Reviews

Charter Dates: 02/17/2024-02/24/2024

Name on Your Reservation: Edward Anderson
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Bigelli
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?
Yes
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Yes. However, there should be a book included with all of the working on the boat;
Switching water tanks, filling water tanks, operation of the generator and inverter, dumping holding tanks.

There was a lot of information during the familiarization tour. Too much to remember. A reference book is needed
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
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
I was never informed as to anchor rode/ground tackle. The very first night we needed to anchor in 60’ of water. There was not enough anchor ride for this. We ended up dragging anchor. It was a VERY stressful night.
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?
It was all great

Charter Dates: 02/17/2024-02/24/2024

Name on Your Reservation: Edward Anderson
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Bigelli
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?
Yes
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Yes. However, there should be a book included with all of the working on the boat;
Switching water tanks, filling water tanks, operation of the generator and inverter, dumping holding tanks.

There was a lot of information during the familiarization tour. Too much to remember. A reference book is needed
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
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
I was never informed as to anchor rode/ground tackle. The very first night we needed to anchor in 60’ of water. There was not enough anchor ride for this. We ended up dragging anchor. It was a VERY stressful night.

Charter Dates: 02/17/2024-02/24/2024

Name on Your Reservation: Edward Anderson
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Bigelli
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
- Informative
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?
I had a very good experience
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Yes

Charter Dates: 02/20/2024-02/28/2024

Name on Your Reservation: Eric/Cynthia Sunstrum
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Calypso Express
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?
Yes they were. Stored our luggage and then let us check in for sleep aboard early 🙂
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Yes although the operating manuals contained some errors which they noted when we brought them to their attention. They had taken a template from another boat and did not catch all the subtle differences.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Yes. It was a new 2023/24 boat. We did discuss with them how surprised we were that there was already so much wear and tear for a brand new boat!
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Yes. Everything we needed.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Could have been better but that is a boat design issue in terms of where opening ports are located. Breeze catchers were provided and fans were included which helps but fans used sparingly as we weren't sure about impact on the battery. No generator so no A/C which is not really desired in any event.
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
We will charter with Horizon again as they are very professional and accommodating. They provide us additional perks (e.g. larger discount or free water toys) given we are repeat customers (4 x)
Cruising Area

Did you like the area you chartered in?
Most definitely. This was our 5th charter in the BVIs. We considered going elsewhere but increasing familiarity and ease of navigation make for a more relaxing holiday for us, Line of sign navigation and ability to reserve moorings in advance make for stress free travelling.
Would you like to share your itinerary or a vacation highlight with us?
Our stops included: Norman Island, Marina Cay, Bitter End Yacht Club, Guana Island (inc;. snorkelling at Monkey Point), Jost Van Dyke - Great Harbour (2 nights) and back to Norman Island before returning to Nanny Cay. We skipped the Baths this year (too busy and more challenging as you get older :)) Windy weather and rocky seas had us skip snorkelling at the Indians this time as well. We did scope out Diamond Reef and Great Dog for snorkelling but again, seas were not conducive to a pleasant snorkel experience. White beach on JVD is always a fav.
The highlight: seeing a pair of playful dolphins at Guana Island!

Charter Dates: 02/20/2024-02/28/2024

Name on Your Reservation: Eric/Cynthia Sunstrum
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Calypso Express
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?
Yes they were. Stored our luggage and then let us check in for sleep aboard early 🙂
Did the staff do a good job familiarizing you with the yacht and its equipment?
Yes although the operating manuals contained some errors which they noted when we brought them to their attention. They had taken a template from another boat and did not catch all the subtle differences.
Was the yacht clean and in good working condition?
Yes. It was a new 2023/24 boat. We did discuss with them how surprised we were that there was already so much wear and tear for a brand new boat!
Was the yacht's cooking and cleaning equipment sufficient?
Yes. Everything we needed.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Could have been better but that is a boat design issue in terms of where opening ports are located. Breeze catchers were provided and fans were included which helps but fans used sparingly as we weren't sure about impact on the battery. No generator so no A/C which is not really desired in any event.
Additional comments about the charter company and yacht you chartered?
We will charter with Horizon again as they are very professional and accommodating. They provide us additional perks (e.g. larger discount or free water toys) given we are repeat customers (4 x)

Charter Dates: 02/20/2024-02/28/2024

Name on Your Reservation: Eric/Cynthia Sunstrum
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Boat Name: Calypso Express
Virgin Island Sailing® Team
Please answer the following questions about your experience working with the VI Sailing team.
Rating of VI Sailing Team: 5
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: - Informative
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?
I was disappointed when we had to complete all the "check in" paperwork we had already completed again with the broker when we checked in with the charter company. They claimed the broker did not send the complete information on to them.

VI sailing would benefit from learning more about eSim options for clients in the BVIs and elsewhere. This is the best way to go to for cell phone and data coverage while away, at least for Canadians with high roaming fees from providers. In fact, VI sailing might take advantage of their position in the industry to encourage eSim providers such as Airolo to provide better packages with higher data options.
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? Likely unless there is greater advantage to booking directly with Horizon.

Name on Your Reservation: Kniep
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Memento Amori
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew: 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
It was the nicest boat we've ever chartered. Newish, and beautifully maintained.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
yes
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
they were warm, welcoming, and dleightful
Was the food good and well presented?
The food was exceptional. Best we've had on a charter. Fresh, fun, and healthy. Maybe too much food, but can't really complain about that
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Adriana and Rachael were the bets crew we've experieinced. R4esponsive to our requests and with solid local knowledge. We asked them to spend some night off the beaten track and they took us to two beautiful achorages that were the highlight of the trip
Cruising Area

Did you like the area you chartered in?
YES
Would you like to share your itinerary or a vacation highlight with us?
Lee Bay in Great Camanoe was quiet, peaceful, and we snorkeled with about 30 tarpon.
Great snorkel at the Chimney on Great Dog.
The Baths are utterly useless to visit unless you arrive VERy early in the morning. I'd give that a pass unless you can get there early.

charter dates 03/16/2024-03/23/2024
Name on Your Reservation: Kniep
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Memento Amori
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew: 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
It was the nicest boat we've ever chartered. Newish, and beautifully maintained.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
yes
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
they were warm, welcoming, and dleightful
Was the food good and well presented?
The food was exceptional. Best we've had on a charter. Fresh, fun, and healthy. Maybe too much food, but can't really complain about that
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Adriana and Rachael were the bets crew we've experieinced. R4esponsive to our requests and with solid local knowledge. We asked them to spend some night off the beaten track and they took us to two beautiful achorages that were the highlight of the trip

charter dates 03/16/2024-03/23/2024
Name on Your Reservation: Kniep
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Memento Amori
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? Somewhat 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: - Informative
How would you rate the frequency and content of communication from our team? Good Amount of Communication
Would you book your next yacht vacation with Virgin Island Sailing®? yes

Name on Your Reservation: Suzanne Kraus
Are you the Lead Charterer or a Guest? Lead Charterer
Yacht Name: Touch the Sky
Yacht & Crew
Please answer the following questions pertaining to the yacht you chartered and the crew.
Rating of Yacht & Crew: 5
Was the yacht comfortable and clean?
Yes. Extremely.
Was the yacht well ventilated?
Yes.
Was the crew friendly and accommodating?
The crew was incredibly friendly and accommodating
Was the food good and well presented?
The food was excellent and always beautifully presented.
8. Additional comments about the yacht and crew?
Everything was above and beyond our expectations. Absolutely flawless.
Cruising Area

Did you like the area you chartered in?
Yes. Very much.
Would you like to share your itinerary or a vacation highlight with us?
Our group truly loved experiencing the baths and caves on Virgin Gorda. But the Touch the Sky crew took us to the most beautiful beaches & islands to moor. We all especially loved snorkeling at Christmas Cove.
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