Brian, I was in the same situation 6 years ago.. Now I am even taking my in-laws to the Caribbean..I would suggest you cover two points to ensure the best outcome. 1) Right place: You are spot on with the BVI; it took me a couple failed attempts (eg Sea of Cortez) to learn that. I have learned that if I want non-sailors to like it the right place for the "first time" is the BVI. 2) Right boat: I strongly suggest you go with a catamaran. I have taken lots of non-sailors on "frist time" bareboat trips and when we had a catamaran EVERYONE liked it. Plenty of space, lot of water tankage (no need to ration as much, which is hard for newbies), no one gets sick, plenty of spcace for non-sailors to lie reading a book, etc.. They also let you take friends and friends for the kids... On monhulls the record was mixed.. I know cats are expensive, but you can soften the blow significantly f you charter a smaller and older cat (sat 1999-2000 Island Spirit 37 or Athena 38) from a second tier company like North-South (have not used but is recommended) or Pro Valor (have used it;they are great).. Feel free to send me an email off the list if you want to discuss further. Best regards Carlos ----- Original Message ----- From: "brian gilbert" <hammerguy@bellsouth.net> To: < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 8:52 PM Subject: M_Boats: Baiting the field... slightly OT, but sailing related

Hi folks:

Here's the situation... I've finally gotten my wife to agree to a bareboat

charter in the spring of next year, after our 12-year-old gets off for summer vacation.

In general, she doesn't much care for sailboats. She'll indulge me for a quick afternoon on the Monty, IF the wind is blowing (but not too much... she gets very nervous past 15 degrees of heel) and we don't stay out too long.

But I was a liveaboard sailor, and if I could talk her into it, I'd buy another large boat for some extended cruising. Karen's never overnighted aboard... my M17 is WAY too small for her. A charter, if everything goes right, is my big chance to get her hooked on the better parts of the sailing lifestyle.

I was thinking of the Moorings in the BVI on about a 32 foot Beneteau or similar. I hear that's like deer hunting using a baited field... the Virgins are so pretty and the sailing is short and easy, or so I've heard. I've never chartered a boat before, though, so I need recommendations and advice from any of you who have. Any problems to avoid, things you wish you'd brought, or unexpected surprises?

If everything goes just right, I know she'll fall in love with sailing a larger boat. If everything goes just WRONG, as it sometimes can... well, I'll probably never get her on a boat again. Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks Brian Gilbert

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