Reviews

Name on Your Reservation: Rolf Blizzard
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Dorothea
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht: 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Everyone was friendly and helpful. It does take a good bit of time to get things done. I realize that it is “Island Time,” but these are precious moments that we have paid for. Would like to see a little more assertiveness on getting our needs met. Avril and her team are all pros and we love working with them. We came back on a Wednesday and it was obvious that they probably have a skeleton crew on those days. Overall, a good four star experience. To get that five if we could get a little faster response, it would be a home run.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Much better boat briefing this trip. Shanda was awesome.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
The boat was clean and in great working order. We had no mechanical issues the whole trip. Probably the best mechanical experience we have had in our 12 trips. Only issue was a bilge pump that we had to “wake up” each morning but otherwise great.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
The cooking and cleaning equipment was sufficient. I would be careful about cross-checking the amenities that are offered. On our boat it was stated that there was a microwave. When we got to the boat, there was no microwave and I asked the staff about the same. They said the boat did not have a microwave however when I went back and checked the paperwork that you guys had sent it clearly indicated a microwave was present. A very first world problem that we did not want to hold the trip up, but I would caution you on making sure that the equipment that is promised is actually on the boat. If that changes, I would rather the company be upfront about it being missing rather than making out like it was never supposed to be provided.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
The yacht was well ventilated and the air conditioning worked great. Only a slight issue in the mornings with it, filling up the bilge and having to wake up the bilge pump. Not a major issue as it only impacted the air conditioning in the salon. Room air conditioning were top shelf.
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
Again, we were happy to be back with Navigare. We have used them more than any other company in the BVIs. The boat was a fantastic design. I would be cautious about Navigare getting a little complacent with their continued growth. Patrice was outstanding with recommendations on our arrival back to the base after the trip. She had a lot on her as she was the only one in the office that day. Dock staff could use a little brushing up. It may have been just the fact that there was a limited number on our return day. We would not hesitate to use Navigare and we would certainly want to make sure that we had the newest version of the same boat. It was the highlight of the trip.
Cruising Area

Did you like the area you chartered in?
Loved it.
Would you like to share your itinerary or a vacation highlight with us?
Cooper > Leverick > Saba/BEYC > Anegada > Marina Cay > Little Jost > JVD/White Bay (2 nights) > Norman
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It is our pleasure to keep you informed of relevant specials / updates for your next charter. When do you plan to charter next?
Next 24 months

Charter dates: 06/29/2025--07/09/2025
Name on Your Reservation: Rolf Blizzard
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Dorothea
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht: 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Everyone was friendly and helpful. It does take a good bit of time to get things done. I realize that it is “Island Time,” but these are precious moments that we have paid for. Would like to see a little more assertiveness on getting our needs met. Avril and her team are all pros and we love working with them. We came back on a Wednesday and it was obvious that they probably have a skeleton crew on those days. Overall, a good four star experience. To get that five if we could get a little faster response, it would be a home run.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Much better boat briefing this trip. Shanda was awesome.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
The boat was clean and in great working order. We had no mechanical issues the whole trip. Probably the best mechanical experience we have had in our 12 trips. Only issue was a bilge pump that we had to “wake up” each morning but otherwise great.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
The cooking and cleaning equipment was sufficient. I would be careful about cross-checking the amenities that are offered. On our boat it was stated that there was a microwave. When we got to the boat, there was no microwave and I asked the staff about the same. They said the boat did not have a microwave however when I went back and checked the paperwork that you guys had sent it clearly indicated a microwave was present. A very first world problem that we did not want to hold the trip up, but I would caution you on making sure that the equipment that is promised is actually on the boat. If that changes, I would rather the company be upfront about it being missing rather than making out like it was never supposed to be provided.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
The yacht was well ventilated and the air conditioning worked great. Only a slight issue in the mornings with it, filling up the bilge and having to wake up the bilge pump. Not a major issue as it only impacted the air conditioning in the salon. Room air conditioning were top shelf.
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
Again, we were happy to be back with Navigare. We have used them more than any other company in the BVIs. The boat was a fantastic design. I would be cautious about Navigare getting a little complacent with their continued growth. Patrice was outstanding with recommendations on our arrival back to the base after the trip. She had a lot on her as she was the only one in the office that day. Dock staff could use a little brushing up. It may have been just the fact that there was a limited number on our return day. We would not hesitate to use Navigare and we would certainly want to make sure that we had the newest version of the same boat. It was the highlight of the trip.

Charter dates: 06/29/2025--07/09/2025
Name on Your Reservation: Rolf Blizzard
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Dorothea
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team: 5
Is this your first time booking with a charter broker? No
How was your experience working with your broker to book the yacht? Very Easy
After booking the yacht, how was your experience working with the Concierge Team? Very Easy
How would you describe the information provided in your Vacation Planner?
Check as many as apply: - Thorough
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Communication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
This was our 12th trip with you guys. I can’t say enough good things about all that you do. Admittedly, I am not much of a vacationer. But this trip and this experience with you guys is always so pleasant and I could literally get lost in this for a couple of months. Thank you for the very good work that you do and I look forward to working with you again.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Absolutely.

Name on Your Reservation: Brian Buckley
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Belatrix & Event Horizoin III
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht: 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
yes, the front desk staff were nice.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
pretty good, but in a rushed manner. Did not understand how the water maker worked and no manual on our second boat.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Clean yes, working condition no. The Belatrix's dingy winch has wires disconnected...took at least an hour to get the electrician over to fix it. The generator destroyed itself on Belatrix the first time we used it. We spent hours diagnosing the issues with Tech Support (when they finally snawered) Because we were out of the service area, we had to go thru 3 nights without Air Conditioning. We had to swap out boats to the Event Horizon III. Even Horizon had electrical issues which I fixed. There was no Internet Router which I had to figure out by talking to Technical Support and taking a ceiling panel down.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
yes
Was the yacht well ventilated?
with 20 knot winds, yes. Where we used the AC, it took hours to cool down
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
having a checklist to know what to expect then checking in would be nice. There is one for checking out.
Technical Support is difficult to get someone to answer. When they do, it is quite hard to understand them. One lady from the Customer Support line was VERY good about calling back and reaching out to tech support to get an idea of timelines.

Tech Support and Customer Service do NOT have any voicemail...very frustrating when you are in and out of cell coverage.
Cruising Area

Did you like the area you chartered in?
yes, it was beautiful
Would you like to share your itinerary or a vacation highlight with us?
Based on the Wandering Hillbilly BVI Itinerary

OG counterclockwise - we are doing this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18H8Xl8MwEk

Updated Clockwise around Tortola - more recent info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN4skHWxuuc

BVI itinerary

Good write up by Moorings
https://www.moorings.com/destinations/caribbean/british-virgin-islands-yacht-charters/itinerary?itinerary_id=6561

https://chaosdisrupted.my.canva.site

https://www.morethanmainstreet.com/bvi-itinerary/

Itinerary

July 11- Fly into St Thomas (stay at Olga's)

July 12 - Ferry in early to St. Johns - BB/HB diving in afternoon(12:45) (4hrs). Snorkle the National Park

Day 0 - July 13- Private Water Taxi to Tortola, Wickham Bay

Sleep Aboard, 6:00 checkin, pick up fins

Day 1 - July 14- Virgin Gorda - heading East

Baths (big rocks) - can spend whole day snorkeling.

sail to North Sound and get a mooring ball at Leverick Bay. Taxi to Baths

Bitter End Yacht Club

Saba Rock restaurant for dinner - by zodiac

Call on Radio to Leveric Bay Marina taxi with "Sweet Ice Willie" for Taxi
Stop at Hog Heaven

Cash Only - "Poor Man's Bar"

back to Leverick Bay for Dinner

North Sound Bistro

Taxi for Sugar Cane, or longer ride to CocoMaya

Day 2 - July 15 - Anegada Island (North) (2-3 hr)

Flat, pink flamingo reserve (only saw one)

Need to follow the guide (lanes) to get in

Get mokes to get around island

Cow Wreck Beach on other side. Hamburgers and drinks

Big Bamboo restaurant/bar

The Wonkey Dog or Potters Bar for lobster (order by 4:00PM day before 284-341-9769)

Day 3 - July 16 - north of Tortola (Virgin Gorda) 2-3hr sailing

George Dog Island to snorkle

Ending of the day head to:

Marina Cay (lots of mooring balls) - great snorkeling

Scrub Island Marina (1-877-890-7444) - rent a slip and get access to to spa, pool, swim up bar

Day 4 - July 17- west towards Jost Van Dyke

Ghana Island - Monkey Point great snorkeling and beachs

Head to Jost Van Dyke - white Bay (1st)Great Harbor (2nd) (get a mooring ball) (Foxy's is here)

Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay (next door) take dingy over. Great bar.

Dingy back to boat and Foxy’s (BBQ) - call for reservation. T-shirts close early, stay overnight

-or- Hendo’s hideout - good food

Day 5 - July 18 - south to Norman’s Island. Stay the night

Stop at the Indians early. Get a mooring ball (stay 1 hr)

Norman’s island get a ball on Pirate's Bight - Restaurant there as well

Willy T’s. Stays open late

Treasure Point has Caves around the corner (dingy)

Hiking on island

No router on boat (tech support to bring router 7/19)

(We stayed at Norman's Island 2 nights and skipped Cooper Island)

Day 6 - July 19- east to Cooper Island

Stop at wreck of the RMS Rhone near Salt Island on the way (snorkle)

Quiet, get a mooring ball. Reserve a mooring Ball in advance

Manchioneel Bay - rum bar & restaurant

Day 7 - July 20-Sail back to Wickham Bay before 11:00

return Boat in Tortola - 6.7 nm

Stay overnight at Maria's on Tortola

Day 8 - July 21 Fly from St Thomas to home

Need 5 1/2 hr headstart for flight at 1:45

Boaty Ball App
https://boatyball.com/ Upgrades
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May we post this review on our website? Yes
It is our pleasure to keep you informed of relevant specials / updates for your next charter. When do you plan to charter next?
Greece next summer

Charter dates: 07/13/2025--07/20/2025
Name on Your Reservation: Brian Buckley
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Belatrix & Event Horizoin III
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht: 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
yes, the front desk staff were nice.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
pretty good, but in a rushed manner. Did not understand how the water maker worked and no manual on our second boat.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Clean yes, working condition no. The Belatrix's dingy winch has wires disconnected...took at least an hour to get the electrician over to fix it. The generator destroyed itself on Belatrix the first time we used it. We spent hours diagnosing the issues with Tech Support (when they finally snawered) Because we were out of the service area, we had to go thru 3 nights without Air Conditioning. We had to swap out boats to the Event Horizon III. Even Horizon had electrical issues which I fixed. There was no Internet Router which I had to figure out by talking to Technical Support and taking a ceiling panel down.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
yes
Was the yacht well ventilated?
with 20 knot winds, yes. Where we used the AC, it took hours to cool down
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
having a checklist to know what to expect then checking in would be nice. There is one for checking out.
Technical Support is difficult to get someone to answer. When they do, it is quite hard to understand them. One lady from the Customer Support line was VERY good about calling back and reaching out to tech support to get an idea of timelines.

Tech Support and Customer Service do NOT have any voicemail...very frustrating when you are in and out of cell coverage.

Charter dates: 07/13/2025--07/20/2025
Name on Your Reservation: Brian Buckley
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Belatrix & Event Horizoin III
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team: 5
Is this your first time booking with a charter broker? Yes
How was your experience working with your broker to book the yacht? Somewhat Easy
After booking the yacht, how was your experience working with the Concierge Team? Very Easy
How would you describe the information provided in your Vacation Planner?
Check as many as apply: - Informative
- Easy to Understand
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Communication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
transportation and taxi company suggestions would have been appreciated. We dealt with Dolphon Taxi and "Dolphon Greg" who was diffuclt to keep on track and get straight answers out of.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? yes

Name on Your Reservation: Antonio Martinez
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Sailed & Bailed
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht: 5
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Extremely friendly
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Yes
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Yes, only issue was the water maker was down
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Yes
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
Boat was perfect for 6 people
Cruising Area

Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes
Would you like to share your itinerary or a vacation highlight with us?
The bath and Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor
Savana and Bitter End
Saba Rock
Peter Island
Norman Island
White Bay JVD
Norman Island
Cooper Island
Would you like to add any photos or videos to your review?
We may post these on our website with your review and / or use these for marketing purposes.
Use This Link to Upload Videos to Your Review
Afterwards, please be sure to click Submit on this review page.

May we post this review on our website? Yes
It is our pleasure to keep you informed of relevant specials / updates for your next charter. When do you plan to charter next?
Next summer

Charter dates: 07/09/2025--07/16/2025
Name on Your Reservation: Antonio Martinez
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Sailed & Bailed
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht: 5
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Extremely friendly
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Yes
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Yes, only issue was the water maker was down
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Yes
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
Boat was perfect for 6 people

Charter dates: 07/09/2025--07/16/2025
Name on Your Reservation: Antonio Martinez
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Sailed & Bailed
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team: 5
Is this your first time booking with a charter broker? Yes
How was your experience working with your broker to book the yacht? Very Easy
After booking the yacht, how was your experience working with the Concierge Team? Very Easy
How would you describe the information provided in your Vacation Planner?
Check as many as apply: - Thorough
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Communication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
Excellent service!!
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Yes