Following the recent and devastating natural disasters in the Caribbean, yacht charter enthusiasts and luxury holiday seekers might be wondering about the situation in the British Virgin Islands and whether or not to spend their winter vacations there. The answer is definitely a positive one!
Sailing Sir Francis Drake Channel – Credit British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.
Our very own charter broker, Sally Gardner-Cochran travelled to see her family in the BVI and came back with a first-hand, real-life experience on the current state of the islands and the surrounding cruising destinations. At the same time, she has attended the BVI Charter Yacht Show and provided us with a selection of some of the best charter yacht picks from the event.
As reported, the British Virgin Islands have received mixed fortunes: Many of the hotels and adjoining restaurants are closed for renovations until after the New Year while the majority of the beauty spots have been cleaned up or survived untouched.
“All the bays and dive sites appear to be unaffected, a close friend is a reef specialist and is very surprised at the minimal damage,” said Sally Gardner-Cochran.
relaxing at sunset in the Caribbean – yacht Gladius – more info below
As a result, fewer tourists will be visiting the islands due to the closure of land-based accommodation, creating a knock-on effect of quieter tourist hot-spots. In addition, the fact that there are less smaller boats cruising this year, it has resulted in more tranquil dive and snorkel locations for those on a luxury charter – an opportunity last available three decades ago before the popularity of the area skyrocketed.
“Although the show was reasonably small, the yachts that attended were really pulling out all the stops, we had plenty of time on each yacht to really speak to the crew, which was great to get a good sense of the mood from them, all very positive and ready to see a good season, despite the recent hurricanes”, commented Sally.
2017/2018 is the perfect time for a luxury charter with special offers and reduced rates applicable to draw tourists back to the area, and with all the lavish facilities on board, including a personal chef, your group is entirely self-sufficient as you move from one destination to the next.
The following luxury yachts have been selected by CharterWorld’s experienced brokers to offer the best crews, services and living spaces for charters in the BVI:
FOXY LADY
This 19m/62ft luxury catamaran is a bright and airy contemporary choice ideal for charters with a full adult group due to the four spacious double cabins, all with en-suite facilities. There is an excellent selection of water toys to suit all ages and fitness levels, with the collection including adult and child water skis, kite surfers and fishing gear.
FOXY LADY – Photo Nicolas Claris
Sailing yacht FOXY LADY has plenty of areas to dine alfresco or lounge in the sun and the shade. Coupled with her large salon, guests have an excellent choice of places to relax and engage in recreational activities with other guests.
“Amanda, Thanks for checking in. We are home safe and sound after a most wonderful vacation. Tara, Grand and Tyler were beyond fantastic! Please, let the owners know what a wonderful crew they have found. A lifetime of memories :) We are already talking about when we can go again…although it would be hard to top our experience with Tara, Grant and Tyler! I will be in touch and would love your suggestions on other locations to sail around the same time of year in other parts of the world. We are hooked. Take care and Happy New Year!” Charter guests – FOXY LADY / BVI /December 27 – January 3
Amenities: Scuba diving (Rendezvous), en-suite bathrooms for all cabins, games consoles, CD and DVD library
Accommodation: 8 guests/4 cabins
Price: From $28,000 USD per week plus expenses
FOXY LADY’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
ELYSIUM
The refreshing colour scheme of crisp white and teal coupled with pale wooden panelling will invigorate guests from the moment they wake in the morning and the effervescent crew have plenty of energy to ensure that all guests are well taken care of throughout the charter. The group can gather in the brilliantly lit, air-conditioned interior for conversation and entertainment, or head outside to the shaded cockpit for an alfresco meal in the refreshing breeze.
Catamaran ELYSIUM
“Dear Josh, Many thanks for the great experience we had. Wayne and the rest of the crew could not have been better, they were great. Thank you for your help in this charter and I will definitely do it again and will recommend you and CharterWorld. Thanks again.” Charter guests – Chartered ELYSIUM, June
Amenities: Scuba diving (Rendezvous), en-suite bathrooms for all cabins, games consoles
Accommodation: 7 guests/4 cabins
Price: From $22,500 USD per week plus expenses
Elysium’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
Happy Time
Keep the children as well as the adults entertained with sailing yacht HAPPY TIME, with three en-suite cabins ideal for family holidays at an exceptional price. There is an excellent selection of water toys for adrenaline-seekers of all ages, and after a busy time along the soft sandy beaches of the BVI guests can enjoy a sumptuous meal before falling asleep in fully air-conditioned cabins.
Happy Time catamaran
“Trina, Following up on our trip with Happy Time… Jeff and Caitlin were exactly as described. Very personable with both the adults and kids. Provided amazing food, and a really delightful atmosphere to sail in and enjoy the BVI. The trip completely lived up to our high expectations. Thanks again.”
- Charter guests – S/Y HAPPY TIME / April 2016 / BVI
Amenities: Scuba diving (Rendezvous), en-suite bathrooms for all cabins, games consoles, CD and DVD library
Accommodation: 6 guests/3 cabins
Price: From $10,000 USD per week plus expenses
Happy Time’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
ISLAND TIME
34m/110ft motor yacht ISLAND TIME has a clean and bright interior with Asian appeal. There is plenty of space for up to 9 guests to stretch out and spend time on individual hobbies, or socialise together in the tranquillity of the Jacuzzi or sundeck.
Superyacht Island Time
Whether dining alfresco or relaxing as a family with a film in the main salon, your holiday will be one to remember aboard ISLAND TIME.
“Amanda, We all had a great time. What a beautiful area to be in for a week! Kim and the crew we wonderful and a tonne of fun. We didn’t get to fish but that was ok we did so much other stuff! We did take them out to lunch after the charter what a great group of people. The girls all LOVED Mike.”
- Charter guests – ISLAND TIME / Exumas / July
Amenities: Jacuzzi, impressive selection of water toys, en-suite bathrooms for all cabins, TV entertainment in all cabins
Accommodation: 10 guests/4 cabins
Price: From $36,000 USD per week plus expenses
Island Time’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
TRANQUILITY
23m/76ft TRANQUILITY from Matrix Yachts has a sophisticated, sultry interior of charcoal grey against off-white walls and dark wood panelling for a contemporary luxury catamaran that makes innovative use of the on-board space.
Tranquility catamaran
Sunbathe on the flybridge or the bow trampolines, or watch the sky change colour at sunset while dining alfresco at the elegant table that seats up to 10 guests. A swim platform that lowers to the water provides an additional place for guests to lounge and there is a mini hot tub to soak away your cares while watching life along the coast of the BVIs.
Amenities: Hot tub, scuba diving, en-suite bathrooms for all cabins
Accommodation: 12 guests/6 cabins
Price: From $46,950 USD per week plus expenses
Tranquility’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
XENIA 74
Last refitted in 2015, 23m/75ft luxury catamaran XENIA 74 has a beach club feel for a laid-back holiday with family and friends. The beam of nearly 11 metres/36 feet forms a roomy interior where the gloss woodwork is shown to its best by the skylights and natural light pouring in through the windows.
Caribbean charters aboard XENIA 74
Dine alfresco in the aft cockpit or use the area to spread out with hobbies in the fresh air and the shade. On the bow, the trampolines are an excellent spot to watch the other guests playing on the high-speed water toys, or for sunbathing while listening to the seawater lapping at the hull.
“Hi Trina, We are out of words to express what a wonderful charter you put us in. First Gareth and Kristine are extremely fun and professional. Never before have we had 17 exquisite meals in a row. What an accomplishment! The boat has a beautiful teak interior and is kept in mint condition. Activities were numerous and fun for both generations in our family. Each of us has voted for their individual preference: Flexibility in the schedule – The anchoring locations – The views – The sailing part and helping with the sails and anchor – The Soggy Dollar – Water skiing and hiking in Salt Point – Kit surfing and the Bitter End – Seeing the entire family so very happy!”
- Charter guests – XENIA / Caribbean / New Year’s
Amenities: En-suite bathrooms for all cabins
Accommodation: 8 guests/4 cabins
Price: From $41,500 USD per week plus expenses
Xenia’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
SEQUEL P
Luxury yacht SEQUEL P has a reduced rate for the rest of the winter charter season and with her excellent onboard services including a massage room and status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre, this is an excellent opportunity to charter this superyacht designed for hosting parties.
On each deck, the glamorous interiors come with a comprehensive bar to enhance any meal or social occasion. Guests will never be wanting for a place to dine alfresco; from the main deck up to the sundeck, there is a stately setting where guests can take in panoramic views of the verdant coastlines of the BVI.
Sequel P
Not only is SEQUEL P ready to entertain on deck, she has a fantastic array of water toys with laser sailboats, windsurfers and paddleboards within the collection.
Amenities: Jacuzzi, massage room, Approved RYA Water Sports Centre, en-suite bathrooms for all cabins
Accommodation: 12 guests/6 cabins
Price: From $190,000 USD per week plus expenses
Sequel P’S Availability, Rates & Full Details
GLADIUS
A relaxed contemporary superyacht at a great price, 39m/127ft motor yacht GLADIUS was last refitted in 2016 and is capable of zipping from island to island with a top speed of 26 knots. There is an extensive swim platform for lounging close to the sea and the air-conditioned salon is perfect for relaxing together as a family.
38m Gladius
For entertaining in the evening, there is a dedicated forward media room, and the sundeck is an ambient treat where guests can watch the sunset from the luxurious Jacuzzi and try sumptuous cocktails from the bar.
Amenities: Jacuzzi, en-suite bathrooms with all cabins
Accommodation: 10 guests/5 cabins
Price: From $95,000 USD per week plus expenses
Gladius’ Availability, Rates & Full Details
MY MY MY
Entertain family and friends in style with 30m/100ft superyacht MY MY MY (ex.GRAND BAROSSA, MELIMAR). The interiors are made up of high gloss woods and fine marbles to produce a lavish living space for relaxing and dining to suit any occasion. The bar has an excellent selection of drinks to complement any meal, which can be taken outside on the main deck aft or the flybridge.
MY MY MY
Amenities: Scuba diving (Rendezvous), Jacuzzi, en-suite bathrooms for all cabins
Accommodation: 10 guests/5 cabins
Price: From $50,000 USD per week plus expenses
My My My’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
LADY J
Luxury yacht LADY J (ex.PURE BLISS) features expansive aft spaces for lavish alfresco dining and timeless styling across three decks. A main salon and sky lounge allow guests to entertain together or spend time apart, working on hobbies in beautiful surroundings filled with high-quality furnishings.
Lady J
Outside, the main deck aft is shaded for all-day outdoor lounging, or guests can choose to sink into the Jacuzzi and catch up on the latest sports on the sundeck TV while trying out the excellent range of cocktails prepared by your experienced crew.
Whether exercising outdoors and taking in the local views or sitting back and celebrating a special occasion with one of the choice wines, time spent aboard motor yacht LADY J will be memorable for everyone.
Amanda: We had another fantastic trip on the Lady J and would highly recommend to any of your customers. The crew was amazing (as usual)!
– Charter guests aboard MY LADY J – July / Exumas, Bahamas
Amenities: Jacuzzi, wine cellar, en-suite bathrooms with all cabins
Accommodation: 10-12 guests/5 cabins
Price: From $109,000 USD per week plus expenses
Lady J’s Availability, Rates & Full Details
For more information on any of the above luxury yachts or to find your perfect fit from a wider selection, contact the expert brokers at CharterWorld today.
