Planning Arrival Guide
Top Experts Answer Your Common Questions & the Not So Common
Common questions answered by charter guests and the owners of Aquanimity (Owner-operated), along with top expert guidance charter tips, such as: do I need a passport in the BVI, how can I combat seasickness while anchored, should I sleep aboard the night before...
Navigating BVI-USVI Customs & Sea Crossings
International travel between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands involves clearing customs and immigration. When you are on Aquanimity, we handle the vessel’s clearance paperwork, but you must have your physical passport (and Global Entry cards, if applicable) ready for inspection. We aim to make this transition as efficient as possible so it doesn't interrupt your time on the water.
Q: Should I fly into St. Thomas (STT) or Tortola (EIS)? If I fly into St. Thomas (STT), can I make a 2 PM flight home if I leave the boat in Tortola that morning?
Flying into St. Thomas (STT) is often the more cost-effective and flexible option due to the volume of direct flights from the US. However, it requires a ferry or private water taxi crossing to Tortola. If you choose this route, we recommend landing no later than 3:30 PM to ensure you catch the final ferry. Flying directly into Tortola (EIS) is more expensive but places you just minutes from the marina, eliminating the sea transfer.
The Benefits of a "Sleep Aboard" Arrival
Q: Can we 'sleep aboard' the night before the charter starts?
A "Sleep Aboard" allows you to board the yacht at 5:00 PM the evening before your charter officially begins. This is a strategic way to "decompress" from your flight, unpack your gear, and wake up already at the marina. Instead of rushing from a taxi to a moving boat, you start your first full day of sailing well-rested and ready for the first anchorage.
Life Onboard the 48ft Catamaran Aquanimity
Q: How much privacy do we have with a crew on board?
This is a common question for families or couples. On Aquanimity, the layout is designed for "seamless separation." While your captain and chef are there to provide five-star service, they are experts at the "invisible service" model. They have their own separate crew quarters, and the 48ft layout offers plenty of distinct zones—like the forward cockpit, the flybridge, and the aft dining area—so you can always find a private corner for your group.
Q: How do we manage fresh water and showers?
Modern luxury catamarans are equipped with high-capacity water makers that turn seawater into fresh, potable water. While Aquanimity provides a steady supply for hot showers and galley use, we still practice "mindful consumption." It’s an eco-friendly mindset that ensures we have plenty of water for the entire week without needing to divert to a marina for a fill-up.
Q: What is the "Barefoot" policy, and do I need shoes at all?
To protect the teak and gelcoat surfaces of the yacht, we maintain a "barefoot" policy on board. You'll leave your street shoes in a dedicated basket upon boarding. For island excursions or beach bars like the Soggy Dollar, a pair of flip-flops or sturdy water shoes is all you need. If you plan on dining at a high-end resort ashore, one pair of "island chic" sandals or boat shoes is plenty.
Stability and Comfort: Managing Seasickness
Q: I know catamarans are stable, but will I still feel the rocking at night in the anchorages?
Many guests who worry about motion sickness find that catamarans are the perfect solution. Unlike traditional monohull sailboats that "heel" or lean over, Aquanimity’s 48-foot beam provides a stable, level platform. We also curate our itineraries to stay within the protected, calmer waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, avoiding heavy swells.
It is a common misconception that being on a boat means constant motion. While no vessel is entirely motionless, Aquanimity is engineered to minimize "rocking" in three (3) specific ways:
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The Physics of the 25-Foot Beam: Unlike a traditional monohull that acts like a see-saw, Aquanimity is a 48-foot catamaran with a massive 25-foot beam (width). This wide stance creates a "stable platform" effect. Because the buoyancy is distributed across two hulls spaced far apart, the yacht resists the side-to-side rolling motion that typically causes seasickness.
- The Weight of a 48-Foot Vessel: Size matters for stability. A 48-foot catamaran has significant displacement (weight), which acts as a natural dampener against minor surface chops. While a smaller boat might "jiggle" with the wake of a passing dinghy, Aquanimity remains remarkably steady.
- Strategic "Calm-Water" Itineraries: We don't just sail; we navigate with your comfort in mind. We specifically select overnight anchorages known for being "tucked in"—meaning they are protected by natural landmasses or reefs that block the ocean swell. Locations like the North Sound or The Bight at Norman Island are famous for their lake-like conditions at night.
Packing Tips: The Soft-Sided Luggage Requirement
Space on a yacht is a premium, and storage lockers are designed for flexibility. We strictly require soft-sided duffle bags rather than hard-shell suitcases. Soft bags can be folded and tucked away, whereas hard luggage often has to stay on your cabin floor, creating a tripping hazard and reducing your living space.
Staying Connected: High-Speed Starlink Wi-Fi at Sea
We understand that many of our guests are business owners who need to stay "online" even while away. Aquanimity is equipped with Starlink satellite internet, providing reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the BVI. Whether you’re anchored in the North Sound or at Anegada, you’ll have the bandwidth needed for video calls or managing your operations.
Q: What kind of power and charging is available for my devices?
Aquanimity operates on a standard North American 110V system with traditional three-prong outlets. You won’t need travel adapters if you are coming from the US or Canada. With our onboard generator and inverter system, you can charge laptops, cameras, and phones 24/7, even when we are tucked into a remote anchorage.
Understanding All-Inclusive Rates & Etiquette
Q: What’s Included in an All-Inclusive BVI Charter?
Our goal is a "Zero-Friction" experience. The all-inclusive rate covers the professional services of your crew, all onboard meals, a standard open bar, fuel, and cruising taxes. This model provides financial predictability, allowing you to enjoy the vacation without calculating "extras" or managing an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).
A Guide to Yacht Crew Gratuity Standards
While the charter fee covers the vessel and operations, the gratuity is a direct reflection of the 24/7 service provided by your crew. The industry standard in the BVI is 15% to 20% of the base charter rate. This is typically settled at the end of the week via cash or wire transfer and is shared between your captain and chef.
Tailoring the Galley: Dietary Needs & Provisioning
Before you arrive, Patty will coordinate a detailed preference sheet with your group. Because we are a boutique charter, we can customize the galley to handle everything from specific food allergies and gluten-free requirements to stocking your favorite brand of coffee or spirits. Every meal is engineered around your specific tastes.
