The
British Virgin Islands!!
Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2010
Boats & Crew
Registration Form
Preparing for the BVIs
BVIs Weather
Pictures &
Reports from Past Caribbean Regattas
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 29 - 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. Meet at the Mooring's pool, order a frozen darquiri and maybe go out at night.
Saturday,
January 30 - Rest of the sailors arrive.
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 rushed because you have to stow
the food, unpack the bags and generally, try to begin adjusting to "Caribbean
time." 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 31 - Skippers Meeting at 8 a.m. to make sure all boats and crew are OK. This is followed by the "Blessing of the Fleet." Then sailing begins. Get an early start to make the most of your first day. If weather is calm, stop by Cooper Island or the Baths for lunch. At the Baths, be sure to walk among the boulders and also up the hill to the Top of the Baths which has a great lookout over Sir Francis Drake Channel. In the afternoon, sail to Trellis Bay or Marina Cay. There may be a croquet match on Marina Cay and it's a great place to watch the sunset. Evening gathering will be at the Loose Mongosse or the last Resort.
Monday, February 1 - Skipper's Meeting at 8 a.m. 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. Laser races at the Bitter End at 3:30 p.m. (or if the wind is strong, then Hobie races). This evening, you can cook on the boat, relax and unwind. Before 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,
February 2 - "Cruise to Anegada" (9 a.m.) a casual
flotilla cruise to one of the Caribbean's most beautiful
islands with a laid-back and relaxed charm and endless
beaches. Go snorkeling or just hang. Fleet
cocktail party will be announced. Cook on the boat. Relax and begin
to seriously unwind.
Wednesday, February 3 - Day of Rest on Anegada. Nothing on our schedule until evening. At 6 p.m., there will be the "Cooking Championship." 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. This will be followed by the "Skipper Appreciation Lobster Dinner." Dancing until quite late. Celebrate life.
Thursday, February 4 - "The Great Race" (9 a.m.) Anegada to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. Or you could sail to Monkey Point for some excellent snorkeling. Anchor for lunch, then 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,
February 5 - 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, February 6 - 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. Or hand out at the pool and hop on the plane the next day, Sunday! Thank you BVIs!