by Sailorman Chuck

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The British Virgin Islands

The BVI Islands are somewhat less populated, economically weaker and quainter than the USVI. The BVI also have the overall best cruising grounds. If you thought that I was exaggerating about the slow pace in the USVI, there is no way that I can prepare you for the BVI.  SLOW DOWN NOW.

 

British Virgin Islanders are happy and honest folks; however, "it would not be prudent" to leave valuables lying around.  We have left dive equipment on deck in the BVI to return and find that someone actually washed the gear, in our absence, with fresh water. (This is really a true story.) We never discovered the identity of our mysterious helper.

 

England took over control of the now BVI from the French and Danes in the 1600’s. The BVI remains a British territory even though they are self governed. The BVI continues to send an annual payment of a pound of sea salt, from Salt Island, to the Queen.

 

BVI Beaches

BVI beaches have been used as backdrops in many of your dreams. Cane Garden Bay, Green Cay off Jost Van Dyke, and the beach in Deadman Bay on Peter Island (with Dead Chest Island in the distance) are truly paradise.  Norman Island (Treasure Island) has no beaches; however, snorkeling at the caves on Treasure Point is quite an experience.

 

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI

If you make it to Virgin Gorda, go to the Baths if you do anything at all. The Baths is made up of huge granite boulders stacked on the beach. Mother Nature created The Baths for us to speculate on how they got there and to enjoy.  This is one sight that you must see to believe.  The boulders are as large as cars, very large cars, and stacked such that you can swim into icy cold pools that border hidden beaches.  Take a camera.

 

Restaurants

“The Last Resort” on Bellamy Cay – Good English style food and entertainment. This is a must visit.

 

“Sidney’s Peace and Love Bar” on Jost Van Dyke – Honor Bar, open air seating, good food and a great Caribbean setting.

 

Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke – A must stop for lunch while waiting to clear customs.

 

“Pusser’s Restaurant and Bar” at Marina Cay and Leverick Bay – Good food, good service and a great view.

 

Shopping

There are numerous nice small specialty shops in the BVI. These shops carry interesting items such as spices and locally produced goods. Pusser’s Ship’s Stores are good for upscale items and basic food and drink.

 

Boat Provisioning

Marinas have small grocery shops that handle the basic food and drinks that you will need. You can find Ample Hamper stores in the larger locations. They do a good job catering to the yachtsman.

 

New! Bobby’s Supermarket Roadtown, Tortola, BVI. If you do your own provisioning and you use one of the Tortola Charter companies, this sounds like the place to visit. It will require a cab ride. This information is provided by sailing friends who cruised the VI in June, 2005.

Another relaxing evening at Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, BVI.

      Somewhere in the Caribbean or

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