BVI Crewed Catamaran 7 Day Itinerary – Day 7 – Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay, Jost Van Dyke to the Bight, Norman Island

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 Dyke — Ivan’s Stress Free Bar, White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

Why Worry? A sign at Ivan's Stress Free Bar — Why 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 was a fantastic treat for the last night, then a beautiful lasagne dinner prepared by Carla. The perfect final day in the BVI!

Tomorrow – the final sail back to Tortola, and reflections on an incredible week in the BVI.

Click here to see this BVI itinerary all in one page.

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓

Experience The Glitz and Glamour of the Cannes Film Festival On Your Luxury Charter

Glitzy, glamorous and extravagant are three words that come to mind when describing the International Film Festival in Cannes. Chartering a luxury yacht during the festival period will be a very memorable experience. Mingle amongst film stars; entertain prospective clients or just soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Cannes at this glorious time of year.

The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1946 and takes place at the ‘Palais des Festivals,’ a grand conference center situated in the heart of Cannes. This year’s festival will take place between the 15th and the 26th of May. It is a 12 day cinematic extravagance where 25,000 directors, producers, distributors, publicists and film stars come together to celebrate the most prestigious film festival in the world. The Jury and the President of the film industry will award the highly coveted Palme d’Or to the film that best ‘serves the evolution of cinematic art.’ This year the President of the Jury is the award-winning American director, Steven Spielberg.

Cannes’ great blood sport is celebrity spotting. Marvel at the famous film stars and producers making their way up the red carpet at the entrance to the Palais des Festivals. It is known for crowds to build up soon after lunchtime, so stake out a place early! The Palais des Festivals is directly adjacent to the Old Port and provides the perfect opportunity to charter a luxury yacht of your choice. Chartering a yacht so close to the Palais provides on site accommodation, a chance to entertain clients and promote your brand or the possibility for a relaxing cruise along the gorgeous French Riviera.

ALIBI is a magnificent and luxurious super yacht berthed on the French Riviera. She boasts 6 beautifully designed cabins that can accommodate up to 12 guests. ALIBI is extremely spacious and is perfect for corporate events and entertaining prospective clients. Furthermore, there is an on board gymnasium, Jacuzzi and grand sun deck.

At Boatbookings,we organise luxury yacht charters all around the world with our highly qualified team. We leave no stone unturned in matching not just the yacht and the destination to your requirements but also the crew, itineraries and all other subtle aspects that comes together to create a charter of a life time!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

BVI Crewed Catamaran 7 Day Itinerary – Day 5 – Anegada to Little Jost Van Dyke

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 Bay — A shaded bench 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.

Screen-Shot-2013-04-23-at-12.29.27 — Bonfire on the Beach, Manchioneel Bay, Little Jost Van Dyke

Tomorrow – Bubbly pools, Sandy Spit, and White Bay, Jost Van Dyke.

Click here to see this BVI itinerary all in one page.

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓

Exhilarating Day Charter From Luxurious Cannes to Exclusive St Tropez

As summer is fast approaching, why not experience a luxurious day charter from Cannes to St Tropez. If you’re looking to cruise along the French Riviera in style, taste some of the finest foods, marvel at brilliant architecture or party in the the most lavish of settings, this day charter from Cannes to St Tropez is perfect for you!

From Cannes old port, visit the ‘Musée de la Castre,’ the former castle of Cannes. Originally built in the 11th century by Lerins monks, it is now a spectacular museum that exhibits the most exotic artwork collected by explorers through out Asia and the South Pacific. Wander up the castle tower and enjoy a fabulous view of Cannes harbor and its surroundings.

Cannes is a beautiful chartering destination. Leaving the old harbor, circle the bay of Cannes and admire the fancy hotels and restaurants lining the Croisette. This area is notorious for its celebrity spotting during the International Film Festival, charter a luxury yacht and feast your eyes on a number of celebrities.

Next gently cruise out to the Iles de Lerins; two picturesque islands nestled in the bay of Cannes, known for their crystal blue waters and idyllic setting. This secluded spot is perfect for snorkeling or a morning swim. If you have plenty of time, wander around the islands to see the monastery and the dungeon where the Man in the Iron Mask was held.

Head along the coast, past the sun worshipers and the golden white beaches of La Bocca and head to L’Oasis a 2*Michelin restaurant often celebrated for its gastronomical excellence. Here experience fine-dining, luscious cocktails and excellent waiter service.

As you continue past the beautiful small port towns of Theoule-sur-Mer and St Raphael known for their beaches and inland roman ruins, you will arrive at the vibrant and exclusive St Tropez. Characterized by its orange and deep red townhouses, quaint port and long stretch of white sand, St Tropez is a day chartering paradise. Pampelonne Beach, for which the town is world famous, consists of 27 private and public beaches spread over a grand distance of 67 acres. Make your reservations to any of the numerous restaurants and anchor offshore alongside the Rivas, Mangustas and hundreds of other beautiful yachts. Nikki Beach and Club 55 are two lavish beach restaurants that cater for the finest tastes. Party the day away, indulge in fine foods and relax in the sun, this day charter is perfect for everyone.

AQUA BLUE IRELAND is one of the most luxurious Sunseeker yachts berthed on the French Riviera, accommodating up to 6 guests (night) and 10 for day charter. She is the pinnacle of a luxury modern yacht and is ideal for a day charter to St Tropez.

Posted on April 22, 2013 by admin — No Comments ↓

BVI Crewed Catamaran 7 Day Itinerary – Day 4 – Virgin Gorda to Anegada

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tomorrow – Flamingos, Loblolly Bay, and Sailing to Little Jost Van Dyke, and bonfire on the beach.

Click here to see this BVI itinerary all in one page.

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Tom Virden — No Comments ↓