We signed up for a catamaran sail with Patouche Charters at the last minute before out May 15th visit on Caribbean Princess. As it turned out, only one other couple had signed up, so there were only 4 of us on the 48' Shamwari.
We were shuttled to the east end by a Carlson, a driver sent by Patouche to meet us. Julie, the owner and first mate, and Captain Branson met us at the marina, and we boarded Shamwari. Drinks were served, and we headed out under sail through the BVI. Cushions and a trampoline were available on bow of the ship, so we relaxed and enjoyed the weather and the scenery.
Branson and Julie pointed out the islands, giving us history and commentary as we sailed by. We eventually moored near the caves at Norman Island, and Branson joined us for a guided snorkel tour of the caves and the nearby reef. Rather than steps off the rear, Shamwari has a hatch leading to a dive ladder.
Branson was great, pointing out sea life and answering questions for us. We finished up just as a larger excursion, the White Squall II, pulled in.
We sailed around the point to a spot in the Bight (possibly Miner's Hole?) for some more snorkeling. Snorkeling conditions were great!
Next, we motored over to the William T. Thornton, a floating restaurant, for lunch. Lunch was not included in our excursion price, and the Willy T. was pretty quiet while we were there, but the burgers and fries were hot & tasty.
After lunch, we started our sail back, but unfortunately the weather was uncooperative, as some rain squalls started to chase us. We wound up motoring back rather than sailing for much of the way. Carlson met us at the dock, and we paid our own way back to Road Town.
It was a fun excursion, with great snorkeling. Branson did a great job guiding us, and both Julie and Branson were good hosts. Shamwari itself is a retired racing catamaran, so it is a little cramped in spots and doesn't have the expansive open areas I've seen on other cats. The cockpit area is also kind of crowded, as we found during the rain squalls, and I don't know how comfortable we would have been if the craft had more guests on that day. If it matters, it didn't have a standard marine toilet, making do with a little plastic camp toilet behind a curtain instead.
All in all, it was a fine excursion, and we had a good time.
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