British Virgin Islands Vacation

British Virgin Islands Bareboat Flotilla

December 6-14, 2024

The unspoiled islands of the British Virgins are renowned as one of the finest cruising locations in the world. Warm moderate trade winds, tranquil bays and beautiful clear water, make the BVI’s an unbelievable sailing destination. There are over 20 islands in the BVIs. Most of them offer good harbors and anchorages, restaurants and shops, places to visit, great diving and snorkeling, and all are rich with history and friendly people. Sailing in Paradise is a dream of most sailors, yet most never get around to it. Spinnaker not only makes it possible but makes it easy. We take care of all arrangements including, boat charter, transfers, provisions, accommodations and will help with travel arrangements as well. We have been making the dream come true in B.V.I. for almost 30 years. We make it safe, easy, affordable and memorable. Join us as an individual, couple, or cobble together a group of friends or family to fill a boat of your own.

If you have your own group and can act as skipper, you may charter your own boat and join the flotilla instead of joining individually or as a couple. This way you can choose the size of boat, provisioning package and other options. Contact Bob at Spinnaker for information about cost and availability. You can also book your own private bareboat or crewed charter for the time of your choosing through Spinnaker Sailing.

The Boats

Our group will be using Moorings 4500 catamarans for the trip. These yachts are equipped with 4 double state rooms which can accommodate one person or couple.

 Diving in the British Virgin Islands

Beautiful diving spots abound in the British Virgin Islands and getting to them couldn’t be easier. The dive store at the Moorings provides rental equipment for those who want to be able to dive all week. Refills are available at many harbors. Dive boats also come out to any location by request.

The most famous diving spot is the wreck of Royal Mail Packet Steamer “Rhone”. It lies in 30 to 80 feet of water after sinking in a hurricane in 1867. This wreck was used in filming “The Deep”. A famous snorkeling spot is at Treasure Point at Norman Island. This place has the submerged caves that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson in writing Treasure Island.

There are many beautiful reefs too, each unique and waiting to be explored. Experienced snorkelers who aren’t certified for diving can take an introductory course. This short course includes instruction and a supervised dive. Although you don’t get regular certification, you can dive at other sites during the remainder of the cruise. Student divers (from home) may do their open water certification during the cruise.

Dining

The food order is customized for each boat. Crew will get together and choose their own provisions. This includes breakfasts, lunches, snacks and any dinners that would be cooked aboard the boat. Members will get together before the trip to fill out the order forms. Each boat will be responsible for their food and beverage cost. A transom barbecue and a fully equipped galley are provided for cooking aboard although most dinners will be had ashore.

Bareboat Charter & Cruising Catamaran Certification

Certification is available to Basic Coastal Cruising graduates who have acted as skipper at least 3 times. It’s important each student gets used to the responsibility of skippering a boat before Bareboat Charter certification is attempted. The cost for each certification is $600.00 extra for text book, certification fee, testing and instruction. Club members are $450. Bareboat & Cruising Catamaran graduates can do their own bareboat cruising in the Caribbean and other locations around the world. 

Crew Meeting (Oct. 2024)

Each crew should meet to complete their provision and beverage orders by Oct. 1st. There’s nothing like doing a beverage order to help people get to know each other!

Reservation and Payment Information

Cost per Cabin:

$5300 on Moorings 4500 4 cabin/ 5 head

Payments:

$500 non-refundable deposit
1/3 due May 15, 2024
1/3 due June 15, 2024
Balance due July 15, 2024

Airfare is not included but we can help you to get the right flights.

***If you would like to join the trip, you must be fully vaccinated***