Caribbean...where best to charter in February?

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NealB

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I've never been to the Caribbean, and fancy trying to sort out a last minute bareboat charter next month.

Any advice on preferred areas and charter companies would be most useful.

There will be two couples: Joscelyn and I have sailed for years, in many locations and different types of boats, the others have sailed a bit, and like easy sailing whilst soaking up some sun.

Thanks!
 
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A difficult question to answer.
Can you swim (snorkel)? If so, how much do you want to do?
Do you prefer quiet, secluded anchorages or a marina with access to a choice of bars/restaurants?
How important is it for you to be able to do island tours?
Can you afford to jump on an island-hopper to get to a destination not served by the major airlines?
 
Good, insightful, questions, Stingo!

The ideal would probably be a bit of a compromise.

Jos and I are both scuba divers, and all four of us would undoubtedly enjoy some lazy snorkelling.

A mix of quiet anchorages, and some lively marinas would be perfect.

We'll probably take a couple of weeks, so a bit of time spent getting somewhere shold not be too offputting.

Not sure if these are helpful answers!
 
stingo said:
A difficult question to answer.
Can you swim (snorkel)? If so, how much do you want to do?
Do you prefer quiet, secluded anchorages or a marina with access to a choice of bars/restaurants?
How important is it for you to be able to do island tours?
Can you afford to jump on an island-hopper to get to a destination not served by the major airlines?
Click to expand...

British Virgin Islands - easy smooth sailing. BVI islands. You will need a VISA to visit the USVI by boat. The Visa waiver program does not work for yachts.

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=BVI+sailing&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

St. Vincent & the Grenadines is one destination with 32 gorgeous Caribbean islands. Lots of islands.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Grenadines+sailing&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

St.Martin Good direct connections to Europe to St.Maarten. Sailing Anguilla, and cays around, Tinta Merre, St.Barths, St.Kitts & Nevis, St.Eustatius, Saba, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda all within a days sail from St.Martin.
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=st.Martin+sailing&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8


Antigua, Good direct connections to Europe to Antigua. Sailing Anguilla, and cays around, Tinta Merre, St.Barths,St.Martin, St.Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat, Guadaloupe, St.Eustatius, Saba, Montserrat, all within a days sail from Antigua and Barbuda.

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=antigua+sailing&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8


Be aware that the winds are generally quite fresh, 18 knots and more.
 
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I am sure others will be along shortly and add to this.

Suggest that you fly in and out of Grenada, charter with Horizon Yacht Charters (very close to the airport).
Sail up the leeward side of Grenada, stopping at the underwater sculptures (sorry, no link, but Google is your friend).
Stops in Carriacou: Tyrel Bay & White Sands Island. Check out in Hillsborough (20 mins from White Sands), then a 2 hour sail to Clifton and check in for St Vincent and Grenadines. Head for Mayreau after check-in. Around the corner (1 hour motoring) is Tobago Quays - fantastic snorkelling with a huge variety of things to see.
Leave there for Bequia - loads of nice bars/restaurants and scuba.
That should take a week. Just to the reverse on the 2nd week, but stop at Mystique for a day or two and do an island tour in a hired buggy.
No need to stop in Canouan (sp??) (between Bequia & Tobago Quays), the only thing there is expensive beer and petty thieves.

On a Sunday afternoon/evening, don't miss Roger's Beach Bar, Hogg Island, Grenada and only about 30 minutes motoring from the Horizon base.
Grenada also has a few island tours - spice or history - take your pick.

It's probably worth buying Doyle's Windward Island Guide off Amazon well before you leave.

Enjoy...
 
The usual starter area for the Caribbean is the British Virgin Islands. The islands are close together in an oval shape, thus small seas. Winds are light to moderate. Must visit places are Cooper Island, Norman Island for the Willie T (party time), Benares bay Norman island to chill out (good snorkelling), Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, The Baths, Gorda Sound Virgin Gorda and Anegada.

I've said this before but if you want the best prices and a name your price look at www.latesail.com. If you don't see the boat you want at the time you want email them.
 
Many thanks for all the really helpful replies...much appreciated.

I've been in touch with Nic at latesail.com, who's come up with a very competitive deal on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42i out of Tortola. Fingers crossed we can all get the available dates off work.
 
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