Am doing over a full year catch up. The Grenadines are called the “jewel of the Caribbean” for a reason, […] The Caribbean is an awesome place to live, especially if you are lucky enough to do so on your sailboat. The Caribbean … If you are looking to cut costs, bring some good fishing rods with you. Like a TV and a SatPhone or a satellite internet router. The only area we really had to take it slow was the Bahamas. Meaning what you have seen in America is only a taste of what's to come. In the wake of the carnage that occurred en route to Bermuda in the fall of 2011, Caribbean expert Don Street offers what he believes are far better plans for southbound cruisers. You’ll find a spectacular balance of easy line-of-sight sailing and adventurous open water thrills for your perfect sailing vacation. This is going to get you some security, some decent amenities, and a nice location. Cruising the Caribbean unlike the Great Loop, has some amazingly surprising and unexpected expenses. It describes what is to come in the first summer of the boat. Profiles. youtu.be/95QnCG For one thing, my "house" isn't fixed in the ground but instead can travel around on the water. You must also consider how you are going to be paying tax when you are living here. Sights and Stories Cruising the Caribbean. How do you pick just five? You see, the Caribbean waters are rather shallow. Carnival Cruise Line has announced further cancellations, and it now means that no Carnival cruise ships will sail in March. For a boat in the Caribbean, it’s important to have a high-quality waterproof Bimini, side and back panels (to add on at the anchorage) and a strong spray hood. It's all about the weather. Salt water corrodes everything and it stinks terribly. This is why so many ships swap out their fin keels for a torpedo-shaped one. Vlog #71! Most importantly be polite and you will find the process to … And remember - Don't forget your passport! For a more luxury cruiser, expected pay … Sailboat Liveaboard Essentials - What You Must Have, 7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat >>, Can You Live On A Sailboat Year Round? Three boatyards have failed to get it to work. The main sailing season in the Caribbean runs from November to July. Can you imagine finally getting out to live the dream and then you drag on your anchor during the middle of the night? Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Hey Steve – we’ve had the boat out four times now and still we’re not having a good result. Some people love cruising life, while others find it exhausting. We met a couple in the Abacos aboard a Hunter 26 WB. I am seeing the attraction of hard Dodgers too. The Caribbean is also quite reasonably priced. Renting a sailboat in the Caribbean is easy to secure and will only take a few minutes. You can get a pretty nice marina slip in the Caribbean for about $1000 a month. But cruising can also be described as ‘fixing your boat in exotic places.’ That’s why it’s so important to get the most boat you can afford and then outfit it with essentials that will make life not only easier, but also safer, more comfortable, and generally less like camping. What a welcome surprise that is for a change. There are certain dos and don'ts when it comes to customs and immigration. ‍Why wouldn't you? Set sail & cruise aboard the magnificent four-masted Sea Cloud to explore the lush islands and vibrant cultures of the Caribbean. No need to register, buy now! This is needed to be able to make it from one point of land to another before supplies run out. And in many cases, you’ll have to anchor quite a distance from land. They were a smart purchase for us. You could rent a luxury marina slip for just a few hundred dollars a month. They require quite a bit of upkeep and they seem to be the one bit of kit that’s often breaking. Living in the Caribbean isn't quite as cheap as most people expect it to be. I think it is fair to say that they are generally more relaxed and welcoming to outsiders than most other countries. The rain itself isn't a problem, so long as you don't mind being confined to your ship for a short while. The problem is when you move somewhere new with a sailboat you must immediately find a good boat repair yard and storage dock. At best the experience is scary at worst the boat is wrecked. Far less than rent might be, and certainly far less than organizing some sort of vacation accommodation. Open sailboat cruising . What are some things you should know about sailing in the Caribbean? When choosing the right cruising boat it’s important to consider the cruising grounds you’re going to spend most of your time in. Total Cost. We have crusied the Bahamas in a Hunte 31. Sailing, Liveaboard Life, Guides, Checklists, Vlog & More! There are still plenty of anchorages you can visit with a moderate and even deep keel but they’re limited. We had a lighter wind scoop last season, but it often fluttered, inverted or collapsed. Use your gut instinct when deciding if a boat repairman seems legit. It isn't going to be crazy expensive, at least it doesn't have to be. Ph: +1-784-456-9334. One thing Coppercoat may not have told you is that it may take a couple of years for it to really start working. I know you had problems initially, but I would have expected those problems to have been resolved. We lived aboard the better part of 8 years. The 1 or 2 % of the time you are moving is important but for cruisers is down on the list of what is crucial to choosing a cruising sailboat. Here they are: In the Caribbean, it’s imperative that a constant breeze is flowing through the boat at all times. A good storage facility will be about $10-$15 per foot. You might also find yourself quite far out of town. When I was asked to highlight five top affordable bluewater cruising sailboats, about 30 models popped into my head. If you want a chance to meet people from all over the world, this is the place to do it. You can go to the Bahamas in a conoe if the weather is right. Furthermore, it’s hot. We accept PayPal and all major credit cards including Why would you want to live in the Caribbean? The waters are normally pretty calm, the conditions are generally good, and the maritime laws are relaxed enough that you can feel at ease but strict enough that it isn't total mayhem. The Best Time to Sail The months from February to June is the best time to sail in the Caribbean waters. Everything that isn't aimed at tourists is priced for the locals, meaning it is pretty cheap. Set sail aboard your private charter yacht from one of seven island bases, each with their distinct history, delicious cuisine and culture waiting to be discovered.. Well, most of those storms make landfall in the Caribbean first. Or vacation. That will save you, but your ship is at the mercy of the storm. Such as, can you afford it? Or book yourself into a hotel. You may want to find a friend who will allow you to wait out the storm in their home. The Caribbean is also incredibly diverse. (As a side tip, some people put a kitty litter tray at the back of the boat with fresh water where people can dip their feet into it before walking onto the boat). Their cruising itineraries are focused around four main cruising grounds: the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, and the Grenadines. This time of year is known as the dry season, but don’t be surprised by a rain … Learning to navigate shallow waters is a good idea before you arrive. In fact, they wound up spending eight full years sailing the Caribbean … At least close to the mainland. Skippered Caribbean charter vacations. You will get far more for your money than you would in most places in the US. We recommend a water maker to anyone coming this way though as it gives so much independence. The majority of time spent sailing in the Caribbean you’ll be close hauled or on a reach. If you are only technically visiting (just a few months) and are still technically living in the US, you can avoid paying income tax in your host nation. You can whittle down the list by setting some parameters: boats that cost $250,000 or less when they aren’t much more than 10 years old, are under a half a million new, and are still in production in one form or another today. You May Learn To Sleep Lightly. Our draft is 8’ and we’ve enjoyed anchorages from Florida down to Trinidad. The Caribbean is a great place to sail. Your qualified skipper will show you the spectacular sights of the Caribbean … By the end of July, most Caribbean cruisers … That is May to October for most places. The cost of living should drop pretty drastically. One thing to consider is the depth of your hull. Taking showers in the heads on a boat increases moisture, condensation and ultimately causes a breeding ground for mold. Nordic 40. Most boaters have to reapply antifoul paint every year. Boats that fail to have forward facing windows, good vents and fans to circulate become hot boxes. I own a 42' sailboat and have done some cruising in North and Central American, Portugal, Spain and the Canaries, and in the Caribbean. As a reopening gift to you, we are offering 10% off all charters booked to sail … Having a boat that can point close to the wind is a key factor if you like to spend less time sailing and more time on anchor drinking your cocktails. Most yacht delivery and cruising sailboat skippers heading for the Lesser Antilles from Florida or the U.S. Gulf Coast choose Miami (or a little south of there) as their departure point. This 40-foot cruiser is a jack of all trades type of craft. Our cockpit has very long side benches with memory foam cushions, a beanbag and loads of pillows. REOPENING SALE! (perhaps about $40 per foot). A new doctor, dentist, mechanic, grocery store, gym, etc. What an opportunity. With a few gallons of fuel, adequate food and water aboard she'll take you thousands of miles leaving a carbon footprint in her wake that would delight the most ardent environmentalist. No talks, just music and superb shots. In several cases, if I didn’t have a life-line strapping me to the mast I would have gone overboard. From Caribbean hot spots, to quiet anchorages at the bottom of the world, these are some of the most beautiful sailing spots on the planet. If you are unsure what to do, you can always give the American consulate a call. The best thing you can do is determine where you’ll spend most of your time and ask around other boaties to see what works the best in that particular area. Most of them, are surprisingly "cheap". There are a variety of paints. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. If a sailboat is capable of housing you for a few days, technically it can be classed as a cruising sailboat. You could "slum it" and get a far cheaper marina slip near where the locals will dock their boats, but you aren't getting all the added pleasantries and amenities. A Caribbean cruise on a small ship or sailboat (Windjammer) is the best way to explore the turquoise waters, beaches, rich marine life and cultures of the Caribbean.The vessel you choose for your Caribbean cruise has a dramatic impact on the experience. That means that every year the boat must come out, dry up a bit and have a new coat of paint applied. Interestingly there’s one paint that’s made in America but it’s illegal to buy there so you can get it elsewhere. The chance of you scuppering yourself is quite high. When we went to have the whole boat redone (CC supplied the product for free but did not pay for labour costs) and we went back to square one. When you are living there, the two almost blend into one. The real problem is the storms. Cuba. Capt. (866) 342-SAIL, © 2021 Life of SailingEmail: contact@lifeofsailing.comAddress: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244Privacy Policy. This guide will help you to clarify your thought process, ensure you avoid making mistakes and it will certainly help to save you money. 35: Antigua: USD 69,950: 4528: 1990 Catalina 34: IDEAL FIRST BOAT Turnkey cruising yacht. Living on your boat also gives you the adventure so many of us crave. The good news is that when anchored or on a mooring ball in the Tropics a boat will always be facing the wind. 540 seconds of 2020. Less water is used if someone showers after already being in the sea. Something very few people can do. Having a nice savings account and at least $1000 a month to spend on the marina slip is a good starting point. Especially now that rainy season is here… Thanks for commenting Tom Kim. Our cruise line offer a wide variety cruise vacation packages to destinations like: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, Tahiti, Italy, Panama Canal, Greece, Alaska, Asia and Canada. Having to helm in the open sun or without protection from the wind and sea spray is hell. A boat that is great for cruising, say the Bahamas, may not be a great boat for doing a circumnavigation. Caribbean Trips by Departure Date. How to Find a Crewing Gig Online sites offer many ways you can find a crewing gig all over the world. They arrive multiple times during the rainy season. Having a watermaker isn’t imperative but it’s nice to have. With a standard crewing gig on a sailboat, tasks usually consist of cleaning, maintenance, and cooking, as well as the sailing-related work such as shifts of night watch. Windsocks and rain protected side windows can help a poorly ventilated boat. I urge you to do the same when you visit your favorite storm-tossed Caribbean cruising ground. Lack of air circulation causes mold and mildew to grow in hours. Well maintained and recently upgraded, an ideal boat to cruise the Caribbean on a limited budget. Cost To Live On A Sailboat In The Caribbean. Nor had my bride of then 15 now 37 years. To put that in perspective, a year's worth of accommodation in the Caribbean will only cost you about $12k. Caribbean Sailing By Daria and Alex Blackwell. Opinion. If full-time cruising doesn’t seem possible for you but you long to get out on the water in the Caribbean, there are many variations on part-time cruising that just may satisfy the itch and keep everyone in the family happy. Cruise the calm waters of the Caribbean, where the British Virgin Islands grant easy, line-of-sight navigation and trade winds keep your course steady. You will be changing countries whenever you arrive at a new island (usually), but many won't even ask for a passport on arrival. If you would like to earn a commission on promoting our t-shirts, guides, club or experience, join our affiliate program. If you have never been, the way of life can be a little hard to describe. The Breeze Booster has rigid supports and has worked very well. Why would you want to live on a sailboat? That being noted, there are at least 10 factors that need to be considered when purchasing a boat with the intention of sailing the tropics. But is the marina going to be up to the standards you were hoping for? Meaning, a $1000 marina in the Caribbean will be amazing. Eight ships will sail from either the US ports of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa, or San Juan in Puerto Rico. It's beautiful, warm, the people are friendly, the food is great, the fishing is top-notch, and their entire way of life is relaxing. Do you want Lucky Charms for breakfast? But it is nice that you can take it easy. I know people that have paid good money for non-potable water! Totally agree with everything mentioned. If you are looking for a very solid … Take your time and sail at your own pace. Watermakers, however, are not devoid of issues. That being said, you’ll want the cockpit to be comfortable while sailing and when stationary. On this page, I'll tell you about my sailboat cruising experiences. Liveaboard Sailboat Loans - Are They Worth It? Sailboat Cruising. 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