Provisioning Budget BVI

[MauritiusDiver]

Me and some mates are off to the BVI to sail Feb of next year and I am looking into all the aspects of the trip to see what the total cost will be for each person. I have only the provisioning section left to estimate, so here is my question. How much will a week of food cost 8 guys? I know there are many factors that go into this answer. But seeing as we are not looking for gourmet meals and that we will probably spend most of our time with simple food like pasta and grilling, I think we decided not to do a provisioning plan (which I think comes to like $180 per person for all meals or something) and rather just go to the grocery store the night before we set sail. Are groceries comparable to the U.S. in price, will we get everything we need from the local Tortola supermarkets (or are there items that we might need to order from Bobby's?), and finally is there a magic daily $ value that we can use to estimate per person? Any advice at all would be great. Thanks

[Zanshin]

For a very active forum on the BVI I would recommend you go over to the TravelTalkOnLine BVI forum and post the question there. You will get knowledgeable and detailed responses.

[chucklesR]

Figure on 25 percent more than the US, in particular for meat. If you and the guys are intending on that hunk of prime beef on the grill it will be not only expensive, but somewhat disapointing; I've not seen a good rib eye at Bobby's in five trips.
Also figure on your lifestyles, if you intend to dinghy off to the local resturant for dinner and drinks etc. that too will cost 25% more than you expected to pay in the US. Some of the places you simply have to go to - Willy T's, Cane Garden (many good eats and drinks) the Sand Dollar, Foxy's, Leverick and Saba, etc.. Do stock up on the beverages (beer rum etc..) on the boat and do your serious buddy time drinking onboard - but do get out and see what the fuss is all about.
If you stay simple it won't cost too much. I've done 500 bucks for 8, resupplied some items (water, soda and ice) and spent another 3-400 in resturants and bars as an average. For beer, save money and open your pallet to the local beers. I hear Red Stipe is good (I don't drink beer so couldn't offer an opinion).
Do not count on fishing to supply your meat. Read understand and obey the rules down there regarding fishing.

[camaraderie]

Good info on this thread:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/charte...tml#post279102

[Flightsport]

Last year I chartered a 4700 Cat out of Road Town. We had 8 folks as well. The Moorings has an option called "Partial Provisioning" which was great for us as I was not familiar with Road Town and the markets, etc. The Partial Provisioning provided for 3 full dinners, plus all breakfasts and lunches. Additionally I pre-ordered a few bottles of wine as the prices seemed reasonable. If I remember correctly, the cost of partial provisioning was about 35 bucks a person, per day. Not a bad deal, especially if you've not provisioned before. Road town has markets and there is plenty of taxis waiting at the marina to take you to any one of them. The charter company should send you a menu to choose from if you choose this option. Good luck!