Based in Tortola British Virgin Islands Tel: Currently Unavailable
Please select your charter dates

Start:
End:
  1. Yacht Charter Information
  2. > Sailing to Anegada

Will we be allowed to sail to Anegada?

Some BVI bareboat companies have a standard clause in their contracts stating navigation limits which specifically exclude Anegada and St. Croix. The reason for these exclusions are insurance related and hinge entirely upon the company's fleet insurance coverage. But that is not to say you can't go there!

If you are a first time yacht charter guest (with any particular charter company) and you really want to sail to Anegada, ask your yacht charter broker if it's permitted. Frequently, and if you have chartered in the BVI before (without incident) ... the company will allow it, but you may need to get a waiver from the company as an amendment to your contract. They will want to meet you first and will make their final decision after your yacht systems and chart briefings have been completed. They will want to verify your navigational abilities in person. Provided you have the knowledge required, you are good to go.

Some companies have no restrictions other than suitable weather conditions on the day you wish to make the voyage, provided of course you are qualified to bareboat in the first place.

In recent years, the channel markers leading to the Anegada anchorage have been greatly improved, making the approach much less dangerous than in former times. The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands provides some excellent information regarding the approach to Anegada and entry into the channel leading to the anchorage.

Some people will say that the voyage to Anegada is a piece of cake. True ... if you know where you are going or have been there before. However, should you find yourselves in the unfortunate position of sitting atop a reef after having holed the yacht you chartered and you are sloshing around in salt water up to your knees, you may resent the cavalier attitude with which those offering their sage advice treated this particular issue.

If you have doubts as to your ability to safely navigate to Anegada, don't do it ... at least not alone. There are plenty of other places to visit and things to do. As lovely as Anegada is, its not the end of the world if you miss it your first time here.

Another option is to hire a skipper for a day or two. Yes, you will have to pay the skipper about $175.00 to $200.00 per day plus meals ... but what price do you put on the safety of your crew, the yacht you have hired and a worry free sailing vacation? Once you have sailed to Anegada with a skipper aboard and provided you were paying attention, you will never have to worry about it again.

Another option is to join a group leaving from the North Sound on Virgin Gorda. The danger here is that you may follow somebody who has never been there and has no idea where they are going either. Make sure you know who is leading the group, their navigation and sailing experience, then do your own navigating as you go, double checking all your way points.



Last updated: Jan 5th 2015
back to top