VI Sailing Insider – March 2023

March 2023 VI Sailing Insider

Crewed Insider:

Sailing the Grenadines

The Ultimate Summer Caribbean Getaway for Adventure and Relaxation

The Tobago Cays

Ah, the Caribbean – a dream destination for many travelers! With its beautiful turquoise waters, stunning beaches and tropical climate, it truly is a paradise on earth.

And if you’re looking for a chance to add some Caribbean summer adventure to your vacation this year, then an All-Inclusive Grenadines yacht charter should be at the top of your list!

The Grenadines are an ideal choice for a summer sailing adventure! Located in the southern Caribbean, with St. Vincent at the north end of the Grenadines and Grenada at the south end, they are less likely to experience the tropical storms that can occur during July to October. This makes them a great option when other Caribbean destinations may be at higher risk of storms.

Map of the Grenadines

The Grenadines offer an idyllic sailing area with less-visited islands that are perfect for exploring. With beautiful turquoise waters, stunning secluded white sand beaches, hidden coves, and charming island villages without the crowds you won’t regret spending your summer vacation here.

Some of the most popular islands are Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Bequia.

Mayreau is like walking into the past, the people there and their way of life is just incredible. There is no school there, so all of the children are picked up each morning and taken to Union Island for schooling; they haven’t had electricity for that long. It is incredible to see what life was like decades ago. The people are so welcoming and sell their wares on the incredible arched shaped beach where yachts dock at their island. There is a lovely walk that will take you into the village as well.

Yacht Charter Vacation Mayreau

The Tobago Cays is an incredible dive spot; the diving is literally everywhere! Just set yourself into the water and you are bound to see something. It is an incredible area that you could spend all day exploring. You can also take the dinghy and go through the narrow channels to some of the smaller islands and explore them as well.

Mayreau Beach and Tabago-Cays

Bequia also has many things to offer, a lovely beach, a walkway from the beach to the other side of the bay where there are restaurants and shops, and there is a fantastic hike from the beach up to the top of Bequia that affords the most amazing view of the bay below. Again, it is a place where you could spend all day, at the beach, swimming in the bay, hiking, exploring the town, and tasting the local fare. Each island along the Grenadines chain has its own charm and character, and it is hard not to be reeled in by them all! The people are very proud of their islands, and it shows. The islands are beautifully taken care of and maintained; they refer to them as their “Blessed Lands”.

Bequia

But sailing the Grenadines is not only about soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches; it also offers a range of exciting activities and adventures for those seeking a more active holiday. Here are some of the top sailing activities and adventures to try in the Grenadines:

  • The pristine coral reefs offer up plenty of opportunities to snorkel and dive – from colorful schools of fish swimming around your feet, to sea turtles gliding gracefully through their natural habitat. You can even swim with dolphins in certain areas!

  • Some of the best conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing in the Caribbean! With constant trade winds, it’s a perfect place to do either sport.

  • Island hopping is one of the best experiences you can have while sailing and each island in the Grenadines has its own unique charm and beauty. Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau and Tobago Cays Marine Park are just a few of these stunning islands waiting to be explored.

  • With its lush landscapes and beautiful hiking trails, St. Vincent in particular offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. The famous La Soufriere volcano hike is especially popular among hikers looking for an unforgettable experience and nature walks are also available on many other islands in this stunning archipelago.

  • Explore the local culture and cuisine. From sampling fresh seafood on a beach side restaurant to attending one of the many regattas, festivals or music events, there are plenty of ways for you to immerse yourself in this unique culture.

Sailing the Grenadines is a truly magical experience that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. Take advantage of the chance to unwind, enjoy special moments with friends and family, and be pampered by a dedicated crew whose only goal is to make sure you have the vacation of a lifetime!

It’s the ultimate in summer adventure, relaxation, chef prepared meals, fun on the water, and quiet time under the stars.

No experience is needed, just hop aboard and settle in and let the captain whisk you away to one breathtaking anchorage after another while your hostess prepares delicious meals each day.

Get ready to escape to paradise this summer… the Grenadines are waiting for you!

WINWARD 5.4

WINDWARD is the latest Bali 5.4 crewed catamaran, offering accommodation for 8 guests in 4 cabins.

Your friendly and professional crew is looking forward to making sure that everyone in your group has a wonderful time. Captain Jonathan’s expertise of the local area will be an invaluable asset during your trip, as he can provide great advice on places to visit, activities to do, and restaurants with delicious food. You’ll also love Chef Tracy’s culinary creations – she has a wide variety of specialties that are sure to wow you!

Water toys:
– 12 Ft RIB dinghy with 40HP outboard
– Wakeboard
– 2x Stand Up Paddleboard
– Water Tube
– Floating Mats
– Underwater Camera
– Snorkeling Gear
– Beach Games
– Sea Scooter

ISLAND KISSES 5.4

ISLAND KISSES is a contemporary Bali 5.4 crewed catamaran with accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 cabins.

The crew on board are amazing! They have a wealth of knowledge about the region, so you can be sure that they will guide you to all the best anchorages. On top of this, your taste buds will be in for a treat as their menu features delicious flavors and beautifully plated food. It’s an adventure like no other and with such an experienced team at hand. It is sure to make your trip even more enjoyable!

Water toys:
– 12 ft RIB dinghy with 40HP outboard
– Wakeboard
– 2x Stand up paddleboards
– Water tubes
– Floating mats
– Snorkeling gear
– 10 ft. floating dock
– Underwater lights
– Subwing
– 2x Sea scooters


Fun Times On The Water!

Want the opportunity to be featured in an upcoming edition of the VI Sailing Insider…

Send us your pictures/videos when you submit your charter review!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BVI Bareboat Charter

VI Sailing Team

“Good communication and you delivered on everything we were hoping for, we had done this by ourselves in the past, and, it was a very good experience. Thank you.”

Charter Company

”Upon arrival everything was exactly as we expected, picked up at the dock in Road town, they had binders ready that describe the operation of the boat in thorough detail. People were very nice and attentive.

Nanny cay was an awesome place to depart from, first time we have left from there.

And the staff at horizons were lovely – Cara, who helped us with our check out and when we brought the boat back was very helpful.

We have come here many times … as always a perfect place to come.”

– Greg Glista


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All-Inclusive Charter in the BVI’s

VI Sailing Team

“The voyage exceeded our expectations. Luke and Kristen were the perfect crew/hosts. Kristen is an incredible chef.”

Yacht & Crew

“Perfect!

Every meal was 5* incredible.

We were fortunate to have sailed with Kristen and Luke.

It was the ultimate luxury vacation!”

–Diane Trenouth


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
USVI Crewed Charter


VI Sailing Team

“Very easy working with the broker and had a good amount of communication. Found the Vacation Planner to be very thorough.”

Yacht & Crew

“Capt. Tim and Chef Zara went out of their way to make us all feel comfortable and happy. They went above and beyond our expectations.

They were friendly and accommodating and gave us our space for family time.

The food was amazing and catered to everyone’s dietary requirements. It was presented beautifully and was delicious.

We can’t imagine anyone working harder than Capt. Tim and Chef Zara!“

– William Camera


Bareboat Insider:

USVI Bareboats Now Approved to Travel Freely to the BVI!

Waypoints Yacht Charters USVI BVI yacht charters

We have an exciting update to share – many of the USVI bareboats are now approved to freely sail between the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands!

Waypoints Yacht Charters now has most of their USVI fleet approved to visit the BVI and Virgin Islands Yacht Charters now has their entire USVI fleet approved to visit the BVI.

Clearing customs is still required and in order to ensure the new regulations are properly followed, using a clearing agent is recommended and may be required. The agent’s fee is $150 for clearing into the BVI and $150 for clearing out of the BVI.

You will register with the agent in advance, meet the agent at the customs dock to handover your passports (your group stays on board), and the agent will clear through customs for you.

The usual BVI cruising tax $16/person/day, BVI park permit $50 – $100 depending on your group size, environmental levy $15/person, and customs fee $60 – $100 are payable when you clear into the BVI. Our Charter Experts will provide all the details when you book your charter.

If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, then look no further than the USVI and BVI! With their close proximity to one another, travelers can easily explore both islands during one amazing trip.

Waypoints USVI BVI yacht charters

From snorkeling in The Caves off of Norman Island to tasting world-renowned lobsters on Anegada – there is something for everyone here. Plus, don’t forget about St. Thomas and St. John which offer beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters that are perfect spots to relax after all of your adventures! Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or just some time away from it all – this is definitely the place to go!

Waypoints Yacht Charters offers a wide selection of luxurious sailing yachts for charter guests looking to explore these stunning Caribbean islands on 7-10 day charters.

And being able to visit both the BVI’s and USVI’s during your vacation opens up even more opportunities for adventure for you… from snorkeling around coral reefs in Anegada to exploring historic colonial sites like Buck Island National Park or Cane Garden Bay Beach in Tortola; there is something special about each island that you don’t want miss out on!

Virgin Islands Yacht Charters provides a range of luxurious sailing yachts for guests wishing to explore the beautiful Caribbean islands for 7-10 days. Guests have the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with the comfort and convenience of a luxury yacht.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us and let us show you why these two amazing islands should be your next sailing vacation destination!


News & Events:

Moorings 403PC

Moorings 403PC-3 Cabin Catamaran

We are proud to announce the arrival of the all-new Moorings 403PC. This state-of-the art power catamaran debuted at the Miami Boat Show and will revolutionize your sailing experience. This yacht combines contemporary design with innovative features to provide you with an unparalleled level of comfort and performance.

The 403PC is equipped with inside steering, numerous outside spaces, a water maker, water purifier and upgraded engine from 250hp up to 320hp for improved speed and fuel efficiency. The sleek roof cap integrates one of the largest flybridges ever seen on a 40-footer while wraparound windows offer panoramic views as you sail through various destinations.

On board there is plenty of room for entertaining guests or simply relaxing in peace thanks to its spacious aft cockpit area complete with sunbathing areas accessible via side decks or directly from saloon via the front door – perfect for those summer days spent lounging around! Inside offers further luxury in its fully equipped L shaped galley leading into three cabins providing ample space no matter how many people join you aboard this magnificent vessel!

Key Features:

• sharp lines and contemporary design with high quality interior fit and finishes,
• an inside steering station,
• an incredibly large flybridge,
• numerous outdoor spaces to enjoy, including the aft cockpit, flybridge, aft decks, and sunbathing areas,
• water maker and purifying filter system,
• domestic refrigerator,
• surround sound system with speakers in the saloon, aft cockpit, and flybridge, with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity included,
• similar level of comfort and performance as the Leopard 53 Powercat and Leopard 40 Powercat,
• upgraded engines from the standard 250hp to the 320hp Yanmar engines.

So, if it’s time for an upgrade then look no further than the Moorings 403PC… be one of the first to enjoy this next-generation yacht in the British Virgin Islands and Abacos, Bahamas!

The Baths on Virgin Gorda

Private Crewed Yacht Charter Or Cabin Only Crewed Yacht Charter?

Choosing between a Private Crewed or Cabin Only Crewed Yacht Charter

A crewed yacht charter is a great way to get the best of all worlds – water activities, local experiences and plenty of relaxation!

With a private crewed yacht, you have the entire boat to yourselves with your own captain and chef onboard. Or if you’re looking for something more social, consider cabin only chartering where other guests will be sharing the boat with you.

Our latest blog post goes over some of the differences between private crewed and cabin only crewed charters and will assist you in choosing the best option for your vacation.

No matter which option you choose, there’s no doubt that it’ll make for an unforgettable experience!


Yachting Cocktail Recipe Of The Month

~ MIDORI SOUR ~

Midori Sour Cocktail

This month we are going to be making a delicious Midori Sour, the perfect drink for any occasion.

A great addition to any sailing vacation, this cocktail is sure to please even the pickiest of palates with its sweet and sour combination of flavors.

Try this easy-to-follow recipe and you’ll be enjoying a Midori Sour in no time!

Ingredients:

~ 2 ounces Midori Melon Liqueur
~ 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
~ 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
~ 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
~ 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
or Grenadine Syrup (optional)

Now that you have all your ingredients ready let’s get started!

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker filled with ice
2. Add in your two ounces of Midori Melon Liqueur
3. Add in your one-half ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
4. Add in your one-half ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
5. Add in your half an ounce of simple syrup
6. Shake vigorously until everything is combined together nicely
7. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes
8. Top it off with the teaspoon of either maraschino cherry juice or grenadine syrup for added sweetness if desired
9. Garnish with an orange peel twist or cherries
10. Serve immediately while chilled

Enjoy!


Destination Spotlight

Bequia

Admiralty Bay on Bequia Island

Bequia, in the Grenadines, is an amazing destination for a sailing vacation! With its stunning scenery, breathtaking views, coral reefs teeming with marine life, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant food scene it’s easy to see why so many people come here year after year.

Mustique Britannia Bay

The focus point of Bequia’s sailing routes and itineraries are the many islands that make up the Grenadines chain. You will start your sailing vacation from St. Vincent or Grenada – depending on the yacht that you choose.

From Mustique to Canouan, each island offers something unique in terms of culture and activities.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your interests and skill level.

Some popular routes include sailing around the Tobago Cays, a group of small islands surrounded by a protected marine park that’s perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles, or cruising along the coast of St. Vincent and exploring the island’s lush rainforests and waterfalls.

Alternatively, you can simply set sail and explore Bequia’s many secluded coves and bays, stopping off for a swim or a picnic on a deserted beach. Whatever your preference, there’s no shortage of adventure and natural beauty to be discovered on a sailing vacation in Bequia.

Abandoned Art Colony Adams Bay Bequia

Bequia is also known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.

While visiting, you will be able to experience its unique culture and attractions that reflect the local way of life.

From sampling delicious home cooked local dishes to exploring historical sites such as Fort Hamilton or admiring breathtaking views from Mt Pleasant Lookout Point, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Bequian culture while on your sailing vacation.

And be sure to visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, which is dedicated to preserving the endangered hawksbill turtle, or take a tour of the Firefly Plantation, which offers a glimpse into Bequia’s colonial past and the island’s role in the Caribbean’s sugar industry.

Byera, St. Vincent

A sailing vacation in Bequia is the perfect way to relax and enjoy some of the best activities that nature has to offer.

From snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles, to kayaking around pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone!

You can also take part in a variety of sailing events, such as regattas or races. These events are great fun for all ages and abilities – whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out!

With its stunning scenery, warm waters and friendly locals, Bequia is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience on your next sailing holiday.

Contact us today to help you get started!


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