Planning a Sailing Vacation in the BVI? Here’s our complete list of articles, guides and boat listings

Charting in the BVI - White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

We love the BVI, and love writing about it!  In fact we have so many articles, that we figured it would be helpful to list them all in one place for you.  So if you’re planning a BVI charter holiday, you can find virtually everything you need from activity recommendations, to itineraries, to suggestions as to when to go. As well as the best listing of boats for charter in the BVI.

BVI Yacht Charter Guide – Our main information page – provides an overview of chartering in the BVI, each island, things to do, how to get there, climate and itineraries.  No yachts listed.

Itineraries:

Charter Planning Information

Charter Yacht listings

And of course, there are numerous blog posts on BoatBloggings.  See our BVI News Posts here.

 

 

Experience The Golden Vibrancy Of Skiathos: A Picturesque Chartering Destination

Skiathos is an idyllic, sun-drenched island nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea. Skiathos makes up the cluster of islands known as the Sporades, famed for their pristine sandy beaches and crystal blue seas. Charter a luxury yacht to this exotic destination. The pine-fringed coastline is blessed with golden beaches in the south and a mountainous terrain in the north.

The curious travelers amongst you will explore the sprawling hills of the north. Visit the Monastery of Evangalistra, a magnificently built monastery that is steeped rich in Greek tradition. Marvel at the impressive oil paintings and extraordinary glass paneling. The monastery was the first settlement to raise the Greek flag to signify their freedom from the Turkish invaders. Following on from the monastery is the church of Prophet Illias, famed for its spectacular panoramic views across the bay and towards the neighboring island of Skopelos.

Skiathos is lined with more than 60 golden beaches totaling an impressive 19 square miles. Lalaria beach is located on the northern most tip of the island and is only accessible by boat. Characterized by its beautiful rock formations and turquoise waters, enjoy a light alfresco lunch on board your luxury yacht charter in this secluded and picturesque bay. Venture down to the south coast and explore the cobbled streets of Skiathos town. Here you will find sumptuous Greek delicacies at one of the many tavernas and finely crafted artwork at one of the many boutique stalls. Explore Troulos beach, a secluded sandy bay that is kept in immaculate condition all year round. The beach is perfect for families, thanks to its excellent sun lounging facilities and water sports school. Charter a luxury yacht to Skiathos and experience the golden vibrancy of the south and the quaintness of the north.

OCEANOS Jacuzzi OCEANOS is a luxurious super yacht that oozes elegance and style. Berthed on the magnificent Greek coastline, she has 7 grand cabins that can accommodate up too 14 guests. Lavish interior, large deck space and a state of the art Jacuzzi are just a few of the on board luxuries that you can expect. Charter this super yacht today!

At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

The Beginner’s Guide to Chartering Your Yacht (from Guest Blogger Jamie King)

There are many different types of chartering; these include by voyage and time as well as bareboat or skippered. However, whatever type you choose, chartering can expose you to some fairly significant risks if you don’t plan carefully or fail to take the necessary precautions.

Chartering-Yachts-1If you don’t know what chartering is, this is bound to have gone completely over your head, so allow us to explain:

What Is Chartering?

Basically, chartering just means “hiring out”, but specifically when used in the context of a boat. Some owners might charter their boat on the odd occasional to help allay the running costs. Others may start a business where they regularly charter their boat to turn a profit from their investment.

No matter which course of action you’re thinking of taking, you have to know the rules before dipping your feet into the water. If you don’t want to end up lost at sea (no more water puns, we promise), keep the following things in mind. (Please note: some of the following information may be relevant specifically to those living in the United Kingdom. Please be sure to double check the information below before chartering your yacht.)

Register

Make sure to register your boat on the UK Ship Registry. You’ll need either a part 1 or a part 3 registration; choose the former if you’re going to be chartering overseas at all.

If you’ve already registered it as a boat used for personal pleasure, you’ll have to inform the Ship Registry that this will be changing to commercial use.

Insure

As soon as you’re registered, you should tell your insurance company about your plans to charter. Most standard (read: pleasure) insurance companies will be happy to cover skippered chartering, but if you want bareboat the charterer will have to get it themselves.

If you plan on chartering a lot (like running a business out of it) then you’ll have to change your policy to accommodate commercial use; this will likely run up a higher premium.Chartering-Yachts-2

Comply

Your vessel must be MCA compliant. Since 1993, all UK-based chartered boats have to comply to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s code of practice, which includes construction, equipment and operation regulations.

If your boat doesn’t comply with the code, you’ll have to shell out for new equipment, otherwise you’ll be breaking the law. One example regulation: boats over 13.7 metres long have additional fire safety and lifesaving appliance rules.

Survey

A marine surveyor should be hired to inspect your vessel. If the surveyor finds your boat to be suitable for commercial chartering, you will be eligible for your MCA SCV2 commercial licence.

Check Restrictions

If you’re berthing your vessel in a marina, you should check to see if they hold any restrictions on chartering. Sometimes, chartering will incur higher mooring fees, so you will want to make sure to find out their stance. The marina’s business terms and conditions should give you all the information you need.

International Protection

If you are using bareboat chartering and doing so in international waters, the British Red Ensign protection will not always be applicable to your vessel. The charterer must be either a UK national or a member of the British Red Ensign for this protection to be afforded, so do your research.

Tax

Chartering a yacht in the EU is classed as a supply of services; this means that, for VAT purposes at least, it is a taxable supply. You will have to account to the HMRC for any charter hire inside the waters of the European Union.

Sometimes, depending on the value of your vessel and how much chartering you’re doing, you may be able to take advantage of some tax reliefs via corporate structuring.

Get Licenced

A final, somewhat obvious tip – anyone in charge of the navigation of a chartered boat must be licenced. Make sure you make a copy of the skipper’s licence.

Jamie King is a UK-based freelance blogger. This article was written on behalf of Shipserv, online providers of marine supplies.

 

BVI Crewed Catamaran 7 Day Itinerary – Final Sail – The Bight, Norman Island to Road Town, Tortola

Click here to see this BVI itinerary in its entirety

 

Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding and Water Skiing in Privateer Bay

Alex and Carla do their utmost to make the final day a fun one, to counteract the sadness of having to leave behind this magical charter.  They start the day with a light breakfast and then a cruise around the point to Privateer Bay, a quiet place with a nice reef where we had our final snorkel,  water ski and paddle board excursion.

Afterwards, we were greeted with Eggs Benedict, as a final celebration brunch.  What could be better?

Back to Road Town 🙁

Sailing back to Road Town from Norman Island
Sailing back to Road Town from Norman Island

All good things have to come to an end, but we at least still had a nice sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Road Town.  We all sat on the front deck, and enjoyed the sail and wind in our faces – no one said a word.

We had one final strawberry daiquiri on the deck, took pictures, and said our thank you’s to Alex and Carla, promising to be back as soon as possible. We also signed their guest book, reading other entries which clearly showed that everyone else had a similarly great time on Souls Calling!

Alex, being Alex, anchored as close as possible to the Ferry Building, and then dinghy’ed us over to the Ferry so that we literally only had to walk 10 feet to get on the Boat. It was so nice to not have to hassle with taxis and hauling luggage at the end of the charter.

Final Anchoring spot in Road Town right by the Ferry Building
Final Anchoring spot in Road Town right by the Ferry Building
Thumbs up from a happy charterer
Thumbs up from a happy charterer

The obvious conclusion after 7 blissful days is that there is no better holiday we can think of than a crewed catamaran charter in the BVI with a great crew!  It just doesn’t get any better than this!

Click here to see this BVI itinerary all in one page.

The Best Combination: JAX OF IBIZA and the Brand New Nikki Beach Ibiza

Nikki Beach is synonymous with exclusivity, celebrities and some of the most over the top parties in the world. The original Nikki Beach can be found at the bottom of Ocean Drive on South Beach, Miami, which is renowned for being the founding father of the beach club scene. Whether you are in Cabo San Lucas, St Tropez, Marrakech or St Barths, you will be able to experience the exciting Nikki Beach vibe! It is only fitting that Nikki Beach has expanded to Ibiza, the gorgeous Spanish island that attracts millions of tourists each year for it’s stunning weather and amazing nightlife.

NIKKI BEACH IBIZA

So what can you expect from the latest beach club in Ibiza? Located on the eastern coast of the island in the Santa Eulalia area and on a magnificent beachfront property overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Nikki Beach Ibiza will consist of their signature beach club, restaurant and lifestyle boutique. All-white sun beds, chic drapery and the our trademark signature tepees’ will adorn the outside areas, where you will also find the world famous ‘Welcome to St Tropez’, ‘Brazilian’ and ‘Miami Vibes’ parties . Guests will be able to spend their days and nights indulging in refreshing cocktails and endless champagne while enjoying the music played by both the resident and guest DJ’s. The extensive menu will be comprised of delectable dishes featuring signature tastes and spices representative of all the countries Nikki Beach is located. and will include delicious salads, creative sushi rolls, original seafood entrees and slow-roasted free-range rotisserie chicken.

The stunning JAX OF IBIZA

We recommend chartering a luxury yacht to Nikki Beach, whether you are in Miami, St Tropez or Ibiza. One of our finest yachts in Ibiza is the unforgettable JAX OF IBIZA, the outstanding Sunseeker Predator 92 Sport. She accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 lavish staterooms, as well as 12 guests for day charters. There is no yacht of this size in the whole of The Balearics that will match this Sunseeker, in terms of aesthetics, comfort and performance. We can’t wait to help you plan your next outing in Spain on one of the best yachts in the Sunseeker family.

Check out our website, www.boatbookings.com, and start searching for your luxury Ibiza day charter yacht for this summer. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

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