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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: StormJib]
#116213
01/05/2017 09:53 AM
01/05/2017 09:53 AM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62 TN USA
IslandGator
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62
TN USA
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1. Follow the navigation instruments, but USE your head. 2. Check your swells & weather data often https://www.windguru.cz/58 3. Sailors don't have itineraries, we have intentions. 3b. Don't hesitate missing an anchorage or activity due to weather. Safety & Comfort is paramount (to me). 4. Keep your head on a swivel for both situational awareness and the beauty of it ALL. I treat every BVI trip as if were my last and savor every day, regardless of any headaches you encounter. Just take it slow...
~Eric
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: CaptainCarts]
#116215
01/05/2017 10:49 AM
01/05/2017 10:49 AM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318 MD, USA
Dirichlet
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
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There are a ton of things I could add, but I'd say; - take it slow when docking/mooring. Things aren't going to get broken if you're doing 1mph. - establish the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of your crew and communicate them well before you've even departed for the islands. - hydrate - hydrate some more - if wind, weather, waves, or hangovers prevent you from getting somewhere on your intentions list don't worry - you'll be back Fair winds! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by Dirichlet; 01/05/2017 10:50 AM.
... DIF all the time...
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: charlie]
#116217
01/05/2017 11:04 AM
01/05/2017 11:04 AM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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If you use a credit card, check the receipt to see if a service charge was added....
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: Manpot]
#116220
01/05/2017 12:18 PM
01/05/2017 12:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832
Central Florida!
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Mal--Since, as you say, there IS no tax in the BVI, there is no reason to ask the server, unless you just HOPE that they might fess up and tell the truth. If there is something on a bill that says "tax", then assume that it is the service charge and leave nothing else. We always tip 20% or so anyway, so if a restaurant automatically adds 15%, that's fine, that's all we leave. I understand that the servers get hurt in that process, but since as you say, many or most of them will lie about it and deny it's s/c, I don't have a lot of sympathy for them.
Carol Hill
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: JustBS]
#116223
01/05/2017 02:54 PM
01/05/2017 02:54 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100 Maryland
Twanger
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,100
Maryland
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JustBS said: ... pack half the clothes and twice the cash. ^^^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^^ Plus don't sweat the small stuff. Island time can be frustrating to Type-A folk.
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: Kirk]
#116224
01/05/2017 05:04 PM
01/05/2017 05:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48 NYC
stephenr
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
NYC
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Hi there folks and thanks for all the great advice. My wife and i come for our first BVI trip in <3 weeks. we are so excited and thankful for this group and all the great advice!
Regarding provisioning, we have placed an order at Riteway for delivery. However, we want to stock up on a few fresh items the day before. Can anyone recommend the best health food store for my bride and for me a great bakery? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Steve
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: stephenr]
#116225
01/05/2017 05:09 PM
01/05/2017 05:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48 NYC
stephenr
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
NYC
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hey folks, one other question about dingy travel... what do people do with life vests worn aboard the dingy to shore on you are ashore... or do all you safe experienced sailors leave the life vests aboard the bigger boat?
Steve
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: stephenr]
#116226
01/05/2017 05:12 PM
01/05/2017 05:12 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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stephenr said: hey folks, one other question about dingy travel... what do people do with life vests worn aboard the dingy to shore on you are ashore... or do all you safe experienced sailors leave the life vests aboard the bigger boat? The only time I've seen life jackets used is for floating on. If somebody wanted to use them, I'd just thread the dinghy cable lock through them when I lock it up...just to make sure they're still there when you go back.
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: Kirk]
#116227
01/05/2017 05:24 PM
01/05/2017 05:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48 NYC
stephenr
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
NYC
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Thanks Kirk. That is what i expected to hear. I'm a safety nut and my bride is not so sure of herself in the water... better safe than sorry is my approach. We have expensive inflatable vests (Deckvest Lite - highly recommended) but i may leave those aboard and use the basic vests for these trips ashore and lock them as you suggested...
Steve
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: stephenr]
#116229
01/05/2017 07:41 PM
01/05/2017 07:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,048 Buffalo, NY
LauraTheTshirtGal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,048
Buffalo, NY
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stephenr said: Thanks Kirk. That is what i expected to hear. I'm a safety nut and my bride is not so sure of herself in the water... better safe than sorry is my approach. We have expensive inflatable vests (Deckvest Lite - highly recommended) but i may leave those aboard and use the basic vests for these trips ashore and lock them as you suggested... ooh yeah do not leave anything evenly remotely valuable in a dinghy, crappy orange life vest (or whatever) that comes with the boat is perfect. and honestly more people should wear them especially dinghying at night, it's dark and can be choppy and often alcohol involved, it's actually very smart move! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: SoggyDollarScott]
#116232
01/06/2017 12:39 AM
01/06/2017 12:39 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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One of the best tips I've learned, and I got it here from someone else, is that things always go better if deal with locals like they are going to become a friend. Taking a genuine interest in your waitress or a customs official or whoever usually leads to very nice experiences. Go in focused only on the task at hand and in a rush (type A or NYC attitude and representing the ugly American) and you might very well find the true meaning of the term "Island Time". Starting with a nice "hello, how are you today" goes a lot further than "hey, we want to order...". I've gone places years later and somehow they still remember me - when in Rome!
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: beerMe]
#116236
01/06/2017 09:28 AM
01/06/2017 09:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021 New Hampshire
map
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,021
New Hampshire
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beerMe.....I could not agree with you more and besides telling newbies to bring less clothes and more cash I always mention this to them. Being courteous goes a long way! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />Very good point indeed!
~As you navigate through life, take time to play in the waves~
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: map]
#116237
01/06/2017 10:36 AM
01/06/2017 10:36 AM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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Warn the ladies about dancing man at Foxys. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: Call_me_Ishmael]
#116241
01/06/2017 01:13 PM
01/06/2017 01:13 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
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The streets aren't littered with gold and jewels so lift your head UP and greet every person you meet. Don't worry, it's only tourists that will avert their eyes from you and mumble something as they scurry away.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
#116242
01/06/2017 02:13 PM
01/06/2017 02:13 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 316 UK
Jakehound
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 316
UK
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Agree with beerMe regarding nice manners with local people. Before noon: "Good morning". After midday and before sundown: "Good afternoon". When it's dark: "Good night" (NOTE this is a greeting, not a farewell). Then make your request/ask a question. Please and thank you always goes down well.
One other important piece of advice...avoid beachwear anywhere other than the beach: no bare chests or bikini bottoms walking along the street, please just cover up!
Woof woof!
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: Jakehound]
#116243
01/06/2017 03:04 PM
01/06/2017 03:04 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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Jakehound said: Agree with beerMe regarding nice manners with local people. Before noon: "Good morning". After midday and before sundown: "Good afternoon". When it's dark: "Good night" (NOTE this is a greeting, not a farewell). Then make your request/ask a question. Please and thank you always goes down well.
One other important piece of advice...avoid beachwear anywhere other than the beach: no bare chests or bikini bottoms walking along the street, please just cover up! I saw a (promo?) picture of the shops at the new cruise ship pier maybe yesterday....there's a woman in a thong doing her shopping. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: Kirk]
#116244
01/06/2017 03:42 PM
01/06/2017 03:42 PM
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350 Ottawa, Canada
UncleLuff
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 350
Ottawa, Canada
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I am not much removed from a newbie but one of the things that we did regarding provisioning is ordered all the heavy bulk stuff through moorings and had that all onboard and in the fridge chilling. this included: - gallons of drinking water - pop - beer! - boxed stuff (chips, crackers), etc
We then went to Rite way for the perishables and meat. This saved us a ton of energy and hassle getting the heavy stuff on board.
This year, I think we will get everything through Moorings. After a hectic day of travel, just too much stress to go shopping in the evening. Also ensuring that everything is on the boat and ready to go is worth the extra cost (if there is any..)
Also, buy lots of water in Rd Town. If you run out it is much more expensive every where else it seems. One more thing, my wife is a fanatic for cucumbers in sandwiches and there was not a cucumber to be found after leaving Rd Town until Soper's Hole! (you can file that under nice to know and not mission critical <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />)
Last edited by UncleLuff; 01/06/2017 04:13 PM.
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Re: If you could give one piece of advice to a newbie
[Re: cobradvm]
#116247
01/06/2017 09:56 PM
01/06/2017 09:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 22
trawler_kid
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 22
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Best advice for a relaxing trip:
If there are north swells up (which there invariably are in the wintertime) find anchorages which are protected. Note that north swells have nothing to do with wind or weather. They come from thousands of miles away and can be severe even with 10 kt winds and 85 degree and sunny days.
In the BVI, best winter anchorages are Little Harbour, JVD, Sprat Bay Peter Island (3 moorings and a marina), The entire North Sound, Norman Island the Bight, Trellis Bay.
Anchor/Moor overnight in White Bay JVD, Cane Garden Bay,Great Harbour JVD, Caneel in the USVI and you will have a cranky crew in the morning.
You can work around this by doing Cane during the day and running over to Little Harbour at night for example, or White Bay and then going to LH at night. But study the geometry of the anchorages and remember to not be afraid to change your plan based on conditions.
-P
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