There is nothing quite like a sailing vacation. Whether you’re after sunshine and beam reaches, rum drinks and reggae, or quiet anchorages and adventures ashore, a charter with The Moorings can deliver exactly what you have in mind.

“The British Virgin Islands is our flagship operation and the most popular charter destination in the world”, says Josie Tucci, VP of Marketing for The Moorings. “Over the past few years we have made unprecedented investments in the marina facility and fleet in the BVI, which have all recently been completed. Whether it is your first time visiting us, or you are revisiting The Moorings for the first time in a while, we are confident guests will be pleased with the improvements welcoming them upon arrival.”

From a new watersports shop, to newly-built docks, a new on-site supermarket and remodeled hotel, there is no shortage of upgrades to experience. Also new is the option for a skipper-only charter aboard a dedicated catamaran, in addition to traditional bareboat and fully crewed options. A skipper-only charter is a great choice for anyone who wants a skipper on board to handle all the safety, operation and navigation needs—not to mention bringing in-depth local knowledge along for the ride. With a skipper-only charter, guests are in charge of their own meals. If you enjoy dining ashore at the BVI’s restaurants and bars, then a skipper-only charter can be a great choice.

“The beauty of a charter with The Moorings is that you can enjoy your vacation your way,” Tucci says. “If you want to be fully in command as a bareboater, you can do that. If you want a skipper to handle the boat for you, that’s an option too. And if you want a fully crewed package with a chef to take care of meals, we have wonderful, professional Crews on staff ready to pamper you. However you envision the perfect cruising vacation, The Moorings can make it happen.”

The Moorings flagship base at Road Town, Tortola, had to be completely rebuilt after Hurricane Irma. They took the opportunity to reimagine the base with everything you need to equip your yacht for your itinerary around the BVI. From thenew Moorings Market for provisioning food and beverages (with an online-shopping option), to the water toy rental and watersports shop run by Sail Caribbean Divers, you’ll have everything you need without having to endure an off-base excursion. Just enjoy your first night with dinner and drinks at Charlies Restaurant, featuring  a revamped menu.. There’s also a rejuvenated fleet of sailing catamarans such as the Moorings 4200, the larger Moorings 4500 and the flagship Moorings 5000, each of which won Boat of the Year honors upon launch. The power catamaran fleet now includes the three-cabin Moorings 403PC, the four-cabin 464PC and and the larger 534PC. Prefer a monohull? No problem. As many as 12 brand-new monohull yachts arrive this fall.

And, in great news for anyone traveling from the United States to the British Virgin Islands, American Airlines is now offering seasonal nonstop flights from Miami to Beef Island, Tortola. These flights will operate during the summer and winter months.

Once aboard the boat, the rest of the BVI is yours to discover—explore the magical Baths on Virgin Gorda; sip a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke; and check out the Indians, one of the best snorkeling spots in the area. 

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, from The Moorings base at the Marina at Yacht Haven Grande, you can explore all that St. Thomas offers, including abundant shopping and nightlife. Then head out to explore beautiful and laid-back St. John, where you can experience the pristine beaches of Cinnamon Bay, excellent snorkeling at Leinster Bay, and even some hiking trails at Virgin Islands National Park.

Abacos, Bahamas

The Moorings base at the Abaco Beach Resort is located in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, a central location that makes it the perfect place to start your exploration of the Abacos—a longtime favorite destination for cruising sailors. Enjoy sailing in the protected waters of the Sea of Abaco to destinations that include quaint villages such as Hope Town and Green Turtle Cay, and abundant secluded anchorages.

Exumas, Bahamas

If you’re looking for an out-islands experience, an Exumas charter might be for you. Departing from The Moorings base at Palm Cay Marina in Nassau, Bahamas, visitors can then cruise down to the Exuma Cays, a string of 365 islands and cays that stretch for 120 miles. Many sailors who have traveled the world agree that the Exumas are their favorite cruising grounds. Once you go, you will understand. From exploring the mangrove creeks of Shroud Cay and the incredible Thunderball Grotto to the friendly settlement of Black Point and colorful Staniel Cay, the Exumas offer a wide variety of experiences—and unforgettable sunsets on the Great Bahama Bank.

The Magical Med

If your dream sailing vacation includes exploring ancient ruins, villages steeped in history, and a variety of sailing conditions, a sailing vacation in the Mediterranean might be just what you’re looking for. From The Moorings bases in Italy, Greece and Croatia, you can choose the Med experience that suits you best. Looking for sun-soaked beaches, quaint tavernas and excellent scuba diving? Try a charter from Corfu in Greece. Does visiting an abundance of islands offering everything from wild, barren landscapes to historic towns and lively nightlife sound ideal? A Croatia and Dalmatian Islands charter is for you. How about a view of mountain peaks, incredible cuisine, and soaking in hot springs? Check out a sailing vacation from Sicily.

Whichever location you choose, a charter in the Med is an incredible experience. If you are looking to do a bareboat charter in one of these destinations, you will need to have an approved sailing license, such as an International Proficiency Certificate, or have passed ASA 104 (Bareboat Cruising) or US Sailing Bareboat Cruising courses. No certifications? No worries. Crewed charters are available with a captain and a chef.

And don’t worry if you can’t make up your mind about which destination you want to visit next. With so many fantastic options, it sometimes takes several charters to enjoy them all.

“Some of our guests return to The Moorings year after year, exploring new destinations, trying out new boats, and further improving their own sailing skills,” Tucci says. “The fun can be endless if you’re cruising with family and friends. These are the kinds of memories that will last a lifetime.”

For more information and to start booking your charter vacation, visit The Moorings or speak to a vacation planner directly by calling 800-416-0247.

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A trip to the beautiful British Virgin Islands is incomplete without getting on some sailboats. On our trip to visit The Moorings on their base in Tortola, we had the chance to step onboard the new Moorings 4500 sailing catamaran – and boy were we impressed. Check out the video to see for yourself, and see even more information (or book a charter!) at The Moorings’ website.

Specs at a Glance:

• Max Passengers: 11
• Toilets: 4
• Showers: 5
• Length Overall: 45′ 0”
• Beam: 24’2”
• Draft: 5’1”
• Water Capacity: 206 gal.
• Engine: 2 x Yanmar 45HP
• Fuel Capacity: 185 gal.

The post Cruising World Onboard: The Moorings 4500 appeared first on Cruising World.

A trip to the beautiful British Virgin Islands is incomplete without getting on some sailboats. On our trip to visit The Moorings on their base in Tortola, we had the chance to step onboard the new Moorings 4200 sailing catamaran – and boy were we impressed. Check out the video to see for yourself, and see even more information (or book a charter!) at The Moorings’ website.

Specs at a Glance:

• Max Passengers: 10
• Toilets: 4
• Showers: 4
• Length Overall: 41′ 7”
• Beam: 23’1”
• Draft: 4’7”
• Sail Area: 1,217 square feet
• Water Capacity: 174 gal.
• Engine: 2 x Yanmar 45HP Diesel engine with saildrive
• Fuel Capacity: 158 gal.

The post Cruising World Onboard: The Moorings 4200 appeared first on Cruising World.

From the idyllic cruising grounds of the Caribbean to the enchanting shores of the Mediterranean, the tropic splendor of far east Thailand to the exotic charm of Tahiti, Tonga, and the Indian Ocean’s Seychelles. No matter where your adventure compass points to, secluded beaches, pristine waters, and breathtaking views reign supreme.

With The Moorings’ exclusive menu of over 20 top-rated sailing destinations spanning across the globe, you can create custom passages and one-of-a-kind charter experiences time and again. Come aboard and discover your own piece of paradise, on your private Five-Star vacation platform, in the company of those most cherished. The world is waiting….go capture something extraordinary.

Visit moorings.com to start your journey.

The post Explore the World with The Moorings appeared first on Cruising World.

A trip to the beautiful British Virgin Islands is incomplete without getting on some sailboats. On our trip to visit The Moorings on their base in Tortola, we had the chance to step onboard the new Moorings 5000 sailing catamaran – and boy were we impressed. Check out the video to see for yourself, and see even more information (or book a charter!) at The Moorings’ website.

Specs at a Glance:

• Max Passengers: 11
• Toilets: 4
• Showers: 5
• Length Overall: 50’6
• Beam: 26’5
• Draft: 5’3
• Sail Area: 1660 sq ft
• Water Capacity: 185 gal.
• Engine: 2 x 57hp Yanmar
• Fuel Capacity: 243 gal.

The post Cruising World Onboard: The Moorings 5000 appeared first on Cruising World.

Easily accessible and brimming with scenic anchorages, barefoot beach bars and underwater delights, the British Virgin Islands seems to have been carved out expressly for bareboat chartering. The Sir Francis Drake channel carries sailors from sipping fruity Painkillers on Jost Van Dyke to scampering between boulders on Virgin Gorda, and cradles even novices with its flat protected waters and consistent trade winds. In short, it’s hard to find a better week’s sailing anywhere in the world.

In the heart of the 36-island country is TMM Yacht Charters, a boutique charter company that works exclusively in these idyllic waters. Since 1979, it has operated from its base in the capital of Road Town, always remaining small enough to provide personalized service, while being large enough to offer a diverse fleet of new yachts. This bespoke balance holds many advantages for both charterers and owners of its fleet boats.

For charterers, it starts with one-on-one boat briefings tailored to the party’s level of experience. “We take into consideration people’s abilities,” says Tim Parsons, TMM’s operations manager. “That means that when we’re doing the briefing, we can speed up in some areas or slow down if, for instance, people are struggling to come to terms with the new computer systems that basically handle the boats’ systems. We have the time to get people to fully understand it before they leave.”

They will literally go the extra nautical mile. “If you haven’t chartered with us before, one of our company’s policies is we will go out onto the water with you, put the sails up with you, and make sure you are comfortable. We are more than happy to offer that every time,” Parsons adds. “We’d prefer that you understand the boat fully on that first day and go off and have a great time on it, as opposed to not enjoying yourself because you didn’t know how something worked.”

Once clients are comfortable, confident and ready to set sail for the legendary Willy T, TMM’s personal service extends to chart briefings based on their specific interests. There are plenty of must-see highlights, and coordinates for the best snorkeling, diving and dining will be revealed. In addition, these one-on-one briefings are a chance for TMM’s staff to get a sense of a charter party’s vibe and use their well-honed local expertise to direct partygoers toward the one bay in the BVI where they can barhop or share out-of-the-way anchorages with solitude seekers.

“If they want to get off the beaten track a little bit, there are areas, but there are also reasons why you don’t go to some areas, and that’s the kind of information we can provide. We have a few tricks up our sleeve,” Parsons says with a smile.

During charters, TMM is available to answer any questions clients have or to offer advice. If there is an issue with a yacht, the company will send out a technician to take care of it anywhere in the BVI, outside of the more distant Anegada, and even there they provide support promptly by phone. “We deal with it quickly and efficiently,” says Barney Crook, TMM’s managing director.

Meticulous maintenance and attention to detail are other advantages of a small company, and yachts enjoy the same high level of care as charter clients receive. TMM’s fleet is typically about 30 to 35 strong and is currently made up of all catamarans 37 to 50 feet LOA, primarily the quite popular Lagoon and Fountaine-Pajot yachts. It is constantly replenished with new boats, and none are more than five years old. New yachts this year include two Lagoon 40s, one Lagoon 42, one Lagoon 46 and a Fountaine Pajot Aura 51. For next year we currently have a Fountaine Pajot MY5, Lagoon 42, 46 and 51 in the pipeline.

From a yacht owner’s standpoint, the boutique approach offers peace of mind as well as flexibility and control. Hence, the company tends to attract the type of owner who has a long-term plan for his or her boat and takes great interest in personalizing it. “They want it with a company where they know the people, and they know that it’s going to be well-maintained,” Crook says.

Owners are guaranteed five years in the charter program but can do less if they’d like. The management contract is simple and straightforward, giving TMM a fixed commission for selling a charter and payment for any work done. “In our program, owners pay us for what we do. So, number one, they have a lot of say in what goes on; number two, they can question anything that goes on; number three, if they want something unusual done, we’ll do it,” Crook says. “And if an owner wants to take out his boat for three months and go down-island cruising, that’s fine.”

Both owners and charterers will see familiar faces each time they return to the BVI to enjoy the fabled waters. “It’s the same team year on year with very little turnover of staff. We build up a nice rapport with our repeat clients,” Parsons says. “You can really get to know us.”

Learn more at https://sailtmm.com.

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There’s no greater vacation joy than letting mood set the course for the day—and no destination offers a better mix of well-stocked beach bars with lively crowds, quiet coves to escape to, white-sand beaches and watersports galore that cater to all your moods than the British Virgin Islands.

This Caribbean destination has long been a haven for boaters, thanks in part to the massive fleet available for rent out of Tortola, the main island, as well as the welcoming waters where those with less ocean experience quickly build confidence—and those with ample experience find new challenges and pleasures while taking on the Sir Francis Drake Channel and beyond.

Just a 2-minute drive from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, is Tortola, home to the bigger grocery stores and outfitters to jump-start any trip. It’s a destination worth exploring all on its own, especially by boat, because its coves and bays are both unique pockets of color and character. Soper’s Hole, a popular anchorage, is home to a lineup of pastel homes with picturesque white-gingerbread trim, as well as the iconic favorite, Pusser’s West End, a restaurant and bar with burgers, rum drinks and the chance to stock up on boating attire. Cane Garden Bay is another favorite of boaters, including Jimmy Buffett, for its protected anchorage and the chance to eat just-caught seafood on the beach at Myett’s Garden Inn. Quito’s Gazebo, also in Cane Garden Bay, is a locally owned hotel, bar and restaurant known for the reggae bands that jam out just yards from the turquoise water. You can easily eat your way around Tortola, but you’ll also want to stretch your legs and explore, especially taking on the hike up to Sage Mountain National Park, the highest point in the BVI and a great photo opportunity. 

From Tortola, the majority of islands are strung like beads on a curved necklace, all sitting across the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Of that chain, Virgin Gorda is the northernmost, surrounded by a peppering of satellite islands, including Richard Branson’s Necker Island and the Dog Islands, famous for snorkeling. The must-see spot on Virgin Gorda is The Baths National Park, an impressive collection of basalt boulders nestled together to create grottoes and tunnels that you can explore and climb through. Multiple routes weave throughout, each leading to a different high point perfect for taking a group photo or a hand-holding group high jump into the deep waters. For a relaxed meal or cocktail while taking in this epic scenery, head to the Top of the Baths and tuck into a grilled lobster before enjoying a frozen coffee drink or mudslide cocktail poolside.

From Virgin Gorda, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour sail to Anegada, an 11-mile island that is easily the least visited of the inhabited BVI, making it a rare gem well worth the effort. The outdoor experiences here deliver that something extra, such as from Cow Wreck Beach, a haven for solitude-seekers who can walk miles in both directions, sometimes without encountering another beachgoer. Of course, you will find fellow boaters and island-lovers at the Cow Wreck Beach Bar, an open-air hangout with a timeless Caribbean vibe. Anegada also attracts divers and snorkelers looking to explore Horseshoe Reef, the Eastern Caribbean’s third-largest continuous reef, home to eagle rays, Atlantic spadefish, permit and a host of other wildlife.

This outpost island is a big destination come November, when the Anegada Lobster Festival kicks off. Held the weekend of American Thanksgiving, November 25-27, it brings together unique outdoor activities, such as an islandwide scavenger hunt and culinary celebrations centered on this Caribbean bounty.

The island of Jost Van Dyke, found off the back side of Tortola, is one of the BVI’s best day trips, home to a handful of beach bars where the Painkiller cocktails keep flowing as day-trippers enjoy the music and the shallow waters that make for a super-relaxing day. Soggy Dollar Bar anchors the scene and is said to be the originator of the Painkliller, the island’s famous cocktail: a mix of premium dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice (proportions are secret), and topped with freshly grated nutmeg. Beyond the bar scene, Jost offers hiking trails and scuba diving on the dynamic reefs of its Atlantic coast. There’s also paradise found in the form of Sandy Cay, an uninhabited spit of island with a bit of palm forest and the softest sand imaginable, perfect for throwing a football, playing frisbee or simply enjoying the view. Jost offers three overnight anchorages, so plan ahead to enjoy a full day and make a night of it.

Plus, so much of the beauty of the BVI lies in between. On and throughout the main islands, you’ll find more than 17 anchorages, including a few surprises that take you off the beaten path. Take Salt Island. It’s a popular day trip for scuba divers ready to witness the R.M.S. Rhone, arguably the Caribbean’s most storied and best-preserved shipwreck, dating back to 1867. Boaters have the unique pleasure of catching the sunrise and a snorkel or dive before the scuba day-trippers arrive. Salt Island also offers a hiking trail that shimmies up to a few cliffs overlooking crashing waves. Or anchor at Norman Island, another uninhabited island with a restaurant for day trippers, that offers hiking trails and caves to explore.

Spend your days sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, walking the beach, rating the cocktails at the beach bars, hiking, and exploring—it’s all in the mix here in the British Virgin Islands.

For more information on the BVI and to start planning your next getaway, visit their website.

The post Cruise the British Virgin Islands appeared first on Cruising World.

At some charter companies, the fleets of boats can feel cookie-cutter and impersonal—stripped of any details that make clients feel like they’re aboard a true home away from home.

That’s why Waypoints Yacht Charters strives to provide a boutique-style, elevated yacht charter experience aboard boats that have character and high-end amenities, with everything from the softest blankets to the best coffee machines ready for guests to enjoy.

“The boats each have their own story,” says Susan Restauri, who, along with Waypoints president Kirstie Palmer, brings a combined 45-plus years of charter-industry experience to helping Waypoints Yacht Charters’ clients have the best possible experience.

The company’s fleet of new-model yachts is housed at four bases—in the British Virgin Islands; US Virgin Islands; St. Petersburg, Florida; and Annapolis, Maryland—always in the heart of these incredible locations for easy access to all the best sights and activities.

Waypoints BVI is located at Nanny Cay on Tortola, just a short walk from local restaurants, beach bars, provisioning spots and more. The location has an on-site spa and swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and luxury showers, among other amenities, so charter clients can relax and feel at home even before they set off to explore the islands. There are several grocery stores in nearby Road Town where bareboaters can provision, and there are several beverage companies to choose from as well.

The US Virgin Islands location is at Frenchtown on St. Thomas, a hub of activity in the island chain. In fact, guests who start their charters here can go from the airport to the base in a 10-minute cab ride, which puts them afloat in their anchorage in less than two hours after getting off the plane. Or clients can linger near the base and take some time to check out all the local restaurants and duty-free shopping. Grocery stores are bountiful for provisioning, and some services will do provisioning in advance of the client’s arrival, so the food and stores merely have to be stowed on the boat before setting off.

In downtown St. Petersburg, the Waypoints Florida base marina is at an award-winning hotel that adjoins Vinoy Park and Beach Drive, overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin in Tampa Bay. Clients arriving from nearby locations can leave their vehicles in one of several easily accessible public parking lots, and access for clients flying in from farther afield is easy from Tampa International Airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport or Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Up in Annapolis, the Waypoints base is in historic Eastport, overlooking the United States Naval Academy. Charter clients can walk or take a dinghy ride to the historic Annapolis downtown, which is filled with quaint shops and restaurants, before heading out to explore Chesapeake Bay on the boat. Grocery provisioning is convenient at this base too, with delivery available from several stores. There’s also the option of a private onboard chef from the Annapolis base, with sample menus available on request.

And no matter what other questions clients have at any of the Waypoints locations, the staff is highly experienced and prepared to answer.

“Everybody who works with us has sailing experience,” Restauri says, adding that the Waypoints staff is composed of far more than just people who take bookings over the phone. “We can actually tell you about these boats and locations.”

Options for how to enjoy time on board abound in each of the four base locations. Clients can choose to book as bareboaters or with a captain, and can select from sailing monohulls, catamarans and motoryachts from top-notch manufacturers, including Fountaine-Pajot and Dufour. Each yacht is privately owned with comfort and performance amenities such as generators, air conditioning and watermakers—again, setting the fleet apart from those that offer stripped-down boats with virtually no creature comforts at all.

Making sure clients can choose from a fleet of high-quality boats is a hallmark of the Waypoints Yacht Charters brand. One of the things that helps the team at Waypoints ensure access to top-notch charter boats is the company’s exclusive partnership with Atlantic Cruising Yachts, one of the top yacht dealers in the world, with locations across North America. ACY introduces the Waypoints brokers to yacht owners at the time they are buying and outfitting their boats, a process that lets the Waypoints team make sure from the start that everything charter guests expect will in fact be on board.

And, after a charter is booked on any boat, the Waypoints team goes above and beyond to make sure that everything the client requested is ready to go.

“We had one situation in Annapolis where a charter client didn’t get his beverage order, which he had placed himself at a local store,” Restauri says. “A member of our Waypoints team drove to the liquor store for him. That’s the kind of personalized service that sets Waypoints apart. It’s the extra step that we’re willing to take. We want people to feel totally special.”

To learn more about Waypoints Yacht Charters and to receive exclusive charter offers and event invitations, sign up for the Waypoints newsletter.

The post Waypoints Yacht Charter: A Boutique, Elevated Charter Experience appeared first on Cruising World.

When Richard Hokin arrived on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands 30 hours after Hurricane Irma passed on September 6, 2017, he wasn’t particularly shocked. He fully expected that his Bitter End Yacht Club had been destroyed. After all, the BVI island had endured a Category 5 storm with relentless 180 mph winds—and a storm surge that wiped out anything the gusts had spared. 

He was correct: What was essentially a pile of rubble greeted him where the resort, which had been in his family for 44 years, once stood. There was one surprising thing though. The oldest fleet member was missing. What had happened to the faithful boat that predated his family’s ownership of Bitter End, the one that was integral to its development in the early days and still loyally served the resort? Where was Reef Sampler? 

“The fact that the boat had disappeared was kind of mysterious because some of her superstructure had washed up on Prickly Pear Island, which is right next to us. But there was no sign of the boat,” Hokin says.

When Irma hit, Reef Sampler was approaching its 50th birthday. In need of a platform for fishing, diving, exploring and picnicking, the Hokin family commissioned the 34-foot downeast fiberglass hull from Webber’s Cove in Blue Hill, Maine, to be finished at Essex Boat Works in Connecticut. Named for the family’s favorite pastime in the vibrant Virgin Islands waters, Reef Sampler was delivered in 1969.

“She started out as our family’s just-messing-around boat in St. Thomas and eventually became the workhorse for Bitter End,” Hokin says. “She hauled most of the building materials from St. Thomas up to North Sound in the early days when we were just starting to remodel and expand, and then she was our principal source of fun there. We’d take off and go over to Anegada for the day and go diving or go out fishing. Our life really centered around the boat.”

Reef Sampler rode out Irma holding on to the heftiest mooring. As it turned out, it never let go. In early 2018, the UK Hydrographic Office, conducting its first BVI survey in nearly a century, discovered an anomaly in its soundings. Further investigation by Sunchaser Scuba revealed Reef Sampler’s hull, sitting neatly upright on the bottom of North Sound, still tied to the sunken mooring.

Abandoning the boat in this watery grave was never an option. “Next to me, she’s the oldest member of the Bitter End crew,” Hokin says as he readies for his 82nd birthday. “I wasn’t going to walk away from her—we’ve been together for over 50 years. How do you walk away from someone or something that’s been important to your life? And not just to my life but to the whole Bitter End lifestyle, which is what defines us.”

Using air bags, it was floated and dragged onto the beach. Then, Hokin had an idea.

“I have always had a bee in my bonnet about a beach bar—and that a boat would make a really cool beach bar. This was the opportunity. We’re starting from scratch [rebuilding Bitter End]. We had the boat, and the boat was integral to Bitter End’s story. I figured she’s worked hard for us for close to 50 years; let’s give her a place where she doesn’t have to work so hard and everybody can enjoy her.”

Now, Reef Sampler, freshly varnished and painted in its original hue, has pride of place on Marina Beach at Bitter End 2.0. On its foredeck is a navigation table with seating for 8; along its sheerline aft, there’s a bar for resting a drink; and within its cockpit is a fully equipped bar for serving. Above it floats tent fabric, shading patrons and protecting the boat from the weather.

It’s one of the new additions to the revived property. For the quiet reopening over the past holidays, everything a sailor needs was up and running, including the Quarterdeck Club with a panoramic second-floor lounge, the Watersports Shack, The Buoy Room a salty sailor’s bar , and an expanded provisioning market that also offers prepared foods and a full wine-and-spirits shop. Opening soon are two shore accommodations called Marina Lofts, which extend alluringly over the water, and two more restaurants will be ready to serve by spring. 

Re-imagined to be more closely aligned with Mother Nature, the new resort is both different and the same. “We knew we weren’t going to build an exact replica, but we’ve tried really hard to employ the character, vibe and lifestyle that define the place,” Hokin says. Nothing encapsulates this spirit better than a beach-bar boat that started life as a vehicle for just messing around on the water. 

It’s not the only physical reminder of the past. The major docks survived the storm, and bits of memorabilia salvaged from the debris are displayed among the new buildings—but Reef Sampler is perhaps its most evocative.

“I think a boat is pretty close to a living entity. After 70 years of messing around in boats, I’m absolutely sure boats have lives because they’ve treated me well at times and also have had a few tantrums,” Hokin says with a smile.

To learn more about the re-opening of Bitter End Yacht Club and stay up to date on new updates, visit beyc.com. To see more footage from Bitter End Yacht Club, follow them on YouTube.

The post A New Beginning for Bitter End appeared first on Cruising World.

The news is good. Travel is coming back. Borders are reopening, and there is a long list of denied celebrations that deserve to be reinstated. With the light finally shining brightly at the end of a dark tunnel, now is the perfect time to get away from the day-to-day so that we can truly honor those noteworthy events that have been put on hold for far too long. Big-time celebrations deserve a big-time venue and there’s no better place to get your celebration on than the British Virgin Islands. Known for perfect sailing conditions, show-stopping beaches and endless secret spots, the British Virgin Islands is just what the doctor ordered now that the world is returning to normal.

Let the wind take you to legendary beach bars at the water’s edge with just the right amount of music and lively atmosphere. Enjoy otherworldly views that show off the natural landscape while visiting seemingly infinite anchorages, harbors and marinas—all of which are prepared to greet you as if you were royalty. Celebrate all of the noteworthy events that have been put on hold for far too long in one of the most beautiful, sought-after destinations: the BVI.

To look at these islands on a map is to understand why beach lovers, sailors, underwater explorers and privacy seekers love this destination: The Sir Francis Drake Channel separates the main island of Tortola from a string of more than 60 islands—some with resorts and some inhabited only by birds and iguanas. This means more coastline, beaches and secluded coves for relaxing. It also means a massive water playground ideal for all kinds of watersports: sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. There’s so much to do for you and yours to have fun and catch up on any missed celebrations—regardless of who you travel with or what you’re celebrating.

Where to Stay

This mix of islands offers a diversity of accommodations, from secluded to happening, with a focus on everything from wellness to active pursuits. Celebrating a romantic milestone? Rosewood Little Dix Bay on the island of Virgin Gorda offers pampering, yoga and upscale accommodations with outdoor showers, all amid a natural setting that highlights the tropical landscape and bluewater views – the perfect location for a couple looking to get away and just relax.

Looking for a place to bring family together? Oil Nut Bay, reopened since December 2020, caters to families and multigeneration travelers with villas, chefs for hire, a marina and more than 400 acres of wild space. Every resort offers plenty to do to fill any vacation, but one of the highlights of the British Virgin Islands is how easy it is to island hop.

BVI by Boat

For those with sailing experience, the BVI is unique in offering a handful of charter companies that allow DIY captains—with proof of credentials—to take the helm and experience complete freedom. With a mix of resort marinas, coves with mooring balls, as well as anchor-ready sandy patches, these islands let you define escapism for you and yours, whether you want a week packed with restaurants, beach bars and spas, or complete solitude. Those who want to be treated to meals can moor off of spots such as the Cooper Island Beach Club, known for its just-caught seafood, homemade ice creams and on-site microbrewery. There’s also Sugarcane located on an elevated hilltop on Virgin Gorda, where cocktail hour comes with epic views, followed by a massive menu tempting with pizzas, mahimahi tacos and whole lobsters.

For those without full sailing credentials, you can enjoy the same freedom to move from island to island by booking a crewed charter vacation, complete with a dedicated captain and first mate/chef to cater to your group’s tastes and schedule. That could look like spa-style breakfasts at 6 a.m. or a full spread with French toast and eggs Benedict at noon, as well as a vegan Mediterranean dinner, or charcuterie boards at sunset followed by grilled lobster. That’s the beauty of the BVI: With more than 40 years as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, this destination has it dialed-in when it comes to letting travelers define their perfect cruising getaway.

What to Do

For land- and sea-based travelers, one of the don’t-miss scenic attractions is the Baths, a collection of basalt boulders nestled together to create grottoes and tunnels, as well as overlooks ideal for photos.

Jost Van Dyke, off the backside of the main island of Tortola, is beloved as much for its gently sloping white-sand beach as it is for the lineup of open-air bars, including White Bay’s Soggy Dollar Bar and Hendo’s Hideout.

Take a short boat ride around the point into Great Harbour for a chance encounter with Foxy – the namesake of the beloved Foxy’s Beach Bar – or a pizza baked to perfection at Corsairs Beach Bar.

Come for the day to enjoy the famous Painkiller—a mix of coconut, pineapple and orange juices with rum and nutmeg—while lounging beachside. This island is also home to Ocean Spa BVI, the Caribbean’s only floating spa, where you can get a massage right on the ocean.

In between it all are endless hidden spots as well as off-the-beaten-path attractions and tours. The island of Anegada—the farthest island from Tortola—is not one that every BVI traveler visits. Those who do can take part in the unique experience of choosing your own lobster and having it grilled to order.

The Anegada Beach Club delivers island-style glamping with its luxury thatched-roof cottages complete with hammocks and outdoor tubs, allowing guests to commune with nature in the utmost comfort. This outpost isle is also a perfect choice for bonefishing, horseback riding and kitesurfing.

For those in your group who like to reach secret spots on foot, tour operator Hike BVI offers guided walks through the best of the islands’ wild spaces, from bat caves to jungle hilltop overlooks. It’s a fun and active way to make memories that can happen only here.

Those who scuba dive will certainly experience many of the hidden gems this destination is famous for—and perhaps discover a few of their own. The RMS Rhone is often considered the Caribbean’s most famous wreck dive. The steamer sunk in an 1867 hurricane and is now split into two halves off Salt Island. Dive it to encounter green turtles, moray eels and nurse sharks, and, inside the hull, glittering schools of glassfish.

Beyond the Rhone, the BVI offers an ever-growing list of dive sites, including “Sharkplaneo” – you read that right! After the devastating hurricanes in 2017, the group behind the sinking of the famous “Kodiak Queen” art reef took on the task of transforming out-of-commission airplanes into half-airplane/half-shark dive sites. Why, you ask? The hope is that these new dive sites will turn some heads, but also raise awareness of the importance and necessity of sharks in our waters.

There’s so much to discover and fall in love with that the British Virgin Islands quickly feel like a second home. Go and take it all in—from a cocktail on the white-sand beach to the Zen of sailing such calm waters—and you’ll know what locals mean when they say “BVI Love”: that feeling of perfect, blissed-out relaxation. After a year of uncertainty and postponements, we can’t think of a better place to celebrate getting back on track. So, whatever you’re celebrating, add the British Virgin Islands to your must-visit short list.

For those making immediate plans to visit, know that those who are not vaccinated can quarantine comfortably at their resort or aboard their yacht, while vaccinated travelers only need to present proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 5-days of arrival in the BVI.

For more information on the reopening of the BVI and to start planning your next getaway, visit their website.

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