Virgin Islands Are Re-Opening (Mostly)

The U.S. Virgin Islands have already opened on Sept. 19 to bareboat chartering, which means that you can now fly from the United States to the USVI and enjoy a bareboating adventure.

Even better, the British Virgin Islands have announced that they will re-open their borders to bareboaters on Dec. 1, just in time for the very best weather in the BVIs (it's past hurricane season!!).

 Airline flights to the BVIs are being scheduled at this time in preparation for the opening.

BVI Premier Andrew A. Fahie said that the BVIs have two months to prepare and "we as a people must get it right".  He said the BVIs plan to reopen "in the safest possible way, using science and technology as a guide". 

Stay tuned for details on entry requirements, or check with your favorite charter company or broker.

Raul Bermudez of MarineMax Vacations, with a fleet of powercats on Tortola, said that they have a full list of protocols in place to assure that each boat is ready for guests.  "We have always spaced our charters one day apart, so we have plenty of time to really clean and sanitize each boat", he said.  MarineMax Vacations also has a liberal plan for bookings, allowing rescheduling or refunding if the situation changes.  (marinemaxvacations.com)

Cruise Abaco Has You Covered!!

No, we don't know where this pandemic is going, nor do we know what the Bahamas are going to do about entry requirements (they've done full reverses in the past two weeks!).  

What we do know is that Cruise Abaco has you covered.  You can book now, reserve your vessel and dates, and you don't have to pay until October for charters in November and December.  

Don't forget that they have monohulls, catamarans and ASA Instructor Captains available for ASA certifications during your trip!  

And be sure to check out the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, Mar Ari, which is arriving in November.  This is the desirable Maestro version with three double cabins, three full heads.  The master suite fills one entire hull!! And the salon (above) is spacious and spectacular!

Contact Cruise Abaco at www.cruiseabaco.com, by email at reservations@cruiseabaco.com, or give them a ringy-dingy at (321) 473-4223.

Charter Auction!! Too Cool!!!

Navigare Yachting has come up with a clever and fun way to get out of quarantine and back on the water.  Starting July 24, the auction will take place online on Fridays at 5pm ET and is expected to last about 30 minutes.

Preregistration is required on this link, and participants will automatically receive a weekly list of charters offered at upcoming auctions, with great values for sailing opportunities.

The first auction will focus on 2020 departures from the BVIs, with four boats offered (Jeanneau 47, Lagoon 42, and a pair of Fountaine Pajots-42 and 47).  The starting bid begins with the mandatory Navigare Carefree insurance (no damage waiver, no security depost required) plus the BVI Cruising Tax.

The boats are all at the Navigare base on Tortola, although future auctions will include bareboats at their nine charter destinations worldwide, with a new Seychelles base coming on line soon.

www.navigare-yachting.com

BVIs: Bigger & Better

Just received postings from a couple of our favorite spots in the BVIs that were decimated by the hurricane, and thought you'd enjoy seeing what to expect when you return for a bareboat charter.

First, Saba Rock  (above) is going to be bigger and better than ever, combining docks and offshore moorings for you to enjoy their waterfront watering hole and pub.  It's always been a gathering spot for bareboaters, and they're making it even more appealing.  

Second, Oil Nut Bay is known for its spectacular private villas, but they've upgraded their marina (above) on North Sound of Virgin Gorda to include a newly rebuilt "marina village" with an overwater restaurant, pool, boutique and mooring balls.  

And, of course, Bitter End (above) is going to be better than ever, with an all-new marina with lounge for visiting yachts.   

What To Expect.....When

The Moorings, which operates 20 charter-yacht bases worldwide, has announced the steps it is implementing (and will continue to implement) as their various destinations re-open following the pandemic.

The yachts in the Moorings fleet will be disinfected by fogging on each charter return, and then cleaned, sanitized and disinfected again before the next charter departure. Galley provisions will arrive in a sealed boxthat is labeled and dated, and linens and towels will be sealed in bags. All charter clients will also receive a comprehensive pack containing disinfectant spray, hand wipes and other sanitizing products.

In a big change, and one that we hear is being followed by many charter companies worldwide, snorkel gear will no longer be provided or rented.  The Moorings will offer new packaged snorkel gear for purchase if you don’t want to bring your own, with payment by debit or credit card to eliminate cash. Tip: Bring your own!

Finally, charter clients will be asked to wear masks at the Moorings bases or when interacting with staff