TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Newbie Question - 5 Night Sailing Trip

We've gone on several day trips to the BVIs, but this will be our first time chartering a crewed catamaran. I understand the 'go with the flow' attitude but I'd like to get some expert opinions on a potential itinerary. We've been to Jost, Virgin Gorda (The Baths), Norman Island, The Caves, and The Indians multiple times. That being said, on our upcoming trip, we're ok with not repeating most of them with the exception of Jost. We are really hoping to see Anegada and maybe another new spot or two. So to clarify my question, is it possible to see Anegada, a couple other new locations, and Jost on a 5 night sail? Please set me straight. I appreciate your time.

Where are you starting from? If you are flying into Beef as its a crewed charter they could pick you up there..head to Leverick..over to Anegada and down to JVD..

Sure, it's possible. I think many wouldn't bother in a 5 day trip, but going from JVD to North Sound is a decent trip too.

We are starting from St. Thomas. Eeek! I imagine that changes things quite a bit. Anegada and Jost are our two musts between our group of four but I hate to not have any time to do anything besides those two.

I think the question you need to ask is what will you find more enjoyable? Spending more time underway or spending more time at destinations?

Matrix is right. The STT to BVI and back is a good day (combined) in itself as must clear customs each way

How big is this catamaran. What speed will the captain commit to motoring or motor sailing the boat? A larger 12 knot boat could give you much greater flexibility than the 7.5 knot boats many on this forum are used to? How early are you willing to start moving each morning.

Assuming good weather & conditions - here's how I'd plan it trying no to overdo the sailing -

STT - Bight/Cooper - North Sound (Lev/BEYC) - Anagada - Trellis/Marina Cay - Jost - STT

However - that is 6 nights. Can you extend one more night?

The only way to trim it down would be to skip Marina Cay and go straight from Anagada to Jost, but that's a long trip for us. You could stop at the Dogs for snorkeling and lunch to break it up, but still a lot of sailing.

What time do you arrive in STT? It may be much better for your desired itinerary to Ferry to Tortola depending on schedule and depart the same way. A sailboat has a lot of attributes but is a very ineffective tool to get somewhere quickly. By starting your trip in the BVI rather than sailing back and forth..you might gain a full day for the places you want to go.

You might find this tool useful ... www.BVIFloatPlan.com

We can add distances for each leg upon request. Thanks - Mark

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. The boat is a 45 foot Leopard Catamaran; cruising speed of 7 to 9 knots. We are limited to five nights and can not change the departure destination. Our captain said we would anchor in Christmas Cove the first night and also stated that the desired trip could be done, given effective weather conditions. I was just trying to gain more insight into what an itinerary with Anegada would look like. Sounds like the majority suggests more than a 5 night sail. We, however, don't want to visit several of the places we've already visited multiple times so we thought Anegada would be a nice replacement. We don't mind sailing for 2 - 3 hours at a time, but it seems as though I've misjudged how long it takes to get from one island to another.

Well night one is all the way to Christmas Cove. That doesn't help much. I would be clarifying very soon if the last night is planned for Christmas Cove as well. Not sure why they couldn't meet you in West end where you would clear customs and if early enough sail to Cooper or if full to Marina Cay for first night. Great harbor Peter would be much better than Christmas cove. . Then night 2 North Sound ..night 3 Anegada (could go to Anegada from Marina cay as well)
Night 4 Jost ...depending on departure and weather night 5 Jost or Norman ..or Christmas cove.

STT--JVD
JVD--North Sound
North Sound --Anegada
Anegada--Norman
Norman -- STT

The trip would be more enjoyable if you eliminate Anegada. But I understand the attraction.

Be prepared to motor some in order to stay on schedule regardless of your exact itinerary.