Crewed Yacht Charters
| BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI) Crewed Yacht Charters |
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| What is a crewed yacht charter? A Crewed Yacht Charter is the ultimate in luxury sailing vacations. The crew, entirely dedicated to your every need and desire, are experienced and professional people. The itinerary is yours to choose or you can leave it to the Captain to show you the wonders of the BVI. They know the waters around the British Virgin Islands so can show you places off the tourist map. Best of BVI specialises in the British Virgin Islands, giving independent and impartial advice on which crewed yachts best fit your requirements. Enjoy gourmet cuisine, a whole host of watersports and a level of service unequalled by any cruise ship or all-inclusive resort. You choose which islands you want to visit, you choose your favourite foods and beverages, and you choose which activities you would like to do. From a different island and anchorage each day to swimming, snorkelling, diving and trying out all the water toys that each yacht has to offer, such as water skiing, windsurfing, kneeboarding - the list is endless. Stay on the yacht for the whole of your vacation or venture ashore and explore the beauty of the islands - the choice is entirely yours. The meals served on your crewed yacht charter are second to none. The menu will be tailor-made to your preferences, as will the whole vacation, or you may also choose to dine ashore at some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. |
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| Catamaran or monohull? Catamarans are considered more stable than monohulls and generally offer more space, comfort and privacy for families and friends. Shallow drafts enable you to visit private coves that other yachts cannot enjoy. Monohulls heel and provide a sensation of speed, which for most sailors is what sailing is all about. Monohulls generally offer less room below decks for guests, but does not imply they are any less luxurious. It's all down to personal preference. |
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| Why use the services of Best of BVI? Best of BVI will advise and guide you in chartering the perfect yacht for you, your guests and your families. Whether this is your first time aboard or you are an experienced charterer, we will work closely with you on a one-to-one basis to recommend the most suitable yacht and crew. If you want to learn more about sailing or have a go at the wheel, the captain will usually be pleased to show you. Your contact at Best of BVI, Liz Batchelor, offers a free unbiased service on crewed yacht charters. She will manage all the details for your vacation, what to expect, advice on travelling to the islands, information on the area and answering any questions you may have. She has lived to the British Virgin Islands for the past 17 years, views the yachts and has the pleasure of meeting the crews on a regular basis as well as attending major boat shows. Send email to Liz. |
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| BVI itinerary On a crewed yacht charter your itinerary will be based on your preferences. See sample itinerary in the BVI (British Virgin Islands). |
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| What does the charter fee include? Generally, the cost of your crewed yacht charter is inclusive of the following but can vary slightly from yacht to yacht: • Private luxury yacht • Minimum of a professionally licensed captain and a fully trained chef/hostess • Yacht insurance • Passenger insurance (Civil Liability only) • All meals on board tailor-made according to your preferences, beverages, beer, wine and a fully stocked bar • Port & marina fees at port of embarkation/disembarkation • Fuel • All leisure and watersport amenities inventoried on yacht • All linens, bath & beach towels |
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| What is NOT included in the charter fee? Generally, the following is not included in the charter fee but can vary from yacht to yacht: • Travel to and from the BVI • Expensive champagne and wines • Any special orders • Mooring, port & marina fees aside from port of embarkation/disembarkation • Clearance, customs fees and local taxes • Telecommunication costs • Excursions and shore-based activities (e.g. dining ashore) • Personal travel insurance • Delivery charge for extended journey • Crew gratuity: Tipping the crew is both customary and discretionary. The standard practice is to award 10-20% of the charter fee, based on your level of satisfaction, at the end of the charter. |
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| How do I book a crewed yacht charter? First of all you need to decide which yacht and which crew. This is where Best of BVI can help you. They have seen all the yachts and met all the crews so can advise which is best for you, your guests and your families, at no additional cost. Please contact Liz, or complete the Enquiry Form. |
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| What is required to confirm the charter? Once you've decided on a yacht we will put it on 'hold' for your dates for a maximum period of 7 days. We will email you the yacht contract, which needs to be signed and returned together with a deposit, which is usually 50% of the charter unless vacation dates are more than 6 months from the signing of this agreement, in which case 25% deposit is due at the time of signing and another 25% deposit is due 6 months in advance of the vacation dates. Your charter is not confirmed until we have received the signed contract and deposit. The balance of the charter fee is payable 60 days prior to the charter date. Any additional costs incurred during your charter is payable directly to the captain in cash or travellers cheques only. A fully signed copy of the contract will be returned to you along with the preference sheet [click here to see a Sample Preference Sheet - in Acrobat pdf format]. The preference sheets are to help the crew tailor the menu and activities to you and your guests' tastes. You will also be required to complete all guests' names, contact details as well as arrival and departure information. It is advisable for your whole group to get together before completing the preference sheets so all guests's preferences can be taken into consideration. |
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| Payment methods Payments may be made in US dollars or Sterling by one of the following methods: • Personal cheque • Wire/bank transfer • Credit card, taken by the yacht's main agent (please note not all main agents accept credit cards) For your protection, all payments will be held by the yacht's main agent in an escrow account and will not be released to the crew until just before the charter date. Exchange rates from US dollars to Sterling, if applicable, will be calculated at the exchange rate on the day of booking. |
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| Crewed yacht charter contract and cancellation policy The deposit on a crewed yacht charter is NON-REFUNDABLE unless the yacht is unable to carry out the charter. It is therefore advisable to take out trip and travel cancellation insurance. View contract |
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| Travel & trip cancellation insurance For peace of mind we recommend travel and trip cancellation insurance. Insure My Trip Travel Insured |
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| Preference sheets The preference sheets are to help the crew tailor the menu and activities to you and your guests' tastes including dietary needs and preferred brands (if available). The more information you provide, the more personalised your charter will be. View sample of preference sheet . |
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| What do I need to pack for a crewed yacht charter? Very little! Casual wear such as t-shirts, shorts and swimwear is usual and perfectly acceptable. If dining ashore, fine restaurants may require smart casual attire (long pants/collared shirts for men, sundress for women). Barefoot is usual on the majority of crewed yachts. Most yachts will have snorkel equipment for guests' use but you might like to bring your own well-fitted snorkel and mask. Beach and bath towels are supplied so there is no need to bring your own. Soaps, shampoos, sunscreen, bug repellent are generally provided but you may wish to bring your own preferred brand. If packing your own sunscreen, it is advisable to bring a non-oily, non-staining brand as they can make the decks slippery and stain cushions/fabrics on the yacht. Pack your belongings in soft-sided luggage, as it is easier to store on yacht |
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| What can I expect when I arrive in the BVI? We will arrange for the yacht to be close to your arrival point. You will be met at the airport/ferry dock or we can arrange for a taxi to meet you and take you to your crewed yacht. On arrival or shortly after, while sipping a cocktail, the crew will discuss 'rules' of the yacht - this is for your safety and enjoyment of the vessel. These 'rules' may include: - Correct use of heads/showers - Use of transom showers to rinse off sand/salt water before entering the cockpit - Out of bounds areas: crew quarters and may also include galley - Safety on the yacht |
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| Rendezvous diving? Some yachts have a divemaster on board and can arrange diving directly from your crewed yacht. If a divemaster is not onboard, the crew can arrange a rendezvous dive organised through a local dive company such as Blue Water Divers who will come alongside your yacht to take you diving at some of the best sites in the world. |
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| Dining ashore There are many good restaurants in the BVI and some guests like to dine ashore on one or two nights during their charter. You may want to invite the crew to join you although that is completely up to you. No refunds will be given if guests choose to dine ashore. |
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© Copyright 2008 Best of BVI Ltd Luxury Villa & Yacht Vacations in the British Virgin Islands, College Rd, Ash, GU12 5DB, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1252 674878; Fax: +44 (0)1252 674878; email: info@bestofbvi.com |
