Atabeyra or Sail Provo...T&C ladies!

[JanineA]

Hi ladies,

 

I am looking into doing a sunset cruise for my guests/family to become more familiarized prior to the wedding and was suggested Sail Provo by my WC but from TI's blog I also came across Atabeyra. Wondering if any ladies have or plan on using any of them and how did you decide or what was your experience? Thanks!

[JanineA]

Krys you may have a better idea after living on the island for so long. Which is better or more fun?

[Tropical Imaging]

Both are great boats, each different and I have never heard of a bad trip on either. Atabeyra is hands down the locals/expats favorite though.

 

***Full disclosure: David and Jenny who own Atabeyra are dear, dear friends of mine and Jenny is the first friend I made when I moved here.

 

So taking that into consideration I'll give you a comparison of both.

 

Sail Provo has newer boats and they are Catamarans. Jay who is one of the main captains I have known for ages and is a great guy and runs a great trip. That being said, I have probably only been on the boat once maybe because we always go on Atabeyra.

 

Atabeyra is a sailing schooner that David and Jenny built from the ground up (and I mean "let's go to the forest to pick out the tree that will be the main mast" built from the ground up). They sailed the boat to the T&C and set up a fresh fruit business in the 90's where David would sail the boat to Haiti and the DR each week and pick up fruit and Rum (yes it is a true rum runner) and bring it back to Provo at a time where there were not a lot of options or choice.

 

In the late 90's they retrofitted the boat to become a tourist boat vs a rum runner and David began running tours. The boat has the old large wooden wheel for steering (and David will let you do that) and gorgeous sails that people can help raise for great sailing and David make a legendary rum punch. Time and time again, all of us living here arrange parties, sunset trips, birthday pirate hunts with the kids and many other trips on the boat. In fact for teacher appreciation week next month our PTA will be chartering Atabeyra for the teachers to have a fun night together. You feel like you're in the Caribbean on it and you can tell it is a unique hand made boat vs like anything else.

 

So obviously I love Ataberya (pronounced at-a-bear-a), David tells great stories, and the crew is always fun. Sail Provo gets great reviews as well from people we know so you really can't go wrong, but my vote is with the rum runner!

 

Krys

[Tropical Imaging]

Both are great boats, each different and I have never heard of a bad trip on either. Atabeyra is hands down the locals/expats favorite though.

 

***Full disclosure: David and Jenny who own Atabeyra are dear, dear friends of mine and Jenny is the first friend I made when I moved here.

 

So taking that into consideration I'll give you a comparison of both.

 

Sail Provo has newer boats and they are Catamarans. Jay who is one of the main captains I have known for ages and is a great guy and runs a great trip. That being said, I have probably only been on the boat once maybe because we always go on Atabeyra.

 

Atabeyra is a sailing schooner that David and Jenny built from the ground up (and I mean "let's go to the forest to pick out the tree that will be the main mast" built from the ground up). They sailed the boat to the T&C and set up a fresh fruit business in the 90's where David would sail the boat to Haiti and the DR each week and pick up fruit and Rum (yes it is a true rum runner) and bring it back to Provo at a time where there were not a lot of options or choice.

 

In the late 90's they retrofitted the boat to become a tourist boat vs a rum runner and David began running tours. The boat has the old large wooden wheel for steering (and David will let you do that) and gorgeous sails that people can help raise for great sailing and David make a legendary rum punch. Time and time again, all of us living here arrange parties, sunset trips, birthday pirate hunts with the kids and many other trips on the boat. In fact for teacher appreciation week next month our PTA will be chartering Atabeyra for the teachers to have a fun night together. You feel like you're in the Caribbean on it and you can tell it is a unique hand made boat vs like anything else.

 

So obviously I love Ataberya (pronounced at-a-bear-a), David tells great stories, and the crew is always fun. Sail Provo gets great reviews as well from people we know so you really can't go wrong, but my vote is with the rum runner!

 

Krys

[Girasole]

I wish we would have done this but we just ran out of time! Let me know how it goes Janine...we may need to go back & do it : )

[JanineA]

Thank you so much Krys I have only heard great things about Atabeyra. I think I am gonna go with them. Do you happen to have a contact for them. I tried writing the email on their website but it came back as failed domain sub-system server twice. I called the concierge at the hotel but they were pushing for sail provo though she said she could get me the contact but would have to call me back. If you could pass it along Krys I would be more than grateful and Chrissy I will keep you posted for sure.

[Tropical Imaging]

David's email is solmarine@tciway.tc, that should get to him (if not his wife jenny's email is jdouglas@tciway.tc and she can send it to him.) I'll check with Jenny tomorrow if there is another contact number and let them know about the web glitch!

 

Happy to help!

Krys

[kathf]

We booked through Sail Provo, we decided to do a sunset cruise for our entire wedding instead of a reception. So far, very pleased.

[Tropical Imaging]

kathf

 

Sail Provo is a great boat, Jay who runs a lot of the operations is a wonderful guy. We've shot lots of cruises and receptions on Sail Provo's boats and never heard a bad thing.

 

One thing about Provo (the T&C) in general, is that because it's small, word gets around quickly and there isn't enough business to support a badly run operation. We all talk around here (the coconut telegraph LOL) and whether it's a bad meal or a bad experience on a trip, people spread the word and either the business better change or it won't be here long. Hotels and people are not going to recommend poor or average service operations.

 

Sail Provo and Atabeyra have both been in business here for over 14 years which pretty much says it all, they refer business back and forth to one another if they are overbooked and each operation is unique in their own way to be successful. We've had other businesses open up in the same field but they just haven't been able to compete with these two businesses...

 

I think you can't go wrong with either one!!!

 

(And both of them make stunning settings for fabulous photographs )

 

Krys

[JanineA]

Krys, thanks for all the info!! I was able to get in touch with David today and Joan from Kissing fish regarding the rehearsal dinner at possibly Bay Bistro. Both were very prompt to respond. Now that I have the info I just need to make a decision.