Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I sleep aboard the night before my charter?
Yes, if the boat is not already booked then a sleep-aboard is available at a rate of $30 per person (minimum of $120).
What happens if I arrive after 5pm and the office is closed?
We will leave a sign on the office door directing you to the boat and the boat will be left unlocked with the lights on. We will be back to check you in at 8.30 am the following morning.
What is provided on the boat and what will I need to bring with me?
All of your towels, linens and kitchen equipment are provided. You will need to bring everything else.
Do charters only run Saturday to Saturday for one week?
No, we are completely flexible. You can start or finish on any day of the week and charter for any number of days it is up to you!
Do U.S. Citizens need passports to travel to the BVI?
Yes, as of the 1st of January 2007 all visitors to the BVI including U.S. citizens are required to show a valid passport on arrival.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
No, we provide you with free fins, masks and snorkels.
How do I book a boat?
Once you have decided on a boat and we have confirmed that she is available you can just contact us by e-mail charters@bviyc.com or by telephone at 1-284-494-4289 to make a booking. We will then email you a contract. You have two weeks to send us a 50% deposit together with a signed copy of the contract to secure your booking.
What qualifications do I need to have to charter a bareboat?
We do not necessarily require specific qualifications to charter, however we look for previous experience on a boat of a similar size. If we are at all concerned about your level of experience, we will ask you to take a checkout captain for the first day of the charter at an additional charge of $125 for the day.
What happens if we have to cancel?
CANCELLATION POLICY :
Once the charter has been reserved and deposit monies have been received, the charter is considered non-refundable. Should a Charterer be forced to cancel, all monies will be forfeited. However, a Charterer may wish to purchase cancellation insurance for $150 per charter, which will allow the following:
- A charter may be cancelled more than 90 days before the charter a full refund will be issued without penalty.
- If the charter is cancelled within 90 days the scheduled charter an additional $300.00 administration will be deducted from the deposit monies, alternatively, the Charterer may reschedule for a future date
- If the charter is cancelled within 45 and prior to 30 days the penalty is 50% of the charter fee, unless the charter dates are rebooked,alternatively, the Charterer may reschedule for a future date
- If cancellation notice is within 30 days prior to the charter date the full charter fee is forfeited less all additional fees, unless the charter dates are rebooked. Alternatively, the Charterer may reschedule for a future date.
What is covered in the charter fee? Extra costs to bear in mind.
The charter fee simply covers the rental of the boat and tender. Extra costs to bear in mind are taxes of $2 per person per day in high season and $0.75 in low season. $25 to $55 per week National Parks Permit. $10 per charter for VISAR (click on www.visar.org for more info how VISAR might save your life.) $30 a day CDW Yacht Insurance plus $20 per charter dinghy insurance. Fuel- you are given the boat full and return it full after your charter (about $80 a week for a monohull, $100 for a catamaran.)
May I sail at night?
No, unfortunately you are not insured for sailing after dark or before sunrise. As such we ask all of our charter guests to arrive at their final destination of the day by 5pm. This enables you ample time to anchor or moor securely before nightfall.
Do all of your yachts come with a dinghy?
Yes, all of our yachts come with a an inflatable dinghy (RIB) and outboard motor.