British Virgin Islands – land of the charter boats. The BVIs is probably one of the best locations to charter a boat for a week, in the world. Beautiful scenery, easy sailing, lots of small islands surrounding Tortola and Virgin Gorda, the two main islands, close anchorages, constant winds. As a result, probably about 95% of the boats sailing in the BVIs are people down on a week’s charter. This is a vast contrast to the islands further south where the ratio is probably the other way round, and mainly cruising live-aboards.
Our first stop was The Baths in Virgin Gorda – always a lovely spot and Charlotte got to explore the big boulders again. Then to Road Town and a chance to meet up with Bernadette, Peter and 3 year old Sutton – friends who used to live in Bermuda. And to meet up with the “Gang” arriving for their great charter vacation – 5 couples, 3 crew on a 65 foot catamaran.
We spent a few days following “The Gang” (as Charlotte referred to them) around various anchorages (although not quite as busy as their schedule). Norman Island (with the obligatory trip to the Willi T’s pirate ship bar for Jimmy and the Gang), Jost, Virgin Gorda – Bitter End and Leverick Bay. Jimmy had a chance to have a good catch up with Danny and Regina
and Charlotte loved all the attention. The Gang had a great time on their catamaran - the crew spoilt them with lavish meals and great service. Tim and Joan were the "Leaders of the Gang" and their other friends, who we met for the first time, were a great bunch from NY.
By Thursday it was time to start heading south again – the trip back to St Martin, and then Antigua, is just south of east, which means wind on the nose. Thursday was a good day to ensure lighter winds and hence an easier trip! We motored out of Virgin Gorda Sound at 6am, arriving just before sunset into Marigot bay 12 hours later, leaving the rest of The Gang to carry on their partying til Saturday!
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