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Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 #32148
01/06/2015 11:39 AM
01/06/2015 11:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline OP
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Dirichlet  Offline OP
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Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Trip Report Dec 26 - Jan 3

Two 50’ Voyage Cats, 17 people, a $1300 booze order from Caribbean Cellars, Foxy’s NYE… what could go wrong?

… nothing. Nothing went wrong. In fact, it couldn’t have gone better; it was an incredible trip full of great people, ridiculously fun antics and pranks, beautiful locations, and spectacular weather.

12/26: My wife and I have a beautiful little girl that we left with my parents. Unfortunately, we live and MD, they live in Maine, my wife’s family lives in Mass, and my wife had to work a full day on the 23rd. Needless to say, the start to the trip was hectic, but it went off without a hitch. The final step was a hop from SJU to EIS on VI Airlink. I must say the Brathwaites are great people, their outfit is professionally run, and the cooler full of iced-down beer and wine on our flight was greatly appreciated. We had sleep aboards on our Voyage 500 yachts at the base and most of the crews ended up partying at Scaramouche (very cool spot), some of them a little later than I did. But, hey, they’re younger than me and bounce back more quickly than I can.

12/27: Alex at Voyage got our briefings done and over by 9:30 in the morning. The crews stowed the provisioned food/water/booze while the briefings were underway, and we were ready to go by 10am. Unfortunately, the last charter on my vessel had blown the starboard cone clutch. I give the guys at Voyage a lot of credit for having the boat put back together, running like a top, and for getting us off the dock shortly after noon. A quick motor to the Bight found us a mooring ball against the eastern corner of the bay, directly between Pirates and the Willy T. Some of the crew members started partying immediately, while those who had been to the Willy T before took it easy, knowing what the afternoon/evening/night had in store. I futtzed around a bit and took a snorkel against the shore (one of my favorite snorkel spots). Though the sea life was a little less than I have seen in the past, it was still very nice. I returned to the boat to find that many had already gone to the Willy T, so I headed over as well. Things were well under way with typical Willy T shenanigans, and they continued far into the night. I leave the details to your imagination. Some paid for it the next day, but all were having a blast.

12/28: We dropped off the balls and, given a light-wind weather window, motored directly for the baths, going over the north side Peter, Salt, Cooper, etc. We hooked into a nice Wahoo north of Peter Island, but it snapped the line after a not-too-long fight. The Baths were more crowded than I have ever seen. It took about 45 minutes to get back to the beach from Devil’s Bay. People were being extremely rude in the narrow places, not allowing people who were going the other way to take turns. The Baths was not my first choice; I wanted to go to the Dogs for some snorkeling, but the crew were all far more interested in the Baths… c’est la vie. A quick spirited sail (race) from the Baths up to North Sound put us at Leverick Bay around 3pm. While the crews showered, ate, relaxed, and for some, recovered, my wife, my buddy Wieners, and I headed up to the Duck & Dive for a great evening with spectacular hosts. Nick and Monica, thank you for your wonderful hospitality. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

12/29: Leaving Leverick around 9am, the sail up to Anegada was smooth and easy, with a clear sky and 12-15 knots on the beam. We anchored the two boats to the east of the mooring field and headed ashore. A quick taxi ride to Cow Wreck brought us to one of my favorite places in the world. It was pleasantly quiet given the time of year - there were only a dozen or so other patrons at CWB. Food and drink were consumed while watching the puffy clouds float by and the kite boarders zip along by Walk Over Set point. As we hopped on the taxi for the ride back I noted a Texas and a “BVI Pirate” flag flying… Walker!!! Walker and I only got to speak for a minute, but I was nice to finally meet face-to-face. The crew and I got back to the boat just before a sizeable squall hit. We used the opportunity to cook some dinner and scheme pranks to pull on the other boat. While the other boat was grilling lobsters we put one plan into action, “raiding” them in our dinghy. I’ll spare the details here as well <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> . The celebrations of good friends, a beautiful location, and a good life continued well into the evening.

12/30: For me, the sail from Anegada to JVD is one of the highlights of every trip, and this was no exception. Again, winds were fairly light, seldom exceeding 13 knots. With a full main and the genny barber hauled through the beam cleat we still made 6-7 knots on the smooth downhill run. We hooked a 4-5 ‘cuda somewhere around the Chikuzen, but nothing else. Arriving at JVD, the other boat pulled up behind Sandy Spit, while we found a good anchoring spot a hundred yards offshore from B-Line. We had the entire bar to ourselves, and enjoyed some cornhole and drinks while the sun swept low. The other boat headed to Great Harbor to see if they could find a good spot to anchor. While we considered it, we were very happy and relaxed in our location, so we chose to stay for the night.

12/31: Foxy’s. NYE. Yup. Let me start by saying that I was very nervous (at best) about having a boat under my captainship in Great Harbor on NYE. The tales of woe and disaster hung large in my head as I anchored far out in the mouth of the harbor, surrounded by many boats, in about 40’ of water. However, none of those threats held true. Aside from two moorings monohulls rafting up a few hundred feet away, I saw absolutely no shenanigans when it came to boats anchoring. Yes, it was crowded… very crowded. But all pilots seemed respectful, well behaved, and nobody dragged even with a 2am 45 degree wind shift and gusts in the mid-20’s. On land, things were another matter. Without hyperbole, there were thousands of people in the general Foxy’s area. Getting refreshments was nearly impossible, and if you did it was $12 for a 10oz mixed drink. Many on our trip had flown a little too close to the sun for a few too many days, yours truly included. Most of us dink’d back to the boats at around 10:30pm. Enough was enough. For me, the last seconds of 2014 ticked by while curled up with my wife, the two of us asleep on the trampoline with the breeze blowing through our hair. We were awoken by the horns of the mega yachts and cruise ships as midnight struck, after which we called it a night and year.

1/1: Given the crowds and parties of NYE, I assumed there would be an exodus from JVD on the first. I wasn’t mistaken – we had Soggy Dollar to ourselves until late in the morning, enjoying a nice breakfast, several cups of coffee, and of course painkillers. As the huddled, hung-over masses began to crowd Soggy Dollar, we meandered down to One Love where the two crews spent the day playing cards, eating, drink, sunbathing, swimming, and having a hilarious, wonderful time. I checked the wave/wind forecast, and seeing all things favorable made the call to stay in White Bay for the night. Some crew stayed ashore well into the night at (I believe) Gertrude’s. The six of us that went back to the boat had a bit of a private party.

1/2: A quick motorsail was taken to West End to get a few provisioning odds and ends for the last night, as well as to top the water and fuel tanks. We were nowhere near empty on either, but I figured it would speed the checkout process the following morning. 45 minutes later we pulled off the dock and raised the sails. We crossed reaches with the other boat just after rounding Steele Point. Naturally, the race was on to Sandy Cay. Unfortunately, it was already crowded, and over the radio the other captain and I decided to skip Sandy and head for CGB. I took a few extra tacks with my boat, heading north past the eastern side of Little Jost. The winds were around 20 knots sustained for the first time, and we relished in what we knew would be the final sail of the trip. When we finally got to CGB we found the other boat’s dighy with a several people onboard holding a ball for us. With the two boats on adjacent mooring balls very close to the dinghy dock the party commenced immediately. The mood was jovial as we danced, swam, and drank our way through the afternoon. My wife and I split off from the party and headed to Tony’s for a cheeseburger together while watching the sun set on the day and on the trip. Neither the burger nor the sunset disappointed. We later ran into Vishal at Myett’s. I was also hoping for a Manpot sighting, but alas, we had missed him by an hour or two.

1/3: Back to reality. The checkout with Alex/Rayne was quick and easy. The flight back to SJU with VI Airlink was uneventful. This time the cooler was filled with water, juice, and Gatorade… boy do these people know us well!!!

I would like to add some thank you’s:
-Kat G. Thank you for your massive help when I first planned this trip in the fall of ’13. There’s no way it would have happened without your assistance.
-Chris C., Mark P., and many of you other TTOLers for all of your advice, assistance, and friendship over the years. You are a spectacular community, and one which I believe to be unique. I am proud to say I’m a member on this board.
-Laura R. Once again, your shirts are amazing. I apologize for not getting a full crew picture, but getting my own 9 people in one place was like herding cats, let alone the full complement of 17 from the two boats. If anybody needs crew shirts please check out (customsailingshirts.com). You won’t be disappointed.
-Nick and Monica for once again being such gracious hosts. We love you guys!!!
-Wieners for being a great first mate and senior mixologist
-Jose for jumping in to captain the second boat when the original captain backed out. He did an incredible job with his boat and his crew… I just wish he had given me one sympathy sail where he let me win <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Tonguea.gif" alt="" />
-Alaina and Katie for preparing incredible dinners. They and their husbands were first-timers, and I can say with all confidence that they “got it”… heck, they were even talking in terms of “next time we do this…” before the charter was half over!

… time to start planning the next one! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
BVI Sponsors
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32149
01/06/2015 11:54 AM
01/06/2015 11:54 AM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,198
Cape Coral Florida (Texas tran...
stoneyusaf Offline
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stoneyusaf  Offline
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Cape Coral Florida (Texas tran...
I love the trip report! Thanks!


https://www.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;405/st/20220331/e/USVI+and+BVI/dt/0/k/05ce/event.png
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: stoneyusaf] #32150
01/06/2015 11:55 AM
01/06/2015 11:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 98
Virginia
B
BVIShuga Offline
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BVIShuga  Offline
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Virginia
Great trip report and a great trip! What more could you ask for?


Love sailing the BVI's with friends.
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: BVIShuga] #32151
01/06/2015 12:03 PM
01/06/2015 12:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 503
ski2play Offline
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ski2play  Offline
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Posts: 503
Good Stuff! Thanks!

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: ski2play] #32152
01/06/2015 12:57 PM
01/06/2015 12:57 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,951
St. John, USVI
RickG Offline
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RickG  Offline
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St. John, USVI
Excellent, sounds like a great time.

Cheers, RickG


S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423
Grenada
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: RickG] #32153
01/06/2015 01:30 PM
01/06/2015 01:30 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
B
BEERMAN Offline
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VIRGINIA
Great report! Sounds like a perfect trip! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: RickG] #32154
01/06/2015 01:35 PM
01/06/2015 01:35 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,035
Buffalo, NY
LauraTheTshirtGal Offline
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LauraTheTshirtGal  Offline
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Posts: 4,035
Buffalo, NY
awesome!!!! great report, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> and I expect a full report on the shenanigans and pranks next time I see you guys!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: LauraTheTshirtGal] #32155
01/06/2015 01:59 PM
01/06/2015 01:59 PM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 160
Billings, MT
harleybuffett Offline
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harleybuffett  Offline
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Billings, MT
Thank you for the awesome trip report! I thought it was alot of work to coordinate a trip for 6 <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> that's child's play compared to your trip! love to see some pictures <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32156
01/06/2015 07:28 PM
01/06/2015 07:28 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,419
Bucks County, Pa.
toast Offline
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toast  Offline
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Bucks County, Pa.
Thanks for sharin, have been waiting for some NYE reports. Glad you got some newbies indoctrinated.!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />


Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth.
Diane
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: toast] #32157
01/06/2015 07:39 PM
01/06/2015 07:39 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,675
An island state of mind
tradewinds Offline
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tradewinds  Offline
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An island state of mind
Great report. The Cat Fight is calling you! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: tradewinds] #32158
01/06/2015 07:57 PM
01/06/2015 07:57 PM
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,113
Petoskey, MI
CottageGirl Offline
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CottageGirl  Offline
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Posts: 1,113
Petoskey, MI
Great report! Your trip sounds like it was so much fun - we can only hope to be so lucky this spring!!

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: CottageGirl] #32159
01/06/2015 08:27 PM
01/06/2015 08:27 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,423
Miramichi NB Canada
Sandsailsun Offline
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Sandsailsun  Offline
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Miramichi NB Canada
Wonderfully written report.. Thanks so much


Kim

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: CottageGirl] #32160
01/06/2015 08:31 PM
01/06/2015 08:31 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,026
Mobile & Orange Beach, Alabama...
LastMango Offline
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LastMango  Offline
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Mobile & Orange Beach, Alabama...
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
More detail on the shenanigans please. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


It must be time to race again. My wounds have started to heal.
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: LastMango] #32161
01/06/2015 08:38 PM
01/06/2015 08:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline OP
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Dirichlet  Offline OP
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MD, USA
Quote
LastMango said:
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
More detail on the shenanigans please. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Hah... those, if spilled at all, will only be discussed in-person. You know the rules about what happens in the BVI... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Devil.gif" alt="" />


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32162
01/06/2015 09:14 PM
01/06/2015 09:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,069
South Jersey, USA
boatjunkie Offline
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boatjunkie  Offline
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Posts: 1,069
South Jersey, USA
Great report Colin! Like Chris said... Listen....I hear it calling you...Cat Fight!

Glad you all had fun and I hope to see you and wiener in the islands again soon!



[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32163
01/07/2015 08:44 AM
01/07/2015 08:44 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,336
Port St Lucie, FL
R
Richieg1g Offline
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Richieg1g  Offline
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Posts: 1,336
Port St Lucie, FL
Great report and Voyage never disappoints. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32164
01/07/2015 09:07 AM
01/07/2015 09:07 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Great report my friend..hope to see you down here again soon..first ones on me..

Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Manpot] #32165
01/07/2015 10:56 PM
01/07/2015 10:56 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline OP
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Dirichlet  Offline OP
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Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Here's a link to a few pics. I'll be adding more to this album over the next few days. Note, you shouldn't need FB to be able to view the album.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=...mp;l=c59c91ad80


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: tradewinds] #32166
01/08/2015 01:41 AM
01/08/2015 01:41 AM
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 100
Browns Point WA
Missygirl Offline
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Missygirl  Offline
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Browns Point WA
It's great to hear about a Tandem trip that went so smoothly with such a large group during the busiest time of year. Was there anything that you would do differently?


Life's a beach
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Missygirl] #32167
01/09/2015 10:52 AM
01/09/2015 10:52 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline OP
Traveler
Dirichlet  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Quote
Missygirl said:
It's great to hear about a Tandem trip that went so smoothly with such a large group during the busiest time of year. Was there anything that you would do differently?


Yup; not take two boats fully under my wing. The logistics and planning for 17 people was arduous, to say the least. However, I put most of the blame for that on the original skipper of the other boat, who backed out last-minute, leaving me to not only take care of the people on the other boat but to also find another qualified skipper who could go on such short notice. In the future, I will arrange only my boat. That being said, the effort paid off in the long run - it was, without doubt, the funnest BVI trip I've ever had. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32168
01/09/2015 11:25 AM
01/09/2015 11:25 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
Kirk Offline
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Kirk  Offline
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Posts: 1,392
Maryland
Quote
Dirichlet said:
Here's a link to a few pics. I'll be adding more to this album over the next few days. Note, you shouldn't need FB to be able to view the album.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=...mp;l=c59c91ad80


Who did you end up provisioning with? As I recall, Bobby's was in question when you were starting to ramp up your trip prep.


Kirk in Maryland
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Kirk] #32169
01/09/2015 02:11 PM
01/09/2015 02:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline OP
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Dirichlet  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Kirk,
We provisioned the majority of the beverages (booze, beer, mixers) through Caribbean Cellars. They were prompt, and I was notified well in advance w.r.t. the one item they didn't have in stock.
Food and assorted boat items were provisioned through Harbour Market in Soper's. We did a sleep-aboard at the Voyage base, so the Harbour Market was convenient.


... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report: 26 Dec '14 - 3 Jan '15 [Re: Dirichlet] #32170
02/27/2015 03:38 AM
02/27/2015 03:38 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 40
New Hope, PA
schnitz011 Offline
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New Hope, PA
It has been a while since I have been on but I do have thank Colin for the amazing amount of effort that went into planning this trip. I am very proud to have been his first mate for this venture and can only echo the sentiments of thanks to all those who helped us and welcomed us with open arms. This was my favorite of all of my trips to the BVI's and certainly one that I will cherish forever!

- Wieners


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