"Long Distance"
Rick and Robin Gallup
Thank you for inquiring about sail charter yacht S/V Long Distance, a beautiful 40 foot Pearson that sails from Coral Bay, on the East End of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Rick and Robin, owner/operators, offer:
- Casual sails to quiet places
- Great snorkeling at unspoiled coral reefs
- A family oriented experience
- Friendly hospitality
- Island History
- Local knowledge of the area
- Sailing and snorkeling instruction
E-Mail.....sailboatlongdistance@hotmail.com
Guided Snorkeling Available
S/V Long Distance charters
are all about:
- Sailing, not motoring
- Quiet places, not crowds
- Relaxing, not meeting a schedule
- Snorkeling, not bar hopping
- Experienced sailors may take the helm
- Pay for six and rent the whole boat (with captain and crew)!
- See occasional dolphin and look for humpback whales Jan. to April
- special occasions, weddings, anniversaries, vow renewals and memorials or just because you don't want to sail with strangers!
Kiwi is our little ten-pound dog that is loved by everyone; When she is not sailing, Kiwi is riding on our motorcycles in Maine! Both Kiwi and S/V Long Distance were photographed for YM Magazine!
After sailing to a secluded cove or island with unspoiled coral reefs, Rick, your captain, prepares food and beverages; while Robin, a registerednurse, snorkels with the guests to point out the best features of each site. Back on the boat we have many resource books to identifywhat you have seen. S/V Long Distance carries six passengers and everyone has a comfortable seat in the shade, or guests may sit in the sun on our spacious deck. We also have a private head and easy boarding ladder.
Rick and Robin will bring you snorkeling to remote coral reefs that are healthy and vibrant, abundant with colorful fish and interesting sea life.
Because: S/V Long Distance charters are all about: Sailing, not motoring: Quiet places, not crowds: Relaxing, not meeting a schedule: Snorkeling, not bar hopping.
Therefore, we are no longer doing day sails to the BVI. With increased marketing, BVI destinations like The Baths and The Caves have become crowded with large tour boats and small cruiseships. Clearing Customs in both countries (due to Homeland Security) can take up to two hours out of your day. In 2007, passports became required for the BVI. So take a ferry to Tortola, Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke (very affordable), or a motor sail or power tour boat to the BVI and sail with us another day!
Congratulations to Rick and Robin
for winning 2008 / 2009 award from Our Virgin Islands Daily Newspaper; For the best SAILING in the USVI!!
Our normal sunny day here is 30 percent chance of rain which usually occurs during the late night and early morning hours. Our weather comes from Africa, east to west (opposite of the states). Weather forecasts mostly describe Puerto Rico (70 miles to the west), not St John. Puerto Rico has mountainous rain forests and Coral Bay, St John has cactus! (noticeably less rainfall).
Our boat is solar powered with five solar panels and our batteries are usually fully charged from the morning sun by 10 am. On the boat we apply our sunblock (50+) early and always wear a snorkel shirt!
In the winter, the north shore of St John is exposed to north swells from the Atlantic Ocean. So if the north shore beaches are rough (Hawksnest to Francis Bay), then come visit us in Coral Bay on the Caribbean Sea side of the island. Calmer and warmer Caribbean waters will then be found off the East End and south shore (Salt Pond Bay).
"Long Distance", a Pearson 40' /Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
S/V Long Distance Destinations:
- Virgin Islands National Park, East End St. John, South Shore St. John,
- Pelican Rock,
- Flanagan Island,
- Newfound Bay,
- Tektite,
- Booby Rock and more.
- We also offer snorkeling in the pristine, clear, calm waters of Hurricane Hole which is now the Coral Reef National Monument. Our guests are thrilled to see the brilliant sponges and corals that only thrive in this special habitat and fish nursery near the mangroves.
FULL DAY SAIL with two snorkel stops, 9:30am to 4:30 pm, our most popular sail. The best snorkeling is in U.S. waters so no need for passports. Beautiful views of the British Islands of Norman Island, Peter Island, Tortola, & Virgin Gorda as we sail near. $100 per person, or rent the whole boat for $600 and chartyour own itinerary. Includes turkey or vegetarian lunch plate, soft drinks, Heineken and Rum Punch.
HALF DAY SAIL: morning or afternoon with one snorkel stop,9:30am-12:30pm or 1:30pm-4:30pm. Recommended for guests who want a taste of sailing or families with preschool children. $60 per person, or rent the whole boat for $360. Includes cheese and crackers, soft drinks, Heineken and Rum Punch.
EXTENDED AFTERNOON SAIL: with one snorkel stop, 1:30pm-5:30pm. Allows more time for sailing and snorkeling than the half-day sail. $75 per person, or rent the whole boat for $450. Includes cheese and crackers, soft drinks, Heineken and Rum Punch. CORAL BAY SUNSET SAIL upon special request only.
RESERVATIONS: on S/V Long Distance Reservations by cell or text at 340-513-1386 or email at sailboatlongdistance@hotmail.com. Please book 4 weeks in advance for special dates or busy holiday weeks. If you sail with Rick and Robin at the beginning of your stay, we will inform you of best beaches, hiking, restaurants, shopping and music venues to enhance your stay! Also our facebook is Robin Rick Gallup and our twitter is sv Long Distance
PAYMENT: Personal checks, travelers’ checks or cash on the boat. No credit cards. An advanced deposit of 50% is requested upon reservation (refundable for weather)and may be mailed to: Richard and Robin Gallup, PO Box 1130, St. John, VI00831-1130. Disclaimer: If you reserve with third party booking agents,we are not responsible for their No Refund policies.
WHAT TO BRING: Towel, your own snorkel gear for best fit (we have some gear on the boat), sunblock SPF 30+, and sunglasses. We sell hats! Crabby’s Watersports in Coral Bay rents snorkel gear by the day or week and provides friendly service at www.crabbyswatersports.com. For those who get motion sick by land or sea, we recommend Sea Bands and generic Meclizine, an over the counter anti-nausea remedy (trade names New Less DrowsyDramamine and Bonine for ages12 to adult) and Pediatric Dramamine for children under 12. Eat a goodbreakfast and take it early as directed at least two hours beforethe sail. (You may also take it the night before as well.) Ginger helps butisn’t a cure all. Crabby’s Watersports does sell Bonine.
WHERE TO MEET: All our sail trips leave from Coral Bay, St. John, the country side of the island. Rick meets our guests at the concrete dock behind the yellow Coral Bay fire station. Parking is at the Skinny Legs Complex near the dock. We hope this has answered some of your questions.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to sailing with you! Sincerely, Rick and Robin Gallup and Kiwi sailboatlongdistance@hotmail.com www.sailcoralbaystjohn.com
Comments
We had a wonderful time snorkeling and feeling we've visited
with old
friends even though it's the first time we've met. Thanks for your
hospitality and an incredible day.
Cecelia and Bill
Cheshire, CT
What a great experience...Saw lobster, baracuda, turtle, tarpin, spotted
drum, nurse shark, parrot fish, etc. Thanks so much.
Phyllis and Doug
St. John, USVI
To Rick and Robin
The sail was great
To all who inquire
Your boat's top rate
We leave your ship
With all good cheer
Reserve us a date
We'll be back next year.
Pat and Skip Good
San Antonio, TX
Another wonderful day of sailing and snorkeling. Flanagan Island and Newfound Bay are our favorites. Thanks for being such great hosts, Rick
and Robin. Loved the bottle nosed dolphin you ordered!
Brooke, Pete and Dick
Lititz, PA
Thank you for a great sail, snorkel and conversation. Highlight of our
trip!
Best day yet on the island! Thank you!
Steve, Pat, Katie and Galen