One of the best spots in the world to hoist a mainsail and enjoy the freedom that only a sailing boat can bring are the British Virgin Islands at the northern tip of the Caribbean.
The problem has always been getting there!
Only a fool flies from Europe through the USA. Their lack of the “In Transit Passenger” concept makes flights through Miami a nightmare.
Flying from the UK using British Airways or Virgin Atlantic entails lengthy connection delays in Antigua
Air France and KLM offer flights through St Maarten but transit onwards can be just as difficult.
That might all change now that the BVI Tourist Board have announced the beginning of a twice weekly charter service linking Beef Island Airport in the BVI with VC Bird Airport in Antigua
The flight will launch on November 1st 2014.
Operated using small 12 passenger aircraft by Virgin Islands Airlink the 55 minute flight will connect with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways flights to and from London Gatwick on Saturdays and Sundays getting passengers into Beef Island in time for dinner at their hotel.
Passengers returning to the UK will no longer have to depart their hotel in the early hours of the morning but will get to take breakfast and lunch before heading back to Beef Island airport for the flight to Antigua.
Passengers will be met after immigration and escorted through the baggage hall, customs and security to their departure lounge or waiting plane.
Virgin Atlantic passengers may have to wait for any arrivals on British Airways and on the return journey, British Airways passengers will have time in Antigua airport to peruse the airport shop.
Either which way the 8 hour stay over in Antigua might become a thing of the past!
The fares including taxes start at £249 per person for the round trip.