Caribbean Charter Captaining Services

For those of you planning to charter in the Caribbean, but don’t have enough experience to handle a larger yacht, most companies will require a licensed captain on board. They will also provide one for you at a cost of $200-250 per day, plus provisions and expenses. However, the captain you get will be a surprise to you when you get there. And, you’re stuck with him for a week, or maybe more. (Remember the incompetent, crazy Captain Ron character played by Kurt Russel!? It’s not that far-fetched. There are truly a lot of his type down there in the islands.)

Our owner, Doug Ely, is a USCG-licensed 100-ton Master Captain and is extremely knowledgeable in all ship’s systems. He understands the West Indian culture and Caribbean way of life. He knows the navigation of the islands intimately. You can meet with Doug first and discuss your plans and expectations for the trip. Spend some time with him and see how you feel about having him on board with you and your guests for a week, rather than someone you won’t meet until it’s time to shove off. Someone who might be from a very different culture. Then, for barely a few dollars more, decide to hire him to guide you around in Paradise.

Doug lived in St. Thomas for a number of years, and has many years experience sailing in the Caribbean. He was a professional charter captain on the fabulous Swan, DAKOTA. A high-end, high-priced yacht, her charter clientele was typically a more demanding group than an average crewed charter yacht. Yet, Doug has formed and maintained friendships with many guests and was always offered extremely generous gratuities after each charter. A list of previous charter references is available.

Doug’s rate for captaining a qualified charter boat in the Caribbean during

Dec-Mar is $325/day or $1700/week. A simple berth is required along with provisions for all meals and snacks. His round trip travel expenses are the only part of his fee that might make him any more expensive than a local “captain.” For charters in the Virgin Islands, that added cost could be as little as $400 additional. Less than $15 per day, per person, for a charter group of four. A small price to pay for the assurances you’ll have going into the trip.

Doug is a non-smoker. He does not and never has done drugs of any sort. He rarely drinks alcohol, and never drinks it while handling a yacht. He is well groomed, educated and very sensitive to other’s space. He understands fully that you are on vacation and that he is a paid captain at work trying to make your time in the islands more enjoyable.

An additional benefit to having Doug as your captain, if you wish, he will give you all the sailing instruction you’d like, to get to the next level. He is a successful racing skipper and overall winner of the 1999 Marion Bermuda Ocean Race. Give him a call to discuss the possibilities.