My husband and I watch your wonderful videos all the time and just love them all! You were a huge instrument in us chartering our own boat in the BVI's last year. We are terribly sorry to hear about your Boat, but we are glad you were all safe. We were there when hurricane Tammy came through in Oct. We happened to be on a ball on the worst night of the storm and my husband and I stayed watch the entire night. It could have been really bad had we come off the ball. We were in a 42ft sailboat and boy that thing was swinging all the way left and all the way right and was one wild ride. Don't you pay any attention to people who leave bad remarks. We think you are one amazing cool dude!
We “ waited too long “ also. Lost my sweet Charlee to cancer, she was only 55. Thanks for answering questions. Extremely helpful. I hope you purchase a new boat. The worlds a better place with you floating in it. Lol Over
Hi! Layla's mom here :) I just want to say that Alan is as kind as he comes across on his videos! My husband and I have been so tickled to see Layla mentioned on your videos! We are planning another BVI trip, maybe it'll coincide with one of your trips! Safe travels and Happy New Years!
Thank you so much for the mention. It means a Lot. Kind regards, Mike from Toronto P.S. every day it gets a little better. It is like a Wound, that heals, but the scar is always there
That story of your PA is awesome! I regularly preach to my 17 year old that he needs to always be present and not stuck staring at his phone because you never know when something goofy like that can lead to an opportunity!
We love your videos…we did the BVI 1 year ago because of your videos! 1000% BEST VACATION EVER. We were talking about it today and sharing videos and photos. We chartered the Aquila 44 with are adult children for a week and had such an amazing time, Memories we will cherish forever.
My 41 yo daughter in law was diagnosed with MS in Aug. Thank you for being receptive to the gentleman's question about wheelchair accessibility. Looking forward to what you find because we are going to live life to the fullest. Love the BVI and your videos.
Another great video with lots of great information. We spent a week in November in the BVI on the Cuan Law scuba diving and had a ball! Thanks for the inspiration. We were overdue for a return to the BVIs. Love the story about Layla and you hiring her as a PA for the CMAs! It was a great show! Thanks for sharing!
We like your videos and you are absolutely right: 'Don't wait too long', just do it. We were also thinking about it for many years, asking ourselves if it would be the right choice. 2 years ago we took the decision, sold everything and went to live on our boat. We had ups and downs, but hey, you will always have those. In all we wish we had taken the decision earlier in life, it was the best decision we ever made. As for money ? You just have to go with the flow, there will always be someone who has more money than you, but being on a boat is not about money, it is about creating memories, spending time together and as we all know, we don't have an eternal life.
Thanks for your candor, and, as always, thanks for the terrific production quality. We were in the BVI over Christmas (our 3rd Christmas in a row!) and at one point I said to my husband, this, my least favorite phrase, "You know, this does not suck." LOL. You have gotten under my skin....
You crack me up. You're like my wife. She said..."you're putting that on your shirts?" I'm like..."YES". I got the phrase from Wayne's World. In one Scene, Garth says...."I just hope this show doesn't suck". I was like 30 years old then. I thought that was a brilliant line. If we could all go through life doing things that don't "suck" then we'd be happy. Like you, the wifey don't like the sexual "suck" aspect of it. I have NEVER looked at it that way. It's about happiness in life. I hate being mad and uncomfortable right now. I've worked too hard to feel that way. and "it sucks" relates to those two feelings for me. So, I just don't want it to suck. Maybe replace suck with "that's lame"? kinda the same thing! thanks for watching NANCY!
Hi Alan! Love your channel! It's been very inspiring. In-fact, my wife has been trying to get me to do a charter for years. After, watching your videos we decided to get some friends together and do it! We will be there next week! So looking forward to it. Hope we get a chance to meet you down there. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love your videos! Me and my husband retired on June 2, 2023, we were on a plane June 4 headed for the Virgin Island. We are currently at Nanny Cay having work done on our sailboat. Hope to meet you at some point. Thanks for all the great info.
Alan, We just returned from our 3rd, week long trip to the BVI. Our first 2 trips were shared with other couples but we did it this time with our family. We had a blast ringing in the new year at Foxy's with our (3) boys, ages 15,17,20 along with my wife's Brother and my Sister in law along with their (3) boys ages 15,18, 21. We were curious how they would fair in this environment and I am happy to report back that these very well traveled boys all rank this trip as the best of their lifetime. My 17 year old declared this was sooo much better than Hawaii! We love your channel and watching as we wait for our own 40' Sea Ray to come out of its winter hibernation in SW Michigan. Hoping to travel to the BVI in my own Fleming some day as a part of doing the Great Loop but have some boys to get launched first. We will continue to charter in the meantime. P.S. Checked on the Hillbilly sitting on her stands at Nanny Cay and she is looking good.
I have done a bunch of diving in the BVIs and USVIs. You will see some nurse sharks (puppy dogs of shark species), and if you dive into deep water, you will see some reef sharks that will not bother you. I have never seen a Tiger, Hammerhead, or Bull Shark in the BVIs or USVIs.
Killer video - great advice on several fronts. Simon and family are great folks. My guess is that you will be helping tourism in Tortola significantly in the coming years. See you in Miami.
Thanks for answering my question about how much cash to bring - really helpful. Your videos are very well edited and produced and you've got a great presence in front of the camera. I'll be down in June on a sail charter. Would be fun to say hello if we cross paths.
Love your channel, thanks for sharing unfiltered raw experience. Regarding the brand comparison question, I would not compare the Leopard to the Aquila, the other brands that are closer to Aquila would be the Prestige M48, Fountaine Pajot MY6 or a notch up with similar master is the the Horizon PC60, the big game changer is the what he mentions, which is why we loved the 54, the master bedroom. Horizon has something similar.
We are headed to BVI the last week of Jan first part of Feb. We are celebrating our 40th wedding Anniversary. We are using Marine Max. If you see 3 middle age couples come say Hello. I will send our vow renewal in the BVI. Hugh Fan you helped us with our first Trip 2021
Alan, we did a snorkel trip in April of the reef on Anegada, loved Anegada. We saw a nurse shark near Conch Island. Did the snorkel trip with Tommy, and I highly recommend it. One of the best snorkeling we have ever done.
Hi, Alan! I love your videos. We didn't get to the BVI last October and totally regret not booking it. We're going to book for Oct 2024 and hope to see you there, maybe share a cocktail at Indigo at CGB. 😅 You're right, "life's short, buy the boat!!" One Love, BVI is Paradise!!!❤❤
Please set the clock on your microwave... it's distracting me during the video. 😆 P.S. Love the informative videos like these for us future boat owners. Hope to see you either in a Miami boat show or BVI some day. Cheers, from a Twins fan.
We will be at jost, going to the Soggy Dollar tomorrow!! --------------- It was great running into you yesterday on Jost, have a great remainder of your trip in the BVI 😁
Loved the video Alan keep them coming Savannah ga wished we could of meet before you left Savannah but will be looking for you in the bvi see you there
My wife is a C6/C7 quadriplegic. and we have been enjoying the USVI/BVI since 2003. One option to consider is to stay on land but do daily boat trips. Not sure what is available with Marine Max. I am happy to share what we have been able to do.
@@thewanderinghillbilly Depending on the medical condition, the options may vary, In my wife's case, she has no movement below her sternum. We stay at the Westin on St John (very accessible and the resort's transfer service has been absolutely we wonderful and incredibly accomodating) and I rent bareboat from See and Ski in Redhook. The power cat is wide enough to accommodate the manual wheelchair and we often do day trips, as far as North Sound. We transfer her into a manual chair, load her on the boat (securing her) and go where ever we want. Fortunately she is only about 125 lbs and I am able to transfer her, with one person's help, in and out of the boat, when there is a dock at the place we are going to. If not, I lower her into a pool tube and we hang in the water (White Bay). If a dock is available (Foxy's, Pirates Bight , Saba Rock, Bitter End, Cooper Island , etc..) we offload her and enjoy a nice lunch. So much to share, I could probably write book. Years ago, 2004, a 70' Hatteras (Stardust) was available that actually had an interior chair lift from the main salon to the master and an rear external hydraulic platform that would land in the cockpit, the main deck and then to the upper deck. The last I saw it, it had been sold and was moved to Texas. I have noticed that the 74 Horizon has the master stateroom and the master head on the main deck. We did not wait. "You either get busy living or busy dying". I love your channel. I am subscribed. Just recently went to Nanny Cay and spent a night with friends. I would be able to make that work for us. I am sorry to spew so much, but I am happy to share!
Cool - I'm in Franklin, TN. I had a boat in Anguilla for 8 years and loved it. not BVI/USVI which I've been to many times but all those islands have their own magic.
Glad to see your getting back on the water. There was a question about the kids not having the funds to help pay for going out to dinner. I suggest you have them pay for the tips. Acutely I plan on being at the Miami show so I will swing by to say hi to ya. Matt from Big Springs NE.
Something I haven’t heard you mention in any of your videos is the tipping culture in the BVI. More specifically, tipping the people who work in the boating/charter industry. For example, is it customary to tip the people who help you moor the boat or untie the lines to get under way? Thanks in advance.
Happy new year to you and your wonderful family... I follow your channel from Italy (so forgive my english...) and i lika a lot you videos... they are the toucheble elements of my dreams... what a wonderful experience!! I will never could have a powercat or anything else boat for economic aspect but i love see your trip on it!! Thank you!!
Chartered from the Moorings for the first time nearly 30 years ago now. And as the hillbilly said ....Don't wait ..... and it's easier when you're younger and more willing to deal with whatever challenges come up. Just do your homework and come prepared. They will find you a Captain If you don't have a sailing resume. Do it as soon as you can.
Aloha, We love your videos and have been inspired by you to “not wait” but go for it. We have booked our charter with Marine Max April 15-25- hope to see you at Leveck bay Friday night party or somewhere around. We will be filming some Hawaiifivefit videos so say hi if you see us first😊
Hillbilly, last year while we were on a ball at Cooper's Island. Our ball was in the middle of the field and we decided to snorkel into the beach. On the way back to the boat, I was about 40 feet away from the transom I looked down and there were 4 or 5 sharks circling around near the bottom coming up. Scared the crap out me, moved into over drive to get on the boat. When we got back to Houston, I saw that a 7 foot shark was caught in Cane Garden Bay I believe.
Can confirm that I've seen sharks (and other HUGE fish)scuba diving just off Great Thatch Island between that point and Sopers Hole. These fish just hang out and drift with the ripping tidal currents like a buffet! Scary dive even with an experienced local commercial diver. Once in a lifetime dive!
Thank you for your videos. We are considering the 54 Aquila and chartered one a few weeks ago. We love the comfort of the boat but concerned about the quality and the 3am bathroom visits going down the stairs. I would love a few minutes with you at the Miami Boat show to discuss the issues you have had with the boat. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and will come down there on the 15th and stop by if you have a few minutes to discuss.
I swear...the 3am trip to the toilet is my number 1 fear....now having said that...the boat is well worth it. just go slowwww. If you can! lol. see you in Miami
Hey Alan, Been watching your videos for a while. You were our inspiration for my wife and I buying an Aquila 44 and we currently have it in charter at Marine Max at Nanny Cay. She's a teacher and retires in the summer 2026... which corresponds with the expiration of our charter agreement. Thanks so much for your informative videos as we plan on taking off to ports unknown!! I've heard you say that you have a navigational program on your iPad that you set your cruise IT on at home. What program software do you use on what devises that serves you well in the BVI? Our next planned trip is my wife's spring break (April 6th-13Th). Maybe we'll see you then!! Keep up the good work! Bob PS... I'm a huge Reds fan but I'm glad the Rangers brought home the FLAG!!!
Well Reds fan....you know my joy! I'll explain the Nav more in the first video this January. Look me up if we're there at the same time! thanks for watching.
I wonder what time this was recorded...(PRESS CLOCK)...😄 I'll have to get my buddy Jason to swing by and see you at the boat show (he sells Sabre's) but that's his problem 🤣. Again, love the channel and yeah...."why the hell did you never think of that!??" 🔑 Have a great day, cheers!!!
I’ll be down on the 12 th also!! Hopefully we will see one another out and about! Putting my boat in the water for the season, keep it at Hannah at nanny… ps. She is for sale! Great 2015 Dufour 382.
We saw black tip reef sharks on EVERY DIVE in July 2021. There was a small window in the middle of Covid that they opened up, I think the lack of tourism made the sharks more curious. We ended a dive on the Rhône after about 20 minutes because we had 3 BTRSs that would not leave us alone. They were never aggressive but we’re too close for us to have fun. We had one on a dive off JVD that stayed about 20’ from our group for most of the dive. Lastly, when my husband was in the marina laundry at Nanny Cay he ran into a man that had been tied up near the caves on Norman island. After finishing a boat job about 7pm he jumped into the water to cool off. He saw the shark approaching and got bit on the calf. Another boat took him across the channel to the hospital and he was stitched up. The doctors were so shocked they were coming in his room to take pictures. So, if you are not diving and not swimming during their dinner time, you may never see a shark in the BVIs!
I live aboard a monohull sailboard in the BVI. I first started in 2004 and the prices, like everywhere have risen, but on many items more so here. I live on Virgin Gorda, food prices here are higher than Tortola but everything else is similar. Dockage at Village Cay Marine in Road Town is $1.85 a foot a night for a monohull; cats are sur-charged. Power and water are metered and are extra. At Virgin Gorda Yacht harbor the rates are similar. Long term (3 months) dockage there for a 38 foot monohull is close to $1,300/mo. As noted in this video mooring balls run $30 to $55 a night depending on location and from whom you rent from. Cash is necessary for taxis, coffee shops, mooring ball, and small shops. ATMs on Virgin Gorda are far and few between and often are empty of cash. Road Town is better but often the lines are long to access them. Taxis are expensive, and public transport is not available. From Spanish Town to North Sound in VG is $40 one way and a tip is expected. Parts, marine and otherwise, are about double what they would be in the States. Do not plan to buy a boat in the BVI a boat outfit her here unless you are 1) rich or 2) are willing to ship everything you need. And even the latter will add about 40% to your bottom line. During my time here I 've watched BVI go from having a focus on cruisers to being blinded by the charter boat fleets. Those fleets have gone from family oriented monohulls to huge cats filled with 8-12 guests. The numerously of the boats has exploded , and their guests are load with disposable cash, this is reflect in the cost of drinks and restaurant food. If you have budget you must limit dining out; it will break the bank. I've seen You Tube videos were the creators are claiming they can live aboard in the Caribbean for $800 a month, or less. Often they show a food expense for to of $300 a month. I find that hard to believe unless they are catching a lot of fish. Here in BVI you need a license to fish and it is not cheap nor all that easy to get. If you re a couple and anchor out 90% of the time, and drink and eat frugally plan on speeding about $1500 to 2,000/mo. If you dock more often plan on about $2.50 a foot a night including power and water. Hope this helps your planning.
Sorry Hill Billy, I’ve been sailing around the BVI for many years, there are sharks in the BVI. I caught a 1.8M Bull Shark off the back of our charter Yacht in the Bight and Norman Island, around 9pm at night a few years back. A friend we knew from Scotland used to run the Willy T. On my 21st birthday over 20 years ago, we met up and had a great night. Way too much partying was done that night such that I was jumping off the back of the boat and swimming round to the jetty. The next morning I asked the bar manager why he wasn’t jumping in, he said Sharks! I’ve not swam around Norman Island since.
Hey Alan, great vid, group of 8 down in April for a MM 44 rental out of Nanny Cay, my 2nd year in a row, my question is when taking the St Thomas to Nanny Cay boat charters do you pay the extra and have them grab you and your party from Crowne Marina 5 min from the airport and enjoy the boat ride along the south shore of St Thomas or do you take the 30 min taxi ride to Red Town at the east end and therefore see little of Saint Thomas from the water at least. With not getting to explore Saint Thomas with a BVI charter wondering if the ride is worth it along the south coast. Any insight?
From my experience the most important decision in buying a boat is the simplicity of the systems, sea worthiness, and what make and type of engine. Oh, and absolutely no to v drives. Yes interior space is more but v drives qre just another headache to deal with. I prefer single engine boats like Nordhavn, Selene, DeFever and Krogen. If your planning long open water travel a get home engine is in option. I prefer non turbo engines or if the engine has a turbo it must be small. I prefer full displacement boats with stabilizers. My engines of choice are John Deere, Cummins and Ford Lehman's. Parts for those are easily accessed even though the Ford Lehman 3ngine has been out of production for awhile. Under no circumstances would I get a boat that isn't mechanically operated with cables for the throttles and gears. Owning boats that run on sensors is unreliable and nothing but a headache in salt water. The boat won't shift into gear or the throttle doesn't work or it won't start because a computer and sensors are controlling all those things in a salt water environment! Choose mechanical everytime and you will solve a lot of potential problems. A full displacement boat is heavy and will only run a displacement speeds like 7 to 8 knots but they are sea worthy, much simpler and will save you exponentially over the course of your ownership plus you only need a single 120-300 hp engine. Another thing is do not buy anything with pods. We see those boats in every boatyard we pass. A nightmare for maintenance and reliability. Stay away from vacuflush heads. Get jabsco heads and keep a spare motor on board. Easy to replace and they work great! Just my 2 cents.
Hello Alan, I’m the sticker thief 😂. About sharks in the BVI, I’ve seen two of them. First one was in Anegada, it was a nurse shark and I have it on video, the shark was sleeping between some rocks in Loblolly Bay. The second one was in Norman, between Pirate Bight and Willy T, near the stone cliff. I was snorkelling and I saw something really large swimming under me, we were in about 20 ft of water. The shark was grey and about 7 ft and quite big. Seriously I panicked, even if I know they are usually friendly, seeing how big it is makes you feel not that safe. Also, the shark was really fast, I saw him maybe 5 seconds and he was already out of sight. He gave only 2 or 3 tail whip. Quite a fast cruising speed.
what date are cma awards for 2024 trying to book trip for myself and my mother in law and her friend seeing conflicting info! fellow Nebraskans making a trip to remember for them thanks hillbilly!
Would love to understand how you manage your maintenance, I use a mobile app, this app helps me manage the cost, plan activities and check my inventory of spare parts any time any where
I'm not that organized. And I'm directing several Network TV shows at the same time...that's why I folks helping me. It's a constant turn of calls, texts and emails to make sure that everything is taken care of. thanks for watching!
Welcome back in 2024! Nashville group? When should I arrive? I missed the invite in the mail.😂 BTW My wife is deathly afraid of sharks. (Even though she's never seen one) Your info about no sharks in the BVI's gives me hope that I can convince her to come down and charter something.
YOu will NEVER SEE A SHARK IN THE BVI. all those who have commented here said they were well underwater. they don't exist around swimming areas. trust me! thanks for watching.
lol. the old thoughts of not being able to consumer water or ice in foreign countries doesn't exist anymore. all consumption is fine! come and enjoy!!!! thanks for watching.
@@thewanderinghillbilly I should have rephrased that. Any of the major cities would be good but when you start getting out in the country I don't know. Enjoy your travels.
![We FOUND a real dying CASTAWAY - Sailing Supernova [Ep. 43]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ToIAgGh1jy8/mqdefault.jpg)
My husband and I watch your wonderful videos all the time and just love them all! You were a huge instrument in us chartering our own boat in the BVI's last year. We are terribly sorry to hear about your Boat, but we are glad you were all safe. We were there when hurricane Tammy came through in Oct. We happened to be on a ball on the worst night of the storm and my husband and I stayed watch the entire night. It could have been really bad had we come off the ball. We were in a 42ft sailboat and boy that thing was swinging all the way left and all the way right and was one wild ride. Don't you pay any attention to people who leave bad remarks. We think you are one amazing cool dude!
We “ waited too long “ also. Lost my sweet Charlee to cancer, she was only 55. Thanks for answering questions. Extremely helpful. I hope you purchase a new boat. The worlds a better place with you floating in it. Lol
Over
Hi! Layla's mom here :) I just want to say that Alan is as kind as he comes across on his videos! My husband and I have been so tickled to see Layla mentioned on your videos! We are planning another BVI trip, maybe it'll coincide with one of your trips! Safe travels and Happy New Years!
ps- Don't forget your Painkillers waiting for you at Soggy Dollar next week!
And may I say....your family is amazing. kudos to you parents!!!!
oh crap...thanks for reminding me!
Thank you so much for the mention. It means a Lot.
Kind regards,
Mike
from
Toronto
P.S. every day it gets a little better. It is like a Wound, that heals, but the scar is always there
Love ya Mike. Your story will inspire many. And don't give up on the dream of the BVI. work it man!
Boom. Glad you’re back!
Boom!
That story of your PA is awesome! I regularly preach to my 17 year old that he needs to always be present and not stuck staring at his phone because you never know when something goofy like that can lead to an opportunity!
Kids don't really know what to do today. Layla got lucky. BUT...she made her luck by being forward and present. thanks for watching.
Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to share your experience and knowledge in great videos. Very much appreciated and enjoyed. Thanks
We love your videos…we did the BVI 1 year ago because of your videos! 1000% BEST VACATION EVER. We were talking about it today and sharing videos and photos. We chartered the Aquila 44 with are adult children for a week and had such an amazing time, Memories we will cherish forever.
thanks for watching!
My 41 yo daughter in law was diagnosed with MS in Aug. Thank you for being receptive to the gentleman's question about wheelchair accessibility. Looking forward to what you find because we are going to live life to the fullest. Love the BVI and your videos.
Our pleasure!
Glad to meet someone who has used Hull Shield! As we get into boating, I wanted to use it our boat... Thanks and keep the videos coming!
Another great video with lots of great information. We spent a week in November in the BVI on the Cuan Law scuba diving and had a ball! Thanks for the inspiration. We were overdue for a return to the BVIs. Love the story about Layla and you hiring her as a PA for the CMAs! It was a great show! Thanks for sharing!
That is awesome! and thanks for watching!
We like your videos and you are absolutely right: 'Don't wait too long', just do it. We were also thinking about it for many years, asking ourselves if it would be the right choice.
2 years ago we took the decision, sold everything and went to live on our boat. We had ups and downs, but hey, you will always have those. In all we wish we had taken the decision earlier in life, it was the best decision we ever made. As for money ? You just have to go with the flow, there will always be someone who has more money than you, but being on a boat is not about money, it is about creating memories, spending time together and as we all know, we don't have an eternal life.
Thanks for your candor, and, as always, thanks for the terrific production quality. We were in the BVI over Christmas (our 3rd Christmas in a row!) and at one point I said to my husband, this, my least favorite phrase, "You know, this does not suck." LOL. You have gotten under my skin....
You crack me up. You're like my wife. She said..."you're putting that on your shirts?" I'm like..."YES". I got the phrase from Wayne's World. In one Scene, Garth says...."I just hope this show doesn't suck". I was like 30 years old then. I thought that was a brilliant line. If we could all go through life doing things that don't "suck" then we'd be happy. Like you, the wifey don't like the sexual "suck" aspect of it. I have NEVER looked at it that way. It's about happiness in life. I hate being mad and uncomfortable right now. I've worked too hard to feel that way. and "it sucks" relates to those two feelings for me. So, I just don't want it to suck. Maybe replace suck with "that's lame"? kinda the same thing! thanks for watching NANCY!
LOVE IT💌 cannot thank you enough for everything!!!
thank you Layla!
Hi Alan! Love your channel! It's been very inspiring. In-fact, my wife has been trying to get me to do a charter for years. After, watching your videos we decided to get some friends together and do it! We will be there next week! So looking forward to it. Hope we get a chance to meet you down there. Thanks for the inspiration!
Go for it! And so happy I could help! thanks for watching
I would by a floating Hillbilly key chain.
We were lucky to see you pulling into Little Harbor Jan 10 as we were leaving. Wish we could of been able to say hello. Love your channel.
Love your videos! Me and my husband retired on June 2, 2023, we were on a plane June 4 headed for the Virgin
Island. We are currently at Nanny Cay having work done on our sailboat. Hope to meet you at some point. Thanks for all the great info.
What's your boat name? I'll be there in a week.. Come say hi!!!
What a great informative video! This video encourages me to take the leap and get out on the water... thank you Hillbilly!
Alan, We just returned from our 3rd, week long trip to the BVI. Our first 2 trips were shared with other couples but we did it this time with our family. We had a blast ringing in the new year at Foxy's with our (3) boys, ages 15,17,20 along with my wife's Brother and my Sister in law along with their (3) boys ages 15,18, 21. We were curious how they would fair in this environment and I am happy to report back that these very well traveled boys all rank this trip as the best of their lifetime. My 17 year old declared this was sooo much better than Hawaii! We love your channel and watching as we wait for our own 40' Sea Ray to come out of its winter hibernation in SW Michigan. Hoping to travel to the BVI in my own Fleming some day as a part of doing the Great Loop but have some boys to get launched first. We will continue to charter in the meantime. P.S. Checked on the Hillbilly sitting on her stands at Nanny Cay and she is looking good.
Thanks for checking on her! She’s back in the water and ready to go. So happy for your family. Thanks for watching
Thanks Allen, love your work and the way you do it! Always enjoy your videos and look forward to the next one. See you in Miami Feb 15th
Thanks 👍
Awesome video, thank you for sharing the answers to a bunch of various questions. Love the channel!
Happy to help!
Love your channel and Cat, love the BVI! Just FYI, hubby and I have seen black tip sharks while on Jost. Happy sailing!
I have done a bunch of diving in the BVIs and USVIs. You will see some nurse sharks (puppy dogs of shark species), and if you dive into deep water, you will see some reef sharks that will not bother you. I have never seen a Tiger, Hammerhead, or Bull Shark in the BVIs or USVIs.
Thanks for clarifying! Thankfully I don’t dive!!! And thanks for watching
Nice episode. Safe travels this year and can’t wait for more videos. Peace.
Peace to you!
Truly inspired Alan. Hope you had a great holiday season. Stay safe brother.
Happy holidays!
Killer video - great advice on several fronts. Simon and family are great folks. My guess is that you will be helping tourism in Tortola significantly in the coming years. See you in Miami.
See you there!
Thanks for answering my question about how much cash to bring - really helpful. Your videos are very well edited and produced and you've got a great presence in front of the camera.
I'll be down in June on a sail charter. Would be fun to say hello if we cross paths.
I will possibly be there in June. Thanks for the compliment! thanks for watching.
Cant wait to meet you at the boat show!
See you there!
Love your channel, thanks for sharing unfiltered raw experience. Regarding the brand comparison question, I would not compare the Leopard to the Aquila, the other brands that are closer to Aquila would be the Prestige M48, Fountaine Pajot MY6 or a notch up with similar master is the the Horizon PC60, the big game changer is the what he mentions, which is why we loved the 54, the master bedroom. Horizon has something similar.
We are headed to BVI the last week of Jan first part of Feb. We are celebrating our 40th wedding Anniversary. We are using Marine Max. If you see 3 middle age couples come say Hello. I will send our vow renewal in the BVI. Hugh Fan you helped us with our first Trip 2021
Amazing and congrats! Thanks for watching
Alan, we did a snorkel trip in April of the reef on Anegada, loved Anegada. We saw a nurse shark near Conch Island. Did the snorkel trip with Tommy, and I highly recommend it. One of the best snorkeling we have ever done.
awesome! thanks for watching!
Hi, Alan! I love your videos. We didn't get to the BVI last October and totally regret not booking it. We're going to book for Oct 2024 and hope to see you there, maybe share a cocktail at Indigo at CGB. 😅
You're right, "life's short, buy the boat!!"
One Love, BVI is Paradise!!!❤❤
Sounds great! Thanks for watching
Please set the clock on your microwave... it's distracting me during the video. 😆 P.S. Love the informative videos like these for us future boat owners. Hope to see you either in a Miami boat show or BVI some day. Cheers, from a Twins fan.
Thats a new microwave....haven't set it yet! lol thanks for watching
We will be at jost, going to the Soggy Dollar tomorrow!!
---------------
It was great running into you yesterday on Jost, have a great remainder of your trip in the BVI 😁
You too!! Thanks for watching
Loved the video Alan keep them coming Savannah ga wished we could of meet before you left Savannah but will be looking for you in the bvi see you there
Next time! Thanks for watching
My wife is a C6/C7 quadriplegic. and we have been enjoying the USVI/BVI since 2003. One option to consider is to stay on land but do daily boat trips.
Not sure what is available with Marine Max. I am happy to share what we have been able to do.
That’s amazing. Yes give me more details. I’d love to report back
@@thewanderinghillbilly
Depending on the medical condition, the options may vary, In my wife's case, she has no movement below her sternum. We stay at the Westin on St John (very accessible and the resort's transfer service has been absolutely we wonderful and incredibly accomodating) and I rent bareboat from See and Ski in Redhook. The power cat is wide enough to accommodate the manual wheelchair and we often do day trips, as far as North Sound. We transfer her into a manual chair, load her on the boat (securing her) and go where ever we want. Fortunately she is only about 125 lbs and I am able to transfer her, with one person's help, in and out of the boat, when there is a dock at the place we are going to. If not, I lower her into a pool tube and we hang in the water (White Bay). If a dock is available (Foxy's, Pirates Bight , Saba Rock, Bitter End, Cooper Island , etc..) we offload her and enjoy a nice lunch. So much to share, I could probably write book. Years ago, 2004, a 70' Hatteras (Stardust) was available that actually had an interior chair lift from the main salon to the master and an rear external hydraulic platform that would land in the cockpit, the main deck and then to the upper deck. The last I saw it, it had been sold and was moved to Texas. I have noticed that the 74 Horizon has the master stateroom and the master head on the main deck. We did not wait. "You either get busy living or busy dying". I love your channel. I am subscribed. Just recently went to Nanny Cay and spent a night with friends. I would be able to make that work for us. I am sorry to spew so much, but I am happy to share!
I did see a shark on the Atlantic side of Anegada….snorkeling off beach near Big Bamboo… small reef shark. Great snorkeling there ⛵️
Another great video, Alan! Hope to run into you in Miami and BVI this year.
Me too!
You look great! Good job with your lifestyle change! Stay safe.
Thank you! Will do!
Cool - I'm in Franklin, TN. I had a boat in Anguilla for 8 years and loved it. not BVI/USVI which I've been to many times but all those islands have their own magic.
thank for watching.
Glad to see your getting back on the water. There was a question about the kids not having the funds to help pay for going out to dinner. I suggest you have them pay for the tips. Acutely I plan on being at the Miami show so I will swing by to say hi to ya.
Matt from Big Springs NE.
Good point! Thanks for watching
Something I haven’t heard you mention in any of your videos is the tipping culture in the BVI. More specifically, tipping the people who work in the boating/charter industry. For example, is it customary to tip the people who help you moor the boat or untie the lines to get under way? Thanks in advance.
It is. I’ll tip the dockhands every time I use them. Worth it.
We would love to meet you at the Miami Boatshow, but we won’t be there until Saturday. Have a great time 😊
Details, also make you're videos great.
Keep that same intro music.
Love it
Thanks, will do!
Happy new year to you and your wonderful family... I follow your channel from Italy (so forgive my english...) and i lika a lot you videos... they are the toucheble elements of my dreams... what a wonderful experience!! I will never could have a powercat or anything else boat for economic aspect but i love see your trip on it!! Thank you!!
Happy new year! And thanks so mych for watching from afar!!!! hope to meet you some day!! we love Italy!
Good stuff, thanks for sharing. And here I was complaining about a 5k insurance quote to head to the Bahamas!
Right? I was actually shooting low too. Thanks for watching
Loved that last comment. Don't Wait!
yes! thanks for watching!
Happy New Year Hillbilly! great videos as usual, living vicariously through you until I can make retirement happen!
Make it happen!
Great video, Alan. Would Simon want to come to Orlando for awhile? He sounds amazing, just like you. Love to your bride! ❤
NOOOO. He''s mine! and others...lol. thanks for watching.
Chartered from the Moorings for the first time nearly 30 years ago now. And as the hillbilly said ....Don't wait ..... and it's easier when you're younger and more willing to deal with whatever challenges come up. Just do your homework and come prepared. They will find you a Captain If you don't have a sailing resume. Do it as soon as you can.
Amen brother. Thanks for watching
7:04 Our group dove the RMS Rhone on Oct 16th and we had a curious shark come visit us. We were all excited! Sadly only shark visit of the trip.
Excellent!
Aloha, We love your videos and have been inspired by you to “not wait” but go for it. We have booked our charter with Marine Max April 15-25- hope to see you at Leveck bay Friday night party or somewhere around.
We will be filming some Hawaiifivefit videos so say hi if you see us first😊
that's amazing! hope to see you there!
Hillbilly, last year while we were on a ball at Cooper's Island. Our ball was in the middle of the field and we decided to snorkel into the beach. On the way back to the boat, I was about 40 feet away from the transom I looked down and there were 4 or 5 sharks circling around near the bottom coming up. Scared the crap out me, moved into over drive to get on the boat. When we got back to Houston, I saw that a 7 foot shark was caught in Cane Garden Bay I believe.
Can confirm that I've seen sharks (and other HUGE fish)scuba diving just off Great Thatch Island between that point and Sopers Hole. These fish just hang out and drift with the ripping tidal currents like a buffet! Scary dive even with an experienced local commercial diver. Once in a lifetime dive!
Thank you for your videos. We are considering the 54 Aquila and chartered one a few weeks ago. We love the comfort of the boat but concerned about the quality and the 3am bathroom visits going down the stairs. I would love a few minutes with you at the Miami Boat show to discuss the issues you have had with the boat. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and will come down there on the 15th and stop by if you have a few minutes to discuss.
I swear...the 3am trip to the toilet is my number 1 fear....now having said that...the boat is well worth it. just go slowwww. If you can! lol. see you in Miami
Hey Alan,
Been watching your videos for a while. You were our inspiration for my wife and I buying an Aquila 44 and we currently have it in charter at Marine Max at Nanny Cay. She's a teacher and retires in the summer 2026... which corresponds with the expiration of our charter agreement. Thanks so much for your informative videos as we plan on taking off to ports unknown!!
I've heard you say that you have a navigational program on your iPad that you set your cruise IT on at home. What program software do you use on what devises that serves you well in the BVI?
Our next planned trip is my wife's spring break (April 6th-13Th). Maybe we'll see you then!!
Keep up the good work!
Bob
PS... I'm a huge Reds fan but I'm glad the Rangers brought home the FLAG!!!
Well Reds fan....you know my joy! I'll explain the Nav more in the first video this January. Look me up if we're there at the same time! thanks for watching.
Hey Robert, do you rent out weeks from your owner weeks in the off season? interested if so!
@@ryanbilyk9268 Sorry Ryan but I don't.
I wonder what time this was recorded...(PRESS CLOCK)...😄 I'll have to get my buddy Jason to swing by and see you at the boat show (he sells Sabre's) but that's his problem 🤣. Again, love the channel and yeah...."why the hell did you never think of that!??" 🔑 Have a great day, cheers!!!
hah. that damn microwave kills me. I just bought this place and still figuring everything out. thanks for watching.
I’ll be down on the 12 th also!! Hopefully we will see one another out and about! Putting my boat in the water for the season, keep it at Hannah at nanny… ps. She is for sale! Great 2015 Dufour 382.
Hah. I ain’t buying! Lol. See you there!!
Great video Alan. See you in Miami!
Can't wait! see you there!
I past your name along to a resort manager in the keys about doing a video there.. hope it works out at some point
We saw black tip reef sharks on EVERY DIVE in July 2021. There was a small window in the middle of Covid that they opened up, I think the lack of tourism made the sharks more curious. We ended a dive on the Rhône after about 20 minutes because we had 3 BTRSs that would not leave us alone. They were never aggressive but we’re too close for us to have fun. We had one on a dive off JVD that stayed about 20’ from our group for most of the dive. Lastly, when my husband was in the marina laundry at Nanny Cay he ran into a man that had been tied up near the caves on Norman island. After finishing a boat job about 7pm he jumped into the water to cool off. He saw the shark approaching and got bit on the calf. Another boat took him across the channel to the hospital and he was stitched up. The doctors were so shocked they were coming in his room to take pictures. So, if you are not diving and not swimming during their dinner time, you may never see a shark in the BVIs!
Wow. Like I said, I’ve never seen one. And I will not be diving in that manner!! Lol. Thanks for watching
Alan, thanks for the answers. I have a question that’s probably been answered. What do you do? Multiple cities. CMA producer friend. So curious!
Good question! I’m a Tv director. I direct The Voice on NBC and all things CMA in Nashville. Thanks for watching
I live aboard a monohull sailboard in the BVI. I first started in 2004 and the prices, like everywhere have risen, but on many items more so here. I live on Virgin Gorda, food prices here are higher than Tortola but everything else is similar. Dockage at Village Cay Marine in Road Town is $1.85 a foot a night for a monohull; cats are sur-charged. Power and water are metered and are extra. At Virgin Gorda Yacht harbor the rates are similar. Long term (3 months) dockage there for a 38 foot monohull is close to $1,300/mo. As noted in this video mooring balls run $30 to $55 a night depending on location and from whom you rent from.
Cash is necessary for taxis, coffee shops, mooring ball, and small shops. ATMs on Virgin Gorda are far and few between and often are empty of cash. Road Town is better but often the lines are long to access them.
Taxis are expensive, and public transport is not available. From Spanish Town to North Sound in VG is $40 one way and a tip is expected.
Parts, marine and otherwise, are about double what they would be in the States. Do not plan to buy a boat in the BVI a boat outfit her here unless you are 1) rich or 2) are willing to ship everything you need. And even the latter will add about 40% to your bottom line.
During my time here I 've watched BVI go from having a focus on cruisers to being blinded by the charter boat fleets. Those fleets have gone from family oriented monohulls to huge cats filled with 8-12 guests. The numerously of the boats has exploded , and their guests are load with disposable cash, this is reflect in the cost of drinks and restaurant food. If you have budget you must limit dining out; it will break the bank.
I've seen You Tube videos were the creators are claiming they can live aboard in the Caribbean for $800 a month, or less. Often they show a food expense for to of $300 a month. I find that hard to believe unless they are catching a lot of fish. Here in BVI you need a license to fish and it is not cheap nor all that easy to get. If you re a couple and anchor out 90% of the time, and drink and eat frugally plan on speeding about $1500 to 2,000/mo. If you dock more often plan on about $2.50 a foot a night including power and water.
Hope this helps your planning.
Thank you so much for your extensive comment!!!
Sorry Hill Billy, I’ve been sailing around the BVI for many years, there are sharks in the BVI. I caught a 1.8M Bull Shark off the back of our charter Yacht in the Bight and Norman Island, around 9pm at night a few years back. A friend we knew from Scotland used to run the Willy T. On my 21st birthday over 20 years ago, we met up and had a great night. Way too much partying was done that night such that I was jumping off the back of the boat and swimming round to the jetty. The next morning I asked the bar manager why he wasn’t jumping in, he said Sharks! I’ve not swam around Norman Island since.
Hey Alan, great vid, group of 8 down in April for a MM 44 rental out of Nanny Cay, my 2nd year in a row, my question is when taking the St Thomas to Nanny Cay boat charters do you pay the extra and have them grab you and your party from Crowne Marina 5 min from the airport and enjoy the boat ride along the south shore of St Thomas or do you take the 30 min taxi ride to Red Town at the east end and therefore see little of Saint Thomas from the water at least. With not getting to explore Saint Thomas with a BVI charter wondering if the ride is worth it along the south coast. Any insight?
Depends on the taxi company. I prefer the 30 min ride to Red Hook. Thanks for watching!
I have seen a Black Tipped Reef Shark in the USVI. I have read that is VERY rare to see.
Layla story = very cool
We saw a five foot nurse shark at scrub island marina and got some pics/video. That was last month.
Awesome! As I said..I've never seen one! Glad it was you!!! LOL. thanks for watching.
7:39 definitely saw a lemon shark in scrub island marina fall 2022, got photos to prove it haha
I know...but not like the bahamas...and were you threatened? thanks for watching!
From my experience the most important decision in buying a boat is the simplicity of the systems, sea worthiness, and what make and type of engine. Oh, and absolutely no to v drives. Yes interior space is more but v drives qre just another headache to deal with. I prefer single engine boats like Nordhavn, Selene, DeFever and Krogen. If your planning long open water travel a get home engine is in option. I prefer non turbo engines or if the engine has a turbo it must be small. I prefer full displacement boats with stabilizers. My engines of choice are John Deere, Cummins and Ford Lehman's. Parts for those are easily accessed even though the Ford Lehman 3ngine has been out of production for awhile. Under no circumstances would I get a boat that isn't mechanically operated with cables for the throttles and gears. Owning boats that run on sensors is unreliable and nothing but a headache in salt water. The boat won't shift into gear or the throttle doesn't work or it won't start because a computer and sensors are controlling all those things in a salt water environment! Choose mechanical everytime and you will solve a lot of potential problems.
A full displacement boat is heavy and will only run a displacement speeds like 7 to 8 knots but they are sea worthy, much simpler and will save you exponentially over the course of your ownership plus you only need a single 120-300 hp engine.
Another thing is do not buy anything with pods. We see those boats in every boatyard we pass. A nightmare for maintenance and reliability.
Stay away from vacuflush heads. Get jabsco heads and keep a spare motor on board. Easy to replace and they work great!
Just my 2 cents.
Glad to see you back! Are you a cowboys fan?
Unfortunately. Thanks for watching
@@thewanderinghillbilly yeah 😭😭😭
It wasn't the 10 of Jan it was the 17th, I was a little confused, too much fun in the BVI!
Awesome channel!
Thank you!
i agree brother ,,, dont wait do it now
amen
I’m pretty sure I saw a nurse shark around the baths, or maybe it was the devils bay beach? It’s been so long since I’ve been there. I miss it.
Come back!!!
@@thewanderinghillbilly wish I could afford to. Grandparents even own a house there, but ai still gotta pay for the tickets to get there, lol.
We will be in BVI 1/18-1/28, following your advised itinerary. Hope to bump into you .. whats the best way to find you? :)
I’ll post my itinerary soon. Look for it on Facebook or Instagram
Happy New Year WHB , from Mississippi Gulf Coast ,
Happy new year!
Hello Alan, I’m the sticker thief 😂. About sharks in the BVI, I’ve seen two of them. First one was in Anegada, it was a nurse shark and I have it on video, the shark was sleeping between some rocks in Loblolly Bay. The second one was in Norman, between Pirate Bight and Willy T, near the stone cliff. I was snorkelling and I saw something really large swimming under me, we were in about 20 ft of water. The shark was grey and about 7 ft and quite big. Seriously I panicked, even if I know they are usually friendly, seeing how big it is makes you feel not that safe. Also, the shark was really fast, I saw him maybe 5 seconds and he was already out of sight. He gave only 2 or 3 tail whip. Quite a fast cruising speed.
ruclips.net/user/shortsIN1oCY4AKT4?si=MLqNGruqVxEJNxJg
rhe broadblue rapier 550 can be setup for handicapped people.
what date are cma awards for 2024 trying to book trip for myself and my mother in law and her friend seeing conflicting info!
fellow Nebraskans making a trip to remember for them
thanks hillbilly!
later this year...Nov 20. thanks for watching.
@thewanderinghillbilly great thank you trying to make hotel reservations to get into the show on this bucketlist trip for them! take care!
Would love to understand how you manage your maintenance, I use a mobile app, this app helps me manage the cost, plan activities and check my inventory of spare parts any time any where
I'm not that organized. And I'm directing several Network TV shows at the same time...that's why I folks helping me. It's a constant turn of calls, texts and emails to make sure that everything is taken care of. thanks for watching!
Yep had dolphins swim next to our boat, maybe that was rare.
I have seen nurse sharks, tiger sharks and bull sharks in BVI.
Welcome back in 2024! Nashville group? When should I arrive? I missed the invite in the mail.😂
BTW My wife is deathly afraid of sharks. (Even though she's never seen one) Your info about no sharks in the BVI's gives me hope that I can convince her to come down and charter something.
YOu will NEVER SEE A SHARK IN THE BVI. all those who have commented here said they were well underwater. they don't exist around swimming areas. trust me! thanks for watching.
Omg love your videos
thank you!!!
I think I heard this on a commercial once….”Invest in memories”.
right? money spent on traveling is never wasted. thanks for watching
My guests chip in for provisions and fuel. I’ve seen a shark btw. As you know, there are sharks in all seas.
there are! just not a lot down here. thanks for watching.
I’m in the BVI’s Feb 24 to Mar 9 ! Any chance we may see you ?
not then...sorry. thanks for watching
Do you have a cruising itinerary for the Bahamas or BVI's?
I think that is reasonable!
"Sailboats are really cheap" Now that's funny!
well look...all money spent on boating is funny. thanks for watching!
I'm so disappointed, we met you in October at Foxys and you filmed us. My husband was thrilled to meet you.
Are you disappointed I didn't use the footage?? I shoot so much. Sorry. Was thrilled to meet him too. thanks for watchimg!
Love you videos
thanks
Just a simple question, Does your arm ever get sore from patting yourself on the back ?
Never! And thanks for the extra view on my channel!!!
Cant remember did you have a tank compressor for scuba? Is it an option with Aquila?
I did not. I don't scuba. I'm sure it could be done. thanks for watching.
Alan...so anthony pays the 85$ (out of the taxi cost) per person for the entry fee at customs??
I suppose so. Thanks for watching
Do you do charter for hire or are you considering doing it in the future?
I asked this question before I got to the point in the video where you answered it. Thanks.
LongReach offers both of those
Until I see one....we shall see....thanks for watching!
@@thewanderinghillbilly Theres like 10 videos on YT for last 3 years.
I mo longer have WH withdrawals..all is right in the world!
thank you!
Is it safe to consume the ice in BVI?
lol. the old thoughts of not being able to consumer water or ice in foreign countries doesn't exist anymore. all consumption is fine! come and enjoy!!!! thanks for watching.
@@thewanderinghillbilly I wouldn't do it in Mexico though.
Been there done that many times in Mexico. All good now
@@thewanderinghillbilly I should have rephrased that. Any of the major cities would be good but when you start getting out in the country I don't know. Enjoy your travels.
It's the day after Valentine's Day so don't forget 😅