Virgin Island Sailing Reviews 85

Five stars aren't enough! We came into this trip with very high expectations, and Steve and Deb far exceeded all of them. We apparently had "bad weather" (which is definitely relative) because there was a lot of wind and the seas were kind of high, but Steve is a very skilled Captain who gave us some exciting, fast sailing with the high winds but also found wonderfully protected areas for snorkeling, lunch, and overnight anchorages where the water was calm. He definitely knows the best way to maximize an itinerary in any kind of weather. Deb is a magician in the galley. I have no idea how she puts together such fresh, delicious, and abundant meals and snacks with the space constraints of the boat, but our bellies and taste buds were very grateful for her talents. She also kept the boat immaculately clean all the time, which was also pretty magical because we never really saw her cleaning! In addition to their formal "jobs" on the boat, Steve and Deb were wonderful tour guides and great friends. We really just enjoyed spending time with them. It was like going on vacation with friends, except I don't have any other friends who wait on me hand and foot and don't allow me to clear my own dishes. Ha! Steve and Deb took all of our preferences and even off-hand comments very seriously and really went above and beyond to make sure we had the time of our lives. They were extremely professional but also warm and welcoming, and we were so fortunate to be able to hang out with them for the week. The boat was comfortable and well-appointed, and we wanted for nothing the entire trip. As Deb said, we've found our home in the Virgin Islands and can't wait to go back!

Having been experienced bare boaters for many years, we were hesitant to let go of total control to a Captain and First Mate. Would we like them? Would they like us? Would it be uncomfortable being in such close quarters with people we had never met? Well, the answers are: Yes! Yes! NO! Thea and Jamie were superb. They anticipated our every need before we knew it ourselves. They were amazingly warm and friendly, yet let us take the lead as far as how much contact and togetherness we wanted. The food was wonderful (although way too much! We all gained weight on the trip!). We felt completely comfortable with Thea and Jamie and consider them new-found friends. Jamie's skill at the helm made us completely comfortable. My husband took the helm a couple of times, just for old times' sake, but he thoroughly enjoyed relinquishing all responsibility to Jamie and I was thrilled that Thea handled all meals. We enjoyed it so much that there is no reason to ever bare boat again. The Roks boat is amazingly spacious . . . both couples had huge suites with king size beds and more storage space than we could ever need. The deck layout is perfect. And we utilized the kayaks and paddleboards almost daily. We hope to be back again soon for another wonderful week aboard ROKS with our new friends, Thea and Jamie. We will enthusiastically recommend this experience!

Awesome trip. Kelly and Diane were very accommodating. They were very knowledgeable about the area. Very kind and considerate.

We loved the entire experience. We needed a relaxing trip and the crew of Tai and Kiki were wonderful.

We booked a single stateroom on a 45' catamaran. It was a fantastic way to see the Virgin Islands and we made new friends with the other two couples on the cruise.

Trip of a lifetime to be repeated

We chartered catamaran, Alive! for 7 nights in mid January. Booking with Ellen at VI Sailing was a breeze. She is extremely friendly and helpful. Kristina was also wonderful and assisted with planning our trip.
While aboard Alive, Captain Noam and Chef Dalit were incredible! Noam is a great captain, he knows all the best islands and activities. Dalit is an incredible chef, we loved every meal! They are truly an awesome crew!! We had a total of 8 guests on the boat, it was plenty spacious and the accommodations were great. We had a wonderful trip and highly recommend this vacation!!

This is an excellent crew. Christiaan is a first class captain. His maturity, experience and dedication to safety is well beyond anything you would expect from a young man of his age. There were a few early moments of "getting to know each other" as he was maybe a bit too abrupt in explaining the rules of the boat. He got along great with the four adults and our six children. He had great suggestions for the itinerary, snorkeling, water sports, hikes, bars, drinks, etc. And he makes a mean Painkiller. Best in the Carribean, trust me! You will not regret having this movie-star looking young man as your captain.

Now...the piece de resistance...Hanrie. What this little lady does in her galley kitchen is absolutely miraculous. Breakfast, lunch, cocktail hour, dinner. One fabulous meal after another. I was telling them one night about the great South African BBQs (brai's) I had been to over the years. Voila! On the final night we had the most incredible leg of lamb with all the trimmings. The intimate Afrikaans meal.

Can't wait to get back on a boat with Christaan and Hanrie. Maybe next time without the kids!

W.

Greg, Vanessa and Blue Passion gave my family the trip of a lifetime. We were totally satisfied and won't hesitate to book with them again. They are totally committed to customer satisfaction, know their sailing areas very well, and have all the tools to make your vacation a true joy. Vanessa is gourmet French chef who turns every meal into a dinning experience. Greg is an extremely competent and experienced captain. They are both wonderful to be around.

I contacted several charter brokers when researching our trip for the BVIs. Emily, at VIS returned my calls immediately. She was very honest on her opinions of the different boats. I would totally recommend her to anyone looking to book a boat charter. Emily was prompt to answer all my questions. I can't say that for the other companies I spoke with. We were traveling over NYE. This is the busiest week of the charter season. Other brokers wouldn't even return my calls as if they couldn't be bothered. Emily really dug in to find the right boat and crew for us. I am thankful and will use her in the future.

Amazing and wonderful sailing time with Pierre & Adele. The best crew of the world. Lovely places in the Spanish Virgin Islands, great food and once again, the best crew!

Wonderful, everything!!!!

Been brokering through VI Sailing for the last two years with Emily. The first year went okay. There were some misunderstandings concerning the number of people that were to be on trip that caused some 11th hour hurdles but Emily helped us out and even split some of the extra costs with us. The second year, the boat we chartered with Emily ran aground and it happened unbeknownst to VI Sailing. We ultimately made things work out but VI Sailing did very little to help alleviate about a month's worth of consternation leading up to our arrival. The third year we contact Emily and VI Sailing again about booking another yacht or two and she/they promised to work on it. We heard nothing back from her and frankly still haven't. We ended up having to reach out to your prior Captain and he arranged our trip. I would love to recommend VI Sailing because sailing in the BVI is magically but I find VI Sailing and their staff reactive at best and unresponsive to issues at worse. You can do better than this given how much it costs to charter and all the moving pieces they are suppose to be taking care of on your behalf. Beware of this operation and, if you do choose them, Emily in particular.

This was our second sail aboard a VI Sailing charter boat, and once again, we had a fabulous trip. Nadiya is a well-appointed 47-foot catamaran. Captain Colleen and Chef/First Mate Matt were welcoming, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and eager to make sure our family trip was a success. We sailed over Christmas week -- our first Christmas away from home -- and they made it extra special by decorating the boat, including a tiny Christmas tree! Matt's cooking was five-star every single meal. We asked for healthy meals and fun desserts, and he outdid himself preparing breakfasts, lunches and dinners that satisfied our desire for light, fresh food while focusing on truly beautiful presentation. Out two teenage girls had loads of fun snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, hiking, shopping, visiting local hot spots, swimming in the Bubbly Pool and relaxing aboard. Great sailing and lots of fun games of hearts by candlelight!

Our recent charter was great. This being our second charter, we learned a few things. I would first say that is important to know what you want out of the trip. (i.e. Sailing, beach time, water sports, snorkeling). We loved the leewards, but didn't realize the time and distance between beaches. Secondly I think it is important to pick a boat that fits you (a/c, showers, bed size, ability to have good salienization to be able to take longer showers.etc.)Thirdly, the connection with the captain and crew.

Our week chartering with Matthias and Amber aboard Antillean was a wonderful experience. Matthias was a knowledgeable and entertaining captain and Amber's food was beyond amazing. Can't wait to charter again next year.

We had an incredible trip on Lolalita in the BVI. I can wholeheartedly recommend this crewed vessel for the vacation experience of a lifetime.

Captain Jim and first mate and cook extra-ordinary (Sherri) were fantastic. They know the islands inside and out and were open to all suggestions and accomodations. Their piloted the catamaran Nadiya through US and Britsh Virgin Islands. The snorkling was really great - we saw spotted eagle rays and less seen cuddle fish; we even snorkeled over an old ship reck and swam with turtles. Weather was perfect. Sunsets fantastic. We love the outdoors and the green, turquoise blue water.

We have already shared pictures and stories with friends and family. Yes, we are recommending this trip to others. Something everyone should try to do if they can.

It was one of the best holidays we have ever been on with a great captain and first mate to show us around!!!! We were taken to so many great places it is hard to imagine a better week of our life

Can't begin to express how relaxing and enjoyable this trip was. Our crew was wonderful. The chef was beyond what we expected. They took excellent care of us.