Horizon Yacht Charters has three Caribbean bases—the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—and is preparing to welcome guests back aboard the company’s yachts in keeping with the COVID-19 protocols established by their respective authorities.
For Grenada base and St Vincent and the Grenadines, charter vacations will restart in the Summer with special offers that are valid on new charters through October 31, 2020. Book 10 nights for the low season 7-night rate, or stay a bit longer and enjoy 14 nights for the low season 10-night rate on any available boat in their fleets of bareboat monohulls and cats ranging from 36 feet – 57 feet.
In the BVI, international travel restrictions are expected to be eased in September and Horizon Yacht Charters plans to start its new sailing season on November 1, 2020. To address the vagaries of current travel restrictions and flight availability, Horizon is waiving its standard 50% deposit requirement and offering a non-refundable $200 deposit to secure the yacht of choice for charters starting November 2, 2020 through 2021 (this will be a limited offer when travel reverts to normal). The full charter deposit or balance becomes due once there is more certainty on world events and airline services.
“We’ve set out a framework that puts health and safety at the forefront—both for our guests and our team. The captain will receive a one-to-one boat and chart briefing under strict observation of the COVID-19 health and safety protocols before being cleared to set sail around the islands. Sanitized watersports toys such as kayaks and SUP boards are available from Horizon and snorkel and dive gear can be rented on site. Provisioning can be arranged ahead of arrival to avoid a visit to the supermarket. After 26 years of living and sailing in the BVI, we know these waters inside out and are willing to share our secret spots for tailored itineraries for the best snorkeling sites and aquatic adventures, and self-guided hiking tours around the islands. We love making the most of what is available to us and we know that we can give our guests a special experience that’s safe, fun and memorable,” said Andrew Thompson, Director at Horizon.
The BVI base offers bareboat and crewed charters on a fleet of monohulls and catamarans ranging from 32 feet to 51 feet, Horizon has brand new 2020 models of Jeanneau SOs 349, 410 and 490 and Nautitech Open 40s, Fly 46, Lagoon 42 and 46. The company also has a 2021 FP Astrea 42 and Elba 45 on order and slated for delivery at the end of this year.
The BVI is one of the Caribbean islands which responded swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic with full border shut down and a 3-week, 24/7 lockdown and gradual introduction of a reduced curfew and reopening of businesses according to essentiality. To date (May 26, 2020), the territory has had 8 confirmed cases, 7 full recoveries, 1 death and NO active cases. The borders will reopen on June 2 for the return of nationals and residents only (with quarantine), and a projected opening date of September 1 for visitors and tourists.
