Blog | Sailing Vacations, Caribbean Sailing Charters

Sailing Vacations – Exploring Jost Van Dyke

July 5, 2011

The Sailing Vacation of the Adams family continue as their 44’ catamaran, “Sea Breeze” enters Great Harbor under the experienced guidance of Captain Terry.

Jost Van Dyke is a large, mountainous island that lies to the north of Tortola, named after a famous pirate. Great Harbor is the main settlement and also an immigration port for entry to the BVI.

We decide to have lunch and explore this quaint settlement. Quaint is an understatement. Time has stood still and you get the feeling that nothing has changed in the last hundred years. A small dirt path leads to the local grocery hut which has a small inventory, (I guess the supply boat has not been here this week) further down the trail we see small wooden houses with front porches. Smiling faces greet us, several offer bakery items or ice for sale.

Lunch is at the famous “Foxy’s Bar”. We sit under a huge thatched roof and enjoy drinks from an open air bar served by a bar tender with a great sense of humor and lots of stories to tell. Memorabilia new, old and ancient is tacked on the ceiling. A bra, a Florida State hat, a license plate from Alaska, lacy panties, and hundreds of business cards. Juicy hamburgers, a bushwhacker and we are ready for a nap in the hammock that swings under the canopy of trees.

Our next stop on Jost Van Dyke is White Bay with is the westernmost harbor on the south side of the island. A beautiful snowy white beach greets us as Captain Terry gingerly guides us through the narrow channel. The beach is dotted with beach bars, each more primitive and bohemian than next. This is the home of the world famous “Soggy Dollar Bar” and of course no sailing adventure is complete without a earned Soggy Dollar Bar T shirt”. To be eligible we have to jump over into the clear aqua Caribbean water and swim ashore. Melody is the winner and we all arrive with smiles on our faces and wet dollar bills in our bathing suit pockets.

The Soggy Dollar Bar is surrounded by large lofty palm trees that give shade to the numerous lounge chairs and tables. The bar is filled with music, laughter and people from all over the world. The large cruise ships ferry their guests over for the day to experience ”island life”. Shooters for all, dancing in the sand, and “where are you from” is heard all around.

Sarah, John and I decide this is a good time for some beach time. We stroll the length of the beach and admire the sugary white sand and the clear water, spotting fish here and there. A couple of lounge chairs and we sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. A Sailing Vacations are not ALL about sailing

John has found a friend and they are off to try and learn the art of paddle boarding. This sport is all the rage in the islands and John quickly maneuvers the board into the waves while standing up and using a paddle to guide and propel the boat.

Blue skies, white beaches, warm gentle breezes and we watch our boat bobbing in the anchorage. It is nice to know that a short dingy ride back to our floating hotel and a night under the stars awaits us. We wonder what adventure Captain Terry has in store for us tomorrow.

Schedule your Sailing Vacation and make your dreams become a reality. Captain Terry offers custom plans with vessels of various sizes and styles. SailwithTerry.com

Captain Terry: sailwithterry@gmail.com 941 266 0296

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Fireballs, Dancing, Full Moon

June 22 2011

Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Fireballs, Dancing, Full Moon

The Adams family is safely moored abroad their 44’ catamaran, “Sea Breeze” at a large anchorage, Trellis Bay, BVI. It is a clear, balmy evening and the party is getting ready to start.  The Adams family is preparing to experience their first Full Moon Party in The British Virgin Islands.

Hundreds of sailboats rocking in the bay, the sun is setting on the horizon.  Music, laughter, greetings float throughout the anchorage.  Everyone is enjoying a sunset happy hour and preparing to board their dinghies for a fun evening of food, fun, and music.

Emily and Melody have donned newly purchased shorts and local T shirts.  John is ready to go ashore in search of food and so we all board our trusty dingy with Captain Terry at the throttle.   The dingy dock is overly crowded as we squeeze in for a slot. How will we ever figure out which one is ours?

Once on shore we hear the distant sound of the steel drums and smell the aroma of a BBQ complete with local spice.  The BBQ buffet is large and loaded with chicken, pork, stewed goat, and seafood plus vegetable and of course dessert.  Large picnic tables are set up and we join a honey moon couple from Texas who are sailing with their captain on a 38’ sailboat.

The crowd thickens as evening approaches.  In the far distance we see the full moon rising.  There are two bands playing, dancing every where.  As nightfall approaches, the moon rises and casts a spotlight on the party.   The crescendo of the band rises to a high pitch; in the distance we see some colorful costumes.  Can it be?  Is it?  Yes, the Mocko Jumbies have arrived and are dancing to the Caribbean music.  How do they manage to walk on those thin sticks in all of this sand? They must be 10 – 12 feet in the air.  Amazing.

Smoke fills the air and the large, artfully sculpted fireballs are lite on the beach to welcome our guest of honor; a huge, brilliant full moon.  Dancing, greetings to old and new friends, the music is going full blast.  Moon worshippers are wading into the water to pay homage to the moon.  A beautiful warm night, island music, family, friends and a few rum punches and painkillers and the world feels peaceful and surreal.

A dingy ride back to our floating hotel under the supervision of Captain Terry and we are all ready to go to our cabin and dream of a fantastic night. This Full Moon party was awesome!  Sleep comes readily as the wind picks up and gently rocks the boat.

Tomorrow we will experience yet another sailing adventure:  A resort dive and a visit to “Old Bubbly”.

View the picture gallery at sailwithterry.com.   Contact Captain Terry and reserve your date for a Full Moon Party in the BVI.  sailwithterry@gmail.com 941 266 0296 for schedules and pricing.

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Dancing with the Moon 

June 21 2011

The Adams family Caribbean sailing vacation adventures continue as they set sail for Trellis Bay and a night of festivities celebrating the Full Moon.

Our sailing vacation continues with all hands on deck as the mooring lines are released, sails go up and we are on our way to our next anchorage.

Captain Terry has briefed us on our next sailing adventure … Destination Trellis Bay, Beef Island. Trellis Bay is connected to the main island of Tortola by a small bridge and is located at the northeastern end of the island.

Our goal is to arrive early as this anchorage is the popular place to be for Full Moon parties. Well someone forgot to tell the wind guru and we are facing southerly winds which make it ideal if you are sailing to Jost Van Dyke but not to Trellis Bay.  Captain Terry gives us a review course on tacking and we are ready to engage.

Everyone has a position to man.  John and I take the first round with Sarah at the helm.  Position, check lines, ready to come about, releases.  Speed is the essence of a successful  “coming about” .  Basically we are bringing the foresail to the other side of the boat to catch some wind. “ Tacking” as this called is the  method a sailboat uses to get to a destination when the winds are blowing from the direction you want to go.  Yes, you zig zag back and forth and yes it does take a while.

The Adams family has stepped up to the job and the next time that we tack, Emily and Melody are going to handle the sheets while John turns the boat away into the wind.  This is all about team work and timing and the girls are intent on beating the boys.  Great job but the boys are still ahead by 5 seconds!

The competition is fierce but the bragging rights go the boys as we approach Trellis Bay.  Sailboats of all sizes and styles are jockeying for a mooring ball.  The balls appear to be set a little closer than in previous anchorages and I am again thankful for the steady hand and experience of our Captain Terry .  The atmosphere is festive as the anticipation for the full moon party intensifies.  Dinghies are running to shore and greetings can be heard from the boats.  Music carries over the water and we sit back as sail boats stream in through the channel threading their way through the moored boats looking for an opening and a mooring ball or a place to drop an anchor.  I think this is going to be a fun night!

Lunch time and we jump into the dingy and head for Trellis Bay.  The buildings are quaint and primitive; little shops, bars, internet café, restaurants.  We find a table outside at the Better Cup of Coffee and enjoy a local beverage, ginger beer for children and icy cold Caribe for adults.  The bread is homemade and the sandwiches are delicious.

After lunch a stroll around the island, my eyes catch the sight of a huge hammock strung between two shade trees and I make a bee line for my siesta.    Sarah and the children explore the island and visit the large local art gallery.  There are beautiful works created by local artists.  Pottery, baskets, sculptors, paintings and of course the huge intricately sculpted metal balls that are being filled with wood for the full moon party.

John spots a sail board and has signed up for paddle board lessons.  Emily and Melody continue their quest for t shirts and Sarah joins me in the hammock.  A little snooze in the warm, balmy breeze, visions of a new adventure.  A full moon party!  Another hard day in the islands!

Check out sailwithterry.com and see the pictures of the Full Moon parties.  Email Captain Terry:   sailiwthterry@gmail.com and schedule your Caribbean sailing vacation for the next full moon party.   941 266 0296

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Caribbean Sailing Vacation – Drowned Island, Beaches, Lobsters

June 14, 2011

The Adams family’s Caribbean sailing vacation continues as we set sail for Anegada, an island comprised of coral and limestone and only rising to 28 feet above sea level at its highest point.

Another morning dawns in the Caribbean as the sun rises over the horizon. Pelicans are busy diving for breakfast and neighboring boats are preparing to cast off. John and Melody are already up on deck, Emily is stirring and Sarah and I are enjoying our morning coffee. Captain Terry is briefing us on our upcoming sail. The winds have picked up and we should enjoy a good sail to our next destination, Anegada. We are told that the entrance to the island is like threading a needle and there have been over 300 known wrecks on Horseshoe Reef.

All hands on deck as John releases the mooring ball, Melody and Emily are hoisting the mainsail and Sarah is at the helm. I am amazed how my family has taken to the water and the art of sailing. As we round the island I raise the fore sails and it feels as if we are flying. Our destination is about 17 miles to the northeast. Squeals of delight rise up as the rail touches the water. We are doing 8 knots and the adrenaline is running high. Melody, Emily and Sarah find a comfortable spot on the bow of the boat and are enjoying the cool ocean spray while working on their tans. John has taken the helm and is instructing me to adjust the mainsail. Is this my son who was only interested in texting and listening to his I pod? As a matter of fact, no one has been on the phone or computer or watched TV for the entire week! We have been talking, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Unbelievable!

Unlike all of the other mountainous islands in the Virgin islands, Anegada is flat, 11 miles long and fringed with beautiful beaches on the Atlantic side. Anegada is renowned for its laid back lifestyle, friendly inhabitants and of course the grilled Caribbean lobsters that are caught fresh daily.

“There it is!” cries Emily as she spots a tiny speck of land in the distance. As the island comes into view we notice the stark flatness of the island, and spot the markers for the channel. Captain Terry takes the helm to guide Sea Breeze through the narrow passage way and John is ready to pull in the painter to secure the mooring ball. Everyone is so excited to explore the island. We gather our snorkel gear, sun block, towels and go ashore.

As we walk on the dock, cages of hugh lobster are immersed in the water. Dinner! Reservations are made at the dockside restaurant and we proceed to climbing aboard a convertible taxi. (More like a van without sides or a top). A tour through the island, we see salt ponds, colorful flamingos, and quaint old cottages in the settlement. We thought the main islands were laid back, but Anegada takes it to another level. This place looks like another world in another time. No green mountains, little vegetation, just water and beaches everywhere. Our driver drops us at Cow Wreck Beach and Bar. We are amazed at the endless snow white beaches. Everyone claims a beach chair, and then we proceed to walk to the water’s edge and snorkel the visible reefs.

The reefs are populated by an amazing array of tropical fish. Emily spots a stingray and I watch as a huge school of blue tang swim by. Lunch at the beach bar, a nap under one of the few trees and then a long walk on the beach. This is the most peaceful place that I have ever visited. It feels as if time has stopped.

Our friendly cab driver/tour guide is waiting for us at the bar and drives us back to the dock where Captain Terry is waiting to ferry us to Sea Breeze.

Showers on the stern of the boat, clean shorts and shirts and we are ready for “Happy Hour “on deck. Sarah has prepared a smoked fish dip and we revisit the wonderful sights that we have seen today.

It is time to go ashore for dinner. We are guided to our table at the edge of the water with a panoramic view of the ocean and a brilliant sunset. Other boaters join in and stories of past island adventures are shared. The grills are loaded with lobsters and are mouths are watering. Dinner is served and we all are amazed at the huge size of the lobsters. The atmosphere is festive and we eat, drink, and talk until the last bite is gone.

A short dingy ride under a canopy of stars and we are back on our boat. We lay on the sail boat looking up at the beautiful sky and see the Milky way and other constellations. Wishes are made as we watch for falling stars. Life is good. I want to capture this moment forever.

Visit sailwithterry.com to view the photo and video gallery. Make your dream sailing vacation a reality.

Email sailwithterry@gmail.com or call 941 266 0296 and let Captain Terry plan your chartered Caribbean sailing vacation.

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Sailing Vacations – Meteorites, Pools, Boulders

June 10, 2011

Sailing Vacations – Meteorites, Pools, Boulders

Today’s adventure will take us throughout the island of Virgin Gorda, visiting the renown Baths and then on to Spanish Town.

sailing vacations, the Baths

We have been advised that you cannot take a sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands and not visit the Baths. Located at the southwestern end of Virgin Gorda, the Baths are a huge formation of unusual granite boulders stacked on top of each other. The boulders form a cave with many shafts allowing the sun to shine in and throughout the centuries water has washed in forming numerous pools.

After a light breakfast we jump into the dingy and Captain Terry brings us to Leverick Bay to catch a cab for our land excursion. Tony greets us with his shiny taxi and we are off to see some of the most magnificent scenery. Our gracious local guide points out the different islands that we have visited and stops for several photo ops. The 360 degree view of the blue sky, green hillsides and the endless azure Caribbean ocean dotted with sail boats is a scene that we will never forget.

After a winding, picturesque ride we arrive at the Baths ahead of the cruise ship crowds. A small rock entrance, down a few steps and we are in awe! We are in the cathedral, rocks are stacked overhead about 20 feet, the sun rays come through the openings and we realize that we are viewing an unexplained wonder that has existed for many centuries. No one knows for sure how the Baths were formed but popular belief is that they were formed by a meteorite shower.

We played in the underground pool, climbed boulders for pictures and were happy that we took Captain Terry’s advice to come early before the crowds. The Baths are definitely a visit not to miss.

As we exited from the rocks a beautify white beach lay in front of us and we enjoyed playing in the surf until it was time to meet Tony, our driver.

Spanish Town was the next stop, a little lunch at the marina waterfront and a stroll through the shops. Spanish Town was once the capital of the BVI and still does a bustling business. It has a custom clearing house so there is always someone coming in from oceans away.

Captain Terry met us at the dock and ferried us back to Sea Breeze . Of course we all wanted to talk at the same time and tell the Captain about the awesome Baths. (I wonder how many times he has heard theses enthusiast stories?)

The days seem to be racing by, each day a new island to explore and a different anchorage. Tonight we have decided to stay at Long Bay. We enter the quiet cove and this time we will anchorage for the night. John and I are assigned these duties. We learn to loosen the anchor, prepare the electric controls and when the Captain says go! We do not hesitate. The big metal chain automatically unreels and we let out about 80 feet of chain. Captain Terry instructs us that we are holding so we snub down the chain and we are set for the night.

This is a beautify anchorage with only two other boats anchored at a distance. Emily and Melody are already jumping over the side to explore the huge coral reefs while John, Sarah and I go in the dingy with Captain Terry for a snorkel in the caves and tunnels. Awesome marine life, John saw a Stingray and we all observed numerous schools of angel fish, parrot fish and couple of barracuda, …all amidst brilliant sponges, purple fans and much, much more

Back on our floating hotel, we sip cocktails as the brilliant orange sun sets in the distant horizon over the turquoise ocean. We reminisced about all of the neat things that we saw during the day. Our only regret was that the days were slipping by too fast. (Was I worried about getting bored on a sailboat?)

Captain Terry lights the grill and we all pitched in and prepared the best meal ever. Pork tenderloins, yellow rice, black beans and a huge salad with John’s special dressing. A nice quiet evening, watching for shooting stars and soon one by one everyone retired to their cabins to dream about tomorrows adventure – Anegada – the Drowned Island – Grilled Lobsters – Snowy White Beaches.

Check out the pictures of these beautiful locations at sailwithterry.com. Captain Terry will customize your dream Caribbean Sailing Vacation with YOUR interests in mind. sailthithterry@gmail.com 941- 266-0296

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Sailing Vacations – Pirates, Pigs, Baths

May 20, 2011 Adams Family

Sailing Vacations – Pirates, Pigs, Baths

Great winds, full sails and the Adams Family is enjoying an awesome sailing adventure as we head for the “Fat Virgin”.

Virgin Gorda was dubbed the “Fat Virgin” by Christopher Columbus because of its resemblance to a woman lying on her back! (Perhaps Chris had too many rum punches). Virgin Gorda is the second largest island in the BVI chain. The main settlement is Spanish Town which was the capital of the BVI and populated largely by Spaniards who came to mine the copper ore. Tourism is now the mainstay of Virgin Gorda.

Sarah, Emily and Melody dingy to shore to explore the shops and enjoy a massage at the local spa. I am going to join John and snorkel along the shoreline in search of turtles and starfish.

Happy hour approaches and we have dressed for dinner. A shower off the back of the boat, clean shorts and we ride over to meet the singing pirate, Michael Beans. Tables are set on the beach and laughter and music greet our arrival. Michael Beans lives on a pirate sail boat and has been singing his pirates songs for many years. We all join in singing “Yo Ho, Watch Em Go To Sophers Hole”, learn the pirates alphabet and try our hand at the conch blowing contest. John blows the longest and wins a case of beer for the boat. Too bad that he is underage but it gives him bragging rights to his friends for winning a case of beer at the age of 12.

Our mouths begin to water as we smell whiffs of barbeque. A huge buffet is set up adjacent to the pool complete with a large roasted pig. The food is abundant and varied and there are several trips back to the buffet line as we sample the succulent pork, jerk chicken, local fish, and of course the dessert bar.

The island music is gearing up and the dance floor is filling. This is a great outing for a everyone. Children , parents, grandparents and couples. Dancing

under the moonlight, palms trees swaying in the warm island breeze. Anticipation travels through the crowd and we look up to see the first of the Mucko Jumbies enter the dance area. Mucko Jumbies are local entertainers on huge stilts. They are dressed in colorful costumes and are renowned throughout the islands. The tempo picks up and “Oh my, a Jumbi has just taken Emily by the hand is dancing with her!”. Cameras lights pop as the audience joins the Congo line though the long legs of the Mucko Jumbies. It is a festive time and everyone is joining in the dancing and celebration. We all go pool side to watch the Jumbies finale, a jump into the pool. You don’t see this kind of entertainment in Wisconsin!

The party winds down, we pile into the dingy and Captain Terry steers us to our floating hotel. We are happy and tired and cannot wait to board Sea Breeze and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves.

As Sarah and I sit on the deck of the boat and reminisce about the day’s events. We smile at the way our family has come together. No TV, no I pod and no computer. Just having fun, enjoying the company of each other, working as a team!! We look up at the canopy of stars and mummer a silent “Thank You”.

Tomorrow we will explore the renowned Baths. Another day in the islands, another adventure.

Visit www. sailwithterry .com and enjoy the extensive picture gallery of the beautiful islands. Captain Terry can help make your Caribbean Sailing Vacation a reality. sailwithterry@gmail or 941 266 0296 for questions and reservations.

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Sailing Vacation – The Indians, Pirates and Sunsets

May 13, 2011

Start of our Sailing Vacation.

“We have set sail for our first nights anchorage, the Bight at Norman Island also known as Treasure Island.”…….Jim Adams

Brilliant blue skies, water crystal clear and steady warm breezes as we set sail for our first destination, Norman Island. Captain Terry suggests that we make a stop at a renowned snorkel reef, the Indians .

We receive our first lesson grabbing a mooring ball, John and I were assigned this task and were greeted with applause as we succeeded to pull in the painter and tie down the line.

Quickly we choose our masks, snorkel and fins from Captain Terry’s supply and jump into the beautiful, warm Caribbean. Captain Terry carefully guided us around the coral wall and we were awed and amazed at the sights. This is like swimming in an aquarium! So many different tropical fish and beautiful coral. “No Emily, no sharks!”

Back to our floating hotel, “Sea Breeze” and we were energized and excited as we check out the charts to identify the numerous fish that we saw. Drop the mooring ball, a short sail to Norman island and a picturesque anchorage surrounded by large green hills. John and I once again aced the mooring and we were set for the night.

Located in the Bight of Norman Island is the William Thornton ( “Willie “T”), a floating restaurant which is a replica of a topsails lumber schooner and offers casual dining and wild late night parties. We choose to take a short dingy ride to Pirates on Norman Island. A beach bar with lounge chairs, volley ball net and hammocks tied to huge trees. This is a perfect place to sample a pain killer and watch the sunset as the children decide to engage in a volley ball game. A first night’s dinner of local cuisine under a large canopy and meeting happy cruisers from all over the world. Night falls, the stars come out and we are back on our boat. Sarah, John and I lie on the deck and try to name the constellations while the girls decided to check out the party scene at “Willie T’s”.

I feel very content and happy with my family in these beautiful surroundings. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Day two: dawn slowly creeps over the hills, a cup of hot coffee on deck with Sarah, we are entertained by a large flock of brown pelicans diving for their morning breakfast. Soon everyone will be up and after breakfast on deck, we will dingy back to the island. Melody wants to shop at the boutique and lay in the hammock, the rest of us have donned our walking shoes and are going to explore this island and John is determined to find the buried pirate treasure. A dirt trail encircles the island and the views from the top of the hills are breathtaking. Emily is giving her new camera a work out and at every turn someone is shouting “come here and see! The boats in the anchorage look like toy boats rocking in the beautiful blue water and as we look out on the horizon we see our next anchorage. Virgin Gorda. Dingy Back to Sea Breeze, batten down the hatches, release the mooring, raise the sails! Melody and Emily released the mooing s as John and I learn to hoist the sails under the patient direction of Captain Terry. Meanwhile Sarah has taken the helm and is guiding us out of the anchorage.

The winds are picking up as we go out to Drakes Channel on our way to the next destination, Virgin Gorda, The second largest island in the British Virgin Islands. It is Friday night and we are going to a pig roast and beach party complete with Mucko Jumbies dancing on stilts.

Next: Pirates, pigs, and Baths

Check out www.sailwithterry for the photo gallery. Contact Captain Terry to reserve your sailing vacation sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941-266-0296

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Caribbean Sailing Vacations – Agenda for Adventure

May11, 2011

Caribbean Sailing Vacations

“Last year our family took the most memorable vacation ever. A week long sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands.” -

Jim Adams

Our family consists of myself, my wife Sara, daughters Emily (21) and Melody (18) and son John (12.) With different ages and interests it is sometimes hard to find the perfect vacation that will appeal to everyone.

Through a friend’s reference, we contacted Captain Terry, who is an experienced sailing captain with a very impressive resume. Captain Terry listened to our requirements, made some suggestions and we reserved our week of family adventure. We agreed to charter a 44’ Catamaran that has 4 ample cabins each with a private bath, a large galley, and plenty of deck room for dining, sunning and lounging.

To involve everyone in the planning process we proceeded to compile our “to do” list and the excitement began to build. Passports were checked to make sure they were current, a new camera for Emily’s birthday , shopping for bathing suits, new shorts, colorful flip flops. Our goal was that everyone would have one soft carry-on bag for mobility and easy storage on our sailing trip. Lastly we began to compile our grocery list. We decided that breakfasts and lunch would be casual and we would have dinners on shore. Groceries were selected on the internet from a local grocery store and then delivered to the boat prior to our arrival.

Finally after much anticipation, the day finally arrived for our departure. We arrived in the British Virgin Islands at the Tortola airport and were immediacy amused by the goats grazing along the road side and chickens scurrying around. Warm balmy breezes, blue skies, views of the turquoise Caribbean and the proverbial rum punch greeted our arrival. “Welcome to the Islands, Mon”.

A short cab ride to the Marina where Captain Terry greeted us with a big smile and welcomed us aboard for our Caribbean sailing adventure. Everyone excitedly chose their cabin and returned on deck for an umbrella drink and a safety briefing prior to dropping the lines and departing for our first destination. As we pulled out of the Marina and hoisted the sails under the guidance of our Captain, there were nervous smiles on everyone ones face. Yes, this was going to be a great sailing adventure.

More to Come – Caribbean Sailing Vacations The Indians , Pirates and turtles.

Check out sailwithterry.com for our great picture gallery. Contact Captain Terry at sailwithterry@gmail.com or 941-266-0296

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Sailing Vacation – Questions, Concerns, Fears

May 5, 2011

How often have you thought of escaping your cluttered, chaotic life and setting off on a sail boat into the blue horizon?

Why not experience this adventure on a sail boat charter in the Virgin Islands? The Virgin Islands are known as the sailing capital of the world. Sunny weather, warm trade winds, and a chain of islands ready for you to explore.

Frequently asked questions, concerns and fears:

Will we be sailing on open water?

No! The Virgin Islands are comprised of a chain of over 60 islands and cays visible at any given time.

What happens if a storm comes up?

Tropical storms usually last for a short while, are mild with very little lightening. Your experienced Captain will guide you to a protected anchorage.

Will I get seasick?

Captain Terry has sailed these waters for many years and no one has been seriously sick. Precautions can be taken with bands and patches. If someone feels nauseous, a short dingy ride to land or a swim usually solves any issues.

What about the pirates on the seas?

There are NO pirates in the Caribbean. Well, maybe a few” wanna be’s” at the local bar.

What size boat should I charter?

When you hire Captain Terry he will advise you on the boat that fits your criteria. Perhaps a monohull with each cabin having its private head or maybe a catamaran that is much roomier than a traditional sail boat.

What about food? Drinking the water?

Most charterers enjoy preparing some of the meals on board and then going ashore for dinner on the various islands and trying out the local ambience and cuisine. Groceries are ordered in advance via internet at the local grocery and delivered and stored prior to your arrival. Water is safe to drink

What islands will we visit?

Captain Terry will brief you on the different islands and safe anchorages according to your likes. Is your goal to find a different party each night? Are you looking for upscale dining or spas? Perhaps some hidden beaches and quiet anchorages where you can just jump from the boat and swim and snorkel.

What about the language? Currency?

The language is English, currency American, and the locals are friendly and entertaining.

Will I be confined on a boat all the time?

No. The snorkeling is world renown and there are numerous stops at great coral reefs with hundreds of colorful tropical fish. You can rendezvous with a dive boat and explore a sunken ship wreck. Perhaps you want to rent a paddle board or sail board and take a lesson for the day. A day of hiking on Virgin Gorda will show you breath taking panoramic views of the islands and the turquoise Caribbean. Or maybe a pamper day at one of the upscale European spas complete with a champagne lunch on the beach.

Ok. No more procrastinating time for a sailing vacation. Check out Caribbean Sailing Vacation and see some of the many guests have enjoyed the Caribbean under the experienced guidance of Captain Terry. Email him at sailwithterry@gmail.com or phone 941 266- 0296. He can answer any questions , concerns or fears.

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Caribbean Sailing Vacations – By Land – By Water

April 30, 2011

Enjoy an adventurous Sailing Vacation and then pamper yourself at an Exclusive Resort

Caribbean Vacation

Chartering a sailboat in the British Virgin Islands is the ultimate reward for all of your hard work. Escape to the islands, board your floating hotel for a week and you are off to a carefree, adventurous vacation.

When you charter a sailboat with Captain Terry you can decide what size boat you want to be on as well as if you prefer a monohull or a roomy catamaran.

It is as simple as packing your bathing suit, shorts, and of course the sun glasses. Passports are required but the language is English as well as the currency.

On a sailboat you have the mobility to visit a different islands each day and then find a quiet anchorage and enjoy sunsets on your deck, el fresco dining under the stars and sleeping in your cabin below or on the deck.

You can participate in raising the sails and under the guidance of Captain Terry, take the helm and see if you can put the rail in the water. Feel the adrenalin rush as you glide through the beautiful clear blue waters of the Caribbean. If you want to spend time under the water, a dive boat will pick you up from your sail boat and take you to one of numerous famous dive sites. Wrecks, caves, beautiful coral reefs await you. The water is clear and warm.

Each day you can sail to a different island to explore, hike the hills, enjoy the local drink “painkiller” at one of the famous beach bars, have a cheeseburger in paradise, or sit on the beach and look out at the beautiful panoramic view of the blue sunny skies and endless azure Caribbean water. Of course you can always put on your snorkel and jump overboard and swim in natures’ aquarium. Turtles, schools of angel fish, and millions of other brilliant fish inhabit the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean.

As your sailing vacation comes to an end and before you enter reality, why not spend a couple of days at one of the beautiful resorts in the Virgin Islands. St. John, St. Thomas, and Virgin Gorda offer resorts that are world renown for their gourmet restaurants and European spas. Pamper yourself, enjoy an evening of fine dining and dancing under the stars.

A visit to downtown St. Thomas is a shoppers dream. Blocks of duty free shop offering excellent buys on jewelry and perfumes. A little memento for the best sailing vacation ever.

Contact Captain Terry at sailwithwithterry@gamil.com or 941 376 1663. He will answer your questions and help you plan your perfect sailing vacation. www.sailwithterry.com

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