BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The BVI is undoubtedly the best venue for all first time yacht charters. The position of the islands provides protection from the open ocean swell and so offers ideal sailing conditions, with a 15 - 20 knot easterly trade wind and no ocean swell or choppy water.

Whether required for propulsion or simply to keep the temperature at the perfect ambient level, the breeze is constant thus making the BVI a place to return to time and again for any yacht charter.

ITINERARY

Day 1:
Fly into Beef Island Airport on the island of Tortola. The crew will be there to meet you and transfer you to the base where the yacht is docked. Throw off the dock lines and set sail for Peter Island, a short trip to get your sea legs. After a refreshing swim a light lunch will be served with time to relax before setting sail for Marina Cay for the evening. The setting is idyllic and the tiny island is covered with tropical flora that surrounds the Marina Cay Resort - worth a visit.

Day 2:
After breakfast set sail for the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Huge boulders mass together along the shore line creating an awesome impression. Large caves and walkways with magnificent rock pools take you through to Devil's Bay for a dip. The whole area around the baths is lined with soft sandy beaches and crystal clear azure water. Sail up to the North Sound at the northern end of the island - the home of the Bitter End Yacht Club. A short dingy ride out to Eustatia Reef for a snorkel - the sea bed here is littered with old cannons and anchors from galleons wrecked on the reef in years gone by.

Day 3:
Anegada, the sunken island lies 12 miles north of Virgin Gorda. It is a superb sail across shallow water and a good time to look out for whales and dolphins. Snorkel and stroll the beach at Loblolly Bay or take a trip to Flamingo Pond to view the wild flamingos. The Lobster in Anegada is the best ever tasted - you must take this opportunity to try the local fare ashore! Visit the natural soap factory (one small room) and smell the wonderful aromas of frangipani, coconut and lavender.

Day 4:
A pleasant sail to Great Camanoe Island. Take a short walk through the huge aloe plants to Cam Bay and see the lizards and hermit crabs scurrying through the undergrowth. The snorkeling here is excellent, with schools of different kinds of colorful tropical fish and a variety of wonderful coral. Take the tender to Monkey Point on Guana Island for another snorkel or just to relax on one of the two fine white sandy beaches and watch the pelicans diving for fish from the cliffs that overhang the beach. As the sun begins to fall you will head for your evening anchorage at Cane Garden Bay on the northern side of Tortola. The beach has an abundance of bars, with live bands in most of them.

Day 5:
After breakfast sail over to Green Cay for snorkeling off Sandy Spit. This is a tiny, tropical, sandy island - a must to see! Move onto Jost van Dyke in the afternoon and anchor in Great Harbor. 'Foxy's' Bar is something you will never forget! Foxy himself is world famous and plays great Calypso music on his guitar. You can join in and sing along - dance until the sun comes up.

Day 6:
White Bay just around the corner for a swim and snorkel. Set sail on a reach for the home port of the famous Pussers Rum at West End, Tortola. Ashore is a cluster of fanciful pastel West Indian buildings, known as Sopers Hole Wharf. This houses some terrific boutiques and craft shops including Pussers landing restaurant and company store. Around the anchorage is a mix of old classic brigantines, square riggers and modern sailing boats.

Day 7:
Spend the morning relaxing and savoring your last few hours aboard. A short sail across the channel to your drop off point on Tortola where you depart by Noon.