USVI-On-Line

Need the wisdom of the experts.

The good news:
Found and reserved well-recommended boat that can accomodate 10 of us (family group) for a day sail to Jost on July 15th

Not so good news:
Polling of family resulted in 12 "yes, I want to sail" responses

The "fess-up" news:
When emailing family, I did not include the "minor" detail of 10 max capacity. I assumed (hah - we all know what that means)that surely, there would be one or two who wouldn't want to commit to a full day sail.

wrong

okay, so now the question is what to do with the 2 extra.

I suppose it would be easier if we all didn't have so much fun together or had a relative or 2 who makes us all want to send them down the gang plank.

nope.

We are a mixed bunch of family with our own unique traits that can be annoying but in general, we are a great group. (I count my blessings frequently). My dad at 84, my 2 brothers, their wives, my nieces, 2 of whom married great guys, my 2 young nephews and of course my own husband and teenage kids. In total,we are a group of 16 but my 2 sisters-in-law don't sail and the 2 young boys are better to stay on land for this trip.

So, how best to approach this day sail to Jost "dilemma".
***As a disclaimer, I realize there are wonderful catamaran charters who could have accomodated us as well as plenty of motor boats. I didn't pursue these because of my dad's lengthy history of sailing these waters on a variety of sailboats, beginning with his first trip in 1949 on a 70ft yawl. His dream was always to get his family on these waters on something similar to what he sailed. It had to be a mono-hull and he really wants to sail to Jost, in part because he loves sailing and in part to visit his old haunts.

Plan B(1)
take our chances that one of the other highly recommended smaller mono-hulls is doing a day sail to Jost on that particular day and sign 2 of us up for that. Those 2 will get the sailing experience and we'll cross paths on Jost.

Plan B(2)
Split group up in such a way that we have enough to do private charter for both the larger & smaller boat without making the cost of the day sail way above what it would be IF the reserved large boat would cost IF (only) they could take all 12 of us (they can't).

Plan B(3)
Put 2 on the ferry to Jost. Schedule reflects similar timing of departure to Jost and return to STJ

Plan B(4)
swim


If we "wing it" with plan B(1), what are our chances of the timing working out that there actually is a smaller mono-hull charter headed to Jost on that particular day so 2 of us can get on this?

any suggestions or input would be most appreciated!

Hi elcnj~

I am sorry to hear about your tough situation. I know this probably isn't going to be of much help but maybe:

1. You could now explain about the boat only holding 10 and ask to make sure everyone that said yes is a for sure yes...that way if you need to arrange for 2 boats you have time to do so.

2. Take your chances that once on island, 2 will change their mind and want to hang out at the beach instead of going sailing.

3. Maybe 2 will get a sunburn and not want to go on the boat. I seriously hope this doesn't happen.

Hope it all works out for you and your have a great sailing day!

First trip to STJ soon to come!
Jo

HI, I am not sure if this is an option, but you could cancel the current boat and arrange for two boats that carry 6 each-- and then you could try to see if the captains could stay sort of on the same course--stop in the same spots--etc.--

Must it be sail? Would you consider a power boat?

double check to make sure ALL want to go. then ask for volunteers to take the ferry. after all it seems that this is about your dad and his dream come true so surely someone will man up and take a hit for the team.

Get 2 of them so drunk the night before they can't get up to go.

There is absolutely no rules about 10! people -- USCG rules, I mean! -- 6 people yes----- SOLAS 12 people yes---- Get yourself a 12 passenger USCG Inspected Vessel - Non Solas - 12 passenger -- try Seamore Charters with Capt Frank - or quite a few others - 10 passenger is a rental boat rule only nothing Legal!

thanks for the input. I knew I could count on forum folks!


PA Girl - yes, must be a sailboat, pref. mono-hull

Waterguy - I hear you on that idea. If we were 16 50-somethings that might work. Family group doesn't lend itself to that option. Those of us that enjoy our beer, wine, margaritas, G & T's or martini's are the ones who are guaranteed a place on board

Gromit - Will be sending out that double-check email today. Makes me kinda wish I had framed the day sail in such a way that only the most sea-worthy folk would dare to go. Perhaps I can take the "L.I.F.O" approach. Last in (to family), First off (the boat)
This would be my niece's soon-to-be hubbie. They get married June 26th ....

Exit Zero - hmmm ... I didn't realize this. Good tip but given my dad's vision of his family on board a boat that is reminiscent of the many trips he took as a bachelor followed by other trips with my mom & other couples, I choose to respect this particular boat's limits.

Did you go with Breath? Because I thought they told me Breath could accommodate up to 16 people. Even if it was 16 with crew, there have never been more than 3 of them...

If it is Breath, I would explain the situation and see if they can accommodate you. Because I swear they told me they could carry up to 16 (but it was two years ago).

If you didn't go with Breath, I still think they would be OK with your group size.

Now I'm curious. I hope something didn't change and I've been giving misinformation...

Breath was my first choice but they no longer sail to Jost.

good thought though. thank you!

new horizons, stt. nightwind stt, and heron. not sure if they go to jost

Donna makes a good point. You may have better luck finding a larger outfit going out of STT. Usually they can pick up on St. John or some girls in our group just took the people ferry over and met the charter in Red Hook.

Stinks that Breath doesn't go to Jost, but good to know for future trips.