Traveltalkonline.com Forums


BVI Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors BVI Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,433
Posts310,101
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
Todd 40
jazzgal 40
Member Spotlight
Posts: 21
Joined: July 2022
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
31 registered members (jaxon60, Mark2dBVI, Memphré, magpie, Midsouth, TravelHat, eightzerobits, GeorgeC1, sugarae, xrayman67, LINNY, SXMScubaman, Standrea, ericlut, SXMBND, Kennys, bailau, CaribbeanCanadians, jazzgal, 12 invisible), 989 guests, and 75 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip #219167
02/29/2020 02:43 PM
02/29/2020 02:43 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
G
Griffery PS Offline OP
Traveler
Griffery PS  Offline OP
Traveler
G
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
We've always heard that the BVIs are a sailor's paradise, so we decided to charter a boat during Easter. We knew it would be busy, but reading up on the scarcity of mooring balls and how some places (like Cooper Island) are essentially no-go areas now because of this, I'm regretting booking this trip.

We are new sailors. We've had two flotillas in the Mediterranean and were told that the BVIs are a good next step. In the Med we could spend the afternoon snorkeling and sailing and then be in by 4:00pm. I stupidly assumed that we could have a similar schedule in the BVIs.

The prospect of having to moor up for the day by midmorning for FCFS is tragic. We certainly are not willing to try Boaty Ball because even if we are lucky enough to get one booked (I don't mind being up early to try in the least bit) I hate the idea of a confrontation when inevitably your ball has been taken by someone else. I can't think of anything that would ruin my vacation faster.

Is there anything that we can do so we still enjoy this trip and have a place to stay for the night?

Are there any reliable ANCHORAGES where we have a good chance of finding a spot, even in the afternoon?

Reading these posts and how stressful it is in the BVIs has been eye-opening. I regret taking this on.

BVI Sponsors
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219169
02/29/2020 02:55 PM
02/29/2020 02:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 735
Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67 Online content
Traveler
xrayman67  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 735
Panama City Beach, Florida
Plenty of balls at Norman Island. Several good places to anchor in North Sound. You can anchor at Anegada if you can't find a ball there. You should be able to get a ball at Cane Garden Bay, Diamond Cay and Little Harbor JVD.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219173
02/29/2020 03:04 PM
02/29/2020 03:04 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
B
bailau Online content
Traveler
bailau  Online Content
Traveler
B
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
Avoid Cooper and Great Harbour JVD...

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219174
02/29/2020 03:05 PM
02/29/2020 03:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
Traveler
Deepcut  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
Don't stress the mooring ball issues. Even at 3-4pm, going by Cooper or others, you may find a ball opening up if you did not happen to snag a 0700 BoatyBall (or preferred to not try). Just keep enough daylight so that you can go to alternate location for mooring or anchor. (Cooper has virtually no room remaining for anchoring).

Th BoatyBall Debate has lots of chatter that may make it seem that you must be on a mooring by noon, but it is rare that I am on a mooring before 3-4pm (or the pointy thing on front of boat, which I like more than actually picking up a mooring).


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: bailau] #219175
02/29/2020 03:11 PM
02/29/2020 03:11 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by bailau
Avoid Cooper and Great Harbour JVD...


Exactly. And you don’t need to be in mid morning. In the busier anchorages you are good if you get in mid afternoon. Most charters start on Saturday so you can try to get ahead of the curve by heading to North Sound the first night and staying ahead of the pack which will usually pick Norman or Cooper for the first night. Little Harbor on JVD has plenty of moorings and is never full. Norman doesn’t have BB and has many balls.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219176
02/29/2020 03:23 PM
02/29/2020 03:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
B
bailau Online content
Traveler
bailau  Online Content
Traveler
B
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
Per NC Sailor try and stay one step ahead of the crowd...that is really great advice. We actually go clockwise and will hot spots on the weekend noting I am on the powercat side of things

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: bailau] #219180
02/29/2020 04:27 PM
02/29/2020 04:27 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
G
Griffery PS Offline OP
Traveler
Griffery PS  Offline OP
Traveler
G
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
Originally Posted by bailau
Per NC Sailor try and stay one step ahead of the crowd...that is really great advice. We actually go clockwise and will hot spots on the weekend noting I am on the powercat side of things


This is good advice, thank you. We are starting on Wednesday at Scrub Island. Other than avoiding Norman or Cooper on Saturday night to avoid the people who will be there their first night, what might a good plan be?

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: NCSailor] #219181
02/29/2020 04:30 PM
02/29/2020 04:30 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
G
Griffery PS Offline OP
Traveler
Griffery PS  Offline OP
Traveler
G
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
Originally Posted by NCSailor


Exactly. And you don’t need to be in mid morning. In the busier anchorages you are good if you get in mid afternoon.


Thank you. Even so, do you have recommendations on some of the quieter anchorages?

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: xrayman67] #219182
02/29/2020 04:32 PM
02/29/2020 04:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
G
Griffery PS Offline OP
Traveler
Griffery PS  Offline OP
Traveler
G
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
Originally Posted by xrayman67
Plenty of balls at Norman Island. Several good places to anchor in North Sound. You can anchor at Anegada if you can't find a ball there. You should be able to get a ball at Cane Garden Bay, Diamond Cay and Little Harbor JVD.


Would you say this is the case even mid afternoon?

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219183
02/29/2020 04:40 PM
02/29/2020 04:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Leverick. You can reserve a slip if that is to you liking.
Anegada. Get an early start to arrive around 11am when the crowd is departing. Lunch at Cow Wreck and lime at Flash of Beauty.
Litttle Harbor jvd. Taxi to White Bay. Dinner at Corsairs
Cane Garden Bay. Dinner at your choice. Many options. We like the old Myers now Pussers.
Norman. Lunch at Willy T. Dinner at Pirates.
Cooper. I would take a look mid afternoon you may get luck with a ball. Otherwise Marina Cay or Trellis are backups that put you close to Scrub

The above has a lot flexibility and gives you the option to spend two or more nights in one place if you are having fun.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219185
02/29/2020 05:14 PM
02/29/2020 05:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 54
London, England
S
sunman60 Offline
Traveler
sunman60  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 54
London, England
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.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219187
02/29/2020 05:33 PM
02/29/2020 05:33 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
Traveler
MrEZgoin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
While I'm sure it happens occasionally, someone squatting on your reserved ball is far, far from inevitable. Certainly has not happened to us.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219188
02/29/2020 05:49 PM
02/29/2020 05:49 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 126
Chesapeake Bay, USA
N
Nibj Offline
Traveler
Nibj  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 126
Chesapeake Bay, USA
The only time we found someone on our BoatyBall it turned out that they had broken down and couldn't leave. The charter operator soon had them going. We use BoatyBall for exactly the reason you mention: we don't want to stress about arrival times. But as many have noted, you don't always win at the BoatyBall lottery.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219189
02/29/2020 05:56 PM
02/29/2020 05:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 735
Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67 Online content
Traveler
xrayman67  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 735
Panama City Beach, Florida
Originally Posted by Griffery PS
Originally Posted by xrayman67
Plenty of balls at Norman Island. Several good places to anchor in North Sound. You can anchor at Anegada if you can't find a ball there. You should be able to get a ball at Cane Garden Bay, Diamond Cay and Little Harbor JVD.


Would you say this is the case even mid afternoon?

Yes for Norman and Little Harbor JVD. If CGB is full, Little Harbor is an option a short sail away. North Sound and Anegada have anchoring options if the balls are taken. And like the others have said, starting midweek will help a lot. Stop stressing. We'll be down in May and can't hardly wait! Happy sailing!!!

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219195
02/29/2020 07:38 PM
02/29/2020 07:38 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
S
sail445 Offline
Traveler
sail445  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
The Mooring thing is just another disruption to charterers.
Check your charts and you’ll see there are places to anchor in other coves or bays on the different islands and even in season you’ll have a private anchorage within dinghy range of the bar or restaurants.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: NCSailor] #219199
02/29/2020 08:47 PM
02/29/2020 08:47 PM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 850
Manhattan Beach, CA
calsail Offline
Traveler
calsail  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 850
Manhattan Beach, CA
Great suggestions. I’ll add dinner at Abe's Little Harbor JVD Best lobster anywhere.

Last edited by calsail; 02/29/2020 08:48 PM.
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: MrEZgoin] #219203
02/29/2020 11:12 PM
02/29/2020 11:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
Traveler
Deepcut  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
Originally Posted by MrEZgoin
While I'm sure it happens occasionally, someone squatting on your reserved ball is far, far from inevitable. Certainly has not happened to us.


Happened to me twice in early months of BoatyBall (and probably 20 reservations). I asked the "offender", "Do you have a reservation for that ball #7?" The first was totally clueless about the BoatyBall as apparently crew did not think anything of "RESERVED". They politely moved. The second time, the boat realized it immediately and move.

Now that Boaty Ball has been there a year, and charter companies are informing charters, there is really no excuse for ignorance. But there will occasionally be a squatter.


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219204
03/01/2020 12:43 AM
03/01/2020 12:43 AM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
Traveler
warren460  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
If you get to Leverick by 3pm, I expect you will find a fcfs ball.

You can anchor 1 night in north sound and the next morning go to Leverick.

If you can fit it in, don’t miss the Leverick Friday night BBQ.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219235
03/01/2020 09:13 AM
03/01/2020 09:13 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 229
West Chester, PA
ligot Offline
Traveler
ligot  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 229
West Chester, PA
As a relative newbie to sailing I can still feel your pain but as someone above said and, what I literally do, is take a deep breath and go over options before leaving the ball in the morning and repeat the phrase, Intentions Not Itineraries. Even Plan B will include sailing, a rum drink, beautiful harbors, more rum, plenty of laughs and gorgeous sunsets. Maybe a Caribe or two.

I remember our first trip after taking classes was over New Years. We barely sailed we were so intent on making our next destination. Even had a crew member comment that he wished we'd sailed more. Now we relax, try not to feel like we need to see a new island every day. Virgin Gorda and Anegada often take up a couple of days so we're not rushing.

I expect you'll have a great trip and fall in love with BVI just like we did.

Enjoy!
Dave and Wendy


S/V Tortuga
Lagoon 46
[Linked Image]
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219238
03/01/2020 09:33 AM
03/01/2020 09:33 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Online content
Traveler
GeorgeC1  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
Avoid Cooper and Great Harbor. You will have no real issues issues in other locations. If you want to go to those two destinations pay boatyball their 432.00 extortion fee and your good to go.
G

Last edited by GeorgeC1; 03/01/2020 09:34 AM.
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219247
03/01/2020 10:37 AM
03/01/2020 10:37 AM
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 38
Streamwod il
J
joeboo Offline
Traveler
joeboo  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 38
Streamwod il
What-- GeorgeC1 said

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219248
03/01/2020 10:37 AM
03/01/2020 10:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 207
K
Kegoangoango Offline
Traveler
Kegoangoango  Offline
Traveler
K
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 207
You may just swap you day. You say you snorkeled and then went to the mooring ball. Much of the snorkeling is at or near (dingy) the mooring fields (Indians may be the one major exception but close to The Bight). Why not head to your next location early, grab your mooring ball, then snorkel and enjoy the water?

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219249
03/01/2020 10:54 AM
03/01/2020 10:54 AM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 386
Virgin Gorda, BVI
V
VirginGordaResident Offline
Traveler
VirginGordaResident  Offline
Traveler
V
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 386
Virgin Gorda, BVI
Don't stress too much! You will be absolutely okay and the BVI's are still beautiful!! As many other people have said, the only places you need to worry about being able to get a ball are Cooper and Jost Van Dyke. If those two spots are overnight destinations on your agenda, I do recommend arriving early as anchoring there is not the easiest and the balls are limited. Otherwise, you will be fine!

If you show up later on to Cooper and are unable to get a ball, cruise over to Peter Island and spend the night anchored in Great Harbour. There are no restaurants or bars there, but it is a nice anchorage. If Jost is too full, head to Cane Garden Bay! There are endless options and spots to spend the night in the BVI so don't let it stress you out.

Also, if you are headed up to the North Sound, be sure to check out Oil Nut Bay! I am the Assistant Marina Manager here and we have a brand new marina that just opened in April of 2019. We have 11 mooring balls which are first come, first serve (but have yet to fill up completely once this season) and overnight dock space can be reserved in advance. You can check out the Marina Village here: https://www.oilnutbay.com/marina-village/?tab_id=3

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219255
03/01/2020 11:32 AM
03/01/2020 11:32 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
Breeze Offline
Traveler
Breeze  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,901
Maine
Griff, I'd feel sad if your first night off the dock on your first independant charter was one of the all too frequent nights of sea-dragon rodeo at Cooper.

CIBC is a lovely little resort, there is a magical sunset view, and I'd had some fine meals there ( although the restaurant is inconsistent as heck).

One thing I'll never forget is the heartpounding, helpless feeling of impending doom being yanked out of my cabin at 2 AM because wind, current and a rain squall churned the mooring field into a serious episode of bumper boats. Unfortunately, that is not at all a rare occurrence in Manchioneel Bay. Boats on moorings all swinging wildly, everything over 45 ' poised to knock hulls with their neighbors, no boats have enough fenders to deploy, and in pitch black pouring rain, some captains choose to let go their moorings and attempt to thread through the field to deeper water outside using flashlights to "see".

Oh, yeah, fun you bet. Boaty Ball can't fix that down-side to Cooper. Give your anxiety a break, just flat-out miss all that " fun".

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219257
03/01/2020 11:35 AM
03/01/2020 11:35 AM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
B
bailau Online content
Traveler
bailau  Online Content
Traveler
B
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
Before you go to Cooper pull up the webcam and see what you see there....I used to pull it up the exact day of week 1 week prior.

http://cooperisland-bvi.com/current.jpg

Between the hassle mooring that boatyball created and bad restaurant service Cooper doesn't make our cut with all the better choices around

Foxys has a webcam as well but you really cant see the Mooring field. My advice if you want to go to Great Harbour JVD go instead to Little Harbour or even better Diamond Point and land taxi over to Great Harbour, JVD

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: GeorgeC1] #219294
03/01/2020 01:23 PM
03/01/2020 01:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
Traveler
warren460  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
What George said. Leverick should not be as big a problem as the sand box Is reopening.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219302
03/01/2020 01:58 PM
03/01/2020 01:58 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
G
Griffery PS Offline OP
Traveler
Griffery PS  Offline OP
Traveler
G
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 6
United Kingdom
There are so many wonderful responses here that I won't be able to reply to all of you individually thanking you for your help. You've taken what was, reading back, a bit of an over-the-top, anxiety-ridden cry for help and calmed me the hell down. Thank you all so much for that.

What was the most comforting was hearing from you that the first bareboat charter IS intimidating, and that it does get better. I think because I'm taking my parents on their first vacation in years, it adds to the stress of wanting them to have a nice time and not worry about where we will spend the night.

I see the sense in perhaps doing things differently than on a flotilla, and getting an earlier anchorage/mooring and then doing the snorkeling, relaxing bit from that location.

I've taken careful notes on everything you've said. My plan very much now includes things like Leverick and taking a JVD land taxi to see some of the more popular sights, and other things that I never considered before. Your recommendations have been great!

I'm feeling so much better about this whole thing :-)

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219314
03/01/2020 02:33 PM
03/01/2020 02:33 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
B
bailau Online content
Traveler
bailau  Online Content
Traveler
B
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,345
Washington DC
Didn't feel much different than you 1st time I was captain in BVIs...it is really great and your trip will be great and look forward to your trip report. You can also reach out to this board down there if you have internet and need something.

Dont rush the trip...if you took your parents to Anegada for example and stayed 1 week they would still love it

For the most part the sea side of this blog are mainly captains...so by nature are responsible for not only showing the crew the great time but also for their welfare, the boats welfare and those around...and of course the crew thinks they are kids drunk at Disney Land where nothing goes wrong. so we tend to focus ont he 5% that may go wrong....

I just celebrated the 1 year anniversary of a 9 guy 60's BVI Bday trip that was like "Weekend at Bernie's meets the Hangover". Forced a guy into Peebles hospital involuntarily and had to fly another guy home early and had bad weather...to a person they all said best week of their lives including my friend who is now 365 days sober.

Get your Scotts cruising guide and start building a tentative itinerary and i am sure others here will opine on it...that is what really helped me

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219419
03/02/2020 01:06 PM
03/02/2020 01:06 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix Offline
Traveler
maytrix  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
Also, don't forget. If you arrive at your night stop early there is still plenty to do. We would often move from one spot to another area and be there by lunch or sometimes before and just spend the rest of the day and night. Those were some of the most relaxing days.


Matt
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219585
03/04/2020 01:01 PM
03/04/2020 01:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
R
Rhindley Offline
Traveler
Rhindley  Offline
Traveler
R
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 172
I guess I always kind of did the opposite of others. I would leave my anchorage early to go to the next stop. Once I was all set at the new place, I would enjoy the day there. Haven't really had too much of a problem.

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #219596
03/04/2020 02:31 PM
03/04/2020 02:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 11
B
BD21035 Offline
Traveler
BD21035  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 11
Don’t stress the chatter. There are many quieter back-ups for late arrivers:

Cooper => Spanish Town/St Thomas Bay (sunset! Coco Maya!) or Great Harbor Peter Island. Also Benures Bay or Soldier Bay (both Norman Island)

Great Harbor JVD => Little Harbor (Harris’s! Abe’s!) or Diamond Cay JVD (Bee Line!)

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: sunman60] #219949
03/08/2020 12:01 AM
03/08/2020 12:01 AM
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 3
Arizona
A
Arizona Dave Offline
Member
Arizona Dave  Offline
Member
A
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 3
Arizona
Great post thank you! We are taking our first BVI this July and feeling much like Griffery PS. I am definitely having mooring anxiety. Reading this has helped calm me down as well.


Arizona Dave


[Linked Image]

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220039
03/08/2020 09:35 PM
03/08/2020 09:35 PM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 12
L
LBH Offline
Traveler
LBH  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 12
Our group paid the premium Boatyball membership. Booked our spots 24 hours in advance and worked perfectly. Hated paying the premium but ZERO stress!

Cheers,

Blair


Blair
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220049
03/09/2020 07:32 AM
03/09/2020 07:32 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
GeorgeC1 Online content
Traveler
GeorgeC1  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,994
GA/NC
There are only two locations where you need the advance booking feature. Those balls cost you about 256 dollars each.
G

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220060
03/09/2020 09:19 AM
03/09/2020 09:19 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
capndar Offline
Traveler
capndar  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
We have also followed the itinerary that NC Sailor describes....and we add a couple of days at St John - zero stress


Capndar
Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing
3rd generation sailor
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220061
03/09/2020 09:20 AM
03/09/2020 09:20 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
capndar Offline
Traveler
capndar  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
We have also followed the itinerary that NC Sailor describes....and we add a couple of days at St John - zero stress


Capndar
Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing
3rd generation sailor
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220252
03/10/2020 08:54 PM
03/10/2020 08:54 PM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
agrimsrud Offline
Traveler
agrimsrud  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
Originally Posted by Griffery PS


Reading these posts and how stressful it is in the BVIs has been eye-opening. I regret taking this on.


Oh this is sad!

I was out with two other couples last week. I had warned them that it was going to be way more crowded vs. when they had been out early November in the past. We had no problems anywhere picking up a FCFS or anchoring. We didn't go to Cooper (who cares!). On the last day my one guest tells me that he was prepared for crowding but hadn't seen anything that he would categorize as anything other than lack of crowds and all together lovely.

Don't let the sillyness on this forum discourage you. One might infer from this forum that the orange balls have taken over the entire island chain. Not the case. There are plenty of nice places to stay the night. Chill out and enjoy and ignore the constant gripe/whine about BB.


Life's short - sail more!
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220470
03/12/2020 06:45 PM
03/12/2020 06:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
D
Deepcut Offline
Traveler
Deepcut  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 933
Georgia & South Carolina
Agree with ^^^^. I started trip on Saturday and Sunday was at Anegada. At 5 pm, half of balls were still available. I sailed until late everyday and never encountered problems getting a ball (FCFS). I did anchor at SandBox but I believe I saw balls available elsewhere. At Peter Island(Great Harbor), I picked up a ball at 5:30 pm and many were still available.

I Hate the idea of needing to rush to next location to (hopefully) get a FCFS ball. I like the concept of reserving ball after checking weather and sailing as late as I want(or SCUBA) prior to getting to next anchorage.

I am not a fan of selling "advanced access" as the weather can change on you, however it does serve those who feel the benefits of "first class" privileges are with the extra $500. So as long as this is less than 10-15% of the Boaty Balls, I am okay with that. To me, Boaty Ball will be a "positive" effect on the BVI IF Boaty Ball can encourage more NEW moorings and not just convert existing FCFS balls to "Reserved BB".

I know there are those who oppose BB in any shape or form, but charters should not get to stressed about the availability.

The absolute BEST solution to being worried about balls is to start your charter on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

I continue to anchor when I can, not to save $30-40, but to experience the true solitude that some of these locations afford. On other nights, I want tis experience Willy T's, or Foxy's , or Anegada, or CGB, or.....

But don't STRESS about it!


Wes
s/v Sea Tiger (2022 Lagoon 46)
www.BareBoatBVI.com

Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220494
03/12/2020 11:16 PM
03/12/2020 11:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
warren460 Offline
Traveler
warren460  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,151
Ontario, Canada
Avoid boatyball, also cooper and Leverick, then no stress. Lots of other great places to enjoy. You will have a great time.


Warren S/V Scuba Doo
Lagoon 50 (winner of best crewed yacht under 55 feet at the St. Thomas crewed yacht boat show).

https://www.cyabrochure.com/ebn/2307/pdyrX/6642/4///
Re: Mooring stress making me dread my sailing trip [Re: Griffery PS] #220519
03/13/2020 10:40 AM
03/13/2020 10:40 AM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 40
Texas
Boondox Offline
Traveler
Boondox  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 40
Texas
BB shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the trip. We used it a few times when we knew we would be late arriving to an anchorage (Anagada > WB > Great Harbor, Jost > cooper) but were completely prepared to make alternative plans if we didn't get a ball. Cooper has lost it's magic for me, but it remains on the list because our sailing mates got engaged there. Marking off new anchorages for us it much more of an appeal for me. I understand some folks have very set itineraries, but part of the beauty is the many places to explore.

We did find someone tying up to our ball at Cooper around 5 when we came into the anchorage. Luckily, there was a BB employee(?) in a dinghy that had caught up to him as we pulled in. He somehow knew the mono taking our ball wasn't reserved there and asked him to move, while advising which boats may be leaving (he ended up anchoring). Glad he was there, but we had no problem sending someone in to find the captain at happy hour either.


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1