Island Yachting Journal

ISLAND YACHTING JOURNAL

A Membership Appreciation Program FOR PRIVATE YACHT CLUBS ONLY

The British Virgin Islands OCTOBER 2012

For information or reservations, call (800) 872-2392 or visit www.beyc.com

October 2012

Welcome

to the Island of the Month. We hope you enjoy this month’s party and beautiful island guide.

Our goal is to make sure everyone has a wonderful dining experience while learning about a new and enticing island. With over 180,000 islands in the world to choose from, our mission is never ending and always exciting.

This month we are highlighting the beautiful British Virgin Islands. As you learn more about the BVIs, you will find that each island has its own special beauty, character and legends.

Known as “the land that time forgot,” the British Virgin Islands remains an undeveloped haven for natural treasures. Steeped in a history laden with Western discovery and swashbuckling pirates, the BVI merges a fabled past with the finest of world class luxury resorts.

Thank you for inviting us to your Club. Enjoy the party! And… see you next month.

Sincerely, The Island of the Month

6

68

Introduction to the British Virgin Islands

Peter Island Resort & Spa

14

112

26

144

Getting Here

Bitter End Yacht Club

Pusser’s Rum

Tortola

34

Anegada

40

Virgin Gorda

56

Marinas

154

Snorkeling & Diving

172

Moorings

184

Biras Creek

Peter Island Resort & Spa Contacting us is as easy as an island breeze.

800-346-4451 or www.peterisland.com

Welcome to the

British Virgin Islands!

Nature’s Little Secrets

6

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Known as “the land that time forgot,” the British Virgin Islands remains an undeveloped haven for natural treasures; unlike the glitz and glam of its Caribbean neighbours, what the destination lacks is its greatest asset – no highrise hotels, no casinos and no crowds.

Mystical, lush and inspiring with 60 storied islands, the destination lures adventurers, romantics and escapists with verdant hillsides covered in ancient mahogany trees and cacti, pristine beaches kissed

by Technicolor tides, a colourful aquarium of the world’s most diverse sea life, extensive coral reefs responsible for claiming renowned wrecks, vast outbacks and wildlife sanctuaries sheltering endangered species

Situated between the deep waters of the Atlantic and the glittering Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico.

Other nearby neighbours include the United States Virgin Islands, located to the immediate south west of the BVI Most islands lay in a distinct formation flanked around the Sir Frances Drake Channel -- including the main island of Tortola creating the backbone of the Channel, Virgin Gorda stretching to form the eastern border, Jost Van Dyke lingering in the west, Anegada dangling remotely north in the Atlantic and a series of smaller islands speckled in the south.

8

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

10 island of the month club - British Virgin Islands

The more than 60 islands create a mystical archipelago in the form of coral atolls, verdant hillsides,endangered wildlife, reefs scattered throughout the Technicolor sea and a biodiversity of marine life rivalled only by the Amazon.

From a primeval rainforest on Tortola and Mother Nature’s finest creation on Virgin Gorda, to the droves of wildlife roaming Jost Van Dyke and the rich reefs surrounding Anegada, the BVI is committed to protecting their natural wonders through environmental preservation organisations and partnerships with the biggest names in conservation.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

11

12

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Arriving by air 14

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

All flights must connect through another Caribbean airport on islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, or St. Maarten/St. Martin. Your travel agent or international airline will be able to assist with booking flights.

If you plan to make reservations online, remember that you will have to request flights to Tortola (EIS).

If you are travelling on to Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Peter Island, or Jost van Dyke, check with your hotel, resort, or villa to make sure that charter flights or ferry service will be available if you arrive after 4pm. Otherwise, plan to spend a night or two in Tortola before exploring the rest of “Nature’s Little Secrets.” Boat charters can be arranged via St. Thomas, Road Town or Beef Island.

The most direct way to arrive to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Air Sunshine, LIAT and Cape Air, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas (STT), you can schedule a connecting flight via Air Sunshine to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or Anegada. Most travellers take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, St. Thomas and ortola.

This is very easy - take a taxi at the St. Thomas Airport and ask the driver for the next ferry to Tortola.

Connecting airports surround the BVI, making arrivals and departures an easy part of your travel itinerary. When travelling to the BVI, there are no direct flights from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America to the British Virgin Islands’ main airport, the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS)

The ferry will arrive at immigration station at West End, Tortola. Ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola only operate during daylight hours, so the last ferry is usually around 5pm.

Make sure that your flight arrives in time for the transfer to Red Hook (approximately 45 minutes), or make arrangements to stay overnight in St. Thomas and catch the ferry the following morning. Ferry service starts at approximately 7:30am.

Travellers from the UK and Canada may find it easiest to travel to Antigua (ANU) and then take a connecting flight to Tortola on LIAT, or private charter flight. Limited service is also available from St. Maarten/St. Martin (SXM) and St. Kitts (SKB) on LIAT and Winair.

Flights via San Juan, Puerto Rico Airport Code [SJU]: The most direct way to fly to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico. Frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Cape Air, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. Air Sunshine has direct flights from San Juan to Beef Island and Virgin Gorda.

Flights via St. Thomas - Airport Code [STT] If you choose to arrive via St. Thomas, Air Sunshine has regular flights to Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Most travellers take one of the frequent ferries that travel between downtown Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, St. Thomas and Tortola. Ferry service is available to Virgin Gorda and Anegada on certain days and to Virgin Gorda every day via West End or Road Town.

16

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Getting to the next ferry is very easy - just take a taxi at the St. Thomas Airport and let the taxi driver know that you need to take the next ferry to Tortola or Virgin Gorda (with connections to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke). The taxi drivers will know of any schedule changes and make sure you reach the proper terminal for your connection.

Remember that ferries from St. Thomas to Tortola and Virgin Gorda (with connections to Anegada and Jost Van Dyke) only operate during daylight hours - so the last ferry is usually around 5pm. Make sure that your flight arrives in time for the transfer to Red Hook (approximately 45 minutes) or make arrangements to overnight in St. Thomas and catch the ferry the following morning. Ferry service starts at 7:30am.

Flights via Antigua - Airport Code [ANU] Travellers from the UK (from London, Gatwick) and Canada may find it easiest to travel directly to Antigua by way of the Lester Bird International Airport and then take a connecting flight to Tortola on LIAT, or private charter flights.

From other Caribbean Islands: Scheduled service is also available from St. Maarten/ St. Martin, St. Kitts, as are connecting flights from Barbados and St. Croix.

Arriving by sea 18

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Ports of Entry: Tortola— Road Town and West End Jost Van Dyke— Great Harbour Virgin Gorda— St. Thomas Bay All entering vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival into the territory, and retain a valid passport and boat registration papers.

Customs and Immigration Offices: Tortola—Road Town and the West End Virgin Gorda—Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal, the Owen Harrigan Visitors Centre at Gun Creek Jost Van Dyke—Great Harbour As of January 31, 2008, U.S. Citizens travelling by sea may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined to enter or re-enter the United States. Visitors from other countries may also require a visa for entry.

Entry Requirements The following measures are to be adhered to by all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory: Bona fide visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided that they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of adequate means of support and pre-arranged accommodations during their stay.

Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension.

From North America: U.S. citizens travelling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States.

Canadian Citizens: a passport is preferred however you may also use an original birth certificate accompanied by a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license.

From Europe: European citizens need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands. However visitors that are residents of certain countries, require a visa in order to enter the BVI. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa; contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.

From the Caribbean: Please note that citizens from some islands may need to obtain a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands. Visitors from these Caribbean islands need to have a visa in order to enter the BVI. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.

For more information on whether you require a visa and how to obtain one, please check the Foriegn & Commonwealth Office.

20

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and the West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal, and the Owen Harrigan Visitors Centre at Gun Creek and on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour. U.S. citizens travelling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTIcompliant documentation to enter or depart from the U.S. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Dept., BVI Government at: 284-494-3471.

Customs - Importation of Food Yacht owners, charter guests, and visitors may bring food into the British Virgin Islands. For the time being, however, because of the worldwide threat of Hoof and Mouth and Mad Cow Disease, a law is in effect which bans the importation of any meat products unless an application is submitted to the Dept. of Agriculture for approval.

For more information, please call the Department of Agriculture at 284- 4952532. Visitors coming from the North America with meat products for consumption during their stay will not have to fill out the application, if they are bringing less than 40LBs of meat.

Good quality, fresh foods are available in the British Virgin Islands from several grocery stores and provisioners on a year-round basis. BVI import duties charged on food products range between 5% and 15% of the invoice value.

For more information on import regulations and tariffs, please contact the BVI

Customs Department Phone: (284-4943475). Yacht Clearance. If you plan to exit and then re-enter the British Virgin Islands during your sailing vacation, please be certain to follow the proper procedures for clearing your yacht and crew with both BVI Customs and Immigration.

Your captain may clear all crew, provided he or she has all of the required documentation, including: Ships documentation. Prior to leaving the charter base, be sure this item is aboard if you plan to leave BVI waters. Valid passports for each crew member. (In the absence of a passport, Canadian & US citizens need an original or notarized copy of their birth certificate and at least one piece of photo ID such as a driver’s license if travelling between the BVI and the USVI.) Be sure you clear into the territory you plan to visit. Don’t forget to stop off again at any of the above listed BVI ports of entry on return to the BVI. If visiting the USVI, you may clear in at Cruz Bay, St. John or Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

If you are not either a US or Canadian citizen, and are entering the USVI waters on anything other than a commercial carrier (ferry, airline, etc.), you must obtain a visitor’s visa.

Visitors from the UK and all other countries should consult their local US Embassy prior to arrival in the BVI to determine what is required to obtain the proper visas for crew wishing to exit the BVI by yacht.

Dive, day charter, and sport fishing boats should contact the BVI Customs Department at 284-494-3475 for current cruising permit requirements.

The British Virgin Islands has been heralded as the “the sailing capital of the Caribbean.�

With protected waters inside the Sir Francis Drake Channel, abundant safe anchorages, and average daytime temperatures in the mid 80s, tempered by the cooling trade winds, it is no wonder that the BVI plays host to yacht clubs that are considered to be among the best in the Caribbean.

The following yacht clubs are centres for seamanship, marine knowledge, sportsmanship, training, facilities, and of course, social gathering.

Bitter End Yacht Club Island: Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda’s premier Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) spearheads a variety of regattas, contests, and special events, making it an attractive destination for boaters and non-boaters alike. One of the featured sailing events held each year is the Pro Am Regatta, attracting many America’s Cup and World Champion sailors. In addition, Bitter End is a “nautical village” with 85 shore side. Accommodations, three restaurants, and a wide array of activities. Reachable only by sea, the resort stretches along a mile of beach and waterfront on the North Sound, which is the most protected and secluded deep water harbour in the Caribbean.

In addition to all the amenities and activities of a full-service resort, Bitter End is also home to a full-service marina, with dockage and over 70 moorings, where repairs, provisions and supplies are readily and easily available.

http://www.beyc.com/ P: (284) 494-2746

yacht clubs are welcome. As the BVI’s “national authority for sailing,” the Royal BVI Yacht Club takes pride in the BVIslanders, and had an opportunity to sponsor and support a variety of “national” and “world” sailing events, including the Olympic Games. The Royal BVI Yacht Club maintains an active calendar of racing, cruising, angling, and social events, as well as sailing training programmes for young and old alike. The Club is the primary sponsor of the annual BVI Spring Regatta, featuring three days of racing in the Sir Francis Drake Channel for racing classes, non-spinnaker classes, multihulls, and bareboats. The Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club was granted the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in her New Year’s Honours List of December, 1999.

The Warrant was officially bestowed by HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, during his official visit to The British Virgin Islands in the Spring of 2000.

http://www.rbviyc.com/

West End Yacht Club The Royal BVI Yacht Club

Island: Tortola - Road Town Area The Royal British Virgin Islands Yacht Club, founded in July of 1973, is situated in Road Town, Tortola, at Road Reef on the southwest corner of Road Harbour. It faces the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the south, and Road Reef Marina to the north. The Clubhouse and Dining Room are open for lunch and dinner, and visiting yachtsmen, yachtswomen, and members of correspondent

Island: Tortola

The home of the West End Yacht Club can be found at the Jolly Roger Restaurant and Inn on the water’s edge in Soper’s Hole, Tortola. The WEYC hosts five annual races including Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta, The Sweethearts (Schooners) of the Caribbean and Classic Yacht Regatta, the Firecracker 500, Foxy’s Cat Fight, and the Gustav Wilmerding Memorial Challenge.

http://www.weyc.net/

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

23

PUSSER’S MARINA CAY There are few places like it on earth.

Reservations: + (284) 340 5678 marinacay@pussers.com

the perfect match: a wedding & honeymoon experience from rosewood

T 284.495.5555 or 1-888-Rosewood

Tortola

Islands 26

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Rising from the Technicolor tides as the anchor island of the British Virgin Islands and greeting all to the Caribbean nation, Tortola -- lined with a scalloped edge alternating from bay to peninsula --mesmerizes visitors with breathtaking views of white crescent beaches, radiant blue bays, lush hillsides and mountain tops and a personality that is both warm and welcoming. The curvy island offers simple pleasures on every side, from surfing Atlantic swells in the North and embarking on sailing adventures in the South to discovering the history of the island in the East and congregating among fellow yachtsmen in the West. Also long in her physique, (more than 39 square kilometres) Tortola is the backbone of the Sir Frances Drake Channel, creating the best sailing in the world as the smaller southern islands of Norman, Peter, Cooper, Salt and Ginger provide sailors safe passage.

Tortola

28

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Tortola welcomes “BVIslanders� (more than 80 percent of locals live here) and visitors with lively entertainment around every corner and hospitality as vibrant as the gradient shades of blue that define the unmistakable waters of the BVI.

Jost Van Dyke

Islands 30

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Situated just outside of the necklace of the British Virgin Islands, slightly northwest of the West End of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke is a perfect stopover among BVI island hoppers, exuding a ‘lost in time’ feel with undeveloped beaches and shack bars, punctuated by its lack of manmade amenities -- no televisions, no computers, no distractions.

Here, the beach is the main road.

Just 10 square-kilometers, Jost Van Dyke is home to only 150 permanent residents and a handful of accommodations, however the island is one of the most popular day excursions in the BVI offering several restaurants, bars and plenty of barren beach, where the only requirement is sunscreen.

Jost Van Dyke

32

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The welcoming hub of Great Harbour, outlined by an offshore reef, is a flat bay decorated with a mini-armada of yachts and sailboats and flanked by steep hillsides dotted with colourful homes and roaming goats. Along the lengthy stretch of beach, hammocks are strung nearly between every other tree. Water taxis moving from Great Harbour to White Bay in the west throw day-trippers into the island’s stressfree atmosphere feet first -- literally. Taxis anchor just off shore, prompting journeymen to wade through waves to the beach. With the sun lingering closely, clothes dry almost instantaneously. Aptly named for its blinding white, crescent beach, White Bay boasts remarkably calm waters that are a fully saturated hue of turquoise. So clear, even from above in the cliffs, moving shoals of fish - seen trying to elude hungry pelicans -streak through the water in the form of indigo blue stripes.

A trip to Jost Van Dyke would not be complete without visiting The Soggy Dollar Bar and indulging in the Original Painkiller!

Anegada

Islands 34

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Just barely grazing above the surface of a magnificent Technicolor sea -- the only height punctuated by pink conch shell “mountains� -- the drowned island of Anegada beckons visitors to the isolated north with captivating sunsets turning the normally aqua water a rich golden hue, succulent lobster feasts, challenging sailing outside of the protective Sir Frances Drake Channel and a welcoming remoteness in the form of untouched beaches stretching far beyond the eye’s gaze. Laying directly north of the most easterly appendage of Virgin Gorda and dangling remotely in the Atlantic Ocean, the nearly uninhabited Anegada is so isolated that stroll along the nearly 37 kilometres of uninterrupted beach rarely meets another soul.

Anegada

The beaches of Anegada are marked by white-sand, waters ranging from crystal clear to almost fluorescent shades of turquoise, succulent plant life and fragrant bay lavender. With the Anegada and Horseshoe Reefs surrounding the island, the shallow waters of Loblolly Bay -- with a 27 meter walkout into the ocean -- mark the ideal entry point for snorkellers as the waters open up to an explosion of colour and texture, from metallic mojarra fish and shimmering needlefishes to brightly-dressed mantis shrimp found on the sunlit, sandy bottom. Boulder coral and thick strands of branching elkhorn coral form a maze of caves and tunnels in the deeper indigo waters, where more than 200 boats lie beneath with undiscovered treasures sought after by divers from around the world.

At Cow Wreck Bay, the white sand is cold underneath feet and the water refreshing.

36

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

From the water to the table, the most delectable sea creature is the Anegada Lobster -- spiny and spotted without claws but with a tail that claps as fishermen proudly hold their catch up in the air.

Prepared in old oil drums converted into grills the succulent meat is the main attraction at island restaurants from lunch underneath the thatch-roof of Big Bamboo where conch shells are used for doorstops to dinner at Anegada Reef Hotel where secret sauce flows freely, but the native island recipe does not.

Virgin Gorda

Islands 38

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Creating the eastern most border of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda -- named by Christopher Columbus in 1493 for her long shape and belly-like feature -- beckons sailors from all ports-of-call to discover her bountiful gifts, from Mother Nature’s work of art at The Baths to the luxurious accommodations and charming Jewels of the BVI. Complementing these luxury resorts, Virgin Gorda is also home to almost 20 private villas perfect for families and large groups vacationing together, allowing an intimate playground for reminiscing while keeping a close proximity for quality time.

Virgin Gorda

40

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

A short sail from the main island of Tortola, just 19 kilometres across the Sir Francis Drake Channel, Virgin Gorda tempts visitors with the best of both beaches and mountains -- flat, powdery sands on the south side and lush vegetation on peaks and hills running along the spine of the north shore.

Sitting more than 366 meters above the sunlit sea in a natural preserve of mahogany trees, Gorda Peak (the belly of the Virgin), provides panoramic views of the necklace of islands below, from remote Anegada high in the north to the smaller Fallen Jerusalem and Round Rock to the south.

Guana

Islands 42

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Located to the northeast of Tortola, the provincial private island resort of Guana Island defines the dream of sharing a secret island with no more than 32 guests on the 340-hectare property at one time.

Named for its iguana-like shaped cliffs, Guana Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary with more flora and fauna than any island its size in the Caribbean, including several endangered species. Majestic views of lush green are only broken by vibrant flowers including the lavender-blue and pink-tinged blossoms of the tabebuia tree and the showy red and yellow blooms of the royal Poinciana. Through seven pristine beaches and 20 hiking trails, guests meet the only permanent residents on the island – red-faced Princeton caterpillars, colourful roseate flamingos, the plump Bridled Quail Dove, checkered Bahama ducks and at least 50 other species of birds, 14 breeds of reptiles, 125 varieties of fish and hundreds of plants and insects.

Guana

Islands 44

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

As far as we know, we’re the only wildlife sanctuary in the world with a cocktail hour.

Scientists say that Guana has “more flora and fauna than any island of its size yet studied in the Caribbean and possibly the world.” This formidable reputation is one we strive to keep by protecting Guana’snatural environment and preserving it for future generations.

Our restoration program has brought extirpated species back to Guana and other Virgin Islands. The stout rock iguana had survived only on Anegada but now flourishes on Guana and lives on other islands as well. Other harmless plant and animal species we restored and protect include the red-legged tortoise, the bridled quail dove, the Caribbean roseate flamingo, the white crowned pigeon, Eggers’ mallow tree, the Virgin Islands euphorb, Hohenberg’s ground bromeliad, and a unique bromeliad found nowhere else on earth.

Guests who care about nature find much to see and enjoy. But even those whose interests lie elsewhere are captivated by the special sights, sounds and fragrances that make Guana so extraordinary. Some, of course, prefer to observe it all from a distance on a chaise, with a Piña Colada as a study aid. Like everything else on the Island, how you make use of the natural wonders is entirely up to you.

Necker

Islands 46

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Necker Island, just north of the eastern most appendages of Virgin Gorda, is the exclusive hideaway of magnate Sir Richard Branson.

Known as an extrovert and daredevil, Branson designed his private islandresort to be equally adventurous while also offering a serene juxtaposition of absolute relaxation in the form of Balinese houses and cottages.

Necker

Islands 48

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

With no more than 28 people on the island at a time, it is easy to find a quiet respite in the midst of helicopter excursions, windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, sea kayaking and even taking tumbles onan aqua trampoline.

For more subdued activities, islandrenters kick back at one of two pools where Floating Sushi and Shooter Bars keep palates pleased, or find nourishment of the body and soul at the Bali Leha spa built into the side of a cliff and overlooking the sea.

Cooper

Islands 50

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Visiting Yachtsmen Cooper Island’s Manchioneel Bay features on many sailing itineraries as we are a natural stop along the Sister Island chain leading to The Baths at Virgin Gorda. We are an easy reach from Tortola - ideal for your first night aboard or your last stop before returning your boat in the morning.

Time here is measured by the sunrise and sunset, not by the hour.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

51

Cooper

Islands 52

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Moor-Seacure own and maintain 30 moorings in Manchioneel Bay which are suitable for vessels up to 60ft in length and 20 net tons.

Anchoring in the sea grass is not permitted, as Manchioneel Bay is one of the Dept. of Environment & Fisheries’ seven permanent Sea Grass monitoring sites. This habitat provides food and shelter for sea turtles and many species of fish, so grab your mask & snorkel and see what’s under your boat!

Services available at Cooper Island Beach Club: 30 overnight moorings Ice $10.00 for a 20lb bag Drinking Water $5 per gallon bottle Great snorkelling and sandy beach for swimming Scuba Tank Air Fills & Water-sports rentals from Sail Caribbean Divers (8.3am - 3.30pm) Beach bar with sunset views over Tortola - Happy Hour drinks specials Gift shop for beach wear, charcoal briquettes, snacks and sundries

WiFi hotspot at the bar & restaurant Beachfront Restaurant serving Lunch and Dinner Please note that we cannot reserve moorings - they are available on a strictly ‘first-come’ basis. The mooring fee ($25 per overnight stay) can be paid at the bar.

We recommend that you make reservations for lunch or dinner to avoid disappointment. We monitor VHF channel 16 and the Beach Club’s telephone number is 284-495-9084.

Pusser’s

Road Town Pub & Company Store Overlooking Road Harbor on the waterfront in the heart of Road Town the capital, Pusser’s has long been Tortola’s meeting place for locals and visitors alike. You may enjoy the outside porch or inside Victorian air conditioned bar, where you may order a Pusser’s Painkiller in your own “take-home” Pusser’s Navy mug. The food is excellent, and the prices a real bargain. The venue is heavily Caribbean with especially good jerk pork and jerk chicken, but Pusser’s is also known for its scrumptious sirloin burgers and pizza.

reservations: + (284) 494 3897

Caribbean Spices, Caribbean Sauces, Caribbean Art, Island Fragrances, Caribbee Cosmetics... And More !

For the past twenty seven years, Sunny Caribbee has offered Mail Order service from our selection of over 300 products all either made or designed in the West Indies.

We will ship your “Package from Paradise� direct to you Duty Free, via 1st Class U.S. Parcel Post... though we would much rather meet you in our store in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Marinas 56

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Marinas on Tortola and Virgin Gorda have facilities to accommodate longterm regulars, transients, mega-yachts and live-aboards. Anegada and Jost Van Dyke do not have any marinas, however there are designated anchorage sites and moorings around most of the other islands. Both Tortola and Virgin Gorda have active yacht clubs.

The marinas have water and fuel stations, and several include full boat yards, haul-out facilities, chandleries, and support businesses for the industry.

Contact the marinas listed below for reservations, pricing, entry regulations, customs and immigration offices, arrival procedures, marina rules, and other specific information.

Marinas Bitter End Yacht Club Marina

Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound Dockage for yachts to 180’, 25 slips, electrical hook-ups, 70 moorings free from surge, provisioning, launch service, garbage pickup, fuel and showers dockside, full-service marina and repair shop. Full resort facilities.

Website: www.beyc.com Email: binfo@beyc.com Tel: (284) 494-2745

Biras Creek Resort

Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound 19 Mooring balls for boats up to 50 feet.

Website: www.biras.com Tel: (284) 494-3555

Fort Burt Marina

Island: Tortola - Road Town Area Dockage slips, controlled water depth: 6’6”, diesel, gas, ice, water, power, chandlery, provisioning, showers, marine services, hotel and restaurant.

Email: fortburt@surfbvi.com Tel: (284) 494-4200

H.R. Penn Marina

Island: Tortola This new marina is convenient to shops, banks, and ferry services offering competitive rates, and 110/220 volt power and water at each slip.

VHF 16/68.

Email: virgin@surfbvi.com Tel: (284) 494-7959

Harbour View Marine Centre

Island: Tortola - East End Harbour View Marine Center is a full service marina offering 22 slips, 10 moorings, haul and launch facilities, gas, ice, fresh water, and electricity. As well as offering laundry and showering facilities, guests at the Marine Center can treat themselves to full access of Harbour View Marine Center’s many amenities such as the pool, internet access, the hotel, and restaurant featuring Asian cuisine.

Tel: (284) 495-1775 www.bviharbourview.com

Hodge’s Creek Marina

Island: Tortola - East End Dockage for boats to 120’, depth 8’6”, storage, fuel, ice, 110 and 220 volt power, restaurant, dive shop, accommodations.

VHF 12/16 Tel: (284) 495-4740

58

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Inner Harbour Marina

Island: Tortola - Road Town Area The Inner Harbour Marina is located between Wickham’s Cay I and Wickham’s Cay II, Road Town.

It is a base for North South Charters.

VHF 16. Tel: (284) 494-4289

Leverick Bay Marina

Island: Virgin Gorda Full service dock, 28 moorings and 30 slips, 110 & 220 volt electricity. Pool and fine foods & beverages available from The Restaurant at Leverick Bay. Can accommodate on slips to 350’ and 18’ draft.

Website: www.leverickbay.com Email: leverick@surfbvi.com Tel: (284) 495-7275

Manual Reef Marina

Island: Tortola Manuel Reef Marina is located in Sea Cows Bay on the southern shore of Tortola, just West of Road Town. We are a 40 slip marina with a 6.5 foot depth having 110v (30 Amp) / 220v (50 Amp) electricity, water, showers, yacht management and maintenance, fuel cleaning, ADSL Wi-Fi internet service, cable TV / telephone hook up.

Email: woodsjg@surfbvi.com www.manual-reef-marina.com Tel: (284) 495-2066

Nanny Cay Resort & Marina

Island: Tortola Sailors, boating enthusiasts, water sport lovers are welcome guests at Nanny Cay. Fully equipped marina and boat repair facility with berths for 180 motor cruisers & yachts. Channel depth of 10’.

Docks, fuel, ice, electricity, laundry, restaurant, shops, boat sales, showers, dive shop, storage, and repair, 70 ton cat. lift, travel hoist, bare boat, hotel.

Website: www.nannycay.com Email: marina@nannycay.com Tel: (284) 494-2512

North Latitude Marina

Island: Jost Van Dyke - Great Harbour The North Latitude Marina fuel dock is a 10ft. wide concrete structure with a 50ft. tee at the end and has depth of 12ft. Low sulfur diesel, high octane premium gasoline, ice, coolant, 2 cycle motor oil, transmission / engine oil, propane fuel, charcoal,convenience items and fishing tackle.

VHF: 16 Email: north.latitudemarina@hotmail.com Tel: (284) 495-9930

34

island of the month club - British Virgin Islands

Marinas Penn’s Landing Marina

Island: Tortola - East End The “secret harbour” at Penn’s Landing is located in the well-protected waters of East End Bay on the south-eastern shore of Tortola. Here you will find slips, moorings and all of the amenities of a full service marina. Dockage, moorings (overnight and permanent), power, water, provisions, showers, yacht management and maintenance, restaurant and bar.

Website: www.mmsbvi.com Email: mms@mmsbvi.com Tel: (284) 495-1134

Peter Island Resort & Yacht Harbour Island: Peter Island Dockage for yachts up to 175’. Maximum draft 12’. Brand new marina facilities. Commissary, fuel, water, electricity.

Hotel and Restaurant. Reservations and dress code.

Website: www.peterisland.com Email: reservations@peterisland.com Tel: (284) 495-2000

Pusser’s Marina Cay

Island: Marina Cay (near Beef Island) Dockage up to 75’, 13’ draft, 30 mooring buoys, water, diesel, gas, ice, hot showers, laundry, provisions, beach restaurant and bar, six hotel rooms.

Website: www.pussers.com Email: marinacay@pussers.com Tel: (284) 494-2174

Saba Rock Resort

Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound Overnight slips and moorings, power, water, ice, hotel, restaurant, bar, entertainment, gift shop. Boats p to 30’ and 12’ draft.

Website: www.sabarock.com Email: sabarockfun@aol.com Tel: (284) 495-7711

Scrub Island Resort Marina

Island: Scrub Island (near Beef Island) Scrub Island Resort is also home to the newest marina in the British Virgin Islands, offering 55 deep-water slips available for short or long term docking, including five for larger megayachts up to 170 feet in length. Centrally located at the heart of the resort, the Scrub Island Resort Marina is a short stroll away from restaurants and shops in Marina Village and provides a scenic backdrop from almost anywhere around the resort.

Webite: www.scrubisland.com Email: bookbvi@mainsailhotels.com Tel: (284) 440-3440

Soper’s Hole Wharf & Marina

Island: Tortola - West End / Soper’s Hole We are a full service marina that strives to accomidate your every need. One can anchor, moor or dock in Sopers Hole depending on preference and availability.

Water and electricity is available on dock which we have a max capacity of 45 slips.

Website: www.sopersholemarina.com Email: erin@surfbvi.com Tel: (284) 495-4589

The Moorings Marina

Island: Tortola - Road Town Area Dockage for 130 yachts up to 180’, 8’ draft, diesel, gas, water, ice, electricity, restrooms, showers, restaurant and bar, laundry, dockside supermarket, dive shop, Internet.

Website: www.moorings.com Tel: (284) 494-2332

Village Cay Resort Marina

Island: Tortola - Road Town Area Village Cay Marina comprises three jetties, which currently provide 106 berthing slips, the majority of which have 40-foot finger piers. The marina caters to vessels up to 190’ in length with a maximum of 11 ft. draft. Each berth provides up to 308 volt (three phase) of electrical accommodations, water, cable TV and free Wi-fi! Village Cay Hotel & Marina has withstood all the hurricanes of the past with virtually no damage to boats or docks. We provide security cameras & patrol, and all the pleasures of a modern full-service resort marina and hotel. This is an ideal location to base your yacht this winter or to stop by for a night or more while chartering. Lose yourself in true paradise amid the warm waters surrounding our marina property.

Website: www.villagecayhotelandmarina.com Tel: (284) 494-2771

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour

Island: Virgin Gorda - Spanish Town Mega yacht facilities accommodating yachts up to 160’ and drafts to 10’ with 111 slips. Fuel dock is in operation from sun up to sun down, power, water, ice, showers, immigration / customs. At the chandlery, you’ll find all of the necessary provisions, from marine supplies to fishing tackle to charts, etc.

Website: www.virgingordayachtharbour.com Email: info@virgingordayachtharbour.com Tel: (284) 495-5500

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

61

Beaches 62

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Discover the beauty of our many beaches!

Beaches

In the BVI, beaches are carved in all shapes and sizes. From the surf-worthy waves of Apple Bay, to the pristine white sands that blanket Elizabeth Beach, to the boater’s paradise, Deadman’s Bay, every beach has its special own magic to offer.

With endless skies and inviting water, you can plan a different beach adventure every day of your Caribbean vacation.

64

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Beaches

The beaches in the BVIs are like no other beaches in the world.

Beaches at private resorts like Little Dix Bay, Necker Island & Peter Island are nothing less than incredible.

66

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Peter Island 68

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

There are some places on earth that simply must be experienced to fully understand.

Peter Island is one of those places.

While words and images can stir the imagination, you will never know the true magic of our private island paradise until you feel it beneath your feet.

Welcome to the Peter Island experience, British Virgin Islands.

Welcome to

Peter Island Resort & Spa.

Romance, seclusion, and an island all your own.

Our deep-water marina features 15 slips, can accommodate up to 3 additional vessels along side and a 75’ T-dock for larger vessels.

The inner marina draft is up to 7’ with the T-dock at 12’.

The resort monitors VHF 16. Island visitors are asked to contact Peter Island Resort in advance of their arrival.

Seafarers traveling in their own craft may arrive by private yacht or sailboat and dock at Peter Island’s Sprat Bay, located across Drake’s Channel from Road Town, Tortola.

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Preserve your place in private luxury.

72

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Imagine the possibilities when you have the whole island to yourself.

Imagine what paradise must be like when it’s just you and close friends.

Or new friends. Or strangers. It’s really not our business. And that’s the whole point. This is where to reserve your place in luxury, where we preserve your privacy. The whole island can be yours. Even the air space above it. Ask about our island buy out rates.

Peter Island Resort & Spa

74

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Harbor Information: Before going under, make sure you’ve got allInfo the right gadgets and gauges. All of your scuba and Contact snorkeling needs are filled atRadio the PeterChannel Island Dive16 Shop. Plus the friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to help with any questions or requests you may have.

Resort Telephone Number 284-495-2000 Certified divers can enjoy British Virgin Islands diving with our two-tank morning dives while new Please divers enjoy ourthe afternoon resort courses.

Snorkelers loveassistance. our tours to some of the most favisit Front Desk for telephone

mous sites and reefs in the BVI’s, such as The Indians in Tortola and The Caves at Norman Island.

Resort Address P.O Box 211 Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands

The Spa 18° 21’ 15.26” N64° 34’ 04.26”

Ancient traditions. Revived on the shores of tropical bliss.

This is the Spa on Peter Island.

Ayurveda-inspired treatments soothe the soul and arouse the senses. Here, you will be awakened to a level of pampering unrivaled in all of the British Virgin Islands.

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Massage.

18° 21’ 15.26” N64° 34’ 04.26” W

78

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Our restorative massage therapies are designed to deeply relax the body, soothe the mind and promote a nurturing sense of well-being.

We have numerous massages to choose from: Thai Yoga Massage Aromatherapy Massage Deep Tissue Massage Prenatal Massage Thermal Sand Bundle Massage La Stone Massage Sports Massage Custom Massage

Hands & Feet.

18° 21’ 15.26” N64° 34’ 04.26” W

80

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

We believe your hands and feet deserve rapture and bliss. Enjoy pampering unlike you’ve ever experienced. Let the soothing touch of expert hands invigorate you. Our signature manicures and pedicures will delight all your senses.

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Dining.

18° 21’ 32.90” N 64° 34’ 31.15”

We prepare only the freshest fare here on Peter Island.

Only the finest could complement the natural splendor that surrounds us. Of course, that and a fine vintage from our extensive wine cellar would do.

82

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Our signature restaurant features the Caribbean’s most renowned chefs. Warm breezes whisper by as the delicate chimes of German china, French silverware, and Italian crystal fill the air. Welcome to the intimacy of Tradewinds Restaurant. Be sure to make a special visit on Saturday nights for our legendary Tradewinds Gala Buffet, featuring Caribbean twists on everything from salads, vegetables and fruits to fresh seafood and meats featured at our live carving stations. But beware: get too full and you’ll miss out on an amazing variety of homemade desserts.

Peter Island Resort & Spa

No other waiters. No other tables. Just you and your guest.

A specially prepared meal created by our talented chefs, paired with a unique bottle from the Tradewinds Wine Room. The sun sets, a gently glowing candle fights the breeze, the waves break, and your heart melts. Romance, up close and personal, with picnics and candlelit dinners on the shores of Peter Island.

84

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Picnics and Candlelit Dinners on the Beach.

18° 19’ 57.16” N64° 34’ 07.30” W

Consult our concierge for the perfect romantic dining experience, from a private spot on the beach to high atop cliffs overlooking the bay

Romance.

18° 21’ 12.98” N64° 34’ 04.28” W

Peter Island Resort & Spa

Some guests think our specialty is amazing cuisine. Some think its our world-class accommodations. Others still think its the ocean view and landscape. But there are a select few who know the truth. Peter Island’s specialty, is of course, romance.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

87

Water Sports Kiteboarding: One of the newest water sports to hit the British Virgin Islands. This sport is quickly growing a huge fan base.

The BVI is now home to an exciting action packed annual Kiteboarding event, BVI Kite Jam.

88

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Enjoy a fun-filled day on the water!

Shoot the curl on the wave of the day. Parrotfish surround your kayak as you paddle into a secluded lagoon. High winds blow all around you as you drift 600 feet above water gliding in a parasail.

No matter what your interests are, the BVI is your playground. Between the fast pace of windsurfing or an easygoing swim with dolphins, there’s always an adventure waiting for you in our crystal clear waters

Surfing: One of the best water sports when it comes to making a splash in our turquoise waters. Surfing is quickly becoming a favorite activity along our beaches.

90

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Kayaking The powdery sand beaches along the BVI coastline and exposed waters near inlets and barrier islands are remarkably scenic, quiet and full of wildlife. The many lagoons throughout the islands are an excellent place to paddle your kayak.

78 island of the month club - British Virgin Islands

Windsurfing Our year-round trade winds allow for great windsurfing and kite boarding experiences. We are also home to the annual Highland Spring HIHO Windsurfing and Sailing Adventure. Competing windsurfers will cover over 150 miles as they race between seven and nine times from one island to another. Finian Maynard is a four-time speed windsurfing world champion (1998 until 2001) and holds the current speed world record for sailing vessels, currently living in the British Virgin Islands.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

93

Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke

Home of the Original “Painkiller�

www.soggydollar.com

For information or reservations, call 284.495.5555 or visit www.rosewoodhotels.com

SABA ROCK MARINA 96

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Saba Rock Marina features 10 deep water slips, equipped with 110V & 220 V electricity connections, water & free high-speed wireless internet access.

Protected by a substantial breakwater, you’ll enjoy calm waters & easy access to our restaurant, bar, beach, & lush tropical gardens.

At SABA ROCK,

WE LOVE BOATS!

Saba Rock

98

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Dock Information and Rates Saba Rock Marina Dock rates are $1.50 per foot.

Portable water is $0.15 per gallon and ice is $4.00 per bag.

220 V & 110 V shore power are available. Slip rates are $1.50 per foot.

Nightly electricity fees 30 amp no A/C = $15 30 amp with A/C = $25 50 amp no A/C = $25 50 amp with A/C = $40 double cords = double prices.

Our slips can book up quickly, especially over the holidays, so contact us to make your reservations today!

Reserve: (284) 495-9966 Phone: (284) 495-7711 Fax: (284) 495-7373 info@sabarock.com

Saba Rock

Spend a Night Ashore!

We offer Special Boater’s rates on our hotel rooms!

Treat yourself to a well-deserved night on land enjoy endless hot water, air-conditioning, king-sized beds, & satellite TV. Our complimentary breakfast will fuel you up for your day on the water and you’ll be back sailing refreshed & rejuvenated for the rest of your trip!

100

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Just under one acre in size, at low tide, Saba Rock is the perfect blend of tranquility & island fun. The resort features a hotel, restaurant & bar, and full-service marina; all surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Distinctive to Saba Rock is the impressive collection of antique outboard motors, genuine shipwreck artifacts and jewelry on display in the Nautical Museum.

SABA ROCK...for a truly unique dining experience!

102

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The Restaurant & Bar at Saba Rock features a relaxed waterfront setting with a magnificent view of the North Sound. You will be dining directly above the water while enjoying the sounds of gentle lapping waves beneath your feet. Keep your eyes open for Stingrays and turtles popping out by your table!

At the Saba Rock restaurant, our goal is to provide fresh and flavorful food at a great value. Our menus are an unparalleled blend of traditional favorites infused with a Caribbean twist, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

We also offer a special kid’s menu for all the little pirates aboard your ship!

Fishing 104

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Breaking World Records in the BVI Breaking world records, including the record for Atlantic Blue Marlin weighing 590 kilograms, the British Virgin Islands offers the most diverse fishing as well as the most constant source of marine life in the Caribbean.

From “secret� fishing holes tucked into the shallow crevices of more than 60 islands to renowned deep water spots, the BVI provides fishermen fruitful waters to catch more than 160 varieties including wahoo, dolphin, tuna, king fish, marlin, tarpon and bonefish.

Fishing

106

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

From the largest island of Tortola creating the backbone of the Sir Frances Drake Channel and Virgin Gorda forming the eastern edge, to the smaller islands of Norman, Peter and Cooper speckling the south and Anegada dangling in the north, the cool waters that surround the islands of the BVI ensure that fish remain year-round rather than migrating. Another factor contributing to the abundance of fish is plentiful food supplies found in the form of baitfish with some schools measuring a quarter of a kilometre wide by a quarter of a kilometre long and eight meters deep. So rich, Sperm whales migrating during mating season have even been known to make a pit stop to feast on the dense schools.

The most distinct type of fishing in the BVI is fly fishing for bonefish -a torpedo-shaped species (up to five kilograms in the BVI) that swims dead straight and can move as fast as 64 kilometres per hour when trying to elude fishermen, taking all 366 meters of line from the reel with them once hooked.

Unlike other types of fishing, all bone fishing in the BVI is catch and release with some of the best spots located off the coasts of Jost Van Dyke, Beef Island, Marina Cay and Anegada, where the Anegada Reef provides unlimited shallow water flats.

Dressed in reef booties, trousers and of course a hat to block the sun, fishermen wade in up to one foot of water and only cast when they see the fish -- an easy task considering the remarkable clarity of BVI waters. (Waters are so clear even depths of up to 12 meters are seen with remarkable precision). Although one of the fastest growing sports, conservation is key in BVI bone fishing as charter companies rotate the flats fished in order to preserve the amount of fish. At any given time, there is rarely more than one boat docked along the shallows and so many “secret spots� that a single charter can take visitors to a different spot every day for at least two weeks.

108

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Fishing

Deep-water fishing in the BVI, like flats fishing, is just as productive, offering record-breaking marlin and billfish at a profusion of deep-sea drop offs near the shores of Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and one of the largest by Peter Island measuring thousands of feet. Just 28 kilometres from Jost Van Dyke, the North Drop presents a steep change in depth that moves from 30 to 200 fathoms (366 meters) almost instantaneously & at its deepest point reaches 10,000 meters.

World-renowned for marlin that average 225 kilograms, the North Drop, is also home to yellowfin and blackfin tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. Just 30 minutes off the coast of the north-eastern end of Virgin Gorda, the South Drop is a blue marlin fishery with a topography of numerous peaks and valleys and dense “clouds� of baitfish that attract concentrations of marlins to the area.

110

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Bitter End Yacht Club 112

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

For more than 35 years, the Hokin family has welcomed boaters, adventurers and vacationers from all over the world to their corner of paradise on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands the most tranquil deep water anchorage in the Caribbean.

The Bitter End Yacht Club

Welcome!

When my grandfather and grandmother decided to make this little place we call Bitter End our family retreat - there was no way of knowing that thirty-five years later their children’s children would be at the helm and their great grandchildren would be enjoying the same activities we did more than a generation ago.

The Bitter End began as our family retreat in the 1970’s, and back then it was truly rustic. What drew my grandparents to this spot is what draws all of us here year after year - the unparalleled location, the people and the playgound of the North Sound and Eustatia Sound - two of the most brilliant jewels of the British Virgin Islands.

Nowhere else in the world can one find such pristine (non-commercial) recreational bodies of water - the best and safest place in the world to beachcomb, explore by dingyh, learn to sail, snorkel or perfect one’s high performance sailing skills.

Green since before it even had a name, we also responded to the natural beauty of the region: nowhere else are boaters and guests welcomed with such open arms.

Not everyone in my family is a sailor - that surprises our guests! How else could we know that a Bitter End vacation works even for the landlubber or serious after sail guest? We all have on ething in common: our guests and my famly alike love the barefoot elegance of Caribbean island living at Bitter End, where sailing, snorkeling and relaxation are the way of life. My siblings and cousins have all grown up with Bitter End, working various resort jobs, and we all take great pride knowing that our own family traditions born here have become the culture of Bitter End and the vacation experience that our guests have come to enjoy. Now, the fourth generation of our family is growing and fast becoming a part of BitterEnd and we know that a fourth generation of guests is growing as well!

We thank all of you who choose to make Bitter End Yacht Club your port of call as well as your vacation home in the BVI. Your patronage is a tremendouse tribute not only to my grandparents’ vision but to the support and dedication of our remarkable staff who have helped to shape and sustain the vision so that we are not only a landmark in the BVI, but in the world as well.

Welcome to the Bitter End. Sincerely, Dana Hokin

114

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The Bitter End Yacht Club

116

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

A shore and afloat, Bitter End is the landmark destination for those seeking the ultimate watersports vacation in the Caribbean, with 85 accommodations, 72 moorings, 21 slips, two restaurants, a Club fleet of over 100 boats, an accredited Sailing School, spa, shops and an Emporium for provisioning.

The Bitter End Yacht Club

Bitter End offers guests the ultimate spa experience!

From exotic aromatherapy massages and private yoga sessions on the beach to manicures, pedicures, facials and herbal wraps, the newly-opened Spa at Bitter End provides a full menu of services designed to refresh guests after an active day on, in or near the water.

118

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Getting to Bitter End If you are staying at a neighbor resort, hotel or villa and would like to visit for the day : From Virgin Gorda: we run a regularly scheduled ferry service departing Gun Creek every hour on the half-hour. The return ferry departs Bitter End for Gun Creek every hour on the hour from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm daily. This ferry ride is free.

From Tortola or Beef Island airport: T he North Sound Express runs regularly scheduled high-speed ferry trips to and from BitteErn d. Please call 284.495.2138 for the schedule and rates.

122

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The A dmira Honey l’s moon Bitter Packa En excursi d provides a ge ons an n exo

tic rom d activ a ities in cluded ntic vacatio r Adm n iral’s H in its A oneym dmiral with all of th We ha ’s oon Pa e ve pai ckage Package-an meals, red the own v is mad d more eran mos e to or !unlimi da, hammo t beautiful b der. ted ac c e k achfr and excursi c ons to ess to the en stunning sea ont accomm rem tire oda vie aweso me vie ote islands a Club fleet o w with thre tion with its e fo w n watch ing an s, dinners a d great snor ver 100 boa meals a day l d k , the be t ach, pr more. Plus, fresco under eling spots, h s, 15 private en th iva ik Warlo rd and te captaine joy a couple e stars, danc ing trails wit s mass i h d days champ age, p ng and yach a a i l g a n b e It’s up r o to you in your room ard our raci ivate dinner t n on to dete g two ev rmine enings sailboat Cos You ca w m d n sn hat yo to you u wan uring your st ic r own orkel right fr t to do ay. seclu om or join . guests ded place - the beach, o on o r ta we’ Perha ps you ne of our da ll pack a gou ke a Boston W would il r like to y snorkeling met picnic lu haler or blue learn t nc Of co lounge water h for you; in you urse, you ca o sail or kite excursi r hamm board n do n o o ock, en thing t r SCUB ons. o A? o: or lunc joy a massa ge in y h pool our roo side. m, so you

BIRAS CREEK R E S O R T US Reservations 877-883-0756

www.biras.com

Road Town 124

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

On Tortola, the capital city of Road Town flutters with activity during the day, from shopping at Crafts Alive -- an open-air market stocked with rustic dolls, colourful straw hats and hand-thrown pottery -- to browsing through native BVI plants at the J. R. O’Neal Botanic Garden and unlocking the historical past of the island at quaint museums including the H.L. Stoutt Community College Maritime Museum where wooden sloops reminiscent of the “Old Man and the Sea” are on display. With full moon parties featuring mushroom tea and liquid pleasure in the form of all things rum, the most infamous night time entertainment in the BVI is found along Capoons Bay at the Bomba Shack -- constructed from two by fours, “windows” with seagrape trees growing through, a sand floor and rickety tin roof.

Regattas 126

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival The BVI Spring Regatta is the one Caribbean Regatta that has something for everyone who attends. Whether you race, cruise, practice or just come to party, we have it all! Race & Cruise your way through the BVI The weeklong BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival takes you throughout the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

Starting at Nanny Cay the Sailing Festival races up the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the renown Bitter End Yacht Club. After the warm up, the BVI Spring Regatta kicks off three days of some of the best racing in the Caribbean. Only the best survive to take home the Gold and the Glory, along with great stories and experiences that keeps sailors coming back year after year. You can participate in the entire seven day BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, just the four-day Festival, or the three-day Regatta. With a huge choice of shore side accommodations and activities there’s no need to leave your loved ones at home.

BVI Spring Regatta

PO Box 281, Nanny Cay Marina, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110 info@bvispringregatta.org | 284-541-6732

128

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Annual Pro-Am Regatta at The Bitter End Yacht Club 2012 is the 26th Annual Pro-Am Regatta. A world-class sailing event with 22 years of history, the Pro Am has matched up countless amateur and first time sailors with America’s Cup skippers, Olympic Medalists, Around the World Race Winners, and World Champions.

Back in 1974, Foxy and some friends decided wooden boats should have a chance to race. The first year there were only seven boats, but as word traveled, sailors from all over the seven seas flocked to participate. As the wooden boat era is slowly diminishing, Foxy and friends have decided to keep the legacy going; so they are revising the rules to allow some of the first fiberglass boats to compete in a Classic Race. Fiberglass boats over thirty years old qualify.

This Classic Race should be, no pun on words, a “classic.�

130

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta A real regatta means old boats, like they used to make ’em. Foxy’s and the West End Yacht Club have been doing this gig for well over 30 years — 38 to be exact. And this year, they’ve added a new Classic Race for fiberglass boats over thirty years old.

Nanny Cay

Resort • Marina • Boatyard

Set in one of the finest and most central locations in the BVI, Nanny Cay is located on the South side of Tortola, between the capital Road Town and West End. We are proud to provide the very best marine services and facilities possible in what after all is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world today. The island of Tortola itself is a tropical wonderland with many breath-taking sights and great places to visit. Nanny Cay has always been known as a well-protected marina, with beautiful surrounding hills and a relaxed feel about it.

Marina Tel: (284) 494-2512 Fax: (284) 494-3288 VHF: Channel 16 / 68

134

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Rosewood Little Dix Bay sits on a crescent-shaped bay on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Founded in 1964 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, the resort remains true to its founder’s vision of natural harmony and earth in balance while offering an escape from the ordinary. Elegantly appointed accommodations blend unobtrusively into the surrounding landscape and are located steps from the beach.

Guests can enjoy a wide array of activities such as diving, snorkeling, watersports and hiking. World-class amenities, including three distinctive dining venues, Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, tennis, fitness facility and children’s center, complete the experience.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts assumed management of Rosewood Little Dix Bay in 1993. December, 2006 saw the completion of a three-year, twenty-five million dollar renovation including 16 new Rosewood Junior Suites and three new hilltop villas, the opening of Sense, A Rosewood Spa®, a new children’s center and beautiful re-designs on the resort’s 100 guest rooms and two restaurants. The comprehensive enhancement signified the resort’s “rebirth” as a legendary Caribbean retreat.

The B.V.I. climate is semi-tropical and one of the healthiest in the world. Average temperatures hover around 80째 Fahrenheit and constant easterly breezes guarantee cool nights year-round. There is no clearly defined wet or dry season and therefore, weather conditions are splendid any month of the year.

138

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Little Dix Bay

The resort features 100 spacious guest accommodations that seem to “grow� out of the landscape. Most are shaded by native sea grape and palm trees, ensuring ultimate privacy. Each guest room has an outdoor patio or terrace on which to enjoy the idyllic setting of Virgin Gorda and its gentle tradewinds. Bathrooms feature double vanities and rain showers while some also have soaking tubs. Half of the guestrooms are outfitted with new outdoor garden showers.

140

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The cuisine at Rosewood Little Dix Bay is simple and elegant, incorporating the natural bounty found in Virgin Gorda. Guests are served amidst dramatic backdrops of sand, sea and sky to create memorable dining experiences in all three of the resort’s open-air venues. Each restaurant offers a menu of indigenous island cuisine with a distinct twist on flavor and a unique setting in which to enjoy a peaceful breakfast, casual lunch or romantic dinner.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

143

Pusser’s Marina Cay 144

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

There are few places like Marina Cay. The flower covered, eight-acre island is ringed by a soft, white sand beach. The island is nestled in a sheltered, emerald green, lagoon whose shallow waters are always calm and lukewarm. It is the ideal place for snorkelers to enjoy the colorful fish and sea life that inhabit the coral reef and the lagoon. The quiet lagoon and reef make Marina Cay the ideal place for vacationing families with small children who desire a natural, safe, watersports environment. Likewise it is a wonderful place for those wishing to learn to snorkel and scuba dive. The island is also home to an award winning Pusser’s Restaurant specializing in seafood and cuisine of the Caribbean.

Pusser’s Marina Cay

Pusser’s Marina Cay...

Home to a Pusser’s Store, our award-winning restaurant, breezy villas for overnight accommodations, a dive shop, and the famous Robb White Bar at the top of the island. The reef and warm, shallow waters of the lagoon are ideal for snorkelers and safe for families with children.

146

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Pusser’s Marina Cay

PUSSER’S® PAINKILLER THE TRUE STORY! The infamous Pusser’s Painkiller® had its start at the six-seat Soggy Dollar Bar on a long stretch of white sand beach at White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. There’s no dock, so the usual way in is to swim. Of course, your dollars get wet - hence the name: Soggy Dollar Bar. When all this started, the bar with its four adjoining cottages was owned by an English lady, Daphne Henderson. Boaters, including Pusser’s founder Charles Tobias, came from all around to sample her tasty Pusser’s Painkiller® for which she’d become locally famous. The fact that Tobias had gone to Great Britain’s Royal Navy and gotten permission to commercialize the rum in 1980 made him more curious about this deliciously concocted recipe made with Pusser’s Rum. Daphne Henderson and Charles Tobias became good friends, but in spite of their friendship, and no matter how hard he tried, she refused to divulge her secret recipe for the Pusser’s Painkiller®. Two years passed, then late one Sunday afternoon at the conclusion of a long session of Painkilling, Tobias somehow managed to get one of her concoctions back through the surf and over the gunwale into his boat, and ultimately into his kitchen on Tortola where he lives. There he went to work, trying to match her flavor as closely as possible with his own recipe which he finally worked out to be “4-1-1” ratio - four parts pineapple, one part cream of coconut and one part orange juice - adding Pusser’s Rum to suit.

The following Sunday, Tobias returned to the Soggy Dollar Bar for another afternoon of West Indian food, Painkillers and swimming. Shaking the water off after his swim ashore, Tobias announced to Daphne Henderson that I’d finally broken her secret, “At last, Daphne, I have the Painkiller® recipe which I promise to not divulge to anyone if you tell me that I’m right,” he said.

“If you’ve got it, what do you need anything from me for?” she replied smiling as she continued to josh Tobias about him not being able to come even close. “Wait and see,” he told her, and in a few minutes, he mixed one of his and started to taste it against hers. Tobias discerned a slight difference, but thought his mixture better, not quite so sweet as hers, and told her so. Understandably, she insisted that hers was better and challenged him to a contest. Tobias accepted, and the bet was on for $100.

There were about ten patrons around the bar. Tobias ordered two rounds: one that Daphne made, and one that he made to his recipe. They marked the cups and proceeded to test. Tobias’s recipe won 10 out of 10 taste-tests! They preferred his version to hers. She humorously insisted that somehow Tobias paid everybody off to win. Of course, he hadn’t, and vehemently denied her charges. Tobias took payment on the bet in the form of 40 Painkillers which the crowd all drank to celebrate the occasion.

Soon after, Tobias started promoting the Pusser’s Painkiller® in the two Pusser’s bars he had at that time on Tortola. But he always gives Daphne Henderson credit with a by-line in Pusser’s printed media: AS INSPIRED BY DAPHNE AT THE SOGGY DOLLAR BAR AT WHITE BAY ON JOST VAN DYKE. From this modest beginning, the fame of the Pusser’s Painkiller® has spread throughout the boating and sailing communities of the Caribbean and the U.S., and is probably the most popular mixed rum drink amongst sailors today in the West Indies. And it continues to spread throughout many other parts of the world.

Thanks to Daphne Henderson! ...the inspiration behind the Pusser’s Painkiller®.

PUSSER’S PAINKILLER® RECIPE The Painkiller® is a blend of Pusser’s Rum with 4 parts pineapple juice, 1 part cream of coconut and 1 part orange juice served over the rocks with a generous amount of fresh nutmeg on top. You have a choice of numbers 2, 3 or 4, which designate the amount of Pusser’s Rum!

s!

Cheer

* Painkiller #2 ... 2 parts Pusser’s Rum * Painkiller #3 ... 3 parts Pusser’s Rum * Painkiller #4 ... 4 parts Pusser’s Rum

RUM FOLKLORE “Nelson’s Blood”

Another name for Pusser’s Rum, and still in use today by old salts - especially in Great Britain’s Royal Navy! At the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21st, 1805, Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson engaged the combined fleets of Spain and France. His flagship was HMS VICTORY. Although outnumbered, he sank or captured 17 of the enemy’s ships to not a single loss of his own. This victory still lives as one of the greatest in the annals of naval warfare.

Unfortunately, Nelson was mortally wounded and died knowing that victory was his. Legend has it that to preserve his body for the long passage back to England, that it was placed into a large cask of Pusser’s Rum. Upon arrival, when the cask was opened, his pickled body was removed, but the jack tars had drilled a small hole at the base of the cask through which they drained most of the rum, thereby drinking of Nelson’s Blood. Since then, the term Nelson’s Blood has become synonymous with Pusser’s Rum, and is still in wide use today.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

151

PUSSER’S® FAST FACTS!

PUSSER’S® RUM - The History

For 330 years from about 1640 until July 31st, 1970, Great Britain’s Royal Navy issued a daily rum ration to its sailors. This daily allotment was known as the ‘tot’, and its issue and the ritual that went with it was one of the longest running traditions in maritime history. This rum was never sold or offered to the public, but was highly prized by connoisseurs for its rich flavour.

The rum issued was a special rum called Navy or Admiralty Rum, or sometimes PUSSER’S, a corruption of the word purser, after the officer in charge of the daily issue.

In 1979, Charles Tobias - entrepreneur, global sailor, raconteur - sought to resurrect the PUSSER’S RUM tradition. He obtained the rights and all the blending information from the Admiralty and, with Admiralty’s blessing, began bottling and selling this storied spirit in 1980 to the public for the first time.

PUSSER’S RUM today is the same rum that was standard issue in the Royal Navy right up to the time of the rum issues termination on July 31st, 1970 (“Black Tot Day”).

Pusser’s Rum is the Original Navy Rum that was served onboard ships of the Royal Navy for 330 years. The “single malt of rum” and father of grog, Pusser’s Rum is recognized as the world’s most rich and full-flavoured rum. Unlike most other rums of today, it’s totally natural. No flavouring agents are used.

Pusser’s owes its rich and unique flavour to its distillation in wood. It is still distilled in wood; hand-crafted in the inefficient and costly old way in wooden pot-stills. Pusser’s alcohol recovery is a mere 57% in contrast to the 89% of modern industrial metal column stills.

This handcrafted distillation is the bedrock of PUSSER’S RUM, the vital part of the process that makes it so distinctively flavourful and different from other dark and golden rums that are distilled in metal stills that absorb nothing.

By contrast, wood soaks up the flavour of whatever it contacts so that continuous usage of these wooden potstills has impregnated their old wooden staves with 200 years of esters and congeners - the organic compounds that impart flavour to wines and spirits.

‘Navy or Admiralty Rum’ is not just a name for dark rum, but rather the name given to the Royal Navy’s rum that evolved into a blend of several pot-stilled rums of which the major constituents were distilled in wooden pot-stills in lieu of the normal metal ones.

The Royal Navy Sailor’s Fund, a naval charity more commonly called the “Tot Fund” receives a substantial donation from the sale of each bottle of British Navy Pusser’s Rum. Aside from the fund’s original bequest, the Pusser’s contribution has become the fund’s largest source of income.

Pusser’s was chosen by Forbes Magazine as “One of the World’s 10 Remarkable Rums”, while the Financial Times chose Pusser’s as “one of the choice morsels from the enduring and the rare” in its “The Best of Spirits” feature article.

Pusser’s won gold medals at the International Rum Festival 2008, the International Wine & Spirits Festival, London, 2001, and the Double Gold at the San Francisco World’s Spirits Competition, 2003.

Pusser’s Marina Cay PUSSER’S® RUM - Products Pusser’s Rum 108 Proof / 54% Alc/Vol (UK, Australia, Germany only) Pusser’s Rum 84 Proof / 42% Alc/Vol (Worldwide) Pusser’s Rum Aged 15 Years 80 Proof / 40% Alc/Vol (Worldwide) Pusser’s Decanters The Pusser’s range of ceramic decanters includes ship’s decanters, flagons and hip flasks which are filled with 42% Alc/Vol Pusser’s Rum

PUSSER’S® WEST INDIES The BVI is the home of Pusser’s restaurants, bars and Pusser’s Co. Stores selling its own unique line of Pusser’s tropical and nautical clothing.

“Years ago, I gave into the wanderlust that’d consumed me since I was 10 or 12 years old. I bought a sailboat, and sailed around the world. For almost 6 years, I sailed in both the cold climates of the oceans in the great northern and southern latitudes, and in the warmer, sun-drenched tropical climes between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

“Sailing in all kinds of weather and living in different climates as I did, I never found a satisfactory pair of shorts or a good, basic shirt which fit the conditions under which I lived. Although I wasn’t a clothing designer (I’m an engineer), I designed myself a pair of sailing shorts and a few shirts which I hoped would be good for the tropical and nautical environment in which I enjoyed living. I had a few extras made, and began wearing my clothes around the islands. People began asking for them, and a clothing business was born. This was 20 years ago.”

- Charles Tobias, Chairman & Founder, PUSSER’S

Pusser’s Co. Stores and restaurants are in Road Town, Soper’s Hole (West End), Marina Cay and Leverick Bay (Virgin Gorda, store only) The crown jewel of Pusser’s West Indies is Marina Cay, an eight-acre island paradise just off the east end of Tortola.

It boasts a small 8-bedroom hotel, a restaurant on the beach, and a bar at the Robb White House on the island’s summit with spectacular 360º views, a daily Happy Hour, and early entertainment.

The island is ringed by a soft, white sand beach and nestled in a sheltered, emerald green, lagoon whose shallow waters are always calm and lukewarm. It is the ideal place for water sports and for snorkelers to enjoy the colorful fish and sea life that inhabit the coral reef and the lagoon.

The restaurant on the beach offers local cuisine and American and Continental standards. Each dining location has spectacular views of the sea and the anchorage.

Marina Cay is only a 10-minute free ferry ride on the Pusser’s boat from near the airport to the island.

Live webcam images from Marina Cay and Pusser’s Road Town Pub can be viewed at www.pussers.com.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

153

Snorkeling & Diving 154

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

A necklace of lush islands rising from the Technicolor tides of the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands offers some of the most remarkable snorkelling and diving in the world, from mysterious caves in the south to breathtaking grottoes in the east. With more than 60 islands in the archipelago, including the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, the BVI boasts a biodiversity of marine life rivalled only by the deep of the Amazon Rainforest.

156

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

From the largest island of Tortola creating the backbone of the Sir Frances Drake Channel and Virgin Gorda forming the eastern edge, to the smaller islands of Norman, Peter and Cooper speckling the south and Anegada dangling in the north, the cool waters that surround the islands of the BVI ensure that fish remain year-round rather than migrating.

Another factor contributing to the abundance of fish is plentiful food supplies found in the form of baitfish with some schools measuring a quarter of a kilometre wide by a quarter of a kilometre long and eight meters deep.

So rich, Sperm whales migrating during mating season have even been known to make a pit stop to feast on the dense schools.

Just off the Coast of Salt Island lies the most famous dive site in the Caribbean -the Wreck of the Rhone. The RMS Rhone -- a mighty iron-hulled steam-sailing vessel, once over 92 meters long -- sank after encountering the Great Hurricane of 1867 and now lies broken in half along the sandy ocean bottom. Divers are eager to travel deep depths to pay respects to the perished crew and catch a glimpse of her new residents inside the bow -- colourful snapper, soldier fish and parrotfish.

158

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Wreck diving is prominent in the BVI

160

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

In the south, Norman Island, Robert Louis Stevenson’s inspiration for “Treasure Island,” lays claim to the legendary Caves.

Four vacuous tunnels, one extending to depths of 73 meters, provide the sensation of a night dive even in the shining sun. Nearby Angelfish Reef boasts waters so clear a diver maintains perfect visibility at depths of 28 meters.

162

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The heart of snorkelling in the BVI is found amongst the tiny islands that form the southern boundary of the Sir Frances Drake Channel, boasting 11 of the most notable sites – The Caves at Norman Island, Diamond Reef, Lee Bay and Towing Point at Great Camanoe, Dip n’ Scrub and Shark Point at Scrub Island, Monkey Point and Grand Central Station on Guana Island, Brewers Bay East and West on Tortola and, finally, Great Dog Island.

164

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Exotic marine life resides at The Indians -- a cluster of four rocks rising 15 meters above the surface of the sea, situated just off the northern shores of Norman Island.

While the view looking up at the towering formations is overwhelming with barren appearance and cliff-like slopes, the true treasure of this area is found looking down. Drifting along the coral-encrusted rock formations, the highly evolved parrotfish is both seen and heard as it uses its beak to chip away at the living coral. Here, marine life reciprocates curiosity, such as the violet Creole wrasse that seemingly appear from nowhere to envelope snorkellers and then quickly dash off again.

166

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

At Cooper Island in Manchioneel Bay, beds of sea grass hide little green turtles, while graceful sting and eagle rays graze above the blades. Nearby, a large Queen Conch bed is home to the nearly foot-long snails, buried deeply during the day, but awake at night to feed on the sea grass. At Cistern Pointe, photogenic ledges attract spectators with bright corals in rod and fan form.

168

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The purest snorkelling site in the BVI is found at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, forming the eastern edge of the island necklace.

Large granite boulders stacked and strewn across white sand beaches form caverns and grottoes filled with shallow wading pools of the crystal sea.

The rock labyrinth, with some individual stones as large as three-story houses, welcomes snorkellers to discover coral, sponges and marine life encrusted on the underside of boulders.

Leverick Bay 170

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Seafarers are always welcome at Leverick Bay Resort & Marina.

The Leverick Bay Resort and Marina is the newest seaside recreational complex in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

Located on the shores of a magnificent large blue lagoon known as “North Sound�, it is one of the most beautiful locations in the West Indies. In the Leverick Bay Marina we offer a full service dock, supplying fuel, fresh water and ice, 36 moorings and 15 slips with 110 and 220 volt electricity. Fresh water hot showers and laundry facilities are also available for your convenience.

If staying overnight on a mooring ball or slip, water (up to 100 gallons) and a bag of ice is free.

Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. all week Please contact us on VHF 16 When you visit the dock you are met with a friendly smile by our staff.

Our full-service marina is considered one of the best in the Caribbean!

Moorings 172

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

In order for sailors to enjoy the many beautiful sites both above and below the water, The BVI National Parks Trust has installed over 200 mooring buoys (surface buoys attached to stainless steel pins set in bedrock) for day-time use only at many BVI dive sites.

The system has been operating since 1991, and is aimed at protecting the fragile, underwater marine ecology from physical damage, particularly by boat anchors, and at maintaining the pristine reefs for the future.

Moorings The mooring buoys are 13 inches in diameter and are colour coded as follows: ORANGE BUOYS: Non-diving, day use only YELLOW BUOYS: Commercial dive vessels only LARGE YELLOW BUOYS: Commercial vessels or vessels over 55 ft.

WHITE BUOYS: Non-commercial vessels, for daytime dive use only BLUE BUOYS: For dinghy use only

There is a 90-minute time limit on all moorings, and use is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Vessels over 55 feet in length or over 35 tons are not allowed to use any regular mooring, but they can use the larger yellow buoys, which are 18 inches in diameter.

Please note that in virtually all of the areas where the National Parks Trust moorings are found, the areas can encounter rough and unpredictable seas. In addition, some buoys are in the vicinity of shallow rocks and reefs. The moorings are, therefore, for DAY USE only, and it is illegal to use them overnight.

Sailors must check the integrity of their mooring, its pick-up line, and down-line for safety before tying up or leaving the vessel. They are responsible for the vessel, even when tied to a National Parks mooring.

A small fee is charged for the use of the moorings. This conservation fee provides for the maintenance of the system and installation of new buoys in other high traffic areas.

Sailors must, by law, obtain a National Parks Permit, either from the charter company when Customs is cleared, or from the National Parks Trust Office at 61 Main St. Road Town, Tortola.

174

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Moorings The Indians at Norman Island

Anegada Reef Hotel

Penn’s Landing

Island: Anegada

Island: Tortola - East End - Fat Hogs Bay

Website: http://www.anegadareef.com Email: info@anegadareef.com Tel: (284) 495-8002

Website: http://www.b-v-i.com/FatHogsBay/ Email: penns@mmsbvi.com Tel: (284) 495-1134

Neptune’s Treasure

Ginger Island Carvel Rock

Island: Anegada

Island: Carvel Rock National Parks Trust.

Website: http://www.neptunestreasure.com Email: information@neptunestreasure.com Tel: (284) 495-9439

Great Camanoe

Green Cay

Great Dog (Invisible’s)

Island: Great Camanoe National Parks Trust.

Island: Green Cay National Parks Trust.

Island: Great Dog

Tortola Rhymer’s Beach Bar

Harris’ Place

Island: Tortola - Cane Garden Bay

National Parks Trust.

Island: Jost Van Dyke - Little Harbour

Tel: (284) 495-4639

Tel: (284) 495-9302

Dead Chest Island The Rhone Marine Park

Abe’s

Island: Dead Chest National Parks Trust.

Tel: (284) 495-9329

Devil’s Bay Fort Point

Cooper Island Beach Club

Island: Jost Van Dyke - Little Harbour

Island: Virgin Gorda National Parks Trust.

Island: Cooper Island - Manchioneel Bay

Fallen Jerusalem The Baths

Website: http://www.cooper-island.com/ Email: info@cooper-island.com Tel: (800) 542-4624

Island: Fallen Jerusalem National Parks Trust.

176

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The Bitter End Yacht Club

Soper’s Hole

Pusser’s Marina Cay Island: Marina Cay Website: www.pussers.com/outposts/marina_cay Email: marinacay@pussers.com Tel: (284) 494-2174

Vixen Point, Prickly Pear Island, North Sound Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound

Salt Island Island: Salt Island

Mosquito Island, North Sound, Virgin Gorda

National Parks Trust.

Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound

Scrub Island Guana Island

Tel: (284) 494-2254

Island: Scrub Island National Parks Trust.

Mountain Point, Virgin Gorda Island: Virgin Gorda

The Bight, Norman Island

National Parks Trust.

Island: Norman Island

Norman Island / The Indians Island: Norman Island

The Last Resort

National Parks Trust.

Island: Tortola - Beef Island - Trellis Bay

Bitter End Yacht Club Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound Website: http://www.beyc.com/ Email: binfo@beyc.com Tel: (800) 872-2392

Pelican Island, Peter Island & The Rhone’s Anchor Island: Pelican Island

Website: www.normanisland.com/info.htm

National Parks Trust.

Email: lastresort@surfbvi.com Tel: (284) 495-2520

Soper’s Hole Wharf & Marina Island: Tortola - West End / Soper’s Hole Website: www.sopershole.com Email: erin@surfbvi.com Tel: (284) 495-4589

Anchorages 178

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

The beautiful, clear waters of the British Virgin Islands offer countless anchorages.

Sailors should use caution when anchoring to prevent damage to fragile coral reefs.

Where mooring buoys are not provided, sailors should anchor in sandy areas and be sure to never sail at night. Nightfall arrives quickly, and even the most experienced sailors in the BVI do not sail past dusk.

Anchorages

ANCHORAGES

The beautiful, clear waters of the BVIs offer countless anchorages. Sailors should use caution when anchoring to prevent damage to fragile coral reefs. Where buoys are not provided, sailors should anchor in sandy areas and be sure to never sail at night. Nightfall arrives quickly, and even the most experienced sailors in the BVI do not sail past dusk.

It is recommended that current navigational charts be used when cruising and anchoring in the BVI waters. U.S. National Ocean Service (NOAA), U.S. Defense Mapping Agency, British Admiralty and Imray produce charts for the area.

Deadman’s Bay, Peter Island Island: Peter Island Eastern tip; long beach at the yacht club.

Pelican Islands & The Indians Island: Pelican Island Close to The Bight, good snorkelling and diving.

Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke Island: Tortola Well protected harbour bordered by white sand beach and restaurant.

Road Harbour, Tortola Island: Tortola - Road Town The BVI’s largest harbour bordered by Road Town; immigration and custom facilities; shops, restaurants,.

Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke Island: Jost Van Dyke - Little Harbour Calm, quiet lagoon, three restaurants on shore.

Salt Island Island: Salt Island Location of the Wreck of the Rhone II, accessible by moorings at Lee Bay. Both Lee Bay & Salt Pond Bay have rough anchorages - better for day use only.

Machioneel Bay, Cooper’s Island Island: Cooper Island Northwest shore; dock for dinghies.

Marina Cay Island: Marina Cay North of Trellis Bay, enter from the north to skirt coral. Moorings, small beach, Pusser’s Restaurant.

North Sound, Virgin Gorda Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound Eastern tip of the island, surrounded by several islands, a variety of overnight anchorages; northern Caquhoun Reef for drafts greater than five feet; Pelican Islands & The Indians Island: Pelican Island Close to The Bight, good snorkelling and diving.

RIsland: Cooper Island Northwest shore; dock for dinghies.

Sandy Cay, Jost Van Dyke Island: Jost Van Dyke Long white sandy beach; prone to swells.

Soper’s Hole, West End Tortola Island: Tortola - West End / Soper’s Hole One of the main ports of entry, deep and sheltered.

Restaurant, ferries, marinas, immigration & customs.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda Island: Virgin Gorda Southwestern shore; small grottoes and pools, excellent snorkelling; overnight swells are common.

The Bight, Norman Island Island: Norman Island Uninhabited, hiking to the top of the island; caves reachable by dinghy.

Marina Cay Island: Marina Cay North of Trellis Bay, enter from the north to skirt coral.

Moorings, small beach, Pusser’s Restaurant.

The Dogs Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound Between North Sound, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke; look to anchor on calm days.

North Sound, Virgin Gorda Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound Eastern tip of the island, surrounded by several islands, a variety of overnight anchorages; northern Caquhoun Reef for drafts greater than five feet;

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke Island: Jost Van Dyke - White Bay A channel through the reef provides access; subject to swells in winter; white sand beach & restaurant.

180

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

PUSSER’S

Road Town Pub & Company Store Overlooking Road Harbor on the waterfront in the heart of Road Town the capital, Pusser’s has long been Tortola’s meeting place for locals and visitors alike. You may enjoy the outside porch or inside Victorian air conditioned bar, where you may order a Pusser’s Painkiller in your own “take-home” Pusser’s Navy mug. The food is excellent, and the prices a real bargain. The venue is heavily Caribbean with especially good jerk pork and jerk chicken, but Pusser’s is also known for its scrumptious sirloin burgers and pizza.

Reservations: + (284) 494 3897

Biras Creek 184

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Recognized as one of the top luxury destinations in the Caribbean, Biras Creek Resort features 31 suites set among 140 acres on beautiful Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

Only reachable by boat or helicopter, Biras Creek is located on a narrow strip of land between two hills on a narrow peninsula with views of three distinct bodies of water - the tranquil protected lagoon of the North Sound, the open Atlantic Ocean, and the turquiose Caribbean Sea. Biras Creek provides a paradise for swimming, sailing, and snorkeling at the edge of the resort’s private white sand beach - the perfect romantic escape for you & your loved one.

Getting to Biras Creek From North America:

Fly into Beef Island Airport (EIS), Tortola via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) or St. Thomas, USVI (STT).

From Europe:

Fly into Beef Island Airport (EIS), Tortola from Antigua (ANU), St. Martin (SXM) or San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).

Via St. Thomas (STT), San Juan (SJU), St. Martin (SXM), Antigua (ANU) Connecting flights to Beef Island Airport (EIS) are available through Air Sunshine, Cape Air, American Airlines, and LIAT.

Private Transfers by Helicopter

Private helicopter transfers direct to Biras Creek (N18’29 -W64’21) from San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. Maarten, and Antiqua are available with Caribbean Buzz Helicopters and can be reached at 87.404.3234 or at info@caribbean-buzz.com.

Via St. Thomas by Public Ferry

• Ferries depart St. Thomas from either Charlotte Amalie (10 mins. from airport) or Red Hook (near Ritz Carlton, 40 mins. from airport) • Arrive at West End/Roadtown, Tortola or Spanishtown, Virgin Gorda • Cost ranges from $35-$50 depending on public ferry company utilized and specific pick-up and drop-off points on the two islands • This is especially viable for Saturday-Saturday stays as a “non-stop” ferry operates from St. Thomas Charlotte Amalie (10 mins. from airport) to the Virgin Gorda dock.

Departs St. Thomas dock at 3 p.m.

Via St. Thomas by Private Water Taxi

• Private water taxi for up to 7 people starts at $850 each way • Travel time is approx. 75 mins.

For more information, contact Perdohm’s Water Taxi in St. Thomas at 340.775.6501 Via St. Thomas (STT), San Juan (SJU), St. Martin (SXM), Antigua (ANU) by Private Air Charter to Virgin Gorda Airport • Visit Island Birds for full details/price list. Rates begin as low as $600 for 4-seat aircraft from St. Thomas; 16 mins. via San Juan, 29 mins.

• Visit Tradewind Aviation for more information on private flights.

Once at Beef Island Airport, a Biras Creek representative will escort guests for the two minute drive to Trellis Bay where our private launch “Princess” leaves for the 30-minute journey to Biras Creek.

When arriving into Virgin Gorda Airport, you will be met by the Resort taxi for a 20 minute drive across Gorda Peak to Gun Creek Harbor, then a 6 minute boat ride to Biras Creek.

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

187

Docking and Mooring Daily Dock Rentals at Biras Creek Main Dock Single Hull: $2 per foot per night Catamaran: $4 per foot per night Water: $0.18 per gallon Electricity: $25 per night

188

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

We can only accommodate boats up to 50 foot maximum with a 10 ft draft, however, the marina YCCS Virgin Gorda, can assist with larger vessels. For reservations at YCCS please contact the dockmaster, Jerzy Zdrojkowski at 284-3640004 Annual and monthly dockage is available as well. To reserve dock space, please call us at 284-494-3555 or email us. We also monitor channel 16 on VHF.

Hourly dock rentals at Biras Creek main dock Dinghy/Tenders are free to dock at the dinghy dock (situated on the right as you approach the dock from the North Sound) with no charge Moorings: $20 per night and complimentary if dining with us up at the Hilltop Restaurant.

Please note that our mooring field is set up with a 60 ft swing radius meaning boats larger than 60 ft are unable to get into a mooring when another boat is on a nearby ball.

Mooring balls are first come first serve.

You are invited to leave your stress at the door and replace it with comfort, relaxation and serenity.

Biras Creek

Going Green

You are invited to leave your stress at the door and replace it with comfort, relaxation and serenity.

192

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Biras Creek Resort is dedicated to protecting the environment and encouraging environmental stewardship. With a commitment to minimize the impact on the environment we provide opportunities for guest participation and education in addition to the practices observed by the Resort.

We believe in ecologically sustainable practices that focus on preserving and fostering healthy natural environments, not only for guests and staff, but for all of the creatures that share our 140 acre preserve. Please be assured, we are not finished. While you can see many practices already carried out at the Resort, we are dedicated to continually improving our environmental standing so as to not become complacent with our current practices. Some future plans will include solar and wind electricity generation.

“This dramatic destination is perfect for travellers who want great topside sights, fewer crowds and a variety of snorkelling experiences.�

Caribbean Travel & Life

194

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

“The British Virgin Islands are a natural archipelago comprising of 60 islands, from tiny islets that barely pierce the water’s surface to volcanic mountains.”

The Boston Globe

198

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

“Quiet anchorages, hidden beaches, and undeveloped shorelines like those of Virgin Gorda’s Savannah Bay, make the BVI an ideal sailing ground.”

- Islands

“North Sound of Virgin Gorda, one of the most unspoiled and secluded deep-water harbours in the Caribbean.�

- The New York Times

200

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Soper’s Hole 202

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Soper’s Hole Wharf & Marina has been voted the #1 marina in the British Virgin Islands.

So come journey to the most picturesque and friendly marina whether by land or by sea. There is a little something for everyone here whether it be shopping, dining, water sports rentals, provisioning, or just kicking back to enjoy your surroundings with one of Pusser’s famous painkillers.

Soper’s Hole

We are a full service marina that strives to accomidate your every need. One can anchor, moor or dock in Sopers Hole depending on preference and availability.

Water and electricity is available on dock which we have a max copacity of 45 slips.

For more information about pricing & services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

204

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Hours of Operation: 8am - 6pm Vhs: Channel 16 Email: bvi@voyagecharters.com

Tel: 284.495.4589 or 284.494.0740 Fax: 284.494.0741

Soper’s Hole

Soper’s Hole Yacht Services is able to take care of your yacht repair and maintenance needs.

We have a great staff and competitive prices along with an expert mechanic available.

We also sell discounted Diesel at the western end of the dock. We polish the diesel on site with a pump speed of 40 gallons per minute. We are proud to have the largest fuel reserve in the BVI.

206

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Mono Hulls: $10/ft Haul/Launch chock and wash $1.50/ft wash charge fro extra growth $10/ft apply 2 coats Anti-foul $1.50/ft Lay Days • $10/ft Dry Storage

Catamarans: $16/Ft Haul/Launch, chock and wash $2.00/ft wash charge fro extra growth $14/ft apply 2 coats Anti-foul $2/ft Lay Days $16/ft Dry Storage Cats over 60ft & Trimarans: $18/ft Haul Compound/Wax: $15/ft Deck to toe rail $15/ft Waterline up to toe rail $25/ft Entire Vessel Labor from: $30/hr to $45/hr Short Haul: 50% of Rate Water : $0.15 per Electricity: $10.00 daily for 110 volts; $15.00 daily for 220 volts Group/Fleet Discounts available Please contact for bookings or further information.

Sharn Downing - Manager Tel: 284 495 3349 | Mobile: 284 544 0525 Email: sharn@sopersholeyachtservices.com

DISCOUNT DIESEL RATES 0-400 Gallons….… $3.65/gal 401 + Gallons…… $3.45/gal For further information regarding the shipyard or discount fuel services, please use the following contact information: Hours of Operation: 7:00am – 4:00pm Email: sharn@sopersholeyachtservices.com Tel: 284 495 3349 Fax: 284 495 4560 Cel: 284 544 0525

All diesel is POLISHED on site and boats fueled at 30 gallons per minute For reservations please call: Marina Office: 284 495 4589 VHF Channel 16 RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Sailing and Boating

From the main capital island of Tortola, sailors enjoy navigating

an incredible variety of cruising area that is about 32 miles long and 15 miles wide.

208

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

No matter what kind of boat you’re in, there’s always a way to have

a blast while in the BVIs. Whether you’re fishing or swimming, the sky blue water and the plethora of fish in the sea make your experience in the BVIs one to remember.

Sailing and Boating

With the Sir Frances Drake Channel stretching in front of you, the

BVI is truly the centre of the sailing world and a sailor’s paradise, with consistent trade winds to fill your main sail, clear blue water, sunshine every day and islands close enough to navigate by sight.

210

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Sailing and Boating

212

Island of the Month - British Virgin Islands

Whether you’re a first-time sailor or an experienced

captain, when it comes to British Virgin Islands sailing, the Caribbean ocean provides the world’s greatest waters to navigate.

The True VIRGIN GORDA Experience?

With us YOU can have it ALL!

Beach Front Resort & Private Villas

Mango Bay

Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling with turtles!

44 feet Sea Ray

Pampered Pirate The ultimate dream!

A luxury motor boat for a day of island hopping pampered like royalty!

Before, During and After Dinner

The Rock Cafe'

&

Sam's Piano Bar

Great food, unique setting and live piano bar.

A place to remember!

www.mangobayresort.com• mangobay@surfbvi.com Phone (1-284) 495 5672 • Fax (1-284) 495 5674

Tortuga Rum Punch Ingredients: 1-1/2 oz. Tortuga Gold Rum 4 oz. Tortuga Caribbean Rum Punch Mix Squeeze of fresh lime juice Dash Angostura Bitters Directions: Combine & shake well with cracked ice & pour into a glass.

Sprinkle top with nutmeg if desired.

This publication is brought to you courtesy of

OCTOBER 2012 TAMPA EDITION

ISLAND OF THE MONTH