What to do - On Deck Ocean Racing vs. Godfrey Tour

[vlynch]

We will be visiting St. Thomas for the first time ...

 

The ship has an excursion "On Deck Ocean Racing" which sounds great but I've also been reading here that Godfrey Tours is a great way to see the island.

 

Any suggestions for a first-timer?

[gizmo]

Hi vlynch,

 

The On Deck Ocean Racing is new. I might be doing it myself later this year. To date you will find very little information on this excursion on this board.

 

Godfrey is a highly rated tour of the island.

 

It depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend. The boat racing is going to cost a lot more.

 

I have been doing some research on the racing so here goes. Here is an excellent news article. http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_business?id=16093374

 

Currently they are using 19-20 meter multi million dollar boats that are used for ocean racing. (Are you familiar with the Volvo Ocean race that is currently in progress ? Very cool boats, Disney has one in the race, The Black Pearl - Pirates of the Caribbean)

This is the type of boat currently being used.

http://www.ondeck.co.uk/farr65.htm

 

At some point this summer they are being moved to Europe and smaller 12 meter boats will be used. (12 meter boats race in the America's cup) This is the type of boat they will be using this summer. http://www.rcryachts.com/beneteau407.htm

 

Don't wait until the last minute to decide. More than likely there will be limited space, since all the cruise lines, except Disney will be offering this.

[vlynch]

gizmo - thanks so much for the info!