Have you ever noticed that your mindset can often determine your experience? This is as true on land as it is on the high seas. Just as a skilled sailor adjusts their sails to catch the wind, so too must we adjust our attitudes to fully embrace the bare boat charter experience.
Imagine your attitude as a compass. On a bare boat charter, it’s crucial to set your compass to ‘positive’ before you even cast off. There’s something inherently liberating about cutting ties with the mainland and stepping onto a vessel that’s a world unto itself. But to truly enjoy the journey, you need to expect certain things and embrace them.
What To Expect
For a moment, think of your charter as a tropical beach. Basking in the sun feels divine, but sunburn is a possibility. The crystal-clear water is inviting, but sand can sneak into your bathing suit. You wouldn’t stop visiting the beach due to these minor inconveniences, would you? Likewise, you shouldn’t let the unique quirks of a charter adventure dampen your spirits. Instead, let’s learn to pack a suitcase full of positivity and resilience for your next bare boat charter.
- First and foremost, anticipate “island time”. Here, minutes become meaningless. The sun and tides mark the passage of time, not the hands of a clock. As a city dweller, you might initially find it frustrating when things don’t happen at breakneck speed. But isn’t slowing down one of the reasons why you chose a charter holiday in the first place? In this leisurely paced world, don’t expect anyone to hurry just for you. Like a delicate sea anemone swaying to the ocean’s gentle rhythm, everything moves at its own pace. Inconvenience? Perhaps. But look at it another way: it’s a unique opportunity to tune into nature’s rhythm and develop patience, an often undervalued virtue in today’s fast-paced world.
- Next, come prepared for the unexpected. Just as the sea can change from tranquil to tempestuous in minutes, so can your charter journey be peppered with surprises. Perhaps the weather shifts, or maybe your desired mooring is occupied. Take it as an exciting plot twist in your sea-faring story rather than an inconvenience.
- Expect to feel hot and sweaty. There’s no air conditioning out on the open ocean, and the tropical sun doesn’t hold back. But remember, every bead of sweat is a badge of your adventure, a testament to your story unfolding under the sun-kissed sky.
- You’ll also likely end up feeling sticky, courtesy of the ocean spray. This isn’t your everyday stickiness but a salty kiss from the sea itself. It might feel strange, but it’s part of the authentic nautical experience. Embrace it as a unique sensory memoir that city life can never offer.
- There will be moments when you might get irritated with your boatmates. Close quarters and shared responsibilities can sometimes lead to friction. Yet, this is also an opportunity to cultivate tolerance and learn to work in a team. Remember, even pearls need a bit of grit to form.
- Finally, understand that not everything will go as planned. Like an uncharted course, your journey might take unexpected turns. But isn’t unpredictability the very essence of adventure? Welcome these moments with open arms.
Remember, your charter experience is like a treasure chest; it’s filled with a bounty of memories waiting to be discovered, but only if you carry the right attitude. As the experts at BVI Charter Reviews, we’re committed to helping you navigate the waves of this journey. Armed with a positive outlook, we promise you, even the challenges of a bare boat charter will transform into invaluable life lessons and unforgettable memories.
So, are you ready to adjust your sails? With the right mindset, your bare boat charter can become the adventure of a lifetime. Set your compass to ‘positive’, and embark on your journey with confidence. Island time is waiting!
More Articles On What To Expect In The British Virgin Islands
These articles aim to help control customer expectations when chartering on the British Virgin Islands. The pretty pictures of light blue water and tan attractive people don't always tell the full story. Here are some of the other things to expect. These are written from first-hand accounts. We've tried to identify the major things that have led to people having a negative experience. These articles are not meant to dissuade you from enjoying the British Virgin Islands. On the contrary. Instead, they are intended to arm you with the right information to maximize your excellent vacation time! They are organized by title, not by priority.
10 Things To Always Be Mindful Of When On Charter
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Barracuda while Snorkeling
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Be Prepared For “Island Time”
Island time is a term used to describe the relaxed and laid-back pace of life found on many tropical islands. It is characterized by a slower sense of time, where deadlines are not as pressing and people tend to take things at a more leisurely pace. This philosophy of island time is about not forcing…
BVI Charter Costs
When planning a charter vacation, it’s important to understand that costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as the season, demand, boat, and amenities. While some charter companies may offer packaged deals, it’s best to be prepared for all types of additional costs to avoid any surprises. When considering a charter,…
Chores
Chores are a big one. Who does what, who wants to do what, and how they get done are all things that can cause issues between people on a boat. Here are the common chores that need to be done on a boat. Deck cleaning Dishes Trash Cooking Dinghy cleaning (birds like to sit and…
Cleanliness
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Dishes
A close second to trash would be dishes. There is an amazing variety of attitudes when it comes to dishes. Some can not stand to see them. Some feel they need to let their dishes soak. Also, people have different habits with dishes. Some fill up both basins. One with soapy water and one with…
Extra Gear To Bring To The BVIs
When planning a bareboat charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), there are some additional gear items that guests may want to consider bringing to enhance their experience and make the most of their time on the water. Here’s a list of some items that you might want to consider: Personal floatation devices (PFDs)…
Food
Before you embark on your adventure you need to know what the food situation is. Before you get into where you might eat, provisioning is a part of the charter, and often a hefty cost. With current prices, food for 5 people for a week may exceed $1500. Who is paying for the provisions? Who…
Gratuity
The islands exist in and within the service industry. That means people live on gratuity or tips. Do not skimp or cut corners on showing your appreciate and gratitude to the locals by not giving them cold hard cash. The reason we bring this up is that many people have different attitudes about gratuity or…
Heads
By heads we mean toilet. The head on a boat is not like your toilet at home, or even in an RV (although RV living helps). Things going wrong with the head have been the core of some ruined trips. Most heads now do not have a manual pump handle to literally suck the waste…
Heat
In the name of knowing what to expect, you can expect heat. You can expect humidity above 70% and you can expect that makes you sweaty and sticky. Yes, with more heat and sweating you’ll break out more, get more zits and find it harder to not stink. Don’t let this be a deterrent to…
Hygiene
Wash your pits and your parts. Nobody likes a stinky boat mate. The Caribbean is hot and humid and sweating is part of the game. There is little you can do to escape this and enjoy the environment. Your clothes also take the brunt of this punishment. Where are you keeping your dirty laundry? Stinky…
Jellyfish
Be sure to bring vinegar and Benedryl on your trip! What the pictures of the beautiful blue waters and luscious reefs don’t show you are the jellyfish you’ll encounter. Jellyfish have no eyes and seem to aimlessly move around. This means there is little consideration for your presence if you are around one. The key…
Mini Moke!
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Safety Considerations
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Sea sickness
We take for granted our understanding of up and down. Our inner ear has little hairs inside it that react to fluid passing over them when we move. Those hairs then send signals to the brain to interpret your orientation. Sea sickness is when your inner ear becomes confused with all the signals given to…
The Basics To Be Aware Of
Here are some tips to protect yourself from the elements when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Each of these represents a portal to a world of pain, inconvenience and a robbed vacation. Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it frequently, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and…
The Mornings
The mornings are a critical part of everyone’s day, and everyone has their own morning needs and routine. The mornings also set the pace and attitudes of many on the boat. With hangovers, dehydration, sleeping in a new environment, along with many other things that may cause irritation, the morning can certainly set the tone…
Top 5 Hazards In The Ocean In The British Virgin Islands
Jellyfish and other stinging creatures: Many species of jellyfish and other marine animals, such as sea anemones and coral, can cause painful stings if touched or brushed against. Strong currents: The ocean currents around the British Virgin Islands can be quite strong, especially around inlets and channels. Swimmers and snorkelers should be mindful of these…
Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before Chartering A Bareboat In the BVI
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Trash
Believe it or not trash and how to handle it can be a large friction point. First, it should go without saying, that trash should never be disposed of in the ocean. While there are specific laws around this, this will hold true while on charter in the BVIs. Many people feel it is okay…
Water Usage
Water usage on a boat needs to have everyone’s attention to it. The issue created with no fresh water is that you’ll incur costs to fill your tanks in both time and money. You’ll also have to dock, and depending you may find yourself waiting on others, filling their large tanks. If you lose half…
What if our hired skipper is the Man Over Board?
Any person overboard is a big problem. And while in your imagination it may not seem dangerous, a man overboard situation can be a big deal in calm water in a harbor, especially if the injury is involved. To have your skipper go over is a problem. A big one. While very uncommon, it is…
What to look for in your charter boat captain
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You Are On The Ocean!
First you must be safe. Then you must ensure you remain safe. Then you can have a good time. One of the biggest things overlooked when going to the British Virgin Islands is that you are ON THE OCEAN. Always respect the fact you will be living on a boat on the largest, most powerful…