Set amid the azure waters of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands has long been a coveted destination for sun-seeking adventurers. With its vibrant coral reefs, quiet coves, and lively beach bars, the BVI is synonymous with relaxation and indulgence. 

The BVI is also renowned for its tourist attractions and well-­trodden paths, which is why, on a recent charter, our group of experienced charterers intentionally strayed from the familiar hotspots. In doing so, we found a side of the BVI that produced memories and stories anew. These newfound (to us) destinations offered a fresh glimpse into the singular charm of the BVI, which are just waiting to be discovered by intrepid souls who dare to look a little farther.

Sandy Spit

As the waves gently caressed the sides of our dinghy, I took a deep breath and gazed ahead at Sandy Spit, a tiny gem nestled in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. The sun painted a golden path on the water, as if guiding my wife and me toward a paradise we’d long dreamed of.

As the dinghy kissed the ­beachline, I leaped onto the ­pristine sands with anticipation and wonder, feeling the warmth radiating through my toes. Our friends had dropped us off for a few hours, promising to return later to whisk us away to the next destination on the itinerary. But for now, Sandy Spit was ours alone.

The island, barely more than a sandbar, stretched out in all directions, adorned with only a few swaying palm trees and a blanket of powdery white sand. The sand was cool and velvety, a luxurious carpet leading toward our own private sanctuary. We knew in a moment that this tiny island ­epitomized paradise in its purest form. It was a rare gift, a slice of heaven carved out just for us.

A simple isle merits simple pleasures, which, for us, included a charming picnic of tropical fruits, and the discovery of seashells and treasures that had washed up on the shore. Surrounded on all sides by majestic blue water and the beautifully jagged landscape of the BVI beyond it, it felt like we were all alone in the world’s most storied charter playground. Even today, when stress starts to get the better of me, I close my eyes and return to that perfect day on that tiny isle where time stood still.

Salt Island

A tiny droplet of moisture traced a path down my forehead while I leaned over the front of the RIB, maneuvering the painter to secure the dinghy to the mooring line near Black Rock Point on Salt Island. Submerged in the clear, shimmering water below were the remnants of the Rhone, a majestic steamship once belonging to the Royal Mail service. Its demise occurred during a hurricane back in 1867. 

With the dinghy secured and dive flag deployed, I glanced behind me for lurking jellyfish and then rolled backward off the dink, plunging into the bathlike water. An extraordinary world revealed itself: the vibrant dance of skittish reef fish, the kaleidoscope of corals in full bloom, and the whimsical sea turtle that was blissfully unaware of the concept of ­personal space. I swear that I almost heard the whispers of the 123 lost souls, as if they were keenly observing my every movement. It was ­haunting as each kick drove me deeper into the unknown, extending the boundaries of my comfort zone. 

While the Rhone is one of the most-sought-after diving destinations in the BVI, few charterers take the time to explore adjacent Salt Island, a place steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. Walking along the deserted shores, I felt a sense of awe as I discovered the remnants of salt pans that once served as the island’s lifeblood. I imagined the toil and perseverance of the salt miners of old. The weight of their stories added a layer of depth to the experience. 

History enthusiasts can learn a lot here about cultural heritage and the significance of salt production in shaping the region’s economy—not to mention escape from the crowds while reveling in the island’s seldom-touched beauty.

Fallen Jerusalem

As tourists flocked to the iconic giant boulders of the Baths on Virgin Gorda, I sought a quieter and more intimate experience. I’d heard whispers of a secluded cove nearby named Fallen Jerusalem, so we sailed across the channel toward it, accompanied by playful dolphins that danced in our wake. 

Approaching the shore, we were greeted not by other charterers, but instead by towering cliffs draped with vibrant greenery, framing a pristine beach. A leisurely stroll along the shoreline revealed hidden tide pools teeming with vibrant marine life. These natural pools, like tiny windows into an underwater world, offered a unique opportunity to observe colorful fish and delicate coral formations up close. 

Fallen Jerusalem has captivating underwater caves and grottoes that ­snorkelers and divers can explore under a cloak of solitude. The surrounding waters are protected as a marine sanctuary, ensuring the preservation of the island’s underwater ecosystem and contributing to ­sustainable tourism practices. 

Spring Bay

Spring Bay is a frequently overlooked beachcomber’s paradise. Sprinkled (although less liberally) with the same awe-inspiring granite boulders as its famous neighbor, the Baths, Spring Bay’s sprawling beachline offers a sense of peaceful grandeur. The soft white sands, calm waters, and swaying palm trees make it an idyllic spot to unwind with a Painkiller cocktail in hand and without the distractions of crowds.  

We had heard rumors of the great beaches surrounding the Baths, but nothing could have prepared us for the expanse of powdery white sand that ­greeted us like a welcoming carpet, nestled perfectly in the island’s lee. Turquoise waters lapped gently against the shore, inviting us to dip our toes and settle into a lovely, lazy beach day. We set up camp beneath the shade of a towering palm tree and spread out our beach towels to enjoy a picnic lunch and some tasty libations from our own galley, which was on the hook about a hundred feet off the shoreline. We reveled in the warm embrace of the ocean, our laughter echoing off the rocks as we played in the cove like carefree children. Donning snorkeling gear, we were instantly transported to a world teeming with schools of fish darting around us, and delicate coral formations posing as intricate sculptures. 

After a few carefree hours, Spring Bay became more than a beach to us; it was a cherished memory. Later, basking in the warm afterglow of a day well spent, we recalled how boat after boat had cruised right on by this picture-perfect setting on final approach to the Baths, without so much as a glance. Ah, their loss. 

Anegada’s North Shore

To go or not to go? That is always the question about Anegada, especially if it involves motorsailing for several hours head-to-wind. Weather permitting, I say go, but not just for the food. It’s easy to become captivated by the island’s succulent lobster and breathtaking beaches, however, the hidden gems along the north shore truly make this stopover a must-do. 

First off, because the lengthy offshore trek to get there isn’t for everyone, Anegada allows you to escape the crowds. The beaches are the epitome of ­untouched beauty, with fine white sands that stretch for miles and gin-clear waters that seem to merge with the sky. But the crown jewels of the north shore are its thriving coral reefs. Snorkeling or diving in these waters offers a glimpse into an underwater wonderland where colorful fish dance amid massive, shallow coral formations. The ­abundance and ­diversity of marine life will leave you in awe, making for an ­unforgettable adventure.

Anegada is a relatively small island, so getting around is straightforward. To reach the north shore, rent a moped or an RV. Driving along the quiet roads allows you to soak it all in at your own pace, and you’ll have the freedom to explore the hidden coves and secluded beaches that dot the coastline. Make sure to visit Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay, two secluded stretches of pristine shoreline with world-class reefs for snorkeling. As the sun begins to set, make your way to Flamingo Pond Lookout to witness majestic flamingos in their natural habitat. 

After a day on Anegada, you’ll probably have worked up a healthy appetite for the legendary lobster. To the victors belong the spoils. 

The post Make Memories in the British Virgin Islands’ Channels Less Traveled appeared first on Cruising World.

When Andrew Thompson co-founded Horizon Yacht Charters in 1998, he wanted to bring megayacht-quality service to bareboats. Thompson had worked as captain and crew aboard the larger yachts, and he believed that people chartering bareboats should have every right to expect similarly high standards for their own cruising vacations.

‘Our Mission statement in 1998, was ‘to offer immaculate yachts, exemplary customer service and value for money’, 25 years later, our mission remains the same, and we go the extra nautical mile every day to deliver on that’ he says.

Today, Horizon Yacht Charters has two locations: the main base at Nanny Cay on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, and a second location at Blue Lagoon Marina in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both locations are known for their exceptional customer service. The base in the BVI is also popular for its restaurants, showers, hotel, beach bar and pool. This location is easily accessible with daily flights from Miami on American Airlines, arriving at Beef Island, Tortola.

“Our company takes great pride in being a local business with local operations, management and staff,” says Kim Struiken, finance and business development director. “Our local roots play a vital role in our success. We are committed to our community and to delivering an exceptional experience to our customers. This combination is part of the formula which sets Horizon Yacht Charters apart.”

Horizon Yacht Charters’ high-quality fleet of about 50 yachts in the BVI includes monohulls as well as catamarans from 34ft – 54ft.  The boats are maintained to a level that Thompson brings from his megayacht days, ensuring that guests can embark on their vacations with complete confidence in the seamless experience they’ll enjoy, regardless of the age of the yacht,(although most are 0-5 years old).

“We excel at providing yachts with all systems in order, with concours cosmetics and detailing “ Struiken says. “Most of Horizon’s staff have been here for many years. The first-ever employee of the company, Courtney Frett, our reservations manager, is still here, 25 years later. Our operations director, Henry Leonnig, has been here for 20 years, as have several other dock staff. They like what they do, and when people like what they do, they excel, and it allows you continuity of service – to offer real quality.” Struiken continues: ‘It is not just about the yachts, it is about the ‘boutique hotel’ level of personalized service you get at Horizon. Jalon Shortte epitomizes this as our larger-than-life Customer Service manager, who delivers boat and chart knowledge with a wicked laugh and a brilliant smile’.

Horizon Yacht Charters offers bareboat charters, skippered charters as well as luxury crewed charters with the added convenience of an all-inclusive package covering high-end gourmet meals, premium drinks, water toys, and more.

American Sailing Association (ASA) classes are also available at Horizon Yacht Charters Sailing School. Students can book a whole boat and cruise with a private instructor, or they can book a single cabin for a week on board a boat with an instructor and other students.

The instructors at Horizon Yacht Charters are top-notch. Just one example is Cara Brown, who, in 2022, was named one of ASA’s outstanding instructors. This award is given to the top 1 percent of all ASA instructors, as determined by student surveys. In 2022, there were 2,155 instructors eligible for the award; only 25 were named winners. And Brown was among just a handful of women in that already selective group.

“Cara is a terrific example of the outstanding team members we have at Horizon Yacht Charters,” Struiken says. “She’s originally from London, grew up in Italy, and has been sailing with Horizon in the BVI since she was a little girl—because her parents have had a series of yachts in our fleet since 2002, and they continue to do so to this day. Her own sailing experience includes the whole Caribbean as well as parts of Britain and Europe, she has a 200 ton yachtmaster licence in addition to her ASA qualifications. Cara is  also a qualified personal trainer, ski coach ( having been Britain’s women’s downhill champion for 5 years) as well as a PADI-certified open water diver. She speaks English, French and Italian fluently,  which means she can help so many people feel comfortable while learning to sail.”

Due to Horizon’s winning combination of top ASA instructors, a highly sought-after location, and exceptional customer service, it has been selected by the American Sailing Association as the destination for its 2024 Lenny Shabes Sailing Festival, scheduled from 16th to 23rd June 2024. Similarly, Jeanneau, one of the world’s leading monohull manufacturers, has also chosen Horizon for their Jeanneau owners rendezvous flotilla from 9th to 16th March 2024, driven by some of the same compelling factors.

Another way that Horizon Yacht Charters stands out is its additional charter broker services. While the staff at the base on Tortola can help clients book bareboat charters aboard sailboats in the Horizon Yacht Charters BVI and St. Vincent fleets, the team will also help clients book boats from other fleets all around the world—any kind of boat, anywhere the clients want to cruise.

“If we have clients who have been with us in the BVI and in the Grenadines, we can help them book a charter anywhere,” Struiken says. “Sometimes, people want to cruise somewhere different, and we are happy to assist with that.”

For clients interested in buying or selling a yacht, the Horizon Yacht Charters team is also available to help. The company is a distributor for Lagoon, Excess, FP and Nautitech catamarans, Jeanneau, Beneteau  and Bavaria monohulls, as well as ranges of centre console RIB’s and day boats. Horizon also maintains an active brokerage service with a wide range of listings, both in the BVI, and in Grenada, where Horizon also have a yacht management, refit and storage business.

“We are able to support our clients as their boating needs change throughout the years,” Struiken says. “Families grow, plans change, sometimes cruising ideas become bigger sailing ambitions. Our fleet, school, charters and yacht sales allow our clients to progress however they choose. And when they come back to us year after year, they see the same staff, ready to assist them. They feel like they’re coming home.”

“Whether charter client or yacht owner, from the moment of first contact until the final wave goodbye, whether that is a week or decades later,  our top priority is the customer experience. We look forward to welcoming you aboard”.  Struiken concludes.

How to book: Contact the Reservations team at res@horizonyachtcharters.comHome .

How to buy: Contact Robin at robin@horizonyachtcharters.com to find your new dream yacht or explore the selection of brokerage yachts available through Giles at giles@horizonyachtcharters.com.

For more information, please give us a call  on our toll free number (+1 877-494-8787) or visit our website Home .

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A trip to the beautiful British Virgin Islands is incomplete without getting on some sailboats. On our trip to visit The Moorings on their base in Tortola, we had the chance to step onboard the new Moorings 4500 sailing catamaran – and boy were we impressed. Check out the video to see for yourself, and see even more information (or book a charter!) at The Moorings’ website.

Specs at a Glance:

• Max Passengers: 11
• Toilets: 4
• Showers: 5
• Length Overall: 45′ 0”
• Beam: 24’2”
• Draft: 5’1”
• Water Capacity: 206 gal.
• Engine: 2 x Yanmar 45HP
• Fuel Capacity: 185 gal.

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A trip to the beautiful British Virgin Islands is incomplete without getting on some sailboats. On our trip to visit The Moorings on their base in Tortola, we had the chance to step onboard the new Moorings 4200 sailing catamaran – and boy were we impressed. Check out the video to see for yourself, and see even more information (or book a charter!) at The Moorings’ website.

Specs at a Glance:

• Max Passengers: 10
• Toilets: 4
• Showers: 4
• Length Overall: 41′ 7”
• Beam: 23’1”
• Draft: 4’7”
• Sail Area: 1,217 square feet
• Water Capacity: 174 gal.
• Engine: 2 x Yanmar 45HP Diesel engine with saildrive
• Fuel Capacity: 158 gal.

The post Cruising World Onboard: The Moorings 4200 appeared first on Cruising World.

From the idyllic cruising grounds of the Caribbean to the enchanting shores of the Mediterranean, the tropic splendor of far east Thailand to the exotic charm of Tahiti, Tonga, and the Indian Ocean’s Seychelles. No matter where your adventure compass points to, secluded beaches, pristine waters, and breathtaking views reign supreme.

With The Moorings’ exclusive menu of over 20 top-rated sailing destinations spanning across the globe, you can create custom passages and one-of-a-kind charter experiences time and again. Come aboard and discover your own piece of paradise, on your private Five-Star vacation platform, in the company of those most cherished. The world is waiting….go capture something extraordinary.

Visit moorings.com to start your journey.

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A trip to the beautiful British Virgin Islands is incomplete without getting on some sailboats. On our trip to visit The Moorings on their base in Tortola, we had the chance to step onboard the new Moorings 5000 sailing catamaran – and boy were we impressed. Check out the video to see for yourself, and see even more information (or book a charter!) at The Moorings’ website.

Specs at a Glance:

• Max Passengers: 11
• Toilets: 4
• Showers: 5
• Length Overall: 50’6
• Beam: 26’5
• Draft: 5’3
• Sail Area: 1660 sq ft
• Water Capacity: 185 gal.
• Engine: 2 x 57hp Yanmar
• Fuel Capacity: 243 gal.

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Easily accessible and brimming with scenic anchorages, barefoot beach bars and underwater delights, the British Virgin Islands seems to have been carved out expressly for bareboat chartering. The Sir Francis Drake channel carries sailors from sipping fruity Painkillers on Jost Van Dyke to scampering between boulders on Virgin Gorda, and cradles even novices with its flat protected waters and consistent trade winds. In short, it’s hard to find a better week’s sailing anywhere in the world.

In the heart of the 36-island country is TMM Yacht Charters, a boutique charter company that works exclusively in these idyllic waters. Since 1979, it has operated from its base in the capital of Road Town, always remaining small enough to provide personalized service, while being large enough to offer a diverse fleet of new yachts. This bespoke balance holds many advantages for both charterers and owners of its fleet boats.

For charterers, it starts with one-on-one boat briefings tailored to the party’s level of experience. “We take into consideration people’s abilities,” says Tim Parsons, TMM’s operations manager. “That means that when we’re doing the briefing, we can speed up in some areas or slow down if, for instance, people are struggling to come to terms with the new computer systems that basically handle the boats’ systems. We have the time to get people to fully understand it before they leave.”

They will literally go the extra nautical mile. “If you haven’t chartered with us before, one of our company’s policies is we will go out onto the water with you, put the sails up with you, and make sure you are comfortable. We are more than happy to offer that every time,” Parsons adds. “We’d prefer that you understand the boat fully on that first day and go off and have a great time on it, as opposed to not enjoying yourself because you didn’t know how something worked.”

Once clients are comfortable, confident and ready to set sail for the legendary Willy T, TMM’s personal service extends to chart briefings based on their specific interests. There are plenty of must-see highlights, and coordinates for the best snorkeling, diving and dining will be revealed. In addition, these one-on-one briefings are a chance for TMM’s staff to get a sense of a charter party’s vibe and use their well-honed local expertise to direct partygoers toward the one bay in the BVI where they can barhop or share out-of-the-way anchorages with solitude seekers.

“If they want to get off the beaten track a little bit, there are areas, but there are also reasons why you don’t go to some areas, and that’s the kind of information we can provide. We have a few tricks up our sleeve,” Parsons says with a smile.

During charters, TMM is available to answer any questions clients have or to offer advice. If there is an issue with a yacht, the company will send out a technician to take care of it anywhere in the BVI, outside of the more distant Anegada, and even there they provide support promptly by phone. “We deal with it quickly and efficiently,” says Barney Crook, TMM’s managing director.

Meticulous maintenance and attention to detail are other advantages of a small company, and yachts enjoy the same high level of care as charter clients receive. TMM’s fleet is typically about 30 to 35 strong and is currently made up of all catamarans 37 to 50 feet LOA, primarily the quite popular Lagoon and Fountaine-Pajot yachts. It is constantly replenished with new boats, and none are more than five years old. New yachts this year include two Lagoon 40s, one Lagoon 42, one Lagoon 46 and a Fountaine Pajot Aura 51. For next year we currently have a Fountaine Pajot MY5, Lagoon 42, 46 and 51 in the pipeline.

From a yacht owner’s standpoint, the boutique approach offers peace of mind as well as flexibility and control. Hence, the company tends to attract the type of owner who has a long-term plan for his or her boat and takes great interest in personalizing it. “They want it with a company where they know the people, and they know that it’s going to be well-maintained,” Crook says.

Owners are guaranteed five years in the charter program but can do less if they’d like. The management contract is simple and straightforward, giving TMM a fixed commission for selling a charter and payment for any work done. “In our program, owners pay us for what we do. So, number one, they have a lot of say in what goes on; number two, they can question anything that goes on; number three, if they want something unusual done, we’ll do it,” Crook says. “And if an owner wants to take out his boat for three months and go down-island cruising, that’s fine.”

Both owners and charterers will see familiar faces each time they return to the BVI to enjoy the fabled waters. “It’s the same team year on year with very little turnover of staff. We build up a nice rapport with our repeat clients,” Parsons says. “You can really get to know us.”

Learn more at https://sailtmm.com.

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There’s no greater vacation joy than letting mood set the course for the day—and no destination offers a better mix of well-stocked beach bars with lively crowds, quiet coves to escape to, white-sand beaches and watersports galore that cater to all your moods than the British Virgin Islands.

This Caribbean destination has long been a haven for boaters, thanks in part to the massive fleet available for rent out of Tortola, the main island, as well as the welcoming waters where those with less ocean experience quickly build confidence—and those with ample experience find new challenges and pleasures while taking on the Sir Francis Drake Channel and beyond.

Just a 2-minute drive from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, is Tortola, home to the bigger grocery stores and outfitters to jump-start any trip. It’s a destination worth exploring all on its own, especially by boat, because its coves and bays are both unique pockets of color and character. Soper’s Hole, a popular anchorage, is home to a lineup of pastel homes with picturesque white-gingerbread trim, as well as the iconic favorite, Pusser’s West End, a restaurant and bar with burgers, rum drinks and the chance to stock up on boating attire. Cane Garden Bay is another favorite of boaters, including Jimmy Buffett, for its protected anchorage and the chance to eat just-caught seafood on the beach at Myett’s Garden Inn. Quito’s Gazebo, also in Cane Garden Bay, is a locally owned hotel, bar and restaurant known for the reggae bands that jam out just yards from the turquoise water. You can easily eat your way around Tortola, but you’ll also want to stretch your legs and explore, especially taking on the hike up to Sage Mountain National Park, the highest point in the BVI and a great photo opportunity. 

From Tortola, the majority of islands are strung like beads on a curved necklace, all sitting across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Of that chain, Virgin Gorda is the northernmost, surrounded by a peppering of satellite islands, including Richard Branson’s Necker Island and the Dog Islands, famous for snorkeling. The must-see spot on Virgin Gorda is The Baths National Park, an impressive collection of basalt boulders nestled together to create grottoes and tunnels that you can explore and climb through. Multiple routes weave throughout, each leading to a different high point perfect for taking a group photo or a hand-holding group high jump into the deep waters. For a relaxed meal or cocktail while taking in this epic scenery, head to the Top of the Baths and tuck into a grilled lobster before enjoying a frozen coffee drink or mudslide cocktail poolside.

From Virgin Gorda, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour sail to Anegada, an 11-mile island that is easily the least visited of the inhabited BVI, making it a rare gem well worth the effort. The outdoor experiences here deliver that something extra, such as from Cow Wreck Beach, a haven for solitude-seekers who can walk miles in both directions, sometimes without encountering another beachgoer. Of course, you will find fellow boaters and island-lovers at the Cow Wreck Beach Bar, an open-air hangout with a timeless Caribbean vibe. Anegada also attracts divers and snorkelers looking to explore Horseshoe Reef, the Eastern Caribbean’s third-largest continuous reef, home to eagle rays, Atlantic spadefish, permit and a host of other wildlife.

This outpost island is a big destination come November, when the Anegada Lobster Festival kicks off. Held the weekend of American Thanksgiving, November 25-27, it brings together unique outdoor activities, such as an islandwide scavenger hunt and culinary celebrations centered on this Caribbean bounty.

The island of Jost Van Dyke, found off the back side of Tortola, is one of the BVI’s best day trips, home to a handful of beach bars where the Painkiller cocktails keep flowing as day-trippers enjoy the music and the shallow waters that make for a super-relaxing day. Soggy Dollar Bar anchors the scene and is said to be the originator of the Painkliller, the island’s famous cocktail: a mix of premium dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice (proportions are secret), and topped with freshly grated nutmeg. Beyond the bar scene, Jost offers hiking trails and scuba diving on the dynamic reefs of its Atlantic coast. There’s also paradise found in the form of Sandy Cay, an uninhabited spit of island with a bit of palm forest and the softest sand imaginable, perfect for throwing a football, playing frisbee or simply enjoying the view. Jost offers three overnight anchorages, so plan ahead to enjoy a full day and make a night of it.

Plus, so much of the beauty of the BVI lies in between. On and throughout the main islands, you’ll find more than 17 anchorages, including a few surprises that take you off the beaten path. Take Salt Island. It’s a popular day trip for scuba divers ready to witness the R.M.S. Rhone, arguably the Caribbean’s most storied and best-preserved shipwreck, dating back to 1867. Boaters have the unique pleasure of catching the sunrise and a snorkel or dive before the scuba day-trippers arrive. Salt Island also offers a hiking trail that shimmies up to a few cliffs overlooking crashing waves. Or anchor at Norman Island, another uninhabited island with a restaurant for day trippers, that offers hiking trails and caves to explore.

Spend your days sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, walking the beach, rating the cocktails at the beach bars, hiking, and exploring—it’s all in the mix here in the British Virgin Islands.

For more information on the BVI and to start planning your next getaway, visit their website.

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At some charter companies, the fleets of boats can feel cookie-cutter and impersonal—stripped of any details that make clients feel like they’re aboard a true home away from home.

That’s why Waypoints Yacht Charters strives to provide a boutique-style, elevated yacht charter experience aboard boats that have character and high-end amenities, with everything from the softest blankets to the best coffee machines ready for guests to enjoy.

“The boats each have their own story,” says Susan Restauri, who, along with Waypoints president Kirstie Palmer, brings a combined 45-plus years of charter-industry experience to helping Waypoints Yacht Charters’ clients have the best possible experience.

The company’s fleet of new-model yachts is housed at four bases—in the British Virgin Islands; US Virgin Islands; St. Petersburg, Florida; and Annapolis, Maryland—always in the heart of these incredible locations for easy access to all the best sights and activities.

Waypoints BVI is located at Nanny Cay on Tortola, just a short walk from local restaurants, beach bars, provisioning spots and more. The location has an on-site spa and swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and luxury showers, among other amenities, so charter clients can relax and feel at home even before they set off to explore the islands. There are several grocery stores in nearby Road Town where bareboaters can provision, and there are several beverage companies to choose from as well.

The US Virgin Islands location is at Frenchtown on St. Thomas, a hub of activity in the island chain. In fact, guests who start their charters here can go from the airport to the base in a 10-minute cab ride, which puts them afloat in their anchorage in less than two hours after getting off the plane. Or clients can linger near the base and take some time to check out all the local restaurants and duty-free shopping. Grocery stores are bountiful for provisioning, and some services will do provisioning in advance of the client’s arrival, so the food and stores merely have to be stowed on the boat before setting off.

In downtown St. Petersburg, the Waypoints Florida base marina is at an award-winning hotel that adjoins Vinoy Park and Beach Drive, overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin in Tampa Bay. Clients arriving from nearby locations can leave their vehicles in one of several easily accessible public parking lots, and access for clients flying in from farther afield is easy from Tampa International Airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport or Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Up in Annapolis, the Waypoints base is in historic Eastport, overlooking the United States Naval Academy. Charter clients can walk or take a dinghy ride to the historic Annapolis downtown, which is filled with quaint shops and restaurants, before heading out to explore Chesapeake Bay on the boat. Grocery provisioning is convenient at this base too, with delivery available from several stores. There’s also the option of a private onboard chef from the Annapolis base, with sample menus available on request.

And no matter what other questions clients have at any of the Waypoints locations, the staff is highly experienced and prepared to answer.

“Everybody who works with us has sailing experience,” Restauri says, adding that the Waypoints staff is composed of far more than just people who take bookings over the phone. “We can actually tell you about these boats and locations.”

Options for how to enjoy time on board abound in each of the four base locations. Clients can choose to book as bareboaters or with a captain, and can select from sailing monohulls, catamarans and motoryachts from top-notch manufacturers, including Fountaine-Pajot and Dufour. Each yacht is privately owned with comfort and performance amenities such as generators, air conditioning and watermakers—again, setting the fleet apart from those that offer stripped-down boats with virtually no creature comforts at all.

Making sure clients can choose from a fleet of high-quality boats is a hallmark of the Waypoints Yacht Charters brand. One of the things that helps the team at Waypoints ensure access to top-notch charter boats is the company’s exclusive partnership with Atlantic Cruising Yachts, one of the top yacht dealers in the world, with locations across North America. ACY introduces the Waypoints brokers to yacht owners at the time they are buying and outfitting their boats, a process that lets the Waypoints team make sure from the start that everything charter guests expect will in fact be on board.

And, after a charter is booked on any boat, the Waypoints team goes above and beyond to make sure that everything the client requested is ready to go.

“We had one situation in Annapolis where a charter client didn’t get his beverage order, which he had placed himself at a local store,” Restauri says. “A member of our Waypoints team drove to the liquor store for him. That’s the kind of personalized service that sets Waypoints apart. It’s the extra step that we’re willing to take. We want people to feel totally special.”

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Having worked as an editor in marine publishing for the better part of a decade and a half, I’ve had a few opportunities to charter. I’ve been able to witness firsthand the whole spectrum of what some refer to as the best-kept secret in vacation travel. It hasn’t been often that those situations presented themselves, but since the opportunity to charter even once is a bucket-list item for most sailors, I never took an assignment for granted—though I did manage to embarrass myself at a cocktail party, complaining about having to leave home again for a week to “go do another charter story.”

My first taste of charter on a crewed luxury yacht had all the spoils. I was a fairly green editor working at a superyacht magazine, and the boat was a 160-footer owned by a billionaire and managed by a spruce crew of 12. The experience was truly something out of a fantasy.

I didn’t come from a ton of money. Heck, when my parents finally sprung for a well-aged Hunter 31 back in the day, for which I must have been lobbying for years, I figured my dad had hit the jackpot or something. So, that first charter came with a steep learning curve for me. It began the minute I stepped foot from the dinghy—they call them “tenders” up in that stratosphere—onto the massive swim platform. I’ll never forget the chief stewardess greeting us with the most sophisticated British accent I’d ever heard. The second stewardess tonged out crisp, cool, moist towelettes that were delicately scented with cucumber mint. A third stewardess asked if we would care for a refreshment. All the other mates and stewardesses scurried off to our lavish staterooms with our bags, unpacking and pressing all of our clothes before putting them neatly away. It was five-star service at my beck and call. It was surreal. And it was quite easy to get used to. 

For years, that story assignment defined the charter experience for me—until this past summer, when I got to experience bareboating. My wife and I, plus three other couples who are friends, helmed a 54-footer for a week through the matchless cruising grounds that are the British Virgin Islands. Unlike the superyacht experience—which is like a floating Ritz-Carlton that could have been anywhere—we plotted our own course, we cast our own lines, we poured our own drinks. We absolutely lived, in every sense of the word, for several sun- and fun-soaked days. It was soulful. It was real. It was home. 

One of the best things about charter is the wide variety of experiences that exists for cruising nuts like you and me. Charter is not only what I like to call the gateway drug to yacht ownership, but it’s also the actual gateway to some of the most memorable and exceptional waterborne experiences one can have on this planet. 

You’ll find some of those ­adventures detailed in this issue, such as our award-winning ­editor-at-large Mark Pillsbury’s ­recent sailing escapades in Antigua, where he had the rare pleasure of observing—and nearly unwittingly becoming a part of—Antigua Sailing Week from the deck of a Lagoon 42 on charter. Kim Kavin, another award-winner, takes a different tack, profiling why some lifelong sailors decided to cross over to “the dark side” (see also: power) to charter the scenic Pacific Northwest. Each charterer was rewarded with memories for a lifetime. 

On the subject of tacking, you’ve probably noticed a few subtle changes in the magazine, on which our editorial team has been working passionately and tirelessly. Our goal is the same as it’s always been: to be your gateway to the cruising realm, where the spirit of adventure calls those who feel most alive when they’re on the water, who aren’t afraid to venture a bit farther beyond the reef. 

One of those changes is the evolution of our previous Food column to the all-new Sailor & Galley, headed up by longtime CW contributing editor and Greece-based charter operator Lynda Morris Childress. She delves beyond recipes and into the lives and nautical inspiration of the hands that prepare them. I hope you enjoy the first installment of Sailor & Galley. 

As for charter, I can confidently attest firsthand that the ­business is booming—and rightfully so. There’s never been a ­better time to make that bucket-list item a reality. No matter your means or what type of charter you decide on, there’s a unique experience out there for everyone.

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