How the British Virgin Islands Sail for Free

How the British Virgin Islands Sail for Free -

The British Virgin Islands often care images of intrepid sailors and adventurers have their own version of a song by Jimmy Buffett lives: Sail the seas unyielding to drink, rum, stop at hidden beaches, and explore deserted islands.

behind the wheel standing lashed with wind in her hair as the sail of the boat take you from island to island sounds wonderful for many of us.

but imagine for this scenario, we think, "it would be great, but it is unrealistic, and I could not afford it sounds too expensive." I, the used to believe. After all, the British Virgin Islands are home to mega yachts, mega resorts, villas, yacht races, celebrities who own islands and large companies hidden from the tax man. These islands are not a place for those without huge bank accounts

But I came here with a dream. To sail the British Virgin Islands on a budget. This is not an easy task when cost charter boat hire thousands of dollars per week. Sure, you can take a ferry between the main islands take (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada) or day take sailing trips, but that will not get to the outer islands and definitely not at liberty conjures sailing, right?

luckily I found a place a chance to live the dream.

Within two days after landing on Jost Van Dyke, my friend and I had our stuff on a boat to throw the BVI to sail. We had Bill and Geoff met in a bar one evening. They were describing their sailing trip down from North Carolina. We told them about our plans to try to sail the islands on a budget. They seemed normal enough and our plans drawn up, so we asked if we could come.

And that's how we got our ride. Some conversation, rum, laughing, and asking for a lift.

The BVI see countless people who charter boats rent, rent captains, or their own sailing around as long as the wind can carry them. Every night, these people moor in a harbor, take a boat to the next bar, below strong rum drinks, and socialize. The boats are to isolate and these bars provide welcome social interaction after a day of confinement.

And that's where your opportunity to find your life out Captain Ron dreams.

you could say that we just get lucky. We thought that was the right two guys and this could not happen again. However, my friend and I had lots of offers to take us to the next island or for the day. At each port, when we mentioned our plans, people would often say: ".. Well, if you need a lift, we are happy to have you Just bring a few beers"

It was terrifying widespread. I expected to find great difficulties when traveling - how many people want strangers on their boats? Apparently a lot. Most people have more space on their boats, and everyone is very friendly, hospitable and helpful. I think between the small island population and the camaraderie that comes with boating, the people here are very willing to help strangers.

So how do you do it? How replicate what we've done? Here are my five tips:

1. Avoid asking on the main islands - Do not ask for rides on Tortola or Virgin Gorda. This is where people get their boats so they are just starting out or their journey ends (never a good time to ask), and there are some good bars to meet others. Stick to the smaller islands by ferry
2. profile people -. You can increase your chances of success by knowing it, who is most likely to say yes. Many couples? They can give you a ride to the nearest island, but not much more. Groups who chartered a boat? Same thing. Young people? Yes, they will be very likely to help you, especially in exchange for beer. Two guys drink alone? Yup, they probably have additional space, especially if they have their own boat
3. a conversation Strike up -. sit at the bar and you will notice that is easy to do. Everyone pretty much says hello to each other, and no matter where I was, other boaters often make the first move. After a day on a boat, people want to talk
4. Casually mention your plans -. Fashion. Your plans in the conversation naturally and see how people react Do you think it's a cool idea? Track their response before asking for a ride. I found that boaters in the area are the adventurous type, and if they feel you are on a good adventure, they want to help
5. Start small -. for a ride any questions about the next island. Someone a ride for a few hours is easy. Committing to additional persons karting around for a week, however, is a greater barrier and the more likely you will not get one. But an island lift can start shooting as small in two or three and see how it goes.

Give yourself enough time to find someone to sail with. If you are on a tight schedule and have to quickly get around the islands, this will not work because it can take two days to find a ready boat or pending the schedule with someone, or a. You are then at the mercy of the pace of the boat owners, to you. To another large island where you get out and back to the ferry to get system connecting the main islands of the BVI

In addition, do not forget to offer something in return. If you have sailing experience, all are better, but most people are so Beer and Food accept in return for an elevator, which is a long way to go

The BVI expensive and -. If you plan to visit on a budget - to find a cheap sailing around the islands, is crucial. You can take for about $ 100 day trips and ferries inhabited between the main islands, but the only way to really the island chains can be seen right to sail them.

And the only way to do that is to find a lift

. Note: Sorry, families such advice does not work for you! If you are traveling with more than two people, it is difficult for boats to welcome you and they go to turn down!

I had always dreamed of sailing around the British Virgin Islands. I'd heard to work on boats of ways, but I do not know how to sail, that was not option, and charter boats are out of my budget (many throughout the year to save up for their rent can afford). I needed a third way - and found it. It was shockingly easy to find trips on boats, and that makes the oh so expensive BVIs lot more affordable for those who want to explore this beautiful islands within the budget.

But to save more than money, this method makes new friends along the way - and this experience is invaluable

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