FREEDOM is a brand new Lagoon 52 luxury sailing catamaran and a result of close collaboration between the architects at Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost, the Italian Nauta Design agency and the Lagoon design department. They have yet again succeeded in creating that which embodies everything charterers could want from a catamaran – luxurious on board living, comfort, safety, user friendliness and performance under sail.
The soft shades, fluent lines and luxurious materials give both the interior and exterior of this fabulous yacht a generous and open feel. FREEDOM boasts a fantastic aft deck with plenty of space for al fresco dining and provides a wonderful platform from which to use the yachts many water toys. Inside, her calm exterior offers a tranquil space to relax after an invigorating days sailing.
She is a firm favourite here at Boatbookings and comes highly recommended with Charter Broker Adam says that “the owner barred no expense in the production of this yacht. It provides guests the finest of luxuries through out and the captain on board is one of the very best around.
Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding and Water Skiing in Privateer Bay
Alex and Carla do their utmost to make the final day a fun one, to counteract the sadness of having to leave behind this magical charter. They start the day with a light breakfast and then a cruise around the point to Privateer Bay, a quiet place with a nice reef where we had our final snorkel, water ski and paddle board excursion.
Afterwards, we were greeted with Eggs Benedict, as a final celebration brunch. What could be better?
Back to Road Town 🙁
Sailing back to Road Town from Norman Island
All good things have to come to an end, but we at least still had a nice sail across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Road Town. We all sat on the front deck, and enjoyed the sail and wind in our faces – no one said a word.
We had one final strawberry daiquiri on the deck, took pictures, and said our thank you’s to Alex and Carla, promising to be back as soon as possible. We also signed their guest book, reading other entries which clearly showed that everyone else had a similarly great time on Souls Calling!
Alex, being Alex, anchored as close as possible to the Ferry Building, and then dinghy’ed us over to the Ferry so that we literally only had to walk 10 feet to get on the Boat. It was so nice to not have to hassle with taxis and hauling luggage at the end of the charter.
Final Anchoring spot in Road Town right by the Ferry BuildingThumbs up from a happy charterer
Sadly, this is our final full day on Souls Calling. But in many ways, we’ve saved the best for last!
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, and the Soggy Dollar Bar
We woke up to the quiet and beauty of White Bay, with only a few other boats there. The first activity was for the kids to snorkel the bay looking for “soggy dollars” – a lot of people lose dollar bills when swimming to and from their boats, and it’s fun to try to find them. We collected $7, and saw a beautiful stingray swimming along the bottom, as well as many other fish.
We then took a walk down the beach to the eastern end, which is pristine and much quieter – a perfect walk to reflect on the past week at the BVI.
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke – a view of the Eastern Beach
This beach is also home to “Ivans Stress Free Bar” – which has thousands of shells incorporated in its construction and is, well, stress free.
Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, White Bay, Jost Van DykeWhy Worry? A sign at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar
We continued our walk to the end of the beach and climbed the hill to get a good view of the magnificent White Bay panorama.
Back to the Boat, it was time to hit the Soggy Dollar Bar (and t-shirt shop). It was quiet in the early morning, which gave us the time to enjoy the hammocks and beautiful views of the boats.
Souls Calling, as seen from the Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke
We spent the entire day at the White Bay, including lunch and the requisite “painkiller” drink, which was created there, and watched the scene of dozens of boats arriving, partying, then leaving a few hours later.
The party scene at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
It is clear why the Soggy Dollar Bar always makes the top 10 list of the world’s best beach bars.
Back to the Bight
In order to get to Road Town by noon tomorrow we wanted a short final sail, so we headed back to the Bight, Norman Island, in the late afternoon.
The route passes the West End of Tortola, with a nice view some of the villas and Soper’s Hole, then past St Johns to Norman Island.
We anchored in the Bight and Captain Alex saved his best surprise for last. He invented what he calls “Halyard Jumping”, where he attaches a water ski handle to the halyard, then another line to his dinghy. The jumper gets in the water next to the boat, grabs onto the water ski handle, and then Alex floors the dinghy away from the boat. Physics prevails, and you are vaulted out of the water approximately 50 feet in the air, for an exhilarating ride and view of all the boats in the Bight. You can choose to jump, or simply ease back into the water.
Alex keeps this for last, because it gets rid of the last day blues, and he knows that if he did it on the first day, that’s all the kids would want to do!
Halyard Jumping in the Bight
Halyard jumping was a fantastic treat for the last night, then a beautiful lasagne dinner prepared by Carla. The perfect final day in the BVI!
This morning we took a taxi over to Loblolly Bay, which is known for it’s beautiful beach, relaxed lifestyle and beautiful snorkeling on the reef. On the way we got a glimpse of the famous pink Flamingos on the north end of the island.
This beach at Loblolly Bay is on the Atlantic side of Anegada, so there are larger breakers. There is a small hotel there, with individual bungalows, and a bar/restaurant area.
Loblolly Bay, Anegada
A shaded bench at Loblolly BayThe white sandy beach at Loblolly Bay
Sailing to Little Jost Van Dyke
Loblolly Bay took the whole morning, and after returning to the boat for a “cheeseburger in paradise”, we set sail for the long run down to Little Jost Van Dyke. This is a long sail of approximately 3 hours, and because it’s with the wind it is normally calm. It’s good to scan the sea, as often whales and dolphins are spotted.
Sailing toward Little Jost Van Dyke, with a view of whales and the north coast of Tortola
We anchored at Manchioneel Bay, on Little Jost Van Dyke. It is has a small beach with a wind-battered out-of-business bar that is tended by a scarecrow (don’t ask, it’s the BVI), and is quite remote. We chose it because it was the perfect place for a bonfire and dancing on the beach without bothering anyone. It is also very close to the Bubbling Pools and Sandy Spit, two of our destinations for tomorrow.
Bonfire on the Beach, Manchioneel Bay, Little Jost Van Dyke
The North Sound Virgin Gorda is well protected by islands and reefs, so there are few waves there, making it ideal for water sports. Alex brought out the armada after breakfast, and we spent the morning waterskiing, paddle boarding, wind surfing and kayaking around the beautiful bay. Then after lunch, a one tack sail up to Anegada, which take a bit over an hour in the fresh trade winds.
Watersports in North Sound Virgin Gorda
As mentioned, Souls Calling has a full complement of great water toys, which are a treat for everyone, especially the kids. We spent the entire morning paddle boarding, tubing, water skiing, kayaking, and just hanging out in his large float behind the boat. Alex drove expertly, and got everyone up on skis. Needless to say, we all were happy and a bit tired by lunchtime.
A few of the water Toys aboard Souls CallingTubing in North Sound Virgin Gorda
The Sail to Anegada
The constant and predictable trade winds make for an easy, single tack open water sail up to Anegada, which takes a bit over an hour sailing at 8 – 9 knots. Leaving the Bitter End Yacht Club, you pass by Necker Island, the exclusive island that is owned by Richard Branson and was hit by lightning in 2012 and is in the process of rebuilding.
Rebuilding on Necker IslandOur companion Lagoon 450 in full sail up to Anegada (Virgin Gorda behind)
Anegada
Anegada is dramatically different from all the other islands in the BVI chain. It is entirely coral, as opposed to volcanic, and so very flat with little vegetation.
Approaching Anegada
Anegada is known for it’s flock of flamingos, which you can see from a bus on a trip to Loblolly Bay, snorkeling on its reefs, long white beaches, and fresh caught grilled lobster dinners. The island is one of our favorite stops in the BVI, although some people find it a bit remote and quiet for their liking.
You’re also nearly guaranteed to get a beautiful sunset from your mooring.
Sunset on Anegada
We took the dingy ashore and had an excellent lobster dinner – there are 5 restaurants that are happy to serve you. It’s a good idea, however, to call ahead for reservations so you’re not disappointed.
FREEDOM is a brand new Lagoon 52 luxury sailing catamaran and a result of close collaboration between the architects at Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost, the Italian Nauta Design agency and the Lagoon design department. They have yet again succeeded in creating that which embodies everything charterers could want from a catamaran – luxurious on board living, comfort, safety, user friendliness and performance under sail.
