Hi Reader, As promised in my last newsletter, here's the link to my Antigua & Barbuda May 2023 trip report. It's lengthy, but there are lots of pictures. The Atlantic Hurricane season is upon us, and after an active, early start in the Caribbean, the tropics have quieted down. Let's hope it stays that way as we approach peak season next month. I enjoy sailing during hurricane season for two main reasons: crowds begin to thin out and charter pricing can fall substantially. But, you should be prepared to deal with some tropical mischief. I've had my fair share of run-ins:
Despite the storms, we had safe, enjoyable charters each time. Want to give it a go during hurricane season? I suggest you try one of these three strategies.
Pick a low/no-risk charter destinationThe easiest way to mitigate the tropical risk? Avoid it! Pick one of these destinations that encounter few, or no hurricanes during the Atlantic tropical season. Grenada: so you still want to charter in the Caribbean? Try the Isle of Spice. While they can experience storms, they are far enough south in the hurricane belt that the risk of a major trip disruption is lower. The Mediterranean: take your pick of Croatia, Greece, or Italy. These are popular yacht charter destinations with well-established fleets. But, two words of caution. It can be hot, especially in August and September. Secondly, it's peak tourist season from June - August. Expect crowds at some of the more popular destinations ashore. French Polynesia: ahh, the exotic Society Islands including Bora Bora, Tahaa, and Raiatea. While they do experience cyclones, they are in the southern hemisphere so storms occur mainly from January to March. June through August is considered the dry season with lower temperatures - similar to a February BVI trip. Hawaii: I wrote about why bareboat charters aren't doable in Hawaii, but it's still possible to arrange for a crewed yacht charter. The summer months are the best time to go sailing in Hawaii. Check out my post for some inspiration on a Kauai itinerary - my favorite Hawaiian island. Book with an option to re-locate, or cancel your charterOne of the benefits of booking with a charter company that has more than one base? Some will let you move your trip if your charter destination is smack dab in the middle of a hurricane forecast cone. I did this exact thing in November 2020, shifting our trip to the Spanish Virgin Islands. It is by no means guaranteed, but charter fleets typically aren't booked solid in the shoulder season and summer months. Check with your charter company or broker ahead of time about the potential to do so. Alternatively, you can plan to bail all together. I typically do not purchase travel insurance, and in some cases, a tropical storm isn't going to get you your money back. If you go this route, read the fine print - policies that have an add on "cancel for any reason" are your best bet. Snag a last-minute charter with a clear weather windowIn August 2021, I monitored long-range weather forecasts for days using Tropical Tidbits resources. Finally, it looked like we had a clear 10-day window for a bareboat charter to explore to explore the Dry Tortugas. We booked the trip one week from departure and got a huge discount on the booking. On a side note, don't do what I did...in Florida...in August...without AC. Well I was supposed to have AC, but that's another story. Flight availability can make this strategy difficult to pull off, but if you have the schedule flexibility, it's a great way to charter in the off-season. There are some other downsides to chartering over the summer months. Many popular bars and restaurants close, especially in the British Virgin Islands (check out the current closure list). It can also be warmer, with lighter, more finicky winds. Better for swimming. Less so for sailing. But if you're like us, and enjoy a secluded anchorage, sailing during hurricane season has some special perks.
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Hi Reader, As we navigate the doldrums of summer, two major events are making waves in the world of chartering. First, we'll share some updates about the aftermath of Hurricane Ernesto and its impact on the Virgin Islands. Then, we'll move to some major industry consolidation that could be underway. Source: NOAA Ernesto's Aftermath As many of you are aware, last week Hurricane Ernesto swept through the Virgin Islands, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and temporary disruptions...
Hi Reader, In case you missed it, I wrote last time about exploring a charter in French Polynesia for my 40th coming up next year. This week, let's compare Tahiti to a destination most of us already familiar, the BVI. Both destinations offer unique experiences, each with its own charm and challenges. So, let's see how an adventure to the Society Islands stacks up. But first, a couple quick notes: If you're chartering in BVI over the next few months, check out our list of bars and restaurants...
Hi Reader, I've got a milestone birthday on the horizon – the big 4-0. What better way to celebrate than by embarking on a new sailing adventure? Out of all of my bucket list destinations, Polynesia shines the brightest. I've been diving deep into research about this amazing destination, and I’m thrilled to share what I’ve discovered about sailing the Society Islands. This is part one of a three-part series. Today, I’ll introduce some of the highlights of a Tahiti yacht charter. Next, we’ll...