic, Anthony, directly. Anthony will talk you through the problem, and where possible resolve the issue over the phone.  Should you need a service call, we do have a dedicated chase team of mechanics and 2 chase boats, which will be
able to reach you in a short time. If due to mechanical failure you cannot sail, and we are unable to repair the fault within 4 working hours from the time it was reported, BVI Yacht Charters will refund lost time. Sailing hours are deemed from 8am to 5pm, and no refunds will be issued for lost sailing time outside of these hours. Please understand that if you do not report any problems, we will not be able to fix them.

CAN WE USE A HAIRDRYER ONBOARD?
Unfortunately you cannot use a hairdryer or other stylers aboard any of our yachts. Life in the islands is very casual and laid back, once you have wound down to ‘island time’, you probably will not want to blow dry your hair! We say let the tradewinds do it for you.

ACCOMMODATIONS CLOSE TO OUR BASE:
HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST: A very reasonably priced delightful small, family run guesthouse located only minutes in a taxi from our base. Nestled in a quiet tree lined residential area and only a short walk from banks, shops and restaurants in Road Town. For reservations and availability contact Yvonne by calling +1 284 494 0039, or email yvonnelr@surfbvi.com.
VILLAGE CAY HOTEL AND MARINA: Ideally located in the centre of Road Town, close to the ferry, and a 5 minute cab ride from BVI Yacht Charters. Waterfront setting with a bar, restaurant, pool, laundry and internet services. For MARIAS BY THE SEA: Maria’s is conveniently located in Road Town along the shore of Road Harbour, within walking distance of most major shops and offices yet isolated from the main traffic of Road Town. A basic, but clean and affordable place to spend the night. For reservations visit http://www.mariasbythesea.com/.
NEAR THE AIRPORT:
BEEF ISLAND GUEST HOUSE: A comfortable, cozy, bed and breakfast located on Trellis Bay, Beef Island, Tortola.  Walking distance from the airport, this is about as close as you can get. For availability and reservations visit http://www.beefislandguesthouse.com/guest_house.htm.
THE TAMARIND CLUB: A small family run hotel nestled next to Josiah’s Bay, which features a restaurant with great food, bar/lounge and pool with swim up bar. Well known for their Sunday Brunch, Friday Quiz night, and often featuring live music and parties, this is a fun spot to relax. They do have a couple of friendly dogs so if you have allergies, or you just don’t like dogs, this is a no go. http://www.tamarindclub.com/.
NEAR THE BEACH:
OLDE WORKS INN: Located in Cane Garden Bay, just across the road from the beach, with a selection of bars and restaurants within a stone’s throw from the Ole Works Inn. An affordable, beach front location, with friendly service.  Visit http://www.quitorymer.com/.
LONG BAY BEACH RESORT: A complete vacation resort, right on the mile long beach of Long Bay. Providing amenities and activities to meet the needs of every guest. From a gift shop, deli and car rental, to dive shop, tour desk, tennis and spa; everything is at your finger tips. Visit http://www.longbay.com/ for more information.
THE SUGAR MILL: The Sugar Mill is set among the restored ruins of a 17th Century sugar plantation. Renowned for its romantic atmosphere & world class cuisine, this the perfect place to relax and enjoy the lush tropical scenery. http://www.sugarmillhotel.com/