Arrival Information

Transcription

Arrival Information
1
Arrival Information
WELCOME TO THE YACHT WEEK BVI
This guide contains all the information you will need during your week with us. Here you find information
about our route, as well as some useful advice for those who aren't sailing veterans.
Contents
Welcome to the Yacht Week BVI ................................................................................................................................... 1
Before TYW .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Crew List............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
British Virigin Islands Guide and Packing Tips ................................................................................................................... 3
Weather ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Customs & Immigration .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Time Zone ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
What to pack? ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Electricity .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Internet ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Cellular Phones ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Swimming and Snorkeling ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Safety ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Hospital ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Seasickness ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Money ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Insurance .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Arrival at The Yacht Week ............................................................................................................................................. 7
For those arriving at Beef Island Airport, Tortola .............................................................................................................. 7
For those arriving in St. Thomas:....................................................................................................................................... 7
Meeting in Roadtown, Tortola .......................................................................................................................................... 7
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
2
Arrival Information
The Route Summary: ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
General Tips ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
DAY 1 (Saturday) – Roadtown Marina, Tortola .......................................................................................................... 10
DAY 2 (Sunday) – Road town to Peter Island (approx. 8 nautical miles)..................................................................... 11
DAY 3 (Monday) –Foxys at Jost Van Dyke .................................................................................................................. 11
DAY 4 (Tuesday) – Sandy Spit and Marina Cay ........................................................................................................... 13
DAY 5 (Wednesday) – Anegada .................................................................................................................................. 14
DAY 6 (Thursday) – Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda ............................................................................................ 15
DAY 7 (Friday) – Grande Finale at Willy T – Norman Island ........................................................................................ 16
DAY 8 (Saturday) – The Journey Home....................................................................................................................... 17
SKIPPER INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Skipper's Advice For The Yacht Week's Skippers ........................................................................................................ 18
Yacht Document ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Use Llots Of anchor Chain .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Don't Be Late .............................................................................................................................................................. 18
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
3
Arrival Information
Before TYW
Crew List
Please make sure that you have filled out your crew list. This is extremely important so that we know
who is on each yacht. If you do not do this there will be problems with your insurance. Login to your
booking with your registered Email address and password and use our Facebook application. Just add
the friend you want on your crew from facebook.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS GUIDE AND PACKING TIPS
Welcome to the British Virgin Islands! There are many reasons the BVI is known as one of the world's best
sailing destinations. The islands are a stunning setting, with great beaches and a perfectly relaxed vacation
attitude. The Francis Drake Channel provides an ideal cruising area with protection from the Atlantic Ocean
and consistent sailing winds during the winter and spring.
Weather
The weather during our trip will be absolutely perfect – sunny and mid 80s every day. Actually, we can’t predict
that far in advance. But the average temperatures are between 72 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with a lot of sun.
In our experience it rains for about 20 minutes every day, usually overnight. The rest of the time the conditions
are ideal. Water temperatures are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, averaging 77 degrees F (25 C).
Customs & Immigration
A valid passport is necessary to enter the BVI, with an expiration date that must be no earlier than 6 months
after the end of our trip. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate about travel
requirements for the BVI.
Time Zone
1 hour ahead of the U.S. east coast (GMT - 4:00).
What to pack?
Pack as if you are spending a week at the beach. The BVI is extremely casual and most people who join our
trips have over packed. Using a carry-on only bag will help you travel light and will avoid any problems with
flight connections - once we sail away, there is no opportunity to go back to the airport for lost luggage. Pack
your stuff in a soft bag; it is easier to store on board.


We strongly urge that you pack in a soft duffel-type bag that can be compressed. You will need to
store the bag in a small closet in your cabin. Hard, wheeled bags take up a lot of room in your cabin it is possible to fit them, but not recommended.
During the day, you only need bathing suits and t-shirts.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
4
Arrival Information





Flip-flops and sandals are fine for every occasion. There are a few chances for moderate hikes and
walking in towns during the day, so sneakers are an option but not necessary.
At nights, restaurants are very casual - shorts are fine everywhere. We will have two or three
occasions for a nicer restaurant, but they are still laid back beach restaurants.
Sunglasses and a hat are essential.
Bring a beach towel; a bath towel is provided on your boat but you will want to keep the sandy beach
towel and your shower towel separate.
Evenings can be cool - you should bring a fleece and windbreaker and long casual pants.
Many people bring a disposable underwater camera to photograph the coral and fish.
Included with our boat: Snorkeling gear and fins; linens and bath towel; CD Player. If you have a car stereo
adapter for an iPod (a small FM transmitter), it will work on the boat.
Since women always ask for a woman's perspective on packing, here is a consensus view from women who
have traveled on our previous trips to the BVI:
• Super-casual
Bathing suits and cover-ups for day
• Some shorts and t-shirts for walking around
• Sundresses or jeans/nice shorts and tank tops for night (the nicest places we go are nice beach
restaurants in the sand - no clubs, etc.)
• Only flip-flop type shoes are needed for day/night (no heels) - maybe sneakers for walking around
towns or few opportunities to hike but not really needed
• Bring a fleece or something in case it gets cold, and a windbreaker-type light jacket
• Leave the hair dryer at home
• Cute "beachy" stuff, don't think like you are going out in NYC
• Don't over-pack
Sun protection: Bring sunscreen or buy it there (if you prefer to travel carry-on only and don't want extra
liquids). All boats have biminis - a sun cover in the seating area on the deck - so there are places to stay away
from the sun, but you will still need sun protection because it reflects strongly off the water.
Electricity
Our boats have electrical power to charge camera batteries, cell phones, iPods, and other devices. The boats,
however, use DC power and 220 Volts rather than the typical AC power and 110 Volts in outlets in the U.S. If
you have any items that use the converter for a car cigarette lighter, they will work perfectly on a
boat. Otherwise, we will have some inverters and adapters available. Those traveling from Europe will need
an adapter to connect to these outlets. On land, the voltage used is 110-120 Volts (same as U.S./Canada).
Internet
The Mariner Inn hotel at our starting and ending marina in Roadtown offers complementary WiFi at the
restaurant. Internet access will be sparse at other locations. It is possible to rent Wifi dongles at the Marina for
use during the trip.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
5
Arrival Information
Cellular Phones
Your cellular phone may work in the Caribbean. Check with your service provider for coverage. It is possible to
rent Cell Phones at the Marina for use during the trip.
Swimming and Snorkeling
The waters tend to be calm, but you must always use caution when swimming in the ocean and do so at your
own risk. Be very careful to never touch the coral - any human contact will damage coral and it can scratch
your skin and cause an infection. Even while snorkeling, be sure to keep your swim fins away from coral to
avoid damaging it.
Safety
The British Virgin Islands are very safe. Most passengers have found it unnecessary to lock items, but locks are
available and the boat can be locked to protect valuable belongings if you wish. We have never had a problem
during prior trips. In an emergency, we have means to contact authorities and the coast guard to quickly
address any issues. The islands are very close together and we are never far from land or other boats if we
need to seek assistance.
Hospital
Peebles Hospital is located in Road Town, Tortola. Phone (284) 494-3497
Seasickness
The waters are normally calm but we can't control the weather. Only the very sensitive are at risk of
seasickness, but some people like to bring remedies for motion sickness just in case. Previous passengers
swear by a special adhesive patch that you can wear behind your ear (it is about the size of a nickel and
available by prescription - see http://www.transdermscop.com/). Others have bought sea bands (small wrist
bands with a pressure point that stops nausea) or ginger capsules at a pharmacy. You can also bring
Dramamine, although it is known to cause drowsiness.
Money
The local currency is the United States Dollar. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places (American
Express in some places). Remember that you will need to cover the costs of your food and drinks throughout
the trip - the prices are similar to any U.S. city. You should also bring spending money for any souvenirs.
To plan the amount of money that you travel with: there will be some additional modest but mandatory
payments required during the trip. In some harbors, we will attach the boat to a mooring ball (a buoy anchored
to the sea floor) to have extra stability overnight. Since these moorings are privately maintained, they usually
charge a boat approximately $30 per night to stay there (so about $5 per person on each boat if you use a
mooring, which will not be every night). During the trip you can expect to refill the fresh water tanks at least
once – these provide water for showers and faucets onboard. There will be a small charge to fill these tanks
depending on how much water you use onboard.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
6
Arrival Information
The passengers on each boat will also be required to provide a security deposit to the charter company in case
there is any damage to the boat beyond normal wear and tear.
Insurance
The Insurance is issued by the Yachting Company and is a Kasko insurance (full insurance), also third party
insurance and insurance for the crew. Insurance papers are all the time with the clients in the boat documents.
In case of the accident – clients need to call the Yachting Company and nearest Harbor master office (Yachting
Company provides the phone numbers) to make a report. If the accident (damage) is cause by skipper’s
negligence then deposit* money is kept to pay for the damage.
If it is fault of the third party then insurance is covering it. Deposit* is the amount of the franchise, this is the
maximum amount of money you will pay in case of damage.
*Login to your booking to see your deposit amount.
Personal travel insurance for personal injury or disease is also recommended for all guests, which are done
domestically with your local insurance provider, as for any journey.
A document should be signed within the group in case the deposit is withheld. The economic responsibility
shall be equal among the crew; the skipper shall not cover it himself unless he is a professional skipper which
you have requested especially.
Also, the skipper does not pay part of the deposit.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
7
Arrival Information
Arrival at The Yacht Week
For those arriving at Beef Island Airport, Tortola
Simply take a taxi to Roadtown marina, ask for the Footloose dock. The trip is approximately 30 minutes by
taxi.
For those arriving in St. Thomas:
Take a taxi from St. Thomas airport to Charlotte Amalie for the ferry dock. Several ferry companies travel from
St. Thomas to Tortola. The trip is approximately 50 minutes and costs $55 round trip. If you buy a one-way
ticket, it costs a little more but you will retain flexibility to take any ferry company back on your return to St.
Thomas. There are a few options:
• Preferably, you should take a ferry to Roadtown, which drops you off a short taxi ride or about a 15
minute walk to the Footloose marina.
• Alternatively, you can take a ferry to West End, Tortola which is about a 30 minute taxi to Roadtown
and our marina.
• If you lose the ferry schedule below, the information desk at STT airport has all the info.
The following schedules are the most recent available on company websites. Please check with these company
websites immediately before you travel and when you land for the exact times.
Arrival ferry departures from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Roadtown, Tortola
Roadtown Fast Ferry: Saturday departures: 8:30am, 12:00 noon, 4:15pm (Sunday is 12:00 and 4:15pm only)
Smith's Ferry: 8:30am, 12:15, 3:30pm, 4:30pm (Sunday is 8:00/8:30am and 10:45); Smith's offers a similar
schedule to West End (and from Red Hook, St. Thomas to West End, Tortola)
Native Son Ferry: 8:25, 12:15pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:45pm (Sunday: 8:00 and 10:45); Native Son also
leaves the ferry dock at Red Hook, St. Thomas at 6:00pm if your flight is late and you miss the ferry from
Charlotte Amalie .
Meeting in Roadtown, Tortola
Our group will be arriving at different times during the day on Saturday. Our main meeting time will be 5:30pm
or anytime later at the Footloose Ask for The Yacht Week Crew (Erik, Johan, William and Dave) - we will be
there all afternoon. If you arrive earlier in the day, you are welcome to leave your luggage at the Footloose
office and tour around Tortola. Take your time and arrive anytime after 5:30 to meet us - get accustomed to
island time.
We will have access to our boats by 6:00pm or earlier - you can load your luggage onto the boat, stock all the
food and drinks that you ordered in advance, and we will give you a detailed orientation about living on a boat.
It will feel like home right away.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
8
Arrival Information
Saturday night is for Caribbean cocktails at the bar, visiting Roadtown (the BVI capital), moving into your cabin,
and relaxing along the water as we get ready for our Sunday morning departure.
1. F OR THE B OOKER AND S KIPPER
The booker and skipper should go to the yachting company who is in charge of your yacht.
Booker: Bring money to pay the deposit* and your passport.
Skipper: Bring your nautical certificates and passport.
Only the skipper does the actual check-in. If you have an external skipper, then the booker may join since
the he has to pay the deposit and comfort package.
As soon as this is done you will get an approximate time of CHECK IN (official time 1800). This is when you will
get your boat. Until the CHECK IN you are free to do what you want (go food shopping and relax)
* Deposit = (An amount of money that is provided in cash or reserved on your credit card). The deposit is the
maximal cost you can be charged if you damage your or boat or lose equipment. The Deposit is USD650 per
boat.
2. L UGGAGE
Ask us where to leave your luggage if you don't want to carry it around the whole day. Our staff will keep an
eye on your bags during the arrival day. The Yacht Week staff does not take responsibility for any lost
luggage or items!
3. K EEP AWAY FROM THE YACHTS - IMPORTANT!
The less people that are disturbing the maintenance and cleaning staff, the quicker your yacht will be available.
This day is going to be long if you arrive in the morning. Have lunch, go to the beach and grab a beer.
4. S HOPPING
We recommend everyone to go to the big supermarket to stock up with food before heading out. The Yacht
Week staff will explain to you how to find it. Don't go shopping too early! Your food will get really hot and
there is nowhere to store it until your yacht is ready. Go to shopping 1 hour prior to boarding your boat. SHOP
as much as you can! (In terms of food you don't have to keep cold.).
It is also possible to order provisioning that is delivered to the boats. Let us know if you wish this service by
sending us an email at [email protected].
It is helpful to pre-order food and drinks in advance from the local providers, to make your arrival day easier.
Our preferred market is Bobby's Marketplace. You can find all the necessary information -- with PDF grocery
lists and an Excel order form -- to order food at this site: http://www.bobbysmarketplace.com
We recommend ordering food for five breakfasts, five lunches, one dinner, and many snacks and drinks. We
will have dinner arrangements at restaurants on different islands nearly every night. There will also be markets
on every island (including our starting island) for you to buy more food and drinks if you do not have enough,
so don't worry!
6. INFORMATION VIA SMS
More detailed information will be sent via SMS during the week. So, please, check your phones every day!
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
9
Arrival Information
THE ROUTE SUMMARY:
The British Virgin Islands are known as one of the best sailing destinations in the world, with beautiful beaches,
perfect waters, outstanding weather from November through April, generally consistent wind conditions, and
short distances between the islands. Our skippers will guide us along this route, but the itinerary and maps
below are included for everyone to explore.









March 5th - Roadtown Marina, Tortola - Welcome!
March 6th - Peter Island & The Baths - remarkable snorkeling and beaches among giant granite rock
formations
Make sure to bring your pirate outfit as Peter Island will be "Pirates Theme"
March 7th - Jost van Dyke - iconic home of famous Foxy's, Ivan's Stress Free Bar, and the Soggy
Dollar Bar
March 8th - Sandy Spit and Marina Cay - spectacular snorkeling and views around these classic
islands
March 9th - Anegada - one of the top beaches in the Caribbean on a stunning coral island
March 10th - Virgin Gorda – Bitter End Yacht Club during the day, party at SABA ROCK
March 11th - Norman Island - snorkeling among caves and home of the famous Willy T bar
March 12th - Tortola - return to our starting marina and depart the boats
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
10
Arrival Information
General Tips




Weather Forecast: 780 AM
VHF Channel 16 for emergencies
Sailing times depend on the wind. To estimate, calculate 4-6 knots (nautical miles per hour) on the
distances listed below.
Sunrise will be approximately 6:25am and sunset will be approximately 6:30pm.
PROVISIONS: As we sail and need more provisions, there are markets in most stopping points, but the best
places are Road Town (starting location), Virgin Gorda (Spanishtown and Bitter End), Trellis Bay (East End of
Tortola at Beef Island), and Sopers Hole (West End of Tortola).
DAY 1 (SATURDAY) – ROADTOWN MARINA, TORTOLA
The map below shows Roadtown Harbour. Our meeting place is at the Footloose marina at the north end of
the harbour. The map to the right is a zoomed in view of our marina at Wickhams Cay II.
Go to the Footloose office and ask for The Yacht Week Crew (Erik, Johan, William and Dave). You can leave
your luggage in the office during the day. After 5:30pm, our group will be gathering at the restaurant/bar at
the marina.
We access our boats at 6:00pm or earlier if available; this is the time to load your luggage into your cabin and
stock the food and drinks that you have ordered in advance to be delivered. As you get acclimated, you will get
a briefing and orientation about living on a boat.
Skippers get a briefing at 7:00pm (approximately - in island time this means sometime during that hour) to go
over the route and the sailing itinerary. All are welcome to join.
Upon arrival in the marina, all passengers must give a security deposit. The deposit is to cover any damage that
is caused during the week beyond normal wear and tear, as security for the yachting charter company. The
deposit will be handed back to you upon return (as long as you don’t destroy the boat).
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
11
Arrival Information
DAY 2 (SUNDAY) – ROAD TOWN TO PETER ISLAND (APPROX. 8 NAUTICAL MILES )
Sail east out of Roadtown and make a day stop at the Baths on the way to Peter Island. Pick a mooring at The
Baths, (GPS: 18º26.0 N 64º27.0 W). See the maps below for Virgin Gorda and a zoomed in section of the
Baths.
The Baths is an exotic granite boulder formation stretching for more than a mile along the coast. The large
pools between the boulders and the sunlight patterns between the rocks are a sight to see. As a national park,
you cannot anchor here. If the weather is slightly rough, the park service will fly a red flag and disallow
mooring.
At Peter Island we will have anchor up at the Great Harbour, where Moorings are reserved for us. We have a
dinner and party arrangment here, only for us!!!
Mooring is $20/boat, Dinner at 7.00PM is $35/person, and the bar has happy hour prices, we will have a
private DJ the whole night. Don’t miss this! Please let us know that your crew is attending! This evening will
also be MASQUERADE – and the theme for is Pirates.
DAY 3 (MONDAY) – FOXYS AT JOST VAN DYKE
Off we go to Jost Van Dyke! The population of this tiny island is about 200 people and they first attained
electricity in 1991
Head toward the south end of Jost van Dyke to Great Harbour (GPS: 18º26.0 N 64º45.0 W). Start the day if
you are early bird, at the bay West of Great Harbour and have coktails at Soggy Dollar Bar and Gertrudes, we
do recommend to get into Great Harbor in time since this place is popular. This Party has is well known
everywhere and has a very good reputation!!
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
12
Arrival Information
Our boats will find a space to anchor together near the east side of the bay and the shoreline.
The famous bar Foxy's is on the beach and has its own dinghy dock on the east side of the bay. We will spend
the evening there for dinner, drinks, and music.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
13
Arrival Information
DAY 4 (TUESDAY) – SANDY SPIT AND MARINA CAY
The British Virgin Islands are truly blessed to lay claim to an enchanting little island such as Sandy Spit! Girdled
by a picture perfect, 360° white sand beach, sailors and visitors from all over the world continue to enjoy sun
bathing, excellent snorkeling, picnics and exploring here. Sandy Spit lies immediately south of Green Cay and is
within spitting distance of Jost Van Dyke and Sandy Cay.
After a day of Snorkeling we head to Marina Cay, located north east of Tortola. We have dinner reservation at
730pm at the Pusser's for lunch or dinner. There are several moorings buoys available. There's a large menu
which includes seafood, Caribbean specialties as well as typical North American fare. You may also top up your
fresh water and ice at the same time!. Watch out for the shallow waters south of Marina Cay
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
14
Arrival Information
DAY 5 (WEDNESDAY) – ANEGADA
One of the top beaches in the Caribbean on a stunning coral island
After a few hours of sailing north Anegada will appear as a mirage on the ocean. At it’s highest this Islands
measures 8,5 meters although it’s the second largest in the whole BVI. Anegada was recently pointed out to
host one of the top beaches in the whole Caribbean - that’s where we are heading. The yachts will be moored
at buoys on the south side of the Island which is the only way to enter through the massive coral reef
surrounding the whole Island. At Loblolly bay we will organize an the best lunch party of your life! Lobster BBQ
combined with live Caribbean music just by the most amazing beach ever. Watch the waves break at the coral
reef while zipping on a Carib beer with your feet in the water.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
15
Arrival Information
DAY 6 (THURSDAY) – BITTER END YACHT CLUB, VIRGIN GORDA
Sail south to the north part of Virgin Gorda. On the way there you might want to go for a stop outside Necker
Island Sir Richard Branson’s private island. Around the corner in North Sound we will stay at anchor outside
Bitter End Yacht Club.
This is an exclusive resorts where a room is around $1000 per night at this time of the year. The North Sound is
an ideal place to relax, snorkel, hike ashore and enjoy other water sports.
Enjoy the day at this resort, cocktails at the bar, lounge chairs at the beach, snorkeling at the reef. We have
made arrangements to have access to the resort's private pool. You can take a modest hike to the top of the
hill with a great view of the sound and surrounding islands. To the North is Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson's
private island.
If you don't want to relax at the resort or snorkel, you can take a taxi to various parts of Virgin Gorda. Little Dix
Bay Hotel is a spectacular vista for a drink.
Our group will have a dinner reservation for a West Indian Barbecue, all you can eat buffet dinner on the
outdoor patio at 7:00pm. There will be a live band and great food, with all included for $40 per person. Please
confirm with Dave by noon if you wish to participate. If not, other good options are the pub at Bitter End or a
taxi to other restaurants on Virgin Gorda (we can make a recommendation). After that we take the dinghies to
Saba Rock for some drinks and party!
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
16
Arrival Information
DAY 7 (FRIDAY) – GRANDE FINALE AT WILLY T – NORMAN ISLAND
Wake up at your leisure. We have a modest day of sailing with excellent snorkeling opportunities today. We
will leave Roadtown mid-morning. Skippers who did not get a briefing on Saturday evening, can get a briefing
at 9:15am
Sail south out of Roadtown and stop at the "Pelican and Indians" snorkeling spot on the way to Norman
Island. Pick up a free national park day mooring and explore the reef between the islands. Do not sail between
the islands as the reef is very shallow.
Sail south to Norman Island, which is commonly cited as the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure
Island." The island is only 2 miles long, and the only residents are goats.
From the northeast side of Norman Island, sail into the Bight (map below). Anchor or moor on the south side
near the Willy T, a floating barge that is now a restaurant.
There is more excellent snorkeling at the caves and reefs offshore, especially at the southern and western point
of the Bight bay entrance. Ashore, you can hike from Pirates (a restaurant) to Spy Glass Hill for a 360 degree
view of the channel and surrounding islands.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
17
Arrival Information
We will have dinner reservation at Pirates along with Bushwhacker cocktails, followed by drinks and music at
the Willy T (this is a barge named after William Thornton, a self-taught architect who was born in the BVI and
won a contest to be the designer of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington).
Notes: Pirates can be reached on VHF Channels 16 and 69; phone: 284-496-7827
DAY 8 (SATURDAY) – THE JOURNEY HOME
We depart our anchorage early in the morning to get back to Roadtown Harbour. All charters end at noon at
which time the boat must be returned and ready for check-out. Pack what you can of your belongings the
night before so we can have a leisurely morning.
For those requiring an early departure from Tortola for a flight from Beef Island or ferry to St. Thomas, you can
depart the boat early in the morning from our overnight stop before setting sail. We will be 1.5h from Road
Town, so if you leave early arrange with your crew, or we may get one boat to depart earlier than the others.
Make sure to do the dishes before you leave the boat. Leave all blankets and towels in a big pile on the table +
fill the water tanks before you leave the boat.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
18
Arrival Information
SKIPPER INFORMATION
SKIPPER'S ADVICE FOR THE YACHT WEEK'S SKIPPERS
Here are some practical advices that you as a skipper might find valuable:
WARNING
Due to problems with boats paying loud music local authorities have decided to ban boats that make to
much noise from harbours.
This is because all the local authorities have told us : We love The Yacht Week, you are more than welcome
in the BVI’s, BUT if people play loud music in public harbors at night you will not be welcome back. So
please comply with these rules to ensure the locals are happy and we are welcome back!
YACHT DOCUMENT
The yacht documents are original document. This means that you will have big problem if they disappear. Do
not forget them at harbor offices! You probably won’t have to use them during the week so leave them inside
your chart table!
USE LOTS OF ANCHOR CHAIN
Bottom grip is not very good in the Caribbean. Use as much anchor chain as possible! Our recommendation is
to use a minimum of 3 x the depth. (Ex. 10 m deep = 30 m chain.) Always keep the engine running when you
maneuver the windlass.
DON'T BE LATE
March is high season in BVI and in many places you have to get in early if you want a spot in a marina or natural
bay. It's not possible to give an exact time when you need to arrive, but as a rule of thumb it's good to arrive
before 16.00.
CHECK WATER TANK LEVELS
Without water on board things will get complicated. Check the water levels on a regular basis. IF you run out of
water you have to turn OFF the fresh water pump, it will be damaged if run dry.
Give the crew some advice on how to keep the water consumption as low as possible.
TOILET PROBLEMS
IF someone puts paper in the toilet and it becomes clogged the charge is $150. This can happen on a party by
someone outside the crew...
DON'T LOSE THE DINGHY (TENDER BOAT)
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com
19
Arrival Information
In some marinas there will be loads of dinghies floating around. It's quite common that different boats mix up
or lose their dinghies.
TOWING YOUR DINGHY
Don't tow the tender with outboard engine mounted on, especially if it is 4-stroke engine (can be flipped and
sea water can drain engine).
L OST FENDERS AND EQUIPMENT
The most common reason why a crew might be charged by the yachting companies is due to lost equipment.
Keep an eye on your equipment and make sure that everyone on the yacht understands that a fender for
example might cost $50-150 depending on the size of the boat.
B E NICE TO THE ENGINE
Don't run the engine above the recommended RPM when you use it! Ask what the recommendation is for the
engine is when you are given your check-in walk through.
S OUND SYSTEM
Don't crash the speakers on the boat. Start the stereo with your crew and try what is a reasonable maximum
level on the stereo. As soon as you agree on a level (ex. Volume 26) it's easy to tell everyone to not exceed it.
M AST IS FOR SAILING - NOT PLAYING
Previous years there has been some personal and yacht damages due to people climbing and jumping from the
mast. IF you fall it can end pretty bad. Be careful with yourself and the boat.
C LOSE WINDOWS WHEN SAILING
If you forget ropes might get stuck on the deck and tear off the windows.
D ON ' T FORGET THE PAPERS / CABLES / HOSES :-)
When you leave a marina, remember to pick up your boat papers from the marina offices when you pay the bill
and to take back any electric cables or water hoses you might have on the pier/quay. Otherwise you have to go
back and pick them up.
R ED W INE - R ED D ECK
Be careful with the red wine since it can leave dark stains on the deck!
R EFUELING
No refueling is needed, this is taken care of by the Marina Staff.
The Yacht Week - 88 Peterborough Road - London, SW6 3HH - United Kingdom
M +442033937709 E [email protected] W www.theyachtweek.com