general information
Getting
to our sailing charters is easy. To get to the BVI, fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico
and take a shuttle flight to Beef Island airport. A taxi ride of about 20 minutes
will get you to Promenade. If you let us know your arrival details, we will direct
Anselmo Potter, a reliable taxi driver who has been bringing guests to Promenade
for many years now, to offer his services to you as you exit customs. Taxi fares
are not included in the cruise fee. Currently, when sharing a taxi, the rate is
about $7.00 per person from Beef Island to Roadtown. Depending on time of year
and where you are coming from, there are also direct flights from the USA into
St Thomas in the USVI and then you can simply catch one of the many daily ferries
over to the BVIs, and Roadtown, its capital on Tortola where Promenade sail dive
charters depart from.
passports
Passports are required for all people coming into the BVI, and shortly for all americans returning to the USA.
telephone and email
We have a cel phone on board our BVI Sailing Charters, both for the BVI and the USVI waters. You are welcome to use them under the honor system, although phone calls home are quite expensive here in the BVI. CCT Boatphone, our local carrier now has roaming capabilities with most countries in the world. In all probability your cel phone from home will work here. We do pick up the US networks when we are in line of sight of St Thomas. In addition we have a computer on board which generally has email access(depending on where we are in the islands!). There have been many wireless hotspots popping up here in the BVI's and you will have several opportunities to hook up with your own laptop if you prefer.
children
We have no age limit for children. Up to twelve passengers can be accommodated when families travel together by arranging for three small children to sleep in each king size berth. This arrangement has been tried and tested many times. Children under 16 cannot be accomodated on cabin only sailings. We do ask however that you realize that the crew are not babysitters, and you are responsible for taking care of them on the yacht. We will however, spend many hours pulling kids (old and young alike!) around on tubes and banana boats.
clothes, luggage
Dress is vary casual in the Islands. Cotton is recommended, including a long-sleeved item for sun protection. You will need a selection of swim suits, cover-ups or wraps, shorts and T-shirts. Bring clothing that is cool and comfortable to wear. Do pack a lightweight waterproof jacket. As on most yachts, you will probably not wish to wear shoes on board. If you do prefer to, please bring a pair of deck shoes with easily washable soles. A pair of tevas, (sandals) and a pair of water shoes are ideal. Storage space is limited, and almost all guests tell us that they packed twice as much as they needed. Soft collapsible luggage is essential on board, for easy stowage where space is limited. Duffel bags are best. It is a good idea to pack some essentials in your carry-on as there are occasionally delays and temporary lost pieces of luggage.
suntan lotion
Even on a hazy day the sun is very strong in the tropics. Be sure to stock up with the latest sunscreens before you arrive. Waterproof lotions for use while swimming are a good idea. Please do NOT bring any suntan oil, fake tan or sunscreens with PABA in them. They ruin our varnish and you will not be able to use them. Also avoid the new sunscreen that are constantly pumped on, all they do is make the decks slippery by getting suntan lotion everywhere!
film and medications
Buy plenty of film. Film is expensive here and sometimes the variety you use may not be obtainable. Be sure also to bring a spare battery for your camera as these are definitely not available here. The same applies to digital camera memory cards. We have outlets on board where you can plug in your batteries for recharging. Always check that you have enough medications for the cruise ready to bring with you. There are pharmacies here, but like camera film, your particular variety may not be available.
music
We carry a wide range of CDs covering most peoples' taste in music. Recently, we have put these all on an IPOD which is hooked up to our stereo. There are speakers in the saloon,cockpit and front trampoline area. However, we welcome you bringing your own music collections to enhance the variety during your cruise.
smoking
Smoking is considered a fire hazard on many yachts. On Promenade, for safety, we simply ask that you smoke only when topside, on the aft deck and never below decks.
seasickness
It is rare for anyone to suffer from sea sickness in the BVI, especially on a multihull. One of the reasons the BVI is such a popular cruising ground is because the many islands protect us from the ocean outside. We get ideal sailing winds without rough seas. If you are concerned about being seasick, there is a new prescription drug out called Scopane which is a variation of the patch and works very well.
We look forward to meeting you soon on Promenade Sail/Dive Charters in the British Virgin Islands!
Promenade is the cover story in the August BVI Yacht Guide!! Pretty impressive! 