SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel January 2015 Issue 8 | Page 25

Also be sure to charter with reputable organizations. In general, you get what you pay for with charter boats. Beyond federal safety requirements, there is little regulation in the charter sailing industry and quality and age of boats can vary significantly. If a boat has a significantly cheaper rate than others, it likely will not be in the best of shape. While options like an air conditioner or chart plotter may not be necessary, poorly maintained safety equipment, rigger, and power systems can quickly ruin a trip. It’s best to do some research and err on the side of caution.

Once you have a boat and crew lined up, then the fun part of planning out your trip can begin. The US and British Virgin Islands are well preserved and very accessible. Sailing between islands can be as short as 30 minutes or up to a full day. The natural variety of beaches, landscapes, and underwater sights is endless. And then there is the rum… If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy paradise from the deck of a sailboat but afraid of the cost, it is absolutely worth reconsidering.

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