What to Take

Some Material Extracted From: “Yachtman’s Guide to the Virgin Islands” with our own annotations based on updated information.

• See Things you will NOT need below but...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! SOFT LUGGAGE ONLY. No hard-sided or hard-backed bags with or without wheels. They damage the boat. Canvas bags such as sports bags or duffels are best.

• Prescription medications: Check with your doctor. If you are inclined to motion sickness, consider scopolamine. You will need a prescription for this. Don't depend on finding what you need once you're here. Medical services are available on all populated islands.

• Passports: You will need passports to re-enter the U.S. and for most island customs and immigration procedures. Birth certificates and/or driver's licenses are no longer generally acceptable.

• Money: Bring some cash and/or traveler's checks. You will need these for the following: BVI Cruising tax ($40 - $60 per person); possibly for  rendezvous diving or other off-yacht activities; ASA fees of $50 per person per level plus 1-year ASA membership fee ($35) if you are participating in an American Sailing Association instructional experience; and for the captain and chef gratuities customary at 15% - 20% of the charter fee (see Tip Protocol).

• Note that ATM machines are not generally available in the BVI.

• No matter how little you take, you'll probably take too much. Duffel bags and/or canvass totes are easy to handle and store on our boat, where storage space is at a premium.  A single canvas bag suitable for carrying onto an aircraft should hold goods sufficient for your vacation and will safeguard you from loss or misplacement by the airlines.

• The temperate breeze might fool you into underestimating the fierce tropical sun. You will get burned, badly, if not careful. Bring lots of sunscreen. Guidelines for sunscreen use if you have not been recently in the tropics: SPF 30 or more for two days, SPF 15 for two days, SPF 8 for two days and SPF 4 or less for the balance of your stay. Remember, pink skin is uncomfortable, red skin will hurt!

• Bring a brimmed hat, and something very light in weight to cover you entirely when you need extra protection, like an old pair of summer pajamas, a scrub suit, or a white long‑sleeved shirt. Sunglasses, would also be a good idea to bring along, preferably with polarized lenses.

• Clothing should be lightweight and light‑colored. You'll need a couple pairs of shorts and T‑shirts  (one pair to rinse and dry while you wear the other), and a light, long-sleeved shirt or lightweight cotton sweater for winter evenings.

• You will probably find sneakers and socks are much too hot for anything but hiking but you may wish to take a couple of pair of sweat socks and a pair of nonskid, non-marking deck shoes or nonskid sneakers (although you may find it more comfortable to go barefoot for the week).  Teva sandles, which do not mark desks, are also good for general use.

• For the occasional more formal evening, usually after 6 p.m., ladies wear elegant casual clothing, while gentlemen wear collared shirts and slacks, all lightweight tropical in nature.

• Bring two or three swimsuits and old sneakers or reef shoes for slogging around in shallow water (there may be some sharp coral and rocks to say nothing of crabs and/or spiny sea urchins). Also bring masks, fins and snorkles (our supply may work but not be as comfortable or good a fit as your own) if you desire. Cloth gloves will protect your hands when diving, or snorkeling (there are some instances when we can arrange for SCUBA tours at an extra cost).

• Bring some CD's or an iPod with FM transmitter. We have an iPod and also some DVD's for evening viewing.

• If you wish to do some fishing when we are sailing in and around islands, bring some collapsible fishing gear. We have caught black fin tuna trolling using hand line and feather jig. Unfortunately, some islands restrict fishing so explore the cruising guide book provided.

• While camera equipment may be less expensive in duty-free shops, don't assume that film will be cheaper in the islands. Almost anything such as film is going to be more expensive so bring plenty along. You might want to pack some disposable panoramic and/or underwater cameras.

• There may be some instances when you'll have the opportunity to do some exploring, so bring lightweight long pants to protect your legs from underbrush and bugs.

• And don't forget to pack your favorite bug repellent. Of course we do have some on board but it probably won't be necessary. But... better comfortable than sorry. Be aware that some of the commercial brands contain an ingredient that can damage synthetic fabric and plastic camera parts.

• NOTE: If you bring more than will fit comfortably into a sports bag, you are probably bringing too much.

Things you will NOT need

REMEMBER what this is and what it is not. This is your chance to let your hair down and relax for a week or two or more and have fun without worrying about the details. This is your chance to be scruffy without worrying about what someone will say...everybody does it and nobody cares. This is your chance to ooze and schmooze, to be languid and unfettered, and to be completely comfortable...regardless.  So guys-n-gals...

• ...leave your electric shavers, clippers and hair dryers at home and get down-and-dirty with the rest of us island dwellers and vacationers. Shorts-n-sandals, halters-n-swim suites and beards-n-rinsed locks are the anticipated and expected order of the day.

• ...leave your Foul‑weather gear at home...it's not needed. We will experience an occasional short shower and also an occasional day of rain may occur if an easterly wave passes through but the weather is so warm, even in winter, that these pose no significant discomfort.

• ...leave your jewelry or other valuables at home as we have no real way to safeguard them.

• ...leave your bulky items such as SCUBA gear at home. You won't have to schlep them half way around the world and we have no room to store them. If the urge to dive surfaces, we will be happy to make arrangements for rendezvous SCUBA tours when and where possible.

• ...and finally, leave the hard-sided luggage, noncollapsing or wheeled luggage at home. We have no room to store them and you won't have to sleep with suitcases (people are much more fun). Understand also that lost luggage probably will not up with you during your stay aboard. The best luggage is  soft-sided  such as a sports bag, one that can be carried on board your aircraft flight and then folded and stored in the bottom of your locker in your stateroom.

• ...and last, but not least by any means, leave your cares, doubts and worries at home. This is your chance to "jive-mon, jive! We be jammin!"

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