BVI Property & Yacht March 2011

British Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT MAR 2011

Baraka POint Virgin Gorda villa recreates itself for each guest.

WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE Three BVI real estate agents share insprational insight into the market.

a soft spot for squibs The original one-design race class re-enters the 40th Spring Regatta.

Your dream home

becomes reality thanks to one of our tailor-made mortgages. We will help you to live your dream from the planning stage to realization.

VP Bank – your partner.

VP Bank Group Domiciled in Liechtenstein – is quoted on the Swiss Stock Exchange SIX in Zurich.

Providing bespoke banking services in Liechtenstein +423 235 6655, Switzerland +41 44 226 2424, Luxembourg +352 404 7771, British Virgin Islands +1 284 494 1100 and Singapore +65 6305 0050.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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SOLARIA

LONGVIEW HOUSE

THE BLESSING

LEMON GRASS

Beautiful villa with 3 en-suite bedrooms & swimming pool. Magnificent view overlooking Long Bay Beach. Successful rental property.

US$1,590,000

3-bed/bath suites in 2 pavilions with 40-foot lap pool. Main pavilion houses living area, kitchen and one double/twin bed/bath suite with garden shower.

Outdoor dining patio leads to king master suite on second pavilion's main level. US$1,300,000

Exquisitely appointed home above Long Bay. Main house, 2 bedroom suites, and loft bedroom, marble deck around infinity pool. All resort amenities: pool, restaurant, tennis courts, fitness centre and gorgeous white sandy beach. US$1,250,000

Tortola, Cane Garden Bay. Delightful 3-bed, 3ensuite bath house with pool near the beach on Cannon Point Estate. Beautifully landscaped gardens and pool. Excellent vacation rental.

US$1,200,000

LONE PALM VILLA Secluded home with 3 en-suite bedrooms and 1bed 1-bath apartment 400 feet above Carrot Bay overlooking Atlantic Ocean. Mature landscaped gardens and ample parking. US$1,200,000

BREWER’S BAY LOOKOUT Private and secluded. Open living, dining and kitchen, with 2 en-suite bedrooms. Large lot with spectacular views over Brewer’s Bay. US$850,000

WAVELAND Waveland is a uniquely private, 3-bed, 2-bath luxury villa with a spectacular elevated position and a magnificent view. A covered lanai with full wet bar connects the living area, two guest bedrooms and master bedroom with unique his and her bathroom suites. US$750,000

LIME LEAF Magical Jewel Box only footsteps to Josiah's Beach. 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom exquisitely furnished house on a small, fenced lot only 1 minute’s walk to the beach. US$299,000

Spotlight on Surfing The island of Tortola's north shore has an enviable combination of world class surÞng and a number of quality surÞng beaches which makes this one of the jewels of the Caribbean. The amazing location contributes to its surf character, offering a multiple of surÞng options, great location and the environment is superb for a truly unique and special surÞng experience. Avid surfers will be thrilled by the long north swells that roll lazily in during the winter months on Tortola's north shore.

The most amazing about the surÞng here is the variety and quality of the surÞng. This has attracted a handful of professional and soul surfers to this region for years.

THE SALES TEAM Managing Director/Broker Maritha Keil t: 284.494.5700 c: 284.340.5555 maritha.keil@sothebysrealty.com Sales & Marketing Associate Dietmar Lichota t: 284.494.5700 c: 284.340.5559 dietmar.lichota@sothebysrealty.com Sales Support Damara Penn 284.494.5700 damara.penn@sothebysrealty.com Trish Dobson 284494.5700 trish.dobson@sothebysrealty.com

British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty bvisir.com | t: 284.494.5700 | c: 284.340.5555/5559 | Road Town, Tortola VG1110 ©MMVII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Farm of Jas de Bouffan, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

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Cover Photo: Baraka Point by Dan O'Connor

British Virgin Islands

PR OPERTY&YACHT

Features

M a rc h 2 0 1 1

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14 Baraka Point by Day & Night

18 Women in BVI Real Estate

28 A Soft Spot for Squibs

By Alegra Jennings Three of the BVI's finest real estate agents offer insight into what drives their profession.

By Traci O'Dea Alison Knights Bramble talks about the history and the future of the tiny sail boats that once ruled the BVI Spring Regatta.

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Organic Architecture in the BVI

Revitalising Steele Point

The Lunch of Spring Regatta Champions

By Dan O'Connor The stunning Virgin Gorda villa dazzles its guests with service and style.

By Traci O'Dea Human habitation finds harmony in nature.

www.bvipy.com British Virgin Islands Property & Yacht is published eleven times a year (February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December/January) by aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110.

Copyright 2010 by aLookingGlass Ltd. All pieces reproduced in this issue are under prior copyright by the creators or by the contractual arrangments with their clients.

Arawak gives historic Steele Point a teak makeover.

Nothing shown may be reproduced in any form without obtaining the permission of the creators and any other person or company who may have copyright ownership.

The publisher of BVI Property & Yacht, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the content placed in its publications. For the avoidance of doubt, aLookingGlass gives no warranty or guarantee in regards to any information placed in its publications.

By Susie Younkle Curry chicken wraps tackle the hunger of famished sailors.

Direct all inquiries to: Email: info@alookingglass.com Phone: 284-494-7788 Fax: 284-494-8777 Mail: aLookingGlass PO Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

Editorial and Business Office: aLookingGlass Ltd., Road Reef Plaza 6 and 7, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Web: www.alookingglass.com Email: info@alookingglass.com Phone: 284-494-7788 Fax: 284-494-8777 Mail to: aLookingGlass PO Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110

Columns Publication Design aLookingGlass

Chief Editor Dan O'Connor

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Carrot Bay

Editor at Large

Shut up & Sail

A Hero's Story

David Blacklock

By David Blacklock Residents of the old village community debate whether change is needed.

By Traci O'Dea Our fearless writer braves the high seas, and learns a thing or two about sailing.

By Hugh Whistler How one young, brave BVIslander was pinned the distinguished Victoria Cross.

Writers Traci O'Dea David Blacklock Owen Waters Dan O'Connor

Art Director Nick Cunha

36 The BVI Spring Regatta Sails over the Hill

By Dan O'Connor The international event turns 40 with high hopes ahead.

Articles

38 Green Building —Four Years Later

By Steve Fox An architect looks into what has changed since the recession hit.

By Dan O'Connor Weatherman Joey Stevens speaks about his job—and his parrot.

Graphic Designer Akiya Brewley

Web Developer aLookingGlass

Distribution Coordinator

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Do You Have a Clew?

Raising US Interest Rates Take Their Toll Locally

By Traci O'Dea Learn the basics from a beginner about sailing etymology.

41 Weather for the Birds

By Adam Stauffer Our financial expert questions how recent trends may affect the home buyer.

44 Flying High in Turbulent Times

An aviation entrepreneur takes a gamble with the economy and wins.

Francoise Frank

Advertising Director Owen Waters

Advertising Sales Owen Waters

47 Building as a Team

By Erick Oeseburg At the end of the day, teamwork gets the project finished.

Extras 48 Directory

Printing aLookingGlass

49 Listings Map & Classifieds Distribution C & B Enterprises

General Manager Colin Rathbun

Editors' Letter

Dan O'Connor M a r c h

2 0 1 1

It’s hard not to like where I live, but it’s easy to love it.

I moved to Tortola two years ago from Chicago, during a winter season that yielded a couple dozen inches of snow and about three months littered with subzero temperatures. I love where I come from, but I’d trade in a shovel and pair of galoshes for six-pack of Caribs and flipflops any day.

I still remember the transitional period moving to the islands: learning to bear with the erratic crow of the rooster, the confusing flow of traffic, and adapting to some new rules, while letting go of plenty others. Overall, I’ve learned to embrace the adventure—which continues to unfold every day—while becoming addicted to a lifestyle I’ve since sunken my feet into.

Weatherman Joey Stevens, who lives in Erie, Pennsylvania, embraces the Caribbean lifestyle, as well. In fact, he lives by it—part of the time, at least. For the past seven years, Joey has reported Caribbean weather from a small studio in northern Pennsylvania, but always makes sure to represent the tropics like he’s right here with us. He told me the story of his trusty sidekick Bob the parrot and their goal to one day broadcast live from one of the BVI’s sandy shores.

We also got our feet wet this month.

Traci O’Dea, who hasn’t gone anywhere fast, jumped on the opportunity to spend two days on the open waters, learning to sail from one of the best—and one of our very own writers—David Blacklock. She was eager to share her adventures in this issue. So moved by the experience, I suppose, the aquatic newbie took it upon

herself to write up a sailing cheat sheet, which etymologizes key terms for the prospective boater.

While Traci and David were busy at sea, I was preoccupied being wined and dined at Baraka Point. I thought it would be tough to write about the stunning setting, amazing service and awesome experience at the luxurious villa resort—I thought it was all said before within these pages. But, as I found out, each experience tends to be different at Baraka, and mine definitely brought its own unique frills.

I also spoke with Judy Petz, director of the BVI Spring Regatta, who gave me a peek into the past, while looking into events that will make this months 40th anniversary event a special occasion. This year, to bring back fond memories of the past, the regatta will host Squib racing— previously the one-design race of 1972.

Traci was able to get an inside look at the Squibs, discovering that the core of BVI racing lies within the hulls of these small keel boats.

A new writer this month, Hugh Whistler, also gives us a historic look back at a true BVI hero, who would become the first soldier of African decent to win the distinguished Victoria Cross.

It’s a pleasure to be on board with BVI Property & Yacht, and truly hope you enjoy your read as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.

Keep living the dream.

The Seduction of Intimacy and Exclusivity at Mooney Bay Estate.

Your Private Playground Awaits.

22 pristine acres surround the distinctive estate house and slope gently to your own secluded bay. Mooney Bay Estate offers nature and luxury in perfect harmony.

Now taking reservations for Fall 2010.

Call 1+888.624.3213 or info@mooneybaybvi.com

Mooney Bay Estate, PO Box 127, North Sound, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, VG1150 www.mooneybaybvi.com

The Tortola Collection

T

INDIGO LANDING F R E N C H M A N S C AY $5,200,000 Waterfront Frenchmans Cay, dock & mooring, luxurious & secluded. Exquisitely finished.

S T. E D M U N D S SOLDIER HILL $4,000,000 No compromise on detail and luxury. Beautiful new build, 6 bed, guest wing, pool.

T I N G A L AYO WEST END $3,750,000 Imagine a view looking down

F R E N C H M A N S PA R A D I S E F R E N C H M A N S C AY $3,000,000 The view, privacy, quality &

on the islands from above. 6 beds, fabulous pool. Heavenly !

finish are all breathtaking.

New 3 bed, walk to dock.

P O N D A V I S TA S T. E D M U N D S $2,700,000 Approx. 5,000 sqft, new, 4 bed 1.4 acres, large decks. Walk to Smuggler’s Cove & Long Bay.

SUNDOWN TO W E R S E S TAT E $1,600,000 Fabulous view from splendid 3 bed villa, pool, indoor/outdoor living, much sort after location.

SUO GAN SOLDIER HILL $1,600,000 Spectacular brand new 2 bed main/1 bed guest, vaulted ceilings.

Fantastic vistas of Brewers Bay

CANNON POINT C A N E G A R D E N B AY $1,600,000 Approx 2 acres waterfront.

Two bedroom home. Private location and excptional views.

T H E R E E F S AT B A L L A S T B AY $1,550,000 Brand new architect’s home marries contemporary luxury with Caribbean comfort.

CASA VERDE HODGE’S CREEK

CANNON POINT C A N E G A R D E N B AY

T R U N K B AY NORTH SHORE $325,000

$875,000 3 bed family cottage on over an acre of mature tropical gardens above Hodges Creek Marina. What a view!

$650,000 Last available 2 bed cottage in heavenly, private setting.

Manageable vacation home.

Walk to this beach from 1 acre Lot with views down the island chain all the way to Necker!

Waterfront Homes with Docks Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola

from $850k We are delighted to report that the Nanny Cay Village homes have been selling so well this year that we now have only a handful available.

Please call 495 3000 or email info@coldwellbankerbvi.com to check on availability.

To view these & many other listings call (284) 495 3000 or visit www.coldwellbankerbvi.com.

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

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Nanny Cay is Tortola’s flagship marina with berths for 180 yachts, full service boatyard, pool, restaurants, shops, beach and more. Nestled within this thriving community marina will be 32 waterfront homes with docks.

Finished to the highest standards, these 2 & 3 bedroom homes are available turn key, fully furnished if required.

Guaranteed marina berths available for larger boats. The most competitive, optional rental program in the BVI.

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19 ho fin

The Virgin Gorda Collection

& ng. ck.

RAKU C R O O K B AY $8,8000,000 19 room custom beachfront home. No other BVI home finished to this standard.

LAVIDA N A I L B AY $5,500,000 New this year, contemporary 5 bed beachfront home. large infinity edge pool. Stunning!

A DREAM COME TRUE P O N D B AY $3,500,000 5 bed home in spectacular

MEDITERRANEAN VILLA C R O O K B AY

nt. ate ws.

WINDY HILL VILLA WINDY HILL $2,000,000 Unique and spectacular 360 degree views amongst Virgin Gorda’s giant boulders.

$2,000,000 Spacious 4 bed Villa, vaulted ceilings, cool breezes, breathtaking views, moments from beach.

M I K AYA L E V E R I C K B AY $1,600,000 Great house at the right price. 3 bedrooms, pool, fantastic views of North Sound.

HARBOUR HOUSE L E V E R I C K B AY $1,400,000 4 bed, studio apt, North Sound

LAN Y MOR N A I L B AY $1,200,000 Architectural gem, 3/4 acre Lot beneath Gorda Peak National Park. Glorious views.

MANANA L E V E R I C K B AY $995,000 3 bed with pool vacation villa, one Lot off the water. Walk to beach, bar, marina, pool

ISLAND TIME VILLAGE M O U N TA I N T R U N K $595,000 Walk to this beach from luxurious, versatile income producing 3 bed condo.

SE

cre and

er!

A LTA M I R A L E V E R I C K B AY $1,200,000 Top of the hill at Leverick Bay. 3/4 beds. Best views of all of North Sound incl. Necker Island.

waterfront location overlooks stunning Savannah Bay Beach.

SEA’S SONG VILLA LO N G B AY $2,950,000 When you dreamt of a waterfront home, it probably looked like this. 3 bedrooms, 2 beaches.

views from one of best Lots at Leverick Bay. Walk to Marina.

BLUNDER BAY, NORTH SOUND - 10 Waterfront Lots with docks available now $1m/acre Call 340 3000

ort ge so w e.

ail m

Call in to our offices at Nanny Cay Marina (Tortola) or Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda).

www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

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Baraka Point byDay&Night The golden Caribbean sun sears the horizon as it reddens and sinks below the Sir Francis Drake Channel, a moment seemingly suspended in time from my cozy beach lounger on Baraka Point’s main house patio.

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Story and photos by Dan O'Connor On this cloudless afternoon, the view radiates off the infinity pool in my foreground and dances faintly with the calm winds as they brush over the clear, blue waters. Soft lounge music brings me deeper into a trance as I sip from my fresh kiwi and ginger blended martini.

After a relaxing afternoon by the pool, the surreal sunset seems the perfect transition into the evening.

In the December/January issue of BVI Property & Yacht, writer Owen Waters said his experience at the villa resort best equated to the Sufi translation of baraka: “breath of life.� I thought about this sentiment as I indulged and reflected on how the property truly does cater to all of the senses and seems to breathe life into its guests. But most of all, the experience consistently evokes a mood unique to each of its guests.

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MARCH 2011

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My hosts, resort managers Kim Takeuchi and Aaron Seddon, take extraordinary care to ensure that the Baraka experience caters specifically to each one of its guests. Kim is able to offer guests a range of therapeutic spa treatments and scenic yoga sessions. Aaron, a master culinary artist and divine mixologist, promises to impress even the most stubborn connoisseur. Six other friendly and experienced staffers offer their own unique forte to the encounter. Add the majestic turquoise Caribbean waters which lap gracefully against the Virgin Gorda signature giant boulders and soft sand beaches that decorate Baraka’s natural surroundings, and the resort seems to come alive. Kim describes it as a “barefoot luxury. …

It plays to sensory details.”

She points to the “massive sense of privacy” the resort entails and the rich yet unrefined beauty that it embodies. And while many resorts chose to move toward a contemporary style, Baraka seems to follow its own rules.

Describing the lush, multicultural themes of the villas and their surroundings, Kim says, “I feel like it’s alive—it’s constantly changing and using its surroundings to its benefit.”

Previous: The stunning view from the main patio.

Above: Shakti Segura takes chillin' out to the next level.

Below: Baraka's main house beams under the evening sky.

“It’s a place where you come and just sink in and say ‘I never want to leave’,” she says. “It’s Eden.”

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

Baraka Point jets out from Nail Bay on Virgin Gorda, a quiet and extremely private refuge seemingly miles away from reality. The lush, tropical, twoacre resort is connected by an intricate set of trails adjoining its five suites, games pavilion, spa and wellness pavilion and spacious main house. The paths also extend to two beaches on either side of the resort which remain stocked with all amenities for the action-seeking water enthusiast. Aaron says he most enjoys wakeboarding, and Kim tells me she loves to snorkel Mountain Trunk Bay’s intricate reefs.

I choose both.

Kim explains to me that the resort is tailored to a myriad of different guests—from those looking for the perfect family retreat to others searching for a place to let loose, and the wanderlust romantics looking for a majestic retreat. Whatever the case, Kim says that Baraka benefits most from a high number of repeat visitors.

“It’s a place where you come and just sink in and say ‘I never want to leave’,” she says. “It’s Eden.”

After the sun drops at Baraka, an arrangement of intentionally placed lights, lamps and torches illuminate the resort. I’m asked where I’d like to dine, and choose the balcony closest to the water's edge. From there, Tortola, Peter Island and St Thomas glow in the distance, and the stars sparkle overhead. I’m treated to a four-course meal infused with fresh seafood, and paired with fine wines and fresh and fruity spirits. I can’t remember a time before I had been so coddled and cosseted.

I truly feel as if my experience was intentionally catered specifically to me—I can’t imagine perfection any other way. PY Baraka Point USA/Canada Tel: 1(800)969-9713 UK/Europe Tel: +44 1376 322 826 www.barakapoint.com | info@barakapoint.com

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MARCH 2011

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Women in BVI Real Estate

By Alegra Jennings

A collective, cautious optimism is shared by three female real estate agents.

Bonnie Dougall Dougall and Associates Hailing from Alberta, Canada, Bonnie Dougall rolls up her sleeves and digs in. She learned the ins and outs of real estate while working alongside her late husband, a contractor. In Canada, she learned to build, design, renovate and market houses and restaurants, so becoming a realtor was a natural progression. Her first BVI property experience was back in the 1980s with an accidental purchase.

While here with friends who were in a real estate transaction but hesitated at the last moment, Bonnie and her husband piped up and said, “We’ll buy it.” She then worked with local real estate companies

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

starting in 2002, and during this time, honed her skills in all aspects of BVI real estate requirements as well as protocol and the occasional faux pas in the BVI. With experience and confidence, she launched Dougall and Associates two years ago.

As owner/broker of her business, Bonnie Dougall knows and respects market segmentation, and realizing that one size does not fit all, she has distinct messages to her audiences. To serious sellers, she encourages getting a bank appraisal as a guide for pricing, prior to listing. An appraisal helps both buyer and seller maintain realistic expectations when it comes to pricing. She also encourages sellers to participate in open listings for the benefit of wider exposure of their property.

After all, it is still a buyers’ market.

Under the buyer beware caveat, Bonnie recommends having a structural survey done—it minimizes, if not circumvents,

Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

future problems. To expats considering purchasing property in the BVI, she says not to be intimidated, but she supports territory regulations that exist in order to control building on speculation and over development. For example, obtaining the Non-Belonger Landholding License can be an eight- to nine-month process, an exercise that can be daunting at times.

However, it helps screen serious buyers and investors. Another mechanism to deter overdevelopment is the requirement for an expat to build on property before selling it. Property cannot simply be purchased, left to appreciate over time and resold for a profit. Yet another provision to deter overdevelopment is the requirement to go before an executive council if more than three acres are being bought. These are all prudent measures, she explained.

Bonnie plans to continue enhancing her buyers’ and sellers’ experiences and is always working towards the distinct needs

of each. She can be contacted at 284495-3003 or 284-541-3003.

Sandra Massicote Property BVI Sandra has seven years' experience in the real estate business, of which the last two have been at the helm of Property BVI. She caught the real estate bug while at a summer job at a local real estate firm.

Ever on the go, Sandra slowed down long enough to give me a glimpse of Property BVI in action. Her time is spent between managing rental units and real estate sales—primarily the sale of land. She is the managing director of the company, and, like the other realtors interviewed for this article, Sandra explained that prior to the downturn, expats were the primary purchasers of real estate, but the softened economy turned the situation around; for the past year or more, local residents have been carrying most of real estate activities with the purchase of land. On the rental front, units are beginning to move, now that landlords begun lowering their price tags. The average monthly range has dropped from $2,500 to $2,800 for a moderate two-bedroom apartment, to $1,800 to $2,000. A one-bedroom unit remained relative unchanged with a range of $1,000-$1,200 per month.

While it’s too soon to give a total reveal, Ms. Massicote will be rolling out a new component of service: between March and June of this year, Property BVI will be working with a builder to produce affordable homes. To catch up with Sandra, you can call her office at 284-4940101 or mobile at 284-440-3411.

A common desire among all three agents is to see improvements in the BVI’s infrastructure, thereby enhancing long term viability of its real estate market.

The overall tone of these women implies that we have turned the page on the economic downturn and that we’re experiencing incipient movements toward a healthier real estate economy that’s just beyond our Caribbean horizon.

Maritha Keil British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty Maritha Keil explained her introduction to real estate came through part-time jobs in high school and college. Years later, she relocated to the BVI with her husband and continued peripherally working in real estate along with other jobs. She ultimately harnessed her experiences in architecture and interior design, teaching and coaching and combined them to create current operations at British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty and Caribbean Realty Limited. She makes things happen with a combination of wit, patience, a killer database and a staff, her support team, who create a synchronized group of specialists geared toward client-based satisfaction and personalized service.

Maritha says each team member plays an integral role in her business, and in 2009, their unified efforts led to an increase in sales over 2008, as well as a 2010 increase over 2009.

She feels the key to the company's success has been largely due to encouraging her team to strive to keep a genuinely positive outlook in all situations, a compassionate heart for all people, the goal of true integrity in each and every business transaction and the humility in remembering to be forever spiritually thankful.

The lull of the past three years prompted Maritha to promote the business internationally by partnering with Sotheby’s International Realty. This partnership yielded increased sales and listings. Another benefit of this alliance has been global networking opportunities. She said the alliance helped save her business in the global economic downturn.

A quiet confidence exudes from Maritha as she speaks; this, coupled with modesty, allows her to remove herself from the focal point and attribute the company’s success to staff. This approach, she states, is the blueprint that allows her to manage150 properties and sell homes. Maritha and her team can be reached at 284-494-5700 or info@bvisothebysrealty.com PY

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MARCH 2011

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Just Listed...

T H E D O V E R E S TAU R A N T

FOR SALE

“Fa nt a Gre stic a ” t Fo and ra nt F od stau e R and r iend er b l p u G S “ oo y St a “Best Meal of The Year” dW f “B est ine f, in Tor s” “...A Must When Visting Tortola” tola a n $750,000

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“Charming, Romantic and, Oh Yeah, Great Food”

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“Great Little Restaurant” VI”

t Upscal “...The Bes

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Perhaps it’s the food. Maybe it’s the ambience. Could be the staff or simply the convenient Main Street location. Whatever it is, ‘The Dove’ is one of, if not the most successful and popular restaurant in the BVI. Google “The Dove, BVI” and you’ll find plenty of customers who agree.

For more information, call Chris Smith on (284) 340 3000 or email him at chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com.

PENTHOUSE, TOBACCO WHARF

Stunning, newly renovated two bedroom, fully furnished penthouse at Tobacco Wharf. Beautiful kitchen, stainless steel appliances. Two bathrooms finished to the highest standards.

Breathtaking views over Road Harbour, The Moorings and Village Cay Marina. Vaulted ceilings. Walk to town from this central location. Excellent rental opportunities.

$595,000

info@coldwellbankerbvi.com w w w. c o l d w e l l b a n k e r b v i . c o m

To view these listings and others including available Lots call Chris Smith on tel (284) 495 3000 or visit www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

Carrot Bay Faced with Future Plans

Residents debate a new look for community

By David Blacklock

As one of the last bastions of the old BVI, where foreigners are few and land is still closely held by families, Carrot Bay serves as a touchstone of cultural authenticity.

While many residents head over the hills to Road Town every morning to work, it's still an agricultural and fishing village where farmers sell their crops at the roadside and fishermen offer up their catch. Because it lacks the picturesque beachfront of its neighbours, Cane Garden Bay and Long Bay, Carrot Bay hasn't felt the boon of the tourist industry as well as those other locations.

A recent community meeting, hosted by the Town and Country Planning Department and the Planning Authority, and chaired by Marva Titley-Smith, the department's chief planner, examined the future of the Carrot Bay area. The purpose was to explore the draft plan, which grew out of viewpoints expressed at an earlier gathering.

Displays and documents showed an impressive vision for the future: an air tram/gondola riding to the top of Sage Mountain, hiking trails and sea walls incorporating swimming areas and walkways. In her introductory comments, Angela Burnett Penn of the Dept. of Conservation and Fisheries defined some of the natural challenges to development, such as high winds, storm surge, floods and landslides. She also described development decisions as taking into account the future changes resulting from an increase in global temperatures, such as increased wind velocities and more intense rainfall.

Louis Potter, whose firm is consulting on the project, called the Carrot Bay area “homogenous and very local. We don't want it to become diluted so the locals become a minority.” As for developers, the former Town and Country Planning chief officer said, “They should engineer roads and drainage systems” on their

lots prior to selling, unlike the present system. He also pointed to drainage ghuts that were “better developed than anywhere in the BVI,” an example of exemplary foresight.

Responses to the presentation were skeptical, quoting previous failures to implement promised improvements. One complaint pointed out insufficient local input. “No one on your committee is from here,” Mr. Potter was told. Others commented on the lack of promised development at the festival grounds. “It was supposed to be a cultural area for the community with a park and playgrounds and shops to sell stuff to the cruise ship passengers,” one woman lamented. “Now it's only used three days a year in August.”

Displays and documents showed an impressive vision for the future: an air tram/gondola riding to the top of Sage Mountain, hiking trails and sea walls incorporating swimming areas and walkways.

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MARCH 2011

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Left: View of Carrot Bay. Photo by Dan O'Connor

It is a village, like no other, with special cultural and historical import, which the plan is intended to preserve.

Another resident pointed out that “the fishermen's area is the most important project in all Carrot Bay,” and required a shelter so the fishermen could clean their catch out of the sun. “Down island every place has a nice area for the fishermen, so why not here?” she asked.

The meeting ended in a minor uproar as details of the plan were debated. No development within 50 feet of a ghut? Try telling that to a landowner whose inherited property is so situated. Perhaps there will need to be a form of grandfathered development right for such properties.

Raised sea walls to counter storm surges? Isn't that just a way of introducing reclamation of the shoreline? These topics of debate continue to linger, as the community

braces for a predicted surge in growth and traffic. By 2020, the Developmnetal Planning Unit predicts Carrot Bay’s population will jump from about 800 to 1,030.

The planners clearly treat the Carrot Bay project seriously. It is a village, like no other, with special cultural and historical import, which the plan is intended to preserve. The next step in the process will be the presentation of the final plan to the Carrot Bay stakeholders before it goes to Cabinet to wait for a final decision. Judging by the response at this recent community meeting, the projected requirements of the future will still clash with the unmet demands of the present. PY

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Shut up&Sail “Don’t let go of the tiller,” Dave, my instructor, shouted over the sharp rush of the wind, the hum of the sails, the splash of the waves and the fissures of rain pouring down the Gore-Tex hood of my jacket "Would you let go of the steering wheel of your car?"

I grabbed for the piece of wood in the centre of the cockpit but didn’t know where to point it.

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t do this,” I yelled from my almost vertical position as the boat heeled. My brain registered the water streaming over the port side, and I thought we were going to capsize. I couldn’t think. All I wanted was to get on land.

“Steer your course,” he said. “Ease the main sheet.” Somehow, I remembered that meant to slowly release some of the rope between my feet from the toothy, one-way cleat that was holding it in place. Once I let out some of the sheet, the mainsail opened up, and the boat lost some of its power and flattened out

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

By Traci "Salty Dog" O'Dea

a bit. “Can you take over now?” I asked, hoping he’d guide us out of the rain and steer us back to the dock.

“No way. Keep sailing,” he said in his New Zealand meets New York accent.

And I did.

Sailing is my biggest fear. Well, not sailing, but capsizing. And not even really capsizing because I don’t have the same fear when whitewater canoeing or rafting. So maybe broaching is the correct word. Broaching is my biggest fear. But when an opportunity arose for me to take a Basic Keelboat course with Offshore Sailing School, I couldn’t turn it down. I figured it was about time for the former editor of BVI Property & Yacht to learn how to properly sail.

That first day of sailing class had started out sunny and warm. I sat in the air-conditioned classroom with my classmate Bryan Ferris while our instructor guided us through sailing basics. “The hardest part about sailing is the vocabulary,” he said, and I

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wondered why a rope was called a sheet when the sails looked more like sheets. And boom vang made me think of something Dracula would say.

After a few hours of instruction, Dave took us down to the boat, an attractive and open Colgate 26 that was not dissimilar to the IC-24s I’d been on with my colleagues. We checked the engine and prepared the boat for a sail. Once out of the way of traffic, Bryan pointed us into wind, and I hoisted the mainsail. We took turns sailing around Road Harbour, avoiding cruise ships, ferries, fishing boats, tugs, catamarans and monohulls, getting the feel for steering the craft.

Soon after we unfurled the jib and did some more tacking drills, we realized that the looming clouds in the Channel were not going to miss us, and we geared up in all-weather jackets. Bryan skippered confidently in the squall, and I only squealed a few times when I thought we were heeling a bit too much. Before we made the helm switch, I took off my

sunglasses, but Bryan assured me that I’d need them as goggles against the rain.

Up to this point, I’d loved that we had dived right in to the sailing experience.

Dave didn’t pander to us or coddle us— he made us sail. But once the rain and wind and clouds and waves kicked up, I questioned Dave’s technique, certain I wasn’t capable of sailing the boat under anything less than ideal conditions. And even though I’d recovered from my panicked state and rectified the situation, the fear and helplessness I’d experienced beforehand clouded my memory of my first day of sailing. Bryan, on the other hand, kept repeating how happy he was that we'd conquered every condition on the first day—everything from zero wind to having to heave-to in the rain to put two reefs in the mainsail. Dave said, “We had second-day weather on the first day.”

I considered taking Dave aside the next morning and giving him some constructive criticism about his teaching method, somehow believing that I had a right to do so. My plan, which I convinced myself was not based solely on my lingering fear from the previous day’s unsettling experience, was to

approach him instructor-to-instructor (justified, I thought, since I used to teach writing) and explain how some students needed a slower introduction, gaining confidence at each level, until they were ready to proceed to the next tier. I wanted to explain that throwing someone into the swimming pool and hoping they wouldn’t drown (a slight exaggeration) wasn’t the best method of instruction for all students and maybe we would learn more if he slowly and repeatedly went over each lesson until it became second nature. I was certain that I would be speaking for me and Bryan (though I’d never thought to ask Bryan how he’d felt about it), and I also ignored the fact that this was a condensed two-day course without the luxury of extra time to baby the students.

Luckily, my fear (disguising itself as professional advice to another teacher) did not win out, and I kept quiet while Dave taught us about apparent wind the next morning. And when we got on the boat, I only let out one little yip during a serious heeling session, didn’t drop the tiller once (until we were docking),

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Above: Traci at the tiller.

Photo by Bryan Ferris

successfully completed man-overboard manoeuvres, and even steered all the way around Dead Chest—out of the safety of the Channel—in six-foot swells.

When I saw the water splashing over the side of the boat again, I eased the main sheet, but not too much. It didn’t seem that bad on the second day. The fact that I’d done it before, but under the added factor of rain, gave me confidence that I easily control the boat on a clear day, and probably on a rainy day, too. PY

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MARCH 2011

25

Organic Architecture in the BVI

By Traci O'Dea

“Form follows function—that has been misunderstood.

Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.”

—Frank Lloyd Wright

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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A search for the definition of "organic architecture" displayed image results as varied as Kendrick Kellogg’s mushroomlooking High Desert House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Falling Water, a beehiveshaped home in Cincinnati and the Sydney Opera House.

“Organic architecture,” Wikipedia says, “is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design approaches so sympathetic and well integrated with its site that buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition.” This architectural outlook is a perfect fit for the diverse landscapes in the BVI. It can be seen in many of the Roger Downing & Partner designed structures at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Necker Island, Oil Nut

Bay and private residences dotted throughout the beaches and hillsides of the BVI. Author Alen Hess, in Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism, proposes organic architecture and its curvy, harmonic style as an alternative to the cold, glass-and-metal structures of modernism.

“For a public bored with glass-box architecture,” Hess writes, “the dream of a home of warm natural wood, stone with curving organic surfaces was widely appealing.” This same philosophy appeals to BVI residents who want a home that connects with their surroundings—whether they want to build on a cliff, among the BVI’s famous boulders or tucked between palm trees on the beach.

According to Roger Downing & Partner, the contemporary philosophy of organic architecture, “can never be static in nature; the definitions must

evolve with both the ancient mechanics and the forms of nature along with the advances in technology and construction methods. It must also include green building practices and sustainable design elements and systems. To be completely organic, requires the complete and successful integration of every single element that produces a building, including the crews constructing them and the occupants using the buildings. Through careful design, the building can begin to educate its users—where both begin to symbiotically work together to maintain each other.”

While some organic structures aim to integrate with the environment, others achieve beauty that competes with the natural surroundings by offering homes that become works of art themselves. PY

All drawings by Thor Downing , Courtesy of Roger Downing & Partner.

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MARCH 2011

27

A SOFT SPOT for

Squibs

By Traci O’Dea

When it comes to promoting the sport, sailors are among the most generous and dedicated athletes I’ve ever encountered. The dedication of Alison Knights Bramble at BVI Watersports Centre and the generosity of BVI and UK sailors have made possible the inclusion of the Squib class—the original onedesign racing class from 40 years ago—re-entering the BVI Spring Regatta this year.

While sitting in her office in Manuel Reef, shoeless and dressed in her standard attire of a faded t-shirt and shorts, Alison Knights Bramble told me that she’s “always had a soft spot for Squibs.” Mrs. Bramble previously owned one and raced it in the UK. “They’re still the most popular keelboat in England,” she said. “They appeal to 12-year olds and they appeal to 60-year olds.” The UK’s National Squib Owners Association website expands that scope, claiming Nationals competitors ranging in age from 12 to 85. The popularity of the boat, she said, comes from the fact that “they’re simpler” with

a classic design “which acts like a big dinghy.” She added, “The people that sail them are top-end sailors. A lot of [the sailors] might be good club laser sailors that get out of lasers and into two-man keelboat. It’s a very manoeuvrable two-man boat—a spinnaker boat, and one-design which means that sailors are racing against each other instead of boat design.”

The original BVI Squibs, Alison said, were brought over from England by Olaf Nissen in the 1970s on a Tate & Lyle sugar ship. The fleet consisted of about twelve boats, four of which now make Manuel Reef their home. Lis Harley and El Richardson had two, as well as Roosevelt Smith, Gary Turpin and Peter and Barbara Bailey.

“What was left of the original fleet,” Alison explained, “was either lying underwater or close to underwater. A lot of them had been wrecked in various hurricanes. Over a period of a couple of years, we rescued three boats.

One was literally on the bottom,” she continued, “that’s Faith, and that’s the only one that we know what number it was. We know that was Roosevelt Smith’s original boat.” After using it as a racing boat, Roosevelt Smith sold the boat to his brother who used it as a fishing boat

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Opposite: The Squibs in action.

Photo courtesy of BVI Watersports Centre.

Right: Alison and Grace at Manuel Reef.

Photo by Traci O'Dea.

in Nanny Cay, Alison told me. After several years, the pulling sails out of bags, and they’re still crispy. They’ve boat remained neglected in Nanny Cay and eventually still got that nice sound,” she said, rubbing her fingers sank. “I knew it was there,” Alison said, so she spoke to together to indicate the crinkle of a fresh sail, “and there the Mr. Smith's sister “and explained what I wanted to do were little things inside. When the kids were unwrapping it, with it”—to use is as a teaching and racing boat for the there was a tactical compass that was wrapped inside a students at the BVI Watersports Centre—“and she said I mainsail, and they put in brand new sailing gloves for the kids. could have it, so we pulled it out of the water and let it They really did go for it.” She reiterated the fact that none of dry out.” The other two Squibs that she originally obtained, the donors of the goodies had ever been to the BVI, but she Hope and Charity, came from the Trellis Bay area. commented how when she was unwrapping the items, “there Once she had the three hulls, Alison contacted the were names and numbers on some of the sail bags, and there National Squib Owners Association in the UK and told were a couple of people that donated stuff that I knew—that them about the boats. “I said, ‘Look, I’ve got a bunch of I used to sail with.” wrecked hulls. Is there anybody over there that wants to In addition to the generosity of strangers, local BVI donate some sails?’” Turns out, there were several people businesses pulled together to help restore the boats. willing to help. “A guy called Dr David West picked up “Eric and Sheryl [of E & S Yacht Maintenance in Nanny on this and got interested in the BVI Squib story, so I Cay] rebuilt the insides of two of the boats, and I did did a bunch of research for him, and he wrote a story all the grunt work on the outside. Eldred Williams from about it on the website and then put at the bottom that BVI Painters did the painting and just charged me for we were looking for stuff, and then it snowballed,” she the paint.” After the first three boats were restored and said. “David and Peter White who run White Marine, not rigged, the boats were christened in January 2009 by too far away from where I come from in the UK, spent a Geoff Holt, disability sailing ambassador and dear friend racing season going around to all the regattas in the UK of the BVI Watersports Centre. and collected stuff—a container full of stuff,” Alison said, The fourth boat, Grace, had once belonged to El her eyes sparkling. “I didn’t know any of them, and I still Richardson of Richardson’s Rigging. She had at that time don’t know any of them. They just took this and ran with been named David “because she was wrecked and it” and filled a container with rudders, spinnakers, sails holed in Hurricane David,” Alison said. “El and Lis [Harley] and booms. “Often when people give to sailing schools, got her, and they raced her for a bit, and then their boats it’s like ‘sailing school or dumpster,’ but in this case, I’m went to Virgin Gorda, and that’s when they lost track of

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MARCH 2011

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Above: The christening day of the Squibs at BVI Watersports Centre. Photo by Traci O'Dea.

it. And then when Colin and I were first at the [Royal BVI] Yacht Club, that was my first realization that there were Squibs around. We bought the Squib and used it at the yacht club, naming her Pelican. The boat was hauled out and sat in a boatyard for years after Alison and Colin no longer worked with the Royal BVI Yacht Club. The boat then went back to Road Reef where it eventually sank and lay on its side, then relocated it to Sopers Hole where it began to sink again. “Then when we did the West End Yacht Club race in the middle of last year, in July, with the other three Squibs, then everybody in West End saw what we’d done with the other three boats and decided, ‘Well, you better take this one.’ Having just rebuilt three boats, I wasn’t exactly jumping at the chance. I went and had a look, and it was sinking, completely rotten inside. Just under two weeks before Hurricane Earl, I went and got it, and had she stayed there, she would’ve gone.

Grace survived Hurricane Earl on an anchor in Manuel Reef, even though she did sink in the process.

Eldread from BVI Painters and Andy MacDonald from Caribbean Colours have donated both labour and

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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paint for Grace, and they plan to use environmentally friendly ePaint on her. Eldread even persuaded Alison to have the deck painted in her favourite colour— pink. West End Yacht Club has agreed to sponsor the restoration of the inside, having the work done at Marine Consultants at Nanny Cay. Alison also mentioned the generosity of Kenneth Smith with his crane and Nanny Cay for providing yard services for the boats.

“The idea of that is to have our boys who are sailing them regularly either to race against or alongside some of the original crew” in the BVI Spring Regatta. “The regatta committee is going to issue a trophy for the winning boat, so it’s not so much about individuals. It doesn’t matter if 15 people have sailed on that boat over three days…the trophy’s for the boat, so anybody who’s around at prizegiving who’s sailed on that boat can come up to the podium.” And if she has time, Alison hopes to have a chance to get out sailing on one of the boats that she, along with friends, acquaintances and strangers, has worked so hard to bring back to life in the BVI. PY

Revitalising Steele Point The luxurious Steele Point Estate on Tortola’s Westernmost side doesn’t need much introduction, nor does it need help standing out from the rocky peninsula with which it seems to have become one.

Built by architect Michael Helm more than 30 years ago, the private and secluded villa sanctuary has thrived on a wealth of return visitors, who prefer its timeless appeal. So when property manager Natalie Powell sought to refurbish Steele Point Estate’s Gestatlt Villa, she was careful not to venture too far from the clean and simple style that complements its famous open-air Mediterranean architecture.

Natalie confided in Arawak’s Roy Keegan, who suggested she choose a soft and natural theme, best highlighted by teak woods and light and airy complimentary colours. Roy suggested Natalie take advantage of the wide selection of teak wood furnishings available in stock at the Arawak warehouse in Road Reef Plaza. It was an easy sell, she said, since the furnishings were exactly what she was looking for, easily accessible and reasonably priced.

Above: Teak wood furnishings bring light to any interior. Photos provided by Steele Point

The four Gestalt bedrooms previously were painted in typical Caribbean blue and yellow hues, but have since been brushed white and beige. She chose light teak wood shades for three bedrooms and a darker pitch for the fourth, which is susceptible to the most sunlight. The ample sunlight that illuminates the rooms and the lush tropical gardens that border their balconies act to refresh rooms’ interiors. It seems that less is more in a place that benefits so obviously from its surroundings.

We took a walk to the main room at Steele Point, where the doors do not exist, and the property is left at one with its natural surroundings. Here, Natalie tells me, she’s looking forward to continuing to refurbish the property, calling on Arawak once again to bring a synthetic series of furnishings—furnishings strong enough to stand up to the strongest of elements. PY

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MARCH 2011

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The Lunch of Spring Regatta Champions

By Susie Younkle

BVI Spring Regatta is fast approaching, and sailors are preparing their boats for the British Virgin Islands’ signature regatta. With attention turned to hull cleaning, replacing hardware and discussing race tactics, food is often an afterthought on racing boats.

Granola bars are the norm on some boats, and a basic sandwich might be a special treat. Sailors need sustenance during an intense day of racing, but most of us don’t need a huge meal. And we certainly don’t want food that’s heavy and would induce lethargy. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a turkey sandwich would suffice, but they’re boring. For an extra edge on the water—both in terms of energy and crew morale—consider upgrading your food.

For the past few years I’ve been “Boat Mom” for the IC-24 Team LIME, driven by BVIPY’s Colin Rathbun. Occasionally I race with the team, but for Spring Regatta I tend to stay onshore as a regatta volunteer. As an unofficial LIME crew member, my responsibilities include encouraging the crew to get a good night’s sleep before the regatta, reminding the guys to use sunscreen and packing lunches. I’m definitely best at the lunch duties of being Boat Mom. A couple years ago, Team LIME won Spring Regatta in the ultra competitive IC-24 one-design fleet. I certainly do not claim any part in their victory; however, the crew came off the water declaring the day’s lunch of curried chicken salad wraps their “go-fast” lunch. Perhaps the healthy proteinpacked lunch actually gave the LIME crew an edge in the final day of racing.

This chicken salad is packed with flavour courtesy of mango chutney and curry, two popular Caribbean ingredients. Place the chicken salad in wraps, which are great boat food. Unlike bread, wraps can’t be crushed. I pair the curried chicken salad wraps with cut-up apples or grapes (freeze them in advance for a cool treat), baby carrots, and Sun Chips. I also like to surprise the crew with homemade cookies, which are usually a snack en route to the dock (perhaps washed down with a Heineken to kick off the post-racing festivities).

My gingersnaps are a particular favourite of Team LIME.

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“Go-Fast” Curried Chicken Salad Wraps Chicken salad has a reputation for being dense, but this recipe is remarkably light.

1 lb cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped (about 4 cups) 1/3 - 1/2 c light mayonnaise 1/3 c celery, chopped 3 Tbl green onions, chopped 3 Tbl hot mango chutney 2 Tbl raisins 1 Tbl lemon juice 2 tsp curry powder 6 whole wheat wraps Lettuce (optional) Combine first eight ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Divide among whole wheat wraps. Add a piece of lettuce if you like. Makes about six wraps. Adapted from Cooking Light magazine.

Everything is packed in a soft-sided cooler to ensure freshness in the hot Caribbean weather.

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MARCH 2011

33

Left: Chevalier Louis W. Desanges illustrates the 1866 battle scene, where BVIslander Samuel Hodge (shown kneeling in foreground) fought heroically with his regiment.

Photo courtesy of Penlee House Gallery & Museum.

Opposite: A replica of the Victoria Cross hangs on display at the Old Government House Museum.

aBVIHero

By Hugh Whistler MBE

BVIslander Samuel Hodge would forever stake his name in history, when in 1866 he bravely volunteered and fought in a battle against a ruthless West African tribal chief.

He fought heroically and fearlessly under the United Kingdom flag, with his West Indian regiment, eventually earning himself the highest honour bestowed upon a UK soldier of war: The Victoria Cross. Hodge would become the only BVIslander and first soldier of African descent to be awarded the prestigious VC. The Cross is bestowed sparingly upon British and Commonwealth servicemen “for conspicuous bravery … in the face of the enemy.” Only 1,356 have been awarded since Queen Victoria instituted the award in 1856, at

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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the end of the Crimean War. Since World War II, only nine have been awarded to UK servicemen, five to Australians. It is the equivalent to the US Medal of Honor.

Hodge was born in Tortola in 1840 and was only 26 when he was awarded his VC. At the time, the young soldier was serving with the 4th West India Regiment and would heroically fight in an epic battle to siege and capture Tubabecolong in Gambia, West Africa, on June 22, 1866.

As history tells us, some two hundred officers and men of the 4th West India Regiment led by one Colonel D’Arcy went up the Gambia River to attack the fortified stockade of a troublesome tribal chief. The regiment’s light artillery made little impression on the logs of the stockade, so Col D’Arcy called for volunteers to breach the wall by hand. Two officers and fifteen men answered his call and armed with axes he led them under heavy fire to try and force an entry.

The two officers were immediately killed and

The Cross is bestowed sparingly upon British and Commonwealth servicemen “for conspicuous bravery … in the face of the enemy.” only Col D’Arcy and Privates Hodge and Boswell were left unwounded to attack the wall with their axes. As soon as a breach was big enough to pass through, Pvt Hodge followed his colonel through. Pvt Boswell was killed, and Pvt Hodge, though badly wounded, cut open the gate fastenings, allowing the rest of the attackers to storm the fort and overcome the rebels. Col D’Arcy warmly praised Pvt Hodge in front of the rest of his force as the bravest soldier in their regiment, a fact they acknowledged with “loud acclamations” and subsequently recommended him for the VC. This was Gazetted on Jan. 3, 1867, and presented to then-Lance Corporal Hodge in Belize, British Honduras, where his regiment was serving, on June 24. Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds only seven months later and was buried with full military honours in Belize. We know his widow was allowed to retain his VC—but from there CGIBVI0610-1 28/6/10 19:30 1 the story fades and no trace of the Page VC has

This poignant story meant a lot to me when I heard about it, not only as a retired Army officer, not only as a proud resident of the BVI since 1966 (as it was a great honour for a Tortolian to have won); but also because my great, great grandfather as a young Sapper won one of those first VCs in the Crimean war. This is why I was proud to make the exhibit of valiant L/Cpl Hodge’s deed, with a replica of a VC, to put into the Old Government House Museum. Also on display is a copy of the Royal Gazette entry of 1867, which bears official proof of L/Cpl Hodge’s valiance in battle. If the original VC could be found, it would be worth in the region of $200,000-400,000. All VCs are cast from the Russian bronze cannon captured during the Crimean war, similar to the two British cannon in front of Old Government House, which came here after serving in that war. There are many things that Tortolians can be proud of in their past—this is but one such story. PY

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35

TheBVI

Spring Regatta

Sails Over the Hill

36

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Published by aLookingGlass Ltd.

By Dan O'Connor The BVI Spring Regatta will turn 40 this month and mark its anniversary on the same tranquil blue waters and with the help of the familiar flowing trade winds that have brought many of the familiar faces back year after year. And while the premise for the regatta and love for the sport remain constant, the event’s success has perhaps exceeded the expectations of the sailing enthusiasts who first witnessed the inaugural event in 1971.

The first Spring Regatta saw a little more than 20 Squibs compete. At the time, the BVI was home to less than 10,000 residents and bareboat charters were just establishing themselves in the territory. Now, with a population three times that and with the sailing industry driving the tourism surge, Sir Francis Drake Channel will likely become a racing passage for more than 120 boats of various classes and sizes, according to BVI Spring Regatta Director Judy Petz.

The 40 th anniversary is expected to be a “banner year,” attracting an estimated 4,000 racers and fans from around the world, she said, adding that the BVI will act as grounds for a sailing “camaraderie.”

“People really like coming back to the same place, and meeting and talking to those same friends year after year,” the regatta director said. “We’re all just moving with the flow of racing in general.”

The event’s exponential growth over the years has also allowed the territory to benefit widely from the flux of tourists coming to witness and partake in the event. From restaurateurs and hoteliers to taxi and safari bus drivers, the economic impact is appreciated throughout the community.

Opposite: Squibs go head to head in one of the innagural races of 1972.

Below:Todays sailors race in various classes.

An unofficial economic assessment of the event in recent years suggests that the regatta brings about $3 to $4 million of revenue to the island.

However, a boost in foot traffic on the island and at sea does not necessarily mean a lasting environmental footprint. The BVI Spring Regatta Committee makes extra efforts to ensure the community’s pristine image is preserved, Petz explained. One way the committee aims to bring a green image to the event is reducing the use of plastics at the Festival Village at Nanny Cay. The weekend activities will be a popular draw for both regatta participants and the local community at large, Petz explained, adding that vendors there will be instructed to reuse utensils and condiments whenever possible. Refillable water bottles and biodegradable plates and silverware will be distributed throughout the festival grounds, she said.

“We came up with that idea; now we’re reducing plastic waste by 30 percent,” the regatta director said.

“We’ve definitely streamlined our green initiatives.”

The committee is also reducing their use of paper by utilizing the Internet in place of signup sheets and mailin registration. Now, every participant and volunteer is required to sign up electronically, reducing pounds of paper waste, she added.

This year, the celebration will end with a bang—literally— with a firework show over the water, in eye shot from the festival grounds at Nanny Cay Beach. The culmination of the event will signify 40 years of success, partnership and friendship among the sailing community, Petz said.

“It’s a place for a lot of people to come back together now from over the past 40 years, and its really kind of a homecoming,” she said. “We don’t see each other for years, but its like you come back here and you’ve got that long lasting bond.” PY

Monday March 28 Registration (NC) Welcome Party at Peg Leg’s (NC)

noon - 6pm 6pm until

Tuesday March 29 Bitter End Cup (NC to BE) Award Ceremony (BE)

10am 6pm

Wednesday March 30 Nations Cup Race/Layday (BE)

All Day

NEW FOR 2011 Wednesday & Thursday March 30 - 31 Gill BVI Match Racing Championship

Nanny Cay All Day

Thursday March 31 - Sunday April 3 Apparel & Bar Tickets for Sale Bar Opens Food & Souvenir Vendors

Nanny Cay 2pm - 11pm 2pm 3pm - 10:30pm

Thursday March 31 Nanny Cay Cup (BE to NC) Spring Regatta Registration Annual Mount Gay Welcome Party Nanny Cay Cup Awards Ceremony Xtreme Band

10am noon - 6pm 5:30pm - 7pm 6pm 8pm until

Friday April 1 Racing Day 1 Music by Brian Neale Music by Elvis White

10am 4pm - 7pm 8pm until

Saturday April 2 Racing Day 2 Bastankaak Swimsuit Show Music by Quito & The Edge

10am 5:30pm - 6:30pm 8pm until

Sunday April 3 Final Racing Day Awards Ceremony Fireworks Finale Music by Bounce

10am 5:30pm Post awards 8pm until

www.bvispringregatta.org | info@bvispringregatta.org 284-541-4243 or 284-541-6732

www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

37

Green Building — Four Years Later

By Steve Fox, Managing Director, OBM International

Back in 2007, I wrote a five-part series for Property Guide on the subject of green building which looked at the broader aspects of environmental sustainability and focused on more specific issues such as the economic considerations, energy and water efficiency, waste and recycling, renewable energy systems, environmentally-friendly building materials and products, drainage, erosion control, landscaping, and site design.

Now, four years on, it’s interesting to look back on these articles, to think about what’s happened and how things have moved on, for better or for worse.

The global economic recession of the past two years has obviously had a big impact on us here in the BVI, with a significant downturn in the number of new projects being initiated.

Unfortunately, with this downturn, the focus of developers and building owners has been on basic survival, with discussion and interest in the environmental side of projects often pushed down the list of priorities. On the flipside, we’re hoping that the lessons learned during the economic squeeze will mean that new projects will be better considered for the longer term, more appropriate for their locations, more realistic and sustainable.

Perhaps the most significant development in green building in this period has been the widespread adoption by the construction and development industries of the LEED system for environmental certification. In the United States, the system has become ubiquitous, and has set the standards by which the environmental per formance of buildings is measured. Four

38

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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years ago, we were hoping that we’d soon be seeing LEED projects being developed in the Caribbean region, but the recession has slowed a number of ambitious projects down. We remain hopeful, but we’re yet to see any LEEDcertified buildings here in the BVI. One of the knock-on effects of the success of LEED and other environmental initiatives is the improvement in standards of building materials, as product manufacturers compete to develop more environmentally-friendly solutions. These products are slowly trickling into the BVI; we can now find no-VOC paints locally, at prices comparable to traditional paints, and it’s becoming easier to specify and procure previously hard-to-find alternatives such as bamboo flooring and LED lighting. We’re also seeing improvements in building systems; more efficient and effective air conditioning and pumps, better lighting controls, less chemically harmful swimming pool options.

Four years ago, we were hoping that we’d soon see the introduction of government subsidies for environmentally-friendly products, but these have yet to materialise, so better solutions are still being abandoned by building developers, in favour of lower-cost traditional alternatives. We were also expecting government to overhaul outdated electricity supply legislation, to encourage and assist home owners to install renewable energy systems—photovoltaics and wind generators— but sadly this is still subject to much debate and indecision, with infrastructure firmly dependent on fossil fuels, and owners still very unclear about their legal rights.

There’s still a long way to go to improve erosion control measures during construction. Despite increased public awareness of the causes of siltation and effects on coral reefs, most excavation continues to be unregulated and uncontrolled. The evidence of this was plain to see during the heavy rains of late 2010, when stormwater runoff carried previously unheard-of quantities of silt into many of the bays around Tortola.

We continue to do what we can to discuss these issues with clients, to design in erosion control to our projects, but this is a drop in the ocean (pun intended), given the steady pace of development on our hillsides.

Reefs will continue to be subjected to damage and stress, unless government can introduce increased enforcement of mitigation measures.

One small but significant success story is the recent emergence of Green VI, a not-for-profit group aiming to demonstrate the principles of sustainable living through educational and practical projects. The first project, a glass studio in Cane Garden Bay, is due to open this month, to recycle glass waste from the surrounding community. It’s the first of what is hoped to be an ongoing series of projects, to include composting, biodiesel production and renewable energy advancement. We hope that this and other local initiatives will continue to gain momentum, and that as the economic situation gradually improves, sustainable design and construction standards will eventually become the norm, rather than the exception. PY

Above: A cozy corner to admire nature's beauty.

Opposite: Thick foliage shades a shoreside property.

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www.bvipy.com

39

10/30/09 5:17 PM

MARCH 2011

Do You Have a

Clew?

By Traci O'Dea

Sailing words are weird, but learning their etymology has helped me remember what they mean.

Boom—the pole that extends aft of the mast and runs along the bottom of the mainsail. From the Dutch word boom which means beam. Similar to a microphone boom—the pole that extends a microphone horizontally towards a sound.

Boom Vang—a rope on a pulley that pulls down the boom to help control the mainsail. See boom, above, plus the Dutch word vangen, meaning to catch, according to dictionary.com. So, a boom vang is the system that catches the boom, in a way. It tightens or loosens it up.

Clew—the lower aft corner of a sail. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word comes from an early Indo-European gleu, also the root for the word clay, which meant to mass or conglomerate into a ball. This then became cliewen in Old English, meaning a ball of yarn, so it makes sense that the clew is the corner that is pulled out to unfurl a jib. On a side note, the word clue comes from the same root, from translations of Greek mythology and Theseus using a ball of yarn to get through the labyrinth, so is currently used as anything that helps to solve a puzzle.

Halyard—the line used to hoist the sails. This one is pretty self-explanatory. It comes from the Middle English word hale, meaning to haul, and the yard is a spar, traditionally wooden, that supports the sail.

Starboard—the right-hand side of the ship when facing the bow. Comes from the German Steuerbord, says the Online Etymology Dictionary, because “early Germanic peoples' boats were propelled and steered by a paddle on the right side.” Our expert David Blacklock reckons that the port side comes from the fact that due to the steering paddle being on the right-hand side of the boat, ships had to dock at ports on the left hand side, the port side. Makes sense.

Tack—1. the lower forward corner of a sail. 2. to change direction by turning the bow through the wind 3. the course of sail in regards to wind direction. According to the sources listed above, all three meanings seem to derive from the French word meaning a nail, pin or peg (like a thumbtack) and then meant a rope that fastened the front of the sail to the boat and then just became the front corner of the sail.

So, when you tack to change directions, you are moving the tack of the sail through the wind, and once you’re sailing in that direction, you’re sailing on a tack. Easy enough, right? PY

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Painter—a small rope attached to the bow of a boat to use for tying. Comes from the French word pendoir, according to dictionary.com, which is a rope or cord used to hang meats in a butcher shop, with the root word pendre, to hang.

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Left: Weatherman Joey Stevens poses outside WSEE studios in Erie, Pennslyvania, shortly after a heavy snowstorm.

Weather for the Birds

By Dan O’Connor

How a meteorologist and his feathery sidekick from snowy Pennsylvania claim their stake in the Caribbean.

When I interviewed weatherman Joey Stevens last month, he was anticipating a heavy snowstorm. “One foot,” he tells me. It’s a fair prediction from his studio in Erie, Pennsylvania. This winter has been a particularly brutal one for the northern half of the United States—one for the record books, as a weatherman would commonly say. But as a BVI resident, something just doesn’t sit right when Joey tells me this. Usually, I hear Joey say it’s going to be about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and either sunny, partly cloudy or a chance of rain. Never snow.

But when it comes to reporting the weather, Joey has a split personality. At 5 pm, he’ll throw on one of his dozens of loud, tropical shirts and strap on his life-size puppet of a red macaw—a sidekick he calls Bob the Parrot—and rattle off weather reports for Cuba, through the Leeward and ABC islands, and down to South America.

“Grand Caymans, Cayman Islands—a beautiful place and beautiful people—you’ll be at 84,” he predicts during a February broadcast. “Santo Domingo, the heat is on! Ninetythree, so find a place in the shade or under those partly cloudy skies because it’s hot!”

“Hot, hot, hot!” his sidekick squawks.

Throughout the weather report, Joey makes sure to give shout-outs to his friends working at the popular bars and tourists destinations he’s visited along his travels. For seven years, Joey has worked for OneCaribbeanWeather.com. He broadcasts his weather report to 32 different countries, including 22 Caribbean nations. In the BVI, his show usually airs at 6 pm or 8 pm weeknights on BVI Cable channel 10.

After filming for his OneCaribbeanWeather slot, Joey shakes off Bob the parrot, and trades in his tropical garb for a suit and tie. Then, it’s time to tell the greater Erie area if the

groundhog’s predictions over in Punxsutawney will hold true or not. The 30-year meteorology veteran takes his work very seriously. He says he enjoys the variance that reporting the weather from snowy Pennsylvania to the tropical Caribbean affords him.

The OneCaribbeanWeather report has become the most popular weather broadcast in the region—and Joey says he owes it all to Bob. “Bob’s the real star of the show,” he tells me. “I kind of just work with Bob.” I can’t help but chuckle at this sentiment.

“Don’t laugh,” he interrupts. “As far as a marketing or branding, [Bob] has exploded in the Caribbean. Yeah, it’s kind of hokey and cheesy, but it really has become a big thing.”

The weatherman says his trusty sidekick has helped him to extend his viewership to children and to brand the parrot to a family-friendly market. Soon, he says, he’d like to branch out into children’s television programmes. Without the famous parrot, Joey says the show wouldn’t be where it is today.

“When I started, I got to thinking to myself, I really need to have some kind of gimmick, or some kind of shtick,” he says. “I once had a monkey named Jocko—and even thought about dressing like a pirate … but I finally went to a party story and got a parrot that clipped on to my shoulder.”

However, the fragile parrot didn’t last very long, he explains.

“I was doing the weather, and turned around really quickly.

He fell off and broke his leg—and I said, ‘Look, the parrot’s drunk’,” he says, adding that he’d eventually replace the clumsy parrot with the sturdy, life-size puppet that has since stayed loyal, firmly attached to his right hand.

“When I came back, I told everyone it was Bob on steroids,” he says of his first round with big Bob. “And the parrot really has

www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

41

become really the big thing of the show.

Everywhere I go, people know him.”

Joey hasn’t made it to the BVI yet, but he says he has recently been in contact with BVI Tourist Board representatives about sponsoring a OneCaribbeanWeather trip in the near future.

“I get a lot of feedback from down there, and they all say ‘When are you going to go to the Soggy Dollar and come see us in Road Town?'” the jolly weatherman tells me.

“I’ve been truly blessed, and I mean that in all sincerity. I get to travel to the most beautiful places in the world.” PY

Above: Joey broadcasts on location from the shores of Dominica.

“Bob’s the real star of the show,” he tells me.“I kind of just work with Bob.”

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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Rising US Interest Rates Take Their Toll Locally

By Adam Stauffer, CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Offshore Investment Advisor

In the last months of 2010, US Treasury rates—or the interest on US government debt—started to climb from near historic lows.

The combination of a second round of quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve and an extension of former US President George W. Bush-era tax cuts sparked a rally in 10-year Treasury rates from a low of 2.45% in early October to around 3.5% at the time of this writing.

While the prospect of rising rates is welcome news for investors in CDs, many of whom have realised negative real rates of return over the last several years due to near zero percent interest rates, the impact on short-term CDs will be muted. In fact, the benchmark three-month CD rate only increased to 0.29% from 0.27%. Instead, the primary impact will be felt in mortgage rates and more generally across an investor’s portfolio.

Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates, which hit a 40-year low of 4.17% in November, have started to rise and currently stand at around 4.80%.

The Mortgage Bankers Association anticipates that rates will rise slightly, hovering around 5% in 2011 and increasing to around 6% in 2012. In the BVI, rates are currently around 6.75% and have been relatively stable compared to the US. While there is no guarantee that rates will continue to rise, there is a lot more room to increase than there is to decrease. As a result, now may be a good time to think about refinancing.

Furthermore, rising Treasury rates will have a significant impact on investors’ portfolios. In a sick twist that only Wall Street could serve up (it’s not actually Wall Street’s fault), just when individual investors flock into the historically safe,

calm waters of bonds, may be the time when bonds are not so safe and calm.

Bonds, which typically pay a fixed coupon, expose investors to interest rate, or duration, risk. This means that when interest rates rise, the price of the bond falls. For example, a 1% jump in Treasury rates roughly translates to a 5% loss in the price of a 10-year Treasury note. As rates rise off of historic lows, investors may find that the wealth preservation characteristics of some bonds do not live up to expectations.

However, by replacing rate sensitive investments with ones that are more credit sensitive, such as emerging market and high-yield bonds, and ones that have very little duration risk, suchas floating rate loans, investors may be able to safeguard their portfolios against rising rates. Emerging market and high-yield bonds are generally less sensitive to changes in interest rates because their prices are linked more closely to the credit quality of the individual issuer than to the level of interest rates. Meanwhile, floating rate loans, or bank loans, are corporate debt obligations that pay interest that resets with the 1-, 3- or 6-month LIBOR. Simply put, as interest rates rise, so does the interest paid by the bank loan. This reset feature lowers the duration risk and helps act as a hedge against rising rates.

Given that treasury rates have not broken their long-term downtrend, the current rise could just be a short-term correction and rates will eventually head lower again. Regardless, we are starting to see real signs that the economic environment ahead is changing. Now is the time to start planning for what that change means to your finances and portfolio. PY

Disclosure: The material in this article does not constitute advice and the investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. Consult with your financial advisor. Offshore Investment Advisor holds treasuries, emerging and high-yield debt and bank loans in most of our clients’ individual portfolios. www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

43

Right: BVI Airways recently added another Jetstream 32 to its fleet, much like this one.

Flying High in Turbulent Times

At the time, many entrepreneurs and investors were holding checkbooks tightly clasped, questioning the direction that an unstable economy would unravel. But Luke saw an opportunity in the Caribbean aviation industry and went for it. I recently sat down with the business owner, who told me he couldn’t be happier with the direction BVI Airways has gone.

“We’re starting to find our identity,” he said. “We’re seeing the different bands and the spectrums of the market; we know what to expect.”

Luke said BVI Airways has benefited from the niche they’ve settled in within a relatively limited Caribbean flight industry. The company offers its clients a flexible schedule—able to cater to the businessman on a daytrip, or the weekend vacationer. But Luke said what makes the company truly special is its ability to offer its clients a friendly, personable product.

“I don’t know of another airline— certainly in the Caribbean, maybe in the world—where you can call [the

airline owner] and get a response where we respond to your needs. …

You can readily interact with the guy who calls the shots.”

Luke said the success he has experienced over the last 10 months has now afforded him the ability to grow his business to allow for more destinations and flight options to his clients. Recently, the company purchased another 19-seat Jetstream 32 to add to its growing fleet. Luke told me that the company plans to expand even further, but when I probed him for more details, he simply grinned.

“Last year we showed up and did what we said, so when I tell you we’re going to do something big, you’ll just have to see,” he said. “And that growth’s a real milestone for an airline company—to even live for a year—in an economic climate that’s been so challenging, but somehow we’ve done it; we haven’t got much sleep, but we’ve done it.” PY

Contact Luke or a BVI Airways representative directly for further information at info@bviairways.com

Travel Plans Tortola to St. Maarten fares as low as $99

Booking Agent

284 494 2347/8 and 284 340 2347 travelplan@romascobvi.com Romasco Place, Admin Drive, Road Town, Tortola BVI. VG1110 284 495 5580 and 284 340 5580 Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI VG1150

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BVI Airways Owner Luke Smith took a big risk when he entered the airline industry last May.

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MARCH 2011

45

Caribbean Technology When it’s mission critical, call Caribbean Technology

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Suppliers to: Peter Island Resort, Riteway, Scrub Island, Nail Bay and BVI Government

We also supply and install surge protection, lightning protection, circuit breakers, contactors and switchgear.

Call or click for a quote: T 494 6782/3150 F 494 5389 cabtech@surfbvi.com robtech@surfbvi.com

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www.caribbeantechnology.com

Building as a Team The early mornings this time of year are refreshing and surprisingly cool, even before the sun makes its certain appearance.

A myriad of activities erupt, mostly unnoticed by the late riser. On my way to an early meeting, there are people washing their cars, running or simply discussing the days events with their friends and anyone who cares to listen.

We suggested that we would all meet on the new site for our collective client’s new home. A short flight and ferry ride across the pond got us there at the time that our client was most likely to begin his early morning stretch. This would give us the best insight to what we could build for him.

The team was hand picked by the project’s director, a relatively young but seasoned construction professional who would represent the homeowner; his seemingly ungrateful job was to assure that the rest of us, the “design team” would not go overboard. An acclaimed architect with a passion for environmentally sound design led this design team—a landscape designer with a desire to let nature do the talking and me, the

Constructing your dream home is like bringing up a child—it takes unfaltering dedication and strong teamwork. pool boy, thinking about efficiency and moving water. The client immediately felt the enthusiasm that reverberated from the team. The passion and desire to create excellence exuded from each specialist. The client had brought his entire family for this all-important meeting of the minds.

The project director had seen the value of these meetings, and a great general discussion ensued, and within a matter of four hours the entire

By Erick Oeseburg

concept for the house, the landscaping and the pool was visualized, saving the client valuable time.

Naturally, some further details of the home and pool design needed to be ironed out, but this meeting saved the client several months of emailing, sending pictures, taking movies and tearing up concept drawings as well as a significant chunk of change. Perhaps the most important aspect was that construction would be able to start sooner which meant that the client, who was in his late sixties, would certainly be able to enjoy his 70th birthday in his new home.

Working with hands-on, dedicated professionals in their specific field gives every project an edge, and since the collective experience is there to be drawn upon at a moment’s notice, changes can be effected and rationalized from each point of view. Changing the layout and levels of the pool could affect a plethora of issues, such as drainage, choice of grass species, visibility issues from the ground floor bedroom and even ventilation. Having the right disciplines al together in one spot, even just for that one meeting is, well, not exactly priceless but certainly saves a lot of money.

Creating personalized homes, gardens, water features takes a team, and while to the novice developer it may seem an unnecessary expense, speak to people whom have done without.

Constructing your dream home is like bringing up a child—it takes unfaltering dedication and strong teamwork. In the BVI, we have a growing group of professionals that genuinely work well together and are able to use their most creative thinking as a team. Building strong liaisons and being called to other islands for projects is a feather in our collective caps and a great way to promote our industry abroad. PY

www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

47

Property & Yacht Directory

Use the legend to reference the businesses listed.

ACTIVITIES Dolphin Discovery (PR) – (284)494.7675 Oceans Seven (PI) - (284)4540.1117

Woodwork Shop (FB) – (284)494.9010 Tool Town (PP) – (284)494.2352 Think Simple Home Automation (RT) - (284)4942801

ALTERNATIVE & BACKUP POWER

INSURANCE

Alternative Energy Systems (PP) – (284)494.1478 Caribbean Technology (RT) – (284)494.6782

ARCHITECTS Caribbean Architecture LTD. (RT) – (284)494.1913 OBM International (RR) – (284)494.2148 Roger Downing & Partners (RT) – (284)494.2762

Arawak Interiors (RR) – (284)494.5240 Nutmeg Designs (RT) – (284)494.9151 Poolworks (PP)– (284)494.0989

GREEN PRODUCTS Greentech (RT) – (284)340.1835

EE FB NC PI PP PR RR

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Colonial Insurance (RT) – (284)494.8450 Nagico Insurance (RT) – (284)494.6433/4

Coldwell Banker Real Estate (NC)– (284)495.3000 Dougal & Associates – (284)495.3003 Sotheby’s International Realty (RT) – (284)494.5700 Trude Real Estate (RT) – (284)494.2500 Smart Home BVI - (284)542-7000

INVESTING

shipping

VP Bank (RT) – (284)494.1100

Tamarind Consolidated - (954)763-2234 Tortola Express (RR) - (284)494.0707

LAW FIRMS

Travel

Harneys (RT) – (284)494.2233

FURNITURE

Legend: Regions

Marine & Yacht Clubs

Nanny Cay Marina & Hotel (NC) - (284)494.2512 Royal BVI Yacht Club (RR) - (284)494.3286 Manuel Reef (SB) - (284)495.2066

East End Fish Bay Nanny Cay Peter Island Port Purcell Prospect Reef Road Reef

Yacht Charters & BrokeRs

BareCat (SB) (284)495-1979

Yacht Shots BVI (NC) – (284)495.7550

Health

Crown Dental (RR) - (284)494.2770 Sole Spa (RT) - (284)494.5999

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Caribbean Colours (FB) – (284)494.1448 Clarence Thomas LTD. (RT) – (284)494.2359 Drakes Traders LTD. (FB) – (284)494.3282

PROPERITES Baraka Point (VG) – (800)969.9713 Mooney Bay (VG)– (888)624.3215 Oil Nut Bay (VG) – (284)495.5400

Road Town Sea Cows Bay Sophers Hole Trellis Bay Virgin Gorda West End

Charterport (RT) - (284)494.7955 Conch Charters - (284)4944868 Racing in Paradise (NC) - (284)494.6781 Southern Trades (RT) -(284)494.8003 Sunsail (RT) -(888)416.8420 The Moorings (RT) -(888)416.8420 TMM (RR) - (800)633.0155

BVI Airways (RT) – (284)494.3247 Travel Plan - (284)494-2347

PHOTOGRAPHERS

RT SB SH TB VG WE

est. 1993 | Fleet size: 10 | Sells boats: No | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Fontaine Pajot, Lagoon, Leopards, Island Spirit, Robertson & Caine, Privilege, Voyages | Year Make: 19972005 | Type(s): Catamarans | barecats@surfbvi.com

Provisioning

BVI Yacht Charters (RT) (284)495.4289 est. 1974 | Fleet size: 45 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Seawind | Year Make: 2000 - 2009 | Type(s): Sailboat Monohulls and Catamarans | bviyachtcharters. com | www.bviyachtcharters.com BVI Charter Yacht Sales (RT) - (284)494.4868 est. 1986 | Fleet size: 46 | Sells Boats: Yes | Charters Boats: Yes | Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Leopard, Norseman, Island Spirit, Athena, Hunter | Year Make: 1996-2004 | Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls | www. charteryachtsales.com BVI Charter Yacht Society (RT) (284)494.6017 Representing the finest selection of luxury crewed charter yachts in the BVI | bvicrewedyachts.com

Riteway Food Markets (RT) – (284)494.2263

FOR SALE 26’6” World Class Leisure Cat with trailer and floating dock LOCATED IN ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA World Class Leisure Cat, 2000 model. Open cockpit with electric head and wrap‐around interior seating. Twin 2005 135HP Honda 4‐stroke engines (c.

300 hours). Sits on "Jet Dock" floating dock system and twin axle custom trailer, which are included in the price. Vessel is covered and in excellent c o n d i t i o n .

Maintained by a local agent. Many recent

improvements. $59,990 Tel: 541‐1202

British Virgin Islands Bareboat & Captain Charters • Monohulls: Beneteau & Jeaneau (35-50 ft.)

• Catamarans: Admiral, Lagoon, R&C Leopard,

Voyage (38-43 ft.)

Low to $400-$1145/Day High & Seasonal Specials

• $275-$745/Day

Services • •

Yacht Management Mooring Balls

Harbourview Marina, Fat Hogs Bay, East End, Tortola | Rite Breeze Grocery Store next door | Five-Minutes from Beef Island Airport (EIS)

1-866-PROVALOR (776-8256) | provalorcharters.com | pvc@provalorcharters.com

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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Property Listings A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

Use the map and legend to reference the properties listed.

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

Legend: Regions

T

Tortola

1

Virgin Gorda Jost van Dyke

The Settlement

2

Anegada

Northern Islands Southern Islands

3

Anegada

4

Prickly Pear Island Moskito Island

5

Eustatia Island

Oil Nut Bay

The Dogs

6 Guana Island

7

Jost Van Dyke

8

Little Jost

Little Camanoe

Scrub Island

Spanish Town

Beef Island Road Town

Buck Island

The Valley

n

Fallen Jerusalem

Long Bay

10

Road Harbour Round Rock

Cooper Island

Nanny Cay

Great Thatch

Ginger Island

Frenchman’s Cay

Dead Chest

12

Carval Rock

Salt Island

13 14

Virgin Gorda

Marina Cay

Cane Garden Bay

Sandy Cay

Little Tobago

11

Great Camanoe

Tortola

Green Cay

Great Tobago

9

Necker Island

Pelican Island

Peter Island

Flannigan Island

Norman Island

TORTOLA

G10 Hummingbird House: Located in the prestigious Belmont Estate only moments

H9 Lovely Lot at Ballast Bay: Beautiful Ballast Bay Lot now available. Glorious views of Cane Garden Bay and Jost Van Dyke. US$120,000 | (284)495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

G10 Two and Three Bedroom Hillside Villa – Long Bay Resort: Cleverly designed Villas with fantastic views, great beach and full use of all resort facilities.

Lock off units designed to maximize income potential at Tortola’s leading beach resort.

From US$435,000 | (284)495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

Private Lots for Sales 0.8 Acres: Located on the North Shore are two parcels of land, with stunning views, available to build your own dream home. US $155,000+ | (284)494-2500 www.trudebvi.com I10 WATERFRONT HOMES WITH DOCKS, NANNY CAY: 2/3 bedroom waterfront townhouses with docks now available at

Nanny Cay, Tortola’s premier marina. Full resort facilities and competitive rental program available to offset costs of ownership. US$750,000 | (284)495-3000. | Contact chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com.

Long Trench Estate Home: Situated on .623 acres this split level home has 4

bedrooms, 2 baths and a separate 1 bedroom unit which has rental income. This home is set on .3 acres so an additional house can be erected giving two for the price of one. This is a must see!! US$715,000 Monica at (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

H8 1 acre Lot, Glorious Cane Garden Bay views: A rare Lot on Luck Hill with fantastic views of Cane Garden Bay. Beautiful sunsets. Very buildable. One not to be missed!

US$225k | (284)495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

from Smugglers Cove and Long Bay beaches, this delightful home has been extensively remodeled by the current owner, an English Architect with over 20 years island experience designing first class, luxurious homes. Pleasing proportions and scale, elegant finishes and fixture choices of the highest quality and wonderful ocean, island and sunset views. US$2,495,000 | (284)495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

Villa Asolare at Mansion Hall: This stunning home is located around a point

which gives panoramic views of the outer islands from Scrub Island to Norman Island. There are stone steps that lead to each of the three buildings, the two beaches and thru lush flowers, fruit trees and the historic ruins of Fort Hodge dating from the 1740’s. There is also an infinity pool with an out door kitchen, perfect for entertaining! Monica at (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

H9 Rose Lodge, 3 bedrooms Windy Hill: Beautiful hillside setting with exceptional island and sunset views. Two bedroom main house with lovely gardens and lawn. Delightful views of Cane Garden Bay from very private guest house. US$1.1m | (284)495-3000 www.coldwellbankerbvi.com | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com H9 Business Opportunity: 1.04 acres of hill side land just 200 feet beyond the picturesque beaches of Cane Garden Bay. The property houses six buildings containing 5 one-bedroom, 2 two-bedroom and 1 three-bedroom units. US$2,500,000 | (284)495-4825 G10 Waveland: Waveland is a uniquely private, 3-bed, 2-bath luxury villa with a spectacular elevated position and a magnificent view. A covered lanai with full wet bar connects the living area, two guest bedrooms and master bedroom with unique his and her bathroom suites. US$750,000 (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM Virgin Gorda Home for Sale: This charming Home comes furnished with all modern amenities and enchanting views overlooking the Ocean and a lovely garden. This location is prefect for this price. US$300,000 | (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

I10 Havers Vista: Lovingly improved and maintained by the current owners the house is on a

H8 Cane Garden Bay Cottages: Two delightful cottages set within landscaped

single floor and comprises of 2 ensuite bedrooms both with air-conditioning, a large sitting room, entrance hallway and an open kitchen/living area replete with breakfast bar. US$795,000 (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

J8 3 bedroom Ridge Road Home with 3 bed Apt: Lovely 3 bedroom

Cane Garden Bay 0.5 Acres: This land is above the hills in Cane Garden Bay with road access and spectacular views and no covenants attached. US$150,000 | (284) 494 2500 www.trude.com

palm fringed gardens, less than 50 yards from the beach. Set in under 2 acres, prime investment property. US$1.295k | (284)495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

family home with rental income potential from 3 bed apt beneath. Great views of North Shore and Guana Island. Lush mature garden filled with coconut palms and fruit trees. Motivated Seller.

US$750,000 | (284)495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

Jost Van Dyke Land: There is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east of Foxy’s Restaurant. It has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and St. Thomas.

US$110,000 | Monica at (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

K9 Endymion: 4-bed, 4.5 bath private house with a spectacular view overlooking Hodge’s Creek and the Sir Francis Drake Channel with the verdant peaks of the numerous islands in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. US$1,375,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

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G10 The Blessing: Exquisitely appointed home above Long Bay. Main house, two bedroom suites, a third loft bedroom and marble deck around infinity pool. Magnificent view. US$1,250,000 (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

H11 Fort Recovery: Private, 4-bed, 4-bath, waterfront property. Panoramic ocean

K8 Villa Zenaida: Overlooking Little Bay and Atlantic Ocean in exclusive estate. Beautifully

K9 Hodge's Creek Land: 0.8 acres beautiful parcel of land with a magnificent view over Hodge's Creek Marina. US$400,000 US$400,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

appointed throughout with 3 en-suite air-conditioned bedrooms including guesthouse, swimming pool and deck. US$1,950,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

view. Glass doors open to deck, inches above the Caribbean Sea. Elegant, contemporary furnishings.

US$3,950,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

JOST VAN DYKE

VIRGIN GORDA Q6 Moonlit Sea: Amazing 180 degree unobstructed sea views. Sunsets and gentle breezes.

4 min. walk to pristine beach, swimming and snorkeling. Beautifully landscaped. 2BR/3BA, open concept, large deck. More photos at www.virgingordahouseforsale.com. Priced below market yet still negotiable.

US$695,000 | Bonnie Dougall at (284)495-3003

P9 Charming two bedroom, two bath home at Windy Hill: Set on 0.4 acres in a quiet neighbourhood the property enjoys beautiful views of Tortola and Beef Island and a lush tropical garden. | US$550,000

E8 JOST VAN DYKE LAND: There is a 1 acre lot located about a mile east from Foxy’s

Restaurant. It has utility access, road access and stunning panoramic views of Tortola and St. Thomas.

US$110,000 | Marianne at (284)494-2500 | www.trudebvi.com

NORTHERN ISLANDS M7 Very private 2+ acre lots on Exclusive Scrub Island Marina & Spa Resort! Part of an upscale island resort, waterfront land is available to

build your own dream home. US $1,500,000+ | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

M7 CHARMING 5 BEDROOM VILLA ON GREAT CAMANOE: Q7 A Dream Come True, Pond Bay: A five bedroom, cliffside/waterfront home above Virgin Gorda’s most spectacular beaches at Pond Bay and Savannah Bay. Simply stunning. Ask to see the rental history and figures on this property. A phenomenal story. US$3.5m | (284)495-3000 chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com J8 Hope Hill: 8.82 acres of gently sloping and breezy, undeveloped land at Hope Hill only 10-mins drive to Road Town. Close to Ridge Road with spectacular views overJosiah’s Bay to Guana Island, Great Camanoe and around to Virgin Gorda. Unpaved access and utilities to the entrance.

P.O.A | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM K9 Harbour View Marina: Located in the East End Harbour protected by Red Rock

Reef. An expanding community and emerging as a commercial centre with all the amenities that facilitate growth: good access, close proximity to the airport, supermarkets, restaurants and bars combined with a natural harbour. 4 Bedroom Hotel. 0.4 acres. US$2,800,000 | (284) 494 5700 | BVISIR.COM

Delightful 3 bedroom Main House with 2 Bedroom Guest house on Great Camanoee. Lots of character.

Fantastic island and ocean views, incredible panorama. Easy access to dock. Approx 2 acre Lot. US$1,.200,00 | (284)495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com | www.coldwellbankerbvi.com

M7 DIAMOND REEF ESTATE, UNIQUE 10 ACRE PROPERTY:

A fabulous property, full of character and charm. Upon this 10 acre site sits a magnificent 3 bedroom main house, built largely from local stone in 1968 by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical family. A delightful one bedroom guest house built in later years. Residents treated to glorious views yet completely private.

Wonderful landscaping, beachfront, private swim dock. Absolutely one of a kind property.

US$6m | (284)495-3000 | chris@coldwellbankerbvi.com

ANEGADA Loblolly Bay Land

Great Investment Opportunity!!! Walking distance to the beach and Flash of Beauty Restaurant, this freehold 3.88 acres lot is ideal for any investment venture. There is a road access and utility poll next to the property. US$550,000 | Monica at (284) 494 2500 | www.trude.com

Pedro Wells

WOODWORK SHOP WE SELL GLASS

Makers of WELL’S OPERABLE LOUVERS CELL: 544-3139

Tel: (284) 494-9010 Skelton Baylot, Fish Bay, Tortola 50

BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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www.bvipy.com

MARCH 2011

51

In the serene, protected waters of North Sound, nature created the perfect deepwater sanctuary. We took it from there. We’re pleased to introduce the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Marina Virgin Gorda, a state-of-the-art superyacht marina developed by Victor International. The marina will offer up to 38 slips for mega yachts ranging in size from 30 to 100 meters. Situated in a protected harbor, it is the ideal Caribbean base from which yacht owners can experience the beautiful cruising and racing waters throughout the BVI and beyond. A beautiful clubhouse is scheduled to open by late 2011. Operated in partnership with the storied Mediterranean club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, it will be a place where the grand tradition of yachting is celebrated throughout the year. www.yccsmarina.com

harbourmaster@yccsmarina.com

284.495.5400

The Yacht Costa Smeralda Marina Virgin Gorda is partnered with Oil Nut Bay resort, a prestigious Victor International resort community and Biras Creek, A Relais and Chateau resort.

www.OilNutBay.com / www.Biras.com

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BVI PROPERTY & YACHT

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