We are headed down at the end of the month for my 4th visit to the BVI in 4 years. We are chartering a 53’ monohull and 2 45’ cats. The crew on my boat want to sail a lot. Due to 7’+ draft and experience last time we plan to skip Anegada this trip. Last time it was all churned up and while the island is amazing I want to explore more north of Tortola and around JVD.

Question for the hive mind - has anyone gone around the islands twice in 8 days? We sleep aboard Friday night and depending on wind, plan to ease into it spending day 1 at Norman/Cooper, then day 2 up to the Baths and dinner at Coco Maya. Then over to Guana Island or Dogs for snorkeling and on to Diamond Key for the night Monday. Then plan to sail around JVD, over to Great Tobago (is this worth it?) and Tues evening in Great Harbor. Wednesday sail down around Tortola to Norman / the Indians. Thursday up to BEYC and Saba - this will likely be beating into the wind. Friday over to Marina Cay for lunch, then back to JVD again for the night - visit Soggy and Hendos and Bubbly pool. Sat am sail down to the Indians (2nd time if it’s good) and evening at Norman or Cooper / Willy Ts. Back to base last day. We may not be able to do it in this order, but these are the places we’d like to visit. We are familiar with boatyball and fine anchoring if we get in later due to more sailing & longer distances.

I know it’s a lot, but the distances are short and we are looking to sail more vs. bar hopping and exploring. Thoughts? Advice?

Thanks!

Why not? Its your holiday.

I'm not sure I have an answer but your group's collective enthusiasm for sailing is making me a little jealous.

I do stuff like your route now and then. No reason not to do that. I would add however there is also no reason not to go to Anegada with a 7 foot draft. You will need to anchor east of the mooring field but the holding is excellent. I think the cruising guide has specific advice.

Yes, however our reasons for not going are due to different crew desires this trip. Last year we spent 2 days there and while it is wonderful the snorkeling was disappointing. We haven’t spent any time at the Dogs, Monkey Pt or the back side of Tortola. My thought is if we find a great spot we can hit it on the 2nd loop again.

Depends on wind of course but your 53 mono should sail fast and well. Not sure about the cat.

We had a 52 Jeanneau named Reef Song prior to that witch ( would rather use another word ) Irma, and she sailed real fast under the right conditions.

Should be no problem doing the route twice if you want to .

Have so much fun ❤️

We will be land based in VG for the month of May after some galavanting in Europe for the the month of April . Miss the sailing…

Thanks for your replies. Has anyone here sailed the Dufour 53’ - Steel Away?

I admire your energy and enthusiasm, but it sounds a bit frenzied. The only advice I have is . . . get very early starts (let everyone except you and the first mate sleep), and don't assume you can just throw out a hook if there are no balls left in the afternoon - I learned that the hard way. Good luck, and please post a trip review.