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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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.