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WE DID A THING ...
Kristi Query
August 22, 2026
A new chapter begins for the founders/owners of Virgin Islands Yacht Charters with the launch of Sail Grenada at Port St Louis, St George's Grenada.
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A new chapter in Caribbean yacht chartering begins from the southern Caribbean island of Grenada.
GRENADA — August 2026 — Sail Grenada is pleased to announce the launch of its new yacht charter operation in Grenada, offering bareboat sailing vacations throughout Grenada and the Grenadines from its base at Port Louis Marina.
Created by longtime yacht charter operators Kristi and Jim Query, Sail Grenada brings years of hands-on experience in Caribbean yacht chartering, yacht management and guest service to one of the region’s most remarkable—and still wonderfully unspoiled—cruising destinations.
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For Kristi and Jim, the decision to expand into Grenada began with something much simpler: they fell in love with it.
“From our first visit, we knew there was something special about Grenada,” says Kristi. “It has everything we love about the Caribbean—the people, the culture, the scenery, the water—but there is also this incredible sense of authenticity. And then you start sailing north through the Grenadines, and it just keeps getting better.”
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A Different Kind of Caribbean Sailing Experience
Known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean, Grenada provides an extraordinary starting point for exploring a chain of islands stretching north through the Grenadines.
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Sailors can move from Grenada's lush mountains and waterfalls to the white-sand beaches of Carriacou, the tiny island communities of the Grenadines, and some of the Caribbean's most celebrated cruising destinations.
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Tobago Cays. Mayreau. Union Island. Petit St. Vincent. Canouan. Mustique. Bequia.
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Each has its own personality, and together they create a sailing experience that feels less like visiting a single destination and more like discovering an entire string of Caribbean islands one anchorage at a time.
The region offers protected anchorages, turquoise water, world-class snorkeling and diving, beachfront restaurants, small island villages, luxury resorts and stretches of coastline where the Caribbean still feels remarkably untouched.
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Built by Charter People, for Charter Guests
Sail Grenada has been created with a simple philosophy: a great charter begins long before the boat leaves the dock.
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The company combines professionally managed yachts with comprehensive pre-charter planning, detailed yacht briefings and extensive local cruising information designed to help guests feel confident exploring the islands.
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“We've spent years listening to charter guests,” Kristi says. “We know the questions people have before they arrive, what makes them nervous, what makes a trip easier and what turns a good vacation into an unforgettable one. We wanted to build Sail Grenada around that experience.”
That philosophy extends beyond the yachts themselves.
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Sail Grenada's newly launched website has been designed as both a charter site and a resource for travelers considering a sailing vacation in Grenada and the Grenadines.
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Visitors can explore destinations throughout the island chain, learn about cruising conditions, discover suggested itineraries and begin planning their charter before ever stepping aboard.
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More Than a New Base
For the team behind Sail Grenada, the launch represents more than simply opening another charter location.
It is an opportunity to introduce more sailors to a part of the Caribbean that has long been loved by experienced cruisers but remains undiscovered by many travelers.
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“People know the British Virgin Islands. They know St. Martin. They know the Bahamas,” says Kristi. “But when you show someone what is waiting for them between Grenada and Bequia—the Tobago Cays, the little beach bars, the villages, the reefs, the incredible water—you can almost watch them realize they've found something different.”
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And that sense of discovery is exactly what Sail Grenada hopes to preserve.
The company's approach emphasizes not only sailing through the islands, but experiencing them—going ashore, meeting the people, eating in local restaurants, exploring communities and understanding what makes each island unique.
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The Caribbean, the Way It Was Meant to Be Sailed
Sail Grenada is now welcoming inquiries for upcoming yacht charters from its Grenada base, with a growing fleet and additional charter offerings planned as the company develops.
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For Kristi and Jim, however, the goal remains remarkably simple. “We want our guests to fall in love with this place the way we did,” Kristi says. “If they step off the boat at the end of their charter already talking about when they're coming back, we've done our job.”
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Sail Grenada
The Caribbean, the way it was meant to be sailed.
Explore Grenada. Sail the Grenadines. Find your next adventure.
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Jim and Kristi Query
Jim and Kristi during one of their first trips to Grenada.
REAL FAMILY TIME
Kristi Query
December 7, 2025
Not Just Standing Next to Each Other in Lines
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Here's what nobody tells you about theme parks and cruise ships: you're not actually spending quality time together. You're managing logistics, following schedules, and entertaining exhausted, overstimulated kids. On a sailing catamaran, something magical happens.
How does your family enjoy spending time together? Are you super chill beach people who want to anchor in quiet coves and read books in the hammock? Adventurous souls who want to hike to mountain vistas and snorkel every reef? Water sports fanatics ready to paddleboard and kayak all day? Foodies excited to explore local beach bars and island restaurants?
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Here's the beauty of a yacht charter: it can be whatever you make it. And the first step is choosing the right charter style for your family.
If someone in your group is qualified to sail, a bareboat charter gives you complete freedom to create your own adventure. If not qualified, a Captain-Only charter is an excellent budget-friendly option that still gives you flexibility. Your professional captain handles all the sailing and navigation while your family decides how you want to experience each day. Want to eat ashore and sample the personality of each island in the BVI chain? Perfect. Prefer to grill easy meals on board? You can do that too. This option is ideal for families where everyone has different tastes—some want fish tacos at the beach bar while others want pasta on the boat. You get professional expertise without being locked into a set menu or schedule.
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For those who want zero work and maximum relaxation, a fully-crewed charter through Virgin Islands Yacht Charters takes care of absolutely everything—all the planning, prep, cooking, and cleanup. It's the full onboard luxury experience where you truly don't lift a finger. Everyone enjoys the same gourmet meals prepared by your private chef, and you never have to think about provisioning, dishes, or what's for dinner.
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Virgin Islands Yacht Charters works with you to plan an itinerary that matches YOUR family's style, regardless of which charter option you choose. We know the best snorkeling spots, the hidden beaches, the island hikes with incredible views, the laid-back beach bars, and the calm anchorages perfect for kids. Want to mix adventure with relaxation? We'll show you how. Prefer to find one perfect beach and just stay there all day? That works too.
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You'll share experiences together as a family—whether that's meals in the cockpit under Caribbean sunsets, exploring a new island, or just floating in turquoise water without a care in the world.
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Parents consistently tell us that a week on a catamaran gives them more genuine family connection than months of regular life back home. There's something about sailing, swimming, exploring deserted beaches, and falling asleep to the gentle rock of the boat that creates space for families to just be together and make memories that last long after the tan fades.
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Let us help you start planning today!
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Jim and Kristi Query
VIRGIN ISLANDS TAKE FLIGHT:
Major Airline Expansions Will Transform Caribbean Access
Kristi Query
July 24, 2025
Southwest Airlines launches first new destination since 202 with St. Thomas service, while American Airlines enhances BVI connectivity with expanded Miami schedule-positioning both territories for unprecedented tourism growth.
Southwest Airlines to St Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Southwest Airlines announced it will launch service to Cyril E. King International Airport in St. Thomas in early 2026, marking the airline’s first new destination since 2021 . This is particularly significant because:
ECONOMIC IMPACT
- Expected routes include daily flights from Orlando with potential weekend-only flights from Baltimore/Washington and Nashville
- St. Thomas will become Southwest’s ninth island destination in the Atlantic region
- No passport required for U.S. travelers, making it highly accessible
- Southwest’s signature perks (two free bags, no change fees) will make travel more affordable
TOURISM GROWTH
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The timing is excellent given the USVI’s current momentum. The territory achieved record arrivals in 2024, with air arrivals at Cyril E. King Airport reaching 932,265 passengers—a 16.5% increase from 2023 . Hotel occupancy rates have surged 4.3% in 2025, with hotel tax collections exceeding 2024 levels by 6.7% .
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American Airlines Enhanced Service to Beef Island (British Virgin Islands)
American Airlines is adding late evening arrivals from Miami International Airport into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, followed by early morning departures at 8:00 a.m. from EIS to MIA . The BVI Minister announced “Starting this winter, American Airlines is offering daily flights out of the Virgin Islands at 8am, returning at 10pm” .
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES
Connectivity improvement:
These schedule adjustments cater to the needs of the local population, business community, and visitors alike, offering greater flexibility and much-needed options for early arrivals into Miami and for connecting late evening flights
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Business travel facilitation:
Early morning departures allow same-day connections to major U.S. cities
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Tourism access:
Late evening arrivals accommodate travelers coming from various U.S. connections
BROADER REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS
Competitive Positioning:
These additions strengthen both territories’ competitive positions in the Caribbean. The USVI now ranks third in the Caribbean for both average daily rate and revenue per available room, each more than 30 percent above the regional average . According to Cvent, St. Thomas is now ranked as the fifth most preferred Caribbean destination for incentive travel, ahead of Puerto Rico and Jamaica .
Economic Diversification:
Both territories benefit from reduced seasonal dependency. The strategic discussions centered on unlocking new market opportunities, reinforcing existing routes, and developing strategies to mitigate seasonal fluctuations in travel demand .
Regional Cooperation:
These developments create opportunities for inter-island tourism, as travelers can now more easily visit both territories. The proximity and improved connectivity could boost regional cruise and day-trip markets.
THE BOTTOM LINE
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These airline expansions represent a tourism infrastructure leap for both Virgin Islands territories. For the USVI, Southwest’s entry democratizes access with affordable, convenient service from major mainland markets. For the BVI, American’s enhanced schedule transforms business travel efficiency and connection opportunities. Together, these changes position both territories to capture increased market share in the competitive Caribbean tourism landscape while building more resilient, year-round visitor economies.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR YACHT CHARTER GUESTS?
FINALLY, SOME AIRLINE PRICE RELIEF
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Here's what happens when Southwest enter the market: everybody else panics and drops their prices, which we've already seen. Remember when they first started flying to Hawaii and suddenly United and American were offering $300 roundtrips? Same thing's about to happen to the Virgin Islands.
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When Southwest launches St. Thomas service in 2026, you can bet Delta, American, and JetBlue will be scrambling to match those famous Southwest fares. We're talking potential savings of $200-$400 per person compared to what you're paying now. That's real money that can go towards boat upgrades, longer charters, or splurging on dinners ashore.
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BETTER CONNECTION TIMES, MORE FREQUENT SALES PROMOTIONS, IMPROVED ON-TIME PERFORMANCE
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If you've been putting off booking a charter vacation because flights were eating up too much of your vacation budget, these changes are your green light. Your charter dreams just got more affordable!
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We'll see you in the Virgin Islands!!
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Jim and Kristi Query
NAVIGATING BVI REGULATIONS CHANGES
New BVI Legislation Will Change the Charter Industry in the Virgin Islands
Kristi Query
May 21, 2025
As you may or may not be aware, a large part of our focus over the past several years has been managing the ever-changing landscape of running charters into the BVI. While we have been extremely effective and navigating this issue, the government of the British Virgin Islands has drawn a line in the sand that will change chartering in the Virgin Islands beginning this upcoming season.
The Changing Charter Landscape
The British Virgin Islands government has recently implemented significant changes to its charter fee structure. These new regulations dramatically increase the annual fees for USVI-based charter vessels entering BVI waters from approximately $400 to $24,000 for unlimited charters - a nearly 6,000% increase. This substantial change will significantly impact the USVI charter industry and how vessels operate between the territories.
The secondary option would give each charter vessel a maximum of 7 charters per season, with a 3-night maximum within the BVI territory. These yachts will be subject to a $7,500 annual fee, which does not make this a reasonable option for the
yacht owners in our fleet or for our charter clients.
USVI vs BVI Charter Analysis
After careful analysis of every charter over the past two years, we have found that 30% of our charters are USVI only, while the remaining 70% travel to the BVI for more than three nights.
Charterers who choose to stay within the USVI cruising grounds typically, do so for one of four reasons:
1. Quieter, less crowded mooring fields
2. Ease of travel
3. They don't want the expense or hassle of clearing BVI Customs and Immigration
4. Some, or all, of their group, do not have passports
Given this data set, Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, in furthering its commitment to our yacht owners and charter guests, has taken the following actions:
We have established a base in the heart of Road Town, Tortola, in the beautiful Village Cay Marina and Hotel (www.villagecaybvi.com). Village Cay Marina, while already a comfortable base of operations, is in the process of a $100M expansion and beautification project that will allow us to grow and flourish in the absolute center of the BVI cruising grounds. Provisioning is within walking distance, an onsite restaurant, and all that Road Town has to offer is right out the door.
We are maintaining our base at Compass Point Marina on St Thomas, USVI. Vessels based at Compass Point will be US-only charter vessels. VIYC will maintain a smaller fleet, largely consisting of our slightly older yet wonderfully maintained charter vessels aimed at our value-driven customer base and for those looking to explore the beautiful islands of St Thomas, St John, Water Island, and St Croix. Not to mention the extended option of sailing to the Spanish Virgins Culebra, Culebrita, and Vieques.
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OTHER OPTIONS for YACHTS HOME BASED IN THE BVI
There are other options for yachts that are based in the BVI to be able to include charter time in both territories:
1. Charter 100% in BVI waters.
2. Include the USVI in your itinerary by clearing out of BVI.
3. Begin your charter in the BVI and return the vessel to our St Thomas base to fly out of the St Thomas airport. There is a relocation fee.
While change is never easy, our commitment at Virgin Islands Yacht Charters has always been to provide our valued yacht owners, broker partners, and charter clients with the easiest and best options for navigating the waters of the US and British Virgin Islands without missing a
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We strongly believe that the two-tiered strategy laid out in this email will mitigate the negative effect of the new BVI regulations and give our guests options.
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Thank you for chartering with us and we'll see you in the Virgin Islands!!
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Jim and Kristi Query