We had a great trip on Sonders but be aware
We had a great trip on Sonders catamaran this November renting from Barefoot yacht charters but there were 3 unfortunate events which took away from the good memories. This is the first negative review we have ever left in our 9 yacht charters that we have taken and this is only being written to warn others of potential issues for future rentals, since it would have been useful for us to have been aware.
1) eventhough we had requested on their pre-arrival form a ride from the airport, not only was no one there to pick us up but we were told we were not expected until the next day. This was a minor issue since we were able to easily find a taxi that fit our party of 6 and arrive at the marina , but it was disconcerting and there was a bit of uncertainty from the driver who wasnt quite clear where we were requesting to go - I am sure this was due to our description but still would have been simpler and less stressful to be picked up as requested
2) we were planning on provisioning and setting up with a stay on board the night before and taking off early the next morning - this has worked beautifully on other trips but this did not happen - the boat was not ready for our arrival - no orientation or walk-through was to be given until 9am the next day and the boat setup was not familiar to us nor to the person who dropped us off at our boat for the night - the electricity was not working and we told not to use the generator and no instruction on how/if we could use the cookstove - all these issues were easily resolved later once we were given a walk through but very disconcerting when needing to eat and get a good nights sleep after a long flight. We were also not able to bring and setup our provisions (food) since the refrigerator was not working. Again, possibly a minor issue which I would not typically worry about too much except for the 3rd larger issue which was created by having to go eat at the Barefoot charter restaurant that night instead of eating on board as we expected.
3) Since we could not eat on board, we went to the Barefoot charter's own restaurant. We made sure to tie the dignhy up securely (we actually double-checked that it was secure) and again this is NOT the first time we have boated or rented a boat. While we were eating, the dinghy was stolen from Barefoot charter's own dock just down from their own security. upon returning from eating we informed security and they contacted the general manager Thor, who was helpful and understanding and got us back to our boat for the night and went looking unsuccessfully for the dinghy. We were given a different dinghy for our actual sailing trip, along with locks to ensure to keep it safe. Apparently dinghy theft is NOT uncommon in the st Vincent area, I wish we had known this and were given the lock and cable earlier but we just had no idea that we needed to be hyper careful in Barefoot's own marina. Thor told us that unfortunately there were unsavory people who took dinghy's to later find them and return them for a "reward" and that we shouldnt worry about it, that he would take care of the issue. But alas this did not turn out to be true, eventhough the dingy was stolen in Barefoot's own marina while we were eating at their own restaurant before we even officially took possession of the boat ( since we were moored on a ball in the marina and not been given any walk-through of the boat), Barefoot charters threatened us with the full cost of a new dinghy (>6K) and then compromised by just not returning our deposit. For 2 weeks after my rental, I would call on an almost daily basis requesting a copy of the police report and my signed contract and each time they promised to send it that day or the next but nothing was ever sent. Then I was informed the police report would take a month to generate but that the signed contract would be sent in hours - but alas I still have not received a copy.
The purpose of this review is a warning for this rental - go ahead but be prepared to take care of yourself -be prepared to get your own transport, be ready for things not to be prepared and for departure and arrangements to be on Barefoot's schedule and be aware that dinghy theft is a real concern and always have someone looking after your dinghy - I would never leave it un-attended, even if locked
