Sarah Fraser, Charter Broker at at Dubois Yachts explains why the BVI is her favourite place to charter“For fabulous sailing and beautiful sandy beaches, nothing beats the beautiful, protected National Park of the British Virgin Islands. Dotted with hundreds of anchorages to visit and spectacular dive sites for beginners to advanced, there is something for all ages.
It is easy to get away from it all and anchor off a deserted island or join in with the razzmatazz of the many lively bars and restaurants such as the Soggy Dollar Bar, The Willie T (a floating bar off Norman Island), The Bitter End Yacht Club or Foxy’s on Jost van Dyke, the highlight being New Year’s Eve where you have to book weeks in advance!
Anagada is a must – this stunning, low lying (28’ is the highest point) coral island, 11 miles long by 3 miles wide has a population of just 200. The sparkling white-sand beaches on the north of the island are protected by the Eastern Caribbean’s third largest continuous reef. Anagada is famous for its lobsters, freshly pulled from the adjacent reefs and it doesn’t get more like Robinson Crusoe than Cow Wreck Beach.
Wildlife abounds in this National Park and it wouldn’t be a surprise to find yourself swimming with turtles and dolphins. The Baths are my personal highpoint. These are exotic pools and grottos formed by giant boulders strewn across sand beaches. Hours of fun to be had snorkelling and exploring the huge crevasses.To take full advantage of these islands, I would recommend 9 or 10 days onboard giving you time to unwind into the relaxed Caribbean way of life. The BVIs are friendly islands and you are made to feel welcome wherever you go.
Getting there from Europe takes a day and going home involves an overnight flight. Beef Island airport can only take small island hoppers so transfers are usually through Antigua or St Marten.
You can visit the British Virgin Islands aboard 45m fast cruising sloop Salperton at €145,000pw
Contact: Sarah Fraser, Charter Broker at Dubois Yachts Ltd