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Embarking on the journey of monohull ownership through The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program is more than a financial investment—it's an invitation to a world of extraordinary holidays, unwavering service, seamless access to boats worldwide, guaranteed monthly returns, and the exhilaration of embracing the sailing lifestyle. Join us as we explore the stories of three couples who have found delight in the experience of owning a monohull through The Moorings.

Dick and Pam Backstrom: Seven Monohulls, One Catamaran, Two Decades of Ownership

Meet Dick and Pam Backstrom, a couple whose sailing journey spans over six decades, when they first met on the water. Starting their journey with The Moorings in 1992, the Backstrom’s have had a remarkable ownership experience spanning over two decades.

Having owned an impressive eight monohulls with The Moorings and eagerly awaiting their ninth -and first catamaran- the Backstroms find joy in the global camaraderie and professionalism fostered by The Moorings staff. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of ownership with The Moorings is the staff at The Moorings bases worldwide. (They) make the experience wonderful!”

It’s Not Always Smooth Sailing

And the Backstroms would certainly know, as they have not always had smooth sailing in their two decades as part of The Moorings family. “Our fourth 51-foot monohull ‘Caribbean Soul III’ based in the BVIs was lost in hurricane Irma in 2017 and paid for by the insurance company by November of the same year. The next boat, ‘Serendipity,’ a 48-foot monohull that we only sailed once, was being brought back from St Martin when the hired crew put it on the reef just entering the Tortola harbor.”

But these setbacks did not deter the Backstroms from their yacht ownership dreams, and before long, they were on to monohull number six. Currently, the Backstroms have two monohulls in The Moorings fleet to increase their owner usage time and are awaiting the arrival of their first catamaran.

Their decision to transition to a catamaran was driven by both partnership considerations and the spacious comfort offered by a 50-foot catamaran.

Moorings Ownership Highlights From Two Decades Of Experience

Having owned boats in the Caribbean with another BVI charter company before, the Backstrom’s are well aware of the value-added bonuses that come with boat ownership through The Moorings. “We were responsible for insurance, and the other charter company required us to hire a person in the area to look after the boat for hurricane season, and we were responsible for yacht maintenance. With The Moorings, those things are paid for.”

The couple further emphasizes the top three benefits of boat ownership with The Moorings through their two decades of experience as being: comprehensive coverage for insurance, maintenance, and hurricane precautions; the flexibility to use owners' time at The Moorings bases worldwide; and the exceptional and friendly staff at The Moorings that are always willing to go the extra mile to make your sailing experiences unforgettable.

For the Backstroms, being Moorings owners means more than boat ownership; it means being part of a team that shares their love for sailing. Their travels have taken them to destinations like Tortola, St. Martin, Antigua, and the list goes on.

To those considering The Moorings monohull ownership, Dick and Pam advise thinking of it as a partnership rather than just ownership. “It's about joining a community of passionate sailors.”

Kenneth and Karen Lee: Maiden Voyage

A New Chapter

Kenneth and Karen Lee, first-time Moorings owners from Atlanta, Georgia, embarked on their boat ownership journey with the 46.3 Beneteau, "Mystic Lee". Their sailing roots trace back to the Chesapeake Bay, and their decision to join The Moorings was influenced by a memorable honeymoon at the Bitter End Yacht Club after chartering a monohull through The Moorings.

The decision to choose monohull ownership over a catamaran was easy for the Lees, with the ease of ownership, global travel opportunities, and the flexibility to upgrade to a catamaran when needed with bigger groups or friends who tend to get seasick.

Global Adventures Made Easy

The overwhelming factor that initially attracted Ken to The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program is the ease of global exploration and motivation to broaden their holiday horizons, with the turnkey hands-off nature of The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program perfectly fitting into their sailing lifestyle.

“Turnkey yacht ownership means I do not have to worry about maintenance, dockage fees, and most importantly, getting my yacht out of the hurricane box each and every year! I get to use my yacht as motivation to travel the world with the ability to sail sister ships at any of the Moorings/Sunsail yacht bases across the globe. If I have a group that are not prior sailors, or if I have a larger group that wants to party more than sail, I can upgrade to a cat if need be."

For those considering The Moorings monohull ownership, Ken suggests realizing the transformative potential of sailing in foreign waters without the need to cross an ocean. “The boat becomes the catalyst for unforgettable travel experiences.”

And at the end of the day, what it means to be a Moorings owner for Ken and Karen is simply that, “It’s a dream come true! Still cannot believe my life worked out so that my family and I can do this!” And isn’t that what the sailing lifestyle is all about?

Travis and Stephanie Leach: Vacation With Peace of Mind

Seasoned sailors with years of experience, Travis and Stephanie Leach chose The Moorings for its reputation and stability. Owning the Beneteau 46.3 "Exit Strategy", they appreciate the comfort of the financial security of monthly returns on their investment and accessibility to multiple bases that The Moorings Yacht Ownership Program offers them. For the Leaches, their four years of being Mooring owners have meant offsetting vacation costs annually with peace of mind.

The Leach family chose their Beneteau 46.3 for its family-friendly features, including three cabins and three heads. The perks of owning a monohull, such as lower maintenance costs and easier marina access, were key factors in their decision.

The top three benefits of owning a monohull with The Moorings, according to Travis, include exceptional customer service, financial security, and the flexibility to explore other Moorings bases.

Exit Strategy -The Perfect Escape

For the Leaches, their boat is not just a vessel - it's the key to unlocking family time, creating memories, and enjoying the tranquility of the open waters. So far, their nautical adventures have taken them to diverse destinations, from Croatia and St. Martin to the BVI, Antigua, and St. Lucia.

Continuing our provisioning survival guide throughout the Caribbean, this month we set sail to the lesser-explored, quaint islands of the Abacos.  

If you're yearning to experience the Bahamas without the hustle and bustle of Nassau, you're in for a treat. The northernmost islands in the Bahamas have preserved their charm, free from masses of tourists, mega-resorts, and cruise ships. Here, you can escape the rat race and embrace a laid-back paradise with no itineraries, no deadlines, and no artificial entertainment.  

Described by some as what the Virgin Islands were like 20 years ago, this statement definitely applies to your provisioning options too.  

While provisioning here may present challenges with fewer options and smaller stores, the rewards lie in discovering hidden gems, immersing yourself in an authentic island experience, and keeping in mind that plan A can quickly turn to plan Z when provisioning in the remote Abacos.   

The Moorings base now offers convenient and easy online ordering for all your provisioning needs at this destination, but if you are feeling adventurous and want to explore what the local markets and supermarkets have to offer, here is your ultimate survival guide to provisioning in the Abacos.

Provisioning for All Tastes: Grocery And Specialty Stores in The Abacos

The Abacos offer a range of provisioning options, from small well-stocked grocery stores on the main island to charming local markets in smaller settlements. As long as you are not expecting an array of gourmet or specialty products, you will be pleasantly surprised at what’s on offer (when the shelves are stocked) at the local stores.

Marsh Harbour:

Marsh Harbour, located on Great Abaco, is the largest town in the Abacos and also where you will find the Moorings Base and your starting point for provisioning and exploring the Abaco Islands.  

The ‘Big’ Grocery Stores

In Marsh Harbour, you'll find the best provisioning in all the Abacos with large (by small island standards) grocery stores, including Maxwell's Supermarket and Abaco Groceries.  

These two supermarkets are your best bet for stocking up on essentials like canned goods, fresh produce, meats and drinks. But that said, keep in mind that everything gets brought to the island by container ships, and as these are often delayed, especially in the peak winter season, you might find yourself browsing empty isles on the day you plan to provision. Don’t expect fancy or even gluten-free or vegan items here.   

700 Wines and Spirits

If you're in need of beverages and spirits, this Bahamian liquor store chain in Marsh Harbour is a popular store with an extensive selection of wines, beers, and liquors. 

Treasure Cay - A Treasure Trove of Provisions

Sawyer's Fresh Market:

Sawyer's Fresh Market in Treasure Cay offers a diverse selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meats, and a range of international products. The market is open daily, allowing you to stock up whenever you need to replenish your supplies. Once again, don’t expect anything fancy, but they are usually well-stocked on the basics.  

Specialty Shops:

While in Treasure Cay, don't miss out on exploring the local specialty shops. These hidden gems offer unique ingredients and gourmet items to elevate your culinary adventures. Keep an eye out for homemade jams, sauces, and spices that add a touch of Bahamian flair to your meals.

Green Turtle Cay - A Provisioning Paradise 

Sid’s And Curry’s Food Stores

These two small grocery stores are your only two options in Green Turtle Cay. These local no-thrills stores provide a delightful provisioning experience with their friendly staff and well-stocked shelves. From fresh fruits and vegetables to locally caught seafood, you'll find all the basics you will need to restock midway through your trip. Both are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. 

Local Bakeries

While exploring Green Turtle Cay, make sure to follow the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries wafting through the air. Grab some warm bread, fresh pastries, and sweet treats for a beach picnic or midnight snacking sessions onboard.

Hook, Line And Dinner: Provisioning From The Sea

 If you are in the mood for local fresh seafood and don’t quite trust your fishing skills, then head to the local fish markets in Marsh Harbour for the freshest catch of the day.  

 Keep in mind that the availability of seafood may vary depending on the fishing season and weather conditions. A&A Seafood is located on the corner of the only traffic light in Marsh Harbour (it’s really hard to miss!) and has a wide variety of local fresh fish, conch and lobster.  

 There are also a host of local fishermen that sell directly to the public. Ask around to find a reliable fisherman or ask the friendly staff at the Moorings base to steer you toward a local fisherman that will be able to deliver fresh fish and seafood right to your boat.  

Unleash Your Inner Angler

For the adventurous souls yearning to catch their own dinner, grab your fishing gear and try your luck in the Abacos' plentiful waters. Fishing permits are obtainable here, and fishing gear can be rented from the Moorings base in Marsh Harbour.  

 Keep an eye out for mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. To protect the marine environment, spearfishing and spear guns are illegal in the Bahamas. Fishing is prohibited in Pelican Cays Land, Sea Park, and Fowl Cay Preserve.

It’s a debate as old as the sea itself: Sailboats vs powerboats. Tradition vs Innovation. The topic continues to spark debate and always will. But does it all really have to be so clear-cut? Can’t there be a time and place for both?

While Moorings owners are sailors by nature, more power catamarans are sold to charter owners in Phuket, Thailand, than sailing catamarans. The reason? Dispersed cruising grounds and unpredictable winds and weather. As a sailor, there is no shame in admitting that some cruising grounds are just better suited for power catamarans if you are limited on time.

As someone that has spent the better part of 10 years living and working on sailing catamarans, I have learned a thing or two about when it’s all about the journey and when it’s all about the destination. With over 700 islands in the Bahamas and 365 islands just in the Exumas alone, the Bahamas is one of those “all about the destination cruising grounds.”

Here’s a look at how ditching the sails and firing up the engines can make for a better Bahamian cruising experience.

It’s About the Destination, Not The Journey

Some destinations, if you want to make the most of them, require a little bit of fluidity in your choice of vessel. For example, The British Virgin Islands were practically designed to be enjoyed with a sailing catamaran: You never lose sight of land, there is deep water everywhere and the islands are all mere minutes apart. But when it comes to the shallow, vast, long, drawn-out cruising grounds of the Bahamas, a power catamaran is your ultimate tool in enjoying the islands to their fullest.

Too many times have I been on a sailing catamaran in the Exumas with friends, family or guests that are absolutely beyond excited to set sail out of Nassau, only to realize one hour in that maybe they were not the boat people they thought they were. And before long, the dreaded “Are we there yet?” question starts rolling in.

A sailing catamaran will get you from Nassau to the first most northern point of the Exumas in about 6 hours. In contrast, a power cat will do that in less than half the time, in about 2 hours and 40min.

Yes, sailing and being on the water is about the journey, not the destination. But with vast distances to cover and over 365 islands to explore in the Exumas alone, there is room to make an exception that sometimes the destination takes president over tacking up and down.

Another thing to remember when you want to make the most of your time in the Bahamas is that many attractions are tidal, unlike most other Caribbean destinations. This means that if you want to snorkel the infamous airplane off Norman, you need to be there at slack tide, as the current rips through there, and I have been on more than one dinghy rescue mission when the tides were not right.

Think you can just go to the famous Thunder Ball Grotto for a snorkel at any time? Think again. You have to keep an eye on when it's low tide to be able to enter the cave safely. The same goes for a lot of cuts and other popular snorkeling spots.

Planning your days around the tides is simple enough when you can fire up the engines and get to where you want to be quickly, and many times have I seen even the most avid sailor rather motor to beat the tides than sailing.

Consider Your Crew

The biggest factor that should sway even the most die-hard sailor is, “Who are you bringing with you?”.

I have made this mistake more than once by taking a ‘keen sailor’ out on a 14-hour passage, only to find that they have never, and will never, be blessed with sea legs. And that their sailing experiences will only consist of a head in a bucket begging to get to land.

It’s one thing taking experienced sailors on a trip, but if you are planning on taking kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents or even friends with little to no sea time, you will soon realize the value in getting to your destination sooner rather than later in the vast cruising grounds of the Bahamas.

Considering the safety and enjoyment of your crew, especially if they are novices, will go a long way in making your Bahamian vacation a delight instead of constant stress about sailing long distances. And as hard as it might be to believe if you are a true sailor, the idea of sailing for 6 hours in rough weather is not enjoyable to everyone.

And the weather is definitely something to keep an eye on in the Bahamas. It can get really nasty really quick in the peak winter cruising months, and if the rest of your crew is not knowledgeable on how to handle full sails in a nasty squall, you might have some white-knuckle moments more often than you would like.

The Bahamas already comes with a host of challenges: shallow waters, cuts that can only be navigated in the slack tide, shifting sand banks, coral heads and crowded anchorages. Giving a novice crew a break by not having to worry about sailing will go a long way in making for a happy crew.

Not a slave to the weather

There are numerous jokes about sailors spending more time looking at their weather apps, waiting for the perfect wind than looking at their actual surroundings. Switching to a power cat in the Bahamas will have you spending a lot less time watching the weather and planning your long-distance cruising time around it.

Power cats will give you a large time-saving in being able to pull the anchor and go instead of waiting for that elusive perfect wind to finally pick up.

And as both summer and winter squalls and storms can suddenly appear on the horizon, a power cat offers the speed to quickly outrun any nasty weather and drop anchor before everybody gets soaked trying to pull in a jammed sail.

A Great Fit For A Changing Lifestyle

There comes a time in every cruiser's life when they are in it more for the enjoyment of exploration than battling the elements and feeling like Hemmingway.

Unfortunately, health and related issues often dictate when it is time for a change when it becomes uncomfortable or otherwise difficult to sail and handle even a small-sized sailboat.

People become less able to maintain their balance as they age, and a host of related issues become facts of life. Arthritis, joint replacements, and back problems can make sailing much more demanding and even a little scary when it is blowing.

The same goes for growing families with little ones who still want to enjoy the freedom cruising or vacationing on a catamaran brings without the added stress of dealing with babies and sailing.

There’s no shame in switching from sail to power in the Bahamas if it means the enjoyment of your crew, a changing lifestyle and having more time to enjoy the spectacular beauty of what this vast cruising ground has to offer. When it comes to making the most of your time in the Bahamas, consider enjoying the destination more than the journey for once.

You've just flown into a sunny paradise to meet your boat for a week-long sailing adventure, but there is one question that always seems to mystify even the most seasoned sailor when dropping anchor in a new destination- “Where do we provision?”

Whether you are planning on dining out for most of your meals or trying to save a buck or two by cooking all of your meals onboard, provisioning and food costs can quickly add up. Finding the best spots to provision on every island can be tricky and time-consuming if you don’t know where to go, and as provisioning costs and food availability vary greatly throughout the Caribbean, there is no worse feeling than realizing that you have come unprepared for what is supposed to be a fun vacation. 

That’s why we have put together a crash course in provisioning throughout the Caribbean. So, whether you're only sailing for 5 days or two weeks, we have you covered!

To start off our series of provisioning 101 throughout the Caribbean, we head to the culinary capital of the Caribbean - St Maarten.

The Culinary Capital of The Caribbean

St Maarten, as it’s known on the Dutch side or St. Martin on the French side, is undoubtedly the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and you will be hard-pressed to find any better provisioning throughout the islands.

The smallest land mass to be shared by two countries, St Maarten is a melting pot of cultures, and as a result, it has become a melting pot of mouthwatering cuisines influenced by French, Dutch, American, African, Latin-American, British, East Indian, and Creole cultures.

It is said that the Dutch side of St Maarten as an autonomous country holds the world record for the most restaurants per square mile! And on the French side, the beachside town on the northwest coast -Grand Case- sports over 40 bars and restaurants on a mile-long stretch of oceanfront property skirting the Anguillan Channel. And as a whole the island has over 400 restaurants!

Ranging from expensive gourmet restaurants to inexpensive Lolo’s “local roadside restaurants that serve traditional and local dishes”. A wide variety of foods are commonly found on the island such as fresh seafood, French-style cuisine, Creole-style dishes, Indian cuisine, and more. St. Maarten’s cuisine is known for its intensely delicious flavors often made with creole spices, French herbs, or a modern blend of the two. Most meals are also paired with locally made rum, guava berry liqueur, or fine French wine.

With daily flights from France, Holland and the USA – and with perishable food cargo often taking priority – there is an astounding array of wonderful European and American foods available on the island.

Clean, modern supermarkets offer a variety of foodstuffs that would be virtually impossible to find anywhere else in the world in such close proximity. Fresh produce is imported directly from Holland, France, the USA, Britain and Italy, as well as from other Caribbean islands. Indian, Chinese and much other eastern produce is also readily available.

What To Eat In St Maarten

With such a diverse culinary culture and so many dining options to choose from, your mouth must be watering as you ask yourself what the must-eat dishes on this dual-nation island are.

On the Dutch side, the national dish is conch and dumplings. This must-eat dish is hot and spicy and is a true taste of the Caribbean. Local conch is seasoned with various herbs and spices and cooked in a pressure cooker until it's soft and succulent. The conch is served with light, fluffy dumplings and slathered in a rich, decadent gravy. Traditionally rice, vegetables and Johnnycakes accompany this dish.

On the French side, the national dish is Callaloo Soup. Callaloo is a thick green soup made with plenty of greens, such as kale, spinach and, of course, callaloo, a spinach-like vegetable. Other additions to this soup include pork, onions, hot pepper okra, black pepper, thyme and chicken stock.

If you are looking to treat yourself to both of the national dishes of St Maarten, head to Mario Bistrot for an upscale version of conch and dumplings or head over to Yvette’s Restaurant in the French Quarter if you prefer a more traditional Caribbean experience.

If callaloo soup tickles your fancy head to a Saturday night local favorite haunt for this delicacy -Ital Shack in Phillipsburg. Captain D’s Roadside Grill in Simpson Bay is another great spot for traditional Callaloo soup.

If you fancy yourself as being a bit of a chef, pick up the ingredients you need for this easy conch and dumplings recipe or callaloo soup recipe whilst you are out provisioning and try to recreate it onboard!

Where to Provision

Finding yourself in the middle of a culinary crossroads in St Maarten you will be pleasantly surprised by the wide array of provisions available – and at a reasonable price too! This is partly thanks to the daily direct flights from Paris and Holland that bring with them fresh produce, cheeses and a whole host of European culinary delights. Add in low-cost American staples available in bulk and locally grown fresh produce, and you are in provisioning heaven!

Finding yourself in St Maarten on a boat inevitably means that you will be visiting the nearby islands of Anguilla and St Barth’s, but heed our advice and do all of your provisioning on St Maarten, as these nearby islands have a very limited selection of supplies and at a much heftier price tag than provisioning in St Maarten! Here is a look at some of the best spots to provision around St Maarten.

Note that although some grocery stores and other local businesses may have prices expressed in Netherlands Antilles Florins (NAF), the de facto currency is the US dollar, and all businesses and grocery stores will gladly accept both currencies.