We returned last week from another outstanding trip. My wife and I have been many times. This year we had all newbies to the BVI (one couple sailed with us in the Grenadines a few years back). We had 6 couples aboard a brand new 52' Lagoon- Malcoha (engines only had 160 hours on them) with Dream Yacht Charters.

We flew into St. Thomas on 2/8 and chartered a 9 seater and 5 seater to EIS with Island Birds. We have used several charter outfits over the years and Island Birds is by far the most punctual, organized, and efficient carrier we have used.

We provisioned with Tico's and Caribbean Cellars. We had a van from Bobby's pick up 3 of the crew at EIS, take them to Roadtown to grocery shop and then bring them back to the Scrub Island ferry dock.

2/9. We made the 2 minute trip and grabbed a ball at Marina Cay. Right after we moored, I witnessed my first man overboard. A 38' monohull bareboat charter with a man and woman were attempting to grab a ball in front of us. The woman dropped the boat hook in the water, and the man proceeded to jump in after it. Little did he know there was a 2-3 knot current so he was unable to get back to his boat. His wife was not comfortable or confident operating the boat and nearly ended up on the reef and crossed in front of another cat attempting to hook up to a ball on 3 different occasions. She somehow also managed to flip the dinghy they were towing, with the motor attached, so that was floating upside down. We sent out a dinghy to help, but the man was able to swim to a boat that was mooored. Thankfully a crew off a large sailing yacht was going by in a dinghy and rescued the woman/took control of the boat. He helped them moor, flip the dinghy, etc... It was quite the excitement for ~15 minutes. We snorkeled Diamond Reef, which was outstanding and went to Trellis for the Full moon party. Trellis is still trying to come back from its pre-Irma days but there were a lot of people having fun at the full moon party.

2/10. Sailed to Anegada. Rented a truck with benches in the back from Dean. Snorkeled at Flash of Beauty and had the best conch fritters and Roti's of the trip there. Visited Anegada Beach Club to watch the kite surfers and finished the afternoon at Cow Wreck. Had an awesome dinner at Wonky Dog. Due to some high winds the day before Peter's temporary roof was ruined upstairs on the deck so we ate downstairs. Little did we know Anegada was having the "half moon party" that night so the Lobster Trap and Potter's were quite the dance parties!

2/11. Sailed to Leverick. Nature Tour on Necker was cancelled with Gumption due to high swells. Had lunch at Hog Heaven and enjoyed Michael Beans show. Was surprised how few tables were reserved for the show compared to past years. Lots of boats in the area, just not a lot of folks at his show.

2/12. Sailed to Great Harbor, JVD. Heard a very panicked May Day call come through. A woman was single handed sailing and her mast broke. It crushed her steering and disabled her engine. There were 2 vessels that were in visual sight of her that were assisting. The USCG said they would be on scene in 20 minutes. Not sure how it turned out, but hope it was a positive outcome for all involved. We dinghied to White Bay and enjoyed Soggy Dollar and Hendo's. We pre-booked massages for the women on the floating massage boat (Ocean Spa). They all loved it. Had a drink at Ivan's before heading back to Great Harbor. Not sure I've ever seen White Bay with more boats packed in.

2/13. Went to Foxy's mid morning and headed to Cane Garden Bay. Snorkeled the reef and the sunken barge- both were surprisingly good. Toured the Callwood Rum Distillery. Was shocked at how much they have cleaned up around there. Tour buses for cruise ship passengers can now drive down that road. They set up a hut outside where they sell products and offer samples. They now offer "tours" as well instead of just the samplings. Watched Quito play acoustic for happy hour and had a great variety of appetizers, food and happy hour drinks. Ended the night with a dance party at Paradise Club.

2/14. Sailed down to the Indians. Fantastic snorkeling. Moored in the Bight. Snorkeled the caves, Treasure Point, and Kelly's Cove- all were excellent. Enjoyed the Willy-T and had quite the squall/lighting storm blow through while we were there (nothing like sitting on a metal boat watching!).

2/15. Sailed to the Baths. There was a National Park boat that was patrolling the waters the entire time we were there. Sailed to Marina Cay to re-fuel since the man operating the fuel station is not reliable (did not want to be stuck waiting for him on Sunday morning). They had diesel, but no gas for the dinghy cans (DYC understood). Sailed to Cooper. Cistern Point for snorkeling- that never disappoints, however, the current was pretty intense. Saw some huge turtles and rays below the boat, eating the sea grass. Great happy hour drinks at the Beach Club. A very large ferry pulled up and dropped off a large group of locals for a Trefle fashion show. The rum bar was closed for the private party for 1 hour, and after that we were able to enjoy the DJ and watch the fashion show for a bit. The outfits were beautiful and awesome! Make sure you tie the mooring pennant line directly to a cleat and run another line through the mooring ball eye, otherwise you will have the ball bang on your hull all night long!

2/16. Sailed back to Scrub. Had the DYC workers dock the boat for us. There was less than 1 foot of play at the bow/stern in the area we docked (in front of another cat and adjacent to a finger on the pier in front of us). It was unbelievable watching the man work the boat and the 5 workers on the pier guide it in. There was a gallery of 20+ people that stopped what they were doing to watch and cheer. Had lunch at Trellis and then 2 Island Birds planes to San Juan for the flight home.

Great weather (with the usual squall every now and then), nice winds, and seas that didn't get any bigger than 6-8' with an occasional 9-10'.