Abaco Charters vs Maine Yacht Charters

[aggie93]

My wife and I are looking at chartering either the 30' Cat from Maine or the 32' Cat from Abaco for a week. The Abaco Cat is a little more and a little older (though it is a little bigger too) but Abaco looks like it has been around a lot longer. Does anyone have any thoughts about which would be the safer bet or is it pretty much a wash? Additionally, we are still pretty junior at sailing and have never been to Abaco before (always chartered in the BVI and St Martin or lakes back home).

[ncdd]

We have always used Sail Abacohttp://www.sailabaco.net/ and had great service and boats, not to say anything bad about the others, we just have not used them.

As far as the sailing goes you will be fine, the Sea of Abaco is VERY forgiving and it is all line of sight navigating. You will just need to watch the depths a little closer than in the BVI. If you are going during the summer there is not a lot of wind, but in the winter there can be too much wind at times. The link will show monthly averages for wind! Have Fun
http://www.go-abacos.com/clim/ (http://www.go-abacos.com/clim/)

[Alan Brown]

Aggie,
I can't help you with charters, but I can share with you my impressions of the Abacos. They are a wonderful, no-hassle cruising ground! I've never cruised in a less stressful place.

If you have access to the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) website, you may wish to go to the "Destinations" part of their Discussion Board. I was SO impressed with my experience in the Abacos this summer that I posted my "Abaco Impressions" on their website. Maybe this will help you to make a decision.

Regardless, good luck and have fun!

[michael]

If you are talking about chartering a Maine Cat 30, I may , the able to provide you with some information. I must warn you that I am extremely prejudiced. I own a Maine Cat and loved it. We have sailed many other types of catamaran's and chose the Maine Cat for its huge cockpit, visibility, good sailing performance, and great construction. We've sailed our boat , both in the Abaco's and the Exuma's. Fill free to contact me by e-mail. Disclaimer: I do not have any financial interest in either Maine cat or its chartering company.

[Geoff and Ann]

I have chartered with MaineCat twice. Ron Engle, their local rep, is excellent. He will give you a thorough boat check out and chart briefing. The boat's are well maintained and easy to manuever. The open bridge deck design is perfect for the Abacos. The ability to enclose it with plastic or screen gives you the best of both worlds. If you want, email me at angenija @ msn.com for more info.