By Jeff on 6/4/2007 3:05 PM

About this time of year, many of the Caribbean charter companies offer some fantastic deals (usually 20%+ off) on charters since it's summer time down island. With it brings a bit more humidity and the chance that late-summer tropical disturbances (or... even hurricanes...) could disupt your plans. However, you can get some great sailing in for a great deal if you pick your days well. And, don't leave home without charter insurance to assure that IF you have to change plans due to weather that you'll not lose your entire charter fee.

Also - fresh news from Footloose Charters... they've opened a new base on Tortola out of Wickham's Cay. In addition to the new facility, there are a number of shops, restaurants, and other services nearby to help you get off to a great charter.

(Image courtesy of Footloose Charters)

By Jeff on 4/18/2007 3:04 PM

If you're getting ready to participate in this legendary event, I'm jealous. For those who are not, we can complain together! Celebrating it's 40th Anniversary, Antigua Sailing Week is one of the most legendary regattas in the world. Between great sailing and great parties, there are few events like this one.

This year, to improve the format, the "Bareboat" fleet will race for a final day "gold fleet" set of races to crown the bareboat charter fleet winner. What makes events like this great are that folks who want to charter a boat, do some racing, and get away from the late winter/early spring blues can do exactly that without having to own a grand prix raceboat.

 

(Image courtest of Stanford Antigua Sailing Week 2006)

If you've chartered a bareboat for this event, I'd like to hear from you and share your experiences with the community! Post a comment below!

Tags: sailing, antigua sailing week, yacht charter, bareboat charter

By Jeff on 4/11/2007 3:03 PM

When it comes to packing for a charter, I always find myself having to parse my bag a couple times to get rid of anything but the essentials. "Gear Creep" (the phenomenon where gear proliferates out of control) seems to be a constant battle.

One item that is absolutely essential, is small, and only weighs 2.75 oz is the Petzl Petzl Tikka 3-LED Headlamp. Standard gear for hikers and mountaineers, this little joy has proven itself over and over again while sailing.

Why a headlamp? Well, I've used one the following ways when having both hands free and light can really make a difference...

• Last check of the anchor rode in the dark before hitting the bunk
• Grilling when sundown comes just a little early and the crew is hungry
• Making cocktails in the cockpit when the little coconut courtesy lamp doesn't actually work
• Reading a book after everyone's gone to sleep
• Taking the dinghy to a dock after dark, in a swell, with very little space

I can't recommend this enough. You'll be amazed at how much you use one once you have one. And, at $28 and 120hrs burn time, it's cheap and dependable.

 

Tags: sailing, petzl, yacht charter, bareboat charter

By Jeff on 4/3/2007 3:02 PM

I've sailed for well over the 30 years - almost exclusively on traditional monohulls. I'll admit it; I really like the feel of a boat moving in cycle with the waves and everything that goes with a traditional keelboat. However, it's hard to dispute the trend towards catamarans - especially in charter. In fact, I've seriously considering a cat on our next charter as we plan for it.

The advocates, as quoted in this recent article highlighting the new Moorings 4600/Sunsail 464 designed by Morelli and Melvin and built by Leopard (Robertson-Caine of South Africa), make a pretty good case for a cat:

• In a seaway, the cat stays relatively flat making it easier to eat, play games, etc.
• Anchoring closer to shore in calming, more convenient water is possible
• More space for kids to run around (and a trampoline!)
• Maneuvering in close quarters can be easier - especially with cats featuring twin diesels
• Living space separation provides a different degree of privacy

These sound like pretty good reasons to me... With limited vacation time, large groups chartering together, and new areas to explore, a cat seems like a pretty good idea. What do you think? What are your opinions?

Tags: sailing, catamaran, yacht charter, bareboat charter

By Jeff on 10/9/2006 10:24 PM

While on the topic of music and chartering (albeit a protracted topic... been a few days since my last post), who wouldn't want to hear about Jimmy Buffett's upcoming album? I would argue his music is the most popular charter music in the Caribbean (and most other places, for that matter...).

Anyways, you can check out the latest video for "'Bama Breeze" here. You can also download it at iTunes  (requires iTunes) or preorder the CD.

Cheers!

Tags: sailing, yacht charter, jimmy buffett, caribbean, bareboat charter

By Jeff on 9/8/2006 3:00 PM

It may sound trivial but I'll make this claim: the right music can have a huge impact on a charter trip. It sets the mood. Further, it's what rings through your head long after the charter ends as you reminisce about the great times and adventures.

So, choose wisely. Here's one of my "top-5" recommendation: Kenny Chesney's "Be As You Are".

I don't usually listen to country music but this CD is fantastic. Warm, relaxed, and some great melodic hooks and lyrics that will stick in your head for a long time reminding you of that one particular harbor.

Here are a few lines from "Island Boy":

He's an island boy / Now he's an island boy
Living his life where stress is the enemy
Now he's an island boy / A stone's throw from St. Croix
He's finally found his piece of serenity.

Tags: sailing, yacht charter, bareboat charter, kenny chesney

By Jeff on 8/31/2006 2:59 PM

I truly love all aspects and dimensions of sailing. I'm as happy on a cold, long-distance delivery as I am on a Wednesday night beer-can race (well - maybe a little happier on a Wednesday night...). And, nothing beats a mid-winter escape to warm wind and water like a charter.

I continue to hear great stories about chartering for regattas. Since I like to either cruiser seriously or race seriously, it might take me a while to get comfortable racing a cruising boat with bagged-out sails and (I'm guessing) a less-than-perfect bottom job. But, I'm sure I could get past that issue pretty quickly... ;-)

Here's another great story about pulling a crew together and hitting a regatta. In this case, it's Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week in Australia. In this case, a group of women left the family behind for a week of girls fun and sailing. Good on ya, girls!

Check it out. And, you might want to give Sunsail Australia a call if you want to learn more - it appears they have some decent experience with this event.

Tags: sailing, yacht charter, bareboat charter, hamilton island

By Jeff on 8/14/2006 2:58 PM

I like to think of chartering (and sailing, for that matter) as a metaphor for life. You get what you put into it. Taking it too seriously will let you down. And, the basic equation below is helpful to keep in mind:

reality / expectations = happiness

(Caveat: expecting nothing is not the point - it's that simply keeping expectations realistic goes a long way ;-)

In addition, I find that what makes chartering enjoyable is that you "get all kinds" of people. Some will make you laugh. Others will make you cry. You'll probably get frustrated at others (as I did below).

To keep a long story short, my wife and I were wrapping up a 2-week charter and feeling that strong sense of, "is it over already"? We pulled into a beautiful little bay for the last night and despite it being densely filled, found a nice spot that had good holding and wasn't a nuisance to other boats anchored before us.

In order for us to accomplish this, we arrived early (before 2pm). After our first spot proved to be dead coral under the anchor (good reason to dive on the anchor, BTW), we moved. In the new spot, we made sure not to encroach upon others. All in all, a good job anchoring in a tight area. Time for a swim, cocktails, and a celebratory dinner ashore!

But, wouldn't you know it, a 40' bareboat rolls in around 5:30pm. After trying (unsuccessfully) to anchor 5 times in other locations (yes - 5 times), where do they anchor? Right on top of us. I watched closely (from the boat and - later - the dinghy) and after determing they were swinging within their length of us (in no wind), told them "no good - you guys need to find another spot".

They said "no - it's all fine - we're experienced charterers - we'll swing clear." But, knowing that the holding was a combination of sand patches, eelgrass, and dead coral (and considering they didn't set the anchor properly nor did they dive on it in 14 feet of water), I was nervous and didn't sleep well that night. Before the sun went down, I took the dinghy over and said in very clear (by reasonable) terms that if anything happpened in the night, they were responsible and would have to pull up anchor. They scoffed at it and one guy - I believe the skipper - said some things I don't want to repeat here.

Take a look... here's a pic of their anchor spot from our cockpit.

So, the point? It takes all kinds. And, I can certainly be one of them. These folks were not only irresponsible, they were rude and indignant. I can deal with that. But, my question is, what would you do? How far would you go, on the last night of a slendid trip, to protect yourself and the boat you're responsible for? Share you comments below.

Tags: sailing, yacht charter, bareboat charter, anchoring

By Jeff on 8/13/2006 2:57 PM

Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef, is one of our top choices for our next charter. With incredible diving and cool "down under" culture, why wouldn't it be?

While searching for charter options in Australia, I ran across a company featuring the most interesting charter company name yet: "Magnetic Palms Rent-A-Yacht".

Magnetic Palms? Fascinating! At first, I expected to see a bunch of palm trees with metal objects sticking to them! (only joking).

Seriously, after reading about the area, it sounds pretty interesting. Not quite the Barrier Reef, the Magnetic Island and Palm Island cruising areas offer relatively low-key sailing without the volume of boats in other areas. For more info, check out their video - it's pretty informative and well-produced. (note: if in North America, it may load slowly... net latency between AUS and NA can be frustrating)

Cool fact: the area includes 340 reef species (only 10 fewer species than the Great Barrier Reef). Amazing...

Tags: sailing, australia, great barrier reef, yacht charter, bareboat charter

By Jeff on 8/9/2006 10:29 PM

Most people planning a charter usually think about leisurely sails between gorgeous anchorages topped off with a few cocktails, possibly some excellent regional food, and a good nights sleep after a bit of exploring.

What many do not realize is that it's possible to add a little bit of racing to the equation if you plan your trip and location right. While charter boats do not necessarily epitomize the pinnacle of grand-prix racing, it can be a lot of fun getting a number of similar charter boats racing (think "relaxed one design racing") against each other for a few days.

Antigua Race Week has long been a favorite. But, the number of events catering to bareboat charters is on the rise. An interesting recent event was the Tahiti Pearl Regatta. Having just completed its 4th annual regatta, the Pearl represents a great way to see Tahiti's Leeward Islands (Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, and Bora Bora) while getting those competitive juices flowing.

For this event, Moorings, Sunsail, Archipels Croisières et Tahiti Yacht Charter, and Paradise Adventures and Cruises offered special considerations for event participants.

Here is a look at the recent program for details. The site is a bit sparse on details (including results for this past event) but all signs point to an annual March timeframe.

Tags: sailing, tahiti, antigua, yacht charter, bora bora, regatta