How and When to Book a Bareboat Charter in the Virgin Islands
Whether you just finished taking sailing courses or have sailed for years, chartering a Virgin Islands bareboat requires some planning. Understanding how and when to book a bareboat charter goes a long way to ensuring that your trip to the Virgin Islands is smooth sailing. Here is a quick look at everything you need to know about chartering a bareboat in the USVI!
How to Charter a Bareboat in the Virgin Islands
If you’ve taken sailing courses and are ready for your maiden voyage, then it’s time to choose your Virgin Islands bareboat. Our fleet includes small and large yachts, with monohulls, catamarans, and keelboats available.
Consider the following when planning how to charter a Virgin Islands bareboat.
Choose A Trustworthy Charter Company
There are many legitimate yacht rental options around the USVI, but you’ll want to carefully research a company before chartering a bareboat.
At Go Sail VI, we have a team of expert captains and staff who are ASA-certified and familiar with the Virgin Islands. We do the docking for you and keep our yachts in tip-top shape so that you can sail carefree through the Caribbean.
Select the Right Size Boat
Sailors who are going out solo for the first time or are learning to sail with a small group generally stick with smaller boats. They are easier to control in most conditions and take up less space when anchoring and mooring.
Larger yachts are ideal for experienced sailors in large groups who want more space to move around on the deck.
Book Your Boat in Advance
Sailing in the US Virgin Islands is understandably popular, and we see more new sailors every year. It’s important to schedule your trip in advance when chartering a Virgin Islands bareboat.
Book a bareboat charter as far ahead as possible to ensure you get the boat you want when you plan to sail.
When to Book a Bareboat Charter
Just as important as knowing how to book a bareboat charter is knowing when to do it. Consider what time of year you want to sail and research everything you need to know about the dates you’ll be on the open water before chartering a bareboat.
Choose the Time of Year You Want to Sail
While escaping the cold during the winter is always appealing, it is much busier than other times of the year. Picking travel dates around shoulder season can save you money and contend with fewer boats in mooring areas.
Understand the Seasonal Sailing Conditions
The USVI offers calm waters for Virgin Islands bareboat sailing most of the year, but the Caribbean Islands have a volatile hurricane season with unpredictable winds and waves.
If you are a beginner sailor, you’ll likely want to reconsider reserving a boat between June and November to avoid hurricane season.
Follow the Trade Winds
The best time to sail in the US Virgin Islands is when the trade winds are the steadiest. If you book a bareboat charter from December to March, you’ll typically experience conditions ideal for beginner and intermediate captains.
Book a Bareboat Charter With GSVI
Now that you know a little more about how and when to book a bareboat, it’s time to start sailing. Book bareboat charters with Go Sail VI after finishing your beginner ASA courses and receive a discount!