CARIBBEAN SAILING VACATIONS

. . . With Cap'n Tom Kruse

 

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CHARTER YACHTS

There are several chartering companies in the Caribbean where one can find anything from a floating barge to a luxury liner with full crew. Most are privately-owned and available for short-term (7 days or more) charters by people like you providing you have a qualified skipper on board.

These boats are fully equipped with navigation instruments and charts, a dinghy with outboard engine, a built-in CD player, snorkeling equipment, linens, bath towels, grill, galley, safety equipment, first aid kit, propane tanks and cockpit cushions. High-end charters will have generating equipment aboard for air conditioning and small appliances such as blenders and toasters.

I also bring my own GPS for navigation and a hand-held VHF radio.

When considering a sailing yacht, your first decision is between a monohull sloop or a catamaran (see discussion below). The major factors to consider are the number of cabins (for sleeping) and cockpit space.

Monohull Sloops

Monohull sloops are best for those who want to experience traditional sailing. When sailing into a brisk wind, a sloop will heel up to 45° as it plows through the waves (a heavy keel prevents it from tipping over) and bow spray will often blow across the deck. This is the traditional motion of sailing…very exciting and exhilarating.

As a general rule, sloops will have two double cabins in the stern and a skipper's berth in the bow, with two or three heads depending on boat size. Boat lengths will vary from 34 to 52 feet and are designed for cruising comfort. This is the ideal type of boat for one or two couples or small groups.

 

Catamarans

For larger groups and for those who desire more cockpit and cabin space, a catamaran should be considered.

These are much roomier vessels and usually have more sleeping berths. For example, the 44' cat shown in these photos has 4 double cabins and two single berths. The cockpit is twice the size of a monohull’s, as well as the covered cabin area which includes the galley and dining areas.

Because of the dual hulls, cats are very stable sailing platforms and do not heel as they cruise through the water. For thrills, there are bow seats on each hull, plus two swim platforms on the stern.

Can you hear the Caribbean calling you?

Captain Tom