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Cooper Island pros/cons
#92253
03/30/2016 11:50 AM
03/30/2016 11:50 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969 NC, USA
capndar
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
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Hey Folks!
After multiple US/BVI charters (with different crews) we are inclined to explore some different islands this trip....and someone mentioned Cooper as one we had not visited. Thoughts on pros and cons for a Cooper Island overnight stop?
Thanks
Capndar Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing 3rd generation sailor
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: capndar]
#92255
03/30/2016 11:58 AM
03/30/2016 11:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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2nd favorite happy hour Dolphins usually seen Great sunset decent snorkeling very close
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: capndar]
#92256
03/30/2016 12:05 PM
03/30/2016 12:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,083 Maryland, US
gordapeak
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,083
Maryland, US
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We generally make Cooper our last night out stop. Easy to get back to base the next day, great time at happy hour, very good restaurant for dinner, and sitting there watching Tortola shutting down at night is just about perfect.
"Confidentially, I've had these problems with the tides before"
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: Kirk]
#92257
03/30/2016 12:05 PM
03/30/2016 12:05 PM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 167 Other
letsgosailing
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 167
Other
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Rolly in a North swell. Great snorkelling and restaurant.!
Capt. Russell
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: letsgosailing]
#92258
03/30/2016 12:12 PM
03/30/2016 12:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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The only con is that it can sometimes be rolly. We've never really had an issue with that, more just the boat moving around and going over the mooring ball so you hear the ball bang on the hull sometimes.
Matt
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: snmhanson]
#92262
03/30/2016 02:25 PM
03/30/2016 02:25 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321 Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
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As usual, I have a different experience from most:
Okay food, slow, surly service, too few moorings for the number of people who want to be there & we've had maybe ONE night there that wasn't uncomfortably rolly. Every time we go there it's because I've said, "we haven't been to Cooper in a while, let's go there!" and when we leave I think, "that was just not worth it".
I haven't snorkeled there but if it's that good I might be willing to overlook the other things on a super-duper-extra calm night.
If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning.
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: SuburbanDharma]
#92263
03/30/2016 02:44 PM
03/30/2016 02:44 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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Definitely go ashore as soon as you get there and make your meal reservation...we've been shutout of eating there twice as both seatings were already full.
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: Kirk]
#92264
03/30/2016 04:21 PM
03/30/2016 04:21 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961
St. John, USVI
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We go for the first seating as the kitchen can fall apart part-way through service. The food is under-seasoned and over sweetened and they do not put salt & pepper on the table (ask when you get seated). But, the food is very pretty and well presented and ingredients are quality. We prefer to have apps at the bar and cocktails, then pop by the rum bar.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: RickG]
#92266
03/30/2016 07:57 PM
03/30/2016 07:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 281 Atlantic Highlands, NJ
MarkS
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 281
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
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I really like Cooper and have moored there on the first day out for all five of my bareboat charters. The food has been consistently excellent, the service friendly and attentive and the facilities fine. Great views as well. I have consistently read about potentially rolly nights there but I have never had that problem personally. I did experience the current pushing our boat over the ball once but honestly it was not that bad. We make it out first stop so that we can get there early, enjoy a swim/snorkel, have a nice lunch, take a nap and then enjoy the "show" at 4:00pm when the fight for the remaining balls hits full speed. The view of Tortola at night is pretty spectacular as well. As long as you get there early you are sure to enjoy!
Mark Shichtman "Live for Today!"
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: MarkS]
#92267
03/31/2016 09:41 AM
03/31/2016 09:41 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969 NC, USA
capndar
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
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Thanks! Great ideas....we'll likely give it a look if the N swell is not up.
Capndar Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing 3rd generation sailor
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Re: Cooper Island pros/cons
[Re: UncleLuff]
#92269
03/31/2016 03:47 PM
03/31/2016 03:47 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,961
St. John, USVI
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We snorkel the Rhone when the swell is down and the water is clear. The shallow end, where the propeller is, is easy to see and the anchor is in shallow water too.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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