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Puget Sound Sailing Institute - British Virgin Islands - January 12-19, 2009 |
Join us for seven wonderful days of sun, sad and sailing in the Caribbean! Your dream trip begins with a flight to beautiful Tortola, center of the British Virgin Islands. Spend a relaxing night at the Mariner Inn (optional) or aboard your yacht (included). The next morning sail away aboard for seven days and nights through the exquisite Virgin Islands. You'll visit North Gorda Sound and the world famous Baths of Virgin Gorda, Sandy Cay, Green Cay, Jost Van Dyke, the incomparable wreck of the Rhone, and the inspiration for Treasure Island, Norman Island, including the Treasure Caves. Fully relaxed and suntanned, enjoy one more night at the Mariner Inn (optional) before returning home. |
This is a FLOTILLA CRUISE. You have two choices: 1. Come on Mike's boat for instruction. Mike will also be leading and guiding the flotilla, showing you where to go in the BVI. 2. If you are ASA or US Sailing Certified through Bareboat Chartering, you can charter your own yacht (this must be arranged by PSSI), but you will have the comfort and security of going along with Mike, who will be available for guidance and consultation. Your cost is the charter of the yacht plus a $350 flotilla fee paid to PSSI. With a FLOTILLA, you have independence but have less responsibility and a guide to introduce you to the area. Plus, it's ten times more fun!!! DESTINATION: Sailing experts have declared the British Virgin Islands the finest sailing and cruising area in the world. And, January is one of the best months to be there! Reliable trade winds average 15-20 knots from the East. Seas are small due to the protection from over forty islands. Daytime high temperatures in January average 82°F, and nighttime lows average 71°F while the water averages 82°F. The British Virgin Islands have over forty anchorages: many within a few hours sail of each other. Beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise crystal clear water and great snorkeling/scuba complete the ingredients for paradise. This is the perfect destination if you like PROTECTED WATERS, GOOD WINDS, and SHORT DISTANCE BETWEEN ANCHORAGES. CHARTER YACHT: Bahia 46- Catamaran - fast and spacious. It features 4 private double berth cabins, plus 2 single berth cabins, each with a private bath and shower, and enough deck space to tan an army! And, it doesn't heel! Beneteau 50' Monohull - 5 Cabins, 5 head monohull speedster. Flotilla Boats - 36' to 50' boats are available SUGGESTED ITINERARY: Sunday, January 11 (PM) or Monday January 12 (AM) - Fly to Tortola. Spend the night at the Mariner Inn, if you desire, or onboard (included). Wednesday, January 14 (noon) - Tuesday, January 18 (10 am) - Sailing, Learning, Exploring! Monday, January 19 (12 pm) - Disembark. Spend the night at the Mariner Inn (optional-see, "Cost") Monday, January 19 or Tuesday, January 20- Return flight to the States, or ? INSTRUCTOR/ SKIPPER: Onboard instructor will be Mike Rice. Mike has sailed 80,000 nautical miles and run successful Caribbean trips since 1985. Mike is a Coast Guard licensed and an ASA Certified Instructor. He was named A.S.A. Instructor of the Year for 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005! Instruction is available continuously. Up to two ASA certifications are included to those who apply themselves. Beginner through Advanced sailors welcome! Accommodations can be made for an accompanying spouse, significant other, friend or family member, who wishes to be aboard but not participate in the learning. Or, you can be your own skipper! ACTIVITIES: The possibilities are endless! Along with the continuous excellent sailing and navigation instruction provided by Mike and his staff, some time will be set aside for vacation type activities-sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, reading, relaxing, hiking, informal racing or just having fun! COST: The following prices include sleeping aboard the first night plus seven days/six nights aboard the yacht, instruction, two A.S.A. certifications, provisioning for six breakfasts, six lunches, plus three dinners. Three dinners ashore not included. Add $100 per person, per night for hotel accommodations. Beverages, food at the hotel, and airfare are extra. 46' Catamaran - $1,950 /person, double occupancy or $3,510 if you desire your own stateroom. 50' Monohull - $1,850 /person double occupancy or $3,300 if you desire your own double berth stateroom. Flotilla: costs are the charter of the yacht plus a $350 flotilla fee. Call PSSI for current boats and prices. **Singles welcome! CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR AIRFARE!! PAYMENT SCHEDULE: A 25% deposit due at sign up. $100 of this is non-refundable. A second 25% payment is due August 1, 2008. A final 50% payment is due October 1, 2008. Deadline to sign up is September 15, 2008 or when the trip is full, whichever occurs first. There are no refunds after September 15, 2008 due to our commitments to the charter company. CERTIFICATION: Puget Sound Sailing Institute is an American Sailing Association sail training facility that offers Basic Sailing through Offshore Passagemaking certification. You can qualify for up to two certifications or you can just come along for the ride, or anything in between. You decide! |