Bareboat Insider:
Yacht Charter Seasons: Sailing Through the World’s Most Exotic Waters
Caribbean & Americas
The Caribbean & Americas beckon with sultry allure, boasting a year-round tropical climate. Winter, the high season, sees a blissful escape from snow to sand, with air temperatures in the low-mid 80s, inviting waters in the high 70s, and consistent trade winds of 15-25 knots. January introduces the Christmas winds, occasionally gusting at 35-40 knots, adding an exhilarating touch.
Summer, the low season, brings air and water temps in the 80s, gentler trade winds of 5-15 knots, and sporadic showers. Mid-August to mid-October, the peak of hurricane season, is best avoided.
Spring and fall offer ideal mid-season sailing with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. While part of the Caribbean & Americas, the Bahamas experiences distinct winter weather due to northern latitudes. Cold fronts can bring cool temperatures, making spring the preferred high season with temperatures rising to the pleasant high 70s.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean, a seasonal haven, beckons from May to October, with peak allure in July and August. Experience optimal conditions – splendid winds, air temperatures averaging in the 80s, and inviting mid-70s water temperatures.
June and September follow suit, offering great boating conditions and quieter ports. Cooler temperatures prevail, with air temperatures in the 70s to low 80s and water temperatures in the low-mid 70s.
May and October mark the low season, with air temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s and water temperatures around 70. May ushers in the Mediterranean Yacht Charter season with glitzy events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, where superyachts host star-studded galas. Secure your spot for mingling with Hollywood royalty and continue your yacht charter to charming ports like Villefranche and Portofino.
In July and August, embrace warm waters for perfect swims and sun-kissed beach days. Dive into daily delights – snorkeling, swimming, and seaside gourmet lunches with local wines. As the sun sets, cruise to the volcanic spectacle of Stromboli, where eruptions paint the sky in nature’s fireworks.
September and October mark the season’s finale, offering a rich selection of yachts. Explore the Saronic Gulf islands near Athens or the historic Dodecanese islands within cruising distance of southwestern Turkey. Croatia, with its natural beauty and warm hospitality, boasts sites within a day’s cruise of Venice, depending on your chosen Charter Yacht’s speed. The Mediterranean Yacht Charter season closes, but the memories linger.
South Pacific
Nestled in the Southern Hemisphere, the South Pacific archipelago boasts distinct seasons from other yacht charter regions.
The sought-after dry season spans April to October, with historically low rainfall between June and October. The wetter, slightly hotter period unfolds from November to March, with peak rainfall between December and February. The months in between offer a splendid mid-season compromise, featuring some rain but predominantly sunny days and steady winds.
For an optimal South Pacific yacht charter experience, set your sights between April and November, with August and September standing out as prime months for idyllic weather and sailing conditions.
This tropical paradise welcomes chartering year-round, with consistently comfortable air temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s, matching water temperatures. The East winds, maintaining a reliable 10-20 knots, make the South Pacific an unparalleled choice for year-round yacht chartering.
Indian Ocean & Asia
Embark on a year-round yachting adventure in the Indian Ocean and Asia, where tropical bliss awaits with consistent warm climates and minimal seasonal shifts. The region exudes humidity, resulting in regular rainfall, yet abundant sunny days prevail.
Water temperatures invite endless swims, while daytime air temperatures linger in the low 80s, cooling to the mid-high 70s at night. Winds grace the region year-round, with variations based on destination; for instance, Seychelles experiences stronger winds around the spring equinox in March and the autumn equinox in September.
Seasonal patterns hinge on each destination’s proximity to the Equator. Southern locales like Seychelles and Bali, Indonesia, follow a South Pacific-like cycle, with the least rainfall from June to October and the most from December to February.
Northern destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Malaysia align with Caribbean-like seasons, featuring drier conditions in the first half of the year and increased precipitation in the latter half. Dive into each destination’s specifics for a closer look at weather nuances.
Fun Times On The Water!
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…Send us your pictures/videos when you submit your charter review!
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BVI Bareboat Yacht Charter
VI Sailing Team
“This was our 8th charter in the BVI and 8th time using VI Sailing. I will not do one without them.
VI Sailing is part of our crew, our ‘shore team’, if you will. :)”
Charter Company & Yacht
“Everything was perfect. BVI Yacht Charters is always thorough. Two Phish was perfect, not a single issue.”
– Ron Martin
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BVI Cabin Yacht Charter
VI Sailing Team
“First time booking with a charter broker and working with my broker and the concierge team was very easy.
Good amount of communication.”
Yacht & Crew
“Yacht comfortable and clean. Crew was the crew friendly and accommodating.
Food was excellent.
Loved the area we chartered in.”
– Betse Karas
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BVI Bareboat Yacht Charter
VI Sailing Team
“First time booking with a charter broker and everything was very easy.
Vacation planner was informative and east to understand.”
Charter Company & Yacht
“Staff was great! The charter company was great to work with.
Any issues/questions we had were addressed in a timely manner.”
– Carolyn Allen
Crewed Insider:
LegaSea – Coming Soon to the British Virgin Islands!
Mark your calendars because come March, LegaSea will be all set to hoist the sails and welcome guests aboard for the sailing vacation of a lifetime!
LegaSea is the total package!
It’s checks all the boxes… including a flybridge and the popular Bali garage door plus a padded foredeck perfectly suited for sunbathing.
LegaSea has a nice selection of water toys, including paddle boards, floating docks, fishing gear, snorkel gear, a wakeboard, and a tube for the action lover!
Wait, there’s more!
LegaSea offers COMPLIMENTARY water taxi service for guests arriving in St. Thomas on charters 5 nights or longer, allowing guests to maximize your time in the BVI!
*subject to availability
Don’t miss the chance to embark on this elite sailing charter vacation.
LegaSea is waiting for you, so why wait any longer? Book your elite sailing charter vacation today and prepare for an unforgettable journey with LegaSea.
Chartering the boat with George and Elle is not just an ordinary nautical escapade, but a voyage intertwined with passion, experience, and a shared dream.
Meet Captain George, whose lifelong love of sailing began with humble makeshift sails crafted from fishing rods and roller blinds. He honed his skills racing dinghies, including lasers, and even made it to the Olympic youth team.
At 17, his quest for adventure led him to a yacht charter position in the south of France, where he climbed from deckhand to chief officer on a 40m Superyacht. Despite his success, he felt something was missing… the billowing sails of his dreams.
That yearning led George to ‘Stormy Weather,’ a classic sailboat from 1934. Teaming up with Chef Elle, they embarked on a mission to create unforgettable charters, blending their love for sailing and fine cuisine.
Elle’s dream of blending cooking with a life at sea became a reality after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elle’s philosophy is simple yet profound; she believes that cooking with love provides food for the soul.
Together, they are dream weavers, offering guests a unique experience that nourishes both body and soul. Their journey combines luxury, adventure, and culinary delights where they aim to create lasting memories for their guests.
Join Elle and George on a unique culinary odyssey where sea air blends with the aroma of Elle’s creations, and the magic of fine dining meets the enchantment of the sea. They’re redefining what a charter can be, one delectable bite at a time.
SAIL BY: July 24, 2024
MINIMUM NIGHTS: 5
EXCLUDES: Christmas & New Years, tandems, charters outside the Virgin Islands.
News & Events:
10 Must-Do’s While Sailing in the BVI
1. Cane Garden Bay Sunsets
Cane Garden Bay in Tortola is such a laid back spot, you could easily lose track of time there.
With awesome tunes, lively nightlife, and fantastic dining options, not to mention a gorgeous beach, a cool recycled glass studio, and a historic rum distillery, there’s a ton to dig into. But the true highlight?
Catching a sunset over the bay… absolutely breathtaking!
2. Full Moon Parties on Tortola or Virgin Gorda
You’ve probably heard about the legendary Bomba Shack Full Moon Parties… they were the start of the full moon parties, but guess what? There are plenty of other fantastic options in the area that offer just as much fun, and are even more ideal for the whole family.
Check out the awesome celebration at Trellis Bay on Beef Island: they’ve got talented Mocko Jumbies, plus mesmerizing sculptures that are set ablaze over the water, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Paradise Club in Cane Garden Bay is popular as well
And if you’re looking for something a little more upscale, the beachfront CocoMaya in Virgin Gorda is now throwing their own full moon shindig. Don’t miss these equally amazing alternatives!
3. A Willy T Shot-Ski and a Tattoo
The atmosphere aboard the Willy T, a floating restaurant/bar docked at Pirates Bight on Norman Island, can shift entirely based on the time of day you choose to visit.
If you’re seeking a laid-back, delectable lunch and maybe a thrill-seeking leap from the upper deck (wink, wink—it’s not officially encouraged by the management), then the daytime is your jam.
But if you’re in the mood for an epic soiree, zip over to the Willy T in your dinghy after sunset for live tunes, a round of Shot-Ski with pals or fellow merrymakers, and hey, how about a temporary tattoo – inked by the bartender exactly where you fancy. And let’s just say, after dark, a dip off the boat often happens in the buff. No inhibitions here!
4. Snorkeling
Oh, you have to check out the dazzling snorkeling spots in the BVI!
Our favorites are the Caves at Norman Island, The Indians, the areas around The Dogs, and Monkey Point. Trust us, they’re nothing short of spectacular – you won’t want to miss a chance to explore these underwater marvels.
5. The Rum Bar
If you haven’t had the chance to savor the food at Cooper Island Resort, word on the street is it’s absolutely fabulous.
Indulge in some of their top-notch rum selections at the Rum Bar, and let’s just say, enjoying those while catching a stunning sunset is a definite thumbs up in our book! Cheers to that!
6. Experience the Magic of Michael Bean
You’ve got to experience the magic of Michael Bean on Leverick Bay during the BVI high season!
He’s part musician, part entertainer, and a whole lot of pirate. Don’t miss any of his shows… it’s a guaranteed good time! Soak in the atmosphere, and let’s party BVI-style!
7. Explore the Baths
Even though this spot has been “discovered” and it can get pretty crowded, we still believe it’s an adventure worth embarking on.
Enormous boulders dot the stunning beach, forming crystal-clear pools of shimmering blue to wander through and discover.
Wrap up the day with a refreshing drink and a breathtaking view at the Top of the Baths… a bar with a perfect overlook of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. You won’t want to miss out on this extraordinary experience!
8. Explore the Gorgeous Beaches of Anegada
Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, just about 15 miles north of Virgin Gorda. Surprisingly, its highest peak is only 28 feet above sea level! The island is wrapped by reef, which can pose a challenge to navigate – over the years, many vessels have been lost in its waters.
Anegada flaunts a different look, flaunting a flat landscape unlike its hilly siblings, but let’s talk about its beaches… simply out of this world! Don’t miss the chance to take a stroll on one of Anegada’s stunning beaches and revel in the extraordinary beauty that envelops you.
9. Anegada Lobster Feasts
After strolling along one of its gorgeous beaches, sit down and savor a mouthwatering lobster feast at one of the spots serving up freshly caught delicacies during lobster season. Get ready for a real treat!
Chances are you’ll see your dinner arriving fresh off the lobster boats as they pull in to deliver their catch. Now that’s what you call sea-to-table fresh!
10. Jost Van Dyke Bar Crawl
Jost Van Dyke is the ultimate party destination!
From the legendary Foxy’s in Great Harbour to a mix of vibrant bars sprinkled across the stunning White Bay, there’s no shortage of unique spots to experience.
Don’t miss out on swinging by the Soggy Dollar before you leave—be sure to try one of their globally renowned Painkillers. Cheers to unforgettable adventures!
Bitter End 2.0!
For nearly 50 years, the Bitter End Yacht Club has been the top sailing spot in the BVI. And now, the Bitter End Yacht Club is back in full swing, ready to welcome bareboat and crewed yacht charters to Virgin Gorda’s North Sound.
If you haven’t experienced the Bitter End before, get ready for a real treat. Bitter End 2.0 has all the highlights of the original, plus some new additions.
Yachting Cocktail Recipe Of The Month
~ SPICED SANGRIA ~
As you embark on a journey of flavor, let the Spiced Sangria, a fusion of light red wine, aromatic spices, and the sweetness of apple and honey, become the essence of your nautical adventure.
Infused with the essence of apple cider, lemon, and an array of spices, this sangria offers a delightful medley of tastes with every sip. The green apple slices add a crisp note, while cinnamon, cloves, and star anise intermingle, creating a tapestry of warmth and depth.
Crafted to perfection, this spiced sangria invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and relish in the layers of flavor that unfold. Whether you’re basking in the glow of the setting sun or toasting beneath the stars, the Spiced Sangria is a celebration in a glass!
Ingredients:
~ 1 1/2 cups apple cider or substitute non-pasteurized apple juice or hard apple cider
~ Rind of one lemon cut into strips
~ 1 green apple sliced thin
~ 1/4 cup honey
~ 1 bottle light red wine
~ 2 cinnamon sticks
~ 5 cloves
~ 1 star anise
~ 1/4 cup brandy or vermouth
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the apple cider, lemon rind, sliced green apple, and honey. Stir well to dissolve the honey.
2. Pour the entire bottle of light red wine into the pitcher.
3. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
4. Incorporate the brandy or vermouth into the mix, giving it a good stir.
5. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Before serving, give the sangria another gentle stir to ensure the spices are well-distributed.
7. Serve the spiced sangria over ice in glasses, making sure to include some of the fruit slices.
8. Optionally, garnish each glass with an extra cinnamon stick or a twist of lemon peel.
Enjoy your delicious spiced sangria cocktail with its warm and festive flavors!
Cheers!
Destination Spotlight
Sailing Bliss in the Tobago Cays: A Tropical Paradise!
Envision a sailing adventure through the turquoise embrace of the Tobago Cays, where each ripple murmurs tales of tranquility and every zephyr carries the allure of exploration. Immerse yourself in a realm of unparalleled beauty, from immaculate beaches to vibrant coral gardens.
Begin your journey from the vibrant island of St. Vincent, a gateway to the Tobago Cays. Explore the charming ports along the coast, setting the stage for an unforgettable Caribbean odyssey.
Dive into an underwater wonderland, where vibrant coral gardens and graceful sea turtles create a mesmerizing spectacle. The Tobago Cays are a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering an up-close encounter with the wonders beneath the waves.
Discover hidden gems like Baradal, Petit Rameau, and Petit Bateau… secluded anchorages that invite you to drop anchor in your private paradise. Feel the tranquility as you embrace the untouched beauty of nature.
Anchor near Horseshoe Reef for a one-of-a-kind experience surrounded by vibrant marine life. The crystal-clear waters offer a front-row seat to the underwater spectacle of the Tobago Cays.
Witness the magic of Tobago Cays sunsets, where warm hues paint the sky in a symphony of colors. Uninhabited islands become your personal haven, offering seclusion and tranquility as the day unfolds.
Infuse your journey with the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean. Explore nearby islands, including St. Vincent, where local communities, authentic cuisine, and warm hospitality welcome you with open arms.
Your sailing adventure in the Tobago Cays is not just a voyage… it’s an energizing escape into a realm of tropical bliss. Whether you navigate your vessel or charter a boat, let the Tobago Cays rejuvenate your spirit and etch unforgettable memories into the fabric of your maritime story.
Contact us today to help you get started on this dream vacation!
