Commodore's Cruise 2020

Have you ever wanted to explore the British Virgin Islands? Want to go on the best family vacation ever? Join NYCC on it’s first ever commodore’s cruise in BVI. This trip is still in the planning stages and we are looking for interested families and individuals.


The following information will assist in your planning:

1. BVI Date:  The official dates for the NYCC BVI Commodore’s Cruise are March 6th -13th 2021. We already have two families and one boat confirmed for the trip.
2. Planning:  We will have a skippers meeting summer 2020 to discuss the cruise and we will be able to field your questions. In the meantime, the following is a list of things you can do to prepare.
   • Crew:  Find other families to share a boat or put together your own crew. This will assist in determining the size of boat that you will need.
   • Booking your boat. Typically, boats are booked about one year in advance. 
     • Book with a Broker:  We booked our boat through a boat broker called VI Sailing. Save 35% on your charter if you book by April 20, 2020. Request a quote with 35% savings. The VI Sailing website is VISailing.com and our direct contact is Joann Higgins. She can be reached at [email protected]. Joann can find you the right boat from any charter company. 
     • Book Directly with a Charter Company:  If you prefer to book directly yourself, the following are some recommended charter companies.
       • Moorings https://www.moorings.com/
       • Voyage Charters https://www.voyagecharters.com/
       • MarineMax (Nanny Cay) https://www.marinemax.com/vacations
3. Cancelation Policy:  Book now to reserve your boat. If you are concerned about not knowing what the next year brings, please know there are cancelation policies. Each company is different so check it out.
4. Book Flights:  BVI is a popular destination. Normally, I would recommend booking one year in advance.
   • Consider the following when booking your flights:
     1. St. Thomas (STT): If you fly into St. Thomas, there are several ferries (Road Town Fast Ferry) and private water taxis (Dolphin or Foxy’s) to get you to the charter bases on Tortola.
     2.  Beef Island, Tortola (EIS): which you can reach with a connecting flight through Charlotte Amalie
   • You’ll want to arrive in time to pick up your boat on March 6, 2021.
   • Check-in time is typically 5pm. Load on to your boat from 5-8pm.  Go to dinner and sleep the first night at the docks. Remember getting there early gives you time to explore and shop for groceries for the week. (You can also shop on line and have your groceries delivered.)
   • Please note that you will need passports for this trip.
5.  Recommended Reading:  I recommend picking up a copy of the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands, which is a great book that will help you plan but it also provides great descriptions of each port. 

Let me know if you are interested or have any questions. 

Thank you,

PJ Trudell
Cell: 415-722-3286
Email: [email protected]

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Introduction Many Yacht Clubs highlight their cruising calendar with a Charter Destination. The goal is for members to charter in a location and explore together. For NYCC’s first ever Commodore’s Cruise we are going to BVI Group and specialized training necessary to go to the BVI and charter boats can be scheduled at NYCC to reduce the costs.  Boat charter discounts are available for the group. Families can split boats to reduce costs and increase fun!
Why BVI? Whether you're a beginner sailor or a long-time seasoned sailor, the British Virgin Islands is the ideal destination for a bareboat charter. The trade-winds, warm weather and warm water make for a perfect location!  Plenty of activities for kids of all ages (2-94)
Training Most charter companies in the BVI don’t require specific qualifications. For those that need it, training can be coordinated and done here at NYCC or do a weekend getaway. For those that don’t want to operate your own charter, you can share a boat or get a captain. ASA Course- ASA 101, 102, 105 $7000 for 2 people.
Schedule Planning and Preparation May 2019 - Introductory Meeting Spring summer and Fall 2019 and 2020 - Training as required. July 2019 - Finalize core group and dates. December 2019 - Book Boats Cruise Day 0 - Travel to BVI Day 1 - Group meetup Norman Island Day 3 - Meetup Virgin Gorga Sound Day 5 - Meetup Great Harbor  Day 7 - Turn in boats Day 8 - Travel Home
Charter Costs High Season Rates Monohull 35’ $5,000/week (Sleeps 6) Monohull 52’ $15,000 (Sleeps 13) Catamaran 38’ $9,600  (Sleeps 8) Catamaran 50’ $25,000  (Sleeps 14)
What to Look for in a Boat Number of Cabins Number of Heads Air Conditioning and Generator Water Maker
Shopping & Dining Grocery Store(s) on Big Islands Pre-Provisioning and Self Provisioning Can’t Have Enough Drinking Water Most people have dinners on shore. Don’t buy too much! Most People eat breakfast on the boat and most lunches on boat Groceries are expensive once you leave Tortla (Especially Water)