Bareboating with Confidence: How IYC Supports You on the Water

Choosing a Yacht That Fits Your Experience

A confident charter starts with the right vessel. Bareboat guests are preferred to have a previous sailing history and must be comfortable taking responsibility for the yacht. IYC asks prospective charterers to provide a sailing resume so the team can understand their experience and help determine which vessel is a good fit.

The IYC fleet includes different yacht sizes, layouts, and handling characteristics. When choosing one, consider:



• Your previous sailing experience
• The number of people traveling
• The amount of cabin and living space you need
• The type of sailing you plan to do
• The onboard amenities that matter to your group

For sailors who would prefer additional assistance, IYC can also help arrange an optional captain.

Getting to Know Your Yacht

Before leaving, guests will have an opportunity to become more familiar with the vessel as well as the equipment they will be using throughout their charter. Understanding how the yacht operates before getting underway makes the transition from marina to open water much smoother.



The goal isn't to teach experienced sailors how to sail. It's to make sure they are comfortable with the yacht they will be chartering

Local Knowledge Can Help You Plan

Knowing how to sail is one thing. Knowing the local cruising grounds is another.

Island Yacht Charters has been operating in the Virgin Islands since 1977 and is based in Red Hook on St. Thomas. That local expertise and experience can be particularly helpful when planning a route through waters you may not be familiar with.

The team can help answer questions such as:

• Which destinations work well together
• How much sailing time to expect between stops
• Where to provision before departure
• Which anchorages may fit your itinerary
• What to consider when planning around local conditions

If you're still deciding where to go, IYC's guide to creating a week-long Virgin Islands itinerary is a helpful place to start.

Plenty to Explore from Red Hook

Departing from Red Hook will provide you with several possible destinations to explore.

St. John is a short sail away, giving guests access to beaches, snorkeling spots, and protected anchorages. Sailors looking to venture farther can explore St. Croix or head west toward Culebra, Culebrita, and Vieques in the Spanish Virgin Islands.



Your itinerary can be as active or relaxed as your group wants. Spend more time sailing between islands, or keep passages shorter and leave more time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring ashore.

What Comes with Your Charter

IYC helps take care of some of the practical details before your trip begins. Depending on the yacht and charter, your setup may include essentials such as:

• An inflatable dinghy and outboard
• Linens and towels
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Initial fuel and water
• Onboard equipment and vessel inventory

Being based in Red Hook also adds convenience to your charter. Grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and other services are close to the IYC base, making it easy to pick up food, drinks, and last-minute supplies before departure.

For more help planning what you'll need, IYC's provisioning guide to Red Hook covers nearby options.

Support When You Need It

Once you leave the dock, you are responsible for operating the yacht, but no need to worry, you still have a local team behind you.



If a question about the vessel or your charter comes up, you can reach out to IYC for guidance. That can be especially reassuring when you're sailing in a new cruising ground or operating a yacht for the first time. Because the team is based in Red Hook, you're working with people who are familiar with the boats and the waters you're exploring.

Enjoy the Freedom of Bareboating

The best part of a bareboat charter is having the flexibility to make the trip your own.

If everyone wants another swim before leaving an anchorage, stay a little longer. If you find a beach you weren't planning to visit, change the afternoon. If you'd rather spend less time sailing and more time snorkeling, adjust the route.

With local knowledge, charter preparation, and an experienced team in St. Thomas, IYC helps give qualified sailors the support they need while leaving the adventure in their hands.

Ready to take the steering wheel? Explore bareboat charters with Island Yacht Charters or contact the IYC team to find the right yacht for your Virgin Islands charter.