Charter Tips Crewed Charters

Other Charter Tips:

• SNORKEL GEAR: Snorkel gear is available on board your crewed yacht. If you prefer to use your own set or need a prescription mask, please bring it along.
• FISHING: The USVI-based crewed yachts can fish in the USVI, but not in the BVI. Most BVI-based crewed yachts offer on-board fishing. But you need to purchase a fishing license for a small fee for every person who would like to do some fishing on the charter. Children under 18 do not need a fishing license. We can give you the application form.
• SAILING: Your crew will arrange all the sailing, mooring and docking of the yacht. But if you would like to help, they are more than happy to give you the helm or let you help with setting sail or trimming the sails. Your captain is an experienced sailor and can teach you the basics of sailing. But do not expect him to give you a full sailing course unless he is a sailing instructor and offers it as part of your charter.
• MENU: Before your charter, we will ask you to fill in a preference sheet. On which you can let your crew know which foods you like and don’t like and what drinks you prefer. This is your special time, and the crew wants to make sure everything is perfect for you. Please be as detailed as you can, fill out an extra sheet if you wish. Once the yacht has left the dock (often before picking you up), it is very difficult to buy fresh produce. So the Chef must have details on your likes and dislikes before you arrive. And she can prepare a menu just for your charter. A yacht’s galley is often not a spacious area. So please be aware that only one type of main meal can be prepared for the whole group (except a vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free option if that is requested). So base your likes and dislikes on the whole group. Most Chefs will prepare small children a different meal if requested. Please be especially specific if your small children have special likes & dislikes, even brand names!
• ITINERARY: Your crew will discuss with you the daily itinerary that will suit your wishes, at the beginning of the charter and every morning according to the weather conditions and your party’s mood. Your itinerary is not set in stone and can be changed to your preferences. The itinerary is weather-dependent, as the strength and direction of the wind and the swells can make a sailing route or an anchorage less preferable. For a sample itinerary click here
• ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Unless a yacht is plugged into shore power, electricity for appliances is provided either by a generator or inverter. Certain outlets may not be able to handle high-voltage appliances like hair dryers and maybe only for charging items like cameras and computer batteries. Your crew will explain which outlets can be used for what. DO NOT break this rule, or major damage to the ship’s systems could result.
• WATER AND SHOWERS: Most charter yachts carry plenty of fresh water for both cooking consumption and daily showers, plus rinse-offs on the stern after swimming. Most luxury yachts also have a water-maker on board. Your crew will explain how to use marine faucets and showers. Always use water conservatively by not letting the tap run continuously while you’re lathering up in the shower, washing your face, or brushing your teeth.
• SAFETY: The crew will give a safety briefing on your first day. Pay close attention and remember what to do in case of an emergency. While sailing, make sure you either sit down or have always one hand on the yacht to prevent you from falling. Always follow the instructions of your crew and do not touch any lines or instruments without their permission. If you bring children on board, then you will be responsible for their safety. Instruct them to listen to the crew’s safety guidelines. Before your charter check if the yacht has the right size life-vests for your children.
• CHARTER WITH CHILDREN: Keep in mind that professional crews are not babysitters – they have many other daily jobs to do.  However, most crews are kid-friendly and may offer to entertain your children for a certain amount of time during the charter. Make sure your children behave themselves and show respect to the yacht and the crew. The crew will try to educate your children about the islands and about sailing, tell them stories,, and keep them busy with all the water sports, let them help with cooking, sailing or play games with them so they do not need TV, tablets, phones, computer games, etc to entertain themselves.
• SMOKING: For safety reasons, smoking is permitted on deck or transom only. Some yachts do not allow any smoking on the yacht (see your contract). If the crew smokes, they will never do that inside (also not off-charter) and will make sure you will not notice it while on charter.
• DRUGS: The possession and use of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law in the BVI and conviction on drug charges can lead to stiff fines and jail sentences not just for you but also for the crew. Your crew has the right to ban a guest from board or terminate the charter on the spot if you violate this rule.
• GRATUITY: It is customary to tip your crew at the end of your charter, something between 15-20% is suggested, according to the level of service you feel you have received. You can give the captain a US$ personal check, certainly cash or traveler checks. Tipping is at your discretion of course!

YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ON OUR FAQ PAGE