USVI-On-Line

Do any sailboats take 8 passengers? It seems like most only take 6. I've thought about pairing up two boats and going 4/4, but that's obviously more expensive.

As a backup plan, what are some good motor boat charters that could take 8?

Thanks,

Fowst

Breath is a pretty big sailboat. I think Jared said they can hold up to 18 people. I believe it's a minimum of 4 to go out. We had six plus three crew members the day we went.

Try: www.sailbreath.com.

Fowst, Just an FYI, It's not always the size of the boat that dictates the # of passengers. It is the Coast Guard License held by the Captain. A "six pak" license is what dictates the max 6 passenger (people paying) A higher classification license would allow additional numbers. In other words you could have a 54' boat that has a "Capacity" of say 50. If the Captain only has a six-pax license then 6 is the max ( paying passengers) allowed while he is Captaining the vessel.

Right so not only does the Captain need a higher license, but the boat must pass initial safety standards and stability requirements and then be inspected annually by the coast guard. Breath is fully inspected and can take 8 passengers easy. You can call connections or jared to book

Just checked out the Breath's site and Capt. Peter's Book. Sounds like a good read. Any opinons/reviews?

A captain who has only a "six pack" license -- called an OUPV by the USCG - Operator of UNINSPECTED Power Vessels cannot even ever run an inspected vessel that carries 6 or less than 6 passengers. The limiting factor here is the boat!! - more than 6 passengers requires a stringent inspection and the approval of the Coast Guard and the Captain MUST carry a Masters License as stipulated in the Certificate of Inspection.

bobcside wrote:Just checked out the Breath's site and Capt. Peter's Book. Sounds like a good read. Any opinons/reviews?

I haven't read it yet, but I plan to. I've just been so swamped since I got home. I should've read it before we went, but coordinating a sail was a last minute decision.

Breath is a beautiful boat, and it was nice to feel like you're sailing on a piece of history. Jared is a great captain, and it would definitely accommodate a large party. I'm not sure what the pricing would be for a large group on a day sail, but their pricing for our sail was pretty reasonable.

Breath is a beautiful classic vessel - you would certainly enjoy the day.
A few options in STT are:
Nightwind
Fury
New Horizons
Seamore [power]
Sandspur[power]
Taking 2 - 6 passenger vessels in tandem would likely be very close and probably less as the same price as chartering a larger vessel for a private charter. Paying by the head on a larger vessel and having other guests aboard would be the cheapest -- but not private.

Thanks for the input. The only recommendation from STJ has been Breath; I suspect the STT boats can pick us up in Cruz Bay, right?

I think some of them will, but some want you to meet them in Red Hook. That's not far from the ferry though.

We just did a day sail on Priorities which is a 57 foot cat...it was incredible and very spacious and just immaculate...room for 8, but one couple would have to sleep in a bunk bed. Incredible food...and a golden retriever, Reggie, on board which my granddaughter loved....just google them