BVI Sailing Itinerary (2)

One of the most awesome sights to behold when sailing the British Virgin Islands are "The Baths" at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda. There are conflicting theories as to how these incredible rock formations came to be. Some say The Baths resulted from a meteor shower, others credit volcanic activity. There appears to be some evidence of lava flows which could have happened centuries after a meteor shower ... but I'm a yacht charter broker, not a geologist!

O.K., so The Baths are just a pile of "really big rocks" on a beach ... but when sailing up to them, you'll understand. They really are simply magnificent!

Snorkelling is pretty good at The Baths too. There are marvelous Elkhorn coral formations and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Don't let the ground swells bother you. Just let the water move you back and forth and "don't fight the flow". Let it help take you where you want to go. Time your movements to coincide with the swells to make headway.* Done correctly, you won't be swept into the rocks and will only have to make minor course adjustments, using your fins. Watch how the fish do it, then copy them. Keep an eye on your buddy and pay attention to your surroundings.

* When swimming in swells, use the swells to help propel you. Time your movements by kicking and steering yourself ONLY during the "flow" (forward movement) and rest during the "ebb" (backward movement). Attempting to make headway while waves are ebbing is futile. You will only manage to exhaust yourself.

ONLY strong swimmers and experienced snorkellers should attempt to explore the reefs at The Baths when the swells are up. Even then, be very careful! DO NOT attempt to take your dinghy into the beach area! (Dinghy docks are provided). If you have only one day to see The Baths during your sailing vacation and that one day window is not quite perfect, proceed to Spanish Town at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour and take a taxi to The Baths. From shore, you will be gratified to see why you made that choice. The swells can be deceptive when sailing, but from the beach, you'll see a more accurate perspective.

The Baths are not an appropriate place to test your physical limits. Use common sense when determining accessibility to the beach. On calm days and with minimal wave action, it is a marvelous spot for snorkellers and swimmers of all ages and abilities.

When sailing to Gorda Sound in the afternoon, you will find several restaurants and beach bars to enjoy. If you need supplies, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour and the Bitter End Yacht Club cater to the boating community, offering provisioning, fuel, water and ice.

Spend a day in the North Sound, swimming and enjoying the surroundings, (the island is gorgeous), go snorkelling or scuba diving, rent a Hobbie Cat at the Bitter End Yacht Club and have fun terrorizing your neighbours. You may want to enjoy lunch on your boat or visit any of the nearby restaurants. (They are all very nice). In the afternoon, set sail for either Trellis Bay, Beef Island or Marina Cay, south east of Great Camanoe and west of Virgin Gorda.

Trellis Bay is a protected harbour and home of "The Last Resort" restaurant and cabaret owned by BVI legend, Tony Snell. Dinner at The Last Resort is quite enjoyable (particularly the roast beef) and the after dinner show is very amusing. For a less active evening, Pusser's is located at Marina Cay, offering typical North American dishes.


Cane Garden Bay

Set sail for the incomparable Monkey Point at Guana Island. Enjoy a leisurely day at the beach, pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of some of the best snorkelling in the BVI. This is a really fabulous spot and a MUST SEE!

In the afternoon, sailing to Cane Garden Bay, Tortola or White Bay, Jost Van Dyke presents a difficult choice for your party. Given you only have a 7 day vacation planned. I suggest you read your Virgin Islands Cruising Guide before deciding which you might prefer.

Jost Van Dyke offers several places to enjoy fresh seafood and the lobster is incredible ... but then again, Quito's jerk shrimp and seafood pasta dishes are pretty tempting as well! Of course, there is also a choice between Quito Rymer (pronounced Keytoe) and Foxy Callwood of Foxy's Bar & Restaurant in regards to entertainment. Decisions, decisions! Maybe you should let the weather (and swells) make the choice for you. Sailing presents so many quandaries!

BVI Charter Day 6 - Sandy Spit, Green Cay & Soper's Hole

In the morning, head over to Sandy Cay or Sandy Spit and Green Cay for more great snorkelling and basking in the fabulous BVI sunshine. In the early afternoon sail for Soper's Hole, Tortola.

Sailing into Soper's Hole, you will find Pusser's Landing and the Jolly Roger Restaurant. Both are interesting places with good food. If you choose the Jolly Roger, tell Lou that "Liane sent you". It may be worth a free drink ... at least its worth a try! Now you are faced with yet another decision. Do you want to stay at Soper's Hole for the evening or do you want to keep sailing to Norman or Peter Island and spend the night in the Bight or Little Harbour?


	Sunset at Soper's Hole, BVI

If staying in Soper's Hole, dine at either the Jolly Roger, Pusser's Landing or Frenchman's Cay Hotel. Both the Jolly Roger and Pusser's often have great BBQ and live entertainment. In the morning, head back to the charter base to return your boat.

OR ... proceed to The Bight and either dine on the boat, visit Pirate's Bight Restaurant on shore or return to the Willy-T for another blast. If you missed them at the beginning of your BVI sailing vacation, get up early for a beautiful snorkel at The Indians.

OR ... set sail for Little Harbour, Peter Island for a truly lovely dinner out. (Gentlemen, remember to brush off your jacket and tie and ladies, you'll need to dress accordingly. No jeans or bare midriff's please).

Check the ferry schedules if planning to catch your flight home from St. Thomas!

The BVI ferry schedules can be changed without notice. Call the day before departure to decide which ferry your party will take. Whatever else you do while sailing in the British Virgin Islands, don't forget you have to leave at some point! I've had more than one charter guest miss the ferry because "island time" had taken hold!

Your BVI sailing vacation is coming to an end and its time to head back to the charter base by noon or earlier. First (if you have time), take that last swim in the BVI, or go snorkelling. When sailing back to the charter base, you will do a debriefing with the staff. Save time by making note of any deficiencies or problems you may have had along the way.

Seven days have flown by and you realize that a week of sailing in the BVI just isn't enough. Start planning next year's sailing itinerary on your flight home and incorporate those places you weren't able to see (such as Anegada) while its all still fresh in your mind!

Come sailing in the British Virgin Islands - There's nothing like it anywhere in the Caribbean!

Please do not throw refuse overboard when sailing the BVI. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada all provide disposal bins which sailors are encouraged to use.

Anchorages such as The Bight, at Norman island do not offer waste disposal. If visiting Norman, Peter or Cooper Island, call "Deliverance" on VHF channel 16. They will pick up garbage from the yacht for $2.50 per bag. (They also sell ice and fabulous fresh baked goodies!).

If at locations without garbage bins or service provided by "Deliverance", please hang onto your trash until you reach one of these destinations. Please remember to purchase garbage bags when provisioning your yacht. Turtles often mistake small plastic bags (particularly clear ice bags) as jelly fish. Jellies are a turtle's favourite meal. When eaten, a clear or white plastic bag will sit in the turtle's stomach without digesting. The turtle feels full, stops eating and will eventually starve to death.

PLEASE be certain to take the proper measures to protect the BVI sailing environment.

Unfortunately, the BVI is not equipped to offer pump out services. Marine heads pump directly overboard. In order to preserve the beauty of these islands, you are asked to please not flush marine heads while in the various bays and anchorages. The use of on shore facilities is encouraged. Flush only when off shore please.

Need more information about sailing the BVI?
Call or write our bareboat charter specialist!

Phone: (284) 495-4168 Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Bareboats BVI