The U.S. Virgin Islands is the Club's new winter getaway destination. The primary islands we'll visit are St. Thomas, where the charter base is, and St. Johns. We are hoping to also visit the Spanish Virgin Islands, which are part of Puerto Rico. Nine days will give us the time we need to sail between islands, explore the small towns, beaches and some very good snorkeling locations. Extending your trip with a few days on land before or after the charter is optional, but always a good idea!

The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States in 1917 for $25M from Denmark to improve our military positioning during World War I. The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of the three main islands - St. Thomas, St. John and St Croix, as well as 50 minor islands and cays. It has a comprehensive visitors bureau website providing a wealth of information - USVI Visitors Bureau. You may want to check it out.

Of course, year-round warm temperatures between 75ºF and 82ºF make this a perfect winter trip! Known for its beaches with expanses of powdery white sand, as well as its five National Park Service sites, we’re surprised the club hasn’t done a trip in the US Virgin Islands before!

The plan is for nine days of sailing, starting at the charter base on St. Thomas. The charter company (Dream Yacht Charters) has a suggested itinerary, which will most likely be adjusted once some logistics are worked out. It's also a little heavy on dining ashore. A layover day will also be planned near mid-week, at a place that offers some non-sailing activities, such as snorkeling or diving. There are numerous dive shops, and even more restaurants and shops.

Key Dates

January 28 (Saturday)
Late afternoon, board the boats. Boat checkout and provisioning

January 29 (Sunday) - February 5 (Sunday)
Sail amongst the many islands in the most beautiful water imaginable. Likely destinations include:

• St. John Island - The smallest of the three main islands, but 60% of the island is protected national park with great snorkeling locations in its 51 sq. kilometers (31.6 sq miles) of offshore coral reefs.
• St. Thomas - Christmas Cove, Coral Bay, and/or Trunk Bay - All wonderful.
• Anchoring locations with both snorkeling and hiking opportunities. Sea turtles, rays, octopus and larger fish are often seen, as well as the pizza boat that delivers in Christmas Cove - Pizza Pi!
• Sail over to the Spanish Virgin Islands and visit Culebra and Vieques. Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, a bioluminescent bay. Until 2003 both islands were used for military training, artillery and bombing practice, and an ammunition depot by the US Navy.

February 6 (Monday) - We'll need to be off the boats by mid-morning, after the usual clean-up. This is the first day you should plan to travel home.

The Boats

Two identical monohulls have been chartered from Dream Yacht Charters: If there is sufficient interest, a third boat may be added.

Getting There and Away

Cyril E. King airport (STT) on St. Thomas is served by all major airlines. The base is located at Compass Point Marina, 6300 Est Frydenhoj, St. Thomas.. It’s a 15-20 minute cab ride to the marina, depending on traffic.

The cost of the trip is $1,500.00 per person (Skippers and Trip Leader - $835.00). The trip price includes charter fees, dinghies, and some mooring fees. Fuel, provisioning, other mooring fees, and other incidentals will be covered by each boat's crew. A $200.00 deposit and Release of Liability and Zero Tolerance Form must accompany your Reservation Form.

Please make your check payable to The Sailing Club, Inc. and mail it, along with your completed reservation and release form, to Mary Ann Gordon at the address below. Reservations will be processed beginning October 27, 2022 with a random draw of those received by that date. All reservations received after that date are on a first-come, first-served basis. A final payment of $1,300.00 is due on December 15, 2022. The Club’s standard thirty-day cancellation policy applies for this event. A pre-trip meeting will be held at a time and place to be announced. All crewmembers should make every effort to attend in order to meet your crewmates, plan your meals, and make travel plans.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. Confirmed participants should make their own decisions regarding insurance that would provide coverage appropriate to their needs and that they feel best protects them in their individual situations. Two useful resources for comparing plans are www.insuremytrip.com and www.squaremouth.com. As always, read all policy terms and conditions carefully.

Please note that sailing conditions are dynamic, that your safety, and that of your crewmates, depends on your good physical health and agility.