Do I need any licenses or certifications?
No. You should certainly include any certifications with your Sailing Résumé, but these are not required (a certificate is needed for bareboat sailing in Palma).

If I do want a skipper or a cook, how do I arrange for that?
You may take along a skipper and/or a cook on your bareboat charter for a reasonable daily fee. You can do as much or as little boat handling as you like. Your Charter Coordinator will arrange everything for you. 

You may also want to consider a Luxury Crewed Charter, an all-inclusive vacation. You sail aboard a beautifully-appointed, fully-crewed yacht. You enjoy lavish, gourmet meals and white-glove service. Water sports equipment and SCUBA programs are available on many luxury crewed yachts.

*At many of our bases, to make sure you feel completely comfortable with your yacht, we provide, on advance request, a complimentary “Get Acquainted” skipper to the first anchorage on your base island.

Which areas offer easy sailing for first-timers?
The British Virgin Islands are the best choice for first-time sailors or families with small children. You sail in sheltered waters with calm seas and moderate winds. It’s a short, easy sail from one anchorage to the next. 

Will my children be bored?
Not if they like swimming and playing on the beach. Remember to take time out from sailing to give children a chance to enjoy swimming and snorkelling–there’s no greater fun than snorkelling hand-in-hand with your children as they discover turtles and multicoloured fish and unusual coral.

I want more experience blue water sailing. Do you offer one-way charters?
Yes, you can charter one-way between our bases in Tortola, BVI, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico; between St. Martin and Antigua in the Leeward Islands; and between Martinique and Union Island, Grenadines. 

I need to keep in touch with my business at home. How can I do this while I’m sailing?
Bring your cell phone or ask your Charter Coordinator to arrange for one through the local provider. If you plan to bring your own, it must be equipped with a 12-volt adapter (the kind that fits your car’s cigarette lighter). Be sure to advise your Charter Coordinator in advance, so we can be sure that the appropriate receptacle is installed on your yacht. Please note that cell phone use is reliable in Tortola and St. Martin. Other sailing areas may not offer service.

Do you provide snorkel gear?
Yes. Your crew will be outfitted with masks, fins, and snorkels when you arrive at the base. These are included in your charter fee.

What about SCUBA?
SCUBA gear is available through local dive shops throughout the islands. There are dive shops right at most of our base locations. You can arrange for rendezvous dives or dive certification. Your Charter Coordinator will be happy to help.

Can I rent watersports stuff?
Sailboards for all skill levels and one- and two-person kayaks are available for rent at most of our bases. Your Charter Coordinator can reserve what you need.

How will my yacht be equipped?
All Charters yachts are fully equipped for your sailing vacation. Here’s a list of what you’ll find on board: