The
British Virgin Islands
Jan 2007
Skippers & Crew
Boats Available in de BVIs
Registration Form
Preparing for the BVIs
Pictures &
Reports from Past Regattas
BVIs Weather
No question about it - the British Virgin Islands are the best cruising grounds in the world.
Preliminary Schedule
This itinerary is subject to change based on wind and weather conditions. The red line on the map graphic below is not our route but just somewhat close.
Friday, January 19 - first sailors fly down to the BVIs a day early (always a good idea). You can book a room at the Moorings Base. Relax, unwind, get an extra day of vacation.
Saturday,
January 20 - Rest of the sailors arrive.
Skippers' Briefing You can do your Skippers
Briefing at 4 p.m. we get the boats
at 6 p.m. Check provisions.
First evening is at the dock and always a bit disheveled. If your boat has
everything, head off to town for a drink but be careful not to over do it the
first night.
Sunday, January 21 - If the weather allows, "Sail to the Top of the World " begins. Depart early morning and sail to the Baths on Virgin Gorda. At 2:30 p.m., begin walking up the hillside to the Top of the Baths Bar, high above Sir Francis Drake Passage. Look out over the beauitful vista. Have a beer. 3 p.m. Skippers' Meeting to explain the course for the "Loose Mongoose Race." Then back to the boats for a sail downwind to Trellis Bay or Marina Cay. Loose Mongoose is where the party and awards will be that evening. Frozen drinks.
Monday, January 22 - Wake up slowly. Then "Sail to North Sound". Upwind. Can be exciting if the wind is up. Along the way, you can stop at the Dogs for some snorkeling. This is the longest upwind leg of the trip. If any crew are too tired to make the sail, they can also get a ferry from Trellis Bay to North Sound. This evening, you can cook on the boat, relax and unwind. After dinner, there will be a surprise cocktail party on one of the yachts in our flotilla. The Commodore will motor by on the dinghy to tell you when and where.
Tuesday,
January 23 - Day Off in North Sound which
you can use for a dive trip, windsurfing or just relaxing on the beach or the pool at the
Bitter End Yacht Club. In the morning, it is recommended that you refill your water
tanks and as boats depart from their moorings, move up in the fleet and try to get a
mooring as close as possible to the Bitter End Yacht Club. At 3 p.m., there will be
the "Sailing Championship" which
will involve 3 short races on a Laser (single-handed) and
3 short races on a Hobie
(doublehanded). Each boat is highly encouraged to enter
one or more teams to defend your honor.
The winning boat will receive a special prize at the Regatta Dinner that night. Dinner
location to be announced.
Wednesday, January 24 - - "Cruise to Anegada" (9 a.m.) a casual flotilla cruise to this famous island with a laid-back and relaxed charm and endless beaches. At 5 p.m., there will be the "Cooking Championship", location to be announced. Each team is asked to enter 1 dish of appetizers to determine which boat has the best food. Every boat provides one judge who votes for first, second and third. The results are then calculated and announced at dinner. Lobster dinner in the evening. Dancing until quite late. Celebrate life.
Thursday, January 25 - "The Great Race" (9 a.m.) Anegada to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. Anchor for lunch and snorkeling. After lunch, weigh anchor and head to Great Harbour for the Party at Foxys this evening. After dinner, the Manhattan Sailing Club flag will be hammered to the ceiling.
Friday,
January 26 - Regatta
picture on the beach at
Jost Van Dyke at 10 a.m. Then sail over to Norman Island.
Check your water supply. You can stop at Sopers Hole to refill. At Norman, go snorkeling in at the caves.
At 5 p.m., there will be the "Great Dinghy
Race" to determine which team has acquired the best dinghy
skill over the vacation. The winning boat will receive a big prize that evening. For dinner, you
can go to Billy Bones and for night time, there will be dancing
throughout the night at Willie T's. This is
where the Caribbean Spirit can embrace your soul and if you succeed, you will be
awarded the "Royal Order of De Caribbean" Medal.
Saturday, January 27 - Sail back to Road Town. Jump in the pool. It was great. But you must always leave the party at the top. Say goodbye. Hop on the plane. Thank you BVIs!