Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ITINERARIES
Most charterers head for the British Virgin Islands; a typical weeklong itinerary involves a
sampling of the islands as part of a circumnavigation of Tortola, with a lunch stop at one
anchorage and an overnight at another. There are about 90 islands, islets, rocks and cays in
the 45 miles between St Thomas and Anegada. You won't be able to hit them all in a week.
If you're in the mood for a longer passage, many companies will let you sail to St Croix,
about 40 miles from St Thomas or St John, and back. Another option is to arrange a one-
way charter to the Spanish Virgins (Puerto Rico's Vieques and Culebra Islands and their
surrounding cays). Going west from St Thomas to drop off in Fajardo (on the Puerto Ric-
an mainland) avoids a nasty upwind slog going the other way. Anegada's reef-strewn ap-
proaches have claimed many boats, but if you can demonstrate appropriate experience or are
willing to take a skipper, it's more than worth the effort.
MOST POPULAR ANCHORAGES
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Deadman's Bay, Peter Island
(
Click here
) The first stop on many itineraries, as it
is reachable from Road Town in an hour or two of sailing.
»
Salt Island
(
Click here
) Once a regular stop for ships requiring salt for food preser-
vation on trade routes, today it's home to the fascinating diving site at the RMS
Rhone
shipwreck.
»
Manchioneel Bay, Cooper Island
(
Click here
) Makes a fine lunch stop for those
sailing upwind to Virgin Gorda.
»
The Baths, Virgin Gorda
(
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) Home to the Virgins' beloved big boulders.
»
North Sound, Virgin Gorda
(
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) Lots of tall-masted mega-yachts and the
yacht clubs to serve their thirsty sailors.
»
The Dogs
(
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) Good diving and snorkeling break halfway between Tortola
and Virgin Gorda.
»
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
(
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) Blinding white sand and good-time beach
bars.
»
Norman Island
(
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) Home to a rowdy floating pirate bar moored in the
bight.
