Cruising St. Croix USVI

mjrogers · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008

Well, sort of. I'll be sailing down in a jet, but I hope to rent a daysiler while we are there. Any information about what to see, avoid, or good daysiling trips would be greatly appreciated.

Any Sailnet users down there need anything? If so PM or email n4_mjr at ya hoo dot com.
Michael

billyruffn · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008

St. Croix is not a great 'cruising ground' as there aren't many places to put in and the island has an E-W orientation, so everywhere is either up wind or down wind. A nice day trip out of Christiansted is Buck Island -- nice beach and good snorkeling.

We stopped there in 2005 and found Christiansted a difficult anchorage. The only 'marina' has a very rolly dock and unless you can find a local who'll point out a vacant mooring, it's not easy to find space to anchor.

mjrogers · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

Thanks, that explains why I can't find much information on Sailnet. I was hoping to rent a small open boat to do some daysailing. Guess I'll rethink my plans.

hphoen · #4 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

We spent three days anchored in Teague Bay, off the St Croix Yacht Club. Teague Bay is inside a reef and offers a comfortable anchorage and a protected sailing area for small boats. The folks at the Yacht Club are very friendly, and you might find a ride on a boat there. Billy Ruffin's suggestion re Buck Island is a good one; check it out. Best snorkeling is on the eastern end.

We rented a car and toured the island in a day. Not a heck of a lot to do/see there compared to other destinations.

mjrogers · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

Hud, Thanks for the input. Buck Island sounds wonderful. I'l email the Yacht Club to see if they have any idea where I can rent a daysailer. Michael

ughmo2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

Give Jones Maritime Co. a shout. (goggle for website)

Rob & Kim have a small dock close to the seaplane dock at the W end of the boardwalk.

Nice folks and I'm sure they can give you any info you might want.

kokopelli9 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008

St. Croix was a magical place for me but like most places it takes a little effort on your part to find the magic. Buck Island is beautiful...but there have been some bad hurricane hits to the reefs in last ten plus years so they are still rebounding. The food is wonderful...look for the little out of the way places. The people tend to be reserved until YOU break the ice by being friendly...then they will offer all types of warmth and info. The rainforest is worth a visit and cane bay is a day's worth of leisurely snorkeling and swimming...if you look carefully you will find all types of sea creatures that are fascinating. While there I did not rent a sailboat but a small power boat (dinghy like) to scoot around in...that was well worth the time. If you go with few expectations and let the island just give you what it has then you will come away feeling revived and happy.

mjrogers · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2008

Ughmo, Found them easily at Jone's Maritime Company - Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands, I'lll give them a shout.

Kokopelli, You have summed up what we seek; sun, sand, salt water, and magic. If I can't find a daysailer I'll take your advice and get a small motor boat.

Thanks to all who have replied so far.
Michael