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Clockwise, or counterclockwise around Tortola?

Posted By: Contender

Clockwise, or counterclockwise around Tortola? - 02/02/2024 04:39 AM

We are making our 4th trip to the BVI and very excited for our 8 days beginning 2/9 on a 52' powercat!
What is this group's opinion on the route CW or CCW direction around the big island?
I'm certain it is weather dependent game time decision, but let's assume fair weather & seas.
Stops we like are Cane Garden Bay, JVD, Anegada, Leverick Bay and of course, the Baths.
Our 'on the water check out' takes us to Norman, but should we instead of staying the night again, head on to Peter, Salt or Cooper?
Thanks in advance!
Posted By: steve74

Re: Clockwise, or counterclockwise around Tortola? - 02/02/2024 11:32 AM

Where you go after checkout obviously could be impacted by your first question. We’ve done both CW and CCW - typically based on wave and wind direction - but also at times to avoid the flow of boats during busier times. Another factor is where you want to end up on nights 6 and 7. If this is Jost… going CW, then out to North Sound and Anegada, and then back to Jost is a lot of running. However, if you skip Jost and do CGB instead on the front side and have a PC, doable. There are a lot of factors in this decision - I would go with the option that is more relaxing for the crew and avoids the rush that can take the joy out of the trip. Hope this helps!
Posted By: Zanshin

Re: Clockwise, or counterclockwise around Tortola? - 02/02/2024 11:34 AM

I don't know how well a 52' powercat goes to weather, it probably has sufficient power to push it; but once the waves and boat speed hit a certain value it might slam into rather than slice through the waves. But unless there is above-average waves and wind it won't make too much of a difference. The upwind leg on the north side of Tortola can be done in the open seas, or if waves pick up you can always slide in at Guana and through the channel past Leverick and be in somewhat protected waters.

If your charter starts at Norman then a clockwise route would have you head to Jost first, then Cane Garden Bay, then the North Sound, Anegada, and back to the Baths and Cooper/Norman.
Posted By: Contender

Re: Clockwise, or counterclockwise around Tortola? - 02/06/2024 03:03 AM

Thanks!
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