By Alexander Britell
It’s hard to think of a more remarkable trip in the Caribbean than a sailing journey across the British Virgin Islands.
It’s something I’ve had the privilege of doing several times, and each time it felt life-changing – it is a trip for true travelers — one where the feeling of discovery comes at any moment, and where extreme relaxation is married with extreme adventure.
If you love the Caribbean, taking a charter sailing trip around the British Virgin Islands is something you simply have to do at least once— in a world where the term bucket list is thrown about too often, this is an experience that should be at the top of the list.
Now, it means even more.
Because your trip to the BVI will also help the destination as it works to rebuild.
But while the British Virgin Islands was hit hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the destination’s tourism sector is rapidly recovering. And, more importantly, the BVI’s crucial charter sailing industry has already bounced back.
In simple terms, yes, you can visit the British Virgin Islands. Right now.
This month, charter operators including BVI Yacht Charters, The Catamaran Company, Virgin Motors and Dream Yacht Charters are relaunching operations.
Docks at the recently-held BVI Charter Yacht Show.
Next month, charter companies including Sunsail, The Moorings, Marine Max Vacations, Festiva Sailing and VSV will also relaunch sailings.
And in January, Horizon Yacht Charters and TMM will also relaunch, according to the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.
Even in recovery, there is no sailing destination like the British Virgin Islands.
Or, as BVI tourism official Rhodni Skelton told me, “the 60 islands and cays have not moved!”
The reopened Nanny Cay.
Indeed, pilgrimage destinations like Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke, Leverick Bay and Norman Island’s Pirate’s Bight are either open or opening soon, among a number of others. And one of the BVI’s legendary restaurants, the Sugar Mill, is reopening Dec. 1, as is its hotel.
Sandy Spit is still a beautiful speck of beach, albeit without its palm trees.
And Anegada’s recovery is headlining this month with the holding of the Anegada Lobster Festival. (And Anegada’s famous Anegada Reef hotel is reopening its beach bar on Nov. 15.)
The water is still turquoise, the sand still white.
“They’re still there for sailors to visit and explore,” he said.
Because there are few experiences anywhere like exploring them.
Fore more information, visit BVI Tourism or call 1-800-835-8530.