Joann has been working in the bareboat sailing industry for over 13 years. Prior to joining Virgin Island Sailing as a Bareboat Expert, Joann was Reservations Manager and Charter Broker for The Catamaran Company. During the nine years with them, she spent four years working at their Tortola, BVI base. She became familiar with not only The Catamaran Company's fleet, but other company's yachts and operational bases as well. While enjoying this time around the dock, Joann developed a much better understanding of her clients needs! Let her put this knowledge and experience to work for you.

Previous to working for The Catamaran Company, Joann worked for Sunsail. It was during her three years with their company that Joann acquired a love of boats and being on the water. Joann was born in California and attended school in Pennsylvania, where her family still resides. Currently, her home is in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Throughout the years, Joann has attended numerous boat shows in the Caribbean and Florida, familiarizing herself with the new models and keeping up-to-date with the older ones. Joann's knowledge of the fleets and the British Virgin Islands makes her a welcome addition to our excellent team of experts!

Vigin Island Sailing's Bareboat Brokers from VI Sailing on Vimeo.

References From Clients:

Joann was wonderful. She was basically available 24/7 and followed up promptly with every question and request. Yacht: Lagoon 380 "Kiaora" with BVI Yacht Charters
Jack S

Hats off to Joann Higgins. Every question answered promptly, every issue addressed, promptly, every concern taken care of quickly, Every detail disclosed and remained true to first answer, outstanding service, Thank You. Yacht: Lagoon 420 "Kiaora II" with BVI Yacht Charters
Dutch V

We really like working with Joann and as usual she was very helpful and informed.
We had an amazing trip and we loved having a longer charter period. We really look forward to our next trip to the BVI's!! We would highly recommend Virgin Island Sailing. They can charter through most any service, and get you the perfect size boat and at a competive price. Thank you VIS!! Yacht: Lagoon 440 "Castellina" with The Catamaran Company
Harris J

Joann was fabulous!
I love working with Joann Higgins. She is very responsive, keeps me well-informed, and helps me to get the best possible value for my money. I will keep coming back to her for my charter needs Catco staff was friendly and easy to work with. I would charter through them again. Yacht: Lagoon 421 "Kia Ora" with The Catamaran Company
Lisa W

Joann did a super job helping us find the right boat and answered all of our questions. Catamaran Company staff was excellent. Being new, the boat was in great condition. We were the first charter after the owner check out on this Lagoon 400. This was our fourth charter in the BVI, the last being nearly 20 years ago....brought our two teenage sons on this charter and they had a great time! A lot has changed, but the sailing, anchorages, snorkeling, hiking are still outstanding. This was a great sailing vacation!! We plan to be back sailing in the BVI sooner than later. Thanks. Yacht: Lagoon 400 "40 Below" with The Catamaran Company
Greg M

Joann and the team were wonderful! I will definitely use VI Sailing again! My sons are already planning the next trip and we got back last night!!! Yacht: Lagoon 420 "Waypoint" with The Catamaran Company
Rom M

Overall, a spectacular charter! This was my first charter. VI Sailing did a great job of addressing all my concerns. The web site is very helpful, also. Thanks especially to Joann Higgins for her patience answering all my questions. Yacht: Lagoon 420 "Waypoint" with The Catamaran Company
Bruce B

You guys are doing great! We will always book through VI Sailing on future charters! Joann has taken great care of us. Emails and phone calls were answered almost instantaneously even if Joann was not at work! Leopard 4300 with Conch Charters
Charles R

I thought Joann was patient and knowledgable and did a great job working with us. Thank for a wonderful time! The boat was the perfect one for us! Yacht: Beneteau 403 with Footloose Charters
Rob J

Joann was more than helpful.
Joann and Virgin Island Sailing handled all logistics quickly and professionally making our trip planning extraordinarily easy. Our three couples are already planning our next vacation. Kudos to Joann! Yacht: Footloose 4000 with Footloose Charters
Tommy K

Joanne was outstanding to work with on brokering our first bareboat charter!! Quick, honest communication and was in touch with us all throughout the process. Yacht: Leopard 40 "Escape" with Horizon Yacht Charters
Mike J

A special thanks to Joann Higgins - she promptly answered every enquiry we had prior to the charter. Everything went to plan. . . . . . . .and she was right - we had a great time.! It was a long way to and fro Australia - but worth it - the BVI's are beautiful. Regards Bruce Winterford & crew. Beneteau 50.5 Exclusive with The Moorings

We were THRILLED with our boat! The Horizon 48 we chartered was so much nicer than what my wife and I expected - it made the two large boats I've rented in the past seem like junkers. Everyone at Virgin Traders was super friendly and accommodating. Also thanks to Joann/VI Sailing for answering every pre-trip question promptly and making planning a breeze!Yacht: Horizon 48 with Virgin Traders
Noah B

Random Joann – Comments

We had an awesome trip I would charter with Joann any time.

You guys really were amazing. I can't say enough about how great Mallorie and Joann were..

Joann did an excellent job. We will be back.

It is always a pleasure to work with Joann.

Joann, Your services were above my expectations.

Joanne was great about returning emails answering all my questions - very patient and prompt.

Joann Higggins was helpful beyond her normal duties.

VI Sailing, and Joann, were just delightful to work with. Highly recommended

Joann did a wonderful job of answering all our questions and arranging the vacation of a lifetime.

Every question I had asked Joann was quickly responded too. It was great!