Marina Cay Mooring Field

Our charter begins in two weeks and I am wondering about the condition and availability of mooring balls at Marina Cay. I realize that Marina Cay was badly damaged, and does not show as "open". Just interested in the availability of mooring balls there. Anyone have some recent experience? Thank you.

There are balls there. In February a ball broke free. Would be prudent to back down on the ball to test it. Your charter company briefing should cover this. If not, just ask.

From Pussers Marina Cay Facebook 'Messenger' last week:

"The Moorings were visually inspected in early-mid December. A couple of the balls themselves, and a couple pendants are in need of replacement, but the ground tackle is in good shape. By the time you get here in June all should be in A1 order, but contact me before you come and I will be happy to give you an update on everything here on the Cay."

I've also inquired with Scrub about a TTOL slip discount and waiting to hear back.

We had a boat break off a Marina Cay mooring and it was damaged when it hit another boat. The moorings are suspect and need a visual inspection before you trust them.

All very helpful information. So my remaining questions are whether backing down and inspecting a ball would be sufficient to sleep well and whether all the balls are taken by early afternoon as they normally would be pre-Irma. Without a TTOL discount the slip rate of $3/foot at Scrub is pretty steep, especially considering they didn't have power on the docks the last I heard.

It’s probably prudent to inspect and back down on all mooring balls.

We were down a week ago and opted against going to Marina Cay because of the current not great conditions. While always prudent to inspect mooring balls, we also always use the app anchor watch whether we're on the hook or on a ball. Highly recommend it.

Did you hear anything back from Scrub Island Resort regarding TTOL discount?

Which specific anchor app do use, there are quite a few out there.

Quick question on this. Seems an easy dinghy ride from Marina Cay over to Diamond Reef and then over to Scrub. Should I have any concerns loading up the kids and taking that trip? I know from experience the current can really rip between Marina Cay and Trellis, but that's a wider cut. Are there buoys to tie up to for snorkeling on Diamond Reef? And is Scrub generally accepting of a group rolling up in the dinghy for the afternoon to use the pool and buy over-priced drinks and appetizers? Thanks!

I use Drag Queen for my anchoring app.

No problem to dinghy with 4-6 persons from Marina Cay to Diamond Reef. There are moorings. From there to Scrub is straightforward. It will be obvious to perhaps avoid the trip if it's blowing 30+ kts.

I use Drag Queen for my anchoring app.

No problem to dinghy with 4-6 persons from Marina Cay to Diamond Reef. There are moorings. From there to Scrub is straightforward. It will be obvious to perhaps avoid the trip if it's blowing 30+ kts.

Is there still a dinghy mooring for Diamond Reef? One of our fave spots....

It’s a great snorkel spot. Be very careful however because boats blast through that area at high speed. I follow along in the dinghy as a blocker if I have children in the water there.
G

Diamond Reef Lat/Long here yes?

https://goo.gl/maps/mANVUYV4G9U2

Today there were both the dinghy line and day charter moorings. Took photos but can’t figure out how to post them from my phone.

Some people also get permission to use the private dock, which should be repaired in the next couple months.

That appears to be it, yes. Here is another link, courtesy of BVI Dive Map, hopefully it will post properly. http://bvi-dive-map.com/

EDIT: The link didn't post the way I hoped, but if you click on the red 2 in between Great Camanoe and Scrub, you'll see it.

Had a very tasty if expensive dinner at Scrub last night.

Just back from lunch at MC. They are hard at work, may add dinner soon if traffic warrants, and hope to have gas next week. Paul and Cindy are back on island.

Great news!

MC has been attracting a good crowd and staying open for dinner. Tyrone is the chef and de facto manager and is producing some excellent dishes.

Is water available at Marina Cay dock?

Fifteen boats at MC tonight.

From Facebook messenger chat in April:

Have the moorings in your field been inspected after Irma for safety? Thanks!
APR 8TH, 6:54AM

Them:
Hi Brian,
The Moorings were visually inspected in early-mid December. A couple of the balls themselves, and a couple pendants are in need of replacement, but the ground tackle is in good shape. By the time you get here in June all should be in A1 order, but contact me before you come and I will be happy to give you an update on everything here on the Cay.

Me:
Outstanding thanks!

Them:
We are working to have a beach bar set up soon as well, hopefully by the time you arrive. At this point, the BVI Dept. of Environmental Health has asked us to restrict island access to only essential personnel until construction in the public areas is completed. I will let you know how that is going as well!

Me:
Ok thanks for the update. Ok if I post this info on TTOL?
Others have asked about mooring condition etc...

Them:
Sure, but let me get up with Rusty, the diver at the Mooring company, tomorrow so I can get back to you with the exact info on where everything stands. I know he's busy, and I've not been in contact with him since early Jan.

Me:
Ok sounds good thanks

Me:
8:53AM 05/09
Have the moorings been inspected? Thanks!
(I'm waiting to hear back)

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From their most recent website status post 4/26:

"The mooring fields are now OPEN and OPERATIONAL at Marina Cay; and the Pusser’s Restaurant and a Pusser’s Company Store will soon be open for business!"

http://pussers.com/2018/04/26/sneak...erwater-location-red-box/?removed_item=1

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In this Facebook post there is a reply from Pussers ~ 5/1 that reads:

https://www.facebook.com/Pussers.Marina.Cay/posts/1857695230961333

"Pusser's, Marina Cay, BVI: Jonathan Emmons The mooring ball field is open as the restaurant should be within 9 days - so please check in!"

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Having said all of that I'll be diving on every mooring we pick up in June.

Seventeen boats at MC tonight, and the restaurant is bustling. The staff is struggling to keep up.

Meanwhile, there are two power cats at Scrub, which may not even be on charter. Marine Max is centralizing their fleet at Nanny Cay by the end of the month.