Sailors' Paradise
The US and British Virgin Islands are considered by many experienced
international yachtsmen to be the best sailing grounds in the
world.
 There
are almost 100 islands and cays (pronounced keys) in the Virgin
Islands. The unique configuration of the Virgin Island chain offers
protection from ocean swells and provides hundreds of protected
coves and anchorages (many of which have moorings to protect the
bottom life from anchor damage).
The water is warm and clean, perfect for swimming, snorkeling
and diving. Steady trade winds averaging 10 -15 mph year round
are ideal for sailing and provide natural air conditioning when
at anchor.
Predominantly volcanic in origin the Virgin Islands have dramatic
landscapes. Some of the larger islands have majestic peaks over
1000 feet. The highest point in the chain is Sage Mountain on
Tortola rising to 1780 feet.
Over 200 species of birds have been sighted in the Virgin Islands
including songbirds, migratory waterfowl, seabirds and the ubiquitous
bannaquit or 'yellow bird'. The Islands are populated with deer,
wild donkeys, goats and mongoose. Several reptiles thrive here
including anole and gecko lizards. Anegada, one of the few coral
formed Virgin Islands, is home to the famous 6-foot long rock
iguanas.
Much of the Virgin Islands' animal life is found in the water
along the coral reefs that fringe each island. The clarity of
the water and the shallow depth of many of the reefs support an
extraordinary ecosystem and provide world-class opportunities
for snorkeling and scuba diving. In addition to the numerous reef
species and tropical fish you have a chance to swim with manta
rays, nurse sharks, barracudas, octopuses, moray eels and several
species of endangered sea turtles.
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History
1493 Christopher Columbus 'discovers' the Virgin Islands on his
second voyage to the New World. He names them after St.Ursula
and the 11,000 Virgins (a 4th century princess raped and murdered
by the Huns).
- 1595 Privateers hired by European rulers (pirates) begin using
the Virgin Islands as their base.
- 1621 English, Dutch, French and Spanish colonists fight over
and occupy the Virgin Islands growing crops, including tobacco.
- 1700's Africans are brought to the Virgin Islands as slaves
to work the sugar and cotton plantations. By 1848 when slavery
becomes outlawed, 220,000 Africans had been brought to the Virgin
Islands and forced into slavery.
- 1917 The United States buys St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix
from Denmark for $25 million.
- 1950's The Virgin Islands begin marketing themselves as a
tourist destination changing the economic structure.
- 1960's The US forbids its citizens from visiting Cuba and
jet travel becomes common, resulting in a massive influx of
American tourists to the Virgin Islands.
- 1967 The BVI became an independent British colony.
Today the culture of the Virgin Islands is uniquely its own,
with hints of American, British and West African. As you meet
locals you will realize that most people are very social, with
strong family values. Friends and community are very important.
They love their Islands and their way of life.
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Culture
The people are typically proud, shy and very polite. English
is the official language, the US dollar the official currency.
 Greet
local people with a 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' and you
will get much more from your social interactions.
The Virgin Islands are legendary for their good times. The Island
environment is naturally conducive to a continuous celebration
of life creating a wonderful vacation atmosphere.
Relax, enjoy and you will find yourself partying with other yachters,
local Islanders, the rich and famous.
The arts are alive in the Virgin Islands including original music,
colorful painting and unique Caribbean crafts. The Virgin Islands
enjoy the highest per capita income ($13,000) in the Caribbean.
The economy is primarily based on tourism, with some light manufacturing.
Today the Virgin Islands are getting "connected" with
Internet Cafes and most other modern communications generally
available. The phone system is playing catch-up. Long distance
calls are comparatively expensive.
If you like dancing barefoot in the sand to great music (often
live), the Virgin Island's beach bars are for you. World famous
beach bars include Foxy's Tamarind Bar (Jost Van Dyke), Bomba's
Surfside Shack (Tortola) and Schooner Willie T's (Norman's Island).
Live a little… try the special Island concoctions like Painkillers,
Rum Punches and everyone's favorite, Pina Coladas!
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Things to do
Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving:
You can swim from your yacht anytime and the beaches in the Virgin
Islands are all open to the public (except on a few private islands).
The Virgin Islands offer exceptional snorkeling in shallow, calm
water.
The water is exceptionally clear (visibilities exceeding 100
ft) and temperatures range from 76-84°F (24-29°C) year
round.
For you scuba divers, some yachts have their own dive gear and
air compressors. It's easy to arrange for a dive boat to pick
you up at your yacht and take you diving.
There are more than 100 outstanding dive sites.
When you are arranging your charter though us be sure to let us
know if you are interested in these activities.
Surfing and Windsurfing
The winter months bring steady swells to the exposed sides of
the islands, and the surfing community knows just where to catch
the waves. Windsurfing is popular in the Virgin Islands and some
yachts carry their own windsurfers.
If the surfs up and you would like to ride let us know and we
will help make it happen.
Fishing
Several of the yachts we represent carry fishing gear and you
can try your hand at catching dinner. Dorado or mahi-mahi are
common throughout the winter, Marlin in the summer, and sailfish
and Wahoo in the fall.
Hiking
The Virgin Islands are a mecca for hikers, especially the 23
miles of hiking trails in the 9500 acre Virgin Islands National
Park on St. John.
Bird Watching
Bird lovers will delight in the diversity and abundance of bird
life the Virgin Islands has to offer. The best spots being the
salt pond of St. Croix and Anegada and the mountain tops of St.
John and Tortola.
Shopping
Its often duty free and there's lots to choose from!
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