This may result in 100 new moorings -- who will administer them and the whole plan has yet to be determined

But perhaps it will result in a good step in the direction of the marine industry

[i][With over 200 new vessels registered by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, the installation of additional moorings across the U.S. Virgin Islands has become paramount to sustaining the demand for transient vessels.

At Thursday’s Senate session, the Legislature ratified a minor Coastal Zone Management permit issued to Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, Inc. for the installation of 100 helix-type anchored moorings, to be affixed to the seafloor.

The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association, a non-profit, was awarded a $562,000 grant from the Economic Development Authority, matched with over $308,000 raised locally, to install the moorings.

Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association executive director Oriel Blake said the new moorings will be installed primarily in St. Thomas, while the remaining moorings would be evenly distributed between St. Croix and St. John. The exact locations will be determined after public hearings are held, Blake said.

“I’m glad that we are trying to put some moorings, because at this time so many boats have come to our shores and quite sure a lot of our corals are being destroyed at this time,” Sen. Franklin Johnson said. “People are anchoring just about any and everywhere.”

The moorings will not only reduce anchorage, Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said, but could provide a boost to tourism in the territory.

“The moorings will boost the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism industry and are expected to create or retain numerous jobs in routine surveillance, management and regular maintenance, as well as provide additional options for Virgin Islanders interested in a career in the marine industry,” Boschulte said.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift to the marine industry, and Boschulte said the U.S. Virgin Islands became the destination of choice for the boating community.

“With airports and seaports closing across the Caribbean and restrictions and quarantine rules tightening, mariners were seeking a safe haven. Particularly ahead of the hurricane season,” Boschulte said./i]

We had planned to take a snorkeling excursion out of GCBC. but it didn't happen, so we stayed a Grand Case Beach - and just stayed on the beach most of the day. Since the snorkeling trip fell through, I walked down to the south - west end of the beach and did some causal snorkeling as I swam back up towards Bleu Emeraude. Saw lots of fish ,and even a lobster, though it is a tough swim because it is not clear where you can get out of the sea and onto the beach without hitting coral or rocks - though it is pretty clear near Bleu Emeraude. We tried to go to Olympia for Pizza, but got there before 6 and waited a little while, then went to Cynthia's Talk of the Town. The snapper was quite good, and so was my wife's grilled chicken salad, and she also liked their BBC. As usual, the prices are extremely inexpensive, and generous servings. Thought I took a photo of Olympia, but is not on the phone. Decided to add some photos from earlier this week, Grand Case Beach looking north east from the far south - west end, Mullet while sitting at Rosies, View of the sun and the "dragon" from Oceans 82, and finally Orient Village from last night.

Our 07/2020 10 day trip that we postponed to a 10 day trip for 07/2021 has now morphed into a 14 day trip to accommodate the likely quarantine days. My son says about the quarantine "Definitely worst ways of quarantining than a secluded beach with alcohol". To me about the only thing good I can say about COVID is that it has given us an excuse to spend more days in the BVI.

With some great assistance over the phone from a Delta agent we were able to move our return flights 3 days, retain our first class seats, and not have to "spend" any more miles to do so. We're flying into St. Thomas figuring that we have options if the ferries aren't running. There are 5 of us so a charter flight is a possibility or we can do the water taxi hybrid thing with Dolphin Water Taxi.

My passport expires about 5½ months after my return date from SXM. I would greatly prefer to renew my passport after I return rather than before I leave. The information I've been able to find is: American - passport must be valid for six months after I ENTER a country (it is); travel.state.gov - valid for duration of stay. Does anyone have any knowledge to the contrary that would say I must renew passport before departure? Please don't respond if you are going to suggest I do it now to be on the safe side. I am looking for FACTS that I may not have discovered.

Thanks.

Arrived in STT a few minutes ago. Airport very organized and ready for arrivals. From brakes set on aircraft to Caribe in hand at airport bar 10 minutes. We were the first flight in but still very well set up. Hope the BVI can do something similar soon!

Shopping at the marketplace in Marigot. Bought a table runner from the French lady. She had a limited stock and said did not expect more until May. Bought a handmade bracelet watch

Asked around the Lolo’s if Rosemary’s place was still operational but we only found a padlocked place. Years ago went there because it was my namesake. Had great snapper there every year except this one.

Stopped at a place across from ferry to have a refreshing drink and discuss where we’d have. lunch. Hubby wanted BeCool again and I wanted a place in the middle of town or Oplongoir across from yacht club. Tropicana won. I dislike that Marina now that it is in ruins Lunch was light and forgettable. Perhaps since their chef left to open his own place Be Cool across the way, it,s not the same.

Dinner with our neighbors in unit 10. Delightful conversation then off to bed. An early night.

I imagine to some my reports are boring. This visit so far has been totally different from years past. Even my usual focus on food has waned. But watching waves undulating and relaxing at BSV remain the same.

We are not savvy fliers so we would appreciate feedback. What are the pros and cons of buying one way tickets. The reason for asking is our departure date of 1/22/22 just came up and we can get tickets for under $200.00. We are staying five weeks next year, we didn’t go this year, so will have to wait a month for the return date to come up. AA if that makes a difference. We also figure the free seat selection would be better at this time.Thank you in advance.

We stayed at Grand Case beach for the day. The apartment includes beach chairs and umbrellas, and we did a fair amount of swimming and walking up and down the beach, and collecting sea glass. For dinner , we thought about Al Dente , but were concerned about dining inside. We went by the restaurant, and did not see outdoor dining, and no open windows in front, so we headed to Orient Village. As others here have said, it is pretty well laid out - all the restaurants are next to each other, and the times we were there, parking was easy , though neither night was crowded. Tonight, there were probably 50 diners by the time we left around 7:30. We ate at Cote Plages - we were the only couple when we arrived, one other came as we were finishing up. My wife loved the Cosmo and admitted that she bambozzled me for entrees. I was torn between the shrimp scallops risotto dish, and the veal milanesse and was going to ask the waitress for a suggestion. My wife said she would get the shrimp, scallops and risotto, I should get the veal and we would share. No surprise, the veal was okay, the risotto was perfect, as was the shrimp and scallops. Our waitress was delightful. When my wife asked to box up the goat cheese salad, not only did she agree to do so, she said she would put in the fridge to keep it fresh while we ate the main course . Both main courses went in boxes as well, the portions were pretty generous. When we were ready to go she brought out a bottle of strawberry rum and another of mango rum with small glasses for us. Very nice touch, and both were excellent. The server wore a mask - it is plastic and goes from the chin up - I guess to make it easier for her to be heard. The rest of the staff there, and at most of the places in the village, appeared to be wearing masks. Did not see any on the crowd going in or out or dining wearing masks, but most of the seating is really so open air, I didn't see it as an issue. Thanks again for those who have posted about the Village in the past and its dining options. The last few years, we stayed in Grand Case and never went to the Village for dinner, this year, we went twice.

Any of you know of any crewed charter catamarans in Tahiti? Just 2 couples

Does any one have any recommendations for a crewed catamaran in Tahiti. Looking for appro 54'