Just back from 10 great days in the BVI’s.
We were 9 adults on Comet, a Lagoon 500 from Catco, our two previous trip were with two families and plenty of kids, so this was a different trip for everyone.

We arrived at Village Cay early evening for our sleep aboard, it was our first trip on AA and my fears of a slow moving customs was unfounded as we got through in about 20 minutes. Being able to check bags from Montreal to Tortola was a treat.

Bobby’s was just down the road and our provisioning was on board and the blender working within the hour. We opted for a meal at Calypso and enjoyed their Karaoke night, the vacation was definitely on.

Comet was less than 2 years old and was well maintained. We departed by 10:00am and beated in 25 knots winds hitting 10.5 knots and choppy seas. The crew took turns going to the front and getting dunked.

We were at Coopers by noon and all balls were gone by 12:30. The restaurant has had a serious upgrade and the outdoor sofas were a welcome relief. They made a great Bushwacker, but the Happy Hour Painkillers were only fair. They staff was very friendly and we were thrilled one of our favourite islands was in good hands.

The next morning we headed out for Anegada. We left early and were their by noon, and again was got one of the last balls down by Neptunes. Funny enough the next day (we stayed 2 nights) the mooring never filled up, so a flotilla must have been in our first night.

Walker had hooked us up with Dean for a truck rental (a gentle giant of a man), we set to meet at 9:00am and given the laid back nature of the island I wasn’t expecting him to be on time, but there he was, 8:59am right on the dock. He could be nicer and more easy going.

We split up into two groups, with the newer group wanting to drive the entire island and the returnees happy to relax the day away at Cow Wreck. We had dinner at Potter’s that night and had dueling anthems with our American Neighbors. Still riding the high of our hockey victory, I believe we carried the night.

Next stop was 2 nights at Leverick to top up water and ice. Half the group went Scuba Diving and the other went via taxi to the baths. We used Dive BVI at Leverick and were impressed with the quality of their staff and equipment. The boat was spotless and the gear was new (no chewed regulators in sight). We give them a high recommend.

We were happy to see Nick once again after 2 years and he was his silky smooth gentlemanly self as I remember him, in fact he was even more relaxed than I remember and the facility is approachable and a true gem.

Off the JVD along the North Shore with a lunch stop at Monkey Point. Tons of fish, several turtles and few large Groupers keep us in the water too long and a few backs were burnt but it was worth it. Trip out my new underwater video (Sanyo CA9) cam and was happy to follow the turtles around. So glad I got it for this trip.

The wind surprisingly died and we motored the last stretch to JVD. We anchored in great habour deep inside as the balls were full We drove the anchor and had a good sandy set. It was tight, but the overnight forecast was calm and we had no problems whatsoever. We watch two nearby Mooring boats swing into each other but no other drama to report.

Foxy’s on Saturday night was a big deal and the place was packed. The band was in the groove and loud, too loud for conversation so we drank and took it all in. The BBQ buffet was amazing, I was surprised how high the quality was giving the large amount of people there was to serve, but they know how to run a show. A couple in our group visited Foxy’s 15 years ago in there early 20’s when they just started dating, now 12 years of marriage and 3 kids later they were back on the dance floor.

Later on that evening we moved down the beach to wind down and met Vinny at Corsairs. After ridiculing our Drinking Man guide books some of us had, he took great care of the group until the early hours.

We left early the next morning for White Bay (those that could get up). Got there by 9:00am to get a mooring. This being a Sunday, White bay was packed. A youngish crowd most from St Thomas judging by the boats, almost too many people, but that what to expect for a Sunday. Soggy Dollar hasn’t changed in the past two years, and they seem to make a point of it. Mic was there and it was a great atmosphere. The sun was strong and we kept to the trees, but we enjoyed it most in the evening when the crowds had left.

The next days the winds were back up and we sailed Clockwise around JVD and overnighted in Diamond Cay. Dingyed over the Sandy Spit and hiked up Green Cay. Then over to Bubbly Pool for the first time. We came around the corner to see 20 people in the pool which was a bit depressing, but after 15 minutes half moved on and the other moved back so our group could enjoy the pool. We had our fun and headed back for a late lunch.

For our last day we dropped off one couple at CGB and sailing around the west-end and then up to Norman to snorkel the Caves and have lunch a pirates., which has grown in the last 2 years. A great chicken Roti wrap was much needed as we lingered and then headed back to Village Cay for the end of our trip.

Laying out the trip and a morning briefing, let everyone knew what the plan was and it helped maintain the positive vibe. Nightly games of, Rummy & Mentirossa (Liar’s Dice) was a perfect backdrop for conversation and the mass consumption of rum and yet more rum. A lot of planning went into the trip and managing expectations and covering a few “what ifs”. It helped avoid a few potholes, and while 9 adults on board can’t always get along perfectly for 10 days straight, any irritations were minor and quickly forgotten.
One last note, I never realized that Trellis was only a 1 minute walk to the airport (I though it was 15 minutes and thus never did it given our hand carry etc…). This time we were at the airport early, and walked over for a great ice coffee and sandwich after we had checked in.

Thanks again for all your advice that made our experiences even more memorable.


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