a family journey by the sea
The turquoise Caribbean Sea lapped against the hull of our boat. The ebb and flow of the waves were a constant reminder that we traded our busy city routines for a dream getaway in paradise.
By Renu Chandarana
Our “home” for ten days was a sleek, fully loaded 51-foot catamaran that kept us safely afloat as we explored the gorgeous British Virgin Islands (BVI). This wasn’t a pre-packaged cruise; it was a grand experiment. Three families—six adults and six teenage girls—sailing on our own. It was a terrifying yet exhilarating leap of faith.
After a short flight from Miami to Tortola, we found ourselves aboard our floating sanctuary. The thought of being our own captains—with only one fully certified adult and a few competent sailors with certifications among us—was daunting at first. Once we got the hang of it, however, the adventure and freedom of charting our own course through the islands was incredibly satisfying.
After a short flight from Miami to Tortola, we found ourselves aboard our floating sanctuary.
The boat was equipped with six bedrooms and six bathrooms, a well-appointed galley kitchen, and a BBQ at the stern. We provisioned at the largest grocery store on Tortola, placing gallons of water in the floor holds and storing toilet paper and non-perishables in the many wall holds. We stuffed fresh produce into the two fridges and lined up treats on the shelves for everyone to enjoy. The storage seemed endless, and our floating home felt luxurious and more than capable of accommodating us all.
Charting Our Own Course
Our days quickly fell into a rhythm dictated by the sun and the sea. One day, we sailed to Anegada, a remote island in the group. We were underway for two to three hours over deep blue water before mooring in what looked like a freshly painted harbour.
The British Virgin Islands from above: endless blue.
Anegada was a breathtaking escape, with endless white-sand beaches and a horizon that stretched on forever. We spent the day splashing in the shallows, playing water games, and taking family pictures in a place that felt like it belonged to us alone.
Twelve People, One Crew
This trip was about more than the stunning scenery, though. With twelve people living in close quarters, teamwork wasn’t a suggestion; it was the secret to our success. Hoisting the sails was a collective effort—a choreographed dance of ropes and pulleys. Making our own breakfast, lunch, and dinner became a family affair, with an assembly line of chefs followed by an assembly line of dishwashers. Chores became opportunities for collaboration. The girls, stripped of their usual distractions, discovered the value of contributing and working together to keep our little community afloat. They weren’t just passengers; they were crew.
Reefs, Wrecks & Natural Wonders
When we weren’t navigating or cooking, we were exploring a new, vibrant world beneath the surface. Snorkeling at The Indians, a dramatic collection of rock formations, felt like entering an underwater magical place. We dove to view the wreck of the RMS Rhone, a British mail ship that sank in a hurricane in 1867. Now a stunning artificial reef, it felt like a hauntingly beautiful step back in time.
Turquoise waters and giant boulders at The Baths, Virgin Gorda.
On land, we explored The Baths in Virgin Gorda, a labyrinth of colossal granite boulders and secluded pools of warm, crystal-clear water that looked like another planet.
Days in the Water, Evenings Under the Stars
The underwater world was a constant source of wonder. Graceful sea turtles, baby stingrays, curious barracudas and docile nurse sharks came into the frame of my snorkel mask as I floated in a meditative state, simply observing this world. We also spent our days swimming from the boat to shore, paddleboarding along the coastline and jumping into the warm, calm water.
A graceful sea turtle spotted on an underwater experience.
At sunset, the magic of the BVI took on a different form. With no sailing after dark, evenings were for reconnecting. Moored to a buoy in a tranquil harbour, we’d play games, tell stories and ask thoughtful questions to the kids to hear their perspectives on life and their own futures. The sky burst with stars as we chatted, our soundtrack not just the gentle rocking of the boat, but the varying musical playlists curated by each of us. These were the moments that mattered most—precious conversations with our teenagers about their goals and dreams, all without the interruption of phones or the pull of everyday life.
Unforgettable sunset while anchored in the British Virgin Islands.
This bareboat charter was more than just a vacation; it was a testament to what we could achieve when we worked together. The vibrant blue waters, the pristine beaches and the sense of freedom were unmatched. But the true satisfaction came from the collective experience of sailing our own boat and creating core memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Your jet is ready when you are.