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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#255889
05/17/2021 08:11 PM
05/17/2021 08:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11
jenhum
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 11
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We rode the 4 pm Smiths Ferry today. 50 passengers. Things processed surprisingly quickly. We were on our boat at 6pm. Sunsail That is very encouraging to hear after the nightmare stories this weekend! Thanks for reporting!
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#255893
05/17/2021 09:26 PM
05/17/2021 09:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 833 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 833
Redmond, WA
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Glad to hear it, fingers crossed that you get your day 0 test in a timely manner!
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#255900
05/18/2021 08:29 AM
05/18/2021 08:29 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 795 Kannapolis, NC
ndfaninnc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 795
Kannapolis, NC
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Adrian, have a great time. Thanks for the ferry update. Certainly better than the past weekend.
Go Irish!!
Bill
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#255956
05/18/2021 09:19 PM
05/18/2021 09:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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I just want to thank everyone who contributes to this forum and the staff at Sunsail! I have been stressed to the limit reading the horror stories on fakebook! This forum always gave me hope! Looking forward to our time in de lions! Thank you again!!!!
Last edited by xrayman67; 05/18/2021 09:23 PM.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: MKGrey]
#255980
05/19/2021 11:29 AM
05/19/2021 11:29 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Thanks for the info, Nanchip. We leave 5/29. Do you have Lynette Harrigan's email address? Hopefully we will not need her help, but would appreciate having her email address handy. She responds very quickly to her Facebook Messenger requests. I'd recommend using that instead of expecting her to monitor something additional.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#255982
05/19/2021 11:53 AM
05/19/2021 11:53 AM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366 Washington DC
bailau
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366
Washington DC
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Thanks for the info, Nanchip. We leave 5/29. Do you have Lynette Harrigan's email address? Hopefully we will not need her help, but would appreciate having her email address handy. She responds very quickly to her Facebook Messenger requests. I'd recommend using that instead of expecting her to monitor something additional. Completely agree especially after watching what she and 1 other lady are doing for the islands
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#255988
05/19/2021 02:36 PM
05/19/2021 02:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Went to police station in Road Town today and turned in the tracking phones. Process took about 5 minutes. They just wanted to see our passports and email of quarantine release on our phones. Headed to Peter Island today. were you able to go to the station across from the ferry dock or the one a little out of town next to a school?
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: Nanchip]
#255989
05/19/2021 02:40 PM
05/19/2021 02:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366 Washington DC
bailau
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366
Washington DC
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Hi bailau-I'm not sure of the Moorings base camp in the BVI's but we chartered (2) of their 51's out of St. Lucia last year and while the base was fine, the equipment not so much. I'm a strong believer in 2nd chances though so we're giving them another shot, that and their 53 is quite intriguing. We've been working with Marine Max for the past 5 years in the BVI's and I can say without a doubt they are a top notch outfit.
Laura, you are 100% correct in regard to Lynette working at all hours. That poor woman emailed me at 9p yesterday and also advised me she works until 1am nightly, she wasn't even complaining about it. Cheers to Saint Lynette- Never been to St Lucia but are frequent flyers at Moorings BVI and the 514 PC and for better or worse Moorings is the devil we know. Just curious as to if BVI Moorings base is back up to speed as they let go of a lot of people and just brought them back...have a good trip
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#255996
05/19/2021 03:57 PM
05/19/2021 03:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Went to police station in Road Town today and turned in the tracking phones. Process took about 5 minutes. They just wanted to see our passports and email of quarantine release on our phones. Headed to Peter Island today. were you able to go to the station across from the ferry dock or the one a little out of town next to a school? We went to the station by the school.
Last edited by xrayman67; 05/19/2021 03:57 PM.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: Nanchip]
#256102
05/20/2021 09:01 PM
05/20/2021 09:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366 Washington DC
bailau
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366
Washington DC
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Update: Arrived today. Entry is still a bit convoluted but they’re working out the creases. A full nasal lobotomy, lots of documentation and an hour later we were able to leave EIS. Even though you’ve received your BVI Gateway auth. Be sure to bring your RT-PCR results, you’ll be asked for them a few times. For those who are vax’d but paid the $175 entry fee online, they will either refund your $70 upon arrival or you can use it for the exit test. I emailed the Covid response team before we left the US and already have our exit test scheduled.
The scoop on the tracker band= they really are paper concert bands, the tracker itself is provided very nonchalantly in a small wet bag. We were told to just keep it aboard and plugged in...
Now for the good news, they told us to just return the tracker itself to the airport when we head home. No need to make an extra trip to the police station!! Moorings base camp- 4-5 Q boats on our dock with lots of empty slips. All in all, boatloads of Very content travelers.
Thanks..>I would be curious as to your wifi. Moorings is indicating they now have Wifi on the boat. I have always (unfortunately) needed and got the Renport upgraded one. Can you let me know what you have and how good it is? Trying to figure out if it is on par with Renport upgrade
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: bailau]
#256110
05/20/2021 09:53 PM
05/20/2021 09:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Awesome...and as a bonus I know you internet is working great brother...
I look forward to your trip report bc it sounds like I am following the same course in 3 weeks As long as the stars are aligned, it's a great time to be here!!!
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: Nanchip]
#256259
05/22/2021 06:39 PM
05/22/2021 06:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Hoping to head to Anegada tomorrow but may wait until Monday due to some incoming weather. Took refuge at Oil Nut Bay for the night, marina is filling up. The Marina restaurant NOVA is open, need reservations, nice open air bar and lots of activity. They have an overnight special for $2/ft and a breakfast buffet w/ music @ 10:30a tomorrow. We went to their Beach Club today and talk about some cool pools, love this place, don’t miss it! Do they have any mooring balls?
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256273
05/22/2021 11:34 PM
05/22/2021 11:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 833 Houston, Texas
louismcc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 833
Houston, Texas
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I've thought about going to Oil Nut Bay during our upcoming July trip but with a mono that draws 5'9", I'm not sure I want to work through the passage.
Louis from Houston
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256309
05/23/2021 01:46 PM
05/23/2021 01:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 833 Houston, Texas
louismcc
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 833
Houston, Texas
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Thanks for the input about Oil Nut. I'll check with Moorings to make sure it isn't redlined and verify the depth sounder is calibrated. In 2018 it wasn't which made for an interesting anchoring experience at Anegada. Finally safely anchored between a couple of monos with our gauge reading negative numbers, and no, we weren't aground.
Louis from Houston
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#256314
05/23/2021 03:11 PM
05/23/2021 03:11 PM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366 Washington DC
bailau
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,366
Washington DC
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It will carry at least 7 and probably 8 feet. The shallowest part is mostly right by Saba. I find the depth sounders on charter boats to often be calibrated incorrectly. I try and check the first time I am in reasonably shallow water. The dock guys at the charter companies often know the exact depth at the docks to check it also. Many seem to prefer to read depth under the keel and reset it from reading actual depth. I actually bring a weight and string to calibrate in dock as I dont trust anyone else...
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256337
05/23/2021 10:09 PM
05/23/2021 10:09 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,423 New Jersey, USA
DanS
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,423
New Jersey, USA
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Currently in North Sound. Headed to Anegada this morning,but decided to turn around about 5 miles from North Sound. Weather was closing in quickly. Made it back to North Sound right before storm hit. Quickly anchored just North of mooring field at Leverick. Clocked 40 knot sustained at height of storm. It's not over yet. Good heads-up move Adrian! Did your storm warning come from your eyeballs, or were you making good use of technology? Dan
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: DanS]
#256345
05/24/2021 05:58 AM
05/24/2021 05:58 AM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Currently in North Sound. Headed to Anegada this morning,but decided to turn around about 5 miles from North Sound. Weather was closing in quickly. Made it back to North Sound right before storm hit. Quickly anchored just North of mooring field at Leverick. Clocked 40 knot sustained at height of storm. It's not over yet. Good heads-up move Adrian! Did your storm warning come from your eyeballs, or were you making good use of technology? Dan Mostly eyeballs. Radar looked ok when we left NS, but lost internet shortly after leaving. I had watched for 3 hours and everything was drifting WNW. That changed and the whole system backed up. 2 other boats kept going. That couldn't have been any fun.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: VirginGordaResident]
#256561
05/26/2021 10:22 AM
05/26/2021 10:22 AM
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 62
mfringsley
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 62
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TMM does indeed allow boats to come up to Oil Nut Bay. We maintain the channel between Saba and BEYC and it's very well marked. I attached an approach map here for easy reference.
We advise any boat who has a draft of 6' or less that they are perfectly safe to come through that channel regardless of tide. We have 11 mooring balls ($30/night) as well as transient dock slips available ($2/ft). Full 2021 rate sheet attached as well.
Nova (the restaurant at the marina) is currently only open on Saturdays and Sundays, but if you are here during the week we will accommodate you at The Beach Club. Pretty cool deal right now as normally it is $95/person for a day pass to The Beach Club!
I'd highly recommend coming up and checking it out now as next season I imagine the day pass rate will be back in place.
-Dobbs
Thanks for this reply! Awesome information and I'm certain we will take advantage in July this year while there. Looking forward to it....
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256609
05/26/2021 08:22 PM
05/26/2021 08:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,666 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,666
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Nibj, if you were on Seaborne yesterday, we were on the same flight. Got released from quarantine after only 22 1/2 hours! Returned our monitor to the airport this evening. Paid Aragorn for lots of vegetables and fresh caught tuna, which is excellent. It’s very quiet. Full Moon party is only the market, everyone else appears closed.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: Nanchip]
#256652
05/27/2021 09:22 AM
05/27/2021 09:22 AM
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359 Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
JasonHelmbrecht
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,359
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
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Not sure About the full moon party elsewhere, but I do know that Cane Garden bay is a fun place to be tonight. “Paradise Bar & restaurant” in particular would be my go to, the food, atmosphere and service were all outstanding. Bar swings, bonfire and Lighted kayaks paddling around the bay all made for the perfect evening.
It was a good night at Paradise. I was sitting at one of the picnic tables having dinner. Were you at the table right in front of the sign?
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256706
05/27/2021 06:17 PM
05/27/2021 06:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Trellis Bay full moon party was a bust. Maybe we are early nighters! Received our USVI entry approvals 36 hours after entry. Positive antibody test.
Last edited by xrayman67; 05/27/2021 06:31 PM.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256746
05/28/2021 06:53 AM
05/28/2021 06:53 AM
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 131 Chesapeake Bay, USA
Nibj
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 131
Chesapeake Bay, USA
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Thanks for the info on Lee bay, maybe we will try again later in the trip. It is a lovely spot.
All I can say about the balls at marina cay is that both boats are still here this morning!
Last edited by Nibj; 05/28/2021 06:54 AM. Reason: Comment and spell check
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: louismcc]
#256758
05/28/2021 09:19 AM
05/28/2021 09:19 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,050 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,050
GA/NC
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So are the balls at Marina Cay in good shape?
I tried to call Moor Secure to find out if they are maintaining the balls at MC. No luck calling from the US. Maybe someone local can check. The number is 284-494-4488. If the balls are not being maintained I would not use them unless you can go down and inspect the bottom shackle. If unmaintained those shackles might be about done! G
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256821
05/28/2021 09:26 PM
05/28/2021 09:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Trellis Bay filled up 2 nights ago. Several boats had to go to Marina Cay. That said, Full moon party was a no go. We did have a great dinner at Loose Mongoose! We have had no problems getting mooring ball anywhere, but we arrived at anchorages plenty early each day.
Last edited by xrayman67; 05/28/2021 09:57 PM.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256902
05/30/2021 08:07 AM
05/30/2021 08:07 AM
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 131 Chesapeake Bay, USA
Nibj
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 131
Chesapeake Bay, USA
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Love the new buoy system into the mooring field at Anegada. According to my Navionics map one red buoy is missing on the way in, but there are two new pairs of red and green buoys guiding into the mooring field. Takes any guesswork out of the arrival.
Great dinner at Anegada Beach Club. They have a free shuttle from the Lobster Trap on the mooring field. Very friendly and helpful.
Last edited by Nibj; 05/30/2021 08:26 AM. Reason: Added info about buoys
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256992
05/31/2021 04:48 PM
05/31/2021 04:48 PM
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736 Panama City Beach, Florida
xrayman67
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 736
Panama City Beach, Florida
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Back home yesterday via ferry to STT then air to ATL. Used a positive Covid antibody test from CVS for USVI travel authorization. I will post a trip report in the next few days. We had a great trip and are looking forward to returning to BVI again!
Last edited by xrayman67; 05/31/2021 04:49 PM.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#256993
05/31/2021 05:23 PM
05/31/2021 05:23 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 833 Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 833
Redmond, WA
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Glad to hear it, looking forward to reading the trip report!
M4000 "Lio Kai"
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#257266
06/04/2021 05:42 PM
06/04/2021 05:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,666 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,666
Memphis, BVI, CT
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Four cats moored at Marina Cay tonight.
Last night there was one boat, but not moored! As we sat down to dinner at dusk, I noticed a boat sideways against the outside of the reef, jib up. When they raised the mainsail it confirmed my suspicion they were stuck and trying to free themselves. Several calls to Scrub and VISAR, and they were finally freed maybe 75 minutes later. Must have been very scary, as they were banging kitchen pots.
Not sure what calls they made, but they were lucky we were here and spotted them. With a stiff breeze, it would have been a tough night out there.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#257277
06/04/2021 07:25 PM
06/04/2021 07:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,050 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,050
GA/NC
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Any idea how they ended up on the reef and or the boat name? Trying to understand the pot banging part, did they not have a radio or even cellphone onboard? G
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 06/04/2021 07:35 PM.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: xrayman67]
#257289
06/04/2021 08:52 PM
06/04/2021 08:52 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,666 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,666
Memphis, BVI, CT
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George, it’s a mystery. I suggested to Ratman we go out in our Whaler, but he declined. Coincidentally, it was a DYC boat, no idea the name. VISAR asked if it was a mono or cat, but it was sideways, so I couldn’t tell. We had to dial Scrub several times before they picked up, so who knows who’s around after hours.
The nice VISAR lady said, had they been calling on channel 16, she would have had a call from the US Coast Guard. She had phone numbers for all the operations folks.
My best guess is they were heading to Scrub under power, their engine quit and they drifted up against the reef. A couple boats passed them and kept going. They may have heard that a rescue was already being organized. I just don’t know.
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Re: BVI Bound
[Re: JasonHelmbrecht]
#257452
06/07/2021 09:14 AM
06/07/2021 09:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 938 Georgia & South Carolina
Deepcut
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 938
Georgia & South Carolina
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Watched a Moorings boat go hard into the reef coming into Cane Garden Bay on Saturday. Heading directly for their mooring ball instead of using the channel. Actually backed off the reef, slightly changed course, and then drove right back onto it a second time! Very confused looking crew looking around and then finally noticed the 4 markers identifying the actual entrance.... OUCH! OUCH!!! First day? or Last Day? Or Both First and Last Day?
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