Nov 19 2008
SailTime Annual BVI Flotilla a Success !
SailTime Members from around the world converged on the British Virgin Islands last week for our annual Novice to Captain Graduation Flotilla. Members from the UK and North America chartered 12 boats and departed from Roadtown, Tortola to cruise what is, quite simply, the Disneyland of sailing. I can’t say enough good things about this archipelago in the Northeastern Caribbean. The sailing is incredible. The scenery is breathtaking. The snorkeling is still top notch. The beach bar restaurants which have become a familiar home away from home are welcoming and many of the people I come into contact with each year have become old friends and acquaintances.
The SailTime California contingent waves to say wish you were here to enjoy the BVI with us
This annual pilgrimage is the culmination of a learning process that is at the core of the SailTime program. Members are encouraged to get all the training we offer, which includes certified ASA schooling, while enrolled as members at their respective bases across the globe. Once they have reached a certain level, we invite them to put together a crew of friends and family and charter a boat in a flotilla environment to “graduate” as SailTime Captains. For many Members this is their purpose of being Members; so that they have the confidence and skills to command a yacht in a foreign land. Being a Member allows sailors to hone and retain their skills at home without the hassle of having to actually own a quality yacht. This in turn, frees up the cash to justify exotic sailing trips around the world.Â
Our next trip is a ten day excursion in June to the Abacos. In 2010 we plan to go to the Med, more than likely Italy. and in 2011 we plan to return to the South Pacific. Meanwhile, each Fall we return to the BVI to show our new cruising minded members how chartering works. I am very lucky because I have been asked to help a group flotilla from Texas in December. But hey, this is one of the main reasons why I do SailTime!
