The Cruising Life

Aristocat Daysails – a top-rated institution of the British Virgin Islands

They are often referred to as “Nature’s Little Secrets” but the British Virgin Islands – Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada (to name a few of the bigger islands) – have been no secret to mariners and yachting enthusiasts for decades as this spectacular little archipelago in the Northeast Caribbean Sea boasts some of the most pristine sailing conditions in the world.

Our islands are lush and quaint, our water is warm, our beaches gentle and unrivaled, and the winds almost always favorable to a broad reach somewhere. Our horizon has been peppered with white sails for a long while now because there is no question – the best way to experience this little Caribbean Paradise is by sea.

“But I don’t know how to sail,” you say. And perhaps you are unsure how you’d handle a weeklong charter with a salty captain you’ve never met?

Well, Aristocat Daysails has the solution for you. If you have always dreamed of getting away to a tropical paradise where the weather is (almost) always perfect, the palm trees sway and the beach bars beckon you to swim ashore with soggy dollars in your pocket, Aristocat Daysails will add the sea component for which your land-based holiday is calling.

What many people don’t realize is that you need not be nautical to experience the beauty the British Virgin Islands offer. Each island is equipped with everything one might need to enjoy a vacation on land as well. From boutique hotels to luxury resorts, from Airbnb’s to tropical villas – the BVI can accommodate whatever budget or wish you might have. Our restaurants range from exquisite to casual to delight every palette and budget, and each of our unique islands offers plenty of activities from surfing to zip-lining, hiking to fishing, diving to cliff jumping and everything in between. A “land” based vacation, while still providing activity and variety to keep you busy, does not mean you must be land locked. And that is where Aristocat Daysails comes in.

Aristocat Daysails Has You Covered!

Aristocat Daysails, the long-standing expert of BVI daysailing – will put the wind in any landlubbers sails. Often boasted as “the best day of our vacation” by villa dwellers as well as cruise ship guests – a day with us will not disappoint. Our fleet of two Voyage “DC 45” (as they were built specifically for Day Charters) 45-foot catamarans – each with a capacity to hold up to 30 people – were designed to make the most comfortable and efficient daysailers on the market. Our boats are well maintained and equipped, our hand-picked crew are the best in the business, and we know these waters like the back of our hands. Booking a sail with Aristocat for a day or two (or even more, as some often do) during your hotel or villa-based stay, ensures you will get the best of both worlds. To experience these islands by both land and sea will be sure to keep you busy and create a truly unique and memorable holiday experience.

What We Offer:

With a host of itineraries to select from, you can easily experience the beauty of sailing, without ever having to hoist a sail… unless of course, you’d like to help!  Our boats will provide you with 360-degree views, plenty of shade, and easy access in and out of the water. The wide nature of the double hulled catamaran means stability both at anchor and underway, and with plenty of space, our vessels are easily navigated by the young and the “young at heart.” We pride ourselves in family friendliness so bring grandma and the kids! We promise you will not regret it.

We offer both shared and private charter experiences. Whether you want to enjoy a custom daysail with just your party, or make new friends in a shared daysail experience, you will enjoy a full day of fun on the water. Equipped with flotation noodles, snorkel sets (mask, snorkel and fins), and paddleboards, all you need to bring is a hat, towel, and the readiness to unleash your inner pirate. A freshly made buffet lunch is included (or catered, if you choose, for the private option) and we keep you well refreshed with unlimited ice-cold drinks… including water, soda, beer, rum punch, painkillers, other varieties of liquor & mixers, and white wine.  And each trip will take you to at least two or three beautiful destinations only accessible by boat, making a day with us is the perfect complement to your land-based holiday.

SAMPLE OUTINGS:

If you crave a day exploring what’s under the sea, start with a stop at the Caves at Norman Island to search for not only lots of different varieties of fish but also for treasure.  It is said to be the inspiration for the book Treasure Island based on legends of pirate treasure being hidden here.  Follow this with a short hop over to the Indians, one of the best snorkel sites in the BVI, and arguably one of the top 10 in the Caribbean.  And finish with a stop in whatever bay we’ve recently seen the most sea turtles.

And if you’re lucky… and in the party seeking mood… some itineraries may include a trip to the legendary Willy T floating beach bar and restaurant.  And don’t worry, if you have one too many, their   temporary tattoos will remind you exactly where you were the day before, even if you don’t remember exactly how it got where you found it.

Or maybe you are looking to keep your head above water and enjoy more of the beach-style “wildlife.” A lovely reach to Jost Van Dyke to hit up the aptly named White Bay where you will find the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar, where the delicious and nutritious Painkiller originated.  And there some other little treasures near there including Sandy Spit, the Bubbly Pool, and B-Line bar at Little Jost Van Dyke.

Perhaps you want to spend an afternoon at Cooper Island to experience the eco resort, restaurant, bar (serving beer from their own brewery), quaint beach, coffee & ice cream shop, boutique gift shop, and rum bar with over 280 rums!

There are a whole host of itineraries we can create for you, so visit our website before your trip to read more about them to determine which one will suit your needs.  And please note, while we do have booze, we are on a boat, and we do have fun, we are not a “spring break-esque booze cruise”.  We pride ourselves on offering a family atmosphere day sail experience for all ages to enjoy!

Repeat guests also receive discounts on subsequent bookings and doing a couple day trips spaced throughout your stay will be sure to scratch your nautical itch and keep your holiday exciting.

We also appreciate that not everyone has the luxury of living life on island time and there are some places that don’t lend themselves to the leisurely pace of sailing. For that we have recently added a 10-person capacity 28’ “RIB” (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to our fleet. With inflatable pontoons and a 300-horsepower engine, this boat is made for a fast yet comfortable ride skipping along the water. If time is of the essence or perhaps your looking to travel farther afield, this is the boat for you. This boat is booked privately only and does not include lunch, but it will be sure to allow you to cover a lot of water, if that’s more your style.

Feel like exploring North Sound and visiting the newly reopened BVI institution, Bitter End Yacht Club, followed by lunch at Saba Rock Resort and Restaurant? This is the boat for that. Or maybe your group would like to zip over to the coves and caves of our illustrious Baths of Virgin Gorda and finish off with lunch at the top-rated Coco Maya beach restaurant? This boat is best suited for itineraries such as these.

If you are looking to be knee deep in the water somewhere, our fleet will absolutely be able to get you there in style and with a smile. Aristocat Daysails has been a top-rated institution of the British Virgin Islands for over 20 years and we pride ourselves in sharing Nature’s Little Secrets with our friendly landlubbers. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on board soon. Call, email, or book online with us today to make your very own float plan. Happy sailing!

 

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