Escape BVI - Blog

Implementation of BVI Harbor Fees Deferred Indefinitely

2008-07-16T16:16:34.4260000-04:00

Premier Ralph O'Neal, OBE announced on Tuesday that the Cabinet has decided to defer indefinitely the implementation of harbor fees for vessels entering or remaining in territorial waters or those using BVI Ports Authority facilities. The new fee structure would have taken effect on July 1st but was subsequently deferred until July 15th. The new fees would have made the BVI one of the most expensive sailing destinations in the world.

"It must be remembered that the yachting industry contributes to the economy of the Territory and the yachtsmen enjoy our waters from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke," the Premier stated. In the prepared statement issued on Tuesday, he added that "Cabinet has therefore decided that implementation of the fee structure should be deferred indefinitely."

The decision was taken to defer the introduction of fees in an attempt to protect the Territory's competitive edge as a yachting destination.

33rd Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta

2007-05-28T09:29:51.2930000-04:00

33rd Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta
Jost Van Dyke BVI

May 25th, 26th and 27th saw the 33rd Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta, held in Great Harbour Jost Van Dyke. This year the College participated by entering its traditional wooden sloops: "Moonbeam" and "Youth Instructor".

Governor David Pearey teamed up with traditional boat captain Valentine Hodge (husband of Dr. Christine Hodge, Associate Vice President, HLSCC), and managed to capture First place honours. Crew also on "Moonbeam" were HLSCC Math professor Mr. Earl Henry and HLSCC History student Karon Brown. Governor Pearey and Captain Hodge found the Regatta not only a fun experience but a good opportunity to practice for the upcoming Sloop Shootout against the Chief Minister during August Festival.

Wooden Sloop "Moonbeam"
Captures First place

Second place honours in the Regatta went to "Youth Instructor" which was captained by HlSCC Marine Science Professor and veteran sloop sailor Dr. Liana Jarecki with a mixed crew of local and visiting sailors.

The Sloops were assisted during the regatta by the College's newest support vessel "Red Arrow" a 20 ft. classic wooden power boat built in 1970 by the late Edwie Hodge and donated to the College by the Hon. Minister of Communication and Works Elmore Stoutt and the Dept of Education and Culture. Al Frazer, Marine Technician who along with Geoffrey Brooks, Maintenance Supervisor at the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at HLSCC, was quoted as saying "The Red Arrow is the perfect support boat for our work with the Sloops. She is not only well suited for towing and transfer of personnel and equipment, she is easy to maintain and a classic wooden boat in her own right."

2007 Dark and Stormy Sailing Regatta

2007-03-20T14:01:55.9980000-04:00

BBQ at the Loose Mongoose, Beef Island BVI

The Dark and Stormy race from Trellis Bay, Beef Island to Anegada got off to a record breaking start with the entries totaling thirty-two yachts. The great pre-race BBQ at the Loose Mongoose on the evening of March 9th saw people lined up at the Loyal West End Yacht Club's registration table with a skipper's meeting held the next morning of race day. Commodore and race chairman Martin Van Houten was ecstatic with the turnout saying, "The regatta has steadily grown over the years, and we have six entries more this year than last year"! Martin handed out the course charts and made sure that everyone was well aware that the Dogs were part of the course and "all the little doggy bits" were to be taken to port before cracking off for the race to the finish at the entrance to Neptune's Treasure, in Anegada.

On a reach to Anegada
Dark And Stormy Regatta 2007

I had the pleasure of racing on the catamaran Kuralu who has made every Dark and Stormy Race since its inception ten years ago. Along with a crew of eleven, plus two rather large dogs, we were set to race once again with Captain Robin Pinfold at the helm who enjoys his racing, but also likes to have fun and have a good time! Race day was perfect with winds coming out of the east at about 15 to 18 knots with a slight chop. The fleet had been split into half to accommodate the boats on the starting line with the under forty footers taking off first and the larger boats to follow five minutes later. We found that short tacking around Scrub Island and all the Dogs paid off for us, keeping out of the current in Drakes channel as best we could. The wind lightened up to about two knots trying to get around the last Dog, as there was a shift to the south that filled in nicely once getting past Seal Dog. After the rounding, the breeze piped up again and made for a great close reach to the finish.

Relaxing at the Beach
Cows Wreck Country Club, Anegada

Once ashore at Neptune's Treasure, all were warmly greeted by the Soares family who were the hosts and one of the sponsors for this great race. Bars were set up with snacks served up, not to mention the smoked fish dip provided by Marty of the yacht Ruffian who was one of the early pioneers of the race. The setting sun brought the band out who played well into the night and could be heard all throughout the anchorage.

Sunday morning came quickly with a big day ahead of the racers with the hotly contested horseshoe tournament, sand castle building contest for the kids, and the ever-popular dinghy race held in the shallows of the anchorage. From there, the crowd split up, some going to the Big Banana for a late lunch at Loblolly Bay, and then filtered down to Cow Wreck Beach to finish off a glorious afternoon swimming in the tranquil waters.

Preparing for Dinner
Neptunes Treasure, Anegada

Once back at the race headquarters, dinner was served with lobster and all of the fresh fish that the Soares family takes pride in catching and serving. Another note that day was the meeting of three old friends that had molded businesses back in the early sixties in the BVI. Vern Soares, Foxy from Jost Van Dyke, and Tony Snell from the Last Resort in Trellis Bay sat for hours and chatted about the old days and the not so distant past.

The return race on Monday was slated to have winds out of the northeast but alas; they never materialized, causing the race committee to abandon the race about two hours after the start. The deadline for the finish at five o'clock wasn't going to be made by anyone even with a shortened course at Sandy Cay. So off it was to the awards at the Jolly Roger where there were of course more festivities with food and live music. Many racers that have done the Dark and Stormy Race over the years applauded the organizers and sponsors for such a well-organized and fun event. See you next year!

Results
First – Rainbow Maker U.S.V.I.
Second - Hotel California BVI
Third – Apsara
Fourth – Wildfire BVI
Fifth – Moab BVI

2007 Annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

2007-03-15T09:20:24.8870000-04:00

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival

The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival kicks off on the evening of March 26th with the registration for the regatta at the Nanny Cay Marina. The following day is the ever-favorite Sailing Festival up to the Bitter End Yacht Club in Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda.

March 27th is the lay day beach fun at Bitter End Yacht Club. Compete in the morning and afternoon dinghy regattas in the Laser and Hobie Wave fleets, and represent your country in the fifth-annual Nations' Challenge Cup. Water sports activities include snorkel trips, a windsurfing rally, and an excursion to Anegada. Those that just want to lay back for the day; you will be able to relax on Bitter End's beaches or by the pool. Awards for dinghy regattas and Nations' Challenge Cup will be presented in the evening with a cookout and party at the Quarterdeck Club & Pub.

March 28 marks the end of the Sailing Festival with the course starting at Gorda Sound, and finishing at Nanny Cay. The winner takes home the Nanny Cay Cup. Registration and welcome party takes place in the evening, and then the real fun begins the following day with the start of the 34th Annual Spring Regatta. Three different courses are going to be utilized for the Regatta. Norman Island courses will include the non-spinnaker classes, along with the charter boat classes. Further, up Drakes Channel, the courses will be laid out for the big boats carrying spinnakers near Cooper Island. The inshore classes will be sailing just to the east of Nanny Cay, near Sea Cows Bay.

The Regatta Village will be open every day from 4pm till midnight starting on March 30th and closing the evening of April 1st, with the awards being given out to the winners and runners up in each class. At the Regatta Village, the racers and racer chasers can enjoy live music, the food tents, and a very large bar!

For more information on go to BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival 2007.

Jost Van Dyke Music Fest 2007

2007-03-14T16:19:33.9950000-04:00

Foxy's Bar hosts the
Jost Van Dyke Music Festival

Once again, it's that time of the year for Jost Van Dykes Music Festival, hosted at Foxy's Bar. On the agenda for the three-day event are artists from all over the BVI. This year there is also an open mic with Foxy's in-house musicians. The ferry from Sopers Hole will also be running a special schedule all three days. The usual BBQ will be going on for food, and there's plenty of beer from the microbrewery to be had. Below is the fantastic schedule of who's playing but you have to give the times a little room as we are on island time here. Come on over to Jost Van Dyke and have a ball!

Friday, March 16th
6:30 PM – The K.I. Nicholas Blues Review Acoustic and Electric Blues
8:30 PM – Third Dimension Island Dance Music

Saturday, March 17th
2:00 PM – Quito Rhymer and the Edge (Legendary BVI Reggae Artist)
4:30 PM – Open Mic with K.I. and our House Musicians
6:30 PM – Reuben Chinnery (Jost Van Dyke 12 String Blues Artist)
8:30 PM – Out of the Dessert (Roots Reggae Dance Music)

Sunday, March 18th
2:00 PM – The Lashing Dogs (True Tortola Fungi Music)
4:30 PM – Ras Rio (Acoustic Raggae/Folk Music)
6:30 PM – Open Mic with K.I. and our House Musicians
8:30 PM – Faze 2, with special guest, Virgin Gorda Calypso Legend Morris Mark (Island Dance Music)

Smugglers Cove – Paradise lost?

2007-02-10T12:15:58.2710000-05:00

Smugglers Cove
Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Situated at the western end of Tortola is Smugglers Cove, one of the most treasured places on the island. Smugglers is a very special place for many, many people, locals and tourists alike. Local families flock to the beach to hold barbeques, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters along with vacationers. In October 2006 the BVI Government granted a development company the rights to purchase a rather large portion of Smugglers Cove, after their development plans have been approved.

Late January 2007 a meeting was held at the west end community center where the government planning department chaired the meeting and spelled out the process with which the government goes about approving such a development. The second presentation was by the developer who showed a slide show of where the land to be utilized was located and showed photos of a development that they have in Nevis, www.villaparadisonevis.com mentioning what this development would be patterned after. Residents of the area were allowed to air their views on the development, made the third presentation.

Smugglers Cove Beach
The definition of "Paradise"

Needless to say the residents views were pretty much against the development stating that it was way too large for such a small area. Environmental issues as well as artifacts from the early inhabitants and archeology diggings that take place in the area would be totally disrupted. As of this date, it is still unclear to the people of the BVI what is going to happen to Smugglers Cove, but the people are calling out for the area be purchased by the government and be declared a National Park. The government in 2001 and in 2005 was in the process of studying this possibility but has since changed its tune. Time will tell what happens, the people have voiced their opinions, and the government has theirs so we will have to see who prevails. Residents have formed a non-profit organization called the BVI Heritage Conservation Group www.bvihcg.com.

Whatever happens, we can only hope that this beautiful and magical place that holds "Natures Little Secrets", will be preserved for generations to come. Will paradise be lost?

For more information on Smugglers Cove, see our article "History Of Smugglers Cove".

Upcoming Sailing Regattas in the British Virgin Islands

2007-02-07T08:22:46.4990000-05:00

Sweethearts of the Caribbean
Tortola BVI

February and March are very busy months in the BVI for sailing regattas hosted by various yacht clubs and organizations. February 16th to the 18th are the dates for two events held at the west end of Tortola with the West End Yacht Club doing the race committee work and the Jolly Roger restaurant and inn providing great bbq and entertainment over the weekend.

The first event is the 25th Annual Classic Yacht Regatta, open to any size yacht with an age of over 20 years, wood or fiberglass. Running concurrently with the Classics, is the 29th Annual Sweethearts of the Caribbean. Those entries will be comprised of wooden schooners and classics, and the ever favorite couples race. If you can't do the regatta, but can make it to the Jolly Roger for the races, it's a great place on the water to spectate! For more information on the racing contact mvh@surfbvi.com.

BVI Women's Regatta
Hosted by the Royal BVI Yacht Club

February 17 and 18th is also the weekend for the BVI Women's Regatta hosted by the Royal BVI Yacht Club in Road Town. Ladies from all over the Caribbean are expected to attend with the Lasers being the boat to be sailed. Columbian Emeralds, a local jewelry shop is the sponsor again this year, and always has exquisite pieces to hand out to the top finishers. For more information on the women's regatta, contact rbviyc@rbviyc.com.

March brings in some mix of racing with the race from Tortola to Anegada, aptly called the 9th Annual Dark and Stormy Race after a favorite cocktail here in the BVI. All yachts are welcome, and what better place to sail to than the "drowned island" with the Soares family waiting to welcome you to their island paradise. Once there, all types of events are scheduled including the international horseshoe championships, kite flying and sand castle building for the kids. The return race finishes at the Jolly Roger for sun and fun. The dates are March 10th for the start, the 11th being the fun day on Anegada and the 12th is the start of the return race. For more information contact mvh@surfbvi.com. Don't miss this one!

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival
Nanny Cay, March 26th - April 1st

Mark your calendars for the premiere regatta in the Caribbean for March 26th through the 1st of April when the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival at Nanny Cay gets underway. Hundreds of yachts and thousands of sailors converge on the venue for what many call the best regatta in the Caribbean. Classes include Maxi's down to beach cats with the always well-attended bareboat class. Loads of shore side activities to go along with the racing with local bands playing every night, and restaurant vendors set up in tents along the beach serving up a host of different dishes. The regatta is organized and run by the BVI Spring Regatta organization with the Royal BVI hosting the beverage tent. For more information contact info@bvispringregatta.com.

If you would like more information BVI regattas go to http://www.escape-bvi.com/Regattas.aspx

Great Winter Surfing in the British Virgin Islands

2007-02-01T23:40:18.4360000-05:00

Surfing in the British Virgin Islands

The winter is upon us in the BVI, and the waves are starting to roll in. Sunday, January 28th was an excellent day for surf at many of the regular spots. Apple Bay, at the Bomba Shack had excellent waves, three to eight foot with a fairly strong breeze blowing straight offshore, making for great conditions all day long. The point at Cane Garden Bay was also working well with just a moderate crowd. Brewers Bay was even going off with barrels coming off the reef just off the beach. Some of the other spots towards the east end of Tortola were also breaking nicely. Last week some people were seen surfing the break just outside the yacht harbour in Virgin Gorda. Size was about three to four feet with very shallow water.

Surfing at Apple Bay
Tortola, BVI

Monday the 29th was also a great day at the "Shack", with the swell dropping to about three to six feet, but still having perfect conditions. The crowds were at a minimum which was nice, so there were plenty of waves to go around. A couple of guys had just returned to the Shack after a three-hour session at Lava Flows. They said it was the best they've surfed in years, and it was just the two of them!

A great day of Surfing at the Bomba Shack

If you're sitting in the cold weather back home with no surf, have a look at our site to learn more about the surf in the BVI and start making your plans to come on down. The weather is fabulous and the water is unbelievable.

Just another one of "Natures little secrets" here in the BVI! For a quick glimpse of what to expect in surf spots in the BVI, go to: http://www.escape-bvi.com/Surfing.aspx.

Caribbean 1500 Cruiser Rally to the BVI

2006-11-27T16:05:46.6790000-05:00

The 2006 Caribbean Rally officially got underway November 8th, days later than scheduled due to inclement weather with a low-pressure system passing through the area. Weatherman Ken Campbell made the recommendation to the race officials to postpone the start of the seventy-five entries and the committee heeded his advice. Two yachts did venture out though taking an early start, " Between the Sheets and Faraway Eyes", reporting 25 to 30 knot winds on the nose and heavy seas through the night. "Faraway Eyes" electing to hove to for the night radioed in to the committee that they were having a rough go of it but they were safe.

On the start line of the 8th, the fleet found light Northerly winds and foggy weather to be the order of the day. The following day did bring on some better conditions with a good twenty knot wind speed as the fleet ventured into the Gulf Stream, with the winds predicted to taper off into the evening.

November 10th the fishing lures were trailing out behind many of the racers with "Artic Tern" reporting the first fish landed onboard. The yacht "Thalia" had radioed in a medical emergency to the Coast Guard and one of the yachts crew was air lifted to the shore. The fleet was to be plagued by very light air for days to follow, but the fishing did indeed improve with "Thumbs Up" landing a rather large Yellow Fin Tuna to the crews delight. At one point, there was rumor going around the fleet over the radio that the race should be renamed the "Caribbean Trawler Trek 1500" as the entire fleet was now under power in no wind conditions.

November 14th unveiled the same conditions of no wind with many of the fleet now running low on fuel making their way to Tortola. "Between the Sheets" was reporting their position just six miles from the finish line, but the committee also pointed out that they did have that two day jump on the fleet at the start!

November 16th is the day that the trade winds finally kicked in albeit that a large percentage of the fleet were very close to the finish line and the SSB transmissions were having their issues with the fleet reporting in to the race committee. The good news of the day was the expected finishers and the trailing boats were now closing in on the leaders. Many of the stragglers were sailing hard to make the awards dinner at Village Cay, Saturday the 18th, with six of the yachts still out at sea with three holding over in Bermuda.

The rally class has been determined and the Overall Winner was Hi Yo Silver, Ray Diones Pacific Seacraft 40. First to finish was Gil Smith's Joy for All. Clean Wake Award recipients were Hunter and Devi Sharp. Tempest Trophy winners were Rick and Terri on Sophisticated Lady. The Hal Sutphen Seamanship Award was presented to Dr. Miles and Anne Poor on Karina.

The fleet is now enjoying the savors of their efforts to reach Tortola, cruising all through the islands!

IC 24 Nanny Cay Nations Cup Regatta

2006-11-22T10:15:20.4550000-05:00

IC 24 Nanny Cay Nations Cup Regatta
Tortola BVI

Light winds prevailed over the IC 24 Nanny Cay Nations Cup regatta held November 11th and 12th. Saturday was especially tricky with wind shifts shaking up the fleet as they battled for positions on the opening day of the regatta. The regatta had a record number of entries this year, with fourteen teams representing nine countries, sailing a total of twenty races over the weekend in ten flights. Nanny Cay, Tortola was the event venue offering excellent viewing of the racing just off the beach, with the Royal BVI Yacht Club providing barbeque lunches and refreshments. Richard Woolridge from Racing in Paradise was calling the racing action over the loudspeaker system all through the event giving live updates and race standings as the weekend racing progressed. Excellent race committee work by Chris Haycraft also from Racing in Paradise, adjusting the course to the shifty breeze.

BEYC Team USA

Team BVI, with the Hirst brothers exchanging the helm from race to race showed excellent boat speed and tactics throughout the first day, taking a good lead in the fleet standings going into the afternoon with a total of eleven points. Team Holland followed closely with some good races totaling fifteen points, and team U.S.V.I. holding third place with twenty points.

Sunday's racing was a little better with the winds still light but far less shifty than the previous day. Team BVI just wouldn't let up the pressure on the fleet for the entire day, showing their transom to the other competitors most of the day. The rest of the fleet mixed up their standings by the end of the day with team Holland having some off the pace races, causing them to let their second place standing from the day before dwindle away. Team St. Martin stepped up their boat handling with a pair of bullets in Sunday's first two races. Team U.S.V.I. also had a good showing in flight 8 of the regatta pulling in a first and second place finish, helping to keep them in contention. In the end though, Team BVI dominated the fleet with nothing worse than a third place finish over the entire weekend.

Winning Crew For The Cup - Team BVI
Robbie and Mike Hirst/Colin Rathbun

An interesting antic on John Holmbergs team U.S.A. boat in the third race on Sunday found two crew members going overboard on a light wind roll tack when a lifeline fitting let go and in they went! John managed to retrieve his crew and finish the race but couldn't quite catch up to where he was when the incident happened. He was allowed to apply for redress though, as all of the IC 24's were considered as "chartered" boats sailing in a round robin profile. Team Barbados harnessed in the award for the best effort and vowed to return next year with some practice under their belt.

All in all the entire regatta was an outstanding success and was highly touted as a must do regatta next year by all of the visiting countries.

Nation Cup Final Results

1. BVI, Robbie and Mike Hirst/Colin Rathbun (17 points)
2. St. Martin, Simon Manly (27 points)
3. USVI, Chris Curreri (28 points)
4. The Beefeaters (England), Mike Masters/Robin Tattersall, (30 points)
5. Holland, Frits Bus (32 points)
6. ORION (PR), Fraito Lugo (35 points)
7. St George (England) Andrew Waters (37 points)
8. Canada, Andrew Watters (40 points)
9. BEYC (USA), John Holmberg (44 points)
10. Urayo (PR), Gilberto Rivera (46 points)
11. HIHO (USA), Andy Morrell (48 points)
12. Nanny Cay Expats (UK), Steve Roose (55 points)
13. Ireland, Sandra Dillion (61 points)
14. Barbados, Peter Armstrong (67 points)