Fwd: Final BVI Email - please read all of this :)

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Manu Lohiya

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May 20, 2013, 2:00:25 PM5/20/13
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some really useful stuff with info on transportation, etc. please read this all!!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Robert Hale <rober...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, May 20, 2013 at 1:55 PM
Subject: Final BVI Email - please read all of this :)
To: Robert Hale <rober...@gmail.com>


BVI’ers,

This will be my last before we leave for BVI (...!!!...!!). It is important to read this email because while Gigi and I will be more than happy to answer safety questions while in the BVI, with 255 people going on this trip we would really appreciate keeping the questions to a minimum so we can enjoy our trip too! From here on out I'm "fun" robbie and hanging out to the max. Any unnecessary questions will be dealt with by my enforcer... who is very intimidating.


With that, here are some important things to remember before we leave.


Print out and bring with you to the BVI the float plan, guidebook, and skippers briefing document (which was sent directly to your skipper and boat lead around may 9th). These documents are an invaluable source of information both before and during the trip. You can find them here:

Things to bring that are out of the ordinary (check the guidebook for more information):

  • Your passport. Yes, the BRITISH Virgin Islands are not in the US.
  • You must bring dufflebags. No hard roller suitcases are allowed as there is no place to put them.
  • Wear non-marking white soled shoes on the boat. If you don’t your boat will have black marks all over it from your shoes and you are may pay a higher cleaning fee. You will also destroy your shoes as they will wear down entirely after a week.
  • Bring about $200-$300 in USD (yes, they take USD). We will not pass many ATMs.
  • Dress code. You will not need anything nicer than a polo, we have no ‘formal’ nights, it will be very hot during the day and potentially cooler (60s) at night, it may rain so bring a rain jacket, you will need your team uniform for the olympics.
  • Bring beach towels (if you want one). The boat comes with sheets (linens) and towels for showering, but no beach towels.

Things NOT to do or bring:

  • Do not bring water balloon launchers. There was a serious issue with this in 2008 and someone had to leave the trip early with a serious eye injury. Water balloons are NOT biodegradable and if you fire them you can be prosecuted for littering. 
  • Do not check your luggage (carry it on). We will be sailing and it will be hard / impossible to get your lost luggage while we are at sea.

Ensuring your phones and credit cards work in the BVI

  • Please let your credit card company know you will be in BVI.
  • Please call your cell phone provider as your cell phone may incur roaming charges there.

Picking up croozies and youth t-shirts

  • We will distribute both ‘croozies’ (four per boat), and youth t-shirts (for those who ordered them) on the night of the 23rd. Each charter company has one person assigned to take down these items for your boat. Please find them on the first night to pick up your items.
  • The people you should look out for to pick up these items are: Victor Lee for all Lagoon / Dream Yacht boats, Danielle Sewell for all Sunsail boats, Rob Hale and Chris Albrecht for all Voyage boats, Rob Huefner for all Moorings boats, and Lauren Blute for all Catamaran company boats.
  • Please send one person from your boat to seek out these people to pick up your stuff on the night of the 23rd.

Transportation to your charter company

  • Once you land in St. Thomas proceed outside and get a cab (they are usually big vans) and ask to go to the Charlotte Amalie Ferry Terminal to the British Virgin Islands. Check ferry schedule here: http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/ to ensure your plane lands on time for the last boat (which leaves between 4:30-5pm; it takes 30-45 min from landing in STT to the ferry… including departing the plane and getting luggage). If you land before 4pm you should be okay (which you all should be doing).
  • If you are Voyage you need to get a ferry to “the West End”
  • If you are on Moorings / Sunsail, or Catamaran Co you will get a ferry to “Road Town”
  • Call your charter company ahead of time and get a taxi from the ferry (tell them when you are getting in) to your dock. It can be a short ride, but if you do not book ahead it can cost a lot (~$20 per PERSON) and you don't want to walk with all your luggage

Liability waivers

Seasickness

  • You will most likely get sea sick if you are not used to sailing. This usually only happens on the first day and then you are used to it, so stay strong! :)

Learning about sailing


Alright, with that... I will see you down there ladies and gentlemen. Safe travels and get ready for a great time!


Best,

Eclipse




--
Manu Lohiya
MIT Sloan School of Management '13
Brown University '06, M'07
Boston, MA

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