Reviews

Name on Your Reservation: Blakely
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Guest
Yacht Name: Koru
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 4
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
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Absolutely
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Ye...we had a few problems with the A/C in our cabin, but the crew took care of it immediately anytime it happened.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
above and beyond...they were fabulous
Was the food good and well presented?
above and beyond!!! So much food and so wonderfully presented and prepared. Even when the stovetop blew up, they managed to make such wonderful meals. They were so fabulous!!!!
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
We could not have asked for a more accommodating and great crew.....they were so much fun, so professional and responsive. We would sail with them anywhere.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes, but we were a bit disappointed we could not go to the BVI or to more isolated beaches. We understood, with Covid. We would have also liked to sail more, but the Christmas winds were too strong.......not anything anyone could have done about it. I did not deal with the sailing team, so I cannot answer those questions.
May we post this review on our website? Yes

Name on Your Reservation: Scott Gibson
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Temerity
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 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 Coummunication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
This is my second time booking a charter with VI Sailing. I expect to likely book through you again on a future charter. Repeat customers in an industry where there is a lot of competition speaks to my satisfaction.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? My next charter booking will likely be through your company.
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht:
(5 Being the Highest) 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Yes, the staff was friendly and accommodating.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
The staff members were friendly. The display board showing fuel, water, and battery levels was not functioning. The staff knew it was inoperative before we arrived. It was not a major issue for us to work around but it would have been nice if the staff would have had details on tank sizes, battery capacity, alternator output, and estimated fuel consumption rates so that we could have more easily known where we stood. I would have expected details like that to have been in the binder on the boat. I was able to look up the standard manufacturer details online to get the data but it should have been provided. Especially since they knew the gauges were not functional. The book didn’t even give a definite draft of the boat. On staff member said they thought it was about 4’ but the information I found from the manufacturer said 6’4”. That’s something that should be documented in the book.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
The boat was clean when we arrived. It seemed a bit worn for its age with things like sticking latches and some courtesy lights not functioning but the major electrical and mechanical systems worked well except the gauges mentioned above. The sails and rigging were all in good condition. Many of the jamming clutches were not labeled but we were able to trace the lines to determine their purposes. The staff member giving the technical briefing knew the mechanical systems fairly well but not the rigging. A diagram of the clutches and lines would have been useful to have in the binder the first day or so until we grew accustomed to the configuration. The house batteries were questionable but functioning. I ran the engine at 1800 RPM every evening for about 90 minutes right before bed. Every morning there would be a low battery warning on the VHF and the batteries were too low to run the fridge. The food was still cold but the cold plate inside would be thawed and warm. I would then run the engine for an hour or so in the morning in addition to any motoring we did while underway.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
The galley and cleaning equipment was all good. The cooking utensils were all within easy reach and worked well. The eating utensils were in a drawer that was not easily visible. We didn’t find them until the end of the trip so we spent several days eating with big serving spoons and forks. There were only two of us so we found it comical. Especially since we found the drawer full of normal eating utensils on the last day.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Ventilation was very good while at anchor.
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
My biggest complaint of the whole trip centers around the tank gauges being inoperative. The boat had two freshwater tanks. One in the bow and one in the stern. The staff member told us both were full. The instructions from the briefing was to use one until empty then switch to the other. On day 5 or 6 when the first tank ran dry I switched to the other only to find that it was completely empty. I even went as far as disassembling the v-berth to reveal the tank. Tapping on the tank confirmed it was empty. The head was freshwater flush so even it would not work. Luckily there was a saltwater foot pump in the galley that we were able to get water from to flush the head. We had enough bottled drinking water to bathe on the swim platform and rinse with drinking water. Since there was no water gauge I should have insisted that they refill both tanks in my presence beforehand but I didn’t. I’ll know better on my next charter. It sounds like I have a lot of complaints but we did have a really great time and will consider this charter company again in the future.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
The Exumas were awesome! We will return on a longer trip.
Would you like to add any photos or videos to your review?
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?
Our next charter booking will likely be summer 2023 as we already have another big trip planned later this year.

Name on Your Reservation: Michelle Tubinis
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: The Big Nauti
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 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
- Informative
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Coummunication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
We had a great experience with VI Sailing. We had some last minute hiccups out of control of VI Sailing, but Kelly went above and beyond to ensure that our trip was handled appropriately, working through the entire weekend before our trip. Everything was taken care of before we left and we were amazed in retrospect at how smooth everything went from the moment we landed in the Virgin Islands until we left.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Yes
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes. The Big Nauti met and exceeded expectations. It was outfitted with top of the line goods throughout.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
Incredibly. Max, Marlon, and Katie were last minute additions to our charter due to some last minute issues and the need to move the boat into the BVI rather than USVI. They were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable about the BVI and took us to all the best spots. Katie’s meals were incredible and hit the spot every single time! We had a guest with dietary concerns and Katie worked hard to make sure that all the meals accommodated what she needed!
Was the food good and well presented?
Beautifully
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
We loved the areas we hit. We had a birthday the first day of the charter, so Max and Katie were flexible and changed their plans to make sure that day was great, and it was!
May we post this review on our website? Yes

Name on Your Reservation: Ed Morgan
Boat Name: Patches
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 4
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? Somewhat 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 Coummunication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
Last minute request for Passport information was somewhat annoying. Otherwise ok.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Yes
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht:
(5 Being the Highest) 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
yes
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
yes, Jalon was great in running through the equipment and maps
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
yes
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
yes
Was the yacht well ventilated?
yes
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
yes, BVI is great
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 year

Name on Your Reservation: Richard Kolodny
Boat Name: Jitterbug
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 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
- Informative
- Easy to Understand
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Coummunication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
This is the Second time we booked a charter through VI Sailing and couldn't be happier with the team, the communication, and help we received, especially dealing with all the changing COVID protocols. It's quite a process, arranging a charter from 2000 miles away, over the phone and on the internet, a lot of moving parts to say the least. Karema and the entire concierge team took great care of all of our needs, with recommendations, Etc. We have sailed the BVI 6 times and know our way around the islands, but they have your back and are always available to answer your questions and concerns. Highly recommend these guys. A great team
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Absolutely
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Very Helpful. we missed our Ferry and they made sure all of our provisions, and rental gear were stowed aboard for us. Did a virtual captains walkaround, followed up by an in person review.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Very helpful. As a seasoned sailor I really appreciated their attention to detail, checking out all the systems with me, and answering any questions that I had.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Everything was clean and in great condition.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Everything we needed was there.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
we had great wind flow throughout the boat at all times, without the aid of a windsock I might add.
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
Great outfit, The Nanny Cay marina has really done a great job rebuilding after Irma
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
We have sailed the BVI many times and always find something new to do and see that we didn't get to before.
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 winter Feb March 2023

Name on Your Reservation: Hooker
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Starfish
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 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: - Informative
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Coummunication
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? yes
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
yes. The bed was comfortable. The room/bathroom was picked up daily. The bag chairs on the trampoline were great for lounging. We have been on other charters where nothing is picked up/bathroom not fleeced and by the end of the trip it is disgusting Things were refreshed daily if not twice a day with enhancement of nightlights at bedtime
Was the yacht well ventilated?
yes. We used hatches/windows the whole time. Offered for air conditioning but group preferred fresh air. Two fans in bedroom was helpful with circulation of air.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
yes, very helpful. Great ideas.
Was the food good and well presented?
yes, very good and plentiful and plated well. Sauces were tasty and all food prepared well with our needs and suggestions accommodated.
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Crew is thoughtful. Suggestions for activities to enhance the vacation and just making sure we were comfortable without any needs. Felt like we were with friends/family. Snorkeling equipment provided was in good condition. Paddleboard and kayak were fun to play with. Circular float chair was great for lounging/sunbathing/enjoying the vibe.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes! WE have done BVI multiple times and never considered USVI. With covid and travel restrictions, USVI was easiest. USVI was just as beautiful with great snorkeling at Buck Island, Christmas Cove, F'staad pier. We will head back to USVI with yacht vacation and other get aways in the future.
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?
maybe 1 year

Name on Your Reservation: John Meno
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Rapscallion
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
YES! Extremely clean and comfortable!!
Was the yacht well ventilated?
YES! Loved that each cabin had their own a/c unit.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
Ryan and Stephanie were the BEST!! They worked the entire week to serve and meet any need that we had!!! One of the best crew that we've had on a charter.
The only thing I would have changed would be to sit down with captain at the beginning of the charter and outline a plan for the week. Maybe look at a map, consider some options and make a 'loose' plan for the week.
Was the food good and well presented?
Stephanie did a 5-star job on food!!! EVERY. SINGLE. MEAL. was delicious, beautifully presented. There was not any food wasted on our trip - if there was any left on a plate someone else ate it! All very delicious and catered directly to our preferences!!!!
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
One of the best crew that we've had on a charter. The attention to detail, preferences and getting to know us as guests added to our vacation! Ryan and Steph are new friends!! They made the week comfortable and daily showed us a new piece of paradise!!! I recommend them at the highest of levels!!
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
YES!
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?
n/a

ame on Your Reservation: Emma Atchley
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Playtime
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes, amazingly designed and beautifully kept.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes!
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
Yes!
Was the food good and well presented?
Way beyond expectations
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Paul and Ashley worked well together, went to to extremes to work with us on our itinerary and activities. I particularly appreciated Paul’s willingness to make moving around on and off the boat and dinghy safe and workable for the elder in our group. It was a challenge for him!
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
We enjoyed it and learned a lot about USVI and its history, geography and oceanography. Next time we would like more snorkeling, so would probably look to the BVIs.
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?
No idea at this time.

Name on Your Reservation: Robert Reeves
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Freestyle
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 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 Coummunication
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Yes
Yacht & Captain
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew:
(5 Being the Highest) 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes, very clean and comfortable
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes, very well ventilated
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Yes. We were able to easily prepare and clean up for our meals, snacks and drinks - yacht was equipped with everything we needed.
Was the captain friendly and accommodating?
Yes! The captain was amazing!
Additional comments about the yacht and captain?
The yacht was beautiful and very comfortable, very nice set up. The captain was very experienced, and professional. He did a great job of assessing our skills and engaging us at the right level to make it fun. Offered options for great spots aligned to our goals. He was very personable and fun to hang out with. Engaged in great conversations on everything from sailing, literature, music to comedy movies. Will seek him as captain for future adventures.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes - mostly national park - beautiful clear water, good snorkeling, healthy reef, lots of tropical fish & turtles, awesome beaches, not crowded
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?
As soon as possible (most likely next sailing season)

Name on Your Reservation: McDaniel
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Amelia Grace
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team:
(5 Being the Highest) 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
- Informative
- Easy to Understand
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Coummunication
Additional comments about working with the VI Sailing team to plan your vacation?
Joann & Melody make a very good team and everyone on staff was friendly, efficient, and accomodating.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Yes
Charter Company & Yacht
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the charter company and the yacht you chartered.
Rating of Charter Company & Yacht:
(5 Being the Highest) 4
Upon arrival and during your charter, were the staff of the charter company friendly and accommodating?
Pretty much. They were busy, but tried their best to be helpful.
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
They did an okay job.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Yes.
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Yes.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes.
Cruising Area
Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes. We hit Norman Island, Cooper, the Baths, Bitterend, Sophers Hole, Diamond Cay, and the Great Harbor with a dingy sidetrip to Soggy Dollar.
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?
2025'ish