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“It’s a Rental” A First Timer’s Guide to Bareboat Chartering in the Caribbean

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“It’s a Rental” A First Timer’s Guide to Bareboat Chartering in the Caribbean

By: Chrystal Young

Dreaming of chartering a boat in the Caribbean? Can you Imagine palmtree lined, white sand beaches kissed by azure blue waters and the sound of the surf lapping at the shore? There you are, standing on the bow, watching the anchor set in seven feet of crystal-clear water as a warm breeze caresses your cheek. Sailing in 15 knots of steady Trade Winds on a beam reach with the next island in sight. Now, that’s a happy place! Make your Caribbean island dreams come true for you, your family or friends. Book a boat, book the flights, and set sail! But where should I sail in the Caribbean, what can I expect when I get there, what should I pack, when should I go, I’m scared!? Here’s some help:

Where to sail in the Caribbean?

The chain of Caribbean Islands stretch from Puerto Rico in the north, south to Trinidad. THAT is a lot of sailing! All these islands have beautiful beaches, amazing blue water and yummy tropical drinks. There are so many awesome places to visit, but let’s narrow it down to a few favorites.

BVI: This is the most common answer when people decide to sail in the Caribbean. It has more charter boats available, light breezes for easy sailing and a routine route to follow. What is attractive about the BVI can also be what is unattractive. More boats means more traffic, light breezes can mean no breeze, and routine routes can be, well, so routine. It’s got all the cool guy attractions you have heard about at the yacht club – you just have to share it with so many other boats!

Antigua/Barbuda: If you would like something a bit further off the beaten track, try the hidden gem of Antigua and Barbuda. This area has a variety of beautiful anchorages and sometimes more interesting sailing conditions. The sail up to Barbuda is a 25nm open ocean passage and Barbuda is such a low lying island that you can’t see it until you get there. Interesting – and worth it!

St. Martin / Sint Maarten is a popular yachting destination in the middle of the Caribbean chain. There is a French side and a Dutch side so you will enjoy the best of both cultures.

Duty-free shopping is a popular past time with top fashion designs at bargain prices. Experience some of the best and most variety of culinary delights in the Caribbean!

St. Vincent, Grenada & the Grenadines: 72 miles of sailing paradise, untouched by mega-tourism. There are no 10-story-high casinos, no gimmicky bars, or lines of floating cities littering the harbor. You will find unobtrusive shore accommodations, beach bars made out of lean-tos and maybe a cruise ship anchored far away from the shore. This is the REAL CARIBBEAN!

What to expect?

When you land on the island, you will go through customs and immigration. Most of these officials take their job seriously – all the “i’s” dotted, “t’s” crossed. Best advice? Keep it simple and keep the conversation to a minimum. Have your passport ready, copy of your return ticket and address of the charter company. Now, “address” is a relative term since so many places in the islands don’t have an “address” as you know it. You might get the name of a marina or village – perfectly acceptable. Be respectful and in the end, let them know how happy you are to visit their island!

Packing: It is wise to pack a change of clothing in your carry-on. Or, at the very least, a bathing suit. Not only will it be 80 degrees when you step off the plane but you may or may not get your luggage right away. It happens! No problem – go sit on the beach with a rum punch until it arrives. (Hint: “No problem” usually means no problem for that person. YOU might have a problem, it’s just not THEIR problem. Hence the term – “No problem!”) Other things to pack are the typical summer items: shorts, t-shirts, nice summer dress for the ladies, a cover-up for sun protection and a light rain jacket for the occasional squall. Serious sailors should consider sailing gloves, a hat clip and strap for your sunglasses.

In your checked luggage: Your favorite sunscreen (hopefully one that doesn’t run into your eyes as you sweat), bug spray (look for 25% DEET), pocket knife, headlamp, a printed copy of your passport, mask & snorkel (You can get the fins from the charter base but you probably don’t want to put a used snorkel in your mouth.) Oh, and a 1⁄4” patch cord (headphone size) and 12v adapter for playing all your island music over the speakers!

When is the best time to charter

 The BEST time to charter, of course, is when you can actually go! Experienced charter guests often schedule a boat a year ahead of time – especially in high season. The most expensive time of year to go is usually 20 December to 3 January. The prices almost double during this time. But, if that is the only time you can go, GO! In general, the seasons are:

Prime Season (Dec. 14 – Jan. 3 & Feb. 8 – April 25) is the time of year when boats are in the highest demand and the weather is most desirable and cooperative for great sailing. During winter holidays and spring break, prices are high. Charter companies know this, of course, and the prices reflect it. Plan EARLY for prime season, not only for the boat but for flights as well. Last minute deals are rare.

Shoulder Season (Jan. 4 – Feb. 7 & April 26 – May 9) is a transition period for most people’s availability, and for demand. Double check your dates andtry to be flexible. You could save a lot of money just by adjusting your vacation by a day or two.

During Low Season (May 10 – Dec. 13), boats are in less demand which can mean fewer people to compete with on your vacation. But, it can also mean fewer services available, like stores, restaurants, and transportation. You can get great deals, and make last minute plans. Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30 (besides, who takes a vacation to the Caribbean during the summer?).

How does it work?

Gone are the days that all you have to do is pull out a credit card and they will hand over the keys to the boat. Charter companies are realizing that inexperienced skippers are not just destroying boats but doing harm to the environment as well. The skipper will be asked to send in a sailing resume. You can hire a skipper for a few days or your entire trip if you are not comfortable on your own. Or maybe you just want to sit back and enjoy a refreshing beverage or two without having to worry about being the skipper. When you get to the base, you will receive local charts, a cruising guide and boat briefing. Make sure you get familiar with the systems, know how to reef sails and check the gas in the dingy. Each briefing takes about an hour. Most charter companies don’t allow you to get on the boat until later in the day – 4 or 5 PM. You are prohibited from sailing after dusk, so often, you won’t be sailing that first day. Check out time is usually 11 AM.

About the Author

As owners of a sailing school, it quickly became evident that many people learning to sail also want to buy boats! The partnership with The Multihull Company and LTD Sailing in beautiful Port Louis Marina is a natural progression to complete the circle of services offered in Grenada and the Grenadines. Do what you love! Sailing and sailboats are at the top of the list of Chrystal’s passions and now she has managed to make that her career. After working through a five year plan with her partner, Chris Rundlett, Chrystal was able to throw off the bowlines, quit her job and move to the Caribbean full-time. Starting her sailing adventures on the Inland waters of North Idaho then expanding to the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, she now sails the tropical waters of the Caribbean – “Living the Dream!” 

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How to Make the Most of Your Charter Vacation

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How to Make the Most of Your Charter Vacation

By: Chrystal Young

 
Read the contract! How many times in your life have you just clicked the box that says: “I have read and understood these terms” without ever reading or understanding them? Granted, most of the stuff in these documents is legalese but there are also some important details that you need to pay attention to when chartering a boat.

Such as, what time you have access to the boat, what time you need to be back at the dock, what time you need to be off the boat, what the hull insurance includes and what it does not include. If you have any questions, ask before you sign the contract. Especially before you pay the balance or step on the boat. You really don’t want any surprises after you spent a week having a great time sailing.

What’s available?

Snorkel gear: masks, snorkels and fins take up a lot of real estate in your luggage. Find out if the charter company provides those items. However, if you are a snorkel connoisseur, you might want to bring your own mask and snorkel and then borrow the fins from the base. The snorkeling gear available at the base is probably well seasoned, if you know what I mean.

Communication: The VHF radio on the boat is your primary source of communication but it’s limited in range. Some charter companies provide simple phones to contact the base if needed (as well as contact you), some companies refer you to a vendor who will offer a free phone for basic services but pay for extras, some companies leave you hanging.

More and more often there are international data plans available for you to stay connected anywhere. For instance, on a recent charter in Greece, one of our crew members had international “free” data with T-Mobile and was able to get access everywhere we went. Check with your mobile provider because we have also had a guest who went bankrupt when she got the bill for the photos she uploaded on FaceBook while sailing in St. Vincent.

Cruising Guides: Most charter companies will provide a cruising guide. This is a great resource for local knowledge of anchorages as well as services. It will provide VHF hailing channels for services and activities.

Recharging Electronics: Be aware of outlet requirements on board. European versus American. You might need a 12-volt plug and an inverter. Also, if the boat doesn’t have a generator, you will probably not be able to recharge your devices away from shore power. Please note that it is not recommended to run your generator while under way due to wave action.

Safety:

Don’t be the low hanging fruit. In other words, lock up your boat/dinghy, don’t flash your riches, anchor behind the fleet, leave a lot of lights on at night and be aware of your surroundings. Most of the places you visit will be welcoming and friendly but there is always the one guy!

What if things go wrong? Charter boats are used by a variety of people. Some know what they are doing, some do not. Usually, the boats are turned around the same day you bring them back so there is not a lot of time to fix things, especially if the previous charterer did not disclose a problem, don’t be that guy. If you have a problem with the boat, let the company know as soon as possible. Boats in general have issues, charter boats in principle will always have issues.

If the problem can’t be resolved over the phone and it is preventing you from going anywhere, often they can send someone out. The charter companies have contacts all over the cruising ground to fix things. Will this ruin your vacation? Maybe. Maybe not.

Don’t expect the company to issue a refund or comp you in any way unless there is a major issue that could not be resolved in a reasonable amount of time. Read your contract to find out if they have any type of guarantee for performance of the yacht you charter.  The more reputable companies will work with you, the not-so-reputable ones will take your money and run. If you can’t resolve an issue with the local charter base manager, go to the next level of management before you complain on social media. Give them a chance to make it right.

Provisioning: Most charter companies offer a provisioning service but it will cost you. If you factor in the time it takes to shop and taxi fare, it might be worth it. Make a meal plan and a shopping list ahead of time. Small islands ship in most of their supplies so don’t expect to find everything you want. Be ready for substitutions. That’s all part of the charm. Breakfast, lunches and snacks on board are a good start. You will want to enjoy the local cuisine and culture of the area by dining out. Have a back-up plan for dinner on board in case the bay you are anchoring in for the night does not have any services, or during low season when shops are closed.

Souvenirs:

Aside from the “Sail Fast, Live Slow” t-shirt or hat from Foxy’s, consider local spices or candies. Sea salt from Union Island in the Grenadines, Erica’s Hot Sauce from St. Vincent or organic chocolate from Grenada make great gifts. Buy any alcohol at the duty free shop to ensure that it is airport approved. If it’s over proof, it will be confiscated. Besides, what else are you going to do while waiting for your flight. Some shops even offer free tastings.

Insects & other creatures: Keep uninvited guests off the boat by disposing of any cardboard before you leave the dock. Mosquitos are not much of a problem while under way or at anchor with a breeze. But, when you go ashore, carry your bug repellent with you. If you forget, even the local rum shacks have a spare bottle behind the bar. Sand fleas on the beach are especially a nuisance. Keep fruits covered with a towel to prevent flies. Also, be aware that if you leave your sliding door open at night, bats are known to sneak in and eat your bananas. What a mess!

Do your homework before you charter:

Check review sites such as Trip Advisor or sailing forums. Some companies will greet you at the airport with a rum punch or a welcome bottle of spirits. Other companies will leave a note on the door with a pile of sheets on the bunk. (Hint: tie a knot in the corner of the sheet to make a custom fit.) When reading reviews, toss out the best & the worst and read between the lines.

About the Author

As owners of a sailing school, it quickly became evident that many people learning to sail also want to buy boats! The partnership with The Multihull Company and LTD Sailing in beautiful Port Louis Marina is a natural progression to complete the circle of services offered in Grenada and the Grenadines. Do what you love! Sailing and sailboats are at the top of the list of Chrystal’s passions and now she has managed to make that her career. After working through a five year plan with her partner, Chris Rundlett, Chrystal was able to throw off the bowlines, quit her job and move to the Caribbean full-time. Starting her sailing adventures on the Inland waters of North Idaho then expanding to the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, she now sails the tropical waters of the Caribbean – “Living the Dream!”

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PLACING A BOAT INTO BARE BOAT CHARTER

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PLACING A BOAT INTO BARE BOAT CHARTER

Over the years in our industry I have seen a few yacht brokerage companies focus on selling new or used cats into bare boat charter programs. I generally find the tactics and approach to this sort of selling a bit aggressive for my tastes, but the ability to sell boats into charter programs is a highly profitable business for those who are good at it. Full disclosure: I am not.
      
One of the most frustrating things for me as a yacht broker is to be asked by nice, decent people if they should consider buying a new or used catamaran and placing her into a bare boat charter program. Invariably they always want to know, “What will the numbers look like at the end?”  All these buyers ask you to send them detailed “pro-formas” on anticipated costs and revenue as well as depreciation estimates. They ask endless questions on the specifics of the charter programs, from dockage costs, maintenance costs, revenue splits, etc. As well they should.
 
We were never very good at my company selling cats into bare boat charter because engaging in speculative sales programs has always troubled me because it requires offering advice which cannot be erected on very solid ground. The reality is, placing a cat into bare boat charter is no different than making a stock investment – past performance does not guarantee future return – or loss.
 
There is risk in any business venture, or any investment, of course, and one simply has to have their eyes wide open. I think the most critical thing for a person to consider when placing a yacht into bare boat charter is how often they will really use her each year, and how much value they believe they will extract from that use.  As a general rule, I believe that when one uses a bare boat at least 4 weeks or more a year it can start to make sense. If they need to use their boat for more than two months a year, in prime charter season, it starts to make less sense.  Guaranteed revenue, new boat programs, generally do not even allow for such extended prime-time use. Some non-guarantee programs will allow for this.  
 
One thing that deeply concerns is when Americans are told or lead to believe that placing a boat into bare boat charter is a “business” as far as the Internal Revenue Service is concerned. They tend to think they will yield great tax advantages by depreciating their bare-boat and running her as if she were a business. For those who think this is so, I strongly advise them to discuss this with someone at the IRS, because placing a boat into a charter program where someone else is managing the boat is deemed a “passive business” not an “actively managed business” and the tax advantages that come with the former are nothing as good at the later. Luxury crewed charter yachts are set up as a real business and can and often do reap high tax
 
Advantages for certain people. Bareboat tax benefits need to be explored carefully, as an aggressive effort on this front might lead to a nasty audit if one is not careful. I always counsel people to seek out the best professional advice they can get on such matters.
 
Let me discuss here the advantages and disadvantages of non-guaranteed revenue charter programs. I will then turn to guaranteed revenue programs.

Advantages

 1.  Most yacht charter companies offer non-guaranteed revenue programs. The largest benefit of this is that most of them are happy to accept used, late model catamarans, and do not demand you buy a new or used one from them. You work with a broker to find a good used cat and then place her into their program. This means that you can purchase a used cat that is depreciated nicely already. Charter programs vary, but most of the companies will always take a nice late model catamaran into their fleets.

2.  With most charter companies you are on a year to year contract. If you are unhappy with a given company, or bored with a given location, you can move your boat to another company or location. As maintenance and care and the costs for this vary across programs, this might also be a reason to pull your boat from one fleet and move her to another. I strongly advise consumers to engage a lot of due diligence on any charter company they may wish to do business with.
 
3.  If you find that you are not enjoying the charter experience, or find that after two years you have had enough, you are free to pull your boat from any fleet and sell  it. You are not locked into a four or five year term before you can sell your boat without serious financial consequences.
 
 
4. You control the calendar for your boat for the most part. If you block off Easter for your family, you accept that you will lose charter revenue, but you will still be able to use your boat. The flexibility of managing your calendar is a real plus if you are not strictly driven by charter revenue. Some charter outfits will not want your boat, however, if you block off large blocks of prime time charter weeks for yourself as their earnings are tied to charter revenue. 
 
 5. You can experience pride of ownership provided you accept the fact that each time you visit your boat it will have new bumps and bruises which you must accept as a part of earning revenue from your boat.

Disadvantages

 1. When you have non-guaranteed revenue you have non-guaranteed revenue! I well recall, in the wake of September 11th, that charter companies had a 35% drop in charter bookings that winter season. World events can change dramatically and impact the tourism business rather instantly. Recent years have been good for charter, but during the heart of the recession things were challenging in the charter business.
 
2. If you are unfortunate and some incompetent runs your boat onto a reef and it needs a big keel repair she has to be pulled from charter until she is repaired. Your charter revenue will end until she is back in operation. A worst case scenario is that you have an insurance claim on your hand and that is of course never fun or exciting stuff to deal with. While the chances are rare this could happen, I see enough bare-boat boo boos on my frequent visits to the Caribbean that I know it is a potentiality of some order of probability. (If you do have a damage history to disclose on resale that will negatively impact your resale too).
 
3. Non-guarantee revenue programs also leave you with non-guaranteed depreciation, and this too is subject to market conditions when you decide to sell. As a rule, four cabin, four head cats get the most bookings in charter, but are also the least sought after models after the yacht is no longer suited for charter. Very few private buyers want a cat with four heads and little storage inside. Hence the four cabin models depreciate more rapidly. You earn more while they are in charter, but earn less on the boat when you sell her. They are cheaper to buy used. (A powerful reason not to get a new one in my view).
 
 4. Any yacht that has a bare boat charter history, and especially a long one, is a turn-off to a great many potential buyers. I myself am not at all opposed to buying X charter cats for my clients if they offer the best value for their budget and needs, but there is little question that a privately owned and maintained yacht will always sell for more, often considerably more, than an X bare boat charter cat. I often believe that some of the very best deals around are on X charter boats because the supply is so high and the demand so low. When working with a limited budget, just turn the two heads you have no use for into storage lockers!
 
 5. Because there has been a proliferation of charter companies forming over the past several years, there is a growing supply of X charter cats for sale. My gut is that the supply may grow too steeply in the not to distance future which will further depress Prices of X-charter offerings.
 
 6. Many of the larger outfits in the charter business are yacht sales organizations as much as they are charter companies. Most are well geared up to sell new boats into their programs and demand that you buy your boat from them. On the brokerage side our experience is that only a few charter companies have highly qualified and expert yacht brokers managing the sale or purchase of used cats. The typical modus of operation is to sell the customer the boat where they make the most profit, not the best deal or best boat fit for the buyer. There is a huge difference between a salesman and a yacht broker yet many consumers are not aware of this.
 
The largest and most important consideration when placing a yacht into any charter program , as I said above, is how often you will use the boat and how much you will enjoy using the boat in that specific location on an annual basis. While you may not “make money” on your boat, the numbers just might work out better for you than paying for charters on a catamaran you do not own yourself. Certainly four weeks of use a year is the minimum number based on my observations. If you can use the boat more than this it starts to make even better sense.
      
That said, any yacht in bare boat charter, and certainly one that is working hard in charter, is depreciating. How much it will depreciate, sadly, cannot be determined until you decide to sell.
 

Guaranteed Revenue Program

A guaranteed revenue program is nearly always tied to a new yacht purchase. You agree to buy X catamaran, you agree to allow the charter company 4 to 5 years to charter the boat, you are allowed X weeks a year to use your boat at X periods, and for that you are offered a fixed amount of revenue each month while your catamaran is in the program. The companies can do this because the revenue from the sale of the new yacht offsets some of the guarantees they offer. They make money selling you the boat, you turn it over to them, and they make more money chartering the boat, and they also hope to make more money selling it for you at the end. It is honestly a fantastic business when going well!
 

Advantages

 
1. If the charter market goes to hell and a hand basket over some global turmoil, financial or otherwise, you have guaranteed revenue until your catamaran is phased out of the fleet. (Note that if this was the case, it is very likely that your boat would also suffer higher than normal depreciation.)
 
2. You get to buy a bright and shiny new boat with your own name and fittings, and the warranty from the builder for a certain period, and the charter company very likely managing and sorting out the warranty problems for you since they need to keep the boat earning in charter. This is a real plus.
 
3. With companies that have charter bases in a range of locations you could enjoy, many of these programs allow you to charter a similar yacht in different locations, and to my mind this is a very nice advantage for those who like to try sailing in a lot of different areas. I once had a pilot friend who came to me to get a catamaran and when it was obvious that he could fly to any location around the world for free I told him to get a cat from the Moorings or Dream Yacht and just use it all over the place. That all worked well for him in a Moorings program, and in my view he got a good deal, but like so many people when it came time to sell he was upset that he was “upside down on his loan” due to the steep depreciation he experienced. His problem, in my view, is that he failed to add up the 20 weeks of charter he got and place the value of that into the context of the program. The larger question is really if he had paid for those charters and not bought the boat where would he have ended up?
 

Disadvantages

 
1.  With a guaranteed revenue program you are very much locked into a specific time frame, usually four or five years. To get out earlier, if you must, comes with stiff penalties or losses very often. Some of the companies demand that you sell the boat from them as well, which takes away your options on whom you wish to market your boat.
 
2.  For the most part, you are tied to buying the sorts of cats the various company has to sell. Invariably these will be bulky slow moving cats suited for the charter application and built to 
specific price points so the numbers work as well as they can for charter programs. 
 
3.  When the yacht is phased out and you have to sell her, you will be competing with all of the other cats that were phased out of the same model, etc. The buyers on the open market can shop around for the most motivated seller, so if you are not very motivated plan to keep your boat for a while. The great advantage that non-charter cats have always had, boutique yachts, or performance yachts, or yachts that are specific to the task of voyaging, is that they hold far better resale due to limited supply. When someone calls us to buy a  Lagoon 440, or some other high supply catamaran, the task of finding the best one or best deal is daunting simply because there are so many around for sale. Invariably, however, the ones that are priced right and in an accessible location will sell first. On any high supply product the buyer holds the cards.
 
4.  Guaranteed depreciation is hard to estimate four or five years out. I have seen it vary after five years in bare boat charter cats by as much as 60%. To date, it seems the depreciation rates have been running between 35% and 50% percent. Any owner version will always depreciate less, and any crewed version of a cat that never had a charter sailor at the helm also tends to fetch a bit more. If I have a concern right now, here in 2016, it is that a great many new yachts have gone into charter over the past few years, and I fear a bit of a glut will form in the not too distant future.
 
 If you have a chance to speak with people who have placed boats into bare boat charter the comments will run the gamut from very happy to a big miserable mistake. I have had customers who have gone in with eyes wide open and accepted the risks and pleasures and come out pretty happy. I have also seen and heard of folks who come away feeling as though they were sold a bag of beans. If you keep the above things in mind perhaps it will help you make a better decision. The only reason anyone is buying a boat is to experience a measure of joy and fulfillment on the water. If a charter company can bring you that, why not!

About Phillip Berman

Phillip Berman is the president of The Multihull Company and a lifetime catamaran sailor and racer. He grew up racing Hobie Cats in California in the late 1960’s and published his first book on catamaran racing at the age of seventeen.  Articles by Phillip Berman Include:

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LATEST TRENDS IN CRUISE AND LEARN COURSES

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LATEST TRENDS IN CRUISE AND LEARN COURSES

By: Chrystal Young

A few things to consider before signing on the dotted line

I help run an American Sailing Association affiliate sailing school in the Caribbean. My partner Chris Rundlett and I operate LTD Sailing—“Living the Dream!” We have found that we receive more requests for catamaran courses, both basic and advanced, than any of the other courses we offer. Out of every 10 inquiries, nine will be for catamaran classes. It’s a trend that is reflected in the type of boats available for charter, as well. You can go to the websites for any of the major players in the charter business and find far more catamarans listed than monohulls (in most markets.) Walk down the Sunsail dock in Tortola, BVI and you will pass rows upon rows of catamarans before you ever see a monohull.

Why?

Catamarans are growing in popularity for many reasons. Two of the main reasons are that they are so stable and the amount of room they offer. The stability appeals to the non-sailors who are uncomfortable, when on a monohull, heeled over, and seeing water splash against the galley window. Great fun for the experienced sailor, but possibly the last sailing trip for your non-sailing friends and family. Catamarans are a great compromise for the reluctant sailor. So, if you have to choose between sailing a catamaran and not sailing at all, well, the choice is obvious. Let’s go sailing!

Learning to sail a cat

Why should you take a catamaran sailing class from a sailing school and not Captain Ron, a friend or family member? Remember when your Dad taught you to drive? How did that go? Hiring a professional allows you to have certain expectations as well as a degree of separation from the emotional connection with someone you care about. Taking a class from a certified sailing school puts you more in control of your goals. Sailing schools focus on education and deliver instruction in a professional, systematic manner to facilitate learning. The instructors are certified to meet certain qualifications and have a demonstrated ability in sailing as well as teaching skills. Some sailing school associations also require instructors to have a professional license such as a United States Coast Guard Captains license or a Royal Yachting Association Yacht master certification. Professional instructors are expected to adhere to a code of ethics, are monitored for quality and are held accountable by their certifying association.

Certifications

More and more countries require certification to sail in their waters. This is largely due to careless or inexperienced sailors who are harming the environment and causing damage to their reefs. Not to mention, what they may do to other boats. Boats can be fixed but the damage done to the reef is forever. This is also a big reason why you will see more mooring fields in places you used to anchor. The mooring balls cause less damage than a dragging anchor and, of course, produce a source income for the local community. Popular cruising destinations like the Mediterranean and recently Belize want to see a certification from a reputable source such as the American Sailing Association (ASA) or Royal Yachting Association (RYA). It is encouraging that governments recognize the need to protect the beauty of their waters.

Destination Sailing Schools

Catamaran Cruise and Learn vacations are often offered in exotic sailing destinations. It’s easy to make your sailing course into an amazing leaning vacation. You can go from basic sailing, to coastal cruising and all the way to catamaran certification in a week to 10 days. Join a group or book a private class with just you and your family. If you are planning to join a group, be sure to ask how many students will be on the boat. You want to be actively involved in sailing, not watching others have all the fun. Once you earn your certification, you can gain confidence and hone your skills by chartering a boat on your own. If you aren’t quite ready to go it alone, joining a flotilla is a great way to gain experience in a helpful environment. Some schools teach on the same catamarans you can charter on your own after the class. When shopping for a sailing school, ask what boats they will be using and if they are available for charter.

Catamaran sailing will open up a whole new world to explore. Having the skills to handle a catamaran confidently and safely will make you a better sailor. There are important differences to sailing a catamaran versus a monohull. Catamarans are often more comfortable and appeal to a wide audience. With more living room, stability under way and comfort at anchor your friends and family may come to love sailing as much as you do!

About the Author

As owners of a sailing school, it quickly became evident that many people learning to sail also want to buy boats! The partnership with The Multihull Company and LTD Sailing in beautiful Port Louis Marina is a natural progression to complete the circle of services offered in Grenada and the Grenadines. Do what you love! Sailing and sailboats are at the top of the list of Chrystal’s passions and now she has managed to make that her career. After working through a five year plan with her partner, Chris Rundlett, Chrystal was able to throw off the bowlines, quit her job and move to the Caribbean full-time. Starting her sailing adventures on the Inland waters of North Idaho then expanding to the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, she now sails the tropical waters of the Caribbean – “Living the Dream!” 

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SO YOU WANT TO CHARTER YOUR YACHT IN THE CARIBBEAN?

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SO YOU WANT TO CHARTER YOUR YACHT IN THE CARIBBEAN?

Here’s how!

The idea of cruising the Caribbean with paying guests aboard is an idea that appeals to many as either a first or second career. But, like any business, there’s homework to do in order to make crewed yacht chartering a successful venture. This includes the choice of yacht, manning the vessel as owner/operator or hiring crew, and taking proper care of the commerce end of setting up a charter operation.

“It is generally better, and easier financially, to choose a boat that can accommodate four to six passengers,” says Ed Hamilton, of Ed Hamilton & Company, a charter yacht brokerage based in Wiscasset, Maine, which specializes in Caribbean charters. “Modern designs tend to offer more room and are easier to charter, but again there are some old timers that do well.”

“Monohulls such as the Irwin 65s and power boats ranging from 58 to110 feet,” says Erik Ackerson, executive director of the St. Thomas-based Virgin Islands Charteryacht League (VICL), “make up our mixed fleet.”

“Catamarans are still the vanguard for our fleet,” adds Dick Schoonover, who manages the clearinghouse, CharterPort BVI, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. “Our most popular cats span a broad spectrum from 44-foot Lagoon cats all the way up to our Matrix 76 cats. The mid-range, Lagoon 50s and 57s and our Simonis 58s are all chartering well, too. ‘Bigger’ seems to continue to find new fans and friends.”

“‘Must-haves’ depend on the level of charter, meaning the size and degree of luxury on the yacht,” says Narendra Sethia, base manager for Barefoot Yacht Charters, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. “If someone is paying, for instance, $ 20,000 for a group of four to six, then air-conditioning, water-maker, ice-maker and plenty of water toys will be expected. If they’re paying around $ 4,500 to $ 7,000 for a less luxurious yacht, then expectations will be less.”

“Electric heads are becoming the norm,” adds Hamilton. “WiFi/iPod access is often expected. Water toys are always a plus. Even if they are not used, they help sell the charter.”

“The chief advantage of being an owner/operator is that you’ll do better financially as you won’t have to pay a crew,” says Barefoot’s Sethia. “Owner/operators tend to be owners of smaller crewed yachts, usually less than 60 or 70 feet.”

Owner/operators should note that running a charter yacht is not all parties and Pina Coladas.

Charter Port BVI’s Schoonover says, “You’ll be working 16 to 18 hour days and you’ll be on call the rest of the time, often for weeks in a row without benefit of weekends. You have to stay ‘up’, for weeks at a time, meaning ‘be on your game, perky, smiley, alert’. No ‘bad hair days’ allowed. You have to be a people person, while tap dancing as fast as you can, avoid raising your voice and be a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’.”

“On the other hand,” says Barefoot’s Sethia, “there are some good, professional crews out there, and the obvious advantage here is that there’s someone else to take care of all the hassles and keep the yacht in immaculate shape.”

Charters for hiring crew, Sethia says, “My response may be unusual, but I am not interested in hiring anyone without looking into their eyes and sitting opposite them and having a beer with them. But many owners will simply to go to one of the many ‘crew finder’ web sites out there and choose from them.”

“Placing of a boat into charter is a business and, as such, it’s required to adhere to the local laws and regulations of the home port,” says the VICL’s Ackerson. “This includes a business license, boat insurance, vessel registration and mooring or dock location.”

“Gone are the days of the paper brochure,” says CharterPort BVI’s Schoonover. “Paper brochures are nice, but we mail fewer and fewer of them these days. Charter yachts are discovered on the internet. ‘Tweets’, ‘Friending’, ‘Liking’ and YouTube, it’s all part of positioning and posturing, or networking oneself into the eyes of prospective charterers.”

“Another key business element,” adds Hamilton, “is to pick a central agency or clearing house that is well established in the area, and then use them for everything. Brokers talk to the more popular clearing houses every day and the boat that tries to promote itself independently of a clearing house invariably loses out. It’s much easier for a broker to check availability for a number of boats through a few large agencies for a general enquiry, rather than call an independent owner for one client, though of course they will if it’s an obvious match. The skill is getting the right clearing house that an owner and crew feel comfortable working with.”

“Finally,” says the VICL’s Ackerson, “I always suggest booking a charter for your self before you consider relocating or starting a charter business for the first time. You can never ask too many questions.”

About the Author

This article was taken with permission from All at Sea
All at Sea – The Caribbean’s Waterfront Magazine is published monthly.

Website: www.allatsea.net
Phone: 443.321.3797

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CARIBBEAN CHARTER SEASON

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CARIBBEAN CHARTER SEASON

By Carol M. Bareuther, For All At Sea Magazine

Recessionary world economies, stock market slides and the disappearing of personal wealth hasn’t put a dent inCaribbean Charters Caribbean charter yacht vacations. In fact, according to Dick Schoonover, who manages the clearinghouse, CharterPort BVI, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, last season exemplified how bad weather in North America and Europe can really turn the tide for chartering in the Caribbean.

“For example, says Schoonover, “January isn’t normally our busiest month, advance-bookings wise, but people clearly wanted a break from the cold and ice. This filled in a lot of gaps in the charter calendars, and made what would have been merely an ‘okay’ year into a good year.”

Looking ahead to 2011-2012, Erik Ackerson, executive director of the St. Thomas-based Virgin Islands Charteryacht League (VICL) forecasts a good season, if early booking are any indication. “About 70 percent of our fleet was booked for the Christmas and New Year holidays as of August,” Ackerson says.

Sarah Sebastian, manager of the Antigua Yacht Charter Show and a broker for Nicholson Yachts in Antigua, agrees with this positive prediction. “We’re seeing more advanced bookings. While you’d expect this for the Christmas holidays, we’re even seeing bookings for next summer come in.”

One of the challenges for the year ahead is the availability and affordability of airlift to the Caribbean, says Steve McCrea, president of Ed Hamilton & Company, a charter yacht brokerage based in Wiscasset, ME, which specializes in Caribbean charters. “American Airlines has stopped direct flights to San Juan from New York and Boston and the cost of fuel is higher making fares higher. This may cause some to, for example, drive to Disney World instead or take a domestic vacation destination and fly on one of the low cost carriers.”

“Still,” says Ann McHorney, charter specialist for St. Maarten-based Select Yachts, “what makes the Caribbean interesting is that it is more affordable than many other locations.”

What are charter clients chartering?

“It’s all about catamarans,” says Ed Hamilton’s McCrea. “They are comfortable, especially for those who are new to sailing, have four equal staterooms which is a big seller if there’s four couples chartering, and enough space aboard to enjoy social time with friends.”

“Monohulls,” says Nicholson’s Sebastian, “haven’t lost their popularity in spite of the increased interest in catamarans.”

Caribbean ChartersHigh fuel prices are prompting many would-be guests to choose sail, says Select Yacht’s McHorney. “The big higher end cats here in the Caribbean have done quite well with some very distinguished clients who may have normally chartered a motor yacht.”

Yet, fuel costs are not shutting down motor yacht operations, says the VICL’s Ackerson. “We’re seeing more megayachts in the 120ft range signing up to be members and base here all year round.”

The U.S. and British Virgin Islands are still the largest charter market in the Caribbean, with St. Maarten second.

“The St. Maarten airport is now the number two airport in the Caribbean after San Juan with loads of international flights,” says Select Yacht’s McHorney. “The new government seems to be very cooperative and pro-charter.”

Nicholson’s Sebastian adds, “Antigua and the Grenadines are always popular.”

Toys?

Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP) and especially inflatable SUPs are the hot new water toy, says the VICL’s Ackerson. “The inflatable boards fold up into the size of a backpack and the paddles also fold up making for convenient stowing.”

“As for amenities,” says CharterPort’s Schooner, “I think the growth in spa-related services from shore-based operations has spun off the same to the menu on offer from the charter fleet, though it’s still a shore-based offering. For example: ‘Hey, we’re anchoring in Dead Man’s Bay tomorrow. Do you want me to make a massage reservation for you at the spa?’ This sort of thing.”

When it comes to cuisine, says Select Yacht’s McHorney, healthy and gourmet rule.

The VICL’s Ackerson adds, “Charter guests are eating leaner and looking for local delicacies. That said; there are requests now for diets that people didn’t much know about twenty or thirty years ago like gluten-free.”

Going ‘green’ is another trend charter yachts are adopting.

Ed Hamilton’s McCrea says, “Each yacht pushes their agenda for being green. However, one common way I see is doing away with plastic water bottles.”

“We’re trying to push for boats to take bottled water off their preference sheets and push water from their highly sophisticated filtration systems instead,” says the VICL’s Ackerson. “Some boats are even going farther and creating special flavored or infused waters.”Caribbean Charters

As for trends in the way brokers operate, the paper brochure has pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur.

“Many of the new brokers never had experience with hard copy brochures or had to keep a large library of brochures on hand,” says CharterPort’s Schoonover. “One firm even has an iPhone app!”

Yet, while technology seems to be the wave of the future with more marketing via Internet and social media, plastic hasn’t yet turned into the preferred form of payment for a charter yacht vacation.

“As universal and ubiquitous as charge cards are,” says CharterPort’s Schoonover, “they still are not close to being universally accepted by charter yachts. The fear of ‘charge-backs’ remains.”

 

 

About the Author

This article was taken with permission from All at Sea
All at Sea – The Caribbean’s Waterfront Magazine is published monthly.

Website: www.allatsea.net
Phone: 443.321.3797

ST. VINCENT TO GRENADA IN TEN DAYS

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ST. VINCENT TO GRENADA IN TEN DAYS

By: Chrystal Young

Pressing your face against the cool glass window of a small plane, you peer out to see the brilliant blue water far below dotted with tiny patches of land. Tropical, exotic, sexy—all those lovely words come to mind when thinking about the Southern Caribbean. Plot your escape to the Windward Islands in the Southern Caribbean starting from St. Vincent, sailing though the Grenadines and ending in Grenada.

Looking at Imray chart B3 “The Grenadines” the main islands of St. Vincent and Grenada look like bookends. The islands are about the same size, about the same shape with about 85 nautical miles between them. Within that space, you will find picturesque sandy beaches, stunning anchorages, and a rich culture of proud people.

THE ROUTE: ST. VINCENT TO GRENADA

Most sailors that ply these waters will tell you that the preferred route to cruise this area in 10 days is to start in St. Vincent and sail one way to Grenada. It costs a little more, but time is money and you can’t make more time. The winds are favorable, it’s line of sight navigation, and you won’t have to beat back to the charter base. Stay close in the lee of the islands as much as you can to avoid the current and be ready for bigger wind and waves at the north end of every island. Ten days is just about enough time to, as they say in the islands, “Relax yourself!”

DAY ONE: ST. VINCENT TO BEQUIA

Two hours
Arriving at E.T. Joshua Airport (SVG) on St. Vincent, grab a cab and make your first stop the Sunshine Market right across the street from the airport for provisioning. They will have most of what you need, some of what you want and maybe even a few local favorites such as Erica’s Pepper Sauce or the award winning Sunset “Very Strong Rum”. If you would like to burn some energy after the long flight, skip up the 255 stairs of Fort Duvernette just outside of Blue Lagoon. Just ask around the marina, there is sure to be someone willing to shuttle you over. You will be awarded with an epic view of Bequia, as well as the ill fated islands of Battowia and Balliceaux. Before you head out, grab a chicken sandwich and a cold Hairoun at Flowt Beach Bar. Every time a boat sails in, you get two for one drinks. Trouble!

The two hour sail from St. Vincent to Bequia (pronounced Bek-way) can be bumpy so check the current before you head out. Chart your course toward the middle of Bequia, falling off as you get closer. Once you get under the shadow of the island, furl your jib, harden your main and be ready for the “Bequia Blast” when you point into Admiralty Bay. The best anchoring is in Princess Margaret Bay between Jack’s Bar and the rocky head which separates Princess Margaret from Lower Bay. Look for the sandy spots and avoid the dark bits. Once the anchor is set, dinghy to the Gingerbread’s dock, the one with the big dive flag. Stroll along the charming Belmont Walkway which will lead you into the village. Visit with the friendly entrepreneurs hawking their treasures and fisherman working on their hand crafted boats. You might run into local author, Silma Duncan, who will enthusiastically read to you from one of her children’s books. The new Princess Point Trail just past the famous Mac’s Pizza provides a picturesque hike over the hill to the white sands of Princess Margaret beach. On the way back to the dinghy, pick up a bag of ice from the Gingerbread for those sundowners you have planned. It’s a Bequia kind of day!

DAY TWO: BEQUIA TO MUSTIQUE

One and half hours
The next morning, weigh anchor and head around the south end of Bequia, past the Flintstone-like cottages known as Moon Hole. DO NOT attempt to slip through the small passage near West Key! You will see the red, rotting remnants of the last ship that tried that!

Mustique is known as the island of the rich and famous—Jennifer Lopez, Prince William and long-time resident Mick Jagger often frequent this private escape. Basil’s Bar right on the beach is a favorite hangout especially during the Mustique Blues Festival in February. But, it is a private island and the residents like it that way. Anchoring is not allowed. A mooring ball will cost you $75 and is good for three days. Mustique is one of the cleanest, most environmentally conscious islands in the chain and it shows. Perfectly coiffed beaches, palm tree lined shores and exquisitely clear water lap the edges of this paradise. Due to the actions of a few, the island is getting more restrictive. The rules change depending on who is on the island at the time. If your boat is approached by a sleek, black vessel it’s probably not pirates. It will be security telling you to move on. If you’re lucky, though, you might be able to take an island tour. The architecture on the island is noteworthy and the view from the world famous Macaroni Beach is just stunning! The few restaurants and bars on the island are expensive. But since you are here, why not give yourself the royal treatment and enjoy cocktail hour at the Firefly?

DAY THREE: MUSTIQUE TO TOBAGO CAYS

Four hour sail
As you leave Mustique, raise your main under the protection of the island and motor west for about 20 minutes before turning south, then unfurling your jib. This will set you up for the perfect angle for your next destination—Jupiter Point at the north end of Canouan. When you see an island being gobbled up by large machinery you know you are looking at Glossy Hill. They have been working at tearing this hill down for years in order to make way for a better approach to the airport runway. Half the island is private and off limits. Raffles, run by Trump International, was once located here but has since declared bankruptcy and been taken over by another resort. The anchorage is notoriously rolly, especially during a north swell, so it is best to make this a lunch stop if you are curious to explore the island.

It’s about this time you’ll start to notice a brilliant difference in the color of the water—crystal blue! You are approaching the Tobago Cays, the crown jewel of the island chain. This is a marine protected area with uninhabited islands, turtles, rays and an amazing horseshoe reef. As you approach the Cays, it looks like one big island but that’s an illusion. It is actually a group of five: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Jamesby, Baradal and Petit Tobac. The boat boys in their colorful boats are posted at the entrance and act as a marker to the channel. Leave them to port and give the tip of Petit Rameau a wide birth due to a reef hiding just beneath the surface. It would be wise to appoint a spotter on the bow. Not just for rocks but for unsuspecting snorkelers who might have wandered out of the protected zone while following the local wildlife. Know this: if you point at a turtle, he will disappear. That is a known fact! Try it, it works every time. The boat boys in the Cays are an organized group. They take turns approaching boats as they come into the channel. If you are not in need of their assistance (ice, beer, fresh croissants), waive then off in a friendly manner so they can get back into the queue. Respect goes a long way in dealing with boat boys. Romeo is one of the most popular with his friendly spirit and humble personality. He does an excellent BBQ on the beach with his wife, Juliet. Anchoring is easy in the Cays with a sandy bottom and depths around ten feet. Keep an eye on your depth gauge! The wind and current roar through this area so be aware when you are swimming or paddling that you don’t get swept away. Snorkel with the turtles, hike with the iguanas and, if you are a confident swimmer, visit the reef. Tie your dinghy up to a red mooring ball, swim against the current until you get to the drop off. It’s like you were just dropped into an aquarium! You can’t even see the bottom but what you can see is an ocean that is teeming with life. It’s hard to imagine that so many species of fish seem to tolerate and even ignore each other—and that means humans too! As long as you are not chasing them, they will surround you.

DAY FOUR: TOBABO CAYS TO MAYREAU

15 minute motor
Leave the Cays in your wake and motor over to Salt Whistle Bay on Mayreau. Here you will find an idyllic anchorage surrounded by powder sugar sand, beaches lined with palm trees and lively rum shacks. Beware of the dinghy dock as it is in bad repair. Another option is to beach the dinghy or swim ashore. Soggy dollars are always welcome at the Last Bar Before the Jungle! If there isn’t enough room at Salt Whistle, Saline Bay is right around the corner. Watch out for the red marker off Grand Col Point. Leave it to port as you are heading south. Visit the legendary Robert Righteous for some local wisdom, cold drinks and the best conch fritters in the Caribbean. Climb the tower at Denise’s Hideaway for a romantic sunset view. Oh, and sunrise at the Catholic Church at the top of the hill is epic!

DAY FIVE: MAYREAU TO UNION

20 minute sail
Pick up a mooring ball in Clifton Harbor as it can get pretty crowded. Maneuvering around the bay is also complicated by the surrounding reef. Check out of St. Vincent at the airport which is straight through the Anchorage Yacht Club and to the right. Don’t forget to unload your garage along the way (trash bin is to the left of the bathrooms.) There is a French influence on this island so “Bonjour, comment allez-vouz?” is a pleasant way to start a conversation. Stock up on fresh baked goods, homemade yogurt and delicious French cheeses at Captains Gourmet. Look for the locally harvested “Jus Natural Sea Salt” which makes a great souvenir. If you are around during the full moon, JT Pro Kiteboarding Center puts on the best full moon parties—EVER! During the day, you will find the kite boarders jumping over Janti’s Happy Island. This little bar, built with conch shells, serves up one of the most dangerous things in the Caribbean—rum punch!

DAY SIX: UNION TO PETITE ST. VINCENT AND PETITE MARTINIQUE

45 minute sail
As you approach Petite St. Vincent (PSV) you will see a little spit of sand with a grass umbrella—the iconic tropical island. This is Mopion, the smallest registered island in the world. The best way to get there is to anchor near PSV and dinghy over. It’s very shallow and surrounded by reefs. In fact, be very careful when you dinghy in.

The holding in PSV is easy for anchoring but the wind rushes through the channel so be sure to put out plenty of scope. Everyone is welcome at the bar and the restaurants on this friendly private island—as long as you respect the privacy of the guests (paying anywhere from $1,100 to $27,200 per night!) Be sure to wipe your feet as you step through the whimsical entrance to Goaties—the perfect beach bar. Relax in a cozy lounge chair and enjoy a chilled glass of wine as you watch the sun go down behind the silhouette of Union Island.

Just across the way from PSV, is Petite Martinique (PM). You are now in Grenada. Top off your fuel and water on the dock or stock up on duty free spirits. Roam the quiet streets of this sleepy island that seems to have stopped time.

DAY SEVEN: PETITE MARTINQUE TO CARRIACOU/HILLSBOUGH, TYRELL BAY

1 hour sailing
In Carriacou, “The Land of Reefs”, you will find secluded beaches, great snorkeling and traditional boat building. “Vanishing Sail” is a beautiful documentary chronicling this rich tradition. This island is the heart of Grenada. This is where the locals come to vacation. Hillsborough is the main town which offers a selection of stores and small open markets for provisioning. Once you step off the dock onto the main road, take a right and look for Patty’s Deli. Here you will find a gourmet selection of items along with fresh deli meat cut with a unique manual slicer. For other grocery items, head straight up the street from the dock about two blocks.

DAY EIGHT: CARRIACOU TO MOLINERE POINT

Five hour sail
This is the home of the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. Pick up a mooring ball at Grand Mal anchorage as it is more protected than Dragon Bay. Word Of Advice: If you want solitude, snorkel the park before 9:00 a.m. otherwise you will be surrounded by booze cruise boats, cruise ship snorklers and the dinghy gang—collectively known as “Suffering Humanatees”. As you snorkel the park and swim through a wall of fish, the shadowy sculptures will appear just like magic! Don’t be surprised by the all night Soca music on Friday and Saturday night coming from the rum shack on the hill. The people of Grenada take their weekends seriously.

DAY NINE: MOLINERE POINT TO GRAND ANSE BEACH

30 minute sail
You can’t anchor in front of Grande Anse Beach so pick a spot just north of there. From here, you have access to St. George’s, Port Louis Marina and Grande Anse Beach. There is a dinghy dock near Coconut Beach Bar. Coconut Beach Bar serves delicious French creole food and has live music on Sunday afternoons.

DAY TEN: BACK TO THE DOCK

travel time varies depending on charter base
Radio the charter base for instructions on coming in. Often, they will send out one of their staff to bring the boat back to the dock for you. Take advantage of this opportunity. Once they take the wheel, this relieves you of liability as well as the stress of docking in an unfamiliar spot.

Your trip doesn’t have to be over once you hit the dock. Be sure to schedule a few days to explore the beautiful island of Grenada. You will discover a variety of beaches, a lush rain forest, sparkling waterfalls and smiling, happy people all along way. Remember, when you’re in the islands, it’s important to “Relax yourself!”

As you gaze out the airplane window, those little dots sprinkled in the blue water have a much more intimate meaning than when you first arrived. The sensation of warm sand under your feet, the splash of waves on the bow, and the friends you’ve made along the way will forever be etched in your heart until you return again to the original Caribbean—Saint Vincent, the Grenadines and Grenada!

BEWARE THE RUM SQUALL
Two things that could send you to the hospital – machelle trees and rum punch! Machelle trees have waxy leaves and little green apples which are toxic. Stay away! Rum punch is made with very strong rum and it tastes delicious. You don’t realize how much you’ve had until it’s too late. Beware the rum squall!

WHY NOT ST. LUCIA?
St. Lucia is easy to fly in and out but you’ll have a long sail to St. Vincent or Bequia then a bash back if you do a round trip. This will basically take two days out of your vacation. The International airport is a $100 cab right to most of the amnesties including charter bases, shopping and the inter-island airport. But the Pitons at sunrise are amazing!

GRENADA?
Grenada is also easy to fly in and out of with non-stop flights available from several major cities. It’s a five-hour motor sail up to the next island of Carriacou. But you will sail under the shadow of the island and enjoy the scenery as you go. Once you get to Carriacou, you have short hops to the other islands.

 

About the Author

As owners of a sailing school, it quickly became evident that many people learning to sail also want to buy boats! The partnership with The Multihull Company and LTD Sailing in beautiful Port Louis Marina is a natural progression to complete the circle of services offered in Grenada and the Grenadines. Do what you love! Sailing and sailboats are at the top of the list of Chrystal’s passions and now she has managed to make that her career. After working through a five year plan with her partner, Chris Rundlett, Chrystal was able to throw off the bowlines, quit her job and move to the Caribbean full-time. Starting her sailing adventures on the Inland waters of North Idaho then expanding to the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, she now sails the tropical waters of the Caribbean – “Living the Dream!”

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