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KEY FEATURES...
| BVI bareboat charters, Tortola based, 20+ latest and recent model motor yachts, Power Cats, some older boats, immaculately presented. Charters with or without crew, excellent one-to-one service from a knowledgeable team. |
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Virgin Traders is the only BVI bareboat charter company that deals solely in motor yachts. The company has a fleet of over twenty extremely smart boats between 44ft and 74ft in length, many of them sleek and streamlined craft made by the Horizon Yacht Company. Motor yachts offer more space and a more comfortable ride than a sailing yacht and still have the same sense of freedom, so they are ideal for an exclusive trip in high level but affordable luxury around one of the loveliest sailing areas in the world.
While bareboat sailing yachts have been available for charter in the BVI for many years, chartering a bareboat motor yacht is a more recent development. Virgin Traders are now the largest motor yacht charter operation in the Caribbean and besides the BVI they also have an outlet in St Martin which opens up the islands of St Martin/St Maarten (with its offshore cays), Anguilla and St Barts. You will need requisite certificates and sailing experience of course, but you are your own skipper and you can head off in grand style, following your whim as you sail around the islands.
Motor yachts can reach everywhere in the BVI that a sailing yacht can and they give a more stable ride. They are a little wider in the beam and consequently have more space, allowing more comfortable surroundings, larger rooms and beds. Travellers that are not entirely convinced by sailing itself may find themselves a little more comfortable. And if you decide you would prefer to be catered for after all, then Virgin Traders can also provide a crew, captain (also dive master) and mate/cook as required.
Founded in 1997, Virgin Traders is based on the waterfront in Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola. It is managed by its two owners, James Burgess and Will Driver, who both originate from the UK. Other key members of the 20-person team are General Manager Gene Carson from Canada who oversees the running of the fleet, Trudy Childs, formerly of the City of London, who looks after the accounts and Service Manager Christopher Groves formerly of the Royal Navy.
Since 1997 Virgin Traders has grown from two yachts to a fleet of over 20. They have continually updated their fleet, taking on the newest yachts produced by Horizon. They are closely involved in the design process of the yachts, using their experience of the BVI charter business to identify features for the boat builders, and customizing their yachts. There is an extremely luxurious 74ft Horizon Yacht in the offing at the moment.
As a relatively small business, Virgin Traders is able to offer a very personal service to its clients. On arrival you will receive an individual chart and equipment briefing - unless you are travelling in a flotilla - unlike briefings from some of the larger yacht charter companies, which are for multiple crews. The company is happy to arrange for provisioning and for extras such as sports equipment to be stowed on board by arrangement.
With its greater comfort and to some greater prestige, a motor yacht is clearly a more expensive option than a sailing boat, but if you would prefer the style and gentler ride, and are keen to skipper your own yacht, then Virgin Traders offer stylish and extremely comfortable yachts.
Another stream of Virgin Traders’ business is the representation of yacht builders. Virgin Traders are agents for Horizon Yachts (the source of many of their motor yachts of course), which is based in Taiwan. They market and sell Horizon products in the BVI and the United States. If you would like to own a yacht or to buy one for charter at the times when you are not using it, then Virgin Traders can enable the purchase and by arrangement they can include the yachts in their fleet. Yachts can be custom built with Virgin Traders’ advice and input. |
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Base
Virgin Traders is based at Nanny Cay on the southern shore of Tortola, about three miles west of Road Town, the capital of the BVI. The area has a fully equipped marina with berths for 180 yachts, a boat repair facility and chandlery and a number of other services including a restaurant and bar, which is often a hub of activity for yachties on shore for a while. There is also a hotel and a small shopping mall on the waterfront, from which you can provision your yacht if you do not want to head off to the supermarkets in Road Town. |
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Sample Iitinerary
The great thing about sailing is the sense of freedom to go anywhere and of course in the BVI there are many variations on the theme, but here is one example of an itinerary with the islands and sights you might visit on the way. Before the charter, Virgin Traders will give you an individual chart briefing, giving you the opportunity to discuss where you might like to go. Mooring buoys are available in many locations, and remember to call ahead of time on your VHF radio to book in at restaurants for dinner!
If you would like to do some advance planning, ask Virgin Traders to send you the latest edition of the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands ($25 inc P&P). This invaluable book shows aerial photos of all the anchorages, tells you about the restaurant and shore-side facilities, and has many other useful tips and information. It also contains a fold-out chart so that you can log your trip and keep it as a souvenir.
Day 1
After completing boat and chart briefings, depart the dock and make the short run across the 'Sir Francis Drake Channel' to the Bight at Norman Island. Norman Island is rumoured to be the site of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel, Treasure Island. There will be time for a swim or snorkel at the Indians before watching the Caribbean sunset over a sundowner or two. For the evening visit either Billy Bones restaurant ashore, or the floating bar/restaurant the William Thornton III, a Virgin Islands classic, a floating bar and restaurant in a wooden trading boat, often with a rumbustious atmosphere. Both serve good food and are fun and easy-going.
Day 2
After breakfast, you can take your dinghy across to the Caves, where you can find a National Park buoy and snorkel, one of the BVI’s excellent coral reefs. From here sail up to Cooper Island for lunch or the evening. It is a good idea to arrive early, particularly in season, so that you can pick up one of the overnight buoys (no anchoring is permitted at Cooper Island). There will be time for more snorkelling off Cistern Point, or you can spend the afternoon lounging on the beach. The beach bar at the Cooper Island Yacht Club is also often a very lively stopover for the evening.
Day 3
A gentle motor will take you up to the Baths, where you can pick up a buoy (again it helps to get there in good time), spend the morning and have lunch. The beach really is spectacular so you should head ashore to explore the rock pools and the extraordinary boulders, where walk-throughs are lit by eerie green light. After lunch, sail across to Beef Island off Tortola, to Marina Cay or Trellis Bay, where you can spend the night. You can have a BBQ aboard your yacht, but there are also many places to go ashore including the Last Resort and Loose Mongoose, also extremely lively restaurant/bars.
Day 4
Head off to North Sound, Virgin Gorda, putting in for a snorkelling stop at the Dogs or Mountain Point en route. At the North Sound you need to decide what sort of an anchorage to choose for your overnight stay. For quiet and tranquillity go for Drake's Anchorage. You can dinghy around to the western side to watch the sunset from Honeymoon Beach. However there is also plenty of entertainment in the North Sound. The Bitter End Yacht Club, a sailing club (where you can hire a Hobie Cat or learn to windsurf) has music most nights. There is also a lively bar at Leverick Bay, but if you would like a more elegant evening out then you can always have dinner at Biras Creek, a Relais et Chateaux which is very well regarded for its food, first-class service and an excellent wine cellar. There is a dress code after 7pm. There are shops a Bitter End so you can re-provision your boat.
Day 5
There are other things to detain you in the North Sound next morning. There is an excellent main beach on Prickly Pear Cay, but there are other more secluded spots on the other side of the island that can be reached by dinghy. You can also snorkel on Eustatia Reef. Alternatively you can set sail for Monkey Point on Guana Island, arriving in time for lunch and some snorkelling. In the afternoon cruise down the rugged north shore of Tortola and then cross to Jost van Dyke, overnighting in either Little Harbour or Great Harbour, where you will find many beach bars which can fix you a simply dinner onshore.
Day 6
Motor over to Sandy Cay, the perfect desert island, just a sandbar and a few palms. Snorkel, swim and beachcomb, have lunch and then head across to Cane Garden Bay for your overnight stop. There are many bars in Cane Garden Bay and there is often entertainment at Myetts and Quito’s Gazebo, a classic Caribbean beachside bar.
Day 7
Your final day’s motoring will take you around the western point of Tortola, where you can stop at Soper’s Hole, or back into Sir Francis Drake’s Channel and to Little Harbour at Peter Island. There is snorkelling and then your final sunset.
Day 8
Time for one more swim before returning to Nanny Cay Marina. Virgin Traders will carry out the check in procedure. They will also have confirmed your flights and booked a taxi ready for your departure for the airport. |
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Provisioning
If you would prefer not to bother with provisioning your yacht, Virgin Traders can do it for you and have everything stowed for you on your arrival. You can select what you want from their list of available items (which is quite extensive in the BVI) and return the completed Provisioning Form and everything will be on board. If you wish, you can customise the provisioning list. You can also order all your liquid refreshments (water, sodas, juices, wine, beer etc) in advance, which will save getting long arms when you have to lug it to your yacht. There are three levels of provisioning
Dinners Ashore
This caters for charterers who would like to dine out in the evenings. It provides everything you need for seven breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Split Provisioning
If you think you will eat dinner ashore on at least three nights during the week, this caters for 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and four dinners.
Full Provisioning
Full Provisioning includes everything you need if you are intending to cook for yourself throughout your charter. It and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the full seven days. |
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Meet & Greet
If you are booking direct and arriving at Beef Island airport, Tortola, then let Virgin Traders know your flight details and arrival time and they can arrange for you to be met by a taxi driver who will take you to the base at Nanny Cay Marina or to your chosen hotel. The journey from the airport to Nanny Cay will take about 30 minutes and the rate is US$30 for up to 3 people and thereafter US$10/person. Rates are subject to change without notice and are not included in the charter fee.
If you are flying into St Thomas in the neighbouring US Virgin Islands and would prefer to make the crossing by ferry, then please be aware that in order to make a same day ferry connection to Tortola your flight should land in St Thomas no later than 3pm. On landing, take a cab to the ferry terminal in Charlotte Amalie and then the ferry to West End, Tortola. The crossing will take about 45 minutes using either Smiths Ferry Services, t (284) 495 4495, or Native Son Inc, t (284) 495 4617). Please note that departure times are subject to frequent change.
On arrival at West End, Tortola, you can catch one of the waiting taxis for the fifteen minute journey to Nanny Cay Marina or to your hotel, or ask Virgin Traders to send a taxi to meet you. The taxi fare from West End to Nanny Cay Marina is around $21 for up to 3 people and thereafter $7 per person. |
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Boarding
Charter terms start and finish at noon. If your yacht is available Virgin Traders may be able to board you earlier. You should check with them close to your arrival date. You should allow a couple of hours to complete the chart and boat brief procedure before you are ready to leave the dock. If you are arriving late in the day, the briefing procedure will take place the following morning. |
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Sleepboard
If your flight arrives too late for you to start your charter on the same day, Virgin Traders will offer, where possible, the option of a sleepaboard on your first night, at an additional charge. Boarding is after 5pm and the yacht will be prepared for your late arrival. Please enquire about this option should you require it. |
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Useful Information
Cellular Telephones and Message Service
All Virgin Traders Yachts yachts have cell phones on board. However, technology has gradually improved in the Caribbean, and so it may be convenient to bring your own mobile telephone with you. If you wish to leave Virgin Traders’ telephone number with your friends and relatives, please use the local base number and not the toll-free reservation number. Just ask us for more details.
Credit Cards
While Virgin Traders accept credit cards in payment of your charter fee, you are asked to pay in cash or travellers’ cheques for any incidentals due at the base such as local government Cruising Permits, Hull Damage Waiver insurance, provisioning and other additional expenses. While many establishments throughout the islands take credit cards, some do levy a surcharge and it is always a good idea to ensure you have extra cash or travellers’ cheques available.
Electrical Appliances
If your yacht has an inverter on board then you may use electrical appliances that you have brought with you (hairdryer, recharging batteries, etc) while sailing or at anchor. You may need to bring an adapter. Most of Virgin Traders’ yachts are 110V with US receptacles. All yachts have 12V sockets.
Environmental Issues
Please do not drop your anchor over coral and be very careful when snorkelling - even touching coral with hands and fins can destroy hundreds of years of growth. Also, do not remove any sea life, flora or fauna. It is illegal to anchor in the BVI National Parks areas and for day-time mooring buoy use you will be required to have a permit (which will be issued to you at the base). Please ensure your that rubbish is disposed of properly (there are designated areas throughout the islands) and make sure that items are secure on your yacht while you are sailing and overnight, so they are not lost overboard.
Luggage
Unfortunately luggage can sometimes be delayed into the islands so it is wise to pack a small overnight bag with essentials and, the most important thing, your swimsuit! Travel light and use soft-sided bags as they are easily stowed on your vessel.
Rain Gear
It does rain in the Caribbean! We suggest you take light rain jackets.
Safety/Rescue
In the event of an emergency, an accident or mechanical failure, Virgin Traders are able to respond immediately. They have their own chase boat with engineers on board as appropriate.
Before you depart safety will be covered in depth as part of your briefing. You should be in no doubt about what to do when you leave, but on board you will also find a comprehensive Boat Manual. This gives details of all the systems aboard and explains the procedure to follow in case of emergency.
Please note that a sailing resume and qualifications will be required before you are permitted to take control of the yacht.
In addition to the cover provided by the charter company, the BVI is also fortunate to have VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue), a volunteer organisation that responds to calls from those in trouble in Virgin Islands waters.
Sailing Resumes
You need to be sure about your level of competence and if you have any doubts, or if you are new to Virgin Traders, you should complete a sailing resume and send it through to Virgin Traders before making your reservation. All charters are checked out and given full chart and boat briefings to familiarise you and your crew with your BVI cruising grounds and the vessel. With notice, Virgin Traders will provide a complimentary check out skipper who will spend an extra couple of hours with you on a one-to-one basis.
Snorkel Gear
If you have your own gear, it is best to bring it with you to ensure a good fit. You can however rent masks, snorkels and fins at reasonable rates from Blue Water Divers at Nanny Cay.
Sunscreen
Bring a hat, good sunglasses and start with at least 30SPF sunscreen and please, no sun tan oil as it stains linens, boat cushions and decks. Remember those after sun-soothers too!
Travel Insurance/Trip Cancellation Insurance
Virgin Traders is unable to offer refunds within 90 days of your charter start date unless they can re-sell your reserved dates. It is a policy that the company adheres to so we recommend that Travel Insurance or Trip Cancellation Insurance is purchased. You can purchase your travel insurance on-line through Worldwide Travel Insurance.
Virgin Islands Search and Rescue
VISAR is a Charitably funded and entirely volunteer staffed organisation dedicated to the saving of life at sea. It provides a permanent 24 hr search and rescue service in the British Virgin Islands. Virgin Tradeers and DefinitiveCaribbean actively supports VISAR and we encourage charterers, and others,to support this worthwhile and essential service as well. Please read more about VISAR and give your support to this immensely important charity. |
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All the information on this page comes to you free of charge. Please remember to mention DefinitiveCaribbean when you are talking to Virgin Traders for your BVI yacht charter / Caribbean motor yacht charter requirements. |
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