sailing the caribbean
Discovered
by Columbus on his second voyage in 1493, there are 35 to 40 main islands, some
15 to 20 which are inhabited. When Robert Louis Stevenson wrote about the BVI
in Treasure Island, they were almost unknown, and surely he never suspected that
one day they would become the chartering capital of the world. Many of the islands
remain today in the same pristine condition that inspired Stevenson. Some are
home only to sea birds, undisturbed by many, except for the occasional visitor
who swims to the beach for a shelling expedition or to play in the surf. The awe
inspiring beauty of such places as South Bay, Ginger Island, below which is hidden
the magnificient dive site known as Alice in Wonderland, can never be changed.
The
BVI are a self-governing Dependent Territory of the United Kingdom and are part
of the British Commonwealth. The currency in use today is the U.S. dollar, and
philatelists should note that the islands are unique in that they are the only
place in the world where Queen Elizabeth II of England's head appears over the
currency symbol. The official language is English and the population at the last
census was approximately 20,000.
the weather
The
British Virgin Islands are fortunate in having the sort of climate that most people
just love for a warm weather Caribbean vacation. An atlas will tell you that the
climate is sub-tropical, but this is just another way of saying it's perfect.
The constant trade winds keep the temperature ranging from a possible low of 77F
in the winter, to a maximum of about 90F in the summer. At night there may be
a fall of 10F. The steady breeze also keeps the humidity remarkable low, especially
when compared with somewhere like Florida. Hurricanes, though possible, are extremely
rare.
geography
Between
the islands runs the Sir Francis Drake Channel, renowned as one of the best cruising
grounds in the world. The gentle trade winds blow their balmy breezes and the
islands on each side keep the ocean waves away, leaving a tranquil lake for leisurely
sailing. A glance at our map will show you how those
who may not be so confident at sea will conveniently find -- very closely together
-- everything that they could wish for. Shown are a few of the landmarks, a few
of the prime watersports locations and some of the best boutiques. By popular
request, we have our own boatique onboard. There are so many beautiful coves within
a short distance that the sailor is spoiled for choice of anchorages. In addition
to the many watersports available on our Caribbean sailing charter, a trip ashore
for tennis or horseback riding on Tortola, or walking up a trail to the top of
a hill such as Spyglass on Norman Island may add to the pleasure of your Caribbean
vacation. You might try the exhilarating sport of parasailing, available at Virgin
Gorda. A visit to a restaurant or bar with local music could keep the partygoers
dancing all night long.
There are so many possibilities when sailing the Caribbean. . . spoil yourself on our BVI crewed charter yacht!
Promenade is the cover story in the August BVI Yacht Guide!! Pretty impressive! 
