SailAway
Written: Dec 03 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful scenery and weather; plenty of activities
Cons: Nope, maybe cost
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| Knowzit's Full Review: British Virgin Islands |
You know you've had a great vacation when you just hate the thought of returning home and would love to remain in NeverNever land for eternity.
We had such an experience in the British Virgin Islands [although, regrettably, we have now returned to civilization]. My wife and I [along with two other intrepid couples] decided to recruit some local expertise to explore the British Virgin Islands and, via internet research, we selected The Moorings [www.moorings.com] based in Tortola.
They offer sailboat charters of varying sizes and you can book them with or without a crew. Being spoiled [former] Yuppies and much better at delivering orders than executing them, we opted for a crewed 45 foot catamaran with a Captain and a Cook, who supplied the provisions for our one-week cruise after we completed an extensive questionnaire regarding our preferences. This was a very fortuitous selection! The crew turned out to be a delightful British couple and they quickly became an integral part of our entourage. We are now planning a reunion tour in the Mediterranean with the same couple in 2002. This is not a particularly inexpensive option and, amazingly, the custom is to tip the crew 15% on top of the charter fees. They told us that we would be so delighted with the experience that we would be happy to tip appropriately. We were absolutely delighted beyond expectation, but I still winced a bit when it was time to fork over the $600 gratuity.
This arrangement offers total flexibility in how you decide to spend your time. We began with a general plan to visit most of the islands during our adventure and we would adapt the plan every morning when the laziest member of the party arose [or whenever else we felt like it]. The catamaran had more space than some of the more timid landlubbers had imagined before the trip and it allowed every member to participate in activities or simply to lounge around the boat if they preferred. Every couple [including the Captain & Cook] had their own quarters with double bed and private head [not big, but cozy and private].
A highlight of the trip occurred on the day we set out for the island of Anegada which involves a little longer sail over open water. En route, we encountered a mama whale and her calf, and as we watched in awe, she and her baby swam directly underneath our boat. Her head was coming out from under the stern of the boat before her tail passed under the bow, so we knew she was a pretty good sized gal. We also saw more whales on our way back the following day, but there were many more boats in the area that time, making it a much less religious experience.
On the island of Anegada, we dined at an outdoor restaurant with magnificent lobster [must be savored with the local Caribe beer].
The place has no ambiance other than the pleasant surroundings. It is just set out in the open on the beach.
One of the couples was SCUBA-certified prior to our trip and another of the guys had completed his certification in the U.S. in preparation for the trip. I had completed my study and pool work in the U.S., but saved my final open water certification for the first two days of our vacation, prior to setting sail. This was also a lucky choice! To make my first dive near the wreck of the Rhone was truly a thrilling experience. Incidentally, the Rhone is a shipwreck about 100 years old where they filmed the move "The Deep" with Jacqualine Bisset and Nick Nolte. No sign of Jackie while we were there, but plenty of denizens of the deep [manta ray, barracuda and iridescent fish of all hues]. Two of our Princesses opted out of the SCUBA, but came to enjoy and feel very comfortable with the snorkeling opportunities the Captain offered.
Because we were so fortunate in having a gourmet on-board chef, we did not partake of many of the local restaurants, but there appeared to be a reasonable supply. A number of nightspots also exist, particularly on the island of Jost Van Dyke, where you can find the legendary Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar [so named from people swimming up to it with their $$ in their suits and ... well you get the picture]. Norman Island also has two bars on either side of the cove that are pretty lively. One is named "Billy Bones" and the other is actually aboard a two story boat that is moored close to the shore. Also, Frenchman's Cay has a wonderful little dock and commercial area.
Some of our favorite afternoons and evenings were spent when we would order "tranquility" and the Captain would anchor in a deserted bay where we would just kick back, soak up the beauty and watch the pelicans fish.
I am sure there are innumerable ways to enjoy this beautiful part of the world, but we were delighted to have the crew with the local knowledge [and connections]. We just expressed our wishes and he made them come true. Do I miss it?? Oh yeah.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Knowzit
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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