BVI's 6-7 Day Sail Plan-Including Anegada?

Stu Jackson · Sep 22, 2010

I sure wish I was able to get there during our many charters in the BVIs. Back then you "couldn't" take a charter boat there. I say go for it, although you might want to check with your agent to find out if they've recovered from the recent weather "issue" they had.

I also suggest a search on BVI on this board. Many have written before and there are only so many places to go. So much depends on what YOU like to do: remote or party on land. Any cruising guide will give you that information.

As far as distances go, we've sailed these in a single day:

Cane Garden Bay to Cooper Island
Norman to Virgin Gorda Sound
Virgin Gorda to Jost

Those are the long hauls.

Our son won the digeriedoo contest at Trellis Bay twice!!! on two different trips. He's a real blowhard!

Monty Miller · Sep 22, 2010

If this is your first time chartering in the BVI's, there are many great places to visit there and enjoy first. I would save Anegada for a future charter because you are going to knock off almost two days to do it and once you are there you will want to spend a third day touring. As Stu mentioned you need to check the status of Anegada because the eye of the hurricance passed right over it and there was damage. Navigation there is difficult because on approach all you can see are waves hitting the reefs and the island is almost invisible because it is flat and there is only one very specific entrance. Most charter companies will not let you go there alone. The best site for sailing the BVI's is traveltalkonline. Good luck and enjoy your visit!

happy turtle · Sep 22, 2010

Ducati said:
We are trying to plan our 7 days sail in the BVI's that includes Anegada.

Got any suggestions?

We actually have 6 days to sail and we have to return our boat on the evening of the 7th day.

Is Anegada really worth it?

Thanks

We love Anegada, but our trips are always longer than one week. You'll just have to decide what you are giving up to go there--maybe you enjoy one night in each location (e.g. 6 nights might be norman, virgin gorda, anegada, jost, cane garden bay, cooper)? This method doesn't give you much time to explore any one location, but that's the way some like it. We like to have a day to explore and generally spend two nights on each of our favorite spots, but we don't mind long sails, either, so it's not a problem to go from Anegada to Jost knowing that this 6 hour sail is time to relax and we'll have two more days on Jost.
Are you ever going back? If no, then maybe you want to see everything just a little and the racing from anchorage to anchorage is more important (and could be more fun, depending on your vacation style) than the relaxing and exploring any one location. It's all personal preference. Not a bad idea to have a couple of sail plans and if your charter company allows you to go to Anegada and it feels right, then go. It's a special place, but no more or less special than many of the other islands. If you don't make it there, you won't know what you missed, anyway. Part of going to Anegada seems to be bragging rights (although it is lovely and special).
If you have kids on board do not miss The Baths. Happy Sailing!

Steve L22188 · Sep 22, 2010

Yes. Go!

Can't speak to the hurricane damage issue, but this was a key highlight of a 6- night trip we took in February. We went there from the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. Left about 9-10 a.m. and arrived at Anageda about 1 p.m. as I recall. Straight shot after you leave the entrance to Leverick Bay -- course about 9 degrees as I remember. We took a ramshackle cab/open truck to Loblolly Bay and it was magnificent. The best beach we had all week. The snorkeling was OK -- but we understand the snorkeling is better west of Loblolly Bay.

The anchorage was good -- we took the dingy to shore and had a lobster dinner. (different kind of lobsters than New England cold water lobsters)

Anegada is absolutely beautiful. The entrance/exit to the harbor/anchorage is a little iffy (there was a red buoy missing when we were there -- they told us about it at the captain's meeting at the Moorings) and you have to watch the depth and read the chart carefully -- but the blue of the water, the friendliness of the people and the beauty of Loblolly Bay are worth the trip.

We went from Anegada to Soper's Hole the next day (about 25 +/- miles) with a wonderful snorkeling stop at Monkey Point. That was a long day -- but it was doable.

The Moorings had no problems with us taking the boat to Anegada. Don't know whether that's still the case or not.

We want to go back to the BVIs as soon as we can -- and both couples on board agree that we'll go longer this next time...and we'll spend TWO days at Anegada.

Go. You'll love it.

Tom Spohn · Sep 22, 2010

If you only have 7 days total, skip it.

jfmid · Sep 23, 2010

Check out these links.
I have met Walker and he is the nicest guy in the world. All of the info on these sites seem to be legit. Be careful on the approach to Anegada as it is a bit tricky. Read the advice and PAY ATTENTION. If you do then it is a straight shot in once you get far enough up along the island. That is the mistake many make. They try to cut in too soon. You have to go along the island out in deep water until it is safe to turn in. If you can read a chart and have decent eyes you can find the buoys and you'll be ok. (hint binoculars)
Some charters will not let you go over unless you can prove you have a clue. The reefs have claimed many boats over the years and you dont want to add another to the reefs.
I would do it cause it's an amazing place to see. Yes you will sacrifice some thing else in the BVI but hey it's a great reason to come back and poke around again and again. It really is a sailing paradise although I know there are many others in the world.
Have a great trip.
Did I mention that I'm available as a porter/chef/valet/bilge rat??? LOL
http://www.nwmangum.com/Caribbean.html
http://www.bvipirate.com/

higgs · Sep 23, 2010

Nice day anchorage off Little Jost Van dyke. Foxy has a place there, too, and a short walk takes you to the Bubbly Pool. Nearby is Sandy Key with good snorkeling.

Tim R. · Sep 23, 2010

BVIs are great. I did 10 days last year and went to Anagada. I do not see what all the hype is about. I think the other islands are much prettier. Anagada is a typical flat desert Island with lots of beaches. It is not crowded and appears to be a little more impoverished than some of the other islands. I can say that the snorkeling at Flash of Beauty is awesome and the resturants serve great food.

As for time, we went there early one morning and returned to Little Jost the next morning. Not a big deal. We do much longer daily passages here in Maine. As for sea state, they will tell you not to go when it is blowing. Well, if you have ever sailed in the Grenedines than going to Anagada in weather is no big deal.

Rick I · Sep 23, 2010

Don't plan your sail till you get there. It's fine to read up on the cruising guide but I would not make a "plan" until I got there. See what the conditions are. It's an easy place to sail and if you've only got a week skip Anegada.