Saint Thomas sits at the edge of the Caribbean most consistently reliable trade winds, and a sailing yacht charter departing Charlotte Amalie can be under sail within the hour, reaching east toward the British Virgin Islands or bearing away south toward Puerto Rico. The 19 sailing yachts in the Virgin Islands fleet include performance monohulls, long-range ketch-rigged cruisers and blue-water sloops, each selected for their competence in open water and their comfort at anchor. Guests who charter a sailing yacht in Saint Thomas tend to want genuine passage-making: the feeling of the boat heeled and driving, the daily choice of anchorage decided by wind and tide rather than a schedule. Weekly rates for sailing yachts in the Virgin Islands start from around 35,000 euros for a well-found 15-metre monohull and rise to 150,000 euros for a large performance ketch with a professional crew of five. The Advance Provisioning Allowance runs at approximately 30 percent of the base charter fee and covers provisions, fuel for the generator and motor, marina fees and drinks. December through April represents peak season, when the northeast trades blow steadily at 15 to 20 knots and the sea state on the Anegada Passage is manageable. Experienced sailors sometimes prefer May and June, when the anchorages clear and the wind remains reliable before hurricane season establishes itself fully.
