Sail the U.S. and British Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands are comprised of more than 60 islands and islets at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Rich in pirate folklore, and made famous by the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, the area offers some of the best sailing to be found anywhere in the world. The smaller islands, many perfect for daytime snorkeling trips as well as overnight stays, add to the mix of tropical delights, where you can be as relaxed or as active as you like.

After slipping away from your dock, you will be perfectly positioned to cruise the protected waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel, a true gateway to Paradise. You will be transported to a place where tranquil turquoise waters lap lightly against the hull of your yacht while giant schools of tropical fish dart just below the surface. Everywhere are white-sand beaches fringed with the sway of palm trees and picturesque ramshackle beach bars. Some islands remain uninhabited and wait to be explored.

Crystal clear waters, picture-perfect beaches, scenic anchorages and well-equipped marinas make the Virgin Islands an ideal sailing destination. Easy island hops, consistent trade winds, line-of-sight navigation and numerous safe anchorages and mooring fields make this a dream vacation.

There are almost endless possibilities for itineraries in the BVI’s. Here is a typical 7 day agenda which you will quickly wish had been 14 days:

• Day 1 – Tortola to Dead Man’s Bay, Peter Island
  • Slip over to Dead Man’s Bay for a short hop to start your trip and anchor in 25 feet of water off the beautiful Peter Island Beach Resort.
• Day 2 – Peter Island to White Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
  • Enjoy a nice long sail to one of the most postcard-perfect beaches in the BVI’s known as White Bay on the western end of Jost Van Dyke. Swim or dinghy in to the Soggy Dollar Bar and enjoy a Pusser’s Painkiller or grab the local bus over the hill to explore Great Harbour.
• Day 3 – Jost Van Dyke to Anagada
  • A couple hours of sailing to Anagada will be like a step back in time. The island boasts the second largest reef in the world and is only 14 feet high. Rent a motorbike and explore the island or rent scuba equipment and dive the Atlantic reef.
• Day 4 – Anagada to Bitter End, Virgin Gorda
  • A lovely sail to Virgin Gorda will land you in a beautiful and huge sound where you slide into The anchorages of The Bitter End Yacht Club. Enjoy dinner in a selection of restaurants from Saba Rock to The Bitter End to smaller local restaurants. Rent a sailing dinghy and enjoy the consistent breezes of the Trade Wind channeling through the mountains.
• Day 5 – Virgin Gorda to Manchioneel Bay, Cooper Island
  • Sail downwind and then on a nice reach until you arrive at the overhanging vegetation of Manchioneel Bay on Cooper Island. Be sure to stop in at The Baths on the way and take in the wonder of house-sized boulders while swimming and wading among them.
• Day 6 – Cooper Island to The Bight, Norman Island 
  • Cruise on to the historical Norman Island and take in the caves reputed to be the source of the “Treasure Island” fame. Take your pick between the family-friendly Pirate Bight’s Bar and the Willy Thornton Floating bar and restaurant known for it’s frolicking debauchery (especially on Sunday nights!).
• Day 7 – Norman Island to Tortola
  • Tack your way back across Sir Francis Drake Channel towards your home port while planning your next trip!