Suggestions for Finding Couples to Charter With

[xdeeman]

Hello and Happy New Year!

My wife and I have a desire to charter in the USVI within the next 2 years. I have experience crewing on larger (35') sailboats and sailing smaller dinghies (Lasers).

We would like to charter with another couple or two to help alleviate costs and provide company and experience.

Does anyone have any experience finding other couples to charter with? I imagine it can either be great fun or a frustrating let-down based on the compatibility of the couples.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

[Printbr]

I would suggest taking an ASA or equivalent course and bareboat charter your own boat. Then invite couples you already know to come and share the expense. Also BVI seems to be better suited for bareboat chartering than USVI.

I took a week long " Learn n Cruise" from San Juan sailing in Bellingham WA. We cruised the beautiful San Juan Islands for a week and learned the ropes earning three ASA certificates giving us the qualifications to charter and captain boats throughout the world. It really opens up the options and will give you the confidence to venture out on your own. Then you can invite those you already know and like. And you will probably meet others on the same Trip who have similar desires to cruise other places. We did BVI, and it was very easy chartering after sailing the San Juan's. Good times, in both places.

[Hud3]

I imagine it can either be great fun or a frustrating let-down based on the compatibility of the couples.

Yep. Personally, I'd never risk an expensive vacation by teaming up with strangers, but if you could find a couple local to you that was interested, you could check each other out beforehand. Another site on which to post your query is Traveltalkonline A lot of charterers over there.

[GreekWaters]

Happy New Year,

I would suggest you enroll in a local sailing club, meet people there and organize this trip together. You will find many interesting people there, but better get to know them better before starting a sailing trip together.

With Compliments,

Sail in Greek Waters

[xdeeman]

Good info guys, thanks!

I did some researching on Sailing Schools and liked what Barefoot Offshore Sailing School in Grenada had to offer. It would be on par, price wise, with me and my wife chartering a 30 footer on our own and we would get certified.

Does anyone have feedback or experience with the Barefoot Offshore Sailing School?

Perhaps a new thread is needed. I searched and it did not come up with any results - however mentions of Offshore Sailing School was recommended - maybe different companies.

Anyhow, thanks for the suggestions!

[rebel heart]

When I do snowboard trips with my friends I start with my friends and then add the snowboarding part. If I was doing what you're doing, I'd just find another couple who wants to go. The sailing part isn't really that relevant. If you're going to be having fun poking around in good weather you'll have it under control yourself and the other folks will figure out the important details in the first couple of days.

Much better to get the chemistry right and teach the sailing as you can't do the inverse.

[atoll]

gurgled it for you and found this

Adult vacation swinger cruise on a sailing yacht with crew for adults only

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by atoll

gurgled it for you and found this

Adult vacation swinger cruise on a sailing yacht with crew for adults only

too funny lol

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by atoll

gurgled it for you and found this

Adult vacation swinger cruise on a sailing yacht with crew for adults only

Not for me. Everytime I go to a potluck I bring steak and end up eating meatloaf...

On setting up a couples/group anything make sure it is all non-refundable money up front. Its amazing how many conflicts arise when it's your non-refundable deposit being held...

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

Not for me. Everytime I go to a potluck I bring steak and end up eating meatloaf...

On setting up a couples/group anything make sure it is all non-refundable money up front. Its amazing how many conflicts arise when it's your non-refundable deposit being held...

this may be why i prefer the nanny thread!!!
moral: "its better to grab a nanny than grab a granny!"

[Printbr]

I don't have any experience with Barefoot but the curriculum and course description are exactly what I took in the San Juan's. It looks like a great trip. I would do it.

Then next year take your best friends with you to BVI? It will be the time of your life.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Printbr

I don't have any experience with Barefoot but the curriculum and course description are exactly what I took in the San Juan's. It looks like a great trip. I would do it.

Then next year take your best friends with you to BVI? It will be the time of your life.

how was the "disipline" training

[suzanne]

We are sailing around Sardinia, Corsica, Italy and France from May until September on our boat, Free Spirit, Oyster 80. Experienced sailors but have a crew member/captain on board at all times. Had not thought of having people we have not met on board but open to the idea. We certainly could provide experience, adventure and company!