Chartering Information
and
Rates
2010-2011 Season
OK - so we hooked you with that section on "The Grenadines" and you think you'd like to go sailing in "Our Islands"! We believe that a Crewed Charter offers many unique opportunities and is probably the best way to experience "Our Islands" even if you're an experienced sailor.
Perhaps most important: we're already here, and we know our way around. Of course, you could always charter a bareboat (if you're qualified) and figure out where things are for yourself - but do you really want to waste a lot of valuable time on your vacation looking for a good place to anchor or trying to figure out how to get through the reefs and into, say, Tobago Keys?
Think of La Nostra as your floating Bed and Breakfast where you'll stay during your vacation!
Our Rates - So what is your investment and what do you get? During your time aboard we provide all breakfasts, lunches, snacks, soft-drinks, beer, rum punches and four dinners (per week) on board.* Be certain not to miss a dinner of fresh, local lobster cooked on board and enjoyed in the cockpit!** We find our guests enjoy dining on shore as well, and we can suggest local restaurants where you can enjoy island cuisine on your own- with prices to fit all pocketbooks.
(Or, if you prefer, for a small fee we can provide additional dinners on board.)
For the 2010-2011 season our rate is $2,950 per seven-day, six-night week, per couple, all inclusive (except transportation to and from). For shorter stays, extra days or additional guests, $250 per person per day or portion thereof.
Our rates include all boat costs, clearances and government taxes.
Terms - Non-refundable deposit at time of booking: 25%; balance to be paid at time of boarding in US or EC cash or traveler's checks.
Of course we carry all necessary insurance and licenses. La Nostra is documented as a U. S. vessel with the U. S. Coast Guard.
*If you have special dietary needs or preferences just let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.
** We have contacts with fair and reliable sources for the freshest local lobster. Because of variations in availability and pricing we ask that our guests buy the lobsters and we'll take it from there!
Never sailed before? Well, there's no better way to try it than on board a safe, comfortable boat with a qualified crew in a beautiful setting. You can even try your hand at the wheel!
Have some boating experience? Here's your chance to improve your sailing and navigational skills on a "big boat" and get a few pointers from a friendly crew.
Old salt? Welcome aboard! Feel free to take the helm and run the boat as much as you want, gaining experience in new waters while being able to rely on our local knowledge to keep you out of trouble.
Snorkeling or SCUBA Diving? The waters you'll be sailing offer some of the most spectacular underwater sights anywhere in the world. Reefs teeming with fish in more colors than you could imagine. Ancient and recent wrecks to explore. Water plants and coral formations of all shapes and sizes. And, oh yes - the water itself? It averages around 80 degrees and is clear as glass - many areas offering underwater visibility over 100 feet! We can take you to spectacular areas to snorkel - and if you're into SCUBA we can make advance arrangements with local dive boats (we usually get a discounted rate from them) so you can enjoy some of the most spectacular sites in the world. (Harry is PADI Open Water Certified.)
Your Agenda - Of course, this is completely up to you. Its your vacation, we want you to spend it your way! We'll communicate with you in advance to learn what you'd like to do and will have a suggested agenda for you when you arrive. But the key is that what you do and when you do it is entirely up to you - we, as crew, are just there to help make your time with us as enjoyable as possible.
How Many on Board? Usually just one couple. When we have guests on board they are given the spacious and private aft cabin while the Captain and Crew sleep in the forward cabin. We can accommodate a maximum of two additional guests on the settees in the main salon, but we will never have more than one party on board at a time.
The Climate? During the "winter" months the daytime temperature averages in the mid-eighties, mid-seventies at night, with constant trade winds of 15 to 20 knots and low humidity. There may be a brief rain shower at any time, but usually the sun is back out in 15 minutes or so.
What do I wear? See the paragraph above! Casual, casual and casual is the order of the day! Cool, loose-fitting clothing, bathing suits, hats with wide brims (and chin straps) for sun protection, high-numbered sun block and deck shoes. (Regular sneakers or athletic shoes do not have "grippy" soles. In fact, those with a cleated type tread actually are quite slippery on a wet deck.) We also suggest at least a couple of long-sleeved, lightweight shirts, again for sun protection. Perhaps a more dressy pair of shorts and a nicer top or two would also be in order for those trips ashore for dinner or shopping.
How long would you be with us? Normally our guests stay with us for a 7-day, 6-night week, typically joining us on Sunday morning and returning ashore late on Saturday afternoon. By special arrangement we may be able to establish a different schedule for you.
Where do we meet the boat - and how do we get there? Note: This area has recently been revised (again) due to changes in airline schedules.
Your first option is to fly into Grenada on a Saturday, stay overnight, and take the morning ferry (a high-speed catamaran) to Carriacou to meet us on La Nostra in time for a Sunday lunch. We can then sail the southern Windward Islands, including Tobago Keys, and return you to Carriacou to catch the returning ferry Saturday afternoon to end your week. (We'd pick you up in Grenada, but that would waste one full day of your valuable time.)
Your second option would enable us to maximize your sailing time in the best areas by joining us either on the island of St. Vincent or, better yet, on the island of Bequia (the first island south of St. Vincent) and depart at the end of your stay from Carriacou, the "middle" island of the nation of Grenada. To do this we suggest that you fly into Grenada on a Saturday, catch the early morning flight (about 20 min.) to St. Vincent on Sunday morning and either meet La Nostra there or catch the ferry down to Bequia (quicker and easier). This will allow all "downhill" sailing during your stay with us and will maximize your opportunity to see new places. (There is an additional $350 surcharge for either of these two pick-up locations.)
Of course, other pick-up and drop-off points can be established by special arrangement.
Our Season and Availability - Normally our season runs from mid-December until late March. For 2009-10 we still have time slots available, but please contact us as early as possible to secure the time period you desire. (See our "Schedule of Availability" page for specifics.)
