learn more about sailing vacations

Product review "Jabsco Lite Flush Electric Toilet"

2010-03-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of the year we decided that our guest bathroom on Sailing Yacht Billy Jean will get a makeover! Therefore we ordered a new shower head from Jeanneau in France and installed it and then there was the good old pump toilet that looked a little antiquated. In a boaters magazine I saw an ad for this brand new" innovative design, low power" electric toilet by Budget Marine. The fact that it was designed to "instantly retrofit your existing manual toilet" was tempting and we went to the store, found out the price, had a look at it and got the first and only one off the shelf, ten minutes after they put it there.
The next day a seasoned mechanic installed it. After 3 hours he said "this will not fit, the room is too small".
What happened? The footprint of the toilet is the same like its manual brother, but because all the pumps are enclosed, what makes it look pretty (can a toilet look pretty?) the big water hoses in and out had no place to go. But because we never give up and find solutions for problems, we used an old cutting board to extend the pedestal by 2 inches, so we could move the toilet away from the wall and ....voila! another 3 hours later the toilet had her first electrifying flush!
The next day our first of 5 charters in a row started and the happiness did not last long. It took about 4 days and 5 sheets of regular toilet paper to cause a clog and the damage was done. We got all the paper out, but the out pump made a high pitch noise. The toilet survived until 2 days before the second charter ended. That was it!
Jabsco was very helpful to get a new toilet to St. Thomas over night, our brave mechanic installed it the same day and we changed the toilet paper to the "rapid dissolving, septic tank safe - made for RV's and boats" kind. Since then, 3 more charters later everything works like a charm.
Summary:
The toilet looks sleek, is easy to clean, less noisy the other electric toilets and because it does the whole flush cycle with one press of a button it is very "landlubber friendly". But DO NOT USE REGULAR THICK AND CUSHY TOILET PAPER!!!!!!
I like the version with the foot switch better then the one with the wall mount switch. It is easier to install and eliminates one unsealed connection, what is always problematic in a wet area.
We will keep you updated!

Peter Island Resort and Marina

2010-02-18T10:01:00.000-04:00

Last week we had the opportunity to dock in the Peter Island marina for Valentines Day. Our guest wanted to attend their dinner at night, so we suggested to dock, so they can get dressed up.

We expected to see the marina busy, but found us and three other small yachts as the only customers. What happened? All the bays been full with large yachts, why is nobody enjoying the beautiful setting and amenities of this marina? A short blink on the rate sheet explained it all. "boats over 100 feet $425 plus electricity $150 per night, water $1.00 per gallon"

I guess like this you can even repel the rich and famous.

We enjoyed our night for $125, did not plug in for electricity and our water tanks been full. We took advantage of the surprisingly cheap $4 ice. Unfortunately we ran out of milk and had to invest $10 to get one quart, right, not a gallon.

Our guest enjoyed the breathtaking scenery, lunch at the beach side and not to forget the Valentines dinner with live music in one of the best restaurants in the BVI.

If our guest are happy, we are happy.

http://www.sailingyachtvacation.com

bargain hunting in the caribbean

2009-04-02T16:01:00.000-04:00

Bargain hunting is the new pastime in America. Everybody is complaining about the bad shape the economy is in and therefore nobody wants to pay the regular price for any product, including yacht charters. Lower prices for almost all products and specials everywhere seam like a great deal, but a deflationary scenario is the worst economic situation we could be in.
Lower prices lead to lower profit margins for companies, this leads to pressure to cut cost, this leads to switching to lower cost suppliers in countries like communist China, cutting quality and services, all that leads to further job losses in America and therefor the economy loses even more potential buyers of goods.
"Live and let live" is now more important then ever or the recovery will be very slow or we will even slip into a depression.
Putting the blame on "the others" or the government is easy but I think we create the world we live in ourselves and therefor it is time to take on responsibilities in our own lives.
So, America, go and change your light bulbs to fluorescent to solve our energy crisis, buy that reusable bag in your supermarket and stop using plastic bags to solve our waste crisis, turn off the water when you brush your teeth and cut your shower time to solve our water crisis and stop asking for specials to solve our economic crisis.
Or the next time you want to book a charter yacht and pick up the phone you might hear:
"for yacht charters in the Virgin Islands, please press 1"

Anegada and the Lobster Season

2006-09-03T09:47:00.000-04:00

On our last visit to the BVI's in August we finally found the anchorages empty, the way we like it.

One of the highlights was a visit to Anegada and a planed lobster dinner at the Anegada Reef Hotel, our choice for the best lobster in the VI since more then 10 years. We knew about "lobster season", but so far this rule wasn't enforced here. After the new government in the BVI took over, a lot of things changed and this is one of them. So, no lobster in the Anegada Reef Hotel from August 15 - November 31. They still have fish, chicken and steaks.

Anegada is the only, non vulcanic, coral island in the VI with the highest point at around 8 feet. If you really want to experience Anegada fully, you need more then just a few hours in the afternoon after your sail from Virgin Gorda.

Our suggestion: Stay the night before you want to sail to Anegada in the North Sound in Virgin Gorda. Grab a mooring from Saba Rock (says: "pay at Saba Rock"), so you can get up to 250 gallons of water and 1 bag of ice for free, in the morning, before you sail to Anegada. This makes it a great deal and saves you at least $30.

If you approach Anegada look out for 2 pairs of red and green buys and head for the left pair, to avoid coral heads and shallow areas right in front of the entrance to the anchorage. If your yacht draws more then 6,5 feet, be very careful and don't go too far into the anchorage.

That afternoon have a walk on the beach and dine this night at the Anegada Reef Hotel. Make your reservation for this dinner before 3.30 via VHF.

The next day take a safari taxi to the other side of the islands. Take your snorkel equipment, sunscreen, a good book and a towel and tell the driver to drop you off at "Flash of Beauty" (and pick you up at "Big Bamboo"), one of the best snorkel places if the weather is not too rough. Beware of currents! This is not a spot for snorkel beginners!

After you snorkeled here walk to the west to the next bar and restaurant called "Big Bamboo". Here you get drinks and lunch and you can always ask if they have Anegada Lobster. Take a nap in one of the hammocks under the trees in front of the restaurant or take a walk on the endless beach. The last pick up is at 5.00

Have a happy hour drink at the bar at the Anegada Reef Hotel and enjoy the spectacular sunset.

Just another day in paradise!

Kenny Chesney - somewhere in the sun - revealed

2005-11-25T16:54:00.000-04:00

As a real Kenny Chesney fan you saw the TV show "somewhere in the sun". Did you feel the urge to walk in his footsteps, to visit the places he was talking about, to experience the sunsets he showed you?
We can get you there - on a Caribbean sailing vacation.
Start your Virgin Islands yacht charter in St. Thomas in the Marina American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, where Kenny keeps his motor yacht. Cruise to St. John and have a burger at his favorite beach bar "Woody's". Make a tour over the island and see the gorgeous views from the hilltops. Anchor in front of palm fringed beaches like Cannel Bay or Trunk Bay and dive into the turquoise waters for a swim or snorkel trip. Have a drink in the cockpit of your crewed charter yacht "when the sun goes down" and get blown away by an indescribable sunset. Sail the BVI and visit one of his featured restaurants at Jost van Dyke, "Sydney's love and peace" and have a delicious lobster meal. Swing in the hammock at "White Bay" and experience yourself the feeling of "living a different pace".
No shoes, no shirt, no problem!

New Passport rules for Caribbean sailing Vacations

2005-11-21T10:06:00.000-04:00

Beginning Jan. 1. U.S. citizens will no longer be able to cruise through the Caribbean and then re-enter the United States with only a driver's license or voter's registration card as identification. A passport will be required. The office of Homeland Security initiated this new policy due to heightened concerns that terrorists could smuggle equipment or operatives into the United States from neighboring countries. This doesn't apply if you're only making stops in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These islands fly the U.S. flag, thus no passport is needed. However, if you cruise over to the British Virgin Islands or down to Sint Maarten, for example, U.S. immigration officials will insist on seeing a passport before they'll let you back in the country.

Jost van Dyke, BVI updated information

2005-11-10T20:34:00.000-04:00

Jost van Dyke is one of the must see islands to visit during a BVI sailing charter. The world famous beach bar Foxy's attracts thousands of sailors every year. The only downside is the poor anchorage at Great Harbor. The available anchor space now even got smaller since the authorities installed buoys to mark the access channel for ferries. A good alternative for safe anchoring is Little Harbor where you can find overnight moorings and even some great lobster restaurants that refund your mooring fee if you eat there. Take a short taxi ride to Great Harbor to visit Foxy's and you do not need to worry about your anchor at night. Good news: At the right side after the reef entrance at White Bay there are now also overnight moorings available, which make this beautiful but tricky and narrow anchorage now easier to visit. For a fun ride ashore try the new ATV rental at White Bay. You will always get the latest information from us for crewed yachts and bareboat charters at www.sailingyachtvacation.com

St. Thomas Yacht Charter Brokerage - EXPERT ADVISE

2005-09-24T11:36:00.000-04:00

'Not just another yacht charter company'; you might say, but we offer you something really valuable - Real sailors on the other side of the phoneline. For more than 20 years sailing has been and still is our passion.
We started sailing in the Mediterranean Sea, including Corsica and the Spanish Balearic Islands, explored parts of Africa and the Canary Islands.
In 1994 we crossed the Atlantic with our own 42' Jeanneau and visited every island in the Caribbean including Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and the ABC Islands. For several years now the Virgin Islands have become our cruising ground of choice and home.
We've settled in St. Thomas and operate a crewed charter yacht. By booking a charter through our new company Discount Yacht Charters you can take advantage of our extensive knowledge of the local charter companies and their yachts and additionally we always offer exceptional rates.
We take the time to find out the special offers and will find the right yacht for your needs and budget.

Get more expert advice at www.discountyachtcharters.com and jumpstart your charter yacht vacation planning today.

We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard!

pick up a mooring - tips from the pro

2005-09-23T18:12:00.000-04:00

You can see it at every anchorage on a Caribbean sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands: Charter yacht crews try to pick up a painter (the line which is connected to the mooring ball) of a mooring and need several attempts before they succeed.

Here are some tips from the experts how to do it right.
If you approach an anchorage always be on the lookout for swimmers and snorkerlers. Sailing into an anchorage may look very spectacular but is not advisable. The sails are blocking your view and your speed and direction of the boat is not that easy to adjust to a sudden upcoming situation. So take your sail down in a not crowded area of the anchorage and prepare your boat and crew for the upcoming mooring maneuver.

1.Make sure they have the boat hook handy.
2.Some moorings require that you use a rope from your yacht through the eye of the painter and back to your boat. Make sure this line is fixed on one side at the cleat, and then go through the eye and over the railing back on to your deck. This end will be the end you use to go through the eye of the painter.
3.Use hand signals to communicate the distance and direction of the mooring ball and the speed for the approach back to the guy at the wheel.
4.Most boats approach the mooring too fast, so slow down. Your boat should be almost at a stop at the mooring without using the reverse gear. You can not be too slow, but very often boats shoot far over the mooring. Only if you have a lot of wind you will need a little more speed.
5.Approach the mooring in an angle exactly into the wind direction.
6.Have a look out where the painter is floating. If the painter is not floating directly behind the mooring in the lee of the mooring you can expect some current, that also will influence the move of your boat.
7.As the guy at the helm check your speed by making a bearing to the side.
8.If possible, have two crew members on the foredeck (and only two - too many spectators are only in the way) One picks up the painter with the boat hook, after that the other one takes the boat hook and puts it in a safe place, then helps with fixing the line that you hopefully prepared on your foredeck to fix it back on the cleat.

Think and talk the maneuver through with your crew and have an anchor beer only after you did it successfully. Good luck.

A fixed itinerary for a bare boat trip in the BVI - not a good idea!

2005-08-26T10:20:00.000-04:00

As experienced sailors, which cruised all the way from France, passing Africa, the Canarian Islands and then explored the whole Caribbean we know, that one of the mistakes a beginner makes, is to plan a sailing trip at home, like a trip with a car. You should always adopt your trip to the actual weather conditions and therefore plan from day to day. This will provide you with much smoother sailing and anchoring experience then if you stick to a fixed itinerary. For example, you want to avoid to stay over night in Cane Garden Bay when there is northerly swell, some anchorages in the VI are only safe in the summer. Do not rush at the beginning of your vacation. You need to adopt to the climate and seasickness kicks in much faster if you are stressed and tired. You are in vacation, to relax, not to "collect" islands! If you like parties, find the magazine "Limin' Times" and check out where and when the local bands play. You will get a lot of useful information at the briefing before you leave the base of your bareboat company or go for a crewed charter and have no worries at all, because you are in the hands of proffessionals.

BVI anchorages - Cooper Island

2005-08-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island is a beautiful spot with a palm fringed beach, a beach bar/restaurant and moorings balls. Good snorkelling is found at Cistern Point where you'll find large coral formations and plenty of sea life.

The restaurant is called Cooper Island Beach Club. The establishment is open for lunch and dinner, has a boutique and is also an outlet for UBS Divers.

Manchioneel Bay has a limited amount of mooring balls, around 40 and we advise that you get there early to avoid disappointment. Anchoring is extremely difficult due to a lot of Turtle Grass on the sea bed and we strongly advise that you don't try anchoring on your yacht charter in this for environmental issues and to preserve peace on board!

Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island is ripped right out of picture post card with beautiful palms and a small beach. There's even a small bungalow on the beach that finishes off the image completely. The best snorkeling is near some jagged rocks. The snorkeling is spectacular. Large coral formations and colorful fish abound.

There is a small open air bar and restaurant right off the beach. There is also a boutique and dive shop as well as some cottages for rent. Cooper Island has about six full time residents, but no roads, cars, etc.

BVI anchorages - Cane garden bay

2005-08-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Entry into Cane Garden Bay at your sailing vacation is easy with a well marked channel on the North side of the bay. However, beware the north swell, if it is running significantly you are advised to keep clear of the bay, as at best you will spend an uncomfortable night at anchor. Caution would have to be exercised when trying to go ashore in the dinghy if the swell is particularly prevalent. The surf break at the northern side of the bay is well known to the islands surfing community and if they're playing there, perhaps you shouldn't be!

Cane Garden Bay is certainly populated with many restaurants, bars, hotels etc., but it isn't commercialized in the way that someone from Florida is used to at least. It isn't overbuilt, and there are no tall buildings, and no franchise stores. It has a quaint feel, and it's beautiful. Pink and powder blue clapboard houses cling to lush hillsides overlooking a beautiful harbor.

Cane Garden Bay is a great experience and going to sleep with the sounds of bands playing and people partying can seem otherworldly after visiting so many secluded places.

Latetly there have been some reports of stolen dinghies in Cane Garden Bay, so you want to lock your dinghy at night and even at the dock when you go to a bar or restaurant.

Tips for happy travelers to the Virgin Islands

2005-08-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

St. Thomas and St. John are part of the United States, but part of the Caribbean, too. In coming to the American Paradise you will, in many respects, be visiting "another world." The Virgin Islands is not so much a melting pot as a tropical salad of peoples, cultures, backgrounds, tastes and lifestyles. Making visitors welcome is a tradition going back more than 300 years.

And yet. . . there are expectations on the part of our people, too. We customarily begin a conversation with a stranger by saying "good morning," "good day" or "good evening" -- and visitors will find that here in the tropics, it's a marvelous ice breaker. Service may seem slow compared to the bustle back home, but why would anyone want an island experience to be rushed?

The dress code is casual -- but a code it is, nonetheless. At the formal end of the spectrum, "elegantly island" for evening affairs means shirts with collars but rarely ties and jackets for men, and anything from simple classics to gala party wear for women. At the other extreme, sunbathing nude is not looked upon with favor, nor are swimsuits or other revealing attire in shopping areas or anywhere else away from the beach, pool or boat. Most eating and other establishments require shirts and footwear of both male and female clientele.

Ostentation here, as anywhere else, can be an invitation; so flashy jewelry is best left at home or in the hotel safe while you are out and about. The solar power here, more so than anywhere in more temperate climes, can sear unsuspecting skin -- of any natural shade! -- in no time at all; we strongly advise you to apply sun block liberally and repeatedly throughout your stay on your Caribbean yacht charter.

BVI anchorages - Jost van Dyke - little harbour

2005-08-08T11:27:00.000-04:00

Moorings are plentiful and Little Harbour is a good alternative on a sailing vacation to the anchoring antics that go on in Great Harbour, where there are no moorings available. If Foxy's calling is too strong, you can always taxi over to Great Harbour, safe in the knowledge that your boat is secure to a mooring. Little Harbour also offers water, fuel and ice at the newly constructed pier beside Sidney's Peace and Love.

Jost Van Dyke, or Jost, as the locals call it is about four miles long and has just fewer than two hundred permanent residents. It is also the home to many famous hot spots like Foxy's.

Little Harbor is home to a place called "Sidney's Peace and Love". It is rustic and run by locals. It has a great atmosphere, and the folks that run the place couldn't be friendlier. Thousands of donated T-shirts line the ceiling. On some evenings Sidney fires up the grill and makes bar BQ. Sidney's also features an honor bar, where you make your own drinks and mark down a record for the bill. There is a small gift shop at the same place, and another restaurant called Harris's Place.

Important snorkeling tips

2005-08-03T11:34:00.000-04:00

Snorkeling is one of the most favorite activities on a Caribbean sailing vacation, so please read this carefully!
Important snorkeling tips:

Get yourself prepared before you go snorkeling – put sunscreen on your back and the back of your legs. At the first days of your trip you maybe want to wear a t-shirt, to protect you from the sun. Do not put sunscreen in your face or on your feet, it will burn in your eyes and will deteriorate your mask and your fins. Before trying on your fins, wet them and your feet to make it easier. Do not snorkel without fins. You never know if you will get caught in a current. You have no chance to get back to your boat against a current without fins. You want to wear a snorkeling vest. If you only inflate this vest in case of an emergency it will not bother you during your snorkel trip, but it makes you more visible to other watercrafts and you can inflate it easily if you have a problem with you mask or fins. Test your mask for leaks and the fit of your fins close to your yacht, so you can make necessary adjustments before you head out. Do not snorkel alone. Always have a buddy on your side. Take your time and do not rush through the reef. Most of the fishes are shy and hide first if you approach a coral head. If you hover for a minute on top of this coral head you will see them reappear. A reef is like a painting- the longer you look at it the more details you will explore. If you have an underwater camera, take it with you all the time. You never know when you make your picture perfect encounter with you favorite fish or turtle. Disposable cameras without flash only take satisfying pictures in good light conditions and if you are close to the object.
Coral reefs – millenniums to grow, seconds to destroy.
The coral reefs are precious and delicate. Their future depends on you.
Please take care not to inflict further damage.
Touch nothing – The slightest touch with hands, fins or equipment can irreparably damage coral polyps, the tiny animals that build the coral reefs. Remember most coral reefs grow only half an inch per year.
Remain horizontal in the water and snorkel in water over your depth. Snorkeling on shallow reefs can easily inflict damage to the coral and cause personal injury. In a vertical position your flapping fins are killers. They break coral and stir up sediment that can smother the coral polyps. For equipment adjustment swim out and away from the coral into deep water.
Look, enjoy and leave – take nothing dead or alive from the reef
Feeding the fish – Caution, you may be injured. Feeding can make fish aggressive and
dangerous. It also upsets species distribution and may introduce disease.
Photographers – Don’t brace yourself on the coral to take a photo.

Think, care and enjoy – Help the reef give continuing enjoyment

The Caribbean Sea

2005-07-31T10:22:00.000-04:00

The Caribbean Sea is a large expanse of water - part of the Atlantic Ocean - between the islands of the Caribbean and the coasts of Central and South America.
The Caribbean Sea gets its name from the original inhabitants of the Caribbean - the Carib people. These indigenous Indians inhabited the region at the time of arrival of the first Spanish explorers. The Caribbean Sea is one of the world's most colorful and marine-rich bodies of water and a great sailing vacations cruising ground.

It is also one of the world's greatest crossroads for ocean shipping. The main ocean current in the Caribbean Sea is an extension of the North Equatorial and South Equatorial currents, which enter the sea at the southeastern extremity and flow in a generally northwestern direction.

The Caribbean Sea covers an area of about 1,020,000 square miles or 2,640,000 square kilometers. With a few exceptions, the Caribbean Sea is more than 6,000 feet deep with many sections exceeding 12,000 feet in depth. Its greatest known depth is between 24,720 feet (7535 meters) and 25, 216 feet (7686 meters) in the Cayman Trench located between Cuba and Jamaica. It is divided into five basins- the Yucatan, Cayman, Colombian, Venezuelan and Grenadian basins - separated from each other by submerged ridges.

Welcome to the new forum for information about sailing vacations

2005-07-31T10:03:00.000-04:00

Curt and I are the owners of the sailing yacht Billy Jean, a 42ft Jeanneau Sun Odyssey, built 1991 in France. Curt sailed with her several years in the Mediterranen Sea before he crossed the Atlantic in 1994 to cruise the Caribbean from Puerto Rico to Trinidad, Venezuela and the ABC Islands. Now our home and cruising ground are the Virgin Islands. We will post here usefull information about all topics related to cruising, chartering and Caribbean sailing vacations. Feel free to post your questions any time or visit our website www.sailingyachtvacation.com.