British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, along with over 50 other smaller islands and cays. About 15 of the islands are inhabited. The BVI are located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico.
US Virgin Islands (USVI)
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas, and many other surrounding minor islands.
How do we get to the yacht?
Tortola has an airport, EIS. You can fly there directly from the US and then take a taxi to the TMM marina. Alternatively, you can fly to St. Thomas (STT) and take the ferry to Road Town, then a taxi to TMM.
The following link has ferry information.
What happened with Hurricane Irma?
The BVI's took a major setback on September 6th, 2017.
The Islands have recovered and now to even higher standards. Most of the rebuilding is completed now. Pics taken NYE week 2018
What is a typical day like?
Each day can be customized to meet your wishes. You may visit up to 7 island destinations to explore or choose just a few. Each morning, wake up to amazing scenery and enjoy breakfast on board. After charting our course, we will sail to the next beach paradise.
You can hike trails, explore beaches, find beach bars, snorkel, swim, enjoy local or fine cuisine or just relax and read a book! If you are new to boating, we can spend varied amounts of time sailing, motoring, teaching the "first mate" and deck hands as much as you wish.
Ladies Sail Trip 2018 Quick video of what the sailing is like!
How do we get food and drinks on the boat?
Smile Maker has all the equipment you need to cook amazing meals. Spices, kitchen tools and cookware, grill and propane are all included. Guests will be given order sheets to choose items and Smile Maker will do her best to procure all the requests. Guests must pay 2 weeks in advance for this service.
Note: Not all ingredients or requests can be fulfilled in the Islands. Creativity is encouraged if a special item will not be available. Most items are available however brands vary and sometimes the exact choices will not be. Substitutions may occur with fruits and vegetables for example.
We will assist you with the provisioning process and ensure you have what you need for a $100 fee. Additionally, there are several markets on the islands for re-provisioning as the time passes. You can provision yourself using Rite Way. www.rtwbvi.com/howto We will help you navigate the process.
There are many restaurants all over the islands as well. This trip can be customized from the less expensive eat aboard or go out for all meals. Entirely up to you!
Do people get seasick?
There will always be a small percentage of people who suffer from varying levels of seasickness. In nearly all cases, the feelings are short lived and not severe. It is hard to explain but our bodies adjust. There are many remedies that claim to reduce the symptoms. If you have a concern, bring every remedy along. There is always land close by!
Is this trip safe for small children?
If you have children age 4 or over, this will be an amazing experience for the entire family. Captain Cozza is also a mom and loves to show children how to be First Mate! For children under 4 it would be at your discretion and knowing their boating/water experience.
https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2018/october/family-boat-charter-in-the-british-virgin-islands.asp
Family Boat Charter In The British Virgin Islands - BoatUS Magazine
Do we need to be physically fit?
Each person should be able to balance, tread water and get in and out of the dinghy. It is not hard to do but those who are physically inactive or have serious knee or back injuries may find this to be difficult. The dinghy will pull up to the back of the boat and passengers will need to climb in and out. Additionally, having swimming ability will impact some of the choices. For example, the Baths, Soggy Dollar Bar require some maneuvering. If anyone snorkels, they will need to be able to hoist themselves into the dinghy (with help of course). Floating devices are available for support.
Do we need sailing or boating experience?
Not specifically, however at least one person will be asked to support the Captain when we anchor or take on a mooring ball. This is part of the experience and adds to the adventure. If you want to learn how to sail for fun, this is also a great way to gain time on the water and sailing experience in a safe environment.
As a safety precaution, one or more adult will be shown how to use the radio and how to stop or start engines, in case of emergency.
When booking, we will have an intake call and provide details.
What should I pack besides cash and a passport?
A small roller bag or light weight duffel and a back pack or dry-bag pack is all you will need.
First of all, pack light. You will be surprised at how little you need. Pack many bathing suits, cover ups with and without sleeves, one or two thin pair of leg coverings (cool nights), one thin rain jacket or wind breaker, an extra towel, sleep wear, flip flops, one pair Keans or sneakers for hiking, medicines, personal toiletries, eye care, any electronic devices, sunscreen, water proof phone case, camera, and depending on itinerary, one nicer outfit for evenings. Bring any medicines or devices you need for day to day. The locals are conservative in their dress and many finer restaurants require modest covering in the evening. Most places are fine with just a coverup, t-shirt and shorts.
A waterproof dry-bag or backpack is a great item to have. We swim to a few locations.
Currency: US Dollars are accepted across the islands. Credit Cards are becoming more widely useful however bank machines are not readily available so bring cash. The boat has a safe. Most items cost 10-30% more than what you would pay in the continental USA.
Passport: US citizens must have a passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry.
What about safety?
Being safe in the boat and on the water is paramount and will take precedent over all other activities. The boat meets USCG safety standards and has enough equipment for all guests.
The Captain will provide the basic information on how to be safe aboard Smile Maker as part of a safety briefing. All passengers must comply with the Captain’s instructions at all times to ensure the safety of all passengers. Ongoing information will be provided and the itinerary may be modified based on weather, winds, seas and guest behavior.
Captain will end the trip at the next port with no refund, for guests who refuse to follow safe behaviors or put themselves, other passengers or the Captain at risk.
What’s your deposit and refund policy?
A 20% deposit is required to hold your requested dates. This deposit will be fully refunded up to 120 days in advance. 90 days in advance, the remaining balance is due. If the remaining balance is not received, the week will be released and the deposit forfeited.
If the trip must be cancelled before 120 days from start, the entire deposit is refunded. 119-91 days half of the deposit will be refunded. 90 days prior to the start of the trip the entire deposit will be forfeited. Within 60 days of the trip, if cancelled, no refunds will be given, however we will work to find an alternative at a discounted rate.
What about storms?
No one can guarantee a week of perfect days and it does rain occasionally more than an hour here and there. Most of the time these are brief squalls and pass by. If there were tropical storms or worse, we would always do the right thing and get off the boat or tie up at a marina. If this type of storm happened and we lost 3 days of your trip, we will provide 50% off voucher to apply to a new trip scheduled and help all guests find shelter. If there was a hurricane predicted for your week, we will return the 50% final payment and extend a 25% discount on a future booking. In last 8 years, this has never happened.
Month High Low Precip Averages
Jan 81°F 70°F 2 in
Feb 81°F 72°F 1 in
Mar 82°F 74°F 1 in
Apr 83°F 75°F 2 in
May 84°F 77°F 3 in
Jun 85°F 81°F 2 in
Humid climate makes temperatures feel warmer.
Smile Maker has AC throughout the yacht and in each cabin however it is important to recognize we are on a sailboat and conditions won't be like home.
What about pirates?
AAARGH! How come everyone asks that question? 🙂 You are far more likely to be left unconscious by a falling coconut. Seriously....
The Virgin Islands have a rich and exciting history of the old English Spanish and French ships gone rogue with piracy, however yachting is now the Virgin Islands primary business and these governments take great care in ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all guests and sailors. There are some great pirate shows though!!
Why do people say it's like glamping (glamorous camping)?
If you have ever camped in a small cabin or taken are RV, there are some similarities. The cabins are cozy. Running water is limited. Taking brief showers and conserving water to wash dishes is important, especially with a large number of guests. We can refill the water tanks with the water maker, but being careful not to waste is the best practice. Laundry is not available on the boat. You must hand wash items. Bring quick dry outfits as well. It's all part of the adventure!
May we stay at marinas during the trip?
Yes! Marina's cost a lot extra and many require reservations at least a 2 weeks in advance however your itinerary is up to you! Expect to pay up to $200-300 per night during high season for a marina resort. During the peak weeks (Christmas, New Years, Presidents Week, Easter), you may have to book up to 8 months in advance.
We will work together to plan your itinerary and design the best trip for your vacation wishes and comfort levels.
Are there places to shop and what about medicines or medical emergencies?
St. Thomas and Tortola are large islands with most everything you would need. St. John, Virgin Gorda and Yost van Dyke also have a variety of markets and shops.
Medical aid and small hospitals are available in several Tortola locations as well as in Virgin Gorda. There will be a well stocked first aid kit aboard as well.
Please remember to bring your prescriptions, allergy medicines and any other aids.
Are mosquitoes a concern?
That is the beauty of sailing and visiting islands on Smile Maker! Mosquitoes are generally located on land and come out at dawn and dusk. It is wise to use repellent during the dusk hours if you plan to be at a restaurant or beach bar. However, there is no denying they are on the islands. There are little bugs called midgies that often take a snack at the ankles.
If having sundowners on the yacht, there are no worries, mate!
Is there anywhere to do laundry?
Tricky subject.. laundry machines are available in rare areas however there is often a line to use them and they are slow. I would get comfortable with the idea of washing your light clothes and bathing suits in the sinks on board, then hand out on the lines to dry. We will take a mid-week stop to get fresh water and allow guests time to do laundry if they need to.
Leverick Bay has machines. Marina's typically have a service that takes 24 hours so you would lose a day waiting...
What are the bathrooms like?
There are full heads, one in each cabin. There is also a spare head in the starboard bow. Each has a sink with vanity, shower and toilet in each. The toilets are very simple to operate with a simple press of a button to flush or fill. No worries about seawater over flowing into your cabin! However, care must be taken with any paper products. It is strongly recommended to dispose of TP into the trash container located in each head. Paper can clog the toilets.
If this is your first trip, you may have many more questions. Please contact Smile Maker Charters and we will answer promptly.
What about tipping?
Tipping for food or beverage service is always a personal choice. In USVI, 15-20% is the standard. In BVI, a 10-15% tip for restaurant service, depending on that service, is appropriate. Buying merchandise off a boat doesn't require any tip. If you attend a show where a performer is enjoyable, it is always appreciated to tip.
It is also customary to tip the Captain if you had an enjoyable experience, which we hope you will! The customary tip is based on the value of the week trip.
Yacht Specifications
L.O.A. : 47 ft. 0 in.
L.W.L. : 45 ft. 7 in.
Beam : 25 ft. 4 in.
Draft : 3 ft. 10 in.
Engine : 2 x Volvo Diesel 60HP each
Fuel : 248 gallons.
Water : 184 gallons with a Rainmaker water maker
Sail Area: 1701 square feet
5 cabins (one bunk room, 4 queen) - 5 electric heads, 1 manual head - all air-conditioned With a Captain, 8 guests are comfortable.
110 power with USB ports in each cabin
Full propane kitchen and grill
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