Cap'n Paul this is a sailing vacation and I don't sail... Can this trip be for me?
BBS is not a sailing vacation. It's an island hopping party. We spend two or three hours getting to different islands, then it's off the boats and onto the beach and it's party time. The yachts also serve as our floating resort hotel room. Each yacht has a captain. All you have to do is help cook and/or clean.~Cap'n Paul
What was that you said about cooking Cap'n Paul?
Our adventure vacation is called bareboating where you help cook, clean, and help sail the boat. It's part of your vacation experience. How much work is there putting out cereal, milk and fruit anyway? However, for just a few more bucks, you can get a fully crewed yacht for the true diva. The yacht comes with a gourmet chef, open bar and lots of service. No one has yet taken our crewed yacht offer.~Cap'n Paul
I don't swim Cap'n Paul. What about that?
Well with over thirty years of taking African Americans sailing, I've not lost one to drowning. My advise is not to jump in water over your head and you'll be all right. We are on big yachts. They don't tip over!~Cap'n Paul
Sea Sickness. I know I'll get sea sick won't I?
Probably not. Maybe one out of 300 do for maybe an hour. We are island hopping on big catamarans with two hulls. They are very stable and don't roll. We also cruise in flat protected waters. 85-90% of our first time boaters return to BBS. They would not do that if they got sea sick each time they returned. This is island hopping done right. But you can get pills/a patch from your doctor before you go to prevent sea sickness~Cap'n Paul
Ok Cap'n Paul. I'm a nice person but I don't have anyone to come with.
That's ok. Most traveling African Americans are vacationing single. And brothas are the most difficult to get off the couch. We work very hard to get them on the road. Post your need for a roommate in our forum . You will definitely find one. You are not alone. By the way, if you're in the market for a spouse, we've have several couples meet & marry at the BBS. You never know.~Cap'n Paul
Where the heck are the British Virgin Islands anyway? And how do I get there?
The United States and British Virgin Islands are located 3 hours flying time south of Miami and sixty miles east of Puerto Rico. BBSers come from all over the U.S. We fly to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands then take a ferry from there to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. BRING YOUR PASSPORT . NO PASSPORT. NO GO!~Cap'n Paul
Why haven't I heard about this vacation before? And what's the down side?
Ok. You're telling me:· I don't need to know how to sail or swim· There will be lots of singles there· There is not much work to do on the yacht· We have a party every night, and· People even find life mates at BBS.
If all that is true, then why haven't I heard about this vacation before? And what's the down side?Good questions and I have lots of serious answers.First, black folks have issues with water sports: "Girl, that's too much water for me to drink." Second, no one has invited us into the sport of sailing. Someone has to to take you out sailing on a sunny day. That doesn't happen. Third, the sailing industry ignores us a potential market, hence Black Boaters Summit. And lastly, BBS is not your typical "Let's go to Las Vegas" or "Mega-cruise ship" vacation. I could go on and on, but basically it's fear of the unknown. The biggest downside to Black Boaters Summit is you'll get hooked on boats, start taking sailing lessons, buy a boat, put your kids out, sell your house and go cruising. I kid you not. It happened to me. Other than that, piece of cake.~Cap'n Paul
What about clothes? How much and what?
Repeat after me, "If it doesn't fit in my gym bag, I'll leave it at home." A soft-sided gym bag that will fit in the airplane overhead bin will do you right. Keep in mind we spend 99% of our time barefoot in swimwear and shorts so Pack Light! - We're Island Hopping!~Cap'n Paul
Will I share a cabin?
Yes, and in each cabin there is one full size bed.People meet online and bond, sleep outside, and other creative sleeping arrangements are made if you get my drift. OR FOR A LITTLE MORE YOU CAN HAVE A CABIN ALONE.~Cap'n Paul
Can I come early and stay after?
Yes you can. In past years, some have arrived three days early and started their vacation on the beach. We will publish a list of things to do. You can also stay a few days over at the Westin St. John at the end of the trip if you are not ready to go home.~Cap'n Paul
How many are there on each yacht?
Between eight and ten including the captain and first mate.~Cap'n Paul
Will we be ever be out of sight of land?
Never! The islands are all two or three miles from each other or less. Check out a map of the Virgin Islands.~Cap'n Paul
How much spending cash will I need?
One year two couples went to St. Thomas at the end of the trip and spent 4K. $200 in spending cash will be enough. Depends on what you spend on rum. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, and the BVI uses U.S. greenbacks.~Cap'n Paul
How do I know if a BBS vacation is right for me?
Well, call me and I'll tell you it's fun for singles, couples, families, kids and even teens who don't like anything. Our most senior person is seventy-six years on the planet. And one of our BBS captains brought his whole family, mom, dad, wife, two kids (nine and five), his best friend, his wife and a two year old. (Shawn, what were you thinking?) They all had a great time.My advice? Watch our video. Check out our island hopping itinerary. Learn about our BBS captains. Ask questions in our forum (They'll tell you the Real Deal )... Then decide. And if you find when you're there that you're not having the best time of your life, drink more rum! See you in the BVI.~Cap'n Paul
