We are chartering with Sunsail in the BVI from 2/18 - 2/25. Does anyone have a info/tips about sailing in BVI? Favorite places, itinerary, what to bring, how to provision, etc. Thanks Dennis
Charter in BVI
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Anxious to return to the BVI
The BVI is a wonderful place to go. We were there last year this time. We haven't been to every anchorage but every place we went was exceptional. I'l give a list of must see in my opinion. Jost Van Dyke/ Foxy's, Soper's Hole/ Tortola, the Bight on Norman Island, Cooper Island for lunch, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, actually in midweek a break from rocking is to rent a car and drive virgin gorda end to end. Marina Cay and Trellis Bay are nice. Many say Annegada is nice but tricky to navigate. Haven't been. Have a wonderful time.
The BVI is a wonderful place to go. We were there last year this time. We haven't been to every anchorage but every place we went was exceptional. I'l give a list of must see in my opinion. Jost Van Dyke/ Foxy's, Soper's Hole/ Tortola, the Bight on Norman Island, Cooper Island for lunch, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, actually in midweek a break from rocking is to rent a car and drive virgin gorda end to end. Marina Cay and Trellis Bay are nice. Many say Annegada is nice but tricky to navigate. Haven't been. Have a wonderful time.
Anxious to return to the BVI
The BVI is a wonderful place to go. We were there last year this time. We haven't been to every anchorage but every place we went was exceptional. I'l give a list of must see in my opinion. Jost Van Dyke/ Foxy's, Soper's Hole/ Tortola, the Bight on Norman Island, Cooper Island for lunch, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, actually in midweek a break from rocking is to rent a car and drive virgin gorda end to end. Marina Cay and Trellis Bay are nice. Many say Annegada is nice but tricky to navigate. Haven't been. . The cruising guide from cruisingguides.com was more useful then the charts provided by the charter co.packed with info to help with decisions about what you will like the most. Have a wonderful sail in the BVI.
The BVI is a wonderful place to go. We were there last year this time. We haven't been to every anchorage but every place we went was exceptional. I'l give a list of must see in my opinion. Jost Van Dyke/ Foxy's, Soper's Hole/ Tortola, the Bight on Norman Island, Cooper Island for lunch, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, actually in midweek a break from rocking is to rent a car and drive virgin gorda end to end. Marina Cay and Trellis Bay are nice. Many say Annegada is nice but tricky to navigate. Haven't been. . The cruising guide from cruisingguides.com was more useful then the charts provided by the charter co.packed with info to help with decisions about what you will like the most. Have a wonderful sail in the BVI.
H
Hobie
Bring your Guns
Remember as beautiful as BVI is, there are Pirates so bring a big gun for a surprise hello. BVI stands for Big Violent Ingets.
Remember as beautiful as BVI is, there are Pirates so bring a big gun for a surprise hello. BVI stands for Big Violent Ingets.
A
Andy
I wanna go back..back to islands..
Check out traveltalkonline.com There is a wealth of reading there about BVI and charter boating with good links. There is actually about as much in the BVI site about chartering as there is in the charter boat section. If you like to sail and enjoy the water you are in for the time of your life. Snorkle with the "Indians", take it all in at the "Baths", even a swim with the "Dogs" is hard to beat!
Check out traveltalkonline.com There is a wealth of reading there about BVI and charter boating with good links. There is actually about as much in the BVI site about chartering as there is in the charter boat section. If you like to sail and enjoy the water you are in for the time of your life. Snorkle with the "Indians", take it all in at the "Baths", even a swim with the "Dogs" is hard to beat!
Wishing you a good trip
1. Fly down a day early and provision yourself. Most provisioning packages I have seen will leave a huge amount of food on the boat at the end of the charter. We stay pretty happy with yogurt and granola for breakfast, and lunch meat, cheese, and chips for lunch (+/- bread). Minimal effort, and on to the next adventure. Besides, BVI has some of the best restaurants around (Marina Cay, Norman Island, and Bitter End in particular). You will want to eat dinner ashore frequently. 2. Early bird gets the worm, and all other goodies. If you can get moving by 8 AM, you can get to dive sites before the cattle boats, and get to your next anchorage with the pick of the moorings. This is particularly important around Jost. Just go to sleep early, too. 3. As previously mentioned, Anegada is tricky. I've watched numerous boats go aground, both in the channel getting to the moorings, and around the moorings. You really discover how far out of the way it is when you are waiting for someone from the charter company to come bail you out. Maybe not the best choice for the first trip, but keep it on the list. 4. Bring a skinsuit and never fret the jellies. 5. Be a good citizen and use mooring balls, even though it costs $20-25/night. Way too much damage has been done to coral by people trying to set anchors. Not picking on you, but Sunsail's flotillas are notoriously bad about this sort of thing.
1. Fly down a day early and provision yourself. Most provisioning packages I have seen will leave a huge amount of food on the boat at the end of the charter. We stay pretty happy with yogurt and granola for breakfast, and lunch meat, cheese, and chips for lunch (+/- bread). Minimal effort, and on to the next adventure. Besides, BVI has some of the best restaurants around (Marina Cay, Norman Island, and Bitter End in particular). You will want to eat dinner ashore frequently. 2. Early bird gets the worm, and all other goodies. If you can get moving by 8 AM, you can get to dive sites before the cattle boats, and get to your next anchorage with the pick of the moorings. This is particularly important around Jost. Just go to sleep early, too. 3. As previously mentioned, Anegada is tricky. I've watched numerous boats go aground, both in the channel getting to the moorings, and around the moorings. You really discover how far out of the way it is when you are waiting for someone from the charter company to come bail you out. Maybe not the best choice for the first trip, but keep it on the list. 4. Bring a skinsuit and never fret the jellies. 5. Be a good citizen and use mooring balls, even though it costs $20-25/night. Way too much damage has been done to coral by people trying to set anchors. Not picking on you, but Sunsail's flotillas are notoriously bad about this sort of thing.
C
Chris
Where to provision in the BVI?
I'm going to be a first time Moorings chartering in the BVIs in August. What the best place to provision for a week long trip? Thanks, Chris
I'm going to be a first time Moorings chartering in the BVIs in August. What the best place to provision for a week long trip? Thanks, Chris
Bobby's has best selection
For one stop shopping, Bobby's in Roadtown is your best bet. Other things can be found other places, but that will take time and taxi. Taxis are not bad. Most times, our driver has been laid-back enough to just park, turn off his sign and meter, and take a quick nap while we shop. As long as you are not too picky or have exotic tastes, you can also pick up stuff on other islands. Also, there is a floating market (Deliverance) that will serve some anchorages off Norman, Cooper, Peter, etc islands. Nice way to restock common perishables and beverages. Expect to pay a premium for boatside service though.
For one stop shopping, Bobby's in Roadtown is your best bet. Other things can be found other places, but that will take time and taxi. Taxis are not bad. Most times, our driver has been laid-back enough to just park, turn off his sign and meter, and take a quick nap while we shop. As long as you are not too picky or have exotic tastes, you can also pick up stuff on other islands. Also, there is a floating market (Deliverance) that will serve some anchorages off Norman, Cooper, Peter, etc islands. Nice way to restock common perishables and beverages. Expect to pay a premium for boatside service though.
E
Ed Brown
You won't want to come home!
Get ready for the time of your life. A few points: 1. don't truck any liquor or wine - its cheaper down there 2. get to the choice spots early - mooring is always more relaxing than dropping a hook. 3. At Jost - consider little harbor instead of great harbor - the anchorage is a lot easier and Sidney's is as much fun as foxy's
Get ready for the time of your life. A few points: 1. don't truck any liquor or wine - its cheaper down there 2. get to the choice spots early - mooring is always more relaxing than dropping a hook. 3. At Jost - consider little harbor instead of great harbor - the anchorage is a lot easier and Sidney's is as much fun as foxy's
Anegada
(previously posted on the "Ask a Sailor" forum) If you've got the time and the experience (and the permission of the charter company) you have to visit Anegada. Absent experience or permission, see if there are any flotillas headed that way. Moorings and Sunsail send a lead boat each week to guide folks there. A fellow by the name of Walker Magnum (real name, no joke) has an excellent site covering the entire BVI chain. His detailed course description from North Sound to Anegada (complete with GPS waypoints) makes it almost impossible NOT to find the mouth of the channel (which is the only way in, as the entire atoll is surrounded by reef.) Once you get there, it's like you imagined the Caribbean used to be before tourism. Mile after mile of deserted beaches to stroll. You are gonna love the BVI. Brian
(previously posted on the "Ask a Sailor" forum) If you've got the time and the experience (and the permission of the charter company) you have to visit Anegada. Absent experience or permission, see if there are any flotillas headed that way. Moorings and Sunsail send a lead boat each week to guide folks there. A fellow by the name of Walker Magnum (real name, no joke) has an excellent site covering the entire BVI chain. His detailed course description from North Sound to Anegada (complete with GPS waypoints) makes it almost impossible NOT to find the mouth of the channel (which is the only way in, as the entire atoll is surrounded by reef.) Once you get there, it's like you imagined the Caribbean used to be before tourism. Mile after mile of deserted beaches to stroll. You are gonna love the BVI. Brian
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