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⛵️ Set Sail with Emilia: A First Timer's Discovery of the BVI
Published 11 days ago • 4 min read
Hi Reader,
You might have been expecting Matt to greet you as usual, but today it’s Emilia writing. If you’ve been in contact with us before, we’ve probably exchanged a few emails; and if not, it’s a pleasure to meet you!
I’ve been working at Yacht Warriors for a year now, managing charter requests, newsletters, and social media. I’m originally from Argentina, where I currently live, and though I work remotely, I’ve become deeply connected to the world of yacht charters. This job has allowed me to discover incredible destinations and experiences that I never imagined.
Today, I wanted to take this opportunity to share an experience that was a true turning point for me: my first yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands.
The Invitation Arrives
The day I received the invitation from Dream Yacht to explore their by-the-cabin charters, I was at home in Argentina. As soon as I read the email, I was instantly excited. I was being invited to my first yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands! After chatting with Matt and finalizing all the details, I started packing my suitcase, ready to embark on this new adventure.
Expectations Before the Trip
I had high expectations about visiting the BVI. I already knew a lot about the destination from newsletters, blogs, and the images I see every day at Yacht Warriors. But nothing compares to the idea of experiencing it for yourself. I don’t want to give too much away, but I can say that it exceeded my expectations. The islands have a special magic that’s hard to capture just through photos. If you’re considering a trip to the BVI, I can assure you it’s an experience worth having.
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When I arrived in St. Thomas, before catching the ferry to the BVI, the Caribbean heat hit me instantly. The sun was shining, the sky was clear, and the vibrant atmosphere could be felt immediately. Once I arrived in the BVI, Dream Yacht’s transport was waiting for me to take me to the marina. When I saw the yacht, I knew I was in for something special. That first night, which I highly recommend spending aboard if it’s your first charter, allowed me to get acquainted with the yacht and crew, and recharge for the next morning when we would be ready to set sail.
Sailing Into Paradise
The first day of sailing was unforgettable. As soon as we left the harbor, the scenery completely transformed, and the sense of freedom, being surrounded by the ocean, was indescribable. Our first activity was snorkeling, and although it was my first time, doing it at The Indians will be hard to beat. The following days were filled with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and, of course, time to relax on peaceful beaches. I never imagined I would enjoy a yacht vacation so much, but this experience has definitely made me reconsider my travel preferences.
Tips for First-Timers
If you're planning your first trip to the BVI, here are a few practical tips that I found really useful:
Clothing: Pack light. During the day, all you need is a swimsuit, and for the evening, just something comfortable to change into.
Transport:Make sure to have your transport to the marina well organized, and allow for extra time in case of changes in your flights or ferries. This will save you some stress, especially if it’s your first time.
The Sun: Don’t underestimate the Caribbean sun! Bring good sunscreen and apply it regularly to avoid a sunburn ruining your trip.
Shoes and the Yacht: Don’t wear shoes on board. I learned this the hard way—constantly cleaning the deck is not fun. Bring comfortable shoes for hiking on the islands, but on the yacht, no footwear is needed!
Do Your Research: Before the trip, I did some research on the activities and places I wanted to visit. This helped me make the most of my time and know what to expect at each stop.
Conclusion
This trip didn’t just help me learn more about my work; it also changed my perspective on vacations. I used to prefer vacations on land, but after this experience, I’ve realized how special life at sea can be. Waking up and being able to jump straight into the water, watching the sunsets from the yacht, and having the freedom to explore different islands without the crowds of a hotel made this trip truly unique. And as for the British Virgin Islands, I believe the best way to explore them is on a yacht charter!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little story. If you’re about to embark on your first trip to the BVI, make the most of it because time flies! It’s been a pleasure sharing this experience with you, and I look forward to writing to you again soon!
⛵ Ready to take the trip of a lifetime? I write a twice monthly, free newsletter with planning ideas for your next yacht charter trip: insider destination guides, sailing itineraries, and the latest news.
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