BVI 2018

We recently returned from a sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands. This was our first trip back after hurricane Irma hit the islands in September of 2017. We had visited the islands in 2015 and were anxious to see how the reconstruction was coming along. The people of the BVI have a lot of spirit and we were happy to return to help with the tourism.

This time we rented a 40-foot catamaran from The Moorings out of Road Town, Tortola. We went with our good friends Bruce & Karen and were joined by our friends Bob & Stacey. This trip would be a good mixture of sailing and snorkeling with a little island exploration. Our itinerary included a stop on the hook at Peter Island, mooring ball at Leverick Bay, mooring ball at Anegada Island, on the hook again at Camanoe Island, mooring ball in Jost, mooring ball Normans Island then a final night on the ball in Cooper Island before our return.

Mooring Base

The Moorings base is pretty busy. I'm happy to report that they have done a great job repairing the base but there is much work to be done. You can still see a lot of sunken boats and boats on the shores. It is not like the BVI of 2015 but they are ready for your visit.

Breakfast before the first sail

Still stunning

Ruth, Stacey & Bob

We had great weather for sailing all week. Wind speed between 15 and 25 knots with some squalls hitting over 35 knots. Waves were reasonable with 3-5 foot seas with the occasional 8 footer. The motion of the catamaran is different but it definitely rolls around a bit. There's no way you are leaving  your coffee on the table and expecting it to stay put during sailing. The accommodations when you are at anchor are extremely comfortable but after this trip we prefer monohulls.

Gorgeous (lady & scenery)

Here we are just off the Baths. This is the number one tourist attraction in the BVI and is not to be missed. Interesting snorkeling and rock formations. Grab a ball early as it tends to fill up.

Stacey & Bob having fun

The Baths

Leverick Bay

Scene on Leverick Bay. This is in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda and the other resorts have been completely destroyed. They are busy rebuilding Saba Rock and the Bitter End Yacht Club and it was very sad to see the destruction the hurricane caused to this part of the island.

Open ocean out to Anegada

 Our last time we did not make it out to Anegada Island and we definitely wanted to go there this time. Conditions on the island were pretty good and it is only 12 nautical miles from North Sound to the harbor. It is a low lying island so make sure you check your bearings and stay well away from horseshoe reef. The sail went fast and the open ocean was rolling a bit but not too bad. Easy sail and a highly recommended stop.

Ruth at Anegada

Anegada

The mooring field at Anegada is pretty busy. We took the free shuttle to the Anegada Beach Club and the place is beautiful. For dinner I had a full Anegada lobster with all the trimmings. It's not like Maine lobster, but still delicious.

Great sunset

Lee Bay

We definitely needed a quiet stop after Anegada and decided on staying on the hook at Lee Bay, Camanoe Island. There was only one other boat behind us and I dove on the anchor to make sure we were secure. Great stop with a nice breeze and no rolling during the night.

Sunset - Lee Bay

Great Harbor

Next stop was Great Harbor on Jost. We walked the town and they are definitely still suffering from the hurricane although spirits are high. Foxy's was open and we had a nice lunch and dinner ashore. Make sure you visit the local establishments if you go. It was also time to purchase another 100 gallons of water.

Bruce & Bob checking that we are secure

The ladies

Showing some skin

The Indians

After a night on Normans Island we got up early and moored by the Indians. This is a fantastic snorkeling location and we were the second boat there. Definitely pays to get there early and this spot is not to be missed.

Rainbow of USVI

Ruth enjoying helm time

Captains Bruce & Drew looking over the situation

Sunset

Having fun yet?

Great game of Jenga

Wow

This was a great trip and the BVI is definitely worth a stop again. There is still a recovery process going on but I can't say enough about how beautiful the island and the people are. Make sure you provision well in Tortola because there is not much in the out islands. It is different from the days before the hurricane but the people and the island are slowly bouncing back. We did 110 nautical miles for the week and got to see if we wanted to buy a catamaran or monohull for our boat. I'm happy to report we are leaning towards a monohull.

Happy Sailing!