WINTER IS COMING

If you like the thought of easy sailing, affordable travel costs and a low hassle factor, you can’t beat the Virgin Islands for a wondrous winter charter. Whether you’re headed to the Spanish, British or U.S. Virgins, here are some tips on chartering in a tropical paradise that’s close to home, where the time change is minimal, English is prevalent and the remarkable scenery will make you forget the winter you’re fleeing from. Turn the page to explore your options….

HOW AND WHERE TO CHARTER

In the Virgin Islands, there are nearly three dozen charter companies to choose from. In the British and U.S. Virgins island groups, you’ll have your choice of large international companies such as The Moorings, Sunsail, Dream Yacht and Navigare, along with excellent regional companies such as Horizon Yacht Charters, Voyage, CYOA and TMM, all offering late-model boats and excellent local customer service. For those charterers who want boats equipped with generators, watermakers, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, expect the top-tier companies to charge premium prices. For those sailors who don’t feel the need a brand-new boats or all these mod cons, you can also enjoy the budget companies like Footloose and Conch Charters.

With so many companies to choose between, it can be difficult for new charterers to decide which one best suits their needs. It’s easy to spend a day or more looking into the offerings of the various companies in search of the best deals. The