CRUISE ANNOUNCEMENT
More Info! The Captains and First Mates will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned for monthly updates from the Trip Leaders. If you have any questions about this trip, please contact the Trip Leaders below:
We are delighted to invite you, your family and friends to join us in the BVI(British Virgin Islands) for some of the best sailing in the world - swimming and diving in crystal clear water, basking in the sun, dancing under the stars, playing those silly games, and whatever else you can think of to make you feel like a child which is what the Water Babies are all about. Again, leave those adult issues at home and come look at the world through the “windows of a child.” If you like diving and fascinating islands, you and a friend will love this trip.
| Rhonda Wagner, Trip Leader | Tim Smith, Trip Leader |
| 323-931-5819 | 916-284-4190 |
| Rhonda | Tim |
Just a 30 minute ferry ride from St. Thomas in the U.S.V.I., or a 30 minute plane ride
from San Juan, the stunning 50-plus islands and cays that comprise the British Virgin
Islands have two great assets - accessibility and virgin beauty. Known for years as
a "sailor's paradise," yacht cruisers were among the first to realize this was indeed
one of "Nature's Little Secrets", which is the territory's official slogan. The B.V.I. is
blessed by year-round trade-winds and temperate weather that averages 81 degrees
Fahrenheit. Living outdoors is a way of life in these islands.
If Tortola, the largest island in the group, is considered "the head," all the islands that surround her off the Sir Frances Drake Channel including, Virgin Gorda, Cooper Island, Peter Island, Norman and Jost Van Dyke are an exquisite necklace, with Anegada the sparkling coral brooch to the northwest.
The B.V.I. is a picture of contrasts. There are protected anchorages in quiet palm-fringed coves with spiraling sheer rock faces that plunge to the ocean. One comes across dramatic volcanic formed mountains as well as a flat all-coral atoll. From island to island the vegetation can be dramatically different, due to rainfall, soil composition and sun exposure. Lush areas support palms and tropical fruit trees like banana, mango, and key lime along with hibiscus and bougainvillea bushes. A hike up a hill may reveal varieties of cactus and wild tamarind - even a hardy frangipani plant making its way through a boulder.
The surrounding waters are deep shades of liquid blue, but on Anegada - the only coral atoll in the group, the water takes on an ethereal aquamarine shade. A varied and intriguing environment on land and on sea makes these islands appealing to divers, boaters, hikers and those desiring just to "chill" in a soft rope hammock overlooking a white sand beach.
Culture and history walk side by side in these islands like two school children. Although there was a known Amerindian culture at one time, the influences that can still be felt come from the Dutch and British settlers in the 1600s. One can still view the stone remnants of forts, churches dating back to the 1800s, even rum distilleries still in operation. Cultural influences can be felt through the islands' music and food - whether it be the indigenous fungi, reggae or steel pan sounds, or the taste of local savoury chicken, fish, conch and lobster dishes enhanced with exotic spices.
The agriculture-based economy, structured on a plantation system, declined soon after 1834 when slavery was abolished in the British West Indies. Tourism and a rapidly growing financial sector are the new twin pillars of the economy. The islands' multi-cultural West Indian populace is comprised of BVIslanders as well as immigrants as far away as Trinidad and Guyana. For more detailed information on the BVI click on the links below:
British Virgin Islands, or
BVI Tourist Board,
The extensively remodeled Mariner Inn Hotel, where we will be staying upon our return to Tortola, has been meeting the needs of their valued guests for the past thirty-four years. The hotel features thirty-four (standard deluxe rooms and four suites supported by a large swimming pool and a spacious, open-air restaurant overlooking the Moorings Marina.
The needs of the business traveler have been well considered – all rooms and suites feature data port lines for easy internet access. A Business Center is also available (Computer/Internet Access, Fax Machine, Photocopying machine) for a modest fee. You may call the USA through direct telephones available in our reception
Marina offers all the amenities a yachtsman could need, including slips with electricity, ice, fuel, a large and well-stocked supermarket, showers, dive shop, Watersports Center, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), Rental Shop (DVD) etc. Newly renovated Marina rooms have flat screen TVs, new walk in showers, baths, etc.
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| Check | Paypal with fees | Payment Type | Due Date |
| $400 | $411.90 | Initial Deposit | March 31, 2010 | $450 | $463.35 | 2nd Payment | May 15, 2010 | $450 | $463.35 | 3rd Payment | August 1, 2010 |
As always, we will try to accommodate all who wish to join us, however “Initiated Water Babies” and their guests will be given the first opportunity to sign up for this trip.
The trip price above is an estimate and is subject to change. The final payment may be increased or decreased as necessary, based on the final trip cost. If not paid in full by August 15th, your spot may be sold to someone on the waiting list.
Payment Policy: We will gladly accept full payment now. We have a special gift for those who do. But to make it easier on your bank account we have developed an easy payment plan, please see the chart below. We are now accepting deposits from WBSC members, families, and friends. For the WBSC “Water Babies,” a $400 deposit will reserve your cabin. So don’t miss out, don’t procrastinate, act now! Send in your deposit today to reserve your spot.
If you would like to pay using PayPal please send it to Tim Smith at policywonk@yahoo.com. PayPal will charge you a processing fee. For the correct amount of payment see the chart above. If paying by check, please make it out to Tim Smith (WBSC) and mail to: Tim Smith, 4411 Don Tomaso, Apt. 4, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Late Fees: If anyone is 30 days late with their payments a $100 late fee will be imposed. Initial deposit excluded.
Cancellation Policy: Cancel before the second payment is due (May 15th) and get a full refund of initial deposit. Cancel between May 16 and July 15th and get a refund of all payments minus a cancellation fee of $300. Cancel after final payment (August 1st) no refund from the WBSC. However, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the trip insurance if your claim qualifies.
NOTE: If you have not sailed with the WBSC before and are seriously considering joining us on this trip, before sending your deposit, please contact one of the Trip Leaders.
Airlines: American, Alaska, Delta, Spirit, United, Continental, US Airways
Ferry – 1st ferry at 7:30 am and last ferry at 5:00 pm. For specific details click on the link below:
British Virgin Islands Ferrys,
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Road Town to Great Harbour is about 12 NM. What better way to start our cruise of the BVIs than with a trip Great Harbour, a port of entry to the BVIs on the island of Jost Van Dyke where we will spend the night. As we leave Roadtown, we will pass by Nanny Cay and further west the Little and Great Thatch Islands. Then sailing through The Narrows on to Great Harbour has a worldwide reputation for having great beach parties. We’ll have plenty of time to stop at nearby White Bay or Sandy Cay for some swimming, snorkeling and a tasty lunch. There are five anchorages or mooring sites on Jost Van Dyke, each with its own special charm. Peaks averaging 1,000 feet in elevation soar skyward from the shore of Great Harbour, home to Foxy’s, one of the most infamous restaurant/bars in the Caribbean. |
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Jost Van Dyke to Cane Garden Bay is about 5NM. Leaving Great Harbour, sailing southeast past Sandy Cay, we have a short sail to Cane Garden Bay. We may make a day stop at Little Jost Van Dyke where Foxy’s Taboo is located (a restaurant owned by Foxy’s daughter) and very interesting short hike to a bubbling pool. In the afternoon, we can head over to Cane Garden where many residents of Tortola consider the bay one of the prettiest on the island, with its crescent-shaped beach of fine white sand juxtaposed against a lush backdrop of swaying palms. A number of fun nightspots, shops and restaurants (lots of lobster eating here) are located right on the beach, or close to it, and dancing, dining, and enjoying great island seafood cuisine, and kayacking are all popular pursuits. Moorings are available. There is a new dinghy dock there as well as FUEL, LAUNDRY, and ICE.
Another must visit, if we sail northward around Scrub and Great Camanoe islands into the open waters caressing the northern shore of Tortola, passing the long tip of Guana Island, where a day anchorage is available in White Bay. |
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Cane Garden Bay to Marina Cay/Trellis/Marina Cay is about 14NM and a good full day sail to windward. We will sail by Brewer’s Bay, very beautiful, but no anchorage due to underwater cables. We will sail through a cluster of islands at the easternmost tip of Tortola by Monkey Point on Guana Island where we may have lunch and do a bit of snorkeling; then by Little and Great Camanoe; around Beef Island to Trellis Bay and Marina Cay. In Trellis Bay there is an airport and was once a major anchorage in the BVIs (at one time it was considered too noisy). There are interesting restaurants, water sports (you can learn to windsurf here) and entertainment along with local crafts and organic fruits and vegetables. During their monthly full moon parties, they have stilt dancers, and amazing fire balls, dancing and live music. Trellis Bay is a haven for artists and local craftsmen. The famous Aragorn Studio is located here with works in copper, ceramics and silkscreen.
If we chose to spend the night in Marina Cay instead of Trellis Bay, it has full service dock and laundry facilities. There is the Robb White House on the highest point of Marina Cay which is a great place for a drink and spectacular view. There are also excellent snorkeling and dive trips. Just north of Marina Cay is Scrub Island which is on its way to becoming a world class resort. It is going to have a large marina with all amenities, but is a work in progress and no completion date is mentioned. |
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From the Beef Island area we sail out early to Leverick Bay past The Dogs, where a day anchorage to have lunch will be in order and is about 10NM. We could spend the day at the Baths. Heading on to Leverick Bay, we will sail by The Dogs, which is a cluster of small islands off Virgin Gorda’s north shore. Great, George, West and Seal Dogs have good water and are in a National Parks protected area. Leverick Bay is an entertaining water sports recreation center. All amenities, shopping, restaurants, bars and on Friday nights there is a beach barbeque with stilt dancers from 7pm until. Dive BVI is a full service dive shop available; and for fishing, the Charter Virgin Gorda will take you to the Sea Mount or the North Drop. Across the bay is the Bitter End with restaurants and marina and is a unique nautical village. . |
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From Leverick Bay we sail west to Spanish Town about 10NM. Spanish Town is located on the southern end, and was once the capital of the BVIs and held large copper mines. There is a full service marina; along with diving and lots of entertainment and great restaurants. The Baths are an unusual formation of large granite boulders where the sea washes in between the big rocks forming large pools, with light shafts that create a dramatic effect. The white sandy beaches and snorkeling makes for a great day trip. |
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Spanish Town to Norman and Peter Islands about 8-12NM. The last destination of your BVI sailing itinerary will take us west through the Sir Francis Drake Channel passing Salt, Cooper and Ginger Islands. Salt Island has only day anchorages and is one place to stop if planning to dinghy to the Rhone.
Just to the north of Norman Island are Pelican Island and The Indians, four rock pinnacles considered one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the area. Peter Island which offers a resort hotel, Beach Bar and Deadman’s Bay for beach barbeques, hiking, dancing and music, and the infamous Rhone for more spectacular diving. Then we sail on to lovely Norman Island often referred to as Treasure Island and the popular anchorage known as The Bight. There are lots of moorings there in a well protected bay. A dinghy trip to Treasure Point and a fascinating location for snorkeling at the caves, hiking and exploring. The Bight has two fun places to eat, including the floating restaurant/bar. One, is the Willie Thornton, a replica of a 93-foot lumber schooner. It’s also home to the caves and coral at Treasure Point. |
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