Rated #1 hotel in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda by TripAdvisor.com, recommended by Frommer’s and The Best of the British Virgin Islands and named the best value in Virgin Gorda by Travel+Leisure Magazine, Nail Bay offers numerous distinctive villas, apartments and rooms with magical sunset views and three sun bleached, deserted sandy beaches with great snorkeling. Come enjoy our 148acre luxury villa resort nestled below Gorda Peak
within a 19th century historic sugar plantation on almost a mile of waterfront with newly paved concrete roads and underground utilities including reliable water supply and two large stand-by generators. Nail Bay also offers modern conveniences such as ADSL internet service, satellite television and radio as well as DVD players and iPod stations, not to mention maid service and great dining at the SUGARCANE Bar and Grill.
Choose villas such as
FULL CIRCLE VILLA A luxurious 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath house built on 1.8 acres of beautifully landscaped beachfront property with historic sugar mill ruins. Gorgeous lap pool with easy access for children. Large living area with a spacious kitchen and dining area with lots of covered and uncovered outdoor space. Extraordinary sunset views.
or
SUGAR MILL HOUSE Imagine yourself in the rooftop pool with a 360-degree view of the Copper Mine Ruins, Gorda Peak, the Dog Islands, Anegada, Tortola and St. John or in a pool by a tropical garden looking out to sea in this architecturally unique villa with its curved stone walls, terraces and balconies, and porthole windows on each floor allowing views of the cascading waterfall from the rooftop pool. A one-of-a-kind property based on a replica of a historic sugar mill, this brand new villa sits with a breathtaking view over looking Savannah Bay, Little Dix Bay and Long Bay.
book online at www.nailbay.com Why rent a hotel room when a private villa can be yours for less? Excellent choice of apartments and villas from $225 to $1715 per night.
Telephone 1.284.494.8000 Fax 1.284.495.5875 Toll free from the USA 1.800.871.3551
Pride
of Ownership
Own a yacht in the Caribbean Whether for personal use or as part of a successful charter fleet, Horizon Yacht Sales offer you top quality sailing yachts and luxury catamarans customised to suit your every requirement and lifestyle. Enjoy an ownership programme offering unlimited sailing, maximum income and the
Horizon Yacht Sales
security of knowing your yacht is managed and maintained to a standard you can be proud of. We offer tax free purchase and the option to try before you buy, in several Caribbean locations. Call us today to speak with our knowledgeable yacht sales professionals.
British Virgin Islands St Martin Antigua & Barbuda Grenada & the Grenadines Phone 284 494 8787 Toll free 877 494 8787
info@horizonyachtcharters.com www.horizon-yacht-sales.com
Managing Editor Owen Waters :: owen@alookingglass.com Copy Production Owen Waters, David Blacklock & Traci O'Dea advertising Production Colin Rathbun & Nick Cunha advertising Sales Owen Waters :: owen@alookingglass.com Graphic Design Richard George & Nick Cunha Executive Producer Colin Rathbun, aLookingGlass Publishing colin@alookingglass.com For additional information contact Nick Cunha or Colin Rathbun at aLookingGlass or visit www.bviyg.com alookingGlass #7 Road Reef Plaza, P.O. Box 3895 Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands t 284.494.7788 f 284.494.8777 www.alookingglass.com | info@alookingglass.com
On the Cover: HIHO Photo courtesy of Ocean Promotions.
aLookingGlass Ltd., publisher of the BVI Yacht Guide, 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. The BVI Yacht Guide and its contents are the intellectual property of aLookingGlass Ltd. Neither this magazine nor any part of it may be reproduced without written permission from aLookingGlass Ltd.
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letter from the editor
Owen Waters
THE CREW
Welcome to Yacht Guide's May issue. For many years, the BVI has seen an extended season that has lasted well into the summer, despite hurricane season. Last year, in the middle of the ominous Hurricane Omar, the Moorings Interline Regatta saw all its guests scramble for hotels to lock down. Omar turned out to be more bark than bite, but the threat was real. By noon the next day, it was back to business as usual. If there are people who want to sail or visit in the summer, the BVI offers more to see and do than worry about hurricanes. Summer is a time that many of us get the chance to try our hands at different sports or take advantage of our local status and enjoy summer rates at resorts or charters. Notably, children’s programmes are popular; school’s out, and the ocean invites. Several watersports schools offer programmes with a variety of activities and new skills to learn on the water. Let’s take a small step back a second and examine a Western upbringing with malls, places to ride bikes and concentrated weeks away at summer camps. On a 14-mile island, the fun is going to be what you make use of. That is most likely going to be the water. What is different this year, however, is the influx of new watersports toys with a wider appeal to both young and old. As watersports develop, so do teaching methods with new equipment and training techniques. The Royal BVI Yacht Club offers several sailing classes this summer as does the BVI Water Sports Centre and Bitter End Yacht Club. I have been trying to teach my eldest niece surfing and windsurfing since the day she was born, and my brother has been trying to teach her sailing. She always said when she was bigger. Last year, though, at age six, she attended a camp at Nanny Cay and absolutely loved it, mostly because she was with all her friends. Amongst water-related activities she also enjoyed crafts and collecting sea shells. Mostly due to a relaxed environment and attentive coaches, she was able to gain masses of confidence on the water with a real sense of independence. For the big kids, there are several new activities on and off the rock. Stand up paddlesurfing gains more popularity every year. If you come across a 12-15 foot surfboard with the rider paddling into and down the waves, you will recognise the sport. It is also a great way to explore short or long distances between the islands at your own speed. If you are intending to join the 25th windsurfing inter-island odyssey of the Highland Springs HIHO, good luck and good grip, it’s a wild ride! In this issue you will find several of those interests catered to by businesses fuelled by passion and inviting you to join in. There is no natural talent needed, just a positive outlook and a desire to have fun. The experiences may just enrich your lifestyle.
See you on the water,
Owen Waters
JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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10 No Such Thing as Too Much Seviche
12
contents
Shoreside Review: The Bat Cave & Spaghetti Junction
Skipper's Tips: When Life's a Drag Our skipper gives advice on the best anchor and chain for the job.
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No Such Thing as Too Much Seviche 10 The BVI is the best place to make a meal out of seviche—a dish typically served as an appetizer. Shoreside Review: The Bat Cave & Spaghetti Junction 12 Spaghetti Junction serves tantalizing East Indian cuisine at lunch and fine Italian food at dinner. Owner John Schultheiss seems as happy as ever to be back in his old haunts in Village Cay. Boat of the Month 13 When not at sea, sexy Bella PITA spends her days turning heads at the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound. Personal Water Crafts Evolution What’s the difference between a Personal Water Craft (PWC), restricted in the BVI, and a motorized sea kayak or a motorized surfboard? Yacht Guide finds out.
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My HIHO History
TUI Marine to Trim Tortola Fleet 16 Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose, Moorings Power and Moorings Signature brands make up TUI Marine’s 400 yachts at the Tortola base. They plan on reducing that number by offering owners an interesting option. My HIHO History 17 Andy Morrell reminisces about his past HIHO experiences and looks forward to the future possibilities of the annual windsurfing event. EDGE: Summer Sailing Camp 20 A day in the life of a summer sailing camper along with suggestions on how to build a successful summer sailing camp.
20 EDGE: Summer Sailing Camp
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JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Yacht Charter and Broker Directory 22 Look here for the most up-to-date Yacht Charter and Broker Directory. It's a great place to start if you're looking to buy or charter a yacht in the BVI.
Passi o n a t e a b o u t b o a t s . . .
“We had a true, worry-free 14 days of sailing. We got everything we asked for... and then some!” BVI Yacht Charters Guest
BVI YA C H T C H A RT E R S
Bareboat, Crewed or Skippered Monohulls from 31’ to 52’ Catamarans from 36’ to 47’ Provisioning service available Tailored and personal service Private Marina
ASA Instruction 24 Hr Emergency Call Out Yacht Brokerage Beneteau Fractional Programmes Free Wifi & Customer Computer Beneteau Dealer
Beneteau 31 Beneteau 34 Beneteau 37 Beneteau 40 Beneteau 46 Beneteau 50.4
2008 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007
$115,000 $145,000 $165,000 $199,000 $287,000 $310,000
2 Cabin 2 Cabin 2 Cabin 3 Cabin 3 Cabin 5 Cabin
Call us on 284-494-4289 or visit www.bviyachtcharters.com BVI YAC H T C H A RT ER S
www.bviyc.com T H E B O AT S . T H E S A I L I N G. T H E E X P E R I E N C E . . . www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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by David Blacklock
SKIPPER’STIPS
When Life's a Drag
It's time to upgrade your ground tackle Lately it's been crazy around by me. Boats dragging anchor, losing their anchor, not anchoring at all—it's a bit scary. Recently one of my boat neighbours, a charter skipper, told me he had to jump up in the wee hours to help a transient boat that was getting blown down onto a superduperyacht—potentially an expensive error. The owner of the transient boat had just bought it a week earlier and was still sorting out the gear. Unfortunately, the surveyor who had checked the boat for her had signed off on what was clearly insufficient ground tackle. A 10-kilo anchor is a little small for a 40-foot, 10-ton yacht, especially if the shackle is corroded to within a millimetre of zilch. The next day, when the boat dragged again, my friend took the owner to the nearby chandlery and loaded up with 200 feet of 3-strand line, 20 feet of chain and a 20-kilo anchor. Taking an hour or so, they rigged up the line, spliced the gear together and got it settled in the water where it currently resides, holding the pretty boat nice and steady.
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One question that arose was, what size of 3-strand nylon is best for a moderately heavy boat? Hal Roth, who has circumnavigated solo a couple times and writes about doing so, states that half-inch line is perfectly adequate for a vessel up to 20 tons, and quotes his friend Irving Johnson to the effect that . . . what size of 3-strand you need the smaller line nylon is best for a for elasticity—anything much bigger and you moderately heavy boat? lose the stretch. “You will never break a 1/2inch nylon unless it chafes,” he quotes Johnson, “and if you get chafe you can break a 2-inch nylon.” A common rule of thumb has it that you need 1/8” of rope diameter for every 9 feet of boat length
JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
When it comes to anchor and chain, if it's not an all-chain rode, then the bigger the better (displacement would be a better measure, since a heavy cruiser will obviously displace a greater weight of water than a race boat of similar length). Anything much smaller than 3/8” is hard to handle, 5/8” is what most sailors of medium-sized cruising boats default to. When it comes to anchor and chain, if it's not an all-chain rode, then the bigger the better. Hang as big an anchor with as big a chain as you can handle off the end of your comparatively slender line, and you'll be good to go—or not go, actually. If your boat is equipped with a decent windlass, whether powered by motor or by brute force, then all-chain is the way to go, but if you will be hauling up your tackle by hand you'll want to consider a chain/ nylon combination. With a windlass, the chain will have to fit into the gypsy, so that will limit your chain size—unless you fit a different gypsy. Anchors vary greatly in type and every one has its proponents.
The ideal anchor depends on the conditions and seabed you'll be anchoring in. Is there current that will cause the boat to swing and the anchor to re-set? Is there grass or weed to pierce, or soft mud? The answer to these questions will dictate the anchor type you need. Around here, where there is very little chance of the anchor having to re-set itself and the bottom is mostly sand, many anchor types will suffice. Among the most popular are the CQR and Bruce types—the latter having no moving parts to gum up. One way to decide on an anchor is to look at what the world's workboats tend to use. Almost without exception they prefer Danforth-type anchors. Large ships, such as navy vessels and bulk carriers, use a variation on the Danforth but without a stock—similar to a Brittany anchor. Pretty much any anchor will work if it's the right one for the conditions. Just make sure you get one a little heavier than recommended. YG
Pile it on your plate
No Such Thing as Too Much Seviche by Susie Younkle
My first taste of seviche was at a high-end Mexican restaurant in the States about 10 years ago. Ever since, I’ve been hooked on this tantalizing mixture of fresh fish, citrus, and fruit or vegetables. Seviche—also known as ceviche, tartare or numerous other names depending on the country—has it origins in Latin America but is now common in the Caribbean and elsewhere. Raw fish or shellfish is marinated in citrus, typically lime or lemon juice. Through a chemical process called denaturation, the citric acid mimics the effects of heat and changes the structure of the proteins in the fish. The citrus “cooks” the fish and causes the flesh to become opaque and firm. After marinating in citrus, some combination of vegetables, fruit and seasoning is added to the fish to make seviche. I only have one complaint about seviche—the tiny portions served in restaurants. It’s often listed
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“cook” onboard. The main reason being that due to as an appetizer, and I can never get enough. Usually the denaturation process, you don’t have to use an I opt for quality of food over quantity, but with oven or stove. seviche, I want both. And since it’s so healthy, there’s Though simple to prepare, high quality ingredients no guilt in eating a big portion. Once I moved to are essential for seviche. Local the BVI and miraculously started catching my own It’s often listed as an appetizer, avocados, limes, mangoes and peppers are always best, fish, I began making my and I can never get enough if you can find them. Ultra own seviche. Because I had fresh fish is also particularly plenty of fish, I was able to important. (Unlike cooking with heat, the process of make big batches of the dish. Finally, quality (the best denaturation doesn’t kill parasites.) If purchasing fish, ever) and quantity. remember that fresh fish shouldn’t smell fishy; rather it If you’re lucky enough to catch fish—particularly should smell like the sea. Fresh fish is always preferable, mahi mahi, tuna or wahoo—while trolling a line from but high quality frozen fish can also be used. a sailboat or powerboat, seviche is an ideal way to
JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
A mouthwatering meal
Accompanied by some icy cold beers, such as Heineken, I can’t think of many other meals I’d prefer Tuna or Wahoo Seviche • 1 lb freshest tuna or wahoo fillet, diced in ½” pieces • Juice of 4 limes • 1 avocado, peeled and diced • ½ medium mango, peeled and diced • 3 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro • 3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion • A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce
Combine the fish and lime juice in a non-aluminum bowl. Cover and refrigerate for about 45 minutes or until fish becomes opaque and firm. Drain fish. Toss the marinated fish with avocado, mango, cilantro and red onion. Drizzle hot sauce over the top and stir. Add salt to taste. Mahi Mahi Seviche • • • • • • •
I usually serve seviche as a make-ahead appetizer. The ideal accompaniment is homemade tortilla chips, made by cutting up flour tortillas and frying them in vegetable oil until golden and crisp. Since deep frying isn’t always ideal for a boat, seviche can also be served with purchased tortilla or plantain chips. The crispy, salty chips serve as a perfect compliment to the tangy seviche. From time to time, I’ll make enough seviche for a main course, and my husband and I will indulge in huge portions that we could only dream of in a restaurant. Accompanied by some icy cold beers, such as Heineken, I can’t think of many other meals I’d prefer.
Sponsored by
1 lb freshest mahi mahi fillet, cut in ½” strips Juice of 4 lemons 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 medium red bell pepper, diced 1 small tomato, diced 1 medium mango, peeled and diced ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Combine tuna and lemon juice in a non-aluminum bowl. Cover and refrigerate for one hour or until fish becomes opaque and firm. Drain fish. Add marinated fish, onion, bell pepper, tomato and mango. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients and stir. YG
Riteway Food Markets provisioning service offers a number of services to help your visit to the British Virgin Islands be a fuss-free, enjoyable experience. Time is of the essence for you and our 20 plus years experience in provisioning has enabled us to tailor our services to suit the needs of all concerned by providing a wide selection of choice foods, beverages, liquor and dry products. So, whether it is your private getaway schooner, or a Super Mega yacht, each order, no matter how large or small, is given the same amount of detailed attention and delivered directly to you. After all, it's the Riteway of way of doing business!
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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Shoreside Review by Owen Waters
Bat cave & spaghetti junction
The original Bat Cave is on its fourth location, once relocated to Baughers Bay and has returned to its previous spot in Village Cay. On a breezy spring day, owner John Schultheiss and I sit down to talk of yesteryear and the future of the Bat Cave, a locale often associated with good times and wild nights. As we eye the dancing pole soon to be erected, we laugh, thinking of possible good times ahead. We are sampling lunchtime fare from Bat Cave’s sister restaurant, Spaghetti Junction. Traditionally Italian, Spaghetti Junction serves East Indian cuisine and other international flavours at lunchtime. Italian and East Indian do seem disparate initially, but the range is a great concept. The idea came from British expats and a huge party John threw for a local Indian family who loved the food so much they insisted it become part of the menu. I can see why as I tuck in the chicken tikka kebab with apple and mint chutney, simply delicious when accompanied by the seviche.The flavours are all
By night, Spaghetti Junction returns to its roots as an Italian restaurant with strong, traditional dishes such as Osso Bucco and Beef Marsala. John jokes that both the lead chefs are Jamaican Italian. “My clients contain a strong Italian following on the island, and when they ask me what part of Italy my chefs are from, I always say the Jamaican part.” Both executive chefs Pete Barrett and Patrick Williams are graduates of New England Culinary Institute. They are backed up by a team of 25 personnel. John describes the service as high end but informal. All food, even the sauces, is made to order, and whilst big tables are welcome, John points out that the timing and presentation of all The décor is rich in dark woods, and guests are the dishes are of great pride to them. Dinner at Spaghetti Junction is not fast as comfortable in tuxedos as shorts and shirts food. And the wait in-between courses is on a great waterfront setting with time to savour the company of your dining partners separate, but the fusion is tantalizing, and after lunch I and soak in the ambiance. The décor is rich in dark still feel light but satisfied and savouring the flavours.
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JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
The view from the deck
Owner John Schultheiss mixes it up
woods, and guests are as comfortable in tuxedos as shorts and shirts. The wine list has a strong international feel, with Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio as lead players, as well as Chianti. John imports all wines from local suppliers and is excited about the wine dispensary on display. “Finally,” pipes John, “a place where you can get a top-of-the-line wine at a reasonable price and by using the glass dispensary, we can have up to twelve excellent wines on top to try and enjoy without paying the full price of a bottle.” Spaghetti Junction and the Bat Cave both have a strong following, and John senses the old days are coming back. As we finish lunch, one of the visiting patrons drains a Vampire’s Bite cocktail and woops an “Ooooaaarr! I’ve just been bitten!” The Bat Cave and Spaghetti Junction are open six days a week, both serving dinner from five till ten. Spaghetti Junction is open for lunch daily. Bat Cave stays open late night. YG
lunch Menu Vegetable Pakora (Bhaji) Mixed Veg. fritters w/ chutney Prawn Curry Prawns in curry sauce Fish Masala Curry Fish cooked in masala curry sauce Chicken Tikka Chicken breast marinated in yogurt, in a Tandoor style - served on a skewer Aloo Behgan Eggplant and potato cooked with East Indian spices Dinner Menu Appetizers: Smoked Salmon Crostini Rosette of smoke salmon on olive oil and garlic crostini with sour cream.
Pumpkin Soup Oven roasted Pumpkin simmered in vegetable stock with herbs & spices, pureed and finished with honey cream Entrées: Chili & Garlic-Rubbed Rib-Eye Steak Prime US Rib-Eye Steak, rubbed with fresh Caribbean chilies and garlic. Grilled and served with black olive and mushroomtapenade bruschetta, roasted potatoes, and Chianti & avocado hollandaise Tiger Shrimp with Dill Roasted Tomatoes Tiger shrimp, flamed in aged, golden rum, and tossed over linguine with dill roasted tomatoes and light, lemon-cream sauce Pollo Di Bollentini Tender, roasted chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, herbed fontina cheese, fresh basil, parsley, cracked black pepper, and sundried tomatoes in a light cream sauce
Boat of the Month Bella PITa If angelina, or let's say Jessica alba or Beyoncé happened to move in to the neighbourhood, you'd want to know, right? Even if she'd been here a while and in fact already had her bags packed and was waiting for the movers, you'd still want to know, isn't that so? Thought so—and that's a way of introducing the hottest carbon-clad beauty to grace our shores in a good long while, the Bill Tripp-designed Maxi Dolphin 75-footer, Bella PITA. The name might mean
something like Tasty Flatbread, but she's a total beauty with her one-piece seamless high-modulus carbon mast. The hull is lightweight carbon with a fixed bowsprit for the masthead Code Zero. The prized possession of classic-car-insurance magnate Jim Grundy, Bella PITA is a head-turning heartbreaker who spends her time at the Bitter End Yacht Club. Vital statistics are 23 metres LOL, 5 metre beam, 22 tonne displacement and a 2.9 metre draught (board up) 4.4 metre (board down). And no, you can't have her phone number. YG www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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Personal Water Craft
E volution
A scene not familiar to the BVI, for now
by Owen Waters
For the last ten years, the BVI has had an outright ban on personal water crafts (PWCs), more commonly known as Jet Skis. With the arrival of modified engines in friendlier shapes, PWCs have, like most sports equipment, evolved. These new, gentler hybrids have arrived in the BVI presenting the question whether self-driven power toys are acceptable. PWCs were banned for reasons that cast dubious assertions over the islands.The government conducted an analysis report in 2003 through the Town and Planning Department of the Chief Minister’s office listing the following strikes against PWCs: air pollution, potential for fatal accidents with swimmers if used in swimming beach areas, creating turbidity in shallow areas which can cause damage to seagrass beds, water pollution and the possibility for drug smuggling between USVI and BVI given small vessels are hard to track.The limited advantages of PWCs in the BVI included offering an alternative sport to attract more upscale tourists, notably those that might be travelling with PWCs on their megayachts. Personally, as many of my colleagues and I are often in the water, I find the ban on PWCs justified, and the bad does outweigh the good. I have been at several beaches over the world where PWCs are in action, and I see them as nothing more than a menace and
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Neither would be suitable for drug smuggling though danger, mainly for the rider. But what If the PWC the thought of that creates a comical caper in my negatives were taken out, would there still be a case mind, which you’d understand if you saw these toys. to have them? Of all areas in the BVI, however, there is not one that Surfango are the manufacturers of two new is listed as not protected by the fisheries department, motorized crafts, called powerboards, on the water, and rightly so. notably in the shape of a kayak and a surfboard. They When I spoke to the owners of Surfango at the are fun, fast and empowering. The turning bank on BVI Water Sports Centre (BVIWSC), where the toys them does not cause an easy capsize, and speed can are slated to be distributed, the emphasis is on the be controlled effectively. My only wonder was the non-Jet Ski aspects of the stopping distance as you are powerboards. Colin Bramble dealing with perpetual motion of the BVIWSC said, “I was on the water. They are, however, it is the strangest sensation turning them at ease with approached because we have not intimidating, and it is easy the facilities here and asked to fully recognize that not the joystick or handle throttle if we would mind keeping everyone can kayak fast or them here. I had a meeting over long distances, nor does anyone want the enduring learning curve of surfing. with Wade Smith (Customs Comptroller) to bring them from St John to here for evaluation. Wade came Kayaks and surfboards are hard to turn, and it is down with four officers and they said they were fine, the strangest sensation turning them at ease with not classified as Jet Skis. Then the Dept of Fisheries the joystick or handle throttle. The powerboards are not noisy, nor do they create and the lifeguards gave them their stamp of approval." So, we have it—the gate’s open, and the toys are masses of pollution or a large wake to disrupt nature.
JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
Jaye Noel speeds around Manuel Reef on a motorized kayak
Signs like these may become standard should the gateway open fully
here, a lot tamer than our images of PWCs. I have tried them, and they’re nothing like the power or feel of a personal water craft. There’s no jarring impact; if anything, I wanted more speed. Although great on flat water, the respect for the environment is there, "One of the things I've said is there ought to be some limitations of where they're used,” Bramble said. “There has to be restrictions in mooring fields. There's no propeller, nothing turning, so they're actually safer than dinghies in mooring fields." As in all watersports, location and conditions are crucial for the craft, rider and optimum experience. Colin imagines the new product in certain areas. "Brandywine Bay is going to have a soft opening and would be a perfect location for them—shallow, no boats, a swim area. We could have races and rallies. Long Bay east would be another perfect location.” He added, “The boards are quiet. We've been running them in Manuel Reef, and Jenny can't hear them up at The Boat House." When asked if he would consider renting them out of the BVIWSC, he said, “No, I don't want to rent them
from here because I don't want to interfere with the sailing program here.” But he also commented on the relevance of the powerboards at the BVIWSC, “We are a watersports centre, though. Kayaking is not RYA, but the kids still love to go kayaking.” The concept has been around for years, as is anything we dabble in on the water, to go faster and have more thrills. Not surprisingly, Frank Jablonski, an executive of Surfango said, "We're not having problems selling them; we can't fill our orders.” After commenting on the ease of controlling the powerboards, he added, “We had a seven-year old on one who rode it like a pro." I’m not going to argue with a seven-year-old’s smile any day. And I don’t think these powerboards are a gateway to the larger, noisier, more dangerous PWCs. The bigger question for BVI watersports enthusiasts is whether taking away the effort and origin diminishes the integrity of the journey. A kayak or a surfboard is neither if it is fitted with a four stroke engine. But that doesn’t make them any less fun. YG
A full review of the Surfango powerboards will be featured in our July issue.
TUI Marine to Trim Tortola fleet by David Blacklock
Photo by Kerry Upperton
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JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
The ongoing implosion in the US economy has led charter giant TUI Marine to drastically trim its BVI fleet. Among the Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose, Moorings Power and Moorings Signature brands,TUI has around 400 yachts in the water at the Tortola base.The chances of filling these boats with paying customers is slim to none in the near future, so TUI's yield management specialists have undertaken a programme of reduction by attrition. TUI's owner contracts generally have a life span of around five years, and as yachts reach the end of that cycle they are replaced in the fleet by new ones, and the owners are free to keep the boat, sell it or move it into another charter fleet. This year, as yachts are phased out of the fleet, they won't be replaced by newer models. Franck Bauguil, vice president for Yacht Ownership and Sales at TUI Marine's Clearwater, Florida base, told YG that TUI “looks at occupancy and
revenue on a weekly basis. We have told owners worldwide that if they choose to phase their boat out of the ownership programme, they are welcome to do so.” Since most of the TUI fleet is owned by individuals, owners “are very important to us,” Bauguil said. “We look at our owners as shareholders, and we would never jeopardise that relationship.” Bauguil emphasized that the reductions would affect the BVI fleet more than others, since the other bases around the world are performing somewhat better. In particular, Bauguil mentioned the Mediterranean as looking relatively strong this year. “The Med is mostly Sunsail customers who tend to come from the UK and Europe, places which don't seem to be so badly affected by the economic downturn as the US,” he said. The reductions are expected to total around 60 or 70 boats, Bauguil said. YG
MY H IST O R Y by Andy Morrell
Hook-In-Hold-On began in 1979. It was dreamed up in a bar in St Thomas by Mark “Smitty” Schmidt who surmised it would be fun to set sail upwind to the British Virgin Islands aboard windsurfers. I was just getting into windsurfing then, and I still recall looking down from our house and seeing the racers streaking on a broad reach from Cane Garden Bay back to St Thomas. In 1982 I competed in the event for the first time. Racing on a stock windsurfer, I remember being very overwhelmed at the beginning of the week of racing. By the end of the event, I nailed some decent finishes. The courses then were very long with 10-mile upwind legs. I recall the awesome Dutch racers charging upwind on their
Dufour Wings. They all had custom sails— big white triangles. The Dutch also sported Speedo bathing suits and neoprene boots. Chest harnesses were high-tech then, and harness lines were ropes tied to the boom. A standout memory of mine from the 1980s event was the incredible team effort. Besides the formidable Dutch, there were the Antiguans who would arrive on an enormous schooner packed with racers and gear. Big Puerto Rican teams were defined by their style—big boats, flashy gear, sexy women, and a champion named Kiko. One thing a Caribbean team always arrived with was rum. The Antiguans would have cases of Cavalier, the Puerto Ricans had Don Q, and Team Martinique brought Neisson which is perfect for drinking Ti Punch – basically, rum, sugar and lime.
The Andy Morrell of yesteryear, as a competing windsurfer in the event he now runs www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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the event which I felt were the keys to its success.The simple formula was to combine a great trip through the islands aboard yachts with outstanding windsurfing racing. Superlative meals and entertainment were also a must.The first year was tough.The Moorings were helpful in offering us a complimentary yacht, and a gang of windsurfing friends came up from Aruba and Bonaire. A couple years later, Bacardi Rum stepped up to the plate as title sponsor and the event’s trajectory took off. With TV money, the publicity was outstanding, and participation increased to as many as 90-racers in 1999. One of my favourite accolades came back in the 1990s when a group of racers complimented us on how the race was run. An Italian participant said the food was great, while his Austrian friend said everything ran like clockwork. I never forgot what the head of Club Mistral once told me: "The HIHO event is the dream of every windsurfer. " To us, HIHO is a little like a marathon where you have a few world-class racers, a bunch of strong With the new HIHO, I worked hard to amateurs, then be faithful to the roots of the event . . . the rest who just want to finish. HIHOers come with different goals windsurfing talent poured their energies into pro racing and national and expectations. I like the participants who say, “I want to go to all the parties championships, and they flourished. My 1986 win led to a short career and then finish every race.” So where do we go from here? as a World Cup journeyman. But We’re considering adding Stand needing to move on, I had the idea of resurrecting the windsurfing event Up Paddleboards and maybe kiting. We don’t stray from our tried and I loved so much. In 1992, I obtained true formula of combining a great the rights to the HIHO name and trip through the islands with racing formed a company called Ocean and parties. I think I’m most excited Promotions, and the event was about my 10- and 11-year old sons reborn the following July. Sam and Josh who might tackle a With the new HIHO, I worked few legs this year. YG hard to be faithful to the roots of
The former Hook-In-Hold-On was last run in 1986. The event had stabilized itself to include only two classes: Open and Cruising. The board of choice was the Mistral Equipe, and a record 148 competitors sailed over 100 miles through the British Virgin Islands for a week. This was my second time in the event, and I made my mark by tying for first place with Austrian speed merchant Erich Maderthaner. I won the first race and then finished second in every other, except fatefully, the last, when I slipped to third in an agonizing downwind pumping session with my good friend Inigo Ross from Antigua. Maderthanner and I tied for first overall, and at the awards, event sponsor Pan Am offered up an airline ticket to Europe which I used to go to Spain to finish my last term of university. Things changed when Johnnie Walker pulled the plug on their sponsorship in 1986. Wow, no more HIHO. It was a drag. Faithful participants still came down in the summer, rented charter boats, and retraced the event. The local
Launch from your own private yacht and ride − not a bad way to start the day
Each year the team entry contigent is strong and makes for a strong party feeling on and off the water
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JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
The pros mix it up with the rest of the fleet − here, irie man Brian Talma from Barbados cooks up a freestyle session in between racing
Tuesday, June 30
Anegada race: Overnight on Anegada. Dinner and dancing at Anegada Reef Hotel.
Wednesday, July 1
Yacht race from Anegada to the Baths. Dinner at Last Resort.
I tinerary
Thursday, July 2
Race from Trellis Bay to Peter Island. Dinner at Pirates on Norman Island.
Friday, July 3 Sunday, June 28
Registration at the Moorings. Board the yachts. Late afternoon departure for Virgin Gorda.
Monday, June 29
Racing in Virgin Gorda's Eustatia Sound. Dinner in the North Sound.
Race from Norman Island to Little Thatch. Dinner at Foxy's on Jost Van Dyke.
July 4
Final day of races at Sandy Spit or Sandy Cay. Yachts return to the Moorings for awards party. Dinner at Mariner Inn.
July 5
Disembark yachts by noon.
A motley crew of windsurfing pirates aboard Royal Navy ship in 2005. Later the Navy Helicopter would chase each windsurfer. . .
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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Expect your kids to come home grinning. . .
EDGE
Summer Camps by Chris Watters
8:30am 8:55am 9:30am 10:00am 12:00pm 2:00pm 3:55pm 4:00pm
Wake up, late, eat a bowl of cereal and hop on my bike. Change into wet sailing clothes, cry because it’s windy out. Get briefing from sailing instructor. (Fit in as many fart jokes as possible.) Cry some more this time with actual tears, feel sick all the sudden. LUNCH! Stretch one-hour break into one and a half, get yelled at by instructor, cry some more. Go sailing, short lived though, get thumb stuck between two boats, this time the tears are from the pain. Pack up, not really, mostly spray the hose at the other kids. Ride bike home, fall in driveway trying to dismount wearing 20lbs of wet sailing gear, cry one last time before dinner. Repeat the above Monday through Friday for the months of July and August.
If any of this sounds familiar to you, then at one point in your life, you attended summer sailing camps. In fact, while instructing this summer, I have come up with three simple things needed for every sailing school to run as proficient as the next. One: Facilities. This includes wind, water, sailboats and some sort of teaching boat. These can vary in size, shape, colour, strength and, of course, cost, but what really matters is that they are all present. In some situations you need to get creative as far as the facilities go. In one case in the UK, summer camp sailors used a small fresh water
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reservoir that prohibited the use of outboard engines. The instructors taught from kayaks, and everything worked out fine. Two: Instructors. Young and tan. Some sort of sailing marking, like an anchor tattoo or a hank piercing is a plus. Instructors must be able to keep a smile on their faces at all times, even in the event of a very painful situation. Being very social is also a strength, and if instructors get no more than three to four hours of sleep each night of summer camps, good stories in the morning are guaranteed. Of course, we cannot forget safety, so make sure they are qualified in CPR and hold a valid certificate in instruction.
JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
. . .and empowered with safety techniques and new skills on the water
Pretty soon, you are looking at the new sailors of the BVI
Upcoming Races ScotiaBank International Clinic (St.Thomas) 22-24 Jun ScotiaBank International Regatta (St.Thomas) 25-28 Jun Laser Radial, Standard North Americans, Buffaloe Canoe Club (Ontario Canada) ISAF Youth Worlds (Brazil)
Three: Sailors. Yes, just like the movie Field of Dreams, if you build a sailing programme, kids will come. Sometimes this is the hardest to predict. But whether its five or fifty kids, make sure all have fun. Summer sailing camp is not school, it’s not detention or harsh punishment resembling a jail of some kind—it’s SAILING CAMP. Day trips to various surrounding islands, beach games, sailboat races and paddle boat races are all ways to keep the little sailors happy, and you never know, they may learn a few things along the way. Over the summer months of July and August, sailors four and up can take part in the Summer Sailing Camps
at the Royal BVI Yacht Club. These are the British Virgin Islands National Sailing Centres programmes and offer lessons for swimming and sailing, beginner right through to the BVI Youth Sailing team, which trains over the summer months to stay sharp for international competitions. The courses run Monday − Friday, 9am − 3:30pm and finish with “Friday Fun Day” which includes a day sail on IC24 keelboats to a surrounding island beach such as Dead Man Bay on Peter Island. For more information check out www.rbviyc.com or email chris@rbviyc.com and phone 1-284494-3286. YG
25-28 Jun 9-18 Jul
Opti North Americans (Dominican Republic) 4-12 Jul Radial Worlds, Youth, Male, Female (Japan)
1-10 Aug
Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston (Kingston Ontario)
13-16 Aug
RBVIYC EVENTS: 6th Back To School Regatta 2009
5-6 Sep
BVI Schools Regatta X-Mas Camp 2009, RBVIYC
7 Nov 18-22 Dec
And if that's not enough, check out the forum on www.IC24.org for more weekly beercan racing action right off the southern end of Nanny Cay. IC24s are the new fad in racing and spreading fast to the rest of the Caribbean and North America.
www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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Footloose
est. 1995 | footloosecharters.com | (284) 494-0528 Fleet size: 62 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Roberson & Caine Year Make: 2002-2008 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls
The Moorings
est. 1969 | moorings.com | (888) 416-8420 Fleet size: 180 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Leopard Year Make: 2005-2009 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls Yacht Brokerage: (284) 494-8864
The Mooring Signature
est. 1969 | mooringssignature.com | (888) 416-8420 Fleet size: 180 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Leopard Year Make: 2005-2009 Type(s): Crewed Yachts
Racing in Paradise
est. 2002 | racinginparadise.com | (284) 494-6781 Fleet size: 11 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): IC24 Year Make: Converted From J24 in 2003-2006 Type(s): One-Design Sailing Race Boats
Southern Trades
est. 1977 | southerntrades.com | (284) 494-8003 Fleet size: NA Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: No Brand(s): Non-Specific Year Make: Non-Specific Type(s): Non-Specific
Tortola Yacht Sales
est. 1965 | tysbvi.com (284) 494-2124 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: No Brand(s): Stamas, Contender, Angler Year Make: Non-Specific Type(s): Non-Specific Boats Sold/yr: 6 Number of Brokers: 1
The Moorings Power est. 2000 | mooringspower.com (800) 416-0224 Fleet size: 16 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Robertson & Caine Powercats, Fontaine Pajot Year Make: 2008-2009 Type(s): Power Cats Sunsail
est. 1974 | sunsail.com | (888) 416-8420 Fleet size: 175 Sells boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Fontaine Pajot, Robertson & Caine Year Make: 2005-2009 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls Yacht Brokerage: (284) 494-1000
est. 1993 | pvc@provalorcharters.com (284) 495-1931 phone/fax Fleet size: 16 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau Fountaine Pajot power and sail, Lagoon Year Make: 1993 - 2006 Type(s): Sail & Power Cats and Monohulls
est. 2002 | charterportbvi.com | (284) 494-7955 Fleet size: 80 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Non-Specific Year Make: 1923-2006 Type(s): Non-Specific
North South
est. 1970 | nsyv.com | (284) 545-0096 Fleet size: 42 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina, C&C, Leopard, Island Spirit, Chienwha, Hershine, Nova Sundeck, Trader Year Make:1994-2003 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls
est. 1993 barecats@candwbvi.net (284) 495-1979 Fleet size: 10 Sells boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Fontaine Pajot, Lagoons, Leopards, Island Spirit, Robertson & Caine, Privilege, Voyages Year Make: 1997-2005 Type(s): Catamarans
Tortola Cane n Garden Maya Cove
Road Harbour
Nanny Cay
Sopers Hole
see detail top right
est. 2007 | 123hulls.com (284) 499-0591 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: No Brand(s): Non-Specific Year Make: Non-Specificl Type(s): Non-Specific Number of brokers: 3
Voyage Yacht Charters
est. 1995 | voyagecharters.com (888) 869-8436 Fleet size: 25 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Voyage Year Make: 2000-2009 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls
est. 1986 | charteryachtsales.com | (284) 494-4868 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
BVI Yacht Vacations
est. 1998 | bviyachtvacations.com | (284) 499-2768 Fleet size: 1 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): 45’ Crewed Charter Yacht Year Make: 1998 Type(s): Sail & Cutter Ketch & Monohulls
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est 1991 | patouche.com est. patouch | (284) 494-6300 Fleet size: 6 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Peter Spronk, Sea Ray, Privilege, Beneteau Year Make: 1976-2006 Type(s): Sail & Power Cats & Monohulls
JUNE 2009 BVI YACHT GUIDE ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING | www.bviguides.com
BVI Yacht Charters est. 1974 | bviyachtcharters.com (284) 494-4289 Fleet size: 45 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Lagoon, Leopard, Jeanneau, Lavezzi Year Make: 1999-2008 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls Amazing Charters
est. 1941 | amazingcharters.com (284) 495-2647 Fleet size: 74 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Non-Specific Year Make: Non-Specific Type(s): Power/Sail, Mono/Multihull
Charter Yacht Society est. 1982 / bvicrewedyachts.com / 284-494-6017 / Fleet size: 70 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Types: Sailboat Cats, Monohulls and Power Yachts Non-profit for BVI crewed charter yachts. Hosts BVI Boat Show. TMM
est. 1987 | sailtmm.com | (800) 633-0155 Fleet size: 44 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot, Hunter, Jeanneau, Beneteau, Nautitech, Trader Year Make: 2000-2007 Type(s): Powerboat and Sailboat Cats and Monohulls
Caribbean Images Tours Ltd. est. 1987 | snorkelbvi.com (284) 496-7935 Fleet size: 4 Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Caribe, Ribtec, Atlantic Industries Year Make: 2000-2007 Type(s): Powerboat - Ribs
Virgin Traders est. 1995 | virgintraders.com | (284) 495-2526 Fleet size: 17 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Horizon Year Make: 1997-2004 Type(s): Large Powerboats
Nanny Cay
Horizon Yacht Charters
est. 1998 | horizonyachtcharters.com | (284) 494-8787 Fleet size: 36 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Bavaria, Jeanneu, Beneteau, Fontaine Pajot, Lagoon Year Make: 2002-2009 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls
Vacances Sous Voiles
est. 2004 | vacancessousvoiles.ca | (284) 499-1711 Fleet size: 5 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Beneteau, Fountaine Pajot Year Make: 2000-2007 Type(s): Monohulls and Catamaran
est. 1981 | bviyachtsales.com | (284) 494-3260 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: No Brand(s): Non-Specific Year Make: 1976-2006 Type(s): Non-Specific Boats Sold/yr: 70 Number of Brokers: 3
Catamaran Charters
est. 1989 | catamarans.com | (800) 262-0308 Fleet size: 23 Sells Boats: Yes Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Privilege, Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot Year Make: 2000-2007 Type(s): Sailboat Cats and Monohulls
Island Time Ltd est. 2001 | islandtimeltd.com | (284) 495-9993 Fleet size: 10 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Contender, Caribe Year Make: 2006-2008 Type(s): Fast Powerboat and Dinghys King Charters est. 1990 | kingcharters.com | (284) 494-5820 Fleet size: 5 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Bradley Year Make: 1998-2007 Type(s): Fast Powerboat
Yacht Charter & Broker Directory The BVI Yacht Guide wants this list of Yacht Charter companies and Yacht Brokers to be as complete and accurate as possible. To this end, we will include your company’s details at no cost. If your company is not listed here or the description is incomplete, please contact us with the proper information.
Virgin Gorda
Sail Bravura
est. 2004 | sailbravura.com | (284) 443-2586 Fleet size: 1 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Hans Christian 48 Year Make: 1987 Type(s): Monohull Cutter
Double D Charters
The Valley
est. 1995 | doubledbvi.com | (284) 499-2479 Fleet size: 3 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Crowther, President, Grady White Year Make: 1980-1988, 2003 Type(s): Catamaran Sailboat, Powerboat
Powerboat Rentals/Cruises est. 1987 | boatsbvi.com | (284) 495-5542 Fleet size: 7 Sells Boats: No Charters Boats: Yes Brand(s): Logic, Sea Fox, Bertram, Riviera, Azimut Year Make: 1996-2002 Type(s): Fast Powerboats www.bviguides.com | ALOOKINGGLASS PUBLISHING BVI YACHT GUIDE JUNE 2009
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