The British Virgin Islands: Natures Little
Secret?
Have you ever wondered what it
would be like to rise with the sun as it peeped from the ocean’s horizon? To
stretch that first stretch and to breathe in the balm of an air that’s as
fresh as the waves? To completely loose track of time? To explore, a
lush tropical island where you and your comrades are the only inhabitants?
To swim inwater so crystal clear you can see your toes? Well,
now you have the opportunity to treasure such moments yourself.
It’s time again to prepare for another sailing Bareboat
Chartering Adventure. “Bareboat chartering" is a participatory
means of travel/vacation. It is not a cruise. There are no waiters, maids,
cooks, etc. We all sail the boat, we all cook, we all clean, we all party.
. . together!
If you've never done anything like this before, it's something like luxurious
camping, only on water, and something like traveling in a developing country:
think "simple, practical, and don't waste water".....above all,
relax, have fun! Part of the overall experience is to be a part of the crew.
In fact, many of us "Odyssey-ers", are more
than "crew" we've established life long relationships by vacationing and
exploring the world together.
The BVI...60 islands to choose from:
Scattered in an aquamarine sea, the British Virgin
Islands flank the broad Sir Francis Drake Channel, which has beguiled
sailors for centuries with scalloped coves and sheltered anchorages.
There are more than 60 islands in all, whose names reflect their colorful
past. Among these are Buck Island, Fallen Jerusalem, Ginger Island, Great
Camanoe, Round Rock and Scrub Island. Visitors soon discover pristine
palm-fringed beaches, rugged peaks and rich vegetation. Some islands are
uninhabited and designated as national parks.
what’s your pleasure?
Stunning beauty, relaxed sailing and endless activities surround you in the
British Virgin Islands. Trust the trade winds to carry you to whatever
you're looking for. Crystal clear waters, boulder-formed caves and
picture-perfect beaches combine with oceanfront resorts and restaurants to
provide adventurers with a colorful wealth of welcomes.
Water-ski, snorkel or dive in the clear blue waters
and discover the rich marine life. Scuba, kayaking and fishing facilities
are also available, plus a dinghy to explore the nearby islands. Laze on a
white-sand beach fringed with coconut palms, bougainvillea, and frangipani,
and watch the yachts glide by on the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
We'll spend August 8-15, 2009 sailing through this beautiful nation of islands. Every island
boasts its own stunning, palm-fringed beaches. The famous Sandy Cay is the
quintessential “deserted island”, with only a hiking trail to a grand vista
on with amazing views.
DAY 1:
Join your yacht at midday at Sopers Hole on the West End of Tortola: the
original home of the pirates. Today, trading can be a little easier with a
visit to the shops at Pussers Landing. After a light lunch and chat about
the itinerary, a 2 hour sail takes you to Norman Island (Treasure Island).
Snorkel at the caves and be amazed at how
many fish there are in the crystal clear waters. The evening is spent in
the Bight, with a visit to The William Thornton for an after dinner party -
a wild floating bar where everybody lets their hair down and tells their
seafaring tales of the day.............and how fast did you sail?
DAY 2:
After breakfast you can hike to the top of Spy Glass hill, a known lookout
point for the pirates, be sure to take your camera. Dive or snorkel the
Indians or Rainbow Canyon and swim with the sea turtles. After lunch it’s a
short tack up to Peter Island, famous for its romantic beaches. Take an
early evening stroll along the beach before a casually elegant dinner
aboard. After dinner go forward to the trampolines and count the shooting
stars, making a wish on each one you see.
DAY 3:
After breakfast a short sail to Salt Island to dive or snorkel the Rhone;
this is one of the top five wreck dives in the world. Then motor round to
Cooper Island for lunch and some spectacular snorkeling off Cistern point, a
sheltered reef alive with juvenile fish of endless varieties.
Alternatively, take a stroll on the beach, sit under a palm tree and just
take in the beauty of the turquoise waters. A late afternoon sail takes us
to Marina Cay for the evening, one of the smallest of the Virgin Islands.
DAY 4:
A morning sail can take you to the Dog Islands for some colorful coral dives
or you can visit the Baths on Virgin Gorda. These spectacular rock
formations below and above water can be explored by land or sea and
snorkeling here is a must. Lunch is just outside Spanish Town, so you can
shop or take a taxi for an Island tour. Then a fast sail up the west side
of Virgin Gorda one of the most beautiful of the Virgin Islands. In the
evening, dance at the Bitter End Yacht Club to the local reggae band in the
elegant settings that this resort offers.
DAY 5:
Spend the morning enjoying the North Sound - truly one of the most
outstanding natural harbors in the Caribbean. Enjoy good windsurfing,
snorkeling, hiking and shopping here. Visit the four exclusive resorts and
take on some shore duty. Or, sail to Anegada, the sunken land nestled
within a horseshoe reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world. For
the first half of this 2/3 hour sail there is no land visible, then the palm
tree’s appear on the horizon warning of your imminent arrival. After lunch
absorb the atmosphere of the anchorage at Setting Point. Informality and
relaxation are the key elements of Anegada. Deserted beaches, fringed reefs
and the unique flora and fauna of the salt ponds, home to the pink flamingo,
await your exploration. Lobster dinner at the Anegada Reef Hotel is a must.
As darkness falls, with cocktail in hand, you will see from the cockpit of
the boat the driftwood fires on the beach grilling your lobster. The open
air restaurant in and around the beach promises a dining experience only
Anegada can offer.
DAY 6:
An early start from Anegada ensures plenty of time to sail back to enjoy the
snorkeling off Guana Island or dive Camanoe Island. Off the Eastern end of
Tortola are several small secluded anchorage’s. If evening entertainment is
your choice Trellis Bay is the home of the Last Resort, which offers a
nightly comedy show based on yachts who come and visit the British Virgin
Islands.
DAY 7:
A leisurely downwind sail to Jost Van Dyke offers ample opportunity for
stopping on the way. Cane Garden Bay, Sandy Spit and Green Cay are all
places of exceptional beauty. Just take your pick. For the over night
stop, White Bay is secluded and quiet with only the Soggy Dollar Bar ashore
or Great Harbor is ideal for those who would like to visit the famous Foxy’s
Tamarind Bar. Sample his Sly fox or Dread fox both made from Foxy’s
firewater rum and listen to his calypso songs. Beware you’ll probably be in
one!
DAY 8:
The last morning! Choose your breakfast from a light selection of assorted
breads and fresh tropical fruits. A swim or snorkel before sailing back to
West End for that last minute shopping before joining your homeward flight..
Accommodations: We will be aboard a luxurious catamaran (cats). Cats are amazing
boats with plenty of space to sleep up to 10 people. Check out the picture
links below and you will see what we mean by “Relax and Entertain”!
There are 4 cabins that contain a double bed. And some have 2 small cabins
with single beds.
Here are some pictures of the types of boats
we sail.
You must arrive into
Tortola by
Saturday morning August 8. We will return to Tortola on Saturday August
15. You
can schedule your return flights for late Saturday afternoon or later.
Many of us will likely stay a couple extra days in either Tortola or St.
John at
our own expense.
Again, we normally sell out quickly. In previous
years we had a waiting list so
send in your deposit soon if you are interested.
Thanks so much and I hope to see you on this 2009 Sankofa Odyssey adventure.
Scattered in an aquamarine sea, the British Virgin
Islands flank the broad Sir Francis Drake Channel, which has beguiled
sailors for centuries with scalloped coves and sheltered anchorages. 
