Yachting Dangers: What To Watch For When Bareboating
The bareboat charter company will give you maps,
instructions on what to watch for, and information on where you need to stay
while you're out bareboating. But really, why would they worry about where you
are? The answer: because there are some surprising dangers if
you venture outside the prescribed waters of the British Virgin Islands. Storms,
pirates, and reefs all pose hazards that can do more than just ruin your
vacation. Perhaps the most common danger is overestimating your
own skills with boating. Even if you have a boating license accepted by the
charter company, do you really know what you're doing? Can you handle sails with
the crew you have by yourself, or do they need more seasoning? If there is any
doubt in your mind, a day or two with a bareboat captain to train everyone might
be a wise decision. Storms are something you may worry about, especially
during hurricane season. For the most part, the British Virgin Islands are
free of sudden squalls, though you can expect afternoon showers to be common
during summer. If you charter your bareboat in advance during hurricane season,
make sure you also purchase vacation insurance. It is rare that a hurricane hits
this area without warning, but it does happen occasionally. If you're worried
about the sky or wind, fire up the radio or head to shore. The charter company
should be available to tell you what to do. Never try to ride the storm out
yourself; while it's true that boats near shore can be broken up by the wave
action, ideally you should not be in the boat at all during a hurricane. If you
are, stay in constant contact with the charter company so they can send you
help. Reefs are another hazard, but if you stay within the
bounds of the map your charter company gave you, you shouldn't find them to be a
problem. If you do find yourself out to sea during a storm, they may become
a problem, and you'll want to steer well clear and downwind/downcurrent of them.
Otherwise, just follow your maps. Pirates are part of the history of the British Virgin
Islands, and pirates still exist today throughout the world. They're just
thieves in boats, after all. If you're in a boat by yourself on the sea, you
are in a uniquely vulnerable position. The good news is that the British Virgin
Islands are well-monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard and the BVI's coast guard
service, and pirates rarely venture into areas that are so heavily traveled. As
long as you stay within the area prescribed by your charter company, you should
be safe. Venture outside, and you may find some unpleasant surprises. Most piracy around the Caribbean takes place close to
mainland shores: Venezuela, Guatemala, Columbia, Brazil (where at least one
wealthy yacht owner was killed), and other poverty-prone areas are most likely
to have pirates operating offshore. On the islands, you're more likely to find
them near Trinidad. It is, however, a bad idea to pick up strangers without
radioing shore first. Pirates sometimes masquerade as castaways or migrant
workers. In addition, picking up a stranger may get you in trouble with the
British Virgin Islands, as they do have a problem with illegal immigration and
therefore have very strict laws. To protect yourself, always check first before
picking up strangers, and pull in only at docks that your charter company
recommends. Avoid trouble in general. You're on your vacation; don't let it be ruined by mishaps.
Click here to return to Tortola Yacht Charters from Tortola Yachting Dangers.
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