First and foremost thanks to everyone on here who helps make this easier for all captains. This is my 3rd trip post Irma so will try and contrast what has changed since May 18, Oct 18 and before. Unfortunately as it was all new for most crew i had to "do the BVI tour". All my comments dont include the foliage which hasn't fully recovered. It was my first trip in the DEC-FEB time frame

Took 8 guys on a 514 powercat out of Moorings with 1800 check in in Sat. Moorings is back at 80% of fleet.

Flew DCA to SJU Jet Blue and then IC from SJU to EIS. This is only about $100 more per ticket then the DCA MIA STT ferry route. I had 1/2 come in Sat and then 1/2 Sunday. No issues on any flight.

Day 2 (Sunday)- 0730 went to Cooper Island. We got a ball as a captain was leaving. Around 1000 a mass of boats came and had to go elsewhere so get there by 1000. Cooper is back to pre Irma and is definitely a place to go. Around 1100 we went to the Willy T 3 in Peter. They told us they might be there longer term. IMHO this is the nicest Willy T yet. From there we went around to tour Marina Cay and Scrub Island before we went over to Trellis to pick up the 2nd part of the crew. Marina Cay really has nothing meaningful restored on it but is always a nice anchorage. Scrub is back to pre Irma and Trellis continued to look like it hasn't been touched with boats still on the shore. As we were moored there briefly there were a lot of boats zipping in and out of the pier there creating a wake. Absent picking up somebody or a FMP I wouldnt stay there.

We then went back to Willy and arrived at 400 to get the last ball for the night. As has been pointed out not all the balls are properly spaced so be careful

Day 3 (Monday)- 0730 to White Bay. IMHO White Bay is better than pre Irma (again not including foliage) with SDB, Hendos packed and Gertrudes and One Love had lesser crowds. A lot of boats try and anchor in front of the camera and we were fortunate to have one of the 3 balls Coco put out on the Western side of White bay.

At 230 we left and went to Leverick Bay. Saba and BEYC still have lots of work to do but LB once again was great. I reserved a slip. It was quite a zoo around 430 and there was lots of confusion as to who was dockmaster but once we settled in it was great. IMHO LB is back to pre Irma and a great stop and Letica and Becky are great to work with

Day 4 (Tuesday) - 0830 to Setting point Anegada. we tried to boatyball up there but I didnt realize you had to enter the boat name first so by 7:01 all were gone. we got up there by 1000 and had no problem getting a ball. Around 1100 people starting to have to anchor. Went to Big Bamboo at Waterlobby Bay and then at 100 went out with Captain Kelly on a private tour to see the flamingoes and snorkel and see conch island. This is our 4th time with him and it is really good. That night we hit Wonky Dog which has a really nice upstairs and then late night at Potters which is great.


Day 5 (Wed) The next morning we hit the donut shack and then to Cow Wreck. We left Anegada for Spanish Town at 230 on a slip for the night so we could go to Coco Maya. Spanish Town marina is much improved since Oct and has power but still has work to do. Hit Coco Maya that night which IMHO is the best restaurant in the BVIs

Day 6 (Thurs) - after looking at the cruise schedules I sent a group by taxi to the baths at 730 with orders to return by 1000. They were able to do what they needed to do and get back. The Baths are back to pre Irma and if you have to stop then it is a good stop.

Leaving Spanish Town around 1100 one of our crew wasn't looking good so we diverted back to Road Harbor and I checked him into Peebles Hospital. Not quite on the itinerary but I must say that is a great hospital and he got great care.

Day 7 (Fri) left Road Harbor for Great Bay JVD. We got a ball there around 1100 and went in. Always good to see Foxy but I must say this is one harbor that is really showing its age and i will skip it in the future. Corsairs seemed to come on strong in Oct but there wasnt anyone there. Always good to get Christines bread. I was the Eastern end of the mooring field.

Day 8 (Sat) went back to Great Bay for a few hours and then back to base...


I hope this helps anyone set to go down. For what it is worth I think I will stick to my May October rotation as there are less boats