Sailing the BVI

[Wyndell]

I have been offered an opportunity to be a vacation captain in the BVI next year. I am an avid sailor --- trained & experienced --- on the San Francisco Bay. I know that there will be an itinerary for the trip but could anyone provide experience-related navigation or seamanship while there?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Wyndell

[Franc]

Lucky you! I always refer to the BVIs as "The Disneyland for Sailors". Sailing there is easy, safe and packed with lots of unique fun things to do, one right next to the other. Unlike the North East, there is almost no tide, no currents, very few marinas (mostly moorings) and the wind tends to be always from the same direction and speed. You'll hear about The Baths, Willy-Ts, Foxy's, the Wreck of the Rhone, the Bitter End, etc. which are all just a few hours apart. No wonder they call it The Sailing Capital of the Caribbean!

[Wyndell]

Thanks!!! I have perused several resources (... Coast Pilot, vacation information, etc...) about the current & the wind, as well as reviewed last year's itinerary for the locations but are there any 'unique' items of interests off the radar.... or ... tips on 'timing' to the mooring areas for best results?

[Franc]

In terms of tips: Get to the Wreck of the Rhone early in the morning before the moorings are taken (when I was there you couldn't spend the night at those moorings). Another anchorage "off te beaten path" is the one South of Peter Island, by Key Point. Not sure this still holds true but 6 years ago, that was one of the few spots where you could not see any artificial light at night, providing the best spot to look at the stars.

By the way, you should definitely get this guide: BVI guide

[Veranda]

Don't sweat the navigation. Its all almost line of sight. Sometimes an island in the foreground will overlap with one further away and you won't realize that they're 2 separate islands until you come abreast and see the gap.

The charter company will provide a simple chart and usually a skippers briefing. Attend it, they'll point out places that look okay on the chart but they will also point out spots the company wants you to avoid. They also might suggest a typical route. We saw what they were suggesting and moved ahead of the pack by hitting the seconds night anchorage on the first night. This kept us a day ahead of all the other boats that headed out on the same day. Then we did the first nights anchorage on the last night. It was a counterclockwise route.

We also hit Anegada which I would consider the only remotely challenging thing about the BVI's. If headed to the Baths I would suggest an early arrival as the mooring balls there were the only place that seemed to fill up.

We had planned to retire in 2010, sell everything, buy a cruising boat and sail into the sunset. Our charter in the BVI's was in 2004 and on the plane trip home we scrapped those plans. We sold the boat we had at the time, bought our cruiser and sailed off in 2006, the BVI's forced our hand, we couldn't wait until 2010. So beware.

Seriously, its loads of fun. I know there's some pressure on the "captain". Just remember theres a million flakes that have no idea what their doing and they do just fine.

I second the referral of the Cruising Guide to the BVI. It'll give you something to drool over until you get there. It has great overhead shots of all the major anchorages.

Bill
s/v Veranda

[Wyndell]

Thank you two for the advice!!!

I like to be prepared for things and like to take it casual from there. Though I know there is technology aboard, I tend to be rather 'ole-school by using paper maps, danger & back ranges, and understand the 'nature' of things. When I get there, I will see how much time & effort it takes to get to Key Point & Wreck of the Rhone from near points, especially if I have to get there early.

Again... thanks for the suggestions.

Wyndell