Jean Larroux wrote the rules for the charter yacht ownership programme used today—in fact he invented it. That’s right, our sales manager wrote the blue print for what 100's of other yacht charter companies would imitate for decades to come. This is his story....
Read the full Interview with the Inventor of The Moorings Yachtownership Programme. Klick here!
If your ideal charter is one where each night you’re anchored in secluded bays, enjoying a freshly self-caught tuna for dinner straight off the barbeque, with some of the world’s most stunning beaches as your backdrop then the Seychelles is the sailing ground for you!
Myself and my husband have just returned from what I can say without doubt was the best charter I’ve had to date. We spent two glorious weeks cruising around the Seychelles aboard The Moorings 434 Power Catamaran.
When I go sailing I like to avoid the crowds and tend to spend a huge amount of time aboard the boat rather than seeking out restaurants and towns ashore. I love to be anchored in beautiful spots where I can wake up and start my day by jumping straight into the water and then take to the paddle board for a cruise! My husband is an enthusiastic novice fisherman who proved his weight in gold on this charter; catching enough fish to feed us for the entire trip, in fact we had so much we had to give huge amounts away to our neighbouring yachts each evening. Our fishing success was a huge contributing factor as to why the holiday was so successful. Fishing brought us lots of entertainment and laughter, not just when catching these sea monsters and trying to get them aboard but also with the work involved to gut and fillet them! We ate our fish every which way you could imagine; ceviche, grilled, sashimi and sushi rolls to curried!
Aside from all the breath taking scenery you’d imagine to find in such a renowned part of the world I was pleasantly surprised with all that could be found ashore to give you a nice break from being aboard when required. Most of the islands have trails to walk and explore the lush vegetation home to a range of birds and on some of these islands you’ll find giant tortoises which are a must see! La Digue island has many bike rentals where you can cycle at your own pace down the length of the island stopping to sample the local food from various shacks till you reach the most famous beach in the Seychelles; Anse Source d’Argent! The Seychelles is home to the biggest nut in the world; coco de mer which reaches up to 50cm in diameter and can be found in the Vallee de Mai national park on Praslin.
From the UK the Seychelles is extremely convenient to reach with direct BA flights from Heathrow to the main island Mahe (SEZ). The flight times are great meaning no early starts and some of the prices are very reasonable. The base is just 15 minutes from the airport and you’ll arrive in the morning with plenty of time to do your hand over, provision at the main super market and set sail that same day.
The Seychelles is a year round destination with temperatures not dropping much below 30 degrees and has 2 opposing wind directions through the year. From December to April the winds blow North Westerly and from May to November they blow South Easterly. The North Westerly winds are lighter, picking up to about 10-15knts at day break. December to March brings some squalls but overall the North Westerly winds bring the flatter and calmer periods to visit the Seychelles. The South Easterly period is drier but brings a larger swell as winds average 15-25knts.
The flattest period are the months of April and November which are ideal of power cats as these are generally near windless.
There’s a tidal range of about 1.5m and although it’s mostly line of sight navigation there are some rocks just below the surface which mean you have to take caution. In addition to this there is a rolling swell in the Seychelles which increases with the winds from June – October; a period to avoid especially if sailing with children.
The Seychelles really is paradise for those who have the same requirements as we do for a holiday; getting away from the crowds and being at one with your boat and the amazing scenery! However I would stress that if you are not willing to cook aboard daily and your ideal holiday means a break from the kitchen with regular meals ashore then this isn’t the location for you as restaurants are hard to find.
Each night you will anchor in the most idyllic settings with the exception of a couple of locations where you will also have a line ashore, however the holding for anchoring is good and I felt very comfortable each evening. One of the great things about this area is the lack of mooring fees; you are only required to pay fees when anchored in the national parks which typically you would probably only wish to do 2 or 3 times in a 2 week period. The beauty of being at anchor is the huge amount of sea life surrounding you at all times which makes for some spectacular snorkelling! On at least 5 occasions we had dolphins just hanging around with us at which point we’d quickly jumped on our paddle boards for a closer look. My husband Niall was lucky enough to have them swim under his board a few times whilst they slowly rotated to belly up giving him a good look over!
There are a few small super markets on various islands around the Seychelles where you can easily dinghy ashore for provisions but we found there was a lack of fresh meat and fish to purchase apart from at the main supermarket close to the base, so stock up well in Mahe before you depart! Sylvain and his team at the base are extremely friendly and helpful. Before you depart the UK you can arrange the rental of your paddle boards and fishing gear! You would be missing a serious trick if you didn’t trawl when sailing as the waters there are full with fish year round and you can eat anything you pull out. We caught lots of tuna and job fish daily, and if you’re lucky like we were you’ll catch a big dorado or wahoo too (although my husband would of course say this was more down to skill than luck!).
Our favourite overnight anchorage was Petite Anse on the South Eastern side of La Digue which is only doable when you are in the NW wind period. There are 3 bays to choose from here, all of which are extremely quiet and you may find yourself totally alone or at the most with two other yachts. These bays can only be reached by boat or foot and are completely untouched and spectacular!
By far, there are no other sailing holiday companies with greater quality product than The Moorings and Sunsail offer. All of our bases are staffed with employees trained to the highest of standards in customer service and technical expertise for maintenance and upkeep of the yachts.
Identical specifications of each yacht allows for maintaining interchangeable parts compatible with various yacht models. Keeping a full inventory of spare parts at the every base allows for efficient and timely maintenance of all yachts. To attest to the newness of the yachts used in each programme, the majority of both Moorings and Sunsail yachts are operated for a maximum of 6 seasons with only limited numbers of yachts extended longer.
Almost all of the yachts are individually owned and this obligation to our owners results in a highly maintained fleet at all times.
Our bases are located where demand can sustain a full complement of permanent staff, promoting unparalleled knowledge and accountability from the highest possible standard of base facilities.
Cruise the calm waters of the Caribbean, where the British Virgin Islands grant easy, line-of-sight navigation and trade winds keep your course steady. Follow the sun to St. Lucia and drop anchor to take in the warm glow of the sunset. Find out how Grenada lives up to its nickname “The Spice Island of the Caribbean”. Spend your days shopping on the beautiful streets of St. Thomas. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled paradise of Puerto Rico’s Spanish Virgin Islands or rekindle your love for open water adventure from Antigua's historic Nelson’s Dockyard.
Discover the blissful white sands of the world-class Caribbean islands from the deck of your private state-of-the-art yacht. Look out over the jade-colored sea and breathe in the rejuvenating air fringed with the sweet aroma distinct to these outlying islands. Each sailing day waits with new surprises of hidden-away eateries, sunken caves, and rich history.
Sailors with all levels of expertise will find accommodating cruising that makes for some of the most enjoyable sailing experiences. Cruise through protected anchorages and into full-service marinas. The ever-enchanting Caribbean opens a world of possibilities, both onshore and off, with hidden coves, warm island culture, beachside dining, and unrivaled snorkeling & diving conditions.
The Americas include an array of beautiful charter destinations. Sail the Out Islands of the Bahamas and discover a sailor’s paradise in the uncrowded Abacos or explore the 120-mile long archipelago of the Exumas, where you can visit the world-famous swimming pigs.
The “off-the-beaten-path” Abacos and Exumas deliver a Bahamas vacation unlike any other, featuring uncrowded beaches, laid-back vibes, and ultimate tranquility on the water. Cruise throughout isolated cays and magnificent coral reefs, where civilization feels far away but paradise is everywhere.
Alternatively, why not head to exotic Belize, which offers awe-inspiring natural wonders and waters that beckon for adventure. The charter passages of the Americas provide visitors with both serene jaunts and vibrant city attractions. Belize’s ideal location in Central America allows visitors to bask in warm temperatures accompanied by coastal island breezes. Feast your eyes on lush exotic scenery, explore ancient Mayan ruins, and discover natural underwater beauty at its finest while snorkeling or diving along the second largest barrier reef in the world.
With seven Mediterranean charter bases, The Moorings provides ideal sailing locations to suit every taste preference. Protected waters with short passages will lead you to quick day trips between islands while longer, open-sea crossings will help you reach remote harbours unspoiled by time. Whether you choose to plan ahead or leave it to chance, you’ll find no end to what you can do in this cruising paradise.
First time visitors and seasoned sailors will find it hard to resist Greece’s captivating appeal, but Italy’s Amalfi coast offers a culture just as rich and sights just as stunning. Split your days between sea and land while island-hopping in style along Croatia’s splendid Dalmation Coast, or indulge your senses in contemporary ports balanced by historic villages in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. No matter where you dock in the Mediterranean, your holidays become Five-Star escapes you’ll never forget.
Choose your cruising wonderland, each with its own magical allure, in some of the world’s most exotic sailing destinations. The Far East awaits with Thailand’s sparkling beachfront resorts and skyscraping limestone spires rising from an emerald sea. The South Pacific beckons with its breathtaking collage of palm-fringed beaches and colorful coral reefs— met with the warmest of hospitality. While the Seychelles offer a unique paradise of otherworldly, secluded isles, giant tortoises and rare sea birds. Whatever your choice, these far-off islands will tempt you to return again and again.
Nowhere else has a tropical destination been so sought after than the waters of the South Pacific. While exploring this sprawling area of diverse islands, you will find yourself drawn to Tahiti’s pristine diving conditions, Bora Bora’s famous lagoon, and the beautiful temples of Tonga.
The Indian Ocean offers a bounty of breathtaking sights, but none quite like The Seychelles, a group of granite and coral islands off the coast of East Africa. Cruise through azure waters to experience an untouched landscape filled with vibrant flora, exotic wildlife and geological formations like the Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.
A Thailand yacht charter is a voyage to a tropical Eden, where stone pinnacles rise from an emerald-colored sea, and strange open-air caves await exploration. Experience the exotic shores aboard a kayak or stand up paddle board amongst colourful coral and vibrant fish. Head ashore and you can try the acclaimed local cuisine.
Come aboard and escape the ordinary. Something extraordinary awaits in all of these exceptional exotic destinations.
We just got back from a spectacular sailing excursion aboard a Moorings Yacht in paradise, and it would be just plain wrong to not dish out all of the details for your enjoyment!
Maybe you are a BVI sailing expert, and maybe you are a first timer. Regardless of what you are, we would like to share with you some tips for getting the most out of your time sailing these beautiful islands. And if you can do it aboard a Moorings Catamaran—that’s even better! These tips will be based off of our personal experiences and itinerary.
Speaking of itinerary—let’s start there! On this particular sailing trip we had a crew of six aboard a Moorings 3900. Some of us had experienced the BVI before and some had not. It was important to create an itinerary where the newbies could see it all, but the veterans could have new experiences. The trip in total was six days. To see the itinerary map, follow this link.
Day 1: Norman Island
It would just be plain wrong to visit the BVI and not make a stop on Norman Island. If you want to pick up a phone signal or a signal for a wifi unit, be sure to snag a mooring ball towards the back of the field. Norman Island is one of the few Islands that does not use digicell, but if you are towards the back of the field you can pick up the signal from Tortola.
Happy hour is from 4-6 at the Pirates Bite so stop in for a Pain Killer and order the mozzarella sticks. The mozzarella sticks were the best we’ve ever had—someone should give them an award for best appetizer in the BVI!
Shortly before sunset hop in your dinghy and head over to one of our favorite snorkeling spots in the BVI, it is just around the corner from the mooring field on the northwest end of the island. At this time the sun will hit the caves perfectly, all the tour ships will be gone and it will make for a gorgeous sunset snorkeling session.
Enjoy dinner on board and then head over to the infamous Willy T’s for a ShotSki with your friends (don’t ask questions, just do it).
Day 2: Jost Van Dyke
Set sail for what proved to be our favorite stop of the trip! White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. We didn’t have an early start on this particular morning and we blame Willy T’s for that. Due to the delayed departure, we were not able to snag a morning ball in White Bay, but we did make it over to Great Harbour which was just around the corner. We picked up a mooring ball in Great Harbour, hopped in the dinghy, and headed over to White Bay. We enjoyed some fun in the sun at the Soggy Dollar, waved to friends on the webcam, and then headed back to the boat for a SUP session.
We eventually untied from the mooring ball and headed northeast to Little Harbour, Jost Van Dkye for dinner at Harris’ Place. You must make a reservation for dinner here and dinner typically will include a mooring ball for the night. Your owner/ server/ bar tender will be Cynthia and she is fantastic! She also makes the best bushwhackers in the BVI! Order the lobster dinner. The lobsters that she serves up are from Anegada and they are HUGE.
There is a little store here for ice and some other nick-nacks, but unless you want to pay $22 for sunscreen, come prepared.
Day 3: Sandy Cay to Cane Garden Bay
We had no plans for this day. So decided to set sail and see where the wind would take us. We didn’t get too far when we stumbled upon an exotic little island that looked like it was off of a post card. We came to find out it was in used as the set of a Corona commercial. So, as you can imagine, it was paradise. The island we stumbled on was Sandy Cay. There were a few mooring balls here, as it is a national park. We were lucky enough to snag one. If the few mooring balls are all taken, dropping anchor would be just fine.
From here we would suggest that you pack a cooler, grab a paddle board and your snorkel gear, and head for shore. The sand was pristine and the snorkeling ideal. We saw a good amount of fish and sting rays. If you have a hammock, you will want to bring it! The island had plenty of palm trees for you to grab some shade.
Once you have had enough fun in the sun, head into Cane Garden Bay for the night! Hang out on deck and watch a brilliant sunset over Jost Van Dyke. From here we suggest dinner at Quito’s. Once the band gets rocking you will not be able to avoid the groove, so just go with it! Dance your heart out and enjoy the Caribbean tunes performed by Quito himself.
Day 4: Cooper Island
Wake up early for a sail to Cooper Island. Cooper is a small but charming island and an overnight mooring haven. This island has the best landscaping in the BVI! Due to a limited number of mooring balls, Cooper Island fills up fast and we do not recommend dropping anchor here overnight. The winds are very shifty and you will note that not all of the boats are situated in the same position.
Snorkel a gorgeous reef on the south side of the mooring field, and then head on shore to do a rum tasting at the Rum Bar. Take a walk on the boardwalk, and then mosey over to the dart board for some friendly competition.
Day 5: The Baths to North Gorda Sound
If visiting the BVI, the Baths are an absolute must see! The Baths are a geological wonder of humongous granite boulders, some as large as 40 feet in diameter. We suggest tying off your dinghy on the south end of the Baths, known as Devil’s Bay, as the swim here to get on shore is drastically shorter compared to the more northern area where you can tie off your dinghy. No dinghies are allowed on shore. If you want to grab a beer or a bite on shore, be sure to bring cash. Poor Man’s Bar doesn’t accept cards. You can also hike up to the top of the Baths for a gorgeous view, a bite to eat and a swim in the pool. You won’t need cash here, as they accept cards. But bring shoes—there is cactus everywhere!
Once you are done climbing through boulders and snorkeling the waters, head back to your boat and set sail for North Gorda Sound. When arriving be sure the stay between the beacons, you certainly don’t want to hit the reef. Leverick Bay is a personal favorite overnight anchorage, but North Gorda Sound is your playground! Rent a hobie cat, hang out at the beach on Prickly Pear, or play a game of pool at the English Pub at Bitter End Yacht Club. If you find yourself in North Gorda Sound on a Friday, then Jumbies BBQ is the place to be! Complete with a live band and Moka Jumbie Stilt dancers.
Day 6: Road Town
Sail Sail Sail your heart out! This was our last day in the BVI and we wanted to get as much sailing out of this day as possible. We woke up early, put up the sails, and then tacked and jibed our way up and down the Sir Frances Drake Channel soaking in every last moment of our sailing excursion.
We spent the last evening at night at Wickham’s Cay Marina. For dinner we jumped in the dinghy and went across the harbor to a quaint little South African Wine Bar and Restaurant, called The Watering Hole. This place was absolutely delicious and we would recommend it to anyone!
After a relaxing dinner and wind down on our last night, we were rested, refreshed and ready for the day of travel ahead.
If you want to experience the adventure of cruising the Caribbean, there is no better way to do it than from the comfort of a Moorings Yacht. To learn how you can own a yacht through The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program, please click the button below and contact us today.
The Moorings 433PC is a powerful, well-balanced catamaran. She represents the future of power boating. But do you know the advantages to owning the Moorings 433PC versus other powercats on the market of a comparable size?
The truth is, they don’t compare. We have put together a list of the TOP 10 advantages of owning a Moorings 433PC—discover them below!
The spectacular hull extensions house the propeller tunnels, helping create the 433PC’s great performance and efficiency. As the Architect explains, “To set the Moorings 433PC apart from other boats in direct competition, we designed a hull shape which would be less sensitive to trim over a range of loading conditions at different speeds.” – Alexander Simonis, Naval Architect/ Designer of the Moorings 433PC.
You can take family members and friends for an excursion aboard and it doesn’t feel crowded, yet you can easily dock and operate the Moorings 433PC with just two people. The multiple areas such as the flybridge, saloon, aft cockpit and foredeck allow all generations to find their ‘own’ space whilst maintaining enough room for a comfortable family dinner in the saloon/ aft cockpit.
The layout in the Moorings 433PC is a chef pleaser—the galley is located forward and the forward-facing settee and table are now located aft. This allows for a panoramic view with large sliding glass doors between the saloon and the aft cockpit. Her design features grey king tree flooring and cabinetry, creating a fresh modern look. The airy colors are accentuated with jewel-like features and provide a contemporary atmosphere aboard the Moorings 433PC.
Reliable and powerful. The Yanmar 320 hp engines provide more power and more speed to an already sleek and nimble hull design. The engines are both modern and efficient, and they provide a performance that we guarantee will not disappoint.
The door on the foredeck transforms the functionality, not only giving an excellent avenue for guests to travel forward but also to allow breeze back into the boat at anchor. The interaction between the different spaces, provided by the forward door, gives incomparable access between the different living areas and added ventilation.
The starboard hull of the Moorings 433PC can be entirely dedicated to a spacious owner’s suite. It includes a seating area, a private head and double berth. Additionally, the owner’s suite provides plenty of closet and storage space. In the port hull your guests can enjoy two comfortable cabins and a shared head. This boat is also available in a 4 cabin version with the port hull mirrored on the starboard side.
The enormous flybridge on the Moorings 433 PC includes a grill, a wet bar and direct access to the sunbathing platform found forward. Other powercats of this size cannot compete with the features and space that this flybridge provides.
With the Moorings 433PC, you have room for all of your hobbies! Ample storage space can be found throughout the yacht, including in the aft cockpit, the flybridge and the foredeck. As a bonus, you are provided with additional storage space under the floorboards.
With the helmsman sitting comfortably on the flybridge, maneuvering is not only easy— it is enjoyable! And thanks to the distance between the propellers, she provides excellent slow-speed maneuverability, and her shallow draught allows you to go where most motor yachts of this size simply can’t. The helmsman also has the ability to steer the boat with the autopilot.
Her seaworthy and well-proportioned lines are what make the entire look of the yacht appealing. She is well-balanced and agile. Additionally, the meticulously integrated flybridge provides style and stability.
If you want to see the Moorings 433PC in action click here to watch the video, and contact us today for more information.
Come tour our sailing yachts and meet our team at the 2016 Southampton Boat Show.
The show runs from 16-25 September at the Mayflower Park/Town Quay in Southampton. Click to make an appointment, and our team will be in touch.
These models will be on display:
There is no party like a Moorings Owner’s party, and, true to form, this standard was upheld at the Moorings Owner’s Flotilla that took place last month out of the Moorings Base in Road Town, Tortola. The event was one for the books, and we will reminisce the occasion for years to come. It was a week filled to the brim with sailing, making new friendships and enjoying good times.
David Burgess, owner of the Moorings 433 PC “My Wish”, has been around boats most of his life. “I grew up around the water. I had a Carolina Sport Fisher and I would go fishing all the time." And he is no stranger to the charter experience, he reveals, “The first time I chartered was ten years ago on a Moorings 4700 sailing catamaran. Once the 474 PC came out, we chartered those and really liked them. We also chartered the 393 PC. When I discovered the 433 PC was in production, I started frequently following up with the sales agents, watched the progression of the boat, and purchased hull #1. When my boat arrived in the BVI, I took my wife and daughters on her maiden voyage. We spent Thanksgiving on Anegada for Lobster Fest and we had an absolute blast. From North Sound, we made it to Anegada in under an hour.”
Welcome to our newest owners from Germany. Pictured here with sales agent Jennifer and his wife Gerti and Son Kevin, Helmut is the new owner of a Moorings 4400 catamaran in Agana, Croatia. Helmut and his family will enjoy the charter vacations throughout the program, but first they're doing some training on their new boat. Once complete, they'll receive their RYA day skipper certifications. Many of our owners use their owner points, particularly at the beginning of the program, to train with the RYA or US Sailing. Joining the program is a wonderful way to commit yourself to advancing your sailing skills.
We wish the best to Helmut and family, and thank him for this kind letter:
"Dear Jennifer,
We are extremely pleased with your commitment. Oh, extremely pleased is not the right word, more like: 'we are in the highest degree and most satisfied with your engagement!' Just great and my compliments to you how you look after us and advise us...We look forward to our future time in the new TUI Marine family.
Best wishes, Helmut and crew"
The Engelkes have owned a Moorings 4500, a Moorings 4700, a Moorings 4600 and a Moorings 4800.