First timer needs advice

[interlude44]

I would suggest the the BVI is by far your best choice, I have chartered there as well as sailed my own boat throughout the caribbean and it is a delightful place - easy to get to - easy to get around - and very safe; unlike some other caribbean destinations.

There are any number of companies to choose from, but Moorings/Sunsail are number one in nearly every category -shore side support - quality of boats - ease of provisioning etc.

Your experience to date should not be an issue.

[pschoonveld]

camaraderie-

If they've owned a boat (sail or power) and spent time on the water, it would be a rare firm that would give them static about the BVIs. I've seen couples with 40+ foot cats motoring from mooring to mooring with their only experience being a Boston Whaler they owned for a couple years.

If one doesn't know how to operate the boat or doesn't feel comfortable going on their own, getting a captain makes sense. But, it doesn't take much to get the charter firms to toss the proverbial keys to a boat, big or small.

[chall03]

pschoonveld, I tend to agree with you based on my experience elsewhere in the world with both Sunsail and Moorings.

I'm not saying it is right.....but as I said above we were concerned about our experience ( 27ft boat in sheltered waters, and some club racing) when did our very first charter. We were somewhat shocked when It appeared that we were more experienced(or maybe just more sensible?) than some other charterers.

[GenesisCaptain]

This has been incredibly informative everyone and you were right. We just got approved by a charter company for a 30-32 in BVI. Hopefully this economy will pick up next year and we can afford a bigger boat in a better location. At any rate, we are very excited about doing the Keys. Most of the negatives we have heard are from folks who have never cruised the Keys. We have found some very positive blogs from folks who have actually done it. We'll be heading out of Marathon and hitting Sombrero Reef first off which from all the pics I've seen is an incredible snorkeling spot. Thanks again for all of the great responses.

[chall03]

Have an awesome time, I am sure you will have a blast.