The Virgin Islands: Your Catamaran Destination

Cruise the Caribbean in a Catamaran? Why not! The Virgin Islands are an ideal destination for chartered sailing yachts. Together, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands offer the complete escapist package, and a chartered Catamaran couldn’t make things any simpler. Let your able captain and willing crew guide you through the best vacation you’ve ever had! WHY GO VIRGIN? All of the Virgin Islands feature native English speakers and wonderful opportunities to relax and unwind. The islands have sheltered anchorages, warm temperatures year round, and many sight-seeing ventures. The Virgin Islands provide interesting landscapes, great shopping, and white sandy beaches within close proximity of one another. These islands also experience favorable sailing conditions with steady, tropical trade winds. The islands are:

Anegada (British Virgin Island)
Jost Van Dyke (BVI)
St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Island)
St. John (USVI)
St. Thomas (USVI)
Tortola (BVI)
Virgin Gorda (BVI)

WHAT ABOUT CATAMARANS? As long as you’re on this multi-hull, you’ll be safe and sound. The Virgin Islands have a small tide range, three foot seas, and winter high winds that average 15 knots. The Catamaran is considered one of the best charter yachts because a dual hulled boat has more stability, which means level sailing and greater comfort. Catamarans also tend to be faster - perfect for quick island hopping - and their design includes a more open “floor plan” than other boats. Click here to learn more. If you are traveling with a group, you definitely want to go with a Catamaran because of the ample space in the wide cockpit. The bow nets, which are fun to lie on and peer through, are popular with families too. Most importantly, Catamarans are safer in that they are more buoyant than traditional boats. HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME? Taking a chartered Catamaran to the Virgin Islands means you can go fishing, swimming, and beach combing all day long. You are also free to check out what activities are on the islands themselves. Sixty percent of St. John’s land is dedicated to a U.S. National Park (as well as several sites on St. Thomas), and these areas preserve hiking trails and sugar plantations for visitors to experience. Visit Tortola’s Sage Mountain, which is part of the British National Park Trust, or make a stop at the BVI’s National Marine Park. You can explore tropical forests, bird sanctuaries, and even shipwrecks! If you want to incorporate cultural lessons in the family itinerary, you’ll be happy exploring the USVI’s forts, plantations, and West Indian antiques. Also, Tortola in the BVIs is home to a rum distillery, maritime museum, and kid-friendly shell museum! WHEN SHOULD YOU GO? Start packing now! Of all the terrific options for yacht charters, the Virgin Islands are a favorite because of the great weather, the ease of inter-island hopping, and the quick flight to/from the U.S. The Catamaran is the favored vessel for its draft (a mere one to four feet), which allows for shallow cruising and many mooring options. There’s no time like the present to create memories that will last forever! Let’s make a plan today. About the Author: Katie Bauer is an experienced travel writer and editor. Having been a stewardess on private yachts, a crew member for sail races, and a sailmaker in New England, she now specializes in yachting destinations. A frequent traveler, she has studied, worked, and volunteered abroad thus bringing a unique perspective to her content.