Sunsail – wickhams_cay

• Home
• Clubs
• Flotillas
• Yachts
• Team Building / Events
• Yacht Ownership
• Yacht Schools

• Fleet
• Destinations
• Contact Us

British Virgin Islands, Wickhams Cay II - Essential Holiday Information

BVI 1 and 2 week flotillas

Sunsail Tortola
Wickhams Cay II
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel: 00 1 284 495 4740
After hours: 00 1 284 496 6552
Base Manager: Nic Parton


LANGUAGE
• The language of the British Virgin Islands is English.
• The BVI is –4 hours GMT

PASSPORT & VISAS
• Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.
• Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
• If your child is not already included on a valid British Passport they are required to hold their own passport.
• British Passports holders do not require a visa.
• Clients wishing to sail to the US Virgin islands during their yacht charter MUST have a US Visa and a return flight ticket to their country of origin. This visa may be obtained from the US Embassy in London on 09068 200 290 or www.usembassy.org.uk prior to departure.
• Please note the First Choice /Sunsail charter flight flies direct from Gatwick to Antigua, therefore non-British passport holders must ensure they check their visa requirements with the relevant Embassy.
• It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
• Non-British passport holders should check with their local Consulate direct.
• You must fill in a Customs Declaration Form on entry to The BVI, whether you arrive by sea or air.

VACCINATIONS
• Please refer to the Department of Health's 'EHIC and health advice for travellers' web page at www.dh.gov.uk or consult your family GP for further details.

FLIGHTS
• Gatwick Information 0870 000 2468
• Heathrow Information 0870 000 0123
• Manchester Information 0161 489 3000
• Luton Information 0158 240 5100
• Glasgow Information 0141 887 1111
• Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.
• Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance, however First Choice Airways has no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
• If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.
• If you are taking our First Choice Charter flights and wish to enquire about pre booking seats please call the airline direct on 0870 757 2757. Group seats are available for pre booking through Sunsail. Call the team for more details.
• SAVE 30% when you book your airport parking with BCP through Sunsail. Call the team for more details quoting Sunsail reference BN413

CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
• Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
• A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. It is not possible to take fresh food into most Caribbean islands and airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles that may be confiscated by Customs.
• On departure from Tortola a tax of $20 US per person will be levied – please organise departure tax payment prior to queuing at the departure gate.
• There will be no departure tax from Antigua to London Gatwick if staying less than 24 hours.

TAXI TRANSFERS
• If you have Sunsail flights, transfers between Beef Island airport and the Sunsail base are automatically included. A Sunsail representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your transfer.
• If your holiday is flight exclusive, we request that you send your travel arrangements to us so we can assist with transfer details where required. The approximate taxi fare to Sunsail base from Beef Island airport is $10 per person.
PLEASE NOTE: Guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract / invoice.

CURRENCY
• US$ is the currency used throughout the British Virgin Islands. Credit cards are widely accepted except in smaller establishments. Small denomination US$ travellers cheques are also accepted.
• Banks are situated in Road Town, Tortola and Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda and operate under normal banking hours. Cash machines are also available at these locations.
• Currency can be exchanged commission free at any high street First Choice Retail travel agent on production of your Sunsail invoice. You can pre-order your currency from a First Choice travel agent by telephoning them in advance on 0870 9005154 to find your nearest branch.

PROVISIONING
• Orders can be made through our online provisioning before you depart. The provisioning pages will confirm the latest order date for your chosen destination.Your Sunsail provisioning will be delivered to your yacht after it arrives on the dock.
• We would highly recommend provisioning for the first night of arrival just incase you arrive at the base after the store and restaurant have closed.
• There are alternative stores to provision, which are onsite or in Road Town.
• Small provisioning stores can also be found whilst sailing at Soper's Hole, Bitter End, Leverick Bay, Trellis Bay and Cane Garden Bay.
• We would not advise drinking tap water from the boat, please ensure you provision enough water to prevent dehydration in the hot climate. Please Note that water on the islands is de-salinated and at times supplies may be restricted.

BOARDING/DEPARTURE
• Your yacht will be ready at 1800 hrs for boarding. Please be aware that the yacht and chart briefings will be arranged on your arrival. At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 0900 hrs so we recommend that you return to the base the day before.

BRIEFINGS
• Your flotilla crew will carry out chart and flotilla briefings describing the cruising area, facilities at each stop and any potential hazards.
• Yacht briefings introduce you to your yacht, its systems and rigging.
• It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.
• PLEASE NOTE: Briefings are mandatory.

SAFETY
• All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
• We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
• Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

ILLNESS OR INJURY
• If you are taken sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip please have a member of your party contact the Sunsail base manager as soon as possible.
• If you will need to make a travel insurance claim please contact your claim insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
• Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.

THE MARINA
Facilities adjacent to the base include:
• Showers and toilets
• Hotel
• Restaurant and bar
• Swimming Pool
• Provisioning store
• Selection of shops

ELECTRICITY
• The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter. You may rent an inverter from Renport before arrival www.renport.com

EQUIPMENT ON THE YACHTS
Sunsail yachts are equipped with just about everything you will need for a safe and enjoyable holiday.
• A deposit is required for dinghy, outboard engine and GPS.
• A refundable security deposit of £300 (regardless of number of items booked) is payable by credit card or Travellers Cheques at the Sunsail base against the loss or damage of these items, whether included in the basic holiday price or as an extra.
• You will be given a checklist on arrival to make sure you have all the items listed on the inventory.
• Please inform the base manager before you leave the base if anything is missing as it is not always possible to replace or exchange items once you have departed on your cruise. Stolen items must be immediately reported to Sunsail management and the local police. An incident report will be completed for insurance purposes
• Any problems with, or damage to, your yacht must be reported to the local staff immediately. If not we cannot be held responsible.
• Each yacht is equipped with two pairs of snorkelling equipment, linen and bath towels and navigation equipment. Please bring beach towels with you. We advise you not to bring self-inflating life jackets or buoyancy aids fitted with gas-cylinders as they may not be allowed on the aircraft.
• Clothing – In Sunsail locations dress is informal, but we ask you to respect local etiquette. Wet weather gear and fleeces are advisable for early and late season.

MOORING FEES AND TAXES
• Most overnight stops in the BVI will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays. The buoys will cost approximately $25 per night – to be paid locally at each anchorage.
• In marinas the dockage is approx $1 per foot per night.
• BVI National Park Fees and cruising taxes are now paid before departure.

CHARTS AND PILOT BOOK
• All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. Charts and pilot books can be purchased in advance from www.imray.com or www.kelvinhughes.com

EATING OUT
• There are numerous restaurants within walking distance or a short taxi ride away from the base. Most restaurants within the BVI close at 10pm
• Approximate restaurant prices:
Bottle of beer - $4
Glass of wine - $6
1.5 ltr of water - $5
Starter / Entrée - $6-$10
Evening meal main course $18 - $25 (Lobster $45)
Dessert $6-$8
• Please not some retaurants are seasonal and may be closed during September and October

TIPPING
• If you have Sunsail crew on board your boat, tipping is at your discretion but standard is 15-20% of the crew fee.
• Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.

ACTIVITIES
• Sunsail Tortola has an Activity Coordinator to help you book extra activities before you arrive. From deep sea fishing and scuba diving, to spa treatments and swimming with dolphins she can help you organise an experience of a lifetime. Just contact Marie Shepherd directly on activities@sunsail.com

SNORKELLING
• We have a range of snorkelling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to pack your own, as children may be more comfortable with what is familiar to them.

FISHING
• Fishing permits are required if you wish to fish from your Yacht in the BVI. These are available direct from the Ministry for $45. It is no longer possible to purchase permits from the base. You must contact the Ministry direct on 001 284 494 3701 prior to your arrival. Please allow sufficient time for your application to be processed

Ahead of time clients can visit www.laststopsports.com and follow the link to fishing equipment and then on the top line to license. Fill in the government form, email their passport or drivers license and pay $55. Last Stop will then obtain a permit on their behalf. If clients wait until they arrive they will have to visit the government office themselves open Monday - Friday, office hours.

MOBILE PHONES
• Your mobile phone may work when in the BVI please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract. If your provider does not offer coverage in the Caribbean purchasing a SIM card and calling credit from CCT Boatphone in Road Town can activate your tri-band phone. Open Monday – Fri 8.30 – 5pm, Sat 9-1pm.

LUGGAGE
• We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive on Island after you do.
• Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht. Sunsail Tortola has no facilities for holding luggage.

MUSIC / IPODS
• All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

EXTENDING YOUR HOLIDAY?
• If you are looking for land based accommodation in the BVI to extend your time in the BVI please contact the Sunsail activity coordinator for suggestions and booking at activities@sunsail.com

NIGHT SAILING
• Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

WEATHER
• The weather in the BVI is generally predictable. Temperatures range from 79-91F (26-33C) with chances of quick showers. The sun is hot and can cause illness so we highly recommend the use of a high factor sunscreen, a hat or cap and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day.
• Hurricane season June to November can involve quick but heavy downpours of rain, tropical storms and very occasionally, a hurricane. If you are visiting during this period hurricane procedure will be explained during chart briefing.

LOST PROPERTY
• If any valuables are left behind in your base, please contact the relevant base as soon as possible after the loss.
• Our base staff will endeavour to locate your property and will contact you with the result of their search.
• Return of property to you will normally be by DHL. The cost of the courier service plus a £15 charge will have to be taken by credit/debit card.
• If goods are left on the plane you will need to contact the airline direct. For First Choice Airways this number is 01293 507160. The office is open between 10am and 4pm. If there is no reply leave and message and they will return your call.
PLEASE NOTE SUNSAIL DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY GOODS THAT SUBSEQUENTLY GO MISSING DURING TRANSIT TO THE UK

PLEASE NOTE
• If you feel that a problem may adversely affect your holiday, you must give our staff the opportunity to resolve it for you. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, please ensure that you inform the base manager and it is essential that you complete a holiday report form.
• Unfortunately, claims made for problems not reported first to the base staff and then to the manager locally, cannot be considered.
TO REITERATE THE HOLIDAY BOOKING CONDITIONS, ANY COMPLAINTS OR CLAIMS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE END OF YOUR HOLIDAY.

SUNSAIL – RESPECTING DESTINATIONS
Sunsail remain committed to looking after the environment and supporting the cultures where we operate and over many years you have helped us to ensure that our presence does not negatively impact these areas. Please continue to assist us to leave these areas ‘As good or better than we found them’

PLEASE NOTE: Times, prices and information is correct at the time of publication, but are subject to change without prior notice.
British Virgin Islands Information Sheet last updated 02.07.07