The Client
With his 50th birthday approaching, our client wanted to celebrate by taking his wife and six of their closest friends on a luxury cruise around the British Virgin Islands. He's a keen sailor, but wanted to hire a crew, so he could take a larger vessel than he's used to and really relax during the trip.
The Requirements
- A boat with great sailing performance and lots of sunbathing space
- Four very comfortable double cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms
- Air conditioning
- Skipper and hostess
- Paddle boards
When and Where
Our client chose a week in February, the month of his birthday, for the trip. As their flights landed in Tortola in the evening, we arranged for them to sleep on board for the first night and start their charter the following day. This meant their holiday lasted for eight nights and seven days in total.
Budget
£10000 - 15000
Total
Jeanneau 64
Given the need for four comfortable double cabins for the guests and two for the crew – plus the client’s desire for a powerful sailing boat – the obvious choice was a Jeanneau 64.
The vessel’s cabins are luxuriously decorated, and the modern and bright interior is fully air-conditioned. The cockpit is spacious enough for enjoying sailing, or relaxing while anchored, and the deck is home to large sunbeds that can be converted into a seating area – ideal for al fresco dining.
Our client takes up the story:
Passengers Log Book
Day 1
Cocktail Welcome
Our flight landed on St Thomas and we took the fast ferry over to Tortola. A short transfer had us at the marina in time for sunset, where we boarded our sea-faring home for the week. The crew mixed us a rum cocktail to welcome us to the island way of life – we could get used to this!
Day 2
Treasure Island
After a leisurely breakfast, we set sail for the Bight on Norman Island – believed to be the inspiration for the novel, ‘Treasure Island’. We spent the afternoon snorkelling and spotting the vibrant marine life, before taking in the stunning Caribbean sunset aboard our yacht.
Day 3
Cooper Island
We couldn’t resist some more snorkelling before breakfast – this time marvelling at the colourful fish darting in and out of the caves along the island’s shore. Once we’d filled up on some freshly made food aboard the yacht, we set off for Cooper Island to spend a lazy afternoon on its white sandy beaches.
Day 4
Full Moon Party
Our crew got up early to sail us to The Baths on Virgin Gorda – a collection of smooth shoreside boulders and aquamarine pools formed millions of years ago. A morning was well spent exploring here, and after lunch we made the short trip over to Trellis Bay and its bustling shopping streets.
After dark, we enjoyed one of the bay’s popular full moon parties, dancing to calypso music on the beach while fire poi lit up the night sky.
Day 5
Caribbean Birthday
Day five involved a good stretch of scenic sailing back towards Virgin Gorda, allowing us to soak up the Caribbean sun on deck. Later we docked at Biras Creek, a stunning 5* resort with a host of luxurious facilities. It was here that we marked the reason our trip: the 50th birthday! A formal dinner in these stunning surroundings was the perfect way to celebrate.
Day 6
Famous Anegada Lobster
A 12-mile over to Anegada helped us blow out the cobwebs from last night’s celebrations, just in time for more snorkelling along the island’s many coral reefs. After lunch we took a taxi up to the north shore and strolled along its seemingly endless alabaster sands, before sampling the exquisite fresh lobster the island is famous for.
Day 7
(Not Quite) The Bitter End
Today we set sail back to Virgin Gorda once more, heading for its famous Bitter End Yacht Club and taking a berth in the marina. From here we spent the afternoon and evening exploring the vibrant shops, restaurants and bars of Spanish Town.
Day 8
The Baths
An early departure gave us another opportunity to experience The Baths at Devil’s Bay National Park before sailing towards Cane Garden Bay. While here, we sunbathed and swam in the crystal clear waters, then rode along the beach on horseback as the sun set. Live Caribbean music and plenty of rum cocktails helped us drink and dance our final night away.
Day 9
Fond Farewells
One last swim cleared our heads from the night before, then we boarded our yacht to head back to Road town – a week of Caribbean magic etched on our memories.
Cost breakdown
Yacht and skipper: £9,460
Hostess/ cook: £730
Paddleboards: £80
Fuel: £320
provisioning (food and alcohol): £1,000
Gratuity (discretional): £900
£12,490
Total
