A regular debate on charter is the catering. You’re on vacation; who wants to spend time cooking while on vacation? The truth is you don’t need to, there are plenty of options for meals but if you do end up catering on board then there are ways to make it fun!
In the first place there are the options ashore. I have blogged about this before - offering some ideas on some of our favorite stops - see this one in particular… "Oh look, they have conch fritters!'
The point of this is that there are a great range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options ashore that cover a range of food styles from burgers/fries and fish tacos all the way to white tablecloth fine dining. These are great, but depending on your budget you may not want to be out every day. You would also need to plan your trip to ensure you are in the right places to enjoy them all. This doesnt always work out - plans being just a basis to make change!
The alternative is catering onboard. Some forward thinking charter guests do a lot of prep work at home prior to traveling to the BVI. We have done this a few times ourselves. You prepare and freeze and pack coolers with plenty of insulation. You seal them up with Duct Tape and check the luggage in the hold. You should have plenty of time to get the food in the freezer onboard on arrival before it all becomes a soggy mess!
The local provisioning has also improved a lot over the years. There is something to be said too for shopping and supporting the local economy! The large supermarket chain on Tortola in particular is called Riteway. There is a big store right there in Roadtown, but perhaps more useful is the ability to pre-order online and get the provisions delivered to the boat on your arrival. We focus heavily on BBQ food, as most charter cats have a propane grill on the stern rail. Lunchtimes aboard become easy with large amounts of deli meat and cheese for sandwiches. You make your choice.
Onboard catering will always be enjoyed more where there is plenty of liquid refreshment! Pitchers of Painkillers help a great deal. Local brews like Carib taste so much better locally as the sun goes down! Pussers’ rum goes well with so many things from mixed juices to Ting, a local grapefruit soda, so keep the cook and crew well hydrated and the evening will be a party.
Finally the fun of spending the night on anchor, in a quiet bay away from the crowds, with all the above party atmosphere onboard gives an angle and vibe to your vacation which is a great contrast to the nights you have ashore in the restaurant scene. Not to detract from it, but variety is everything!