Ty Soizic means “Get Sober” according to BVI Yacht Charters. A name that really doesn’t seem to stick – it should probably be renamed Alcohol Drip. The boat name was off base, but the charter company was top-notch. Smaller than the massive Moorings (they appear to be the Wal-Mart of caribbean charters) that dominate the area, BVI Yacht Charters were ultra friendly and incredibly accomodating. Couldn’t have had a better experience with them. Our BVI charter with two other couples on the 41 Lagoon catamaran was truly a perfect vacation. 5 out of 5 stars. Pages could be written about the fun and adventure, but it’s something to be experienced on your own so I’ll just touch some highlights to help explain the pictures.

Day1: Arrive Norman Island – First mooring ball hookup is calamity when the unsecured anchor drops between ball and harness. Chain flying out could have taken off a few toes. First mooring ball of the trip goes awry – but soon fixed and anchor secured the way it should have been. Willy T’s in the evening.

Day 2: Dinghy over to The Caves for snorkeling – very cool. Then Sail to Virgin Gorda, The North Sound hoping to eat at The Bitter End. Call on the VHF – no food. Dine at Saba Rock instead. Learn from waitress Carnival is in progress – but can’t summon the energy to go. Dinghy over to Bitter End to check it out – really cool place – have a round at the bar. I could do some damage here. Only stay for the one round and head back to the boat.

Day 3: Sail to The Baths. Beautiful. At the end of the trail is Poor Man’s Bar (one of my favorites) - drinks taste extra great: Red Stripes, Rum Punches and a fresh Mango Daiquri that tastes like Ice Cream. Back on the water and sail to Leverick Bay – guys dingy out to snorkel, girls hit the pool at Leverick’s Resort. Saw a huge stingray while snorkeling – so graceful. We all meet for painkillers back by the pool. Dinner on the boat.

Day 4: My wife and I are the only ones that like my coffee – but some still drink, others make they’re own. It’s strong enough to be called custard, but that’s how we roll. Motor over to Leverick bay dock for ice, water and hit the grocery store. Buy my blowin’ conch from the dockmaster. I love it! Off to Anegada.

Incredible 12 mile sail to Anegada. Dinghy ashore and grab a cab to the North side, Loblolly Bay. Snorkel and hang out on the beach. Bee-you-tiful. Return via $10/person cab to the bay side where the boat is. Wife and I stay behind to have dinner while others head back to boat. Dinner at the Lobster Trap couldn’t have been better. Homemade, quiet, with zillion dollar view.

Day 5: Sail to Cane Garden Bay. Two hours or 5 beers to get there. Another great sail – the winds really are perfect down in the islands. Drinking started at 9:00 a.m. today. Everybody is rarin’ to go. Go ashore and walk to Callwoods Rum factory. Rum awesome. Buy a bunch of frozen Mahi and more coffee (I use a lot) at store on the way back. 

Later in the evening the crew hits the Bomba Shack. I’ll leave it at that.

Day 6: Jost Van Dyke – Only time we don’t sail since it’s so close and very calm. Motor over to White Bay and hit the bars, snorkel, relax for the day. Later, head to Great Harbor to Foxy’s and Corsairs – my new ultimate bar of all-time.

Day 7: Decided to spend another day in Great Harbor. Wonderful breakfast at Corsairs. Island air mixed with the smell of breakfast cooking is incredible. Love it. I think we had painkillers for breakfast too. Later in the afternoon climb to the top of Jost Van Dyke with Antony. 1,000 feet up, a lot of fun and saw some goats.

Day 8: Engines fire up at dawn to make our way back to Tortola. Boat needs to be turned in and planes need to be caught. Baker’s flight is early. After dropping the boat, Bakers head to the ferry. The rest of us head across the bay in a dinghy lent to us by the charter company. Spend the day at a little bar/restaurant. Even after returning, still had time to kill before the 5: 00 p.m. flight – cab driver gave us a tour of the island. Then, finally to the airport and home.

Click here to see all the pictures.

StPeteYachts.com offers exclusive, privately owned boats for charter in the Tampa Bay area. Choose from fast cruising powerboats or a 43′ Fountain Pajot, Sailing Catamaran for exploring Tampa Bay. Even Offshore Fishing. Spend the day with experienced captains cruising the Gulf and Intracoastal waters of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, John’s Pass, Dunedin – all of Tampa Bay – even as far as Sarasota.

The 38′ Four Winns Nauti-Dog is even dog friendly. Bring your pup along for the ride!

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Port Charlotte Florida is a sleepy paradise that I would say truly is one of the best cruising areas in the United States. There’s so much in the area – Punta Gorda, Ft. Meyers, Sanibel Island, Pine Island, Boca Grande and the Cayo Costa State Park – just to pick out a few. Cabbage Key is a favorite stop for old-stlye Florida food and drinks. The best way to enjoy everything Charlotte Harbor has to offer is on a Yachting Vacations immaculately maintained mono-hull or catamaran sailing yacht. I’ve personally chartered twice from them and could not have had a better time. Everything was first class. The boat, the marina and the people.

Chilling out in Pelican Bay Behind Cayo Costa

Based out of Burnt Store Marina, Yachting Vacations has a sailing school, ownership program and yacht sales along with their impressive charter fleet. They have two special events scheduled for early 2009.  One is hosting the ASA flotilla during the last week of February.   The other – they are holding two all women sailing classes (Bareboat Certification 101-103-104) in March.  All details are available on the web site.

If you are ready for a close to home getaway, this is it. Charlotte Harbor is what I envision Tampa Bay was like 40 years ago. Even on a weekend, the boat traffic is sparse and the natural beauty is breathtaking. Charter a quick trip – even a few days to start – you’ll be pleasantly surprised.