CHARTERS WITH CREW
& BAREBOAT CHARTERS
Slip Aweigh Charters is a Professional Charter Yacht broker.
We specialize in yachts with crew, sail boat charters, catamaran
charters, motor yacht charters and bareboat charters. We have
been sailing in the waters of the Virgin Islands and the
Caribbean and working there in charter for over 10 years. We
know the boats, crews and the best companies from which to offer
you the vacation of a lifetime. After so many “miles under our
keel”, we are dedicated to insuring that your chartering
experience will be all you wish it to be on the right boat from
the right company and with the right crew. Experience counts!
There is no additional charge to use Slip Aweigh Charters as
your charter booking agency. All fees are paid by the
companies directly to us as part of their commitment to charter
brokers such as Slip Aweigh. All proffered published specials
will be passed on to you. You can use our long time expertise in
the waters of the Caribbean and pay no additional fees
whatsoever. What the companies offer, we offer, nothing more and
nothing less.
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866.297.0163 US Toll Free Phone/eFax
727.289.4372 Local Office EST
727.324.9471 Cell EST
email
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Why the
Virgin Islands ?
The US Virgin Islands of St Thomas and St John along with the
British Virgin Islands are considered one of the very best
sailing and yachting destinations in the world, with the
countless places to anchor, the close proximity to other islands
and our spectacular Caribbean weather. Few travel destinations
in the world offer so much to see and do in such a small
geographic area for every age of traveler as the Virgin Islands.
(Please read the footnote at the end of this page concerning a
charter to or around St Croix. Information here to explore.)
There are miles of hiking trails, historical landmarks and sugar
mill ruins, some rare small animals and flowers, many on the
endangered species list, and some great exploring can be be
found on select Virgin Islands and cays.
Aside from a few “major” islands, the charm of this place is the
countless little crumbs of cays sprinkled all around, and most
all are in sight of each other. Major open water crossings are a
non-issue.
VIRGIN ISLANDS WEATHER
The average temperatures range from 77°F in the “winter” to
82°F in the summer. Water temperatures in the Virgin Islands do
not change greatly from summer to winter, however the 4 or 5
degree change is only noticeable to those acclimated to
consistently warm tropical weather. In the summer months the
water temperature is about 83 degrees and in the winter about 79
degrees.
AVERAGE WIND SPEEDS AND DIRECTION
Late Spring/Summer: 10-12 kts, E to ESE
Fall/Winter: 15-18 kts, E to ENE
The famous easterly Trade Winds which propelled Columbus and his
merry men and later, so many others to these islands, are almost
always some shade of East. This makes for great sailing in the
Drake Channel, especially on the home bound leg.
But for true sailors, the windward tacks in the Sir Francis
Drake Channel make for spirited sailing and are the very reason
so many World Class Regattas are held in the Virgin Islands.
 VIRGIN
ISLAND AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
Numerous major airlines fly from major US Cities directly
into St. Thomas (STT) and Puerto Rico (SJU) (where you then take
a 20 minute flight to either Tortola BVI or St. Thomas). Or you
might consider flying directly into the BVI, Tortola’s Beef
Island Airport (EIS) if originating your charter from the BVI.
And being US and British Territories, everyone speaks English
(some with a lilting island dialect) and all islands use US
currency.
Most of the US and British Virgin Islands are so close that many
“land” vacationers take day boat trips from St. Thomas or St.
John to Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Ferries run
daily between St. Thomas and St. John and the major BVI ferry
ports (some BV Islanders commute to work on St. Thomas daily).
Thus, you can hop a short ferry ride from St. Thomas to the BVI
if you choose a charter originating from one of the ports there.
Always be sure to call to check the current operating schedule
as the island-style of life is as it should be: Nothing is ever
carved in stone.
If you are ONLY visiting the US Virgin Islands, no passports are
needed. However most charters originating from the USVI will
enter to explore the British Virgin Islands. Current regulations
require ALL persons re-entering US Territory to have a valid
passport.
Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda all have dockside
check-in. To review the requirements for visas and more see more
Passport Information.
Interesting Tidbit: Jost Van Dyke is so small, that the
Customs/Immigration building is also their Police Station, Post
Office and Island Administrator’s Office. The “Ice House” is
right behind!
St Croix, USVI:
Note concerning beautiful St Croix (STX): Many persons ask
about a charter to the US Virgin Island of St Croix. It can be
doable, with prior arrangement. Island tours of the historical
sites and pastoral land with great snorkeling in little coves
will truly make some wonderful memories for years to come.
Considerations include: Must be a crewed, not a bareboat
charter, the time of year you’re able to come, the long open
ocean crossing (weather plays a role in the plan to assure a
comfortable sail over the 40 plus miles) and the ability of the
whole charter party to enjoy this experience. Realize too that
the round trip eats up at least two full days of the charter
week possibly more if having to wait for weather. But this is
truly an experience to be enjoyed. Consider a 10 day charter to
get the best out of this charter plan.
Or consider flying into the airport there. Use STX as your
airport code. It might be possible to have your yacht meet you
there to sail the islands waters. Seven days of charter would
work nicely with this plan.
“All
site photos compliments of the individual Virgin Islands Charter
Yachts pictured on this site, photos from the US Virgin Island
Tourist website, with special mention for several provided by
Gary Felton, CPP, professional photographer, US Virgin
Islands. Please visit the page for more
information. A big thank you to all!”
Slip Aweigh Yacht Charters
Inc., acts only as agent for the client in acquiring
transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing and other
privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the
express condition that Slip Aweigh Yacht Charters Inc., shall not be
responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect,
omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned,
whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any
company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any
of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection therewith.
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VIRGIN ISLANDS DIVING AND SNORKELING
Miles and miles of colorful coral reefs extend out from the
mostly protected aquamarine shores of the US and British Virgin
Islands. The area is abundant with famous dive sites like The
Wreck of the Rhone.
Although it might be blowing “over there” the natural barrier of
the islands flanking the Sir Francis Drake Channel, provides
cover and shelter to keep your lovely snorkeling area tranquil
and clear.
VIRGIN ISLAND WEDDINGS
The Virgin Islands are an extremely popular wedding and
honeymoon destination. Some even have a charter yacht wedding
and then enjoy a unique honeymoon in the very romantic scenery.
This happens all the time... just ask us for details and special
Honeymoon pricing offered by many yachts to start your new life
off right!
SHOPPING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Shopping here, especially in the US Virgin Islands—being
duty free, is some of the best in the Caribbean.
We've included some great Virgin Islands Shopping ideas for you
to review in this local publication.
Freebird Jewelry Store: Cruz Bay, St John USVI
THE SPANISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
For those with a more adventuresome spirit, do not overlook
the possibility of cruising the beautiful Spanish Virgin Islands
of Culebra and Vieques, just off the coast of Puerto Rico.
This
is a bit “off the beaten track” and should be considered if you
can take more than the customary week long charter.
Click to explore.
VIEWS, VIEWS, AND MORE VIEWS
The view from the East End of St. Thomas includes St. John,
Jost Van Dyke, Tortola and countless beautiful little bays,
coves and cays ...all making for a breathtaking panorama of “eye
candy”.
No island is very far apart here.
Our Virgin Islands Map
shows why most visitors can’t tell if they are looking at a US
or British Virgin Island. Click to view a sample itinerary.
The entire area of all the islands of the US Virgin Islands is
only about 135 square miles and the British Virgin Islands are
only about 153 square miles. Visit
bvipirate.com for some interesting information.
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Boulders at the Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI |
