TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Report from Red Hook-Based Sailing School

Fair Wind Sailing School sent this email today (sounds as if it likely came from a US-based person):

It is with profound sadness that we send this update on the impacts of Hurricane Irma in the USVI and BVI.  Both areas suffered devastating damage as the eye of hurricane, at its maximum strength, went of [sic] Virgin Gorda, Tortola, JVD and the USVI.

Power, water and communications are down across all the islands, with St John and JVD virtually isolated.  As we hear of rescue efforts and opportunities to help, we will send updates.  For now, please keep everyone in the VI, as well as the Leeward Islands, in your prayers.

Here is an update to some of your favorite sailing ports of call:

Red Hook -- All power, comms and water is still down but most buildings came through the storm in relatively good shape.

St John- Cruz Bay is very heavily damaged.  On Coral Bay, Skinny Legs survived but is damaged and not operational.

JVD -- Most places decimated,  Ivans, Soggy Dollar, Corsairs and establishments in Little Harbor badly damaged.  Foxxy's is heavily damaged but still has limited operations.

Cane Garden Bay, BEYC, Nanny Cay -- Almost completely destroyed

Marina Cay -- Very Badly damaged

Sopers Hole/West End -- Extreme damage, Pusser's is gone

As it should be, everyone's emphasis is currently on humanitarian efforts and not assessing property damage.

Our vessels were in Nanny Cay for the storm.  As there is still no wi-fi, cell service, landline phones or power there, it is impossible to get an update. We do know that Nanny Cay suffered catastrophic damage.  We remain cautiously optimistic. 

We will keep you all updated as we get more information.

Nanny Cay drone video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keCJwQsKBh0&feature=youtu.be