so Griff, what to say?
- anxiety on your first, second, third, etc Bareboat charter is normal, you're out of the protection and organisation of a flotilla, so it's normal.
- regretting something before you've done it is deep breath time, take a deep breath, you'll be ok.
- the BVI's is a great sailing area, protected by the world's 4th largest reef, the sailing is fantastic.
- fact, bareboating in The Med is the same as bareboating in the BVI, you're on your own for the first time, getting away in the morning and mooring up for the night iOS stressful, cos it is, it's anxiety ridden, but the 2nd, 3rd , 4th time you do it will get easier & easier & easier, that's just the way it is.
- BoatyBall has total 75 moorings, in an area where you'll find what? 1000 boats? they're not a factor outside Cooper & Great Harbour, and even there go for it, wake up at 6.45 & try to get one, if you win you win, if you lose you lose, hey ho, there are alternatives.
- IMO- Anegada is up there with the best anchorages in the world, spend 2 or 3 days there, taxi to the North shore to snorkel, lunch sunbathe, cocktail; don't be put off by weather, from North Virgin Gorda you can sail in up to 30kt winds (it's normally much less), 45dg on the swell yeah it's a little bit bouncy bet very tolerable 7 the reward is fantastic, the island is protected by a massive reef, anchoring is available in the main harbour or you can go round to Pomato Point to drop the hook & dine at Sid's fantastic, motor round to the main harbour in the morning and grab a white buoy before the next guys arrive, any time before 11am is fine; the lobster restaurants on the South coast are fantastic.
- the sail back is world class, downwind to JVD area, get your main up in the Lee of Anegada and set off on a fab sail, choices; Little Jost, Great Harbour or Cane Garden Bay, again 2 days in this area fo the bubbly pool, soggy dollar, foxy's, corsair & great sailing in the area during the day.
- then back fill the rest, Norman, Cooper, Spanish Town (for CocoMaya, the best restaurant ever), Leverick,
it's all part of the learning curve, then you can move on to St Vincent & The Grenadine's nexy time, you'll never look back.
but I hear you, feel free to discuss or contact me, a fellow Brit who feels your anxiety.
