Travel Notes:

Proof of International Medical Insurance is required. Medical insurance can be obtained through AAA or can be purchased with travel insurance at Travel Protection Services.

Airport: Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Beef Island) (EIS)

Currency: US Dollar, Credit cards are accepted in the BVI but remember to tell your credit card company you are going on holiday. Some cards get declined the first time for fraud reasons until you phone and tell them you are on vacation!

In Case Of Emergency or Staying In Touch:

You will be given a cell phone to take with you. It is a free service between Conch Charters and the boat but you can also use it in the rest of the world with a charge. You will be given your number at the chart briefing. (This does require a deposit on a Visa or MasterCard)

Carrying your own phone? See your service provider and check coverage in the BVI. Most providers will allow you to add international service for the month you are away.

What's On Board and What Do I Need To Bring?

We suggest you check out our equipment list for a complete list of what's already onboard. All linens are supplied, just like a hotel room. However, we suggest that you bring beach towels.

Snorkel gear is supplied but there is a limited selection, so if you have a personal set we suggest you bring it. Fit is always important, and this is one of the most beautiful past times in the BVI.

Medical supplies are limited so any special needs should be addressed at home and brought with you.

Don't forget hats, sunglasses and buckets of suntan lotion.

We can't decide between a catamaran or monohull sailboat.

While catamarans are certainly more spacious than the average monohull yacht, it depends upon what you are looking for. Died-in-the-wool "sailors" would never consider chartering a catamaran. (A bit of snobbery in this area). Some say sailing a catamaran is similar to riding a bicycle with training wheels. I find that analogy to be fairly accurate ... if a little unfair. After all, you still get to go to the same places, do the same things and enjoy all the BVI has to offer. Its just a somewhat different experience in that the actual sailing part is a little changed.

Whilst at anchor or underway, a catamaran is certainly more stable than a monohull, which tends to make sleeping, cooking and entertaining more comfortable if you are not accustomed to the movement of a boat. They are also typically very fast while on down wind or beam reaches and frequently faster than monohulls. However, some catamarans tend to be sluggish on upwind legs and many sailors find this terribly frustrating if not unbearable. The greatest challenge to monohull sailors has always been sailing as close to the wind as possible and making headway upwind. Its the stuff yacht races are made of! If you are looking for the excitement of healing over and truly feeling as though you are sailing ... then most sailors would tell you that a monohull is the only way to go.

If you have older or very small people aboard who may be unsteady on their feet ... a catamaran may be best for your purposes. Personal preference is what its all about. Decide which is best for you and don't let "sailing snobbery" stand in your way!