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Welcome to your exclusive CYC BVI’s Page!
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The British Virgin Islands, part of a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean, is a British overseas territory comprising 4 main islands and many smaller ones. The BVI's are known as one of the best sailing cruising grounds and yachting destinations in the world due to consistent prevailing winds, waters sheltered from ocean swells and reef-lined beaches. The largest island, Tortola, is home to the capital, Road Town, and rainforest-filled Sage Mountain National Park. On Virgin Gorda island is the Baths, a labyrinth of beachside boulders. Other infamous spots include the Soggy Dollar Bar, Willie T's, The Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock, and The Wonky Dog, to name a few.
Here’s what you need to know:
Arrival Details
Your sailing trip is fast approaching, and we are EXCITED, as you should be! Preparations have been under way for some time now and as we continue to ‘trim our sails’ and dial in your island-hopping adventure, we just wanted to touch base on a wide range of topics, share some important information, and provide some good vibes about sailing and how best to enjoy your island hopping adventure!
Rally Point & Check In:
Waterfront Drive Sea Cow Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
GPS POSITION: 18° 24′ 26″ N / 064° 37′ 59″ W
OPENING HOURS: 8:00am – 5:00pm. If arriving after hours, please inform us at least 24 hours in advance.
Contacts
BASE MANAGER: Thierry Ote | Phone: +1 284 340 3297 | Email: thierry@navigare-yachting.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Avril Hypolite | Phone: +1 284 346 5632 | Email: avril@navigare-yachting.com
EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
Base emergency telephone number: +1 (284) 346 8601/5643/5632
Marina telephone number: +1 284 394 2512 ext 1
Coastguard emergency telephone number: +1 284 499 0911
VHF base channel: 74
VHF marina channel: 74
VHF emergency channel: 16
Airports:
Fly into Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), Beef Island, Tortola. It is about a 30 minute drive from the airport to the marina.
You may also fly into the USVI’s, St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie. There is a public ferry to Road Town, Tortola where you may grab a taxi to the marina (20 minute drive).
Airport transfers available upon request. Private water taxis may also be scheduled. Please contact us for details.
Passports: Please make sure your passport is up to date and valid for the duration of your stay.
Provisions: Stock up in the local supermarket (hire a driver w/ a van) or save time and hassle by ordering online in advance.
Bobby’s Marketplace online or using their provisioning services.
Riteway Food Market online or by email at provisionrtw@rtwbvi.com.
Local Weather: Tune in to the daily weather forecasts in English on CaribWx (ZBVI radio 780 AM).
CRUISE TRACK & TRAVEL TIPS
CRUISING GROUNDS
Lesser Antilles ~ Leeward Islands ~ British Virgin Islands
Island History: This trip takes you to some of the oldest islands in the Lesser Antilles. 100 million years ago, the Atlantic plate subducted underneath the Caribbean plate near the Puerto Rico Trench which, over time, caused the Virgin Islands to form as a volcanically active arc. The Virgin Islands are part of this oceanic volcanic arc that starts with Cuba and ends with Trinidad, off the coast of Venezuela.
WEATHER
General Conditions: Sailing conditions in the BVIs are typically quite pleasant.
Prevailing Winds: The prevailing winds, known as the Trade Winds, blow predominantly from the east or northeast at 15 knots or so. During the winter months (Nov-Feb), the wind velocity can increase to a steady 20 – 30 knots, veering to the NNE. These winds are typically referred to as the Christmas Winds.
Typical Swell: Surf Forecasts
Tides: The tidal range is up to 3.5ft. and care is needed as the water can have very shallow depths.
Storms:
Historical Weather (Averages by month)
Marine Forecasts:
VHF: You can check on VHF Channel 16 at 8 AM to see which channel will broadcast the weather.
Or ask on the VHF, and someone will tell you what time to listen.
By Internet: SailFlow
CRUISE TRACK
Finalization of your cruise track won’t be determined until the day of departure, however a tentative itinerary is in place and as with any sail trip, adjusting on the fly may be part of the fun.
Please keep in mind that you won’t be able to see and do it all in a week. It’s best to pick the ports that call to you the most, add them to your tentative cruise track & consider any extra ports of call a bonus.
Also keep in mind that being flexible is important on any sail trip. Weather may force certain changes, updates to cruising guides may warn against certain anchorages, and so on. Safety first...
The islands that will be within your reach are Tortola; Virgin Gorda; Norman, Peter, and Cooper Islands; Jost Van Dyke; Anegada; and several smaller islands.
To give you an idea of the flow, below is a suggested cruise track for a one-week charter, however your trip may vary.
Day 1: Overnight at the marina and get to know your boat. You can relax and grab a bite to eat at the resort bar and use the resort facilities.
Day 2: Head to Virgin Gorda and the Baths Marine Park for a snorkel or hike to Devil’s Bay through the maze of giant boulders on the beach and grab a bite at Top of the Baths on the way. Make for North Lee Bay, Fallen Jerusalem, for amazing swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. End the day at Virgin Gorda’s “North Sound” and enjoy drinks and dinner at the Bitter End Yacht Club, Saba Rock or Leverick Bay Resort and Marina. You can also stock up on water and ice there.
Day 3: Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. Try the native lobsters at The Wonky Dog, rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel or conch at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay. In November, you can join in the fun of the famous two-day lobster festival.
Day 4: Visit Monkey Point, Guana Island, for amazing snorkeling and turtle spotting. The National Park moorings are still there.
Day 5: Make for Sandy Cay National Park and anchor off White Bay, Jost van Dyke, to visit the array of famous bars. Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar to try their infamous painkiller cocktail, or head to Foxy’s and Corsairs at Great Harbor.
Day 6: Sail to Soper’s Hole and grab a bite to eat at Pusser’s Landing or Omar’s Cafe. Sail around to the Indians Marine Park for snorkeling, near Peter Island, and overnight at Norman Island’s The Bight, Kelly’s Cove, Privateer Bay and Soldier Bay or anchor in deep water at Benures Bay. Remember to jump off the Willie T.
Day 7: Explore the caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck, RMS Rhone that sank in 1867. Head to Cooper Island and Cistern Point for snorkeling or Hallovers Bay.
Day 8: Back to the marina, to disembark.
The above suggested cruise tracks provide you with a sense of the pace/flow. Each island brings something slightly different, and it should be noted that you won’t be able to hit every single spot, nor would you want to. The idea is to fully enjoy each island that you do decide to port at, and you will see a lot!
Changes in plans can sometimes occur due to wind speed, wind direction and weather.
Navigating: You will primarily be navigating by way of GPS and line-of-sight, along with some chart plotting.
Passages: The passages between the islands will be open ocean passages, and in some cases, relatively short hauls, while in other cases some fairly long hauls (1⁄2 day +). Ideally, you want to space the long hauls out.
HIGHLIGHTS & CRUISING NOTES
TORTOLA:
Trellis Bay (East End): Mooring balls available. Protected anchorage. Serviceable dinghy dock, snorkeling and establishments on shore.
Soper’s Hole (West End): Good re-provisioning harbor through the Thatch Island pass separating the USVI’s and the BVI’s.
SCRUB ISLAND:
Scrub Island Resort: A beautiful property. Fantastic restaurant. Day/Evening pool use. Fully operational. Marina slips available. Radio or call ahead for reservations.
GUANA ISLAND:
Monkey Point: This is a nice place to anchor, snorkel, have lunch and go ashore (beach access only).
VIRGIN GORDA:
The Baths: These are a must do on any BVI sail trip! Depending on weather conditions, you can take a mooring ball and dinghy to shore, or swim. If the winds aren’t cooperating, you can grab a slip at the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor and take a short taxi ride over to The Baths. There are facilities as well as a restaurant & bar at trailhead to Devil’s Bay. Bring only waterproof items (or a dry bag) on the hike.
These natural rock formations make for an excellent place to wade in the water and take amazing pictures under the boulders. Parents & kids alike will love this stop.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor: Don’t mind the name as it’s not all that nice, however it is a great place to grab a slip for the night and access Spanish Town, Taxi’s, The Baths, showers, etc. Centrally located in Spanish Town (host to several great restaurants and bars).
Sweet Ice Willy Tours: We recommend taking a land tour of Virgin Gorda w/ Sweet Ice Willy. He will pick you up in a fun vehicle and provide you with a good lay of the land, take you to some beautiful lookouts & make sure you enjoy your time on his island. I would also recommend requesting a stop to have lunch at Hog Heaven, a fun BBQ place up in the hills overlooking Virgin Gorda Sound. You can see Necker Island (Richard Branson’s Island) and much more. As a final stop for the evening, it might be nice to wrap up at Coco Maya, a beautiful beach side restaurant. We suggest making reservations in advance.
Leverick Bay Resort & Marina: (South Virgin Gorda Sound): This could be another fun port, especially with kids. Each night typically features something festive. Marina slips available. Radio or call ahead for reservations. Pool, resort & dining facilities ashore.
Oil Nut Bay: A beautiful resort. Day passes and day use is available for the resort’s pool, restaurants, bars, amenities, etc. Plan to arrive early in the day due to logistical reasons and ask your Captain to coordinate a shuttle from the dinghy dock to the resort. There is good snorkeling in nearby Deep Bay.
RE-OPENED: Prickly Pear Island Sandbox Beach Bar, Bitter End Yacht Club, and Saba Rock (North Virgin Gorda Sound).
JOST VAN DYKE
White Bay: Home of the famed Painkiller Cocktail @ the also famed Soggy Dollar Bar. This is a must do on most people’s lists as it is located on a beautiful beach with fun establishments nearby and good vibes all around. No ATMs are available on the island.
Great Harbor: Home of the famed Foxy’s Bar. Great Harbor is larger and slightly more built up than White Bay with more establishments, including Corsairs ‐ another CYC favorite. No ATM’s available. *Foxy’s Old Year’s Eve Party is known worldwide and does get crowded. If attending, plan to arrive early.
Sandy Island: A nice day stop offshore JVD. Sandy Cay: Another nice day stop offshore JVD.
Bubbling Pool: Accessed from Little Harbor on JVD, a relatively easy hike takes you to a unique bubbling pool and swimming hole. Turtles frequent Little Harbor quite regularly. Foxy’s Taboo, an outpost of Foxy’s, is found here.
NORMAN ISLAND:
Pirate’s Bite: A protected harbor with a large mooring field and a very nice beach restaurant.
Willie T’s, home of the famed Willie T’s floating bar, is back at The Bite. Fun during the day & wild at night.
The Indians: A rock outcropping with mooring balls, good snorkeling and SCUBA.
PETER ISLAND:
Deadman’s Bay Beach: A nice day anchorage, however Peter Island is a private island resort. Shore access is limited.
SALT ISLAND:
The Wreck of the RMS Rhone: A good wreck for SCUBA divers. The Rhone is an old mail carrier ship that went down in a storm. Partly submerged and partly below water. Visibility & depth varies.
COOPER ISLAND:
Cooper Island Rum Bar: A fantastic rum bar. Mooring balls available. Not good for anchoring.
ANEGADA:
The Wonky Dog: Relax & Unwind! Simple, slow and fantastic. If you’re craving lobsters, this is the place to do it. The Wonky Dog is simple, rustic and a CYC favorite, however there are several restaurants dotting the beach adjacent to the mooring field that are all fun. A jolly mon will most certainly come out to your boat and try to sing you into having supper with them... The approach to the harbor is difficult.
Cow Wreck Beach: A fantastic beach, a small bar, and nothing else. Taxi required.
Loblolly Beach: Slightly more going on than Cow Wreck Beach and another nice spot. Taxi required.
*Anegada is off the beaten path and a bit farther out of sailing reach. Sailing to Anegada comes with the opportunity costs of visiting other islands.
IF YOU ARE ARRIVING EARLY OR STAYING LATE
Pre-Sail & Apres’ Sail Hotels (captAIN Pete’s Picks):
TORTOLA:
Fish 'N' Lime (West End)
Frenchman's Cay (West End)
Sugar Mill (West End)
Sebastians (West End)
Myetts (West End - Cane Garden Bay)
Rhymers Beach Hotel (Mid Island - North Shore)
Fort Recovery (Mid Island - South Shore)
Fort Burt (Mid Island - Road Bay)
Lambert Beach Resort (East End)
Surf Song (East End)
Beef Island Guest House (East End, Near Airport)
Scrub Island Resort (Off Island - $$$$)
ST. THOMAS: The Island Beachcomber Hotel (Near Airport)
St. Thomas Ferry Schedules:
For those flying into St. Thomas, you may want to pre-book a ferry ticket to/from Tortola. You may email CYC directly if you would like any help or suggestions with this. There are multiple operators and a few different port of call options (on both St. Thomas & Tortola). https://www.bvitourism.com/inter-island-ferries
Airport Shuttle & Taxi Information:
Once curbside at EIS, you can grab any van or taxi just outside the terminal after you clear customs OR you can call on my list of vetted vendors to pre-arrange transportation & pick-ups. The walk from the airport to Trellis Bay is just a few minutes. You may be asked to share a taxi with other folks if you’re in a small group. This is quite common. If not going directly to the boat and requiring a taxi, you’ll find most drivers are reputable in the BVI’s but always pre-negotiate the fare first & try to find a jolly mon. It should cost ~$30.00 / passenger (in a group van) to get to most places, as the fares are regulated.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE BVI’s:
Explore the Baths National Park: If you’re a strong swimmer, visit this natural wonder by boat and swim to shore to explore the maze of natural rock formations on Virgin Gorda during your BVI sailing vacation. Enjoy a meal at the Top of the Baths restaurant.
Taste the lobster on Anegada: Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. Try the native lobster and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel, or conch at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay.
Dive at Rhone Marine Park: One of our top things to do in the BVIs is to explore the Caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck, RMS Rhone that sank in 1867. This is also a renowned diving spot and one of the most popular in the BVIs.
Fireball Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay: If you’re lucky enough to be vacationing during a full moon, don’t miss this lively yet family-friendly beach party, complete with music, food, drinks and flaming fireball sculptures.
Embrace Jost Van Dyke’s beach bars: Carry on to Jost Van Dyke while you’re sailing the British Virgin Islands, moor at White Bay and swim up to the beach to try one of the famous Painkiller cocktails from the Soggy Dollar Bar. At Great Harbour, Foxy’s and Corsairs beach bar and restaurant have a lively atmosphere.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Cell Phone & Computer Guidelines:
We typically encourage guests to put their cell phones and computers away or for them to remain off, other than for taking photos and playing music. Mobile data and roaming charges can add up, we have a limited amount of power onboard that we can consume before having to run either the generator (noisy) or the engines (noisy), but more importantly - part of sailing is disconnecting from our land lives and enjoying the company of the people we are with. If you must make calls, check emails, log onto social media or send text messages, as a courtesy to your fellow shipmates - please go down below or set aside some time while ashore.
VHF & 2-Way Radios (AKA Walkie Talkies):
Close range, unobstructed, ship to shore radios come in fairly handy on the water. Each Captain, Mate and/or Ambassador (on a flotilla) will have one in order to communicate between ships, help find people and work any tender traffic.
Group Communications:
Starting a group WhatsApp text thread is a best practice in order to help coordinate any last minute travel or lodging plans, and to keep in touch while on-island.
Texting For Free While Abroad:
We recommend downloading WhatsApp for free on your devices and have recipients back home do the same.
Calling International From The U.S.
Your most affordable options are typically Skype-like options.
Placing Calls While Abroad:
WiFi calls are certainly your most affordable option, but many service providers offer international plans for as little as 20 cents/minute with free text and data push. If you need access to your phone while away, check with your phone service carrier prior to travel for regional service plans, or you may simply use the phone as a paper weight ☺
Internet
Wifi is available at the charter base and various bars, restaurants, and hotels along the way. Cell service is good in some areas, and not as good in other more sparsely populated areas. We suggest using your phone in airplane mode, as much as possible.
PACKING TIPS
Pack Light And Tight!: Most people bring more than they need! The BVI’s are laid back for the most part. To that end, high heels (ladies) and dress shoes (gents) are not required. We recommend bringing a couple of nice articles of clothing for evenings in “town” and/or dinner reservations. The rest of the time is really casual (think flip flops and bathing suits for the most part). You will also occasionally be getting wet and taking on spray, so be prepared for that.
Simple Packing List:
t-shirts
shorts
2 or 3 dressier outfits (sundresses, 1-2 pairs of pants w/ 1-2 dress shirts)
a few bathing suit(s)
a light rain jacket
sweatshirt
fleece or lightweight sweater
1 pair of flimsy pants, sweat pants, yoga pants or sarong
1 pair of sneakers
1 pair of flip flops or flats
sunscreen
sunglasses
a hat
your toiletries
passport
money
medications
Not Recommended:
High Heels: Wearing high heels on board is a sure fire way to twist an ankle and/or fall into the drink. Be casual and comfortable.
Hairdryers: They draw a lot of amperage and can easily cause a short or blow a fuse, which isn’t good. Please coordinate by bringing and sharing one or two “travel” hairdryers (specifically made to draw low amps).
Forbidden: *You will be visiting a foreign country. No drugs or firearms are allowed.*
Collapsible Duffel Bags: These types of bags are definitely key and the way to go as opposed to hard-wheeled, rigid cased bags that don't stow well in your cabin. Keep in mind that you and your cabin mate will have to find a place to live with whatever you bring into your quarters. Keep it low maintenance. Keep it simple.
Carry-On, If Possible: Try to purchase travel size sunscreens, hair products, etc., so that you can carry-on, especially when connecting with a layover. This reduces the chances of the airline losing your luggage.
Passports: You will need to clear customs. Please make sure that your passports are current with an expiration date of no less than 6 months from your final clearance date back into the United States.
Seasickness / Nausea: If you're worried about getting seasick, the best remedy or prevention, from what we’ve seen is the patch that goes behind your ear (a doctor’s prescription is required). You also should refrain from consuming too much food or alcohol while underway if you are prone to seasickness. That said, unless the Christmas Winds are blowing (strong Northerlies), you should expect fair seas and great weather in the 80’s.
Something Fun For The Group: We recommend that everyone pack at least one fun item for the group. It could be anything from magazines, mad-libs, playing cards, homemade holiday cookies, personalized drinking cups, floats, lights for the boat, bluetooth speakers to a guitar, harmonica, musical instrument, Mexican wrestling mask, Darth Vader mask, mankini, piñata, set of dominoes, and/or noise makers. It’s good mojo, good karma, and overall great for morale…plus, as many a Captain likes to say "the beatings will continue until morale improves!" ☺
ELECTRONICS
Power Cords: It’s a good idea to coordinate on some things such as cigarette lighter / car type chargers for both iPhones and Androids, as most boats are equipped with that type of input somewhere on the main panel. You should also plan to bring a few auxiliary input cords to use in order to connect your various devices to the boat speakers.
Adapters: In most places, you will need a regionalized outlet adapter for typical 120V U.S. type plugs. Some outlets and establishments might support 120 volt U.S. standard plugs.
Powering Down: When you’re not using your devices, it’s a good idea to turn them off or put them into airplane mode in order to conserve power. We also recommend keeping them tucked away so that they don’t fall overboard. Charging will be limited while on board so if you must have a charge, plan to bring a backup battery pack or remote charger to cover your needs.
ACCOUTREMENT
Headlamps: Camping style headlamps are low cost and helpful for reading, using the head and fumbling around at night. It is preferable if you can find one with a red light filter (a bright white light shined in someone's eyes while sailing at night can ruin their night vision for up to 30 minutes or more).
Go-Pros: These are fun to have for your in-water adventures.
Portable Projectors: An iPhone or Android projector might be a neat add. If the conditions are just right - no wind, no moon, and no light pollution - you can try to project a slideshow onto your jib one night.
Drones: High winds and salt water are tough on Drones, but they do capture some neat footage. We don’t recommend bringing one, unless you’re ok losing it. Kites have worked better in the past.
Additional:
Having a paddle board or a kayak is nice for exploring the surrounding motus. A limited number of kayaks, paddle board and fishing rods are available for rent at the marina. It is advisable to book them at least a few weeks in advance. Please let us know if this is desired.
During your passages between the islands, you may find tuna, mahi-mahi and other pelagic fish, which can be caught and they are all good to eat. Do not eat any coral fish as they could be poisonous (Ciguatera). You also do not want to step on, or touch, anything that is poisonous. Ask your skipper, if you have questions.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Linens: There is no need to pack beach towels, bath towels, face towels, bed sheets, blankets or pillows. These items are all included. Your yacht may also have clothes pins and you should consider bringing colored ribbons so that everyone can mark their own towels before hanging them to dry (a best practice).
Cleaning Products: Joy dish soap (or its equivalent) is the brand of choice for most sailors. It’s a little known fact among sailors that Joy dish soap is one of the only major brand that's biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and safe to discharge into the ocean. Also, if you like talking sailor showers, as we do, it's definitely the soap of choice when you want to smell Lemony Fresh!
Snorkel Gear: Everyone should get sized up on the docks for fins, masks and snorkels before pushing off. *Please bring your dive card if you are considering SCUBA Diving. It’s not a bad idea to bring your own equipment, if you plan to snorkel often, however dive gear tends to be bulky to travel with.
*If you have any other particular questions about packing, please email CYC directly.
WHAT’S ON YOU
A Positive Attitude: There’s an old saying that says ‘the difference between an ordeal and an adventure is one’s attitude’. We cannot stress enough that THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING that you should bring on this trip is a positive attitude. A huge factor in the success of any trip does rest on you and a proper mindset can help set the stage for a great week on the water.
Grievances: Living in tight quarters with less private space than we’re used to can be a lot for some people. Because folks might be out of their comfort zones, we would suggest leaving additional ‘baggage’ ashore because we will assure you that all of our work and life issues will still be there, waiting when you return. :) What you seek is a week of warmth on the water with some salt and sun which, when mixed together just right, has a unique way of curing most all ailments. If grievances do arise on your trip, we suggest holding onto them until you have a proper chance to air them out on the water, in the dinghy, and away from those not involved.
Gratitude: There are several words that we try to keep at the forefront of our mind before, during, and after a sail trip such as the one that you are about to embark upon: gratitude, grace, humility, humbleness, kindness, respect, laughter, and of course, teamwork. These words actually describe some best practices and apply not just to one another, but also towards our fellow mariners whom you will encounter along the way, the locals who live on the islands, as well as the creatures you’ll encounter along the way. Whenever possible, CYC tries to steer our guests towards leaving a small footprint behind.
Conservation: On a boat, you must think green. You do not have an unlimited supply of power or water like you do at home. Showers, bathrooms, and water for washing dishes must be used differently than on land. Your Captain will go over these processes with you at orientation.
LANGUAGE & CULTURE
British Virgin Islanders are typically pretty cool people. They are friendly, happy, and nice folks. Try to be chill and understand that when you’re on island time - people move slowly. It is their way of life. Try not to be in a rush and go in with the expectation that food orders and drinks will come out slowly. That’s just the way it is in most island environments. You’re much better off going with the flow, giving yourself some extra time, and getting on their speed, rather than trying to get them on your speed. Try not to over plan or be in a rush. Relax and have a lime!
Tipping: Tipping is customary in The BVI’s, and you should tip according to the quality of service you receive. Bellboys and porters usually receive $1 per bag, while most other servers (waiters, taxis, etc.) receive 15%. Be advised that many establishments include the gratuity in the total.
Languages Spoken: English is the official language. You may also hear Caribbean Patois, a beautiful, local dialect combining French, Dutch, Spanish, and English.
MEDICAL
Allergies & Afflictions: Please let you skipper/steward know if you have any dietary needs, allergies or afflictions. Be aware that medical attention will be limited while at sea with decent facilities only existing on the bigger islands.
Medical Care: The boat does come with a basic first aid kit, but be sure to bring any necessary prescription drugs and specific medicine with you. Medical facilities are far and few between.
YACHTS
Yacht Features: You have an awesome yacht chartered. The sloop/catamaran you’ll be sailing on is great for these waters. It will be equipped with some of the newest creature comforts and features that modern sailboats have to offer such as a covered aft cockpit, full entertainment center, fully-equipped galley, ice box, multiple heads, a cockpit shower and a saloon table that converts into an additional double berth. *Fresh water makers and generators are not available on all yachts.
A Word About the Heads: Your skippers will go over best practices regarding proper use of the toilets.
PROVISIONS
Your yacht may be provisioned in advance (for a small delivery fee) with an assortment of fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, breakfast items, lunches, snacks, salads, beverages and several proteins/dinners. Please let us know if you prefer this option.
If anyone has any special dietary needs, please also take that into consideration, as not all items you find in the U.S. are readily available in the islands. Otherwise, you can find an assortment of healthy options to prepare with and choose from to include such items as juices, toast, bacon, eggs, pancakes, granola, yogurt, cheese, crackers, chocolate, sandwich ingredients, burgers, pastas, etc. There are a several grocery stores if you prefer to self-provision the day of the charter.
Limitations: Milk alternatives are preferred to regular milk which tends to spoil faster in the tropics, especially with the limited refrigeration capabilities on most boats. Things like ice cream are a treat to have on shore.
BEVERAGES
General: Your yacht should be provisioned with plenty of water bottles, beer, soda, mixers, ice (when available), wine, champagne, rum, vodka and an array of other island mixers.
Coffee: Although you can usually find good coffee everywhere you go, you should be prepared that most boats are equipped with your grandparents’ style percolators. They actually work fairly well, but whether or not we can make you a Caramel Macchiato or Double Decaf Half-Calf, w/ a Twist, is yet to be determined. You may have to settle for an Arab or Cowboy style coffee while at sea.
Beer: We think you’ll definitely want some “cold ones” at some point or another on the trip, so plan to stock plenty of local beers, as needed. The local beers in these islands are El Presidente & Carib.
Rum: A sailor’s staple. Need we say more? Okay, maybe a bit more… When traveling through the Caribbean airports and duty-free shops you will often find some pretty great rums for sale. Some past favorites of ours are Rhum Bologne (Guadalupe), Trigo Reserva Anejo (Puerto Rico), and Brugal Extra Viejo (Dominican Republic).
Mixers: A variety of mixers from fruit juices to seltzers and tonics should be provisioned, along with any local flavors.
*Based on what people like, you can re-provision the boat halfway through your trip with some additional items, as need be. We think everyone will be satisfied with the selections.
MISCELLANEOUS
Cleaning Products: Joy dish soap is the brand of choice for most sailors (maybe you already knew that). It’s a little-known fact among sailors that Joy dish soap is one of the original major brand that's biodegradable, environmentally friendly and safe to discharge into the ocean. Also, if you like talking sailor showers, it's definitely the soap of choice when you want to smell Lemony Fresh!
Allergies & Afflictions: Please let us know if you have any dietary needs, allergies, or afflictions.
*Based on what people like, you can re-provision the boat halfway through our trip with some additional items, as need be.
RESERVATIONS
Dinners: Reservations are recommended at some spots since the hurricane. In the past we’ve had some great meals at places like Corsairs on JVD, Saba Rock (to include the Tarpon feeding show at 5pm), the Bitter End Yacht Club (better food than Saba) &/or the Rock Café (& Tree House) on Virgin Gorda, which is/was fantastic. Several of these restaurants have not reopened yet. See updated list below.
*The Sugar Mill on Tortola is fantastic. CocoMaya & Hogs Heaven on Virgin Gorda is still great, and Anegada (if you decide to sail out there) also has a host of great spots like The Wonky Dog. The Scrub Island Resort also has a very nice restaurant.
Dock Space & Moorings: Depending on your schedule & dock availability, you can reserve slips in Spanish Town or Little Dix harbors as a way to break up your time living on ‘the hook’ or ‘the ball’ as we say. Otherwise, you should plan to be on mooring balls or the hook (at anchor) most of the time. *You’ll want reservations during the busy season.
CURRENCY
Three forms of currency are used in the British Virgin Islands; however the U.S. Dollar is widely accepted. Credit is also accepted in most places except Anegada (inconsistent connection).
Important: There are no ATM’s on Jost Van Dyke.
Bring cash or travelers checks (the safer option).
Cash is still King, however ATM's there can be iffy. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, and they often run out of money, especially on weekends and holidays. Plus, they are not always located conveniently to the hotels.
The best option overall is to use credit cards for most of your purchases and only bring some cash or travelers checks to exchange to local money (or make use of the ATM/Bank for your local money which does come in handy).
Note: alert your bank before leaving to notify them that you will be out of traveling so they don't 'freeze' your account due to suspicious activity.
If your next question is: How much cash will I need? Our answer to you is: How much fun do you want to have?? ☺
WRAP UP
We sincerely cannot wait for you to hoist your first island drink and set sail! A preemptive toast to family, friends, and all things good in this life!
We look forward to seeing you in the islands soon!
Fair Winds & Following Seas,
Captain Pete and The CYC Team!