We just got back from a 10 day bareboat charter in the British Virgin Island (BVIs) and I wanted to share some new information that will help you plan your trip and manage budgets and expectations.
Our primary objective, beside sailing the amazing crystal blue waters of the Caribbean, was to witness the recovery of the Virgin Islands after the devastating double hurricanes that destroyed many buildings, homes and businesses as well as literally thousands of boats. Simply Google this link to see the devastation. bvi hurricanes Images
Although the U.S. Virgin Islands were also hit very hard, the BVIs took the blunt of both hurricanes.
After sailing the BVIs eight times before the hurricanes, I was looking forward to seeing how they recovered. And I was not disappointed. The resilience of the people and how well they are doing today is simply amazing and heart-warming.
For all intents and purposes, I can state that both the BVIs and USVIs are back in full swing and the boat charter businesses and related service providers, are in full operations.
BVI Yacht Charters
We booked our bareboat catamaran, a 2019 Lagoon 380 with BVI Yacht Charters, based in Road Town, Tortola. Note that since the hurricanes, the entire charter boat fleets in the British Virgin Island are practically all newer boats—2018 and newer.
I have used many other charter companies in the past, all with excellent service and boats. But I chose BVI Yacht Charters for three reasons; 1. They had the boat make and model I wanted 2. They don’t have all the fancy onsite bells and whistles (restaurants, hotels, pools, etc.) some companies have that are of no use to us, as we never plan to stay at the base longer than we have to and 3. We’ve always gotten great service. Not to mention we also get a repeat customer discount and a free sleep aboard the night before.
What’s New and Noteworthy in the BVIs
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
To my biggest disappointment, White Bay is now off limits for all charter boats. No daytime or overnight mooring or anchoring is allowed anymore. This was always a highlight anchorage for me, but due to mooring ball neglect as well as poor seamanship, charter boat insurance companies no longer cover boats in White Bay. The best solution is to moor at Great Harbour next door, and use your dinghy to head over to White Bay.
Mooring Ball Reservations via BoatyBall
One of the biggest issues and stress maker of the past in the BVIs, was having to rush to your next destination to secure a spot. This often meant foregoing a great day of sailing and stops along the way to ensure a spot before sundown. This isn’t necessary anymore since the development of BoatyBall by two best friends and frequent bareboat charterers, Ty Atteberry and Robert (Bob) Wall, who knew there had to be a better way. BoatyBall is available only in the BVIs, and is a web-based program that allows you to pre-book a mooring spot in the morning. So, enjoy the day, knowing that when you arrive, your mooring ball will be waiting.
BoatyBall currently offers two programs. A Basic program allows for booking in the morning for that day. There is also an Upgrade package that will allow to book 24 hours ahead as well as book the mooring ball for two days.
Learn more at BoatyBall | Home
Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock
These two iconic and world-renowned destinations, located in Gorda Sound were completely demolished by the hurricanes and have since been rebuilt. Saba Rock is now fully operational. Bitter End Yacht Club is also now 90 percent operational with rooms and other services about to re-open in the next few weeks.
Leverick Bay
For the old and young, Leverick Bay Resort, also in Gorda Sound, offers a free Pirate Party, from 5 to 7 p.m. every Monday. It’s great fun for the whole family. The animator and musician pirate plays fun sing-a-longs, makes great pirate-themed jokes and engages the audience to come up to the stage to play along. Food and drink can also be ordered.
Leverick Bay is also a great place to stock up on food and drink with a great grocery store a few steps away from the main dock. Showers are also available for yachties hoping to save on water. The main dock also offers water and fuel.
Places We Did Not Go to This Time, but Are Worth Consideration
For the more experienced sailors, a three-to-four-hour sail north will bring you to the island of Anegada, also known as the drowned island because you will not see it until you are fairly close.
I’ve been a few times in the past and enjoyed exploring the island and snorkel the close-by reefs on the north shore. Pristine white sand beaches await those that make this passage.
But, before making the passage, all charter boats must call their charter base and ask for permission and the green light in the morning. They will confirm the weather conditions and will green light (or not) your passage.
Anegada is also surrounded by unforgiving coral reefs as witnessed by the many shipwrecks. So careful and attentive navigation must be adhered to as you approach the island from the west, and carefully follow the narrow marked channel to the only safe anchorage.
Changes in Bareboat Charter Styles
After bareboat chartering for the last 30-plus years, I have seen many changes. But this time, two important changes were very noticeable.
Most bareboat charterers are now choosing catamarans instead of monohulls. With more room and less heeling, catamarans give the sailors and non-sailors aboard much more comfort, space and a feeling of safety.
Another big and noticeable change is the increase in motor cats instead of sailing cat. Just looking around the various anchorages, I saw many more motor cats than ever before.
Mobile Hotspot Devices
Although mobile data plans are readily available with many choices to choose from—some quite costly—mobile hotspots have become a great and secure alternative. I chose to go with a mobile hotspot this time around and loved it. My phone and tablet stayed on airplane more the entire trip. (See “Mobile Hot Spots”).
I was amazed to see that even a little offshore, I was still able capture a Wi-Fi signal. So, although Wi-Fi in the BVIs is readily available, many are not password secure and in order to access you must get off the boat and find a restaurant etc. With a good mobile hotspot that offers excellent range, you can stay onboard and know that your hotspot in password secure.
I did bring two different mobile hotspots with me to test, and gave up on the second one as the range was really short. The Solis mobile hotspot had an excellent range.
As in many places worldwide, WhatsApp is also the preferred and easiest method of calling and texting all over the Caribbean. Best of all, it used Wi-Fi, so no need using up your data plan or switching off your airplane mode.
Book Your Boat Early
The BVIs remain the premier bareboat charter destinations in the Caribbean. Simple line of sight navigation, close-by islands and safe harbors and anchorages make this a great and exciting destination for first timers and experienced sailors alike. Also, it’s wonderful and safe for families, young and old! Having said this, it is important to book early in order to get the best selection of boats. FYI, we booked ours eight months ahead.
Be on the lookout for great promotions and discounts while at important boat shows, such as Annapolis. There’s no need to book on the spot or be there in person. You can look up charter company websites or email and ask them what their promotion might be.
Bareboat charter companies I know well and can safely recommend:
For the full Caribbean Bareboat Charter series, see links below:
Bareboat Chartering Basics: Sail the Caribbean the Practical Way
Caribbean Bareboat Chartering Basics: Charter Companies and Planning Tips
Caribbean Bareboat Chartering Basics: Top Pre-Departure Tips
Caribbean Bareboat Chartering Basics: Daily Sail Plan
