I just booked a 10 day bareboat charter in the British Virgin Islands for the end of May and first of June 2002. I booked a 2001 Bavaria 40. My wife, my 6 year old son, and myself will have the boat to ourselves. I have never chartered before, but have cruised up to 7 days on my Hunter 31. I have visited the U.S. Virgin Islands a couple of times but not on a sail boat. Does anyone have any good advice, recommendations, or warnings that you would like to share? Should I be concerned about piracy or other theft problems? The Charter Booking company said that crime is practically non existent in the BVI. Does anyone know if this is true? Are the anchorages overcrowded? From the reading that I have done, it seems the BVI are hard to beat. Thanks, Jerry Smith
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
D
Doug T.
J
Jim Rushing
BVI in June
It will start to get crowded when the schools are out. So you will start to see a lot of people during this time. What this means is that you may have to be at your destination by early afternoon in order to find a mooring. Very little crime in BVI. There are no bleeding hearts there and the people know it. If you bother the tourists, the throw you in jail and lose the key. Lots of interesting ma and pa resturants. So plan on eating dinner out and cooking only breakfast and lunch. Have fun.
It will start to get crowded when the schools are out. So you will start to see a lot of people during this time. What this means is that you may have to be at your destination by early afternoon in order to find a mooring. Very little crime in BVI. There are no bleeding hearts there and the people know it. If you bother the tourists, the throw you in jail and lose the key. Lots of interesting ma and pa resturants. So plan on eating dinner out and cooking only breakfast and lunch. Have fun.
R
Roland
BVIs
Went there in June for 10 days. Get to an anchorage early in the mid-afternoon (by 4, anyway) to be able to get a mooring. Most places require you to pick up a mooring. The holding ground is not too terribly good in most places. They are usually about $20/night. Sailing was easy. For a good offshore run go to Anegada. Make sure to spend an evening at the William Thornton and Foxy's. Not child oriented places, however you may act like a child while there. Get a good briefing, set up a relaxed itinerary, and have a great time. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
Went there in June for 10 days. Get to an anchorage early in the mid-afternoon (by 4, anyway) to be able to get a mooring. Most places require you to pick up a mooring. The holding ground is not too terribly good in most places. They are usually about $20/night. Sailing was easy. For a good offshore run go to Anegada. Make sure to spend an evening at the William Thornton and Foxy's. Not child oriented places, however you may act like a child while there. Get a good briefing, set up a relaxed itinerary, and have a great time. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
B
Bruce Hill
You will have a good time
Pretty easy cruising grounds. At the chart briefing they will give you highlights and anchorages to go to. Key areas of interest: Jost van Dyke island, located on the back side of Tortolla gives you an opportunity to take a longer sail, around the island. Great harbor has Foxy's, a must see, Little Harbour is good for the evening, call ahead to Abe's on the VHF and they will have fresh lobsters for you. Wife can get hair beaded at Sidney's Love and Peace. Also a nice harbour on the back side of Tortolla, damned if I can remeber the name right now! MArina Cay- north end of Tortolla Virgin Gorda- Bitter End YC, Baths, Spanish Harbour Cooper Island, Peter Island, Norman Island all are in a row and nice-Plan for dinner last night at the Willie T at the Bight at Norman Island...don't leave too early! Spanish Harbour is a good midweek stop as it will probably be your only marina tie-up...midweek water, provisions, plug in, etc. You can sail as little or as much as you want based upon the island you want to stay at, the area is rather small so you may sail back and forth a few times. All places mentioned have a restaurants for dinner. Mooring cans go early, be prepared to anchor. Get snorkel stuff at the base, be sure to bring Pusser's rum along. Squalls will come from the east, if you see one do the following; 1) take off shirt, close hatches 2) Open a fresh beer 3) Transom perpendicular to squall 4) Hang on, drink beer and yell "Yee Hah!' 5) Towel off, open hatches, wait for next squall All the natives are friendly, you will have the time of your life...don't forget a passport.
Pretty easy cruising grounds. At the chart briefing they will give you highlights and anchorages to go to. Key areas of interest: Jost van Dyke island, located on the back side of Tortolla gives you an opportunity to take a longer sail, around the island. Great harbor has Foxy's, a must see, Little Harbour is good for the evening, call ahead to Abe's on the VHF and they will have fresh lobsters for you. Wife can get hair beaded at Sidney's Love and Peace. Also a nice harbour on the back side of Tortolla, damned if I can remeber the name right now! MArina Cay- north end of Tortolla Virgin Gorda- Bitter End YC, Baths, Spanish Harbour Cooper Island, Peter Island, Norman Island all are in a row and nice-Plan for dinner last night at the Willie T at the Bight at Norman Island...don't leave too early! Spanish Harbour is a good midweek stop as it will probably be your only marina tie-up...midweek water, provisions, plug in, etc. You can sail as little or as much as you want based upon the island you want to stay at, the area is rather small so you may sail back and forth a few times. All places mentioned have a restaurants for dinner. Mooring cans go early, be prepared to anchor. Get snorkel stuff at the base, be sure to bring Pusser's rum along. Squalls will come from the east, if you see one do the following; 1) take off shirt, close hatches 2) Open a fresh beer 3) Transom perpendicular to squall 4) Hang on, drink beer and yell "Yee Hah!' 5) Towel off, open hatches, wait for next squall All the natives are friendly, you will have the time of your life...don't forget a passport.
D
Doug T.
Full moon
Check the calendar. If you can get to Foxy's on full moon night.... well, you might want to see if you can find a babysitter that night. ;-) And Bruce is probably thinking of Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. A beautiful place to spend a day on the beach, have lunch, take a tour of the distillery ("primitive" is the word), buy some T-shirts, etc. Oh yeah, hint: Bring some large garbage bags with you -- every place you go, they'll charge you per bag to dispose of it. You don't want to get stuck paying $2 to get rid of a small plastic grocery bag full of trash.
Check the calendar. If you can get to Foxy's on full moon night.... well, you might want to see if you can find a babysitter that night. ;-) And Bruce is probably thinking of Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. A beautiful place to spend a day on the beach, have lunch, take a tour of the distillery ("primitive" is the word), buy some T-shirts, etc. Oh yeah, hint: Bring some large garbage bags with you -- every place you go, they'll charge you per bag to dispose of it. You don't want to get stuck paying $2 to get rid of a small plastic grocery bag full of trash.
B
Bruce Hill
Roland's post and the William Thornton
Roland is referencing the Willie T that I mentioned in my post...not for children is true...wear a swimsuit to dinner... BVI cruisers all have Willie T. stories, best place for a Friday night I can think of
Roland is referencing the Willie T that I mentioned in my post...not for children is true...wear a swimsuit to dinner... BVI cruisers all have Willie T. stories, best place for a Friday night I can think of
Question for Roland
Not to change the subject but I'm planning to do some gunkholing between Clearwater and Anclote Key. Are there any good spots to anchor near the docks in Tarpon Springs? Gotta have dinner! I know there used to be a marina, but I'd rather not tie up if I don't have to. Any other good tips would be appreciated. Thanks. Peter H23 "Raven"
Not to change the subject but I'm planning to do some gunkholing between Clearwater and Anclote Key. Are there any good spots to anchor near the docks in Tarpon Springs? Gotta have dinner! I know there used to be a marina, but I'd rather not tie up if I don't have to. Any other good tips would be appreciated. Thanks. Peter H23 "Raven"
J
Jerry Smith
In reply to some of the suggestions...
Doug T. Thanks for the offer to be a deckhand or cook. Fortunately my wife is quite experienced at sails and dock lines. We dock our boat at our house and sail approx. 50 to 75 days per year. We dock, and anchor often. I do realize that the 40 footer will require some getting used to. I am a "cautious" boater. Roland mentioned that the moorings were $20 each. Is there a charge for all of the moorings? If so, are the moorings all near marinas, etc.? Who do you pay? Bruce mentioned Spanish Harbor as a good mid week docking point for water, provisions, etc. Any idea how expensive the water and fuel might be? Also, how expensive are the restaurants in general? I am trying to be sure to take enough travelers checks or cash. Do the restaurants take travelers checks? The advice has been helpful and is appreciated. Thanks, Jerry
Doug T. Thanks for the offer to be a deckhand or cook. Fortunately my wife is quite experienced at sails and dock lines. We dock our boat at our house and sail approx. 50 to 75 days per year. We dock, and anchor often. I do realize that the 40 footer will require some getting used to. I am a "cautious" boater. Roland mentioned that the moorings were $20 each. Is there a charge for all of the moorings? If so, are the moorings all near marinas, etc.? Who do you pay? Bruce mentioned Spanish Harbor as a good mid week docking point for water, provisions, etc. Any idea how expensive the water and fuel might be? Also, how expensive are the restaurants in general? I am trying to be sure to take enough travelers checks or cash. Do the restaurants take travelers checks? The advice has been helpful and is appreciated. Thanks, Jerry
B
Bill Murray
GO BVI
You asked --- Is there a charge for all of the moorings? If so, are the moorings all near marinas, etc.? Who do you pay? ----- All the moorings we encountered were for "rent". They are usually tended by a restaurant or some other establishment on the beach. Sometimes a boat comes around to collect. Many of the national park type buoys are free but they are only day moorings. Peter Island charged 35.00 in 1997. Other than Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda) and Bitter End Yacht Club (public welcome) - there are virtually no marinas at all. This is not a problem - just pick up a mooring or hang on the hook. Even at BEYC it is better to pick up a mooring. Bruce mentioned Spanish Harbor as a good mid-week docking point for water, provisions, etc. Check your charts - it is a long way in and back out. OK to get water here - I can't remember what it costs but I don't recall it being a big issue. We try to return to base and get water if at all possible since it is free. In BVI this is not so bad - after all the whole area is so small you could cover it end for end each day if you wanted too - but then who wants to? Spanish Town is worth going to if it is Carnival (Easter). Don't plan on getting any sleep if you tie up in the marina. Other wise not much there. However, if you can't get a mooring at the Baths - go to Spanish Town and take the taxi to the Baths - my wife thinks this is best way to go. As for fuel - we never bought any - the boat came full and it is awful hard to burn a whole tank of diesel in a weeek on these boats. Restaurants and food in general are expensive. Think $7.00 hamburgers. Fresh meat is scarce - most is frozen similar to the "Omaha Steak" stuff you can mail order here. Look for Ample Hamper stores for the biggest selection of fresh and american style stuff. Be prepared for limited selections. Grocery stores there resemble our convenience stores - some are a little better - a little. Travelers checks are a pain - the locals don't like them. Use cash or credit cards (VISA). We never had any trouble and in inhabited places there is usually an ATM machine. This is our preferred way to go. Take less clothes than you think you need. There is no place in the BVI to dress up - even the bitter end is very relaxed. Swimsuits and a couple t-shirts are it. You will buy more t-shirts there for souvenirs. Take sun burn protection - lots - get a tan before you go if possible. My first trip I got a horrible burn in the first hours and was miserable all week long. It is not worth carrying food generally but paper products are poor qualit, adn expensive. We always pack as many rolls of BRAWNY paper towels as we can jam in our sea bags. Get an up to date "Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands" (by Nancy
You asked --- Is there a charge for all of the moorings? If so, are the moorings all near marinas, etc.? Who do you pay? ----- All the moorings we encountered were for "rent". They are usually tended by a restaurant or some other establishment on the beach. Sometimes a boat comes around to collect. Many of the national park type buoys are free but they are only day moorings. Peter Island charged 35.00 in 1997. Other than Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda) and Bitter End Yacht Club (public welcome) - there are virtually no marinas at all. This is not a problem - just pick up a mooring or hang on the hook. Even at BEYC it is better to pick up a mooring. Bruce mentioned Spanish Harbor as a good mid-week docking point for water, provisions, etc. Check your charts - it is a long way in and back out. OK to get water here - I can't remember what it costs but I don't recall it being a big issue. We try to return to base and get water if at all possible since it is free. In BVI this is not so bad - after all the whole area is so small you could cover it end for end each day if you wanted too - but then who wants to? Spanish Town is worth going to if it is Carnival (Easter). Don't plan on getting any sleep if you tie up in the marina. Other wise not much there. However, if you can't get a mooring at the Baths - go to Spanish Town and take the taxi to the Baths - my wife thinks this is best way to go. As for fuel - we never bought any - the boat came full and it is awful hard to burn a whole tank of diesel in a weeek on these boats. Restaurants and food in general are expensive. Think $7.00 hamburgers. Fresh meat is scarce - most is frozen similar to the "Omaha Steak" stuff you can mail order here. Look for Ample Hamper stores for the biggest selection of fresh and american style stuff. Be prepared for limited selections. Grocery stores there resemble our convenience stores - some are a little better - a little. Travelers checks are a pain - the locals don't like them. Use cash or credit cards (VISA). We never had any trouble and in inhabited places there is usually an ATM machine. This is our preferred way to go. Take less clothes than you think you need. There is no place in the BVI to dress up - even the bitter end is very relaxed. Swimsuits and a couple t-shirts are it. You will buy more t-shirts there for souvenirs. Take sun burn protection - lots - get a tan before you go if possible. My first trip I got a horrible burn in the first hours and was miserable all week long. It is not worth carrying food generally but paper products are poor qualit, adn expensive. We always pack as many rolls of BRAWNY paper towels as we can jam in our sea bags. Get an up to date "Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands" (by Nancy
J
Jerry Smith
Response to Bill
Bill, Thanks for all of the detailed information. You answered a lot of questions that I haven't been able to find out in the brochures. Sounds like you enjoy the Carribean as much as I always have. Thanks again, Jerry H31
Bill, Thanks for all of the detailed information. You answered a lot of questions that I haven't been able to find out in the brochures. Sounds like you enjoy the Carribean as much as I always have. Thanks again, Jerry H31
B
Bob O'Brien
BVI web resources
Jerry I think you and your family will love your charter in the BVIs. Everyone has already highlighted places to go, but here are a couple of websites that might be interesting for you: www.bviwelcome.com, www.traveltalkonline.com Also, see http://w3.one.net/~armand/bvi/ for a great trip report. Bob O'Brien
Jerry I think you and your family will love your charter in the BVIs. Everyone has already highlighted places to go, but here are a couple of websites that might be interesting for you: www.bviwelcome.com, www.traveltalkonline.com Also, see http://w3.one.net/~armand/bvi/ for a great trip report. Bob O'Brien
S
Steve Winkle
Laid Back BVI
Jerry, You'll have a great time. No crime in the BVI, unfortunately not entirely true in the USVI, however we've never had any problems in either St. John or St. Croix. We've been there around this same time and I will tell you it is warm. If you're on the hook, stay as far from shore as you're comfortable with as the bugs don't come out that far. Our favorite overnight is at Marina Cay on a mooring with the surf sound over the reef. Can't beat it. I've never had a problem with traveller checks at any of the restaurants. Small shops probably prefer cash. Restaurants range in price from casual to "How much is that damn salad!?" especially at Peter Island Yacht Club. Nearly every other place we've been is comparable to many stateside places. Like most restaurants, though, the most margin is on wine, beer,
Jerry, You'll have a great time. No crime in the BVI, unfortunately not entirely true in the USVI, however we've never had any problems in either St. John or St. Croix. We've been there around this same time and I will tell you it is warm. If you're on the hook, stay as far from shore as you're comfortable with as the bugs don't come out that far. Our favorite overnight is at Marina Cay on a mooring with the surf sound over the reef. Can't beat it. I've never had a problem with traveller checks at any of the restaurants. Small shops probably prefer cash. Restaurants range in price from casual to "How much is that damn salad!?" especially at Peter Island Yacht Club. Nearly every other place we've been is comparable to many stateside places. Like most restaurants, though, the most margin is on wine, beer,
S
Sean
Provision For BVI
Just a thought. When we chartered two years ago with another couple, we froze all of our meats and packed them into boxes. We also packed most of our other provisions and checked them with our baggage. We didn't pay any extra baggage and our meats were as hard as a rock when to got to Tortola. We bbqd all our dinners on the boat and it was wonderful. All of our lunches were eaten on shore. We didn't actually buy any food for the boat. Just wine and beer. Hope this helps. Sean S/V Carnaby Street
Just a thought. When we chartered two years ago with another couple, we froze all of our meats and packed them into boxes. We also packed most of our other provisions and checked them with our baggage. We didn't pay any extra baggage and our meats were as hard as a rock when to got to Tortola. We bbqd all our dinners on the boat and it was wonderful. All of our lunches were eaten on shore. We didn't actually buy any food for the boat. Just wine and beer. Hope this helps. Sean S/V Carnaby Street
D
Doug T.
Provisions
Coming through customs in the BVIs you're not supposed to bring fresh meat or vegetables. I guess frozen is OK, though it would suck to bring in 20 lbs of steaks and have them confiscate them. One qt of booze is allowed, but the liquor and wine prices there are quite cheap -- cheaper than most places in the states.
Coming through customs in the BVIs you're not supposed to bring fresh meat or vegetables. I guess frozen is OK, though it would suck to bring in 20 lbs of steaks and have them confiscate them. One qt of booze is allowed, but the liquor and wine prices there are quite cheap -- cheaper than most places in the states.
J
Jerry Smith
We're making a list...
Thanks for all of the great information. My wife is keeping records of all of the suggestions so we will have the information with us in booklet form for the trip. Are there any specific grocery stores that would be recommended for provisioning on Tortola? We have specific diet needs so we plan to provision ourselves. We will carry some food with us in an extra bag. As I understand it is now illegal to carry meat products without first being granted permission from the government. I have a form that was sent to me by the charter company that must be sent in for permission. Has anyone experienced the new meat law and made a request for permission? If so, what type of response did you get. We did get a free copy of the "2001/2002 Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands" from Virgin Island Sailing today. It is full of detailed information as was mentioned by Bill Murray. Keep the info coming... Thanks Jerry H31
Thanks for all of the great information. My wife is keeping records of all of the suggestions so we will have the information with us in booklet form for the trip. Are there any specific grocery stores that would be recommended for provisioning on Tortola? We have specific diet needs so we plan to provision ourselves. We will carry some food with us in an extra bag. As I understand it is now illegal to carry meat products without first being granted permission from the government. I have a form that was sent to me by the charter company that must be sent in for permission. Has anyone experienced the new meat law and made a request for permission? If so, what type of response did you get. We did get a free copy of the "2001/2002 Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands" from Virgin Island Sailing today. It is full of detailed information as was mentioned by Bill Murray. Keep the info coming... Thanks Jerry H31
B
Bruce Hill
Grocery stores in Tortolla
There are a couple of stores, good for provisioning. The base will tell you where, the taxis are all vans and they know where to go, will come back after shopping to pick you up. I may have been confused in earlier posts between Sapnish Harbor and Spanish Town...Bill Murray is correct in his post, it is on Virgin Gorda by the Baths. It is not a far trip. You will not need to buy fuel. Pay up your credit card, skip the traveler's checks, have a good time! Bewars of the high dinner prices, as mentioned earlier.
There are a couple of stores, good for provisioning. The base will tell you where, the taxis are all vans and they know where to go, will come back after shopping to pick you up. I may have been confused in earlier posts between Sapnish Harbor and Spanish Town...Bill Murray is correct in his post, it is on Virgin Gorda by the Baths. It is not a far trip. You will not need to buy fuel. Pay up your credit card, skip the traveler's checks, have a good time! Bewars of the high dinner prices, as mentioned earlier.
M
Mark Roskin
BVI provisioning
We just returned from a great charter trip to BVI and used Ample Hamper to provision. You can order on-line and have full control over quantities and selection. Once you place your order, they will deliver it to your boat - very convenient and pretty reasonably priced. Produce, meat, fish and dairy products were very good quality. They also have any kind of beverages you could want. We used bottled water for drinking and coffee and the boat tanks for washing dishes and showering. We had no need to refill tanks with 4 adults on board but found that water was $0.20 / gallon at Sopers Hole (west end of Tortola). Have a great time - it's hard to go wrong in the BVI's.
We just returned from a great charter trip to BVI and used Ample Hamper to provision. You can order on-line and have full control over quantities and selection. Once you place your order, they will deliver it to your boat - very convenient and pretty reasonably priced. Produce, meat, fish and dairy products were very good quality. They also have any kind of beverages you could want. We used bottled water for drinking and coffee and the boat tanks for washing dishes and showering. We had no need to refill tanks with 4 adults on board but found that water was $0.20 / gallon at Sopers Hole (west end of Tortola). Have a great time - it's hard to go wrong in the BVI's.
R
Roland
Gunkholing Tarpon
Peter, I don't believe you can anchor in the basin at the sponge docks. There is a municipal marina you can tie up to. If you really want to enjoy the night, I suggest you provision the boat and spend the night at Three Rooker Bar between Honeymoon and Anclote Islands. It is an absolutely fabulous anchorage. Hope you enjoy your sail here. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
Peter, I don't believe you can anchor in the basin at the sponge docks. There is a municipal marina you can tie up to. If you really want to enjoy the night, I suggest you provision the boat and spend the night at Three Rooker Bar between Honeymoon and Anclote Islands. It is an absolutely fabulous anchorage. Hope you enjoy your sail here. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
R
Roland
Gunkholing Tarpon
Peter, I posted a reply yesterday and can't seem to locate it on this forum. Hope this one gets posted. I don't believe you can anchor for any length of time near the sponge docks in Tarpon. it is a marked river channel. There is a municipal marina there and I believe you can still tie up at Pappas's restaurant if you eat there. If you really want to experience our cruising grounds do what the locals do. Provision the boat and spend a night on the hook at Three Rooker Bar between Honeymoon and Anclote Islands. It is a spectacular place with great holding ground. Happy sailing. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
Peter, I posted a reply yesterday and can't seem to locate it on this forum. Hope this one gets posted. I don't believe you can anchor for any length of time near the sponge docks in Tarpon. it is a marked river channel. There is a municipal marina there and I believe you can still tie up at Pappas's restaurant if you eat there. If you really want to experience our cruising grounds do what the locals do. Provision the boat and spend a night on the hook at Three Rooker Bar between Honeymoon and Anclote Islands. It is a spectacular place with great holding ground. Happy sailing. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
- Status
- Not open for further replies.