Based in the marina at Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina, NauticBlue’s craft are designed on the catamaran principle, but they’re equipped with a pretty powerful engine that can move you much more swiftly between several island locations than a non-motorized sailing vessel. The model we were on is called the NauticBlue 372, a two-cabin power catamaran featuring a huge fly bridge, a roomy salon area with table and even a fully equipped galley with coffee pots, sink and microwave. Not that we needed the kitchen facilities much on our day outing, since we put in for our meals and refreshment on land.
Our power yacht from the Marina at the western rim of Pillsbury Sound mid-morning around 9:30 a.m., on a day that was overcast and quite windy. As our captain pointed out as we headed into deeper waters, the day’s conditions were considered a "system" although not a severe one. This didn’t bother me personally at all and what held my attention was the changing view as we passed alongside the different curving shores, some rocky, some sandy, of islands covered in dense tropical vegetation where anything would grow. Since the temperature was up in the mid-80’s, sitting on the upper deck as we passed by both inhabited and uninhabited islands was really part of the fun of the day.
Our first stop of the day was at Great Harbor on the tiny British Virgin island of Jost Van Dyke, around 10:30 a.m. Jost is the all-time party island of the Caribbean, but there were only a few craft lying offshore when we anchored. After drinks at the legendary Foxy’s bar and restaurant, we headed a short way west and put in at White Bay, where we lunched at the Soggy Dollar restaurant. Departing Jost around 1 p.m., we cruised by Tortola, and passed Cane Garden Bay, the star of Tortola’s north coast beaches, a long stretch of white sand fringed with palm trees. Continuing south between Tortola and St. John, we arrived at little, uninhabited Norman Island, where we set anchor for a half hour or so first to take a look at The Caves. The Caves are popular with snorkelers and swimmers, but our group just took time to do some snorkeling to observe coral and young fish. We didn’t discover any of the buried treasure that legend reputes to the waters and hidden caverns of this island, but it was a fine end to an adventurous enough day.
Since St. Thomas is well-known for its charter boat operations, you’ll have a wide selection of facilities and craft and packages to choose from for either one day or longer charters. Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $350 per day, depending on the time of year, length of charter, type of boat and extra features you want. For the right package for your needs, you can call or e-mail the American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook and ask their assistance (Tel: (340) 775-6454; www.americanyachtharbor.com; e-mail: info@americanyachtharbor.com)