You don't have to be an avid yachtsman to enjoy the pleasures of setting sail and feeling the warmth of the sun as you coast past palm fringed islands and deserted beaches. Request one of our friendly skippers and sit back and relax in the company of family and friends without the distraction of the daily demands on your time knowing that your skipper is taking good care of you and your yacht. If you would like to learn to sail, our instructional skippers will make sure that your time spent on the water is as much of a vacation as it is a time to qualify to your desired ASA standard. Horizon Yacht Charters has a selection of captains who can be hired to make this special vacation a reality for you. Let us provide you with the means to skipper your own yacht next time, celebrate an occasion or simply enjoy life. All of the skippers contracted through Horizon Yacht Charters are experienced, reputable boat captains who have sailed the BVI and surrounding waters for many years and who have received great reviews from our guests. Your enjoyment is our business.

Rates: Skipper from $150 per day, Instructional Skipper from $175 per day, Cook from $125 per day. These rates do not include provisioning, beverages or gratuities.

Tai Helfeld, was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico and started sailing at the age of eighteen. Through her love of sailing it was not long before she bought her first boat and immersed herself in successfully attaining her Captain’s license from the US Maritime Academy.

She then went on to work as an Instructional Captain for the Caribbean Sailing School in Puerto Rico and qualified as an ASA sailing instructor. With her knowledge and experience of the Caribbean waters, it is not surprising that she has become a firm favourite with guests of Horizon! Whether you want to learn to sail, looking for sun, fun and calypso, or you are a family with young children, Tai’s friendly nature makes her a terrific choice!

We express our great appreciation for the wonderful experience we had in learning to sail in the British Virgin Islands under the instruction of Captain Tai Helfeld. In the 11 days we spent on the yacht we were able to practice and pass the ASA exams through Bareboat Chartering while at the same time exploring all that the beautiful islands had to offer. She was patient, thorough, and professional as well as serving as an outstanding guide to the best harbours, restaurants, and reefs to explore within the islands. We strongly recommend her as a Captain and/or Instructor. Pete & Lauren Calabria

Tai was an outstanding instructor and skipper, totally professional and pleasant company – a real asset to Horizon 'Livin Wright' Flanz, April 2009

Just wanted to let you know that the horizon catamaran vacation was a wonderful experience. It was the most unique and special vacation we have ever been on. Our Captain Tai was the best, she really added to the great time we had. Thank you for everything! 'Flyaway' February 09, Crissy Roberts

Ron Phillips was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Grenada where he first experienced the thrill of sailing. At 16, he was addicted to sailing and mastering skills that would soon influence his decision to make sailing his career.

His love of sailing then took him to the British Virgin Islands where he spent some years working on his brother’s charter yacht. This gave him the experience required to qualify him as an ASA sailing instructor. Ron has now been living and sailing in the BVI for the past 14 years, making him one of the most knowledgeable and popular skippers at Horizon.

Effective from October 4th 2005, the USA Department for Homeland Security has introduced a regulation with a mandatory requirement that vessels with paid crew onboard give a 24 hour electronic notice before arriving or leaving USA ports. This includes the US Virgin Islands, Spanish Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This change in policy applies to all of our charters that have paid crew (skipper, cook, hostess) with them.

Filing the electronic arrival and departure details can be done through the National Vessel Movement Centre (NVMC) website http://www.nvmc.uscg.gov/.