Yachting in the BVIs - Now it's for everyone!

For those of you who are looking for something totally different, a romantic getaway, or even a great family getaway, that allows you the freedom to be where you want to be just by asking, it's time that you chartered a motor yacht or sailing yacht in the British Virgin Islands.

I was on a 70 foot motor yacht for a week in March, 2010 with my husband and 2 other couples. We had a captain (Philip) and a first mate/chef who made our adventure even more fun. From the time we arrived in St. Thomas, we were treated like royalty. Arriving at the yacht club, we were welcomed, our luggage was taken out of the car and brought directly to our yacht, The Wil Power. We couldn't help but grin ear to ear when we saw our new "home." We immediately took a tour of the yacht, with it's 3 master size bedrooms, all with private heads (bathrooms), a living room, kitchen and indoor eating area as well as a back "deck" for dining as well as for getting into our tender when we weren't docking at a marina and we wanted to feel the land beneath our feet (or go diving, snorkeling, beaching, to to local bars, restaurants, etc.). It also

had an upper deck with a dining area (where we would be having all of our breakfasts) as well as lounge chairs. And of course, the front of the boat - with a huge cushion that at least 3 or 4 people could lie on to catch some rays!

It didn't take long for us to adapt to yachting life. Bathing suits all day - no shoes allowed! And "Pain Killers" the local drink of the Virgin Islands (evidently American and British!!!) until we could hardly stand.

A couple of weeks prior to departure, we received an email with a preference list - for foods, drinks, etc. so that when we boarded, we had everything we dreamed of! Candle-lit dinners, eggs benedict for breakfast, fresh lobster for dinner, whatever we desired, it was ours!

We had a tentative itinerary, but that changed a few times, which was so easy. Philip is a funny, easy-going captain from Guadeloupe, who is also a deep sea-diver (he would dive and not surface for minutes!) and one heck of a great joke teller!

Among the islands we visited were St. John, Tortola, Bitter End, Peter Island, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and I can't remember some!!!! We visited the Baths, Foxy's and the Willy-T (where some of us - not me - jumped from the top level of the boat-bar into the water!!!!)

For those of us who rose early, beautiful sunrises, water that looked like turquoise glass, gentle winds and bright sunny skies greeted us. Our days were spent leisurely, and mostly in the water or coming up for air to eat and take a siesta! Dinners were always candle-lit as we watched the sun go down.

It was the ultimate get-away. I wasn't sure I would like being on a boat for 8 days - but after about 1 minute, I was certain I would - and I could have stayed for another week!

Motor yachts are more expensive than sailing catamarans, so there's a vacation for everyone! The BVI's are known for sailing since there is always a gentle breeze, the waters are crystal clear and you always see land! The islands are extremely close to each other - and that's what makes this adventure so exciting!

I can truly say that I don't think I've ever seen more beautiful water. And nature commands your attention at every moment!!! So, if you are thinking about a vacation like you've never taken before, consider the Virgin Islands - by boat!!!!