Tortola or Key's

[Ed]

I have decided to take a week long course with off-shore sailing school. It would be just my wife and I on a 46 foot boat with an instructor for a week. We are not new to sailing but feel this could hone our skills on a larger boat, and would be fun as well as a learning experience. The two spots would be either in the Keys or in Tortola. Obviously it is harder to get to Tortola, and it is more expensive - but if it is that much nicer, the money dosen't matter that much. Well what do you think? Keys or Tortola - is one that much nicer than the other? The other issue is that the Keys boat is a Hunter 466, the Tortola boat is a benetau 46 foot. Our new boat is a Hunter 426 - so the Hunter would obviously be more similar with an arch etc. Thanks for any and all input. Ed

 

[Steve Dion]

Tortola

[nm]

 

[Tom & Diane Harmer]

Second Tortola

Spent 10 days in the BVIs on a bareboat charter last March. Was the best sailing vacation ever!!!

 

[Mark F. Arena]

Third the Tortola

Hi There-I love Key West for the scene, the music, and the beer. I love Tortola and Jost van Dyke for the sailing, the sailing, and the sailing. Very user-friendly sailing area. My ex and I have rented sailboats in Key West-very expensive, and not very well outfitted. You will LOVE Tortola, although it ain't what it used to be-very crowded sometimes.M

 

[John]

Been to both - take Tortola

Tortola for sailing. We have a 380 and have chartered a Beneteau 428 - the sail plan is different, but you will not think much about the boat as about the trade wind sailing, the snorkeling and the scenery.The last time we were in the Keys it was 50 degrees for three days and howling. You might have 10 minutes of rain a week in the Islands.

 

[Glenn Bollin]

Never Saw Bluer Water

than BVI. Spent several winters on Key West, very nice, but no where near Tortola. Probably 500 years ago, the Keys were as awesome. We really need to work on restoring our marine environment.GlennWindWisp

 

[Steve W.]

Tortola

you might consider having a captain for just a few days, then strike out on your own. Line of sight navigation, well protected, easy anchoring and mooring. It spoiled us rotten. Have a great trip!

 

[Larry and Carol Schroeder]

Tortola! Tortola! Tortola!

You won't regret it!