What to See in the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, more commonly known as the BVI, is yacht charter paradise. The BVI have all of the ingredients for a perfect Caribbean sailing holiday: consistent winds, gorgeous islands, a mixture of deserted beaches, luxury hotels, shipwrecks, beach party towns and a charm that perfectly fits the tranquillity of sailing. The BVI is one of the most prestigious yacht charter destinations in the world. Here are 3 of our favourite places to visit during your BVI Yacht Charter.

Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke (colloquially referred to as JVD or Jost) is the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands, measuring roughly 8 square kilometres and is situated in the northern portion of the Virgin Islands. Jost Van Dyke lies about 8 km to the northwest of Tortola and like many of the neighbouring islands, it is volcanic in origin and mountainous.

Great Harbour and White Bay at Jost Van Dyke are perfect stops if you enjoy a cocktail or two. Have a few rounds of Pain Killers at The Soggy Dollar, home of the infamous cocktail and one of the top bars in the Caribbean. Head on to White Bay’s beach bar scene, one of the liveliest anchorages in the BVI. Hop from Coco Loco, to Seddy’s One Love, and Gertrude’s, which are just a few steps away from Ivan’s Stress-Free. An evening spent in Great Harbour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Foxy’s. Incredibly fun, it is overflowing with island character, great food, dancing and Foxy’s Fire Water Rum.

The Baths

The Baths are BVI National Park located on the southwest tip of Virgin Gorda and are known as one of the most incredible experiences of the BVI. The Baths are large clear pools of water in a cave-like atmosphere that were naturally formed by the sea washing over large granite boulders. The boulders form natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches, and scenic grottoes that are open to the sea. The largest boulders are about 40 feet long. Light plays on the water in secret rock pools, which are bordered by cool white sand pathways.

Norman Island

Norman Island is an island at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands. Norman Island is also known as Treasure Island with stories of pirate treasure being found in the Caves. A large harbour known as the Bight offers one of the most protected anchorages in the area. The Caves are just a short trip away in the tender and the snorkelling is fantastic. Norman Island is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight. With no permanent inhabitants other than wild goats, there are two restaurants on the island, Pirates Bight and The Club. Just outside of Norman Island is The Indians, an outstanding day stop for some of the best snorkelling in the BVI. The reefs showcase the most vibrant underwater life.

Contact one of our brokers today to help organise your BVI Yacht Charter!

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Where to Eat in the BVIs

The British Virgin Islands, more commonly known as the BVI, is a yacht charter paradise. The BVI have all of the ingredients for a perfect Caribbean sailing holiday: consistent winds, gorgeous islands, a mixture of deserted beaches, luxury hotels, shipwrecks, beach party towns and, of course, fantastic restaurants. 

The impeccable white sandy beaches beckon you to sit back, soak up the rays and chill out, or by the ideal sailing conditions from island to island, the culinary landscape of the BVI naturally reflects Caribbean influences that will dazzle your appetite with all you’re looking to enjoy. 

Cooper Island Beach Club

This breathtaking sunset stop is surrounded by a sandy white beach dotted with palm trees, connected by a lushly landscaped boardwalk. Happy hour, lunch and dinner menus are infused with delicious specialty options that can include Seared tuna salad and Josper grilled mahi mahi to Aberdeen Angus Steak and Vegan curry. Lunch is served between 12-3pm and dinner between 5:30 and 8:30 pm and is open between October 25th and August 11.

The connected Rum Bar has a collection of over 280 rums, meaning they have the largest selection in the Virgin Islands. Featured are a range of house-infusions, rare aged rums and classic cocktails made with rums from all over the world. Try a rum sampler board and their knowledgeable staff will explain the origins and history while you take in the atmosphere. Be sure to ask about their homemade rum infused chocolates.

Kick back on their comfy outdoor sofas and enjoy the sunshine with a cocktail. The beach bar and decked lounge faces west – perfect for watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset.

Saba Rock

Getting to Saba Rock near Virgin Gorda is just the beginning, as this tiny island resort is only accessible via yacht. Once you arrive, you’ll see why this has been a longtime favourite of both locals and tourists. The happy hour here is an especially lively scene. The food, however, is straightforward and comforting. A house specialty is Lobster Escargot, which features locally-caught Anegada lobster baked with lemon, garlic, and butter. Ben sure to take a look at one of the chef’s specialties, like the tropical beef stir fry or Caribbean spiced chicken. Wash it all down with a refreshing cocktail. Be warned that The Painkillers here are especially strong.

Note – Saba Rock has been closed since Hurricane Irma and is in the process of extensive renovations. It is slated for a reopening in the 2020 charter season!

CocoMaya

This beachfront restaurant in Virgin Gorda has a chic design – think basket pendant lighting, customised stone bar, and bamboo accents everywhere – and flavourful Asian-inspired menu of shared plates. Sip their signature cocktails in the open-air bar, or drink them right on the sand! Enjoy an exotic blend of Asian and Latin cuisines with creative twists. Try the Spicy Calamari Salad and Tempura Shrimp Lettuce Wraps or try our Sushi, including their famous CocoMaya roll.  The wine list is extensive, and the cocktail program is fun, too, with the best seller being the Cojito, a playful twist on the classic mojito that features coconut water and a coconut rim.

Contact one of our Brokers today to organise your Virgin Islands Yacht Charter.

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Women in Yachting

‘Are you okay to do that?’

I write this from the perspective of a woman who loves boats, yacht racing and all things on the water. I can safely say that the tides have not turned for women on the water. As a woman who has been brought up on boats, raced and competed in global and regional regattas and worked in the yachting industry, as soon as I get on a boat the question still remains ‘are you sure you’re okay to do that?’. The usual response is a fake smile and ‘I think I might be fine’.

I returned from a beautiful trip to Croatia a few weeks ago. Onboard there was a professional skipper, my two male colleagues and another female colleague. The two females onboard were the sailors. As soon as we stepped onboard, the boys were asked if they would be okay to help with throwing lines and assisting with the sailing in general. Growing up in Yorkshire, United Kingdom and seeing a woman who owned and took full ownership of a yacht was not a common phenomenon but it is something that certainly inspired me from a young age.

Start sailing, join a team or go on a charter with a group of women to enter into the amazing industry of sailing and yacht charter!

Women in Yachting

Florence Arthaud

She has become a household name for her solo circumnavigation on a trimaran. Her record and legend stood for many years as she inspired many women to start sailing and to stand up for the sailing capabilities.

The French sailor is the only woman to have won the Route du Rhum, a solo trans- Atlantic yacht race. This victory dominated the global news and that stole people’s hearts. The phrase to describe this victory is that ‘She demonstrated that it wasn’t just the muscle of man needed to win solo competitions. It was the brain accuracy in meteorology and working with yacht design’. Despite being involved in some of the most dangerous sailing in the world, with close calls including falling overboard in Corsica and retrieving her waterproof cellphone, she tragically was killed in a helicopter accident.

The Magenta Project

This organisation works with the aims of changing the sailing scene in women’s favour. It aims to increase the percentage of female sailors to 10% from 3% and to promote female role models within the yachting industry. https://themagentaproject.org

Chartering a yacht with a female crew

Chartering a yacht with a female crew is a very popular and growing charter request. Contact Boatbookings to help you, we are in contact with some of the best female captains and staff onboard global yachts. Boatbookings covers the globe with charter destinations and knows the best place to suit your group requirements. Boatbookings even has a female CEO, meet the team to get to know more about the brokers and team!

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You are the captain now!

Top tips for newly qualified skippers just about to embark on their first-ever bareboat charter!

Planning

Check out our bareboat charter page!

Do you have a plan A and a Plan B? Possibly a C? If not, you should probably think about jotting down at least a plan B. Things happen at sea that is sometimes out of your control, the job of a skipper is to take control of the things you can!! It’s worth, if not just for peace of mind, to have a plan B when it comes to route planning. The winds can change, the anchorage could be full, your children might be fighting or you are running low on gin whatever the reason plan for eventualities.

Questions to ask yourself

Is the Boat safe?

Bareboat charters 101

  • Are all your lines out of the water?
  • Is the gas turned off?
  • Is everything stowed away safely?
  • Is your radio on CH16?
  • Are your fenders in the lockers?
  • Do the children have lifejackets on?
  • Are your winch handles in the winch pocket and not left in the winches?
  • Are your hatches shut? Especially your deck hatches?
  • Have you checked your engine? (WOBBLE: Water, Oil, Bulge, Belts, Look (does it look okay?) Electrics)
  • Are the beers in the fridge cooling for when you are back in port?!

Crew

  • Are your crew happy?
  • Does someone onboard what to do if you go overboard?
  • Do you know where the life jackets are?
  • Does anyone in your crew know how to make a MAYDAY call?
  • Do they feel sick?
  • Have they been fed?!

**TOP TIP: You sail to the ability of the least able crew**
Sailing with children should not be seen as a daunting task, in fact, it is an incredible thing to do with your children. An idea, especially when chartering with young teens is to give them a responsibility each day. Child A is in charge of making sure all the lines are nice/throw to shore. Child B is in charge of hatches etc. Be creative. Don’t shout at them!

Challenging winds – mooring and sailing.

Check out our weather page to see when the challenging weather hits your desired sailing area.

Mooring

Mooring can undoubtedly be a stressful part of sailing. People standing on their bows waiting for you to overturn, your crew not throwing a line that hits the shore, people standing on the harbour wall screaming instructions that you cant hear. It can all get a bit much without the added stress of a crosswind. Mooring shouldn’t be stressful when everyone knows what they are doing.

**TIPS for mooring in CROSSWINDS**

  • Prep the yacht ahead of schedule. Fenders, lines and crew all appointed and aware of what they need to do.
  • Get the strongest (with the best aim) to throw the windward line. This is the most important line to get to shore first.
  • Have enough speed to combat the wind, but not so much that you can see the fear in the eyes of the person catching your lines!
  • When going astern, motor as close to the wind as possible into your spot. This gives you some drifting room if you have a gust.
  • Start going astern as far away as possible…it might look funny but this gives you so much way you have complete manoeuvrability of the yacht!

Sailing

Sailing in gusty areas or certain times of the year can be daunting to a new skipper. Particularly in Croatia where you have the Bora wind, or in Greece when you have the Katabatics running off the hills. You can experience some gusty sailing almost everywhere in the world. Read our weather page to find the best time of year to sail in your desired destination.

**Tips for GUSTY sailing**

  • Mainsheet on the winch – always. Get into the habit of having the mainsheet locked off on the winch, with the jammer (breaks) open. This allows you if need be, to dump the main which will de-power the boat thus not scaring the life out of your crew. Its a win win.
  • If you’re thinking of reefing, its time to reef. Reef before you NEED to reef. Is it the kids day to be captains? Chuck in reef! If the wind doesn’t pick up as much as you thought, great! Chuck the sails back up! Nothing worse than trying to reef in heavy winds. It scares the crew and it’ll shake you up (trust me – we’ve all been there).
  • Check the weather. It’s normal that charter companies will not allow you to sail in a predicted force 6.
  • If it’s not “reefable” weather, but the gusts are strong, appoint one of your well-fed, warm happy crew to sit with the mainsheet so they can either ease or dump.

For further information on how we support you on your first charter please email us here!

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Let’s take you sailing with Captain Ning!

The Boatbookings Brokers have delivered another fantastic summer season in the Mediterranean. Crewed Catamaran charters continue to rise in popularity; they are extremely safe for children, provide double cabins for couples and lots of sociable volumes for families. Now that the 2019 Mediterranean season has closed, where can you go this winter to escape the dark winter nights in search of paradise?

The Caribbean continues to be the popular choice for many yacht charterers, especially around the British Virgin Islands. The Grenadines are increasing popular as the season develops, but the area we would recommend for winter 2020 is South East Asia. Phuket is easily accessible from many international hubs and provides great island hopping. You will also enjoy cultural tours and mesmerising diving opportunities. Check our 7 night Phuket crewed catamaran itinerary for inspiration.

BLUE MOON is one of our favourite Lagoon catamarans in Thailand. Not only is BLUE MOON one of the newest Lagoon 52s in the area but she has a spectacular crew. Our clients rave about Captain Ning, his knowledge, experience and expertise. See a recent testimonial from one of our last charter.


M.S’s Review: 5 Stars *****

“ Captain Ning Rocks! We had an amazing family Christmas sailing from Phuket around Phang Nga bay. We made it all the way down to Koh Rok`s stunning turquoise sea and white sand beaches. The whole family love Thai food so we chose to eat Thai all week and we were amazed at how fabulous every meal was – definitely exceeded out expectations. We had never sailed on a catamaran before so we were all thrilled with how smooth she was and how much space and comfortable we were.   Captain Ning knew where to take us to and timed it to ensure we avoided the busy tourist times and best of all was when we got the sail up, turned the engine off and went with the wind…. ”

We know that you will love your time around Phuket and would really recommend taking your family and friends on a Thailand adventure over the winter months. Let the Boatbookings Broker Team help you today!

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